Aren't we lucky

Ever wonder about the big plan? Who gave you the life you lead?

You could be living in Haiti, where hurricanes annually savage the country, poverty is common, and life has just taken a monumental turn for the worse. So whenever you feel a little blue, try looking at the world through the eyes of those less fortunate and ask yourself how you got to be so lucky.

Have a great day.

Fabulous book

Okay, I'm a little behind the times just discovering author Mal Peet. Yes, I'd heard of him. In fact, some time back, I bought his book, TAMAR. But it took me forever to organize my books and see that I had it.

I started reading it and he is brilliant. Years ago, it seems, I read more books like it. But this novel really is wonderful and certainly merited the Carnegie Medal. I'm only 98 pages in, but it's one of those novels that I can immerse myself in and forget the world around me.

What a treat.

Jill Shure
Author of:

NIGHT JAZZ
NIGHT GLITTER
NIGHT CAPS

I just read a new mystery.

For those of you who don't know, I host a monthly group here in Del Mar, California at a store called The Book Works. I just finished January's selection by Jacqueline Winspear called MESSENGER OF TRUTH. I really enjoyed this one. Not only is it a good mystery, but it's right up my alley because the story takes place in 1931, during The Great Depression, a period I know well.

I've written two novels about that era, NIGHT JAZZ and NIGHT GLITTER and I found this novel to be an excellent read and full of historical insights about The Great War (WWI) as well as deeper questions about the disparity between the rich and poor.

Anyone out there a fan of Ms. Winspear? What else would you recommend?

Just Smile

Living in Southern California, where the sun always shines, I am often shocked by how sour the people here can be. You smile at them here in San Diego County and they scowl back. Pick three people at a mall and smile at them and you will often get three dirty looks in response. Why? What does it cost to smile? If a stranger looks threatening, I can imagine a scowl might be a warning to back off. Otherwise, why not respond by smiling back. Recently, at a well known shop here in North County I smiled. Big mistake. Three dirty looks. I finally said to the third scowling woman, "Sorry I smiled. I didn't mean to offend you." And she suddenly became quite chatty.

Let's do ourselves a favor and smile. It feels good. It lifts your mood and helps others feel good, too.