Rebecca Moll's Blog, page 16
September 10, 2018
A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee, a Book Review by Rebecca Moll
Entertaining, funny, a mix of humor and suspense wrapped up in a hotbed of culture and clash that is Calcutta. Abir Mukherjee mixes the plot with characters of class and color with one hand, while secretly plotting, weaving, and surprising you with the other. Surrender-not your eyes, your ears, for you will need your wits about you to stay the pace with A Rising Man.
If you enjoy British humor, the kind that laughs at and with them, have a taste for Indian flavor, and the desire to solve the crime, pull this winner off the shelves. Swifter than a rickshaw wallah, hotter than a Calcutta summer, this one's a keeper, old boy.
If you enjoy British humor, the kind that laughs at and with them, have a taste for Indian flavor, and the desire to solve the crime, pull this winner off the shelves. Swifter than a rickshaw wallah, hotter than a Calcutta summer, this one's a keeper, old boy.
Coming Soon...A New Novel, Nadia Knows by Rebecca Moll
It's never too late for second chances, or is it? Just when is it too late? Change is never easy. Second chances come at a cost.
WWII. 1944. Budapest. Christmas Eve...
WWII. 1944. Budapest. Christmas Eve...
September 4, 2018
August 29, 2018
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, A book Review by Rebecca Moll
944 pages. 14 months of reading. A perfect Saturday morning companion. A book I wished would never end. I am not finished with Abraham Lincoln, nor Doris Kearns Goodwin.
As I read this monumental work of history, I kept returning to the idea that the measure of a person's moral merit is defined not by how they treat those they love, those they are in agreement with, but those they hate, those of opposition. I stand in agreement with the idea, yet, not necessarily with those whom I oppose.
Sounds good on paper. Putting it to practice is another story. Empowering others to further the story, to create positive change, and to ultimately, change the world by changing hearts, is something very few achieve.
This, is the genius of Abraham Lincoln. This is Team of Rivals.
There is no greater teacher than history. Goodwin's Team of Rivals is a gift of history.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" Abraham Lincoln.
A thought to seed, water and cultivate, to multiply, regenerate, set to the winds, spread far and wide. A code to sequence, replicate, reproduce and send forth. A belief to put to practice, to evolve, adapt, to employ. A mantra to plant upon your heart. My garden could use a little help. How does your garden grow?
A work of art, one for the permanent shelves.
As I read this monumental work of history, I kept returning to the idea that the measure of a person's moral merit is defined not by how they treat those they love, those they are in agreement with, but those they hate, those of opposition. I stand in agreement with the idea, yet, not necessarily with those whom I oppose.
Sounds good on paper. Putting it to practice is another story. Empowering others to further the story, to create positive change, and to ultimately, change the world by changing hearts, is something very few achieve.
This, is the genius of Abraham Lincoln. This is Team of Rivals.
There is no greater teacher than history. Goodwin's Team of Rivals is a gift of history.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" Abraham Lincoln.
A thought to seed, water and cultivate, to multiply, regenerate, set to the winds, spread far and wide. A code to sequence, replicate, reproduce and send forth. A belief to put to practice, to evolve, adapt, to employ. A mantra to plant upon your heart. My garden could use a little help. How does your garden grow?
A work of art, one for the permanent shelves.
August 15, 2018
The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran, A Book Review by Rebecca Moll
To be remembered is to be loved.
Regardless of wealth, beauty, or power, past present or future, the human heart desires, first, love. And to be loved is to be remembered. Never was this truer than for the Egyptians. Their worth, the culmination of their time on earth, the virtue of their Akhu (immortal soul, intertwined with their ancestors) was weighed against a feather. For Egyptians, the proverbial eye of the needle was very, very narrow.
Yet, their lives, their trials and triumphs, the rise to greatness and fall from grace was vast. Michelle Moran weaves the intricacies of a vast and complex ancient Egyptian culture into a wonderful novel that pulls at the heartstrings of today's readers.
In Heretic Queen, we cheer for Nefertari, as she struggles against the greatest odds, deceit and intrigue, a wounded Akhu, to win the hearts of her people, the love of her King, a place in the eyes of her gods, and remembrance for eternity.
Wonderfully written, expertly crafted, the story holds and rushes all at once. Just as the real Nerfertari won her remembrance, Michelle Moran's Heretic Queen is a hard-write to the memory of today's readers and a much-loved story.
To be remembered is to be loved. Not just for hearts, books need love, too.
Regardless of wealth, beauty, or power, past present or future, the human heart desires, first, love. And to be loved is to be remembered. Never was this truer than for the Egyptians. Their worth, the culmination of their time on earth, the virtue of their Akhu (immortal soul, intertwined with their ancestors) was weighed against a feather. For Egyptians, the proverbial eye of the needle was very, very narrow.
Yet, their lives, their trials and triumphs, the rise to greatness and fall from grace was vast. Michelle Moran weaves the intricacies of a vast and complex ancient Egyptian culture into a wonderful novel that pulls at the heartstrings of today's readers.
In Heretic Queen, we cheer for Nefertari, as she struggles against the greatest odds, deceit and intrigue, a wounded Akhu, to win the hearts of her people, the love of her King, a place in the eyes of her gods, and remembrance for eternity.
Wonderfully written, expertly crafted, the story holds and rushes all at once. Just as the real Nerfertari won her remembrance, Michelle Moran's Heretic Queen is a hard-write to the memory of today's readers and a much-loved story.
To be remembered is to be loved. Not just for hearts, books need love, too.
July 19, 2018
When Words Speak Louder than Actions...
While reading A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and pondering a quote comparing President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, "Washington is the great man of the era of the Revolution. So will Lincoln be of this (2nd Inaugural Address, March 4th 1865), but Lincoln will reach the higher position in history," it occurred to me that sometimes Words speak louder than Actions.
My understanding of Washington is limited to formative education, the "Cherry Tree Story," and "Crossing the Delaware," and a trip to Mount Vernon as an adult. I understand he was a brilliant man, an avid agricultural experimenter, and a great leader. But, my understanding of him, as a person, is very much two-dimensional.
Lincoln, on the other hand, is a very different story. Three dimensions are not enough. A voracious reader, prolific writer, lover of poetry, second only to Winston Churchill for legendary quotations, it was his words that color my understanding of him.
Of course, his actions speak for themselves and there are countless volumes written about what he has done. Yet, when I think of Lincoln it is his words. He may have been known as the "Rail-splitter," but his real gift was in dividing words and delivering ideas.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln.
I have always wanted to go back in time and meet the giants of history we revere. I am sure, given the opportunity to visit George Washington, it would be a memorable occasion. I am sure we would share a cup of tea, have cordial discourse regarding the annual planting and perhaps our new nation, and I would most certainly take a peek at Martha's embroidery. All very well and proper.
Yet, should I travel to visit Lincoln, I see us sitting by the fire, our feet propped up on a table, swapping stories, laughing uncontrollably. I would cherish the twinkle in his eye as he delivered a punch line and memorize his magnanimous countenance. Our parting handshake would be vigorous and an invitation to revisit, a given.
"Actions" may speak for themselves, but once retired to the annals of history, it is "Words" that define us. And while sometimes history is recorded to serve the agendas of those less honorable than Honest Abe, making it a tricky business to qualify what really happened, in the end, all we can do is, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Our Peace!"
My understanding of Washington is limited to formative education, the "Cherry Tree Story," and "Crossing the Delaware," and a trip to Mount Vernon as an adult. I understand he was a brilliant man, an avid agricultural experimenter, and a great leader. But, my understanding of him, as a person, is very much two-dimensional.
Lincoln, on the other hand, is a very different story. Three dimensions are not enough. A voracious reader, prolific writer, lover of poetry, second only to Winston Churchill for legendary quotations, it was his words that color my understanding of him.
Of course, his actions speak for themselves and there are countless volumes written about what he has done. Yet, when I think of Lincoln it is his words. He may have been known as the "Rail-splitter," but his real gift was in dividing words and delivering ideas.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln.
I have always wanted to go back in time and meet the giants of history we revere. I am sure, given the opportunity to visit George Washington, it would be a memorable occasion. I am sure we would share a cup of tea, have cordial discourse regarding the annual planting and perhaps our new nation, and I would most certainly take a peek at Martha's embroidery. All very well and proper.
Yet, should I travel to visit Lincoln, I see us sitting by the fire, our feet propped up on a table, swapping stories, laughing uncontrollably. I would cherish the twinkle in his eye as he delivered a punch line and memorize his magnanimous countenance. Our parting handshake would be vigorous and an invitation to revisit, a given.
"Actions" may speak for themselves, but once retired to the annals of history, it is "Words" that define us. And while sometimes history is recorded to serve the agendas of those less honorable than Honest Abe, making it a tricky business to qualify what really happened, in the end, all we can do is, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Our Peace!"
July 12, 2018
Words of Wisdom: An excerpt from "Putting the World Together" by Elisabeth Reuther Dickmeyer
"The American dream is not about gadgets. It's not about the size of our gross national product. It's not about the level our technological sophistication. The American dream is about man. It's about broadening the opportunities and facilitating the growth of every human being so that each person can reach out and achieve a sense of purpose and fulfillment." -Walter Reuther
July 2, 2018
Replay, A Poem by Rebecca Moll
If there’s a way,
To hold the day,
To freeze a feeling,
Recall true meaning:
Perhaps a photo,
A video to play,
A collection to keep,
Summary the day.
Yet, I find them short,
In remembering true,
The feeling flat,
Devoid of hue.
Deep inside,
We know the way,
Networks designed,
For memory’s play.
A sense of trust,
The freedom to be,
Within ourselves,
The only key:
To remember,
Recall,
Revisit,
The real Me.
Rebecca Moll
7-2-2018
To hold the day,
To freeze a feeling,
Recall true meaning:
Perhaps a photo,
A video to play,
A collection to keep,
Summary the day.
Yet, I find them short,
In remembering true,
The feeling flat,
Devoid of hue.
Deep inside,
We know the way,
Networks designed,
For memory’s play.
A sense of trust,
The freedom to be,
Within ourselves,
The only key:
To remember,
Recall,
Revisit,
The real Me.
Rebecca Moll
7-2-2018
June 27, 2018
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran, A Book Review by Rebecca Moll
I enjoyed the story, found myself cheering for Munty and her happiness, wishing for others defeat, yet it was the what Michelle Moran infused into this novel that made the pages turn, my mind returning again and again to her tale. Experts have stated her account is historically accurate and that she gave great study to Egyptian culture of that time period. I can believe this is true. But, it was her love for the history, the time, the people, the land itself and her passion to share what she discovered and learned through story that made an impression. "Write what you know," is age-old advice. Michelle Moran has done one better than that, prompting me to re-coin the old phrase to "Write what you love."
Lucky for us, Moran loves to write. Thanks for sharing.
Lucky for us, Moran loves to write. Thanks for sharing.
June 18, 2018
Honoring America's Artists by Rebecca Moll
General Lewis Wallace, American lawyer, Union General, Governor, Politician, Diplomat, and Legendary Author of what is referred to as "The most influential Christian book of the 19th century, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ."
Published in 1880, this timeless, epic novel surpassed Harriet Beecher Stowe's, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) in sales and remained at the top of America's bestseller list for over 80 years, until Margaret Mitchell enamored us with, "Gone with the Wind" (1936).
Published in 1880, this timeless, epic novel surpassed Harriet Beecher Stowe's, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) in sales and remained at the top of America's bestseller list for over 80 years, until Margaret Mitchell enamored us with, "Gone with the Wind" (1936).
