Donald Trump Is Not My Savior - By Michael Brown, PhD - Review and Discussion

 

About the Author

Michael Brown is a Jewish believer in Jesus (he came to faith in 1971 as a heroin-shooting, LSD-using, hippie rock drummer) and he holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University. He's written more than 40 books, including wake-up calls to the Church of America, scholarly monographs and commentaries on biblical subjects, a series of volumes on answering Jewish objections to Jesus, and much-discussed books on today's hottest cultural issues. He has spoken throughout America and in more than 30 countries, and he hosts the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio show "The Line of Fire." He is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, NC and serves as a visiting or adjunct professor at a number of seminaries. He and his wife Nancy have been married since 1976 and have two wonderful daughters and four incredible grandchildren. His heart beats to see a gospel-based moral and cultural revolution in this generation.

I had starting reading this book several times, but various medical issues always seemed to interrupt and prevent an ongoing analysis--which I very much wanted to do. Now that we are in the midst of the former president again running for the presidency, I felt a more urgent need. In doing so, I want to share three caveats for myself. 

1. Up until I heard those infamous words about "grabbing..." I had little or no interest in following politics. Like many Americans, I had spent all of my life working to earn a living while also studying for possible promotional opportunities. Thus, in reading this book which referenced issues pre-Trump, I did learn from the book, some of which I was able, to some extent, accept what was being said--as he saw it.

2. I had long ago turned from the belief that the Bible was a factual word of God, for a number of reasons. I have always believed in this being a God-inspired set of both historical value as well as a compilation of those direct words from Jesus. It is a well-known fact that there were many documents available to individuals living in those times. And, that, those materials were then reviewed by many, some of which were ultimately included in the Bible that has generally been used for centuries. I had accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 13. I found the Bible hard to understand. But it was not until I learned from a dear friend who was a member of the Catholic Church, that she did not even own a Bible. Instead, at that time, it was the Priest who taught about the book. Since then, there were many issues I have found revelatory and which caused me to become in my own mind, a "doubting thomas..." Indeed, during my more than 50 years being in a protestant church, I can not remember at any time that the issues of our culture were ever addressed. 

3. I had been the last child to a mother of four, when my father was killed in a mine accident. I watched as my mother worked day and night to provide food and shelter to us. It was quite understandable for me, in my opinion, to become a woman who became self-sufficient, and an individual who knew that she could be required to one day also take care of herself, and possibly others. I became interested in women's rights and indeed participated in ways by which women could be sure that they could be self-reliant. There were two instances in this book that I personally found offensive on behalf of women: "I’m not just talking about his silly attacks on Megyn Kelly (blood), Carly Fiorina (face)..."Frankly, Trump's statements, including the two Brown mentions are, in my mind and many others, not just silly attacks! especially coming from a presidential nominee! 

And another omission of relevance to women's religious and personal freedom... While Brown alluded to King David and Bathsheba, I have never heard this discussed by any pastor... Indeed, as we now learn of, for instance,  one Ohio 10-year-old child being raped by a relative, that the republicans refuse to recognize incest as an exception. It seems to me that by claiming that the Bible is fully God's Word, that this tale in itself could easily be construed by men/boys that rape of siblings is quite alright! And that lusting after another's wife, and murdering her husband, is also God's Word. Clearly, at a minimum, Calling the historical references within the Bible as God's Word can be misleading to, especially, new young Christians!

With these caveats about me, the reader, I began to read from an awareness that I, indeed, was a never-Trumper as defined in Dr. Brown's book. It is therefore incumbent upon me to verify upfront, that my analysis of the book, Donald Trump Is Not My Savior, is based upon several basic assumptions. For one, up until everything started to happen, I was not aware that I was anything but a Christian. And I was not aware that I was without religious freedom as the Evangelical Christians claimed. And, you are correct, there is a reference to christians being murdered. However, that is no different, it seems to me, than anybody else being murdered for one reason or another. It certainly did not actually change my religious freedom, rather my life would have been taken. There is little reference to anything else as being the cause for being willing to make a deal with Donald Trump. My thoughts are shared by others including Frank Shaeffer... Son of Francis Shaeffer, for evangelist around the time period of Billy Graham.

It all started when my sister told me that I had to sign up as a republican when I mentioned I wanted to vote. (Note that I had lived in a different state prior to this discussion) I was told that all Christians were republican! NOT! I initially signed up as an Independent, not wanting to be tied to anybody purely for the sake of party. When I saw the continued "Trump Effect," I chose to change to vote in support of the Democratic Party. I have not changed my opinion regarding that decision. Indeed, I found many issues in Brown's narrative about which I could speak knowledgeable. For instance, Brown's assertion that the past president doing the bidding of the Evangelical Christians to put conservative judges on the Supreme Court and other courts was given high praise... Apparently, he had NO problem with the republican party STOPPING Obama from placing now, AG Garland, on the Supreme Court. In fact, it became apparent that republicans routinely tried to hold or stop anything that President Obama tried to get through Congress. Considering that Brown admits that he watches little television and that, in his view, it was biased, it seems to me that the breadth of Dr. Brown's actual knowledge may very well be lacking, and, in turn, detrimental to his book's conclusions.

To create the book that is now titled Donald Trump Is Not My Savior, AND get it published quickly which he felt a need to do, Brown actually took a series of previously written articles, created a front and back to those and added an index of footnotes. Actually, it turned out well and is easily useful. Want to know how Dr. Brown felt about this or that, then check the chapter titles and go directly to that article. You will find, however, that, perhaps, many issues that you may have been concerned about, during the Trump years may not be covered. For instance, While Trump published a book called The Art of the Deal, it was ghostwritten and that man later regretted his taking on this project. It is not known whether that was on purpose or just an attempt to deal with those issues that concerned him most. I will say that Brown has been vocal--indeed very vocal--about his ongoing concern about Trump as president for the nation. He even wrote trying to Trump questioning that Trump said his favorite book was the Bible, yet he, as well as most of the country clearly saw that he didn't even know what the Bible said...

Dr. Brown is an excellent communicator. But he made one basic mistake I've seen before, at least from my review experience--and probably will be seen by many others. Dr. Brown wrote as if we all knew what he was talking about! Let's hope that he really didn't expect us to stop and research the background of all of the "negative" statements for which he provided no justification. So, that, whenever he started to justify his decisions, it was based upon his assumption that surely his readers would feel the same as he. Let me be very specific as Dr. Brown provides a set of apparent concerns or beliefs that are the base foundation for Evangelical Christians.

Dr. Brown points out that one conflict for Evangelical Christians was deciding to accept the bad with the good of Mr. Trump...or... vote for Hillary Clinton. Now, I've never been especially impressed with Hillary. But, let's face it! She's a woman! A woman who would understand what women wanted to have dealt with in the country... I am a woman. I saw that on the day of the inauguration, that thousands and thousands of women went to Washington to protest Trump's selection! There us no doubt in my mind, given the large turnout about the Trump presidency (as well as the massive turmoil now taking place re women's health issues) that women in America, as a majority do not support Trump nor banning abortion.

So expecting us to understand why voting for Trump over Clinton was, certainly, not as inevitable as Dr. Brown thought that it should be... Indeed, for me, this just confirmed a, perhaps, long-time bias by conservatives regarding the role of women in the world. Proven, in my opinion, by the mass of marching women that day.

Taking this a step further. Dr. Brown pointed out that Hillary was Pro-Choice. Conservative Evangelical Christians are not. Nuf said? I think not! I am Pro-Choice, simply because I do not believe that the government, the president, the congress or any other official has the right to decide what a woman does about her body. Their are several religious issues that I would pinpoint. Years ago, the separation of church and state was formally adopted. Indeed, I believe that many immigrants were and are coming to America through the years based upon a desire to have freedom of religion as well as other freedoms. I fail to see why this group of Christians feel that they have already had Religious Freedom, just as all Americans do...as promised and protected by the Constitution.

Could it mean that what is actually being said is that conservatives are prejudiced against anybody who does not support their stated conservative values? We have watched as Donald Trump incited prejudice, hate and violence against anybody and everybody that opposed him...while treating the Evangelical group as special? Is that what this is really about? I will stop and just say that this book will not provide an answer. 

What I do know, having seen what happened personally, heard the foul words and misinformation from Donald Trump, is that the Holy Trinity--God, the Father, Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that lives within me KNOWS that did not support or condone the actions of this man.  Dr. Brown, et.al., refers to a little known Biblical story when God used a little known man in the Bible to do something that was apparently wanted by God. I will quickly say that I believe that people can be chosen to act on His behalf. Indeed, I was involved in, what many would call, a miraculous happening years ago. 

The key difference is that, in my opinion, if republicans and evangelical christians claim that abortion is a sin, then why, or why, does the same group refuse to do anything about REAL MURDERS. Specifically, while some want to say that a child is born at the point of sexual intercourse...then, why and how can this same group refuse to ban guns?!

My personal opinion has not faltered from the first I learned about the pro-choice versus pro-life argument. If Christians really cared--as opposed to using abortion as a political issue--then Christians would be working day and night to stop the murder of already-born children!!! Yet, they do not!

Let's stop there a minute... Freedom means, just that, freedom, right? Democracy means that we have freedom. Even God gave us freedom (our will to decide) Yet, here is one segment of America who wants to have the government restrict that freedom! By stating that they are after--wait for it--Religious Freedom... back to that later...

Moving on to the belief by Evangelical Christians that those who have "chosen" a different sexual orientation must be "controlled" by law, so that, they have no freedom whatsoever. Now, I will quickly point out that some issues need to be addressed and determined. Use of restrooms is one of those items to be considered. Discussion and negotiation does not, however, require that those individuals must lose their freedom to please Evangelical Christians. It has been clear to me, after knowing individuals who call have a different sexual orientation,  that these individuals do not choose to be what they are. Let's face it, why would anybody choose to live a life in which they had been, often, beaten, killed or simply bullied because they had different sexual desires? It has been years since I have evaluated what I did know: God made us in His Image. God has a preordained plan for each of us, though still controlled by our own will. God asks us to love one another not to attempt to change them. If those are not sufficient to ensure that we accept all in His Love, then, merely a final. Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged. We simply do not know God's Mind. Yet, so many attempt to act in hateful ways for those who are different than they are... WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? 

Let's get specific... If you hate somebody so badly that you want to not make a cake for a gay marriage, then that is your problem. As a service business owner, however, it is your responsibility to perform that request or simply to say, sorry I'm not able to do so. It does not make it necessary to have a law preventing those individuals from their basic freedoms...

The United States Bill of Rights - Original First 10

        Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

And that brings us back to one final political requirement. Ensure Evangelical Christians Religious Freedom. Frankly, Dr. Brown's continued reference to this was an amazing and confusing statement to explain why he was voting for Trump. Do we not, under the constitution, already have religious freedom? Do only Evangelical Christians not have religious freedom? Or, is it that nobody else other Evangelical Christians have the right to claim religious freedom? Could it be that as America has grown and prospered as a nation, that those with other beliefs wishing to come to our nation increased because of that same need for religious freedom... And, by desiring the same freedom, have resulted in a democracy that is made up of many different religions, all of whom worship their God, but in a different way. Is this not the basis upon which the United States was built--to provide all who seek it with Religious Freedom...

From where I sit, I learned that God asked us to go out and tell people about his son Jesus... That is our mission. 

He also asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

God is Love. God Created Us in His Image...

The only difference is based upon the individual people with whom we are now living as Americans. God calls us to Love, Not Hate... 

We are all, each one of God's Children, entitled to Religious Freedom, Freedom to be the People that God made us to be. Freedom to make mistakes and seek His help and support and guidance. Freedom FROM HATE, DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE, AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ANY ONE OF US...

I rest my case...In my opinion, I believe the conservative body of Evangelical Christians, together with the Republican Party, has acted against the Laws of the United States as well as the Laws of God: Specifically, those used to discriminate against all of our neighbors, those that are used to prevent the free will of each of us, and those that speak to judge instead of Love.

Note that it is not my intention to specify all that I found to be undefined, stated prejudicially, or lacking in proof or documentation. That is for possible readers to ascertain. The book serves as an excellent documentary of which I found extremely helpful, in knowing exactly why the Evangelical Christian chose, yes, chose to support Donald J. Trump as president.

As stated earlier, I learned about issues that I have not earlier learned about myself. However, I learned nothing that would, in my opinion, justify choosing Mr. Trump to serve as a United States President.

In fact, here's a final quote from Dr. Brown: "As for transforming the culture, that is the role of the church through the many facets of the gospel." You know, I've been an active church participant for well over 50 years. I have also watched how things have changed for the better--and for the worse during those years. Let me just say one thing, I have never seen or heard of any major attempts on the part of these Evangelical Christians" or the Republican Party, who now want to control our culture and our religious freedoms... We have already seen how that will happen: By changing our history classes to support what white supremacists want to have said. We have already seen that having lost Roe/Wade, that major medical situations are being forced on our doctors, parents and single women, all of who have no less rights than any Evangelical Christian! Or Republican! We have more gun murders (of especially children) than any other country in the world. We ourselves ARE those that are using drugs; otherwise, surely our police could ensure they are gone... (And please don't try to say that we need a WALL) Get real! The only reason drug lords come here is because Americans are using them. And IF THAT EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN GROUP HAS DONE ANYTHING TO STOP IT...IT SURELY HAS NOT BEEN ENOUGH!  Human Trafficking increases; while Evangelicals cry for the unborn and ignore the millions who are abused, hungry, assaulted by incest or raped, given access to drugs and alcohol by parents or others... 

I don't know about you, but having been governed by this MAGA group, I'd like to know exactly what in the world has happened to those who claim to be "christian..." Because Donald Trump Should Never Have Ever Been Supported Politically and I hold the Evangelical Christian group responsible. God Bless the people in America who are now working hard to ensure that the corruption of this group can do no further damage to our nation!

God Bless,

GABixler

I'm now reading I Judge No One: A Political Life of Jesus. So far, I'm finding it both informative and interesting. Want to check out other books about God? Use keywords God, God Incident, Jesus, Agnostic, Christian, Atheist, memoir, to search for books on Book Readers Heaven. 

One thing I've always lived by: God has his own timetable and really doesn't need us to make his decisions for Him. I learned that especially when I read The Late Great Planet Earth back in the 80s I think it was. The author was sure that the second coming was soon and even gave a date. The date passed... as have many others. Then I was reminded when, after I was Baptized with the Holy Spirit, I was told that gifts of the spirit weren't being given these days... Who knew? Especially when He'd already visited with me and shared His Great Encompassing Warmth and Love... And now, right now, He wants us to trust in Him, His Love. Abandon feelings incited of hate, prejudice, anger, violence, and recognize that this has all been disinformation by those seeking political power. Be Alert. Be Careful. Be Aware that even The Supreme Court has come under suspicion of corruption... Do your own research. Read books, but read books from different sides of the issue. Form Your Own Opinion. God Has Given Us Free Will! He has given us His Love. He will Guide you; lean on Him not on Those who do not speak Truth. God's Truth. Listen to News. Sure it may be slanted...but if you're not sure, do some online research and listen to those talking about what is happening right now. I recommend Frank Shaeffer. His inside involvement with the Evangelical Christian group has been a good counterbalance for me, as has been books written by those personally involved in politics during the last 6 years. One think I recommend... find Dino or other Christian videos and listen to them. Allow the calmness to bring you peace and then listen. You just might feel The Holy Spirit pulling you in the right direction for what you need to know... He is The Great I Am. and God Loves us Just as we Are... And, Know that Jesus says I Judge No One. So, why should we?

Robert Sells Works to Help Americans Understand What's True in the Political World...

 

We have heard it ad nauseum: Democrats and Biden have destroyed our energy independence and seriously damaged the oil industry. Donald claimed that President Biden has a “plan to abolish the entire U.S. oil industry”. Sen. John Kennedy accused President Joe Biden of leading “a frontal assault on oil and gas.” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito bemoaned Biden’s “backwards, America-last energy policies.” Per usual, these MAGA Republicans provide no evidence to back their spurious claims.

Here are some pertinent facts for those few Republicans and many Democrats and Independents who rely on facts and logic to make their judgements.

• US oil output is now projected to rise to an average of 12.8 million barrels per day this year FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. To put this in perspective, that’s about half a million barrels PER DAY more than the prior annual record set in 2019… by Donald. It’s also more oil than any other country on the planet produces. It works out to be a 16% increase since January 2021 when Biden took office from Donald.

In summary, in terms of our energy independence, President Biden has improved it since he took office. In addition to increasing oil production (by 16%!), he has also opened the door for more green energy. Hence, we are far more energy independent than we ever were when the pathological liar, Donald, controlled the White House.

~~~

It’s not just Donald. MAGA Republicans follow his example and often put out false claims as truth. For example, they often use the term “Biden Crime Family”… even though there is no substantiated proof of any crimes. 

Oh, of course, there are the horrible crimes committed by Hunter Biden. After over four years of investigation Weiss, the Republican Donald-appointed attorney to investigate Hunter, found only one crime--Hunter was guilty of fibbing on his income tax. It’s important to point out that many Republicans have also committed that very same crime including Donald. That is the extent of proof for the criminality of the “Biden Crime Family”.

Oh, but MAGA Republicans insist Hunter’s “crimes” MUST be far worse. His nefarious crimes would have been found out if the DOJ had not thwarted the investigation of Hunter Biden. Well, there is no proof of the DOJ restricting Weiss. But… but… but AG Garland refused to make Weiss a special prosecutor. AG Garland testified that Weiss had never asked for such a status. Weiss himself admitted that he was given wide latitude for investigating Hunter.

After the plea deal fell through, Weiss did ask for special prosecutor status so that he could prosecute Hunter in different venues. Well, guess what? The MAGA Republicans are still crying foul. They want a different special prosecutor. Why? Because Weiss has said a number of times that, after 4 years, there simply are no serious crimes committed by Hunter. Well, we can’t have that, can we? Hunter has to be the punching bag of the ultra-right. And, if Weiss can’t do it right, then get an attorney who can. Someone who will scream “Biden Crime Family.”

~~~

While Donald has to explain and, most probably, lie about over 90 indictments, MAGA Republicans keep yammering about the “Biden Crime Family”. So, let’s set the record straight. First, there is nothing illegal about any American getting money from foreign sources. So, just because Hunter Biden got money from Urkrain or China or any country is not evidence of a crime. Nor is having “shell” companies a crime. What would be a crime is a government official gaining money from a foreign source or even American source for services rendered due to his position.

Now, MAGA spouts about $20 million in payments to the "Biden Crime Family"... Comer and other Republicans invoke this figure often. A close reading of the memos, however, finds that only about $7 million can be directly attributed to Biden family members and most of that money went to Hunter. The rest went to business associates of Hunter. There is zero evidence that any of that money went to Joe Biden. Nor is there any evidence that Joe Biden rendered any services for the aforementioned businesses.

So, there is no evidence of any crime. None. Further, there is no evidence that Joe Biden accepted any money from any of Hunter’s enterprises or did any services for any of Hunter’s enterprises. The only fact in all this Hunter Biden Distraction is that Hunter got about $7 million probably taking advantage of his familial connection to Joe Biden. There was no crime.

~~~

Robert Sells, author, writer is an ongoing contributor on Book Readers Heaven... 

Thanks Bob!

Gabbie

James Houston Turner's Dragon Head: An Aleksandr Talanov thriller - My Favorite Lead Character in Series is Back!

 

https://jameshoustonturner.world
/about-talanov/

FROM THE AUTHOR: 

Dragon Head is the longest of my Talanov novels, and is written specifically for those who enjoy lingering in Talanov’s world. The book is not a quick sprint to the finish line, but a puzzle that unlocks gradually while building in speed. I purposely lingered on one theme in particular – family (and who constitutes “family”) – because of what I’ve personally experienced over the last ten years, which is how long it’s taken me to finish writing this book. One reason was the loss of some of my own family members. Many of us have experienced that kind of pain, so I’m not unique in that regard, and like many of you, I understand how it changes us in ways we don’t comprehend for months and sometimes years. In Dragon Head, Talanov experiences a similar loss, and while he’s already been through this before, in Dragon Head his loss amplifies the blessing and triumph of what happens as a result. Thus, Dragon Head is not a story of loss and sadness, but one of exciting new beginnings. I hope you enjoy the ride.

“We were in Berlin during the winter of ’eighty-seven. Crummy little coffee shop, colder than hell, snow gusting out of the north. That shop is where you gave me the name of a Soviet mole in one of our embassies.” ​“You said the idea was preposterous.” ​“That’s because your information didn’t check out, and I had my people run a background check through every database we had.” ​“And yet . . .” ​“And yet, in the end, you were right. The person in question was a mole who was buried so deep she would have done irreparable damage had you not provided me with her name.” ​“Is that what we’re dealing with here?” ​“No, it’s not,” answered Wilcox, “and I bring it up here only to remind you of what you told me that day. Do you remember what it was?” ​

“I asked if Arthur M. Anderson meant anything to you.” ​“And I asked if that was a codename for one of your espionage programs.” ​“And I laughed outright.” ​“Yes, you did, in my face,” said Wilcox, “whereupon you proceeded to tell me how the Arthur M. Anderson was a Great Lakes cargo ship built by the American Ship Building Company of Lorain, Ohio, which got caught in the same storm on Lake Superior that sank the Edmund Fitzgerald.” 

​“In 1975.” ​“Which Gordon Lightfoot memorialized the following year in his hit song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Unlike the Edmund Fitzgerald, however, the Arthur M. Anderson survived that storm, which to this day I do not know how you knew. But it led you to look me in the eye and say, ‘Only in a storm do you appreciate the kind of ship you’re on.’ When I asked what you meant, you replied, ‘You tell me.’ I remembered staring at you for the longest time until I realized you were talking about yourself, and that your performance in the storms we’d gone through together spoke louder than any words you could have said about your character and loyalty.”

 ​“It usually takes a storm for us to realize what we’re made of,” said Talanov. “Storms reveal character. Which is the advantage of studying history. We look back so that we can look forward, either with confidence or concern.”

~~~

Talanov watched in a private room while his long-term friend, Bill Wilcox spoke to The House Intelligence Committee.

As a CIA station chief in the American Embassy in London during the Cold War, Wilcox had recruited Talanov away from the Soviets, and as his former handler and now longtime friend, was regarded as the one person who knew Talanov better than anyone. As such, his testimony was vital as to whether or not Talanov would be allowed to officially consult for the CIA.

Talanov had already been grilled for hours and as he listened, his frustration grew. It was certainly clear that there continued to be a question as to whether a former KGB officer could indeed be loyal to America.

During that session, suddenly Talanov noticed that Diane Gustaves, chair of the committee, and one of the most powerful congressional members,  was glaring at him. He knew she was the only firm support she had on the committee and wanted him to keep cool rather than make things worse than they are already were. But would she be able to get the much needed support, given that the Head of National Security opposed Talanov's involvement in any type of action?!

And while arguments continued, a tall lean woman, Xin Li, on behalf of the top Chinese criminal leader, had been sent to watch Wu Chee Ming, but instead of what was planned, Wu Chee Ming, when he realized that he was being followed, knew what would happen if he were caught and held by anybody working for Dragon Head. He would be tortured and murdered, whether or not they were able to get the information they sought. He chose to jump in the way of an incoming train...

Now, the only way to move forward was to capture Talanov. The problem was that Xin Li hated Talanov and, if she had an opportunity, would torture and kill him. With strict instructions for Talanov's safety from Dragon Head, the search began...

Unfortunately...as well as fortunately, Talanov had caught sight of a young Chinese girl who startled when she saw Talanov. It was only when Wilcox and Talanov had moved on to meet an unexpected individual, did he once again see the girl and noticed that she was no longer carrying the expensive handbag she had brought it. With quick action by our hero, the bomb, which did go off, had no casualties...

But another bomb also followed!

With the heightened confusion and threat, Gustaves "authoritatively" recommended that both Talanov and Wilcox get "out of town..." While Wilcox decided to go to Hawaii for a real vacation, Talanov chose to take the opportunity to visit an old friend and mentor, Major Zakhar Babikov, now living in America under a new name. He had found God and was now head of a community center in a small town. The community now depended upon the center for support to all children and, when three children from one family found their way to the center, he had taken them in to live with he and his wife, who was a lawyer, also doing service for the community members.

While Dragon Head had the brawn to pull together and train a gang of warriors, it was Xan Li who had the genius to think through the possible escape routes of their enemies. As she did with Wu Chee Ming, she was able to pinpoint exactly where he would go to escape. They would have caught him if he had not chosen suicide. And, now Xin Li was on the tail of Talanov and actually was able to track him down...

“Kindness feeds strength;

while arrogance feeds weakness.”

Readers will meet a man we have not yet met--a gentler, kinder Talanov. He is with his best friend... and that friend seeks Talanov's sharing of the burden he has taken upon himself. He asks Talanov to become godfather to the free Chinese siblings who had no other family. Our hero does not take this request lightly, but it is soon clear that all three children had come to care about and respect their new friend.

And when Dragon Head agreed with his mistress Xin Li that the best way to ensure Talanov's capture is by kidnapping the youngest child, the emotional side of Talanov took over! There was no way that Talanov would not do anything to get her back!

An overview summary cannot possibly provide the fantastic breadth and scope of this novel. I had already come to love Talanov, but as mentioned by the author, this novel has pulled in characters who have faced pain and loss, and, they have faced fear. Yet each has moved forward. Some have become confused, trying to deal with changes to their present lives, while others know what they are doing is right and just for the world in which they lived... I'm already looking forward to the next novel. It, too, should be less thriller but more family drama, something that is facing so many of us these days!

Still, stealing a government plane and flying an unauthorized trip to China in order to negotiate the release of a child is simply NOT what the U.S. government had in mind for assistance from Talanov. 

Finally, I have to highlight that the three main children characters is extraordinarily well done! And their interaction with adults, good and bad, are intriguingly realistic and fun to read about! Many of us will learn, even more after reading this novel, that, indeed, our children ARE THE FUTURE of America!

God Bless

Gabbie

Touch & Feel Wild Animals - A Teaching Book for Avi and His New Friend A Chameleon!

 

A bit of serendipity, or a
God Incident? I had just bought three of these Touch and Feel books for Avi's Home Library--and then his father brings home a live chameleon which is another name for this particular lizard...

Avi is just 2 years old, but also enjoyed this new creature in his life... The little girl in the video below you may recognize from her many singing videos, but when she was 3, she was quite vocal to meet her new friend! I thought I would add a little additional info since this lizard is shown as green; however, could indeed sometimes change color!

And wouldn't you know it, Grandma has a toy one to share! Sometime I'll tell you about the 'possum she brought to me! Let's just say, the introduction was...scary! LOL

Now on to the inside of this children's book!

I am a wild lizard.

I live up in this tree.

My skin is rough and scaly,

but not my personality.

Note: Amazon has all pages shown on site for the book.

You can move around the page to study the detail! Cool, right?!

Now, notice on this first page... See the circle right on the lizard? It is a small patch of material that emulates, or matches, the type of skin of the lizard (and other animals). When touching, it feels like an uneven, but smooth surface and a definite pattern! Of course, this is to teach your child about the type of skin that each of the animals has.

~~~

My furry body feels like wool,

and I'm as cuddle as cuddle can be

My baby snuggles closely on my back

while I nap in this eucalyptus tree.

Notice where the fir is shown? It's a white spot instead of his ear! It does indeed feel like fir, can be fluffed, or petted down like we would if we were meeting a real bear! Did you know that you can find stuffed toy koala bears just like your teddy bear?
~~~

You may not notice where you can touch the lion! It's right on the top of his head! Oh My! But really, his fir feels just like, perhaps, your cat or kitten, if you have one like I do!

While most cats may love to be petted, always remember that lions, even at zoos, really are wild--and never touched. Don't even get close, specially if there is a baby lion nearby like this one, because the mother will want to protect that baby...

~~~

The dolphin, I have heard, is the friendliest of the creatures from the sea. You can even see them at some parks where it is warm, and they will do tricks for you!

But like all wild animals, meaning that they are not those that have learned that we humans will not harm them, don't ever get too close. Even if they have made friends with one or two people who take care of them, they are still considered wild. This dolphin's skin feels smooth...maybe just like your daddy's car plus the wheel used to drive it.

~~~

Hey, Did you know that it is said that Elephants never forget? Soooo, I had to be sure about it... Here's What I found out!

Question: Where did the phrase "An elephant never forgets" originate from? Answer: The origin of the phrase seems to go back to observations that elephants follow the same paths and even hand down genetic memories of directions and places or grounds across generations.

Cool, right? And By the way, an elephant's skin is like leather and sometimes, you may have a chance to see them at a circus, maybe...

They are verrrrry big, so don't go close! OK?

!!!

I have to admit that I've had fun just putting this review together, so I'm excited to give the book to Avi since he's old enough and the book is just the right size. Plus it's well made and will  take the wear and tear from this energetic child...with parental guidance, as you can see is recommended...  

I have a couple more of these books for Avi...Check back or search for "Avi" for new children's books I've reviewed, or just "children's books" for those created over the years! 

By the way, I also added a tablet-like book to allow Avi to get the idea of holding books...and it can be written on! Also, a learning book for words... Both are basic early books I'd recommend to, like I said, get your child holding books early in life... Reading...is...

indeed...Fundamental to your child's Future!

God Bless,

Gabbie

Manny Moreno, Poet, Writer and Ongoing Contributor, Shares "The Tree" and more...

 

Monolin “Manny” Moreno is of Yaqui-Tarascan descent and an Enrolled Member, of the State Recognized Group of Texas Band of Yaqui Indians. His Yaqui Ancestry records date back to the late 1600’s. He has four books published: The Bridge is Gone, poetry, and The Elder: A Tribute, remembrance of elders Harry Jack and Barry Beaver Turner--both published by Back40 Publishing, and his book of poems, Longview Road, Sam Aros and son published. His fourth book is Scared – Coming Full Circle published by Eaglespeaker Publishing. It is under revision to be published under new title Scared – The Healing.
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Manny’s poems are about the beauty and heartache of growing up in rural Livingston, where his grandparents settled in the early 1900’s, and about his rough and crazy decades in Stockton. Readers have admired the plain language, emotional power, and honesty of Moreno’s verse. His poems have appeared in Song of the San Joaquin, Hincha Poesia and Whispering Thunder. He was nominated for the Pushcart Award in 2011 and was Poet of the Month for Moon Tide Press in June 2012.
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Moreno is a Sun dancer and member of the Black Wolf Honor Society Gourd Clan and Native American Church. He has appeared on Native Voice TV in Santa Clara, KKUP Indian Time Radio in Cupertino and on Channel Ten for Native American Month. Manny has lectured and read his poems in many venues, most recently at Modesto Junior College (Modesto), and the Haggin Museum and Mexican Cultural Center (Stockton).

The Tree

A twig from an ancient tree

was planted in this valley

ninety-years and a day ago

with grandparents' post-migration

arrival

propagated with a labor

of love and dream songs which

sprouted roots rich

with indigenous sacred hope

and over decades this twig branched-out

into an ancestral tree

lush with a heritage of scattered leaves

some have prevailed on the railroads

farmfields and overseas

warriors in battlefields

some have crooned and swooned

on saddles of assimilation

not total though

to gain an education

some have hummed commitments

to heaven in humble jubilation

some have whistled weary in whirlwinds

on life’s meager means

some have not forsaken

chanting enchanted

traditional ancient

cosmic conscious themes

and now

in this soul-deadening

out of balance Y2K

millennium infancy

I reflect in the autumn years of my being

standing somber in

the shade of our tree;

what will become of it

and me?

For the tree

expands into five generations

perpetuating a pristine

perpetual dream

in this valley reality like

enormous hawk wings

encapsulating us with

a shade of simplicity

celebrated in a social

status of invisibility

and I

native son shy of eloquence

irrigate the tree

with common words

to nourish-in nutrients of this life force

flowing in crimson canals of flesh

in the fertile soil of San Joaquin

in the plants and critters

in the rivers and

pulses of little towns

being shredded for

progress and malls

in the decades deciphered

from a million memories

fertilized for posterity

prestige and dignity

of the tree and landscape

and panorama

of our souls.

~~~

"keep on dancin'"....I am told by my ancestors in the spirit world.

When I stumble they catch me
when I fall they lift me up
when life becomes so hard to endure
they gather in my dreams and console me
when I look for answers they guide me
when I am weak they strengthen me.

You, keep on dancin'...

— with Cindy Moreno Reynolds

Final Thought:

Working on my 5th book has me doing much thinking. A process. Observations.

I remember this, "It's important to know WHO you are. It's also important to know WHO you are not. I leave pretending to the pretenders.

Hope you are having a good day.

Find me on Facebook

Manny

God Bless and Best Wishes on Your Book Writing, my Friend! 

Gabbie

Linda Watkins Changes Genre with Her New Steve Daniels Mystery Series - With Platform Shoes as First Book!

 

“Murder is like potato chips:

you can't stop with just one.”

                          ― Stephen King, Under the Dome

WE HIT THE road, driving back to the Last Call. Myra offered me the bottle, but I refused. I’d already had a couple of drinks and the last thing I wanted was to have an accident that might kill us both. “You go ahead,” I said. “I’ll catch up to you later when we get to the bar.” Myra grinned and lifted the bottle to her lips. By the time we got to the Last Call, the bottle was almost empty. Acknowledging that Myra was pretty high already, I wondered briefly about the wisdom of her having more to drink. Kathy had said Myra was a war widow and taking advantage of her was not something I wanted to do. But she didn’t act like any widow I ever knew, so I decided to just go with the flow and see what happened. When we arrived at the bar, we went in and sat at my usual table in the back. The waiter came right over. “Captain Daniels,” he said. “What can I get you and the lady?” “Bring us a bottle of my brother Jack,” I replied. Myra looked at me puzzled, then laughed. “Oh, I get it. You’re a real card, Steve!” “Yeah, that’s me, all right.” The waiter brought the bottle and two glasses and left them on the table. I poured us each about two fingers, then raised my glass. “To the war,” I said. “May we win it in a jiffy.” Myra nodded. “And, to all those who gave their lives so we could sit here getting soused.” As she spoke, I noticed a dampness in her eyes and knew who she was talking about. “Yeah,” I replied. “To the heroes.” Myra looked at me gratefully. “Heroes,” she whispered, then tossed back half of her drink. 

We sat in silence for a moment, then she smiled. “I want to play something on that jukebox. Got a dime?” I pulled some change from my pocket and handed it to her. Grinning, she pushed back her chair and skipped over to the jukebox that sat in the corner of the room. Bending over, she studied the music menu and I noticed just about every man in the room had his eyes on her plump derriere as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Finally, beaming, she turned as the sound of the Andrews Sisters’ Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy bounced off the walls of the room. “Come on,” she said, reaching her arms out to me. “Let’s boogie!” I grinned and shook my head. “No can do, honey. Remember, I got a bum leg.” She stuck her lip out in a pout, then turned to face the rest of the bar’s patrons. “Anyone?” she asked. The words had barely left her mouth when a green corporal stood up and took her hand. “I’m game,” he said as he escorted her to an empty space in the back that served as a makeshift dance floor. All eyes were glued to them as he tossed her about the floor in a frantic jitterbug. I leaned back in my chair, sipping my drink, until the song ended. A flushed and happy Myra thanked the young man, then returned to our table as the soft baritone of Dick Haymes singing You’ll Never Know filled the room. 

“You can dance to this one, can’t you?” she pleaded. “We don’t have to move. We can just sway.” I put down my drink, took her hand, and pulled her into my arms, surprised at how nicely her body fit against mine. I closed my eyes, inhaling the soft scent of coconut shampoo in her hair, as we moved to the music. When the song ended, she remained in my embrace. “Isn’t there someplace we can go?” she whispered, looking up at me. “Actually,” I replied softly. “There is. I live here. Upstairs.” Without another word, we separated. I grabbed the bottle and glasses, then took her hand and led her through the door to the stairway. When we arrived at my room, I opened the door, allowing Myra to step inside. “Gee, this is nice,” she said, reaching for my hand and pulling me to her. As I wrapped my arms around her, I kicked the door shut with my foot. The heat coming off of her was incredible and I leaned over, pressing my lips to hers. We kissed, chastely at first, but then with passion as our tongues danced to the heat of our desire. My hands found her round bottom and I pulled her tightly to me. When she felt my arousal, she moaned softly. At this point, my vow to respect her war widow status had flown out the window. I hadn’t been with a woman since England and that was before I was shot down. I’m afraid at this moment, my physical needs completely overcame any sense of morality I had left. The fact that she seemed more than willing to accommodate me didn’t hurt much either. Together, we fell on the bed, both desperately pulling at our clothing, needing to get as much off as possible so that we could succumb to our desires. Her blouse unbuttoned, I let my hands roam her generous breasts as I pressed myself to her. She reached down and undid my trousers. “Now,” she whispered huskily. “Now.”

 Never one to disagree with a lady, I shrugged off my pants, pulled up her skirt, and snaked my fingers under the lace of her panties. Slipping them down over her bottom, I pulled away and reached into the nightstand for what the Brits called a “French letter.” In the States it was better known as a rubber. Myra reached up and stilled my hand. “No,” she said. “It’s not necessary. I want to feel you inside me.” I looked at her questioningly. “What do you mean, not necessary?” She sighed. “After my little boy was born, there were complications. They took my uterus and ovaries. I’m sterile, so you don’t need to protect me.” “You sure?” “I’m sure.” Without another word, I turned back toward her and resumed the dance we’d started. When I entered her, she was hot and tight and exactly what the doctor ordered. She raised her hips to meet mine, then in one surprising movement, shifted her weight so I was on my back and she was on top of me. Clenching me tightly, she shrugged off her blouse and undid her bra clasp, letting those spectacular bosoms fall gently into my waiting hands. She knew what she was doing and soon I reached the point of no return. Quickly, I rotated our bodies so I was on top for the final moments. Surprisingly, we came together, something, in my experience, only happens  in movies or with seasoned lovers. Spent, I collapsed on top of her. For moments, we lay panting, each trying to catch our breaths and ease the pounding of our hearts. 

Finally, I rolled off of her. “Cigarette?” I asked. “Yeah,” she replied. Pulling off my trousers, which were bundled around my ankles, I hiked up my shorts and walked a bit unsteadily over to the dresser where a pack of Luckies sat waiting for me. I picked up the pack and my zippo, returned to the bed, standing next to it. I pulled two smokes from the pack and, doing my best Paul Heinreid “Now Voyager” interpretation, put them both in my mouth and lit them with the lighter. I inhaled, then passed one on to Myra. “Thanks,” she drawled. I took a hit, then looked at her. “Tell me,” I said softly. “If you don’t mind my asking, how did you get over it? I mean, the surgery.” She gave me a wry smile. “It weren’t easy. Davey, that’s my husband, was on a mission when I went into labor. I didn’t know what happened until I woke up. His folks, well, they’re real born-again Christians. Holy rollers, you know. His mom was there when I came to, quoting scripture that seemed to blame me for what happened. My baby boy was fine. I just couldn’t have any more children.” “What happened when Davey found out?” Myra took a deep drag. “Well, it was the day after I gave birth when he got home. He came to the hospital carrying the biggest bouquet of daisies and such that I’d ever seen. He handed me the flowers then went to look at his son, who was in a bassinet near my bed. He picked him up and I’ll never forget what he said.” “What?” She grinned. “He said, ‘This is the damnedest best baby boy in the whole United fucking States.’ I remember smiling at him and then his mother pulled out her Bible and started again quoting scripture — stuff ‘bout being fruitful and shit. Davey, he turned to her and gave her one hard stare, then he came and sat on the side of my bed. ‘Darling,’ he said, ‘I know about the surgery and it’s okay. Just think, now we don’t have to worry about counting days or wearing condoms. Now, honey, we can just fuck our lights out anytime we want!’” I laughed. “Sounds like he was a regular guy.” Myra smiled. “He was. He was the best. I miss him like crazy, but I know he wouldn’t want me wearing black and staying home and such. As long as I take good care of his kids, and I do, he’d want me to get as much fun out of life as I can.” I nodded. She was a good and honest woman and it sounded like her husband had been a standup guy. 

“Another thing, Steve, this,” she said, indicating the bed, “is about all I want. Davey was the love of my life and I’m not looking for another one. A roll in the hay once in a while, some good conversation, and whiskey — well, that’s about all I want. Understand?” I nodded again. “Understood, Myra. We’re on the same wavelength. I’m not looking for a rose-covered cottage either. What say we just be, mmmm, f*** buddies?” For a moment, Myra looked shocked, then she laughed. “Yeah, that’s it! F*** buddies! And speaking of f***ing, how about you get back over here right now.”

I enjoyed this scene...This was undoubtedly the plight of many military widows, left alone, trying to deal with the loss of her husband and needing to take care of their child, on her own. I added more music just because I enjoyed the selections popular at that time. Here's to all those military widow heroes who, in their own way, also fought in that war!

~~~

Steve Daniels had been hurt in the war and sent home with an injured leg. He had been assigned to teach flying instead of continuing the career of flying that he had always dreamed of. It was 1943 and Steve was just 31. Unexcited by his new assignment was being kind, but he would wait to see how it went. 

His first need was a good meal, a place to stay and wheels. He had been referred to the Last Call and found just about all that he could possibly need, especially a room that was vacant because of the nightly noise, which he wouldn't mind, and especially since it had inside facilities for basic personal care and coffee in the morning! What he hadn't been planning on so quickly was seeing an attractive lady that set him thinking about just how long it had been...

The problem was that she was married... To the commandant of the base! A Commandant that questioned him carefully, almost too carefully, on his first day. 

Steve hadn't tried to become a hero, but when he was shot down, he remembered to pull out the photos that had been shot and taped it to his chest. He had been found by locals, cleaned up by a local vet, and set to sail alone, with a few staples to hopefully last until he reached shore. He had pulled himself up onto shore and the next time he knew where he was he was in the hospital... The physical issues had been addressed as he left for his new assignment, but, he had to admit to himself, mentally he was still having dreams that threw him back during those last few days after being shot down...

Nor had he planned to try anything with the beauty he had seen, once he knew who she was. But when she contacted him and asked to meet, he knew he would, even though another woman he had met earlier had warned him that she, the commandant's wife was...trouble...

But the heart wants what the heart wants??? Well, by the time I finished the book, I was thinking along with his lawyer... Men! In any event, Steve became involved with and fell hard for the commandant's wife.

And the Commandant was later murdered...

And Steve was arrested and convicted and placed in jail...

I was surprised when the novel includes an entire legal case, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The counsel for the defense was named by the Army as were the jury members. The Prosecutor had done a good job, so much so that as mentioned, Daniels was convicted and placed in jail. Although they quickly filed an appeal and continued to look for the eye witness, who had left town, that could clear Daniels.

Watkins has done an excellent job of creating the setting of what was happening in the early 40s, even to cover the race relations at that time. Using Steve's connection to Black servicemen with whom he had worked, he would make it clear that he did not appreciate the prejudice that some people chose to demonstrate. 

The reality of the ending was unsettling to me, yet, even if I was unhappy with how it ended, I understood that it had to happen the way it did. Personally, I was not impressed with Steve Daniels as a main character. Linda Watkins--is he going to get his act together next time? LOL I'll give him one more chance. LOL I've read Noir before but don't remember its being such a turnoff for me...Yet the book, written to match the definition, is excellent for this genre.  Linda Watkins has traditionally given me books that I love...well... I've finally found one that I could say it's a great book, but... I was disappointed with the ending... Well written, characters carefully and correctly drawn, but, just... Men! By the way, I did love the female lawyer who came into the story via the murder court case. And her role was, at least for me...perfect!

Linda Watkins has become one of my favorite authors whose work, when I get a notice, will usually be immediately purchased. If you enjoy historical novels, this book was exceptionally well done for the time period. Check it out! And if you disagree with my assessment of Captain Daniels, let me know why! Would love to hear your thoughts!

GABixlerReviews