Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog
October 28, 2025
My Beloved
Just finished reading "My Beloved" by Jan Karon, published by Putnam in 2025.
I can almost the outrage now because Jan Karon is a renowned writer of Christian fiction and I am a Conservative Jew. I've never had a problem reading good writing that tells a compelling story and I greatly enjoyed the "Bless Me, Father" series by Neil Boyd which chronicled the life of a Catholic Priest in an English Parish.
Karon's first novel in the to date in her beloved Mitford series, which is now up to 15-novels with the recent publication of "My Beloved," "At Home In Mitford" began life as a series of "Father Tim" stories that were published in the pages of the Blowing Rock Newspaper back in 1988, before a small Christian publishing house printed the first three novels in the series before an editor at Penguin decided to acquire the publishing rights to the Mitford novels, and interestingly enough, not without some pushback because mainstream publishing at the time did not believe that Christian fiction was viable. Karon's books about life in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina quickly flew off the shelves of bookstores and landed the author at the top of the New York Times Bestselling List with every book she wrote.
As Father Timothy and Cynthia prepare for Thanksgiving holiday, he asks her what she wants for Christmas, and she responds that she wants just a handwritten love letter, which he writes, but somehow it gets lost and makes its way across various people in Mitford and makes a powerful impact on the lives of the people who read it by accident as it makes it way back just in time for Father Timothy to read it to Cynthia.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Mit...
I can almost the outrage now because Jan Karon is a renowned writer of Christian fiction and I am a Conservative Jew. I've never had a problem reading good writing that tells a compelling story and I greatly enjoyed the "Bless Me, Father" series by Neil Boyd which chronicled the life of a Catholic Priest in an English Parish.
Karon's first novel in the to date in her beloved Mitford series, which is now up to 15-novels with the recent publication of "My Beloved," "At Home In Mitford" began life as a series of "Father Tim" stories that were published in the pages of the Blowing Rock Newspaper back in 1988, before a small Christian publishing house printed the first three novels in the series before an editor at Penguin decided to acquire the publishing rights to the Mitford novels, and interestingly enough, not without some pushback because mainstream publishing at the time did not believe that Christian fiction was viable. Karon's books about life in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina quickly flew off the shelves of bookstores and landed the author at the top of the New York Times Bestselling List with every book she wrote.
As Father Timothy and Cynthia prepare for Thanksgiving holiday, he asks her what she wants for Christmas, and she responds that she wants just a handwritten love letter, which he writes, but somehow it gets lost and makes its way across various people in Mitford and makes a powerful impact on the lives of the people who read it by accident as it makes it way back just in time for Father Timothy to read it to Cynthia.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Mit...
October 25, 2025
Eraser
Just finished watching "Eraser" staring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Vanessa Williams, released by Warner Brothers Studios back in 1996.
Once upon a time in the late 1980s and 1990s, movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger were events to see on the big screen because of his catch phrases in each movie and to see who would be the against type heroine. Mom, Dad, Selma, and I did see "Eraser" when it was released on the silver screen at the old Cinemark Theater, which closed down and was ultimately converted into an Office Depot several miles from where we lived, and I still do, here in Jacksonville.
Schwarzenegger played John Kruger, a U.S. Marshal who specializes in "erasing" witnesses, is given a new assignment by his superior, Arthur Beller: Lee Cullen has alerted the FBI that Cyrez executives have financed the creation of an electromagnetic rifle, which they intend to sell on the black market.
Lee downloads data from the weapon's development onto two discs. Cyrez Vice President William Donahue detects Lee's intrusion and summons her for a meeting. After discovering her alliance with the FBI, Donahue commits suicide. Lee delivers the disc but refuses Kruger's offer to go into protection. The FBI's disc is replaced with a fake on the orders of Under Secretary of Defense Daniel Harper.
Lee is attacked by mercenaries sent by Cyrez CEO Eugene Morehart but is rescued by Kruger, who learns that several other witnesses are being murdered due to someone in WITSEC leaking information. The agency is now transferring all witnesses to other locations. Kruger helps his mentor Robert DeGuerin raid a cabin and rescue the latter's witness from a team of assassins. DeGuerin murders the witness when she overhears one of her captors reveal that he is the mole.
DeGuerin drugs Kruger, who manages to warn Lee before losing consciousness. The call is traced to New York City and DeGuerin kills his innocent deputy Monroe with Kruger's gun. When Kruger awakens, DeGuerin tries to blackmail him into giving up Lee and even offers to cut him in on the highly lucrative deal he is apparently planning. Kruger fends them off and escapes from the plane to rescue Lee from the same mercenaries who tried to kill her before. Kruger and Lee flee through New York City Zoo.
DeGuerin has Kruger and Lee branded as fugitives. The pair infiltrate Cyrez with the aid of Johnny Casteleone, a witness Kruger recently erased, and use Donahue's terminal to decrypt Lee's second disc. The disc reveals that a shipment of rifles has been stashed at the docks in Baltimore. The buyer is Russian mafia boss, Sergei Ivanovich Petrofsky, who plans to resell the weapons to terrorists. The company detects the intrusion and erases the disc; DeGuerin and his men capture Lee, but Kruger escapes.
Casteleone contacts his cousin Tony "Two-Toes", who controls the docks. They kill Petrofsky and everyone else. DeGuerin tries to shoot Lee, but Kruger comes to her aid and destroys the system on the crane. He then secures DeGuerin, proving his and Lee's innocence. DeGuerin, Harper, and Morehart are indicted for treason, but when it becomes clear that they will likely be acquitted in court, Kruger fakes his and Lee's deaths in an explosion.
DeGuerin, Harper, and Morehart leave in a limo that suddenly stops at a railroad crossing. The driver, revealed to be Casteleone, locks the doors and exits the vehicle. Kruger calls DeGuerin with his iconic words, "You've just been erased!" at which point a freight train plows into the limo, killing all three men in it. Kruger returns to Lee, who asks what happened, to which he responds, "They caught a train." Then, they drive off to start a new life.
GREAT FUN!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Eraser-Arnold-...
Once upon a time in the late 1980s and 1990s, movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger were events to see on the big screen because of his catch phrases in each movie and to see who would be the against type heroine. Mom, Dad, Selma, and I did see "Eraser" when it was released on the silver screen at the old Cinemark Theater, which closed down and was ultimately converted into an Office Depot several miles from where we lived, and I still do, here in Jacksonville.
Schwarzenegger played John Kruger, a U.S. Marshal who specializes in "erasing" witnesses, is given a new assignment by his superior, Arthur Beller: Lee Cullen has alerted the FBI that Cyrez executives have financed the creation of an electromagnetic rifle, which they intend to sell on the black market.
Lee downloads data from the weapon's development onto two discs. Cyrez Vice President William Donahue detects Lee's intrusion and summons her for a meeting. After discovering her alliance with the FBI, Donahue commits suicide. Lee delivers the disc but refuses Kruger's offer to go into protection. The FBI's disc is replaced with a fake on the orders of Under Secretary of Defense Daniel Harper.
Lee is attacked by mercenaries sent by Cyrez CEO Eugene Morehart but is rescued by Kruger, who learns that several other witnesses are being murdered due to someone in WITSEC leaking information. The agency is now transferring all witnesses to other locations. Kruger helps his mentor Robert DeGuerin raid a cabin and rescue the latter's witness from a team of assassins. DeGuerin murders the witness when she overhears one of her captors reveal that he is the mole.
DeGuerin drugs Kruger, who manages to warn Lee before losing consciousness. The call is traced to New York City and DeGuerin kills his innocent deputy Monroe with Kruger's gun. When Kruger awakens, DeGuerin tries to blackmail him into giving up Lee and even offers to cut him in on the highly lucrative deal he is apparently planning. Kruger fends them off and escapes from the plane to rescue Lee from the same mercenaries who tried to kill her before. Kruger and Lee flee through New York City Zoo.
DeGuerin has Kruger and Lee branded as fugitives. The pair infiltrate Cyrez with the aid of Johnny Casteleone, a witness Kruger recently erased, and use Donahue's terminal to decrypt Lee's second disc. The disc reveals that a shipment of rifles has been stashed at the docks in Baltimore. The buyer is Russian mafia boss, Sergei Ivanovich Petrofsky, who plans to resell the weapons to terrorists. The company detects the intrusion and erases the disc; DeGuerin and his men capture Lee, but Kruger escapes.
Casteleone contacts his cousin Tony "Two-Toes", who controls the docks. They kill Petrofsky and everyone else. DeGuerin tries to shoot Lee, but Kruger comes to her aid and destroys the system on the crane. He then secures DeGuerin, proving his and Lee's innocence. DeGuerin, Harper, and Morehart are indicted for treason, but when it becomes clear that they will likely be acquitted in court, Kruger fakes his and Lee's deaths in an explosion.
DeGuerin, Harper, and Morehart leave in a limo that suddenly stops at a railroad crossing. The driver, revealed to be Casteleone, locks the doors and exits the vehicle. Kruger calls DeGuerin with his iconic words, "You've just been erased!" at which point a freight train plows into the limo, killing all three men in it. Kruger returns to Lee, who asks what happened, to which he responds, "They caught a train." Then, they drive off to start a new life.
GREAT FUN!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Eraser-Arnold-...
October 22, 2025
Falling In A Sea of Stars
Just finished reading "Falling In A Sea of Stars" by Kristen Britain, published by DAW Books.
"Falling In A Sea Of Stars" is Britain's eighth novel in her saga of Green Rider Karigan G'ladheon which began nearly 20 years ago with the release of the first novel in the series, "Green Rider."
I found "Green Rider" in the new arrivals section of the Science Fiction and Fantasy section of the Barnes & Noble near where I live and was intrigued by it and the acknowledgement by Britain to Terry Goodkind for his support and encouragement.
Falling in a Sea of Stars is a rich, emotional continuation of the Green Rider saga—equal parts epic fantasy and deeply personal reflection. Britain delivers her signature mix of magic, peril, humor, and heart in this sweeping new installment that left me alternately thrilled, devastated, and deeply moved.
Britain continues the Wall storyline at its mythic scale—the courage required to face what lies there, and the unexpected loss/grief that follows, was unforgettable.
She also continues the emotional evolution between Karigan, Estora, and Zachary. Their shared history feels fully realized here—tempered by duty, loss, and time. There’s a maturity in how they relate to one another now; no longer bound by romantic idealism, but by mutual respect and understanding that has been hard-won.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Sea-St...
"Falling In A Sea Of Stars" is Britain's eighth novel in her saga of Green Rider Karigan G'ladheon which began nearly 20 years ago with the release of the first novel in the series, "Green Rider."
I found "Green Rider" in the new arrivals section of the Science Fiction and Fantasy section of the Barnes & Noble near where I live and was intrigued by it and the acknowledgement by Britain to Terry Goodkind for his support and encouragement.
Falling in a Sea of Stars is a rich, emotional continuation of the Green Rider saga—equal parts epic fantasy and deeply personal reflection. Britain delivers her signature mix of magic, peril, humor, and heart in this sweeping new installment that left me alternately thrilled, devastated, and deeply moved.
Britain continues the Wall storyline at its mythic scale—the courage required to face what lies there, and the unexpected loss/grief that follows, was unforgettable.
She also continues the emotional evolution between Karigan, Estora, and Zachary. Their shared history feels fully realized here—tempered by duty, loss, and time. There’s a maturity in how they relate to one another now; no longer bound by romantic idealism, but by mutual respect and understanding that has been hard-won.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Sea-St...
October 21, 2025
Since The Last Time We Met
Just finished watching "Since The Last Time We Met" released by Matchbox Films.
The one that always gets away and what happens when you encounter your lost love is a standard movie troupe, and "Since The Last Time We Met" attempts to explore a reignited relationship between Victor and his "straight, but now married boyfriend" David, who wants to have a side relationship with Victor and David foolishly gives into the temptation and renews his relationship with David - who had disappeared from his life 15-years ago.
Side relationships rarely last - and no, I'm not speaking from experience, just common sense, and the sudden news of David's wife being pregnant serves as a harsh wake up call to Victor.
For some reason "My Dinner with Andre" came to mind while I was watching this movie. Don't get me wrong, I love a good conversation, just get ready for a talk fest with "Since The Last Time We Met."
It's okay.
Two-and-a-half stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Since-Last-Tim...
The one that always gets away and what happens when you encounter your lost love is a standard movie troupe, and "Since The Last Time We Met" attempts to explore a reignited relationship between Victor and his "straight, but now married boyfriend" David, who wants to have a side relationship with Victor and David foolishly gives into the temptation and renews his relationship with David - who had disappeared from his life 15-years ago.
Side relationships rarely last - and no, I'm not speaking from experience, just common sense, and the sudden news of David's wife being pregnant serves as a harsh wake up call to Victor.
For some reason "My Dinner with Andre" came to mind while I was watching this movie. Don't get me wrong, I love a good conversation, just get ready for a talk fest with "Since The Last Time We Met."
It's okay.
Two-and-a-half stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Since-Last-Tim...
A Charlie Brown Valentine
Just finished reading "A Charlie Brown Valentine" by Charles M. Schulz, published by Simon & Schuster back in 2002.
"A Charlie Brown Valentine" was adapted by Justine and Ron Fontes from the Peanuts Holiday Special that aired on network television. It's a classic tale of Charlie Brown trying to work up his courage to finally speak with the Little Red-Haired Girl and give her valentine and maybe, just maybe work up the courage at the valentine dance to ask her for a dance.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-...
"A Charlie Brown Valentine" was adapted by Justine and Ron Fontes from the Peanuts Holiday Special that aired on network television. It's a classic tale of Charlie Brown trying to work up his courage to finally speak with the Little Red-Haired Girl and give her valentine and maybe, just maybe work up the courage at the valentine dance to ask her for a dance.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-...
Yamato - The Drummers Of Japan - Kami Nari - Live in Mexico - Thunder Tour 2005-2006
Just finished watching "Yamato - The Drummers Of Japan - Kami Nari - Live in Mexico - Thunder Tour 2005-2006," released by the Rub-A-Dub & Company 2009.
I was fortunate enough last December to attend a live performance of Yamato here in Jacksonville. One of the things that surprised me was while Yamato had shirts and knickknacks for sale, they did not have any CDs or DVDs for sale. The young lady behind the merchandise stand in the theater told me that she wished Yamato would offer CDs and or DVDs for sale. When I mentioned this to Selma, she suggested that I search on Amazon and/or eBay. She was spot on. I did find Yamato CDs and DVDs for sale on eBay, and I immediately got all of their music CDs for under $10 each, plus shipping. Yamato DVDs were a bit more pricey on eBay. So I have been getting them on a regular basis when the price drops.
A few weeks ago, I got "Yamato - The Drummers Of Japan - Kami Nari - Live in Mexico - Thunder Tour 2005-2006" a few days prior to Selma's passing and I had discussed it with her and she was happy that I was able to get this DVD for under $20.00.
This performance of Yamato combines the group's usual high energy with a greater mix of comedy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176202718269
I was fortunate enough last December to attend a live performance of Yamato here in Jacksonville. One of the things that surprised me was while Yamato had shirts and knickknacks for sale, they did not have any CDs or DVDs for sale. The young lady behind the merchandise stand in the theater told me that she wished Yamato would offer CDs and or DVDs for sale. When I mentioned this to Selma, she suggested that I search on Amazon and/or eBay. She was spot on. I did find Yamato CDs and DVDs for sale on eBay, and I immediately got all of their music CDs for under $10 each, plus shipping. Yamato DVDs were a bit more pricey on eBay. So I have been getting them on a regular basis when the price drops.
A few weeks ago, I got "Yamato - The Drummers Of Japan - Kami Nari - Live in Mexico - Thunder Tour 2005-2006" a few days prior to Selma's passing and I had discussed it with her and she was happy that I was able to get this DVD for under $20.00.
This performance of Yamato combines the group's usual high energy with a greater mix of comedy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176202718269
October 20, 2025
Sins Of The Black Flamingo
Just finished reading "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" by Andrew Wheeler, published by Image Comics.
A friend of mine mentioned that I might be interested in reading "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" because it makes heavy use of Kabbalism - Jewish mysticism.
Actually "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" is a rather heady mixture of Kabbalism and Voodoo traditions.
The Black Flamingo is Sebastian Harlow, a thief who specializes in stealing occult artifacts, who helps to free the soul of a young man named Abel who was turned into a golem to save him from the Holocaust by the Rabbi who loved him; and then finds a enslaved angel that he will risk everything for, including his life.
A lot of people will be offended by "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" in it's imagining of G-D and the nature of angels.
Intriguing and provocative - especially in envisioning how a person's belief can change when proof of a great unknowable is revealed.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Sins-Black-Fla...
A friend of mine mentioned that I might be interested in reading "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" because it makes heavy use of Kabbalism - Jewish mysticism.
Actually "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" is a rather heady mixture of Kabbalism and Voodoo traditions.
The Black Flamingo is Sebastian Harlow, a thief who specializes in stealing occult artifacts, who helps to free the soul of a young man named Abel who was turned into a golem to save him from the Holocaust by the Rabbi who loved him; and then finds a enslaved angel that he will risk everything for, including his life.
A lot of people will be offended by "Sins Of The Black Flamingo" in it's imagining of G-D and the nature of angels.
Intriguing and provocative - especially in envisioning how a person's belief can change when proof of a great unknowable is revealed.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Sins-Black-Fla...
Willow and Bunny
Just finished reading "Willow and Bunny" by Anitra Rowe Schulte, with artwork by Caldecott Honor Artist Christopher Denise published by Two Lions.
"Willow and Bunny" is a beautiful, thoughtful picture book that explores life and friendship through a bunny’s journey into the woods, and the love and support offered to him by Willow in easy days and tough ones. The life-like gorgeous illustrations and fluid artful prose made it a realistic, yet magical read. Littles will be drawn into the sweet adventure of Willow and Bunny.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Willow-Bunny-A...
"Willow and Bunny" is a beautiful, thoughtful picture book that explores life and friendship through a bunny’s journey into the woods, and the love and support offered to him by Willow in easy days and tough ones. The life-like gorgeous illustrations and fluid artful prose made it a realistic, yet magical read. Littles will be drawn into the sweet adventure of Willow and Bunny.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Willow-Bunny-A...
October 19, 2025
Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring
Just finished reading "Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring" by Kate Leth, with artwork by Jake Myler, published by Archaia back in 2015.
"Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring" collects all four issues of the comic books released by Boom Studios. I remember watching "Fraggle Rock" when it first aired on cable with Mom, Dad, and Selma because we were huge fans of the Muppet Show [ Jeff and Zack are also huge fans of the Muppets and Fraggles]. We enjoyed it and usually watched each episode when it aired on cable.
"Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring" effortlessly recaptures the magical charm of the show by sending Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red as they undertake a journey deep within the caverns beyond their home in Fraggle Rock is a search to find out what happened to the Everspring - the source of all water in Fraggle Rock - now that the water has stopped flowing. The Fraggles also discover separate colony of Doozers on their journey.
A great Fraggle adventure!
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Fraggle-Rock-E...
"Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring" collects all four issues of the comic books released by Boom Studios. I remember watching "Fraggle Rock" when it first aired on cable with Mom, Dad, and Selma because we were huge fans of the Muppet Show [ Jeff and Zack are also huge fans of the Muppets and Fraggles]. We enjoyed it and usually watched each episode when it aired on cable.
"Fraggle Rock - Journey To The Everspring" effortlessly recaptures the magical charm of the show by sending Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red as they undertake a journey deep within the caverns beyond their home in Fraggle Rock is a search to find out what happened to the Everspring - the source of all water in Fraggle Rock - now that the water has stopped flowing. The Fraggles also discover separate colony of Doozers on their journey.
A great Fraggle adventure!
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Fraggle-Rock-E...
And A Woodstock In A Birch Tree
Just finished reading "And A Woodstock In A Birch Tree" by Charles M. Schulz, published by Titan Comics in 2022.
"And A Woodstock In A Birch Tree" collects the daily and Sunday Peanuts comic strips that ran in newspapers from 1978 and 1979. What makes this collection significant is that for the first time we get to see Sally instead of her brother going to camp and we get our first introduction to Sally's friend Eudora, who manages to cause some unexpected drama by causing Linus to give her his security blanket. We also get to see the introduction to Crybaby Boobie - Molly Volley's arch nemesis!
GREAT CLASSIC PEANUTS FUN!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Peanuts-Woodst...
"And A Woodstock In A Birch Tree" collects the daily and Sunday Peanuts comic strips that ran in newspapers from 1978 and 1979. What makes this collection significant is that for the first time we get to see Sally instead of her brother going to camp and we get our first introduction to Sally's friend Eudora, who manages to cause some unexpected drama by causing Linus to give her his security blanket. We also get to see the introduction to Crybaby Boobie - Molly Volley's arch nemesis!
GREAT CLASSIC PEANUTS FUN!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Peanuts-Woodst...
