I had lost sight of Peter Tremayne’s Fidelma of Cashel (a mystery series set in 600’s A.D. Ireland).  However, I just read the newest in the series Dancing With Demons.  In it the High King of Ireland is murdered. Fidelma is called in to investigate the crime since the Assembly believes she can be objective (not ruled by clan loyalties).  This book is “painless history” at its best !  I find it fascinating to see the different customs of Ireland- they had rules for everything ! Only when a crime was truly henious (and it seems that murdering the king did not qualify), was the criminal killed (or as near as made no nevermind: they were given very short rations and sent out on a rowboat on the tide moving away from the west of Ireland).  Most criminals , and their families, were expected to work and pay the family of the wronged person for the damage caused by the crime.    The tensions between the Catholic and Pagan religions; and those between the Irish and Roman Church are once again explored in this fascinating novel.

Truth and Lies about What We Buy

While on a trip to Yuma this weekend, I listened to _Buyology:  Truth and Lies about What We Buy_ by Martin Lindstrom.  In it he explains why traditional surveys and focus groups are not helpful in determining what and why people will buy.  Rather, he says neuro-marketing – a science that looks at how the brain reacts when exposed to a new product or concept indicates the true feelings of people as they consider purchasing or not purchasing a new product.  For example one indicator was  somatic markers (sensory rememberances lodged in the body and often remembered in the non-conscious mind). These will  often make or break how a person views a product.  An example- while most people cannot recall the ”brand” or logo of Johnson and Johnson- they remember vividly (and with pleasure) the smell of Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder.  When exposed to this smell in a baby product aisle, they are more likely to purchase not only powder but other baby products.  I highly recommend this book.

Surprised by a Christian Novel

For Christmas my brother sent me a copy of The Shack by William P. Young. I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  I could tell that it was engaging me when I found myself slowing down as I read it.  When I don’t want a book to end that is what I do.  I won’t ruin the story for those of you who haven’t read it.  Basically it involves a husband and father who,  three years after a very traumatic event, is invited to spend the weekend with God.  Lots of food for thought with this one- and I imagine it drives many a “churchy” Christian nuts.

I’m Baaaack !

This is embarrassing?! After, getting such a flying start with my blog- I haven’t done a thing for a long time ! Ah well, back in the saddle again !

Three things I have really enjoyed recently: 

 Persepolis is a wonderful movie. Using illustration, it very effectively translates to the screen the autobiography of an Iranian woman which was published as a graphic novel.

 The Monk Downstairs and The Monk Upstairs by Tim Farrington are a gentle reads !  I found “Upstairs” first and read this sequel before I read the previous title (A National Book Award winner).  In it, the monk (Mike) is marrying his landlady and lover.  Mike was a cloistered Roman Catholic monk for twenty years and Rebecca is truly worried that, at forty-years-old, he will not be able to “make it”. Truth is, she may chicken out first.  Mike’s love and care for Rebecca, her eight-year-old daughter, and Rebecca’s handicapped (because of a stroke) mother, are delightful.  I can hardly wait to start “Downstairs” !  I recommend this book for people who like to read Jan Karon and Sue Monk Kidd.

Finally, I froliced all last week with people affiliated with the Arizona Aloha Festival.  I was lucky enough to meet and greet the major entertainers and spent last weekend at the Festival itself.  More about this in my next blog.