What I'm Reading (Old Favorites):

Shriver, Lionel We Need to Talk about Kevin, Counterpoint, New York, c2003. We just sent a copy of this book out on interlibrary loan and it reminded me of how much I liked this powerful, gripping novel. We Need to Talk about Kevin is told in the voice of Eva Khatchadourian, in a series of letters to her husband. She recounts the message spray-painted on the family's house, the hostile reactions of the neighbors when she goes shopping, her visits to their son Kevin in a what is clearly a detention facility, and her recollections of family life when Kevin and his sister Celia were growing up. As Eva recalls her growing sense that Kevin was seriously troubled and her inability to convince her husband that there was a problem, it becomes clear that something terrible has happened. Masterfully, Shriver saves the details of just what it is that Kevin has done until the final chapter. I am not going to reveal the ending here, but it will blow you away. Shriver has a gift for character. The voice of his narrator, Eva, is clear and true. When I found out what had happened, I felt that the emotions Eva had expressed were exactly what a mother in that situation would feel. Read this book!

Pine Barrens Exhibit

Did you know that the Pine Barrens in New Jersey contain species that do not exist anywhere else? This came across my desk recently: Rutgers University will host an exhibit that showcases both the unique ecosystem of the Pinelands and the art of botanical illustration. The exhibit will feature a selection of drawings by Dr. Albert List, as well as drawings by Robin A. Jess, photographs by Rosalie Sherman, scientific collections, and living carnivorous plants. The Albert List Collection, which Rutgers acquired in 2006, is the largest collection of drawings of Pinelands plants. The exhibit will be held in the Chang Science Library, Foran Hall, 59 Dudley Road, Rutgers Cook Campus in New Brunswick. It opens on Friday, April 6, with a reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. following the opening, and runs through April 23. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission. For additional information, contact Rutgers University at (732) 932-9711, ext. 241 or log onto their web page at herbarium.rutgers.edu/pinelands. Hope you can make it! For those who want to read about this unique ecosystem, John A. McPhee's book, The Pine Barrens, remains the standard. You can find it in most New Jersey libraries or purchase a reprint edition at any major bookstore.

Two Historians Recount the Careers of Brave Men in Long Branch, New Jersey

I attended the March meeting of the Long Branch Historical Association. The guest speakers were Jim Foley, Deal historian, and Dr. Richard Fernicola, author of Twelve Days of Terror: A Definitive Investigation of the 1916 New Jersey Shark Attacks, published in 2001. Mr. Foley detailed the history of the Life-Saving Service, the predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard, listed the Life-Saving Stations located between Sandy Hook and Bay Head, and described the grueling, dangerous work involved in rescuing the passengers and crews from sinking ships. Dr. Fernicola showed a short film he and Mr. Foley had put together, using period photographs, as part of a campaign a few years ago to save the Life-Saving Station at Monmouth Beach. He described several shipwrecks that took place in the waters off of Long Branch. During the discussion that followed their presentation, Mr. Foley and Dr. Fernicola brought the audience up to date on the status of the Life-Saving Station at Takanasee Lake in Elberon. This was a fascinating presentation. If you have the opportunity to hear either or both of these speakers, do not hesitate! If you are interested in the history of Long Branch, New Jersey, consider joining the Long Branch Historical Association. I just renewed my membership. It's only $10 a year. Contact LBHA President Joe Reale for meeting schedules and membership information.

What I'm Reading

Charen, Monica Do-Gooders: How Liberals Hurt Those They Claim to Help (and the Rest of Us), Brilliance Audio Unabridged, c2004. I just finished listening to the unabridged cassette version of this book. Monica Charen names names as she recounts the unintended consequences of liberal initiatives dealing with crime, poverty, welfare, and education. No insults, no rants, just lots of revealing statistics. The book on cassette was read by Sandra Burr. Thought provoking for readers and listeners of all political persuasions, this book is extremely well written and extremely well read.