Orange Is the New Black

I received an advance copy of Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman through a goodreads.com contest.

Unfortunately for Ms. Kerman, the James Frey debacle led me to approach this book more skeptically than I might have otherwise. I found the circumstances of her crime rather hard to believe, especially when she recounts a meeting with the woman who caused her downfall. During this meeting, she quotes the woman as saying, "Sort of chilly for a marg?" Who has ever shortened the word margarita as anything other than 'rita???

That aside, I was compelled by the description of her conviction and time in prison. Despite the fact that she did commit a crime, I found the fact that the criminal justice system forced her to wait six years for sentencing to fall under the category of "cruel and unusual." By the time she was sentenced and self-surrendered to prison, the mistakes of her youth were long behind her. What sense did it make to punish her then?

Even more heart-breaking was reading about the deplorable lack of services available to help the women she served time with to return to the outside world with any chance of success. It's no wonder recidivism rates are so high.

Ms. Kerman's book brings to light the lack of "corrections" in our correctional system. I would much rather see my tax dollars being used to provide training and instruction that could lead prisoners that can be rehabilitated to productive, healthy lives after their incarcerations.

Good Times

There is nothing like curling up with a good book, a warm blanket, a cup of tea and maybe a kitty or two. That's what I did yesterday while I was home nursing a nasty sinus headache.

Over the past year or so, I've discovered some authors whose work I'm really enjoying. Thought I'd share in case you are looking for a good read. If you've read any of the following, I'd love to hear your thoughts - or offer up your own suggestions!

A. Lee Martinez - I'm currently reading A Nameless Witch and loving it. What's not to love about a book with talking demonic duck? His other books look intriguing as well.

Ted Dekker - I'm currently listening to Kiss in the car and loving that too. I've read a number of his books lately (including Black, Red, White and Green) and have enjoyed them all. He has a unique imagination, that's for sure.

Shanna Swendson - The Enchanted Inc. series is nothing short of delightful. Quick, fun reads.

Carrie Bebris - So far, I've only read her series of mysteries that take place where Pride and Prejudice leave off, but I am eager to read other books she's written.

Karen Miller/K.E. Mills - I've been devouring her books. She's a great fantasy writer. One series is blood-soaked and full of violence, another has a dash of humor. Something for everyone.

Lisa Shearin - She created one of the most kick-ass female characters in Raine Benares. I've read the whole series and am looking forward to the new one coming soon.

Tanya Egan Gibson - I found How to Buy a Love of Reading in the bargain bin. Powerful and touching. Could not put it down.

Cinda Williams Chima - I recommend her for Harry Potter fans that are looking for something similar.

That's all for now. Lost is about to start! Peace out.

Held Prisoner By My ISP

I really don't know what to do.

I'm considering a change in internet service providers, but I don't want to have to change my e-mail address. That's harder to change than your mailing address!

The legislation making cell phone numbers portable from one carrier to another really helped consumers. I think Congress needs to step in and do the same for e-mail addresses.

In the mean time, I'm feeling frustrated and stuck. ARGH!

Five Random Things That Make Me Happy

- Looking at the stars

- Being appreciated

- The fact that someone finally likes my singing (I don't care if he's only 9 months old; it still counts!)

- Earning the trust of an animal

- Hazelnut coffee

The Olympics

The Winter Olympics came to a close last night, and I'm still wondering about the Olympic spirit in America. I didn't feel that much excitement about the Olympics, unlike there seemed to be while I was growing up.

Was the excitement there, and I missed it? Or are things different now that we have so many more viewing choices? Perhaps it's just easier to ignore the Olympics.

Or is our society so fragmented into liberal vs. conservative, pro-war vs. anti-war, this side of an issue vs. that side of an issue, that we can't rally as a nation any more?

Is NBC's poor coverage of the Games to blame? I could not believe the disrespect shown by the network, abruptly ending their coverage of the Closing Ceremony to lead into a new program.

I was glad to see Canada win the gold medal in men's hockey because it means more to them than it does to us. Frankly, I'm not sure winning that medal would mean anything to U.S. citizens, a far cry from the excitement over The Miracle of 30 years ago.

I believe that my parents instilled the Olympic spirit in me. When I watch the Games, I feel pride for our athletes and peace at seeing the world come together for a time. I enjoy hearing the human interest stories about various athletes and teams. My parents followed the Olympics closely this time, as they always do, giving me updates on what I missed while I was at work. My mom even took off work to watch the women's gold medal hockey game!

How about you? Did you have the Olympic spirit?