The latest books by New York Times best-selling author J.A. Jance have very powerful themes.  The mystery, Second Watch, is a J.P. Beumont novel in which the main character delves into his days in Viet Nam. Her second book, a re-release, After The Fire, is the author’s memoir in poetry and prose about her years trying to save her alcohol addicted husband.

Ellen Hopkins latest book, Smoke, is a sequel to her bestselling novel, Burned.  The issues tackled in both books include abuse, relationships, and religious extremism.  Smoke’s powerful storyline is brought out through the lives of two sisters, miles apart but in some ways expressing the same emotions. 

Natasha Solomons’ latest book, The Gallery of Vanished Husbands is a portrait of Juliet Montague’s life from 1958 to 2006. She chooses her own future by challenging her world both culturally and religiously. Natasha’s main character looks upon herself as an outsider and strives for an independent identity without losing the closeness of her parents and children.

When you travel with your family, there usually needs to be a plan.  Some vacation spots even call for a spreadsheet detailing what exact time your family must dine, complete activities, wake up early and possibly even when you need to get in line to do almost anything. Well in Aruba there’s no fast pass needed.  You can vacation on your own time!

Wednesday, August 28, is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  It is at the March on Washington that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr gave the speech,  “I Have a Dream...”

Zoë learned about this speech last year in kindergarten and her favorite quote is below:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

“Watch out for Balls” reads the sign in the private, ocean-front, golf-course that I pass through on my long runs. In addition to posting a sensible fear, this sign is also a signal for me to literally speed up.  My mom’s best friend was once struck in the hand by a golf-ball as she ran through this course. Her hand swelled and was black and blue for weeks. The warning sign reminds me to train at varying intervals and not be lulled by the beautiful scenery into a slow trot.

Children can learn how to have a great handshake and smile.  It’s important to teach them how to greet people warmly and with enthusiasm.

The latest book, The Last Witness, from the Badge of Honor series, written by the legendary author W.E.B. Griffin and his son William E. Butterworth IV is a very insightful novel.  It is a story of corruption, the difficulty in fighting it, drug cartels, and the violence connected with them.  Both father and son discuss their books.

Mother-daughter relationships are so delicate. While moms are not solely responsible for how our daughters turn out, we have a huge impact on their level of confidence and solidity of their character.

One of my favorite comic strips is set in a bookstore.  In one corner of the store, there is a section with a sign that reads, “Self Help. ” Right next to it, there's a sign for the “Fixing Others” section.  The “Self-Help” section has one person in it while the “Fixing Others” section is crowded.  Just like life, right?