K.B. Pellegrino's Blog, page 20

Feeling Safe

I was with friends yesterday when the television news announced the crash of a helicopter on the roof, and resulting fire, of a mid-Manhattan high rise on Seventh Avenue; and that the pilot died. We all breathed-in sharply and were blindsided again; all made differing remarks that really were the same. “Oooooh.” “Oh my God, not again?” Are terrorists at it?” We watched the news further, and it was obvious that the so-called sophisticated New Yorkers had our same reaction. I think the reaction...

Review of Second Mountain

I have worried often about the generation of millenniums and genz's. Seems that my concerns are shared by this author, but better explained by him in a cohesive pattern. He is thoughtful and respected and this book will be referenced for many years possibly indicting us who allowed such a nonsensical culture for our children. Clearly, technical innovation increased at a higher rate than any philosophical blanket of direction could easily be developed. There appears to be no center to hold on to: such as a divine, or respect for another possibility. What to do about it? Brooks has some ideas and does not leave us without some answers; but we are also left unsure that there will be a coming together in joy to solve our problems. The uninformed and lacking in industry narcissist may be a norm for a long time; well into their forties. Maybe or maybe not. The author quotes about narcissism and that it's in each of us; but there is such other possibilities for us too. He feels grace before he feels God, but this book ends up with the story of his journey to connect with God and keep faith. He finds personal and wonderful love. He calls himself, "a wandering Jew and a very confused Christian" and also says, "...religion is hope." His description of a good culture is in "The Beautiful Community." Perhaps I can describe it as interconnectedness. This is one man's honest search for something bigger than himself. It needs to be read in bits and pieces.

Preparation for D-Day

On June 5, 1944, Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower gives the order of the day “Full victory – nothing else” to paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division at the Royal Air Force base in Greenham Common, England, three hours before the men board their planes to participate in the first assault wave of the invasion of the continent of Europe.

You might ask why I mention the 101st Airborne Division on the day before D-Day. My brother Bob was in the 101st Airborne much later and since he has no...

New Culture

I just read a book called "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami. This is not a review of the book; you will find that elsewhere. Instead I'm thinking about the coming of age books that I have read in the past. When one is of the age being explored, it is quite easy to be enthralled with the experience or even to reject the experience.

In this novel, instead, I was reminded of another culture, in this case the Japanese culture of the late sixties, and how we are able to transfer emotions between cultures and between genders. The protagonist in this novel lives mainly a solitary life. I wondered why he as an only child would not have his parents breathing down his throat at his absence. He goes about living his very structured life in a very structured situation. His life seems emotionless at times and since his story focuses on his age from eighteen to twenty, I don't see his exercising great wanton appetites. He does find sexual outlets, but they don't fill an emotional need.

He is traumatized by the suicide of a friend. It leads him to attempt to heal himself by loving the friend's girlfriend. She has been traumatized by a previous suicide. The reader is forced to examine the by-products of suicide and other traumas: depression and lack of joy. It is slow going but I could not but stay to the end.

Did I love this book? No! Would I have read it if it hadn't been the only book available to me to read on a lazy vacation weekend away? No! Am I happy I read it? Yes, a resounding yes!

This character and the three women characters in the novel will never leave me. I wish they would for they have forced me to look at our young men and women in a different life. Youth often examines life with a microscope and forms conclusions about life that can mislead them. I have more empathy for their situations now than I have had for a long time. No matter the culture, the overriding emotion of youth is the unknowing what's ahead for them.

K. B. Pellegrino

Holiday Recovery

I have been here before. You probably have, also. After five days of indolent sitting by our beach on Cape Cod Bay on a protected deck with masses of company mostly comprised of young people in their twenties, I must now face the reality of work and normal living. Our company was mixed with a few older adults and, at times, nine young relatives and friends. It was a busy time although I was not busy.

My body systems were all in disarray today as I walked the treadmill and rode my recumbent bi...

Perennials vs Annuals and Choosing Books

I traveled the area today looking for ‘what to plant’ around my home. It is a mystery, though nothing to do with murder, how after I see the same plants repeatedly in different garden centers, I am better able to visualize their import for my garden. Repetition works as well when I am learning new material; I read the material once, then again, and by the third time read, it is mine. And that’s how I felt about the plants I visited. I learned which ones were to be mine.

Step number 1 above al...

The Future of Reading!

I spent the morning with some inner-city middle school students quite by accident one day this past week. They thought it was 'cool' that I was an author and asked, "How'd ya learn to do that Mrs. P."

I did not answer the question, quite like a politician, I asked my own question, "What do you like to read?" And the answers struck me emotionally.

Of the eight students, five do not read with the exception of an occasional magazine, two read graphic novels, and one read whatever she could find. I was so disappointed and selfish at that moment, thinking just where would my audience come from in the future, if I should be so lucky to have my books available for sale in the future.

It was then that the horror hit me. If these kids don't read much, then how will they handle their lives in this twenty-first century when instructions are required for most things they buy other than clothing. We talked for a long time while I explained my concerns for their future. We read a few excerpts from my book; they could read. Phew! But, but, here was the problem, they needed background within which to absorb what we read together. When I gave them some background, they wanted to read more. They became engaged.

I then concluded telling them, "The more you kids read, the more you'll want to read because you will learn diversity about the world that is not in your daily life. You will, after reading a few different books, find joy in reading, which has made me happy over all my years."

One of the boys said, "Mrs. P., you didn't answer the question on how to be a writer."
I explained that I did answer it really, because to be a writer, you must have been a reader; that reading what interests you will often be what you will choose to write in."

They all laughed and one said, "So you're interested in murder, Mrs. P.?

My response: "No, I'm interested in examining fictional horrors such as murder and psychopathy so as to help maybe prevent their occurences in reality." They laughed and promised to read a book before we met again.

K. B. Pellegrino

The Absent Spring

I am not complaining; well perhaps a bit, but Spring in New England has not arrived. It is May 15, 2019 and today is 53 degrees, although sunny. However, the sunny part is relatively new this year. We have experienced such rain and cold. If Spring begins on March 21st, then we are almost two months into the three month season with no spring weather. It is almost as if we have lagged behind; that May is really April. I thought that way in October of last year, when the heat did not resonate as...

History Mystery

I am reading Lincoln's Last Trial by David Fisher and I realize again for the umpteenth time how important it is that we look to the past to see more clearly into the future.

I write in the murder mystery genre with some emphasis on police procedure in solving cases. I write fiction, but we all know, you and me, that reality is one great muse for the mystery writer.

My characters in my mystery novels have personal history that speaks of ordinary current New England living. My defense attorney character is not Lincoln, but his energy and morality are akin to Lincoln as he risks so much to defend an accused murderer in 1859. Lincoln would be president soon; so any astute politician would have pointed out that defending an accused murderer had great risks politically.

Lincoln reminds us that ordinary men and women who pay attention to their duties may prevail. It is not a given that success will be achieved. What would have happened if Lincoln had lost? We don't know, but we know that Lincoln risked his political career for his craft.

I feel so invested in the concept of all the millions out there who daily live their lives doing the right thing by their families, their work, and society despite challenges made to their reputations and safety. Lincoln was castigated publicly in closing arguments made by the prosecuting attorney Palmer. He defended himself and de-escalated the situation with an honest reaction. Palmer, his opponent, presented a brilliant speech in closing. In this case brilliance did not win over an honest and country-like defense.

I truly believe that we often see the lay of morality playing out in courtrooms. History can and does inform us, even we mystery writers.

K. B. Pellegrino, Author

Pain and Suffering

Do you sometimes wonder how people who are faced with chronic suffering cope? Today I was visiting at a nearby hospital and observed the patients, doctors, nurses, and staff as they faced the reality of patients in various stages of suffering. There is the required regulation of structure in hospitals that guarantees that the work is done on time and properly. That structure often annoys the patient. Individuality is of lesser importance in a hospital or nursing home setting. I know that I pr...