It's tough to be a woman. As a woman, I know this, but then I read books like Trainwreck: The Women We Love to Hate, Mock, and Fear . . . and Why by Sady Doyle (whose name is Jude Ellison Doyle, however the book was published under the name Sady Doyle in 2016) and am reminded that it's really tough to be a woman, particularly if you find yourself in the spotlight. Being in the … [Read more...]
Megyn Kelly’s Memoir, Settle for More, Challenges Everything You Think You Know About Her
Megyn Kelly - how much do you know about her? If you're like me, the answer is not much except for the fact that she hosts her own show on Fox News and that Donald Trump released his rage on her during the presidential election. The attacks she was subjected to leaves many of us extending our sympathies to her, but before you feel too bad for her, know that she doesn't play the … [Read more...]
Public Shamings and the Loss of Identity
What do the stocks, public whippings, and the gossip's bridle have in common? They were all instruments used to punish wrongdoers. The alleged crimes were varied, from violent crimes to gossiping too much, but the goal of the punishment was the same: to punish citizens and turn them into social pariahs via public shamings. This sentiment is still alive and … [Read more...]
Huguette Clark, Intrigue, and Mystery Abound in ‘Empty Mansions
I love castles. I forget this and don't make it a point to visit them, but every time I do I'm awed. Last year I visited Hearst Castle while I was in Big Sur, CA (courtesy of Buick), and not long ago I visited Bishop's Castle here in Colorado. While Hearst's is a sprawling estate at the top of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Bishop's was (and is still) built by one man … [Read more...]
Surviving an Abusive Childhood Leaves One Woman a ‘Girl Unbroken’
A couple of years ago, I read a powerfully moving book titled Etched in Sand. It's the story of Regina Calcaterra and the abuses she and her four siblings endured at the hands of their mother and the utter failures of the foster care system. It's a heartbreaking story that is hard to read but also showcases the power of perseverance. In her book, Calcaterra carefully … [Read more...]