Monday Moments - Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow

 My PA book club read Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow. Considered a classic, this lyrical book is set in New Rochelle, NY before the First World  War.  For the rich, life  is good. For an immigrant Jewish peddler, Tateh, it's challenging.  And for Coalhouse Walker, Jr, a black ragtime pianist from Harlem - his story brings a shocking climax.  (back blurb)

Doctorow weaves fictional characters with famous people of that period - Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, Evelyn Nesbit, Emma Goldman, Henry Ford.  It's musical, well-paced, and the author orchestrates themes of American innocence, energy, and ambition. The writing seems  old-timey and yet it works - it  puts you, the reader, into the lives. 

Ragtime is piano music with a syncopated melody. 

Ragtime is a ragged music book  of the  ragged times.   It's a novel about oppression, social change, and the search for stability in a rapidly evolving world   (source - various  reviews)

I'd say Ragtime is a very worthwhile read in this day and age as  we come off  a challenging July 4th and rather wild 2025 so far.  Whew!

July 4 Weekend

 We can dream....

Flag color joy

No Kings!

Stay safe all.  Happy (?) 4th of July Weekend. 

Whatever Wednesday - Athabasca Falls

Can you hear the roar?

whoosh

power

majesty

beauty

Thank you Canada!   My eyes  are full of wonder
 

Monday Moments - Matriarch by Tina Knowles

 Matriarch by Tina Knowles is a powerful memoir of a strong woman from  a  long line of  strong women. She's the mother of  Beyonce and Solange. Enjoys her bonus daughters Kelly Rowland and Angie Beyince.  cover blurb - She's known the world over as the quintessential definition  of a matriarch: a fiercely determined, self-possessed, creative, wise woman. But this story is about so much more than that. 

1950s Galveston, TX - little Tina learns a lot  about race, female limitations, and dreams. She, as a talented clothing  designer, can sing, is creative, and audacious. Romantic turmoil, tragedies, and triumphs abound.  She's  the backbone  behind Destiny's Child. She is strong and values the multi-generations of strong women behind  her.  This saga is the story of America - and the wisdom that women pass on to one  another, mothers to daughters, across generations.  (cover blurb)

I enjoyed this book and was very impressed  by Ms. Knowles. I admit to skimming a  teensy bit a times - maybe  too much detail on  some small incident. But overall, I admire her determination and fortitude. Tough times as a light skinned  black woman in a judging  world.  Kudos (and  I'd say Beyonce and Solange turned out pretty darn good!). 

Finally Friday - Enjoy the Views

Early in our Canadian Rockies trip - oh  darn, just a little pit stop.  Cold  water, snowy mountains, greenery.  

A view out the bus  window.  Glad to leave the driving to someone else - thanks Trafalgar Bus Tours

Stretch the legs in front of some fun displays

How many people  could cram into that  cable car?

 Hooray for the Maple  Leaf!

Hope you have  a scenic  weekend

Whatever Wednesday - More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova

 Maddy Banks is a stressed out  NYU freshman. She's always  felt like  the odd one in her family - all Connecticut blonde - perfect mother,  high-achieving older sister, Emily, charming popular brother Jack. Maddy's struggling with  schoolwork, tests, a break-up, and her new passion to do comedy.  Plus she's sure Taylor Swift will want to work with her. 

cover blurb - But she soon  spirals into a wild mania that culminates in a terrifying breaking point and a diagnosis of  bipolar disorder.  Maddy will have to figure out how to  manage being both too much and not enough. 

In  More or  Less Maddy by Lisa Genova, we get to hear Maddy's voice and follow  her mood  swings. She can be so funny and endearing. Then the reader can feel their own heartbeat race as Maddy gets  more frenetic.  Or alas, our narrator dips way too  low. Genova, a PhD in neuroscience, writes a very realistic tale of bipolar  disorder and while fiction, it gives quite the insight into mental illness. Well done and a surprise pick at the library. 

Monday Moments - more dads

 I'll celebrate more  dads here in June.    Kevin has three girls - Makyla 16, Skylar 10, and Dakota 8.  Someone is grounded every day of the week.   Makyla is off for  an adventure to Spain with  a school group.   We are  excited for  her.  

Krystal joined Chris for this outing.  He's dad to Abby, and grandfather to Levi (18 months).

Ray's the  head of this crew.  They were out to play pool.   

And here's Jared with Myles (2 months old) at Folly Beach.  New dad.  New son with first toes in the water. Doesn't look too thrilled.  My brother, David, now a grandfather got  to enjoy this moment. 

Dads are worthy of celebration.