Exploring the unexpected connections that shape our lives
Book Reviews, Comments & Stories, Quotes, & Poetry & More
"Connections and Why They Matter"
Most of what happens in our life will spark a connection. Life connects with what has been found in books. Books connect with what happens in life. Use the connections to help you see more clearly. A love of reading and writing is what motivated the creation of this blog. Thank you for coming to the blog.
Social protests have been a powerful tool for political expression throughout history, allowing individuals and groups to collectively voice their concerns and seek change. Whether it is for social or political reasons, these protest are to seek to bring about change by influencing public opinion, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as the policies of organizations and institutions.
While peaceful protests are a fundamental right in many societies, they can also be met with resistance, underscoring the need for responsible and respectful protest practices. Social protests are an essential means of expressing dissent and promoting social progress.n
Upton Sinclair Quotes
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”
“I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident, I hit it in the stomach.”
“Fascism” is capitalism plus murder.”
“All art is propaganda. It is universally and inescapably propaganda; sometimes unconsciously, but often deliberately, propaganda.”
Resilience is important because it gives people the strength to process and overcome the challenges that come into their lives. Those lacking stability get easily overwhelmed and may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Resilient people tap into their strengths and support systems to overcome challenges and solve their problems.
Emotional resilience refers to one's ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. More resilient people can "roll with the punches" and adapt to adversity without lasting difficulties; less resilient people have a more challenging time with stress and life changes, both major and minor.
“It's not our job to toughen our children to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” ― L.R. Knost,Two Thousand Kisses a Day: Gentle Parenting Through the Ages and Stages
Book Reviews Matter: They are essential because they help convince potential readers that the book (and even the author’s other books) will be enjoyable and they should buy it. Even critical reviews are valuable because they at least bring attention to book. (Of course, getting good reviews far outweighs the attention of bad reviews)
Oscar Wilde wrote, “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”
This suggests negative publicity can increase purchase likelihood and sales by improving product awareness. Adverse publicity or book reviews can sometimes justify a response and give the author a second chance to add to and multiply the original review’s impact. When that happens, here are
Four ways to deal with bad reviews
Utilize facts to improve credibility and correct errors.
Avoid appearing defensive.
Push other points of view about what was said in the review
Take advantage of the controversy using social media to draw attention.
“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket
The boys in Lord of the Flies are not just stranded on an island—they are symbols of human nature itself. William Golding created more than a survival story; he built a miniature society where each character embodies a larger human impulse. Ralph’s drive for order, Piggy’s reliance on reason, Jack’s hunger for power, and Simon’s quiet goodness all mirror traits we recognize in the people around us—and, at times, in ourselves. Their conflicts feel so familiar because Golding was holding up a mirror to civilization, exposing both its strengths and its fragility.
Ralph embodies civilization and democracy. His instinct is to build shelters, create rules, and keep the signal fire burning. Through him, we see the constant struggle to preserve order and cooperation, even amid chaos.
Piggy represents intellect and rationalism. His glasses, the means of starting fire, symbolize the spark of knowledge and progress. Piggy’s logical mind often provides solutions, reminding us of the value—and fragility—of reason.
Jack personifies savagery and dictatorship. His hunger for power and descent into violence reveal how quickly fear and desire can erode structure and morality. Jack stands as a warning of what can happen when domination replaces dialogue.
Simon is the incarnation of goodness and saintliness. Gentle, intuitive, and spiritual, Simon represents a deeper moral truth and a connection to something greater than human conflict. His tragic fate highlights the vulnerability of goodness in a world overtaken by fear and aggression.
Together, these characters form a mirror of human society. Their symbolic roles explain why readers often see echoes of people they know—leaders, thinkers, aggressors, and visionaries—reflected in Golding’s timeless allegory.
“Rommel, you magnificent bastard! I read your book!” — General George S. Patton Jr.
Patton’s remark is more than a colorful quote—it’s a reminder that your words give you away. What you write, say, and publish can become a roadmap for others to use against you. Competitors, critics, and even those who don’t wish you well can learn your strategies simply by paying attention.
The lesson is simple: be intentional with your words, but also be curious about the words of others. Read your competition’s books. Study what they emphasize, what they leave out, and how they frame their ideas. Knowing what they say—and why they say it—can give you an advantage.
The phrase “magnificent bastard” has even become shorthand in literature and culture for the character who is always a step ahead, someone who uses knowledge and strategy to turn situations to their favor. In real life, this mindset is just as useful. Don’t just compete—outthink, outread, and outprepare.
