God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy

Author: Mike Huckabee
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 2015
Pages: 272
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: In God, Guns, Grits and Gravy, Mike Huckabee asks, "Have I been taken to a different planet than the one on which I grew up?" The New York Times bestselling author explores today's fractious American culture, where divisions of class, race, politics, religion, gender, age, and other fault lines make polite conversation dicey, if not downright dangerous. As Huckabee notes, the differences of opinion between the "Bubble-villes" of the big power centers and the "Bubba-villes" where most people live are profound, provocative, and sometimes pretty funny. Where else but in Washington, D.C. could two presidential golf outings cost the American taxpayers $2.9 million in travel expenses?

Government bailouts, politician pig-outs, and popular culture provocations from Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Honey Boo-Boo to the Duck Dynasty's Robertson family. Gun rights, gay marriage, the decline of patriotism, and the mainstream media's contempt for those who cherish a faith-based life. The trouble with Democrats, the even bigger trouble with Republicans, our national security complex, and how our Constitution is eroding under our noses. Stories of everyday Americans surviving tough times, reflections on our way of life as it once was, as it is, and as it might become...these subjects and many more are covered with Mike Huckabee's signature wit, insight, and honesty.

At times lighthearted, at others bracingly realistic, Huckabee's brand of optimistic patriotism highlights American ideals, offering a bright outlook for future generations.

With a wry eye for the ridiculous and a clear-eyed look at the most controversial issues of our time, God, Guns, Grits and Gravy is Mike Huckabee at his very best.

Review: Enpointe. This was a fantastic read. I won't say he's the best writer, but he does address and explain the issues. I was impressed and wished I had paid more attention to Huckabee when he was a presidential candidate.

Update: Mike Huckabee is seeking the Republican nomination for President in the 2016 election. Interesting.

To See You Again

Author: Betty Schimmel
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Penguin Publishing, 2000
Pages: 288
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: This is the true story of an extraordinary woman and the two loves of her life - a man lost in the tumult of World War II, and a friend who becomes her husband. It is 1944 in Budapest. Two wartime lovers vow that, if ever separated, they will find each other no matter what happens, and no matter what the cost. 

Thirty years later - having survived life in a concentration camp, and now married to another rman - Betty Schimmel returns to Budapest to confront her past, and rediscovers the lost love who has shaowed her life for decades. In the romantic city of their youth, the couple must face the most difficult decision of their lives.
Review: Truly a heartbreaking read, but so good too. Proof that life is not a fairy tale, and that there's no turning back the hands of time.

We all know Anne Frank's World War II experience, but there are others. This offered another perspective.