No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism Book Review

My perspective on religion (regardless of how one labels oneself) is as follows: live and let live. The only line I (proverbially) draw is when I am forced into second class citizenship or the only way I am accepted is to join the majority.

No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism, by Jared Huffman and with a forward by Jamie Raskin, was published in August. The book starts on January 6th, 2021. A member of Congress since 2012, the author argues that Christian Nationalism has the power to destroy our democracy. Having a particular loathing for freedom of religion and the separation of church and state, they would love nothing more than to turn America into a Christian theocracy.

For me, this title is a reminder that we cannot remain complacent. I completely understand that our days get busy. But if we remain silent, the window of opportunity to prevent a calamity of this nature may close before we are aware that it is open.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism is available wherever books are sold.

P.S. If you have not voted yet, please vote tomorrow. There are no excuses and you have no reason to complain if you decide to stay home. We are told that every election is important, but this one feels like it has extra weight to it.

VisionQuest Miniseries Review

Finding one’s true meaning is always a challenge.

The new MCU/DisneyPlus series, VisionQuest, is the sequel to WandaVision. After the events of the previous show, Vision (Paul Bettany) is laying low while trying to retain his humanity and memories. An enemy is seeking to use his abilities for their own ends. Among those whom he consults is an old frenemy, Ultron (James Spader). On top of this, he is seeking a young man who he believes to be one of his sons.

As a whole, the program was tempting. The problem is that I was bored. The magic that is WandaVision is missing completely.

Do I recommend it? No.

New episodes of VisionQuest are released Tuesday on DisneyPlus.

Courting Miss Lancaster Book Review

*As per my last book review of the Lancaster Family series, I am not reading in the order. I have zero control as to when the library will have copies available.

Both fear and expectations have a way of preventing us from what has been in front of us all along. Courting Miss Lancaster, by Sarah M. Eden, is the second book in the Lancaster Family series. It was published in 2010. Athena Lancaster has dreamed of entering society and finding “the one”. But the men are a continual disappointment. The only one who has not led her down the wrong path is Harry Windower, who has been designated as her guide to the marriage market.

Harry has not told Athena how he feels about her. Instead, he is purposefully introducing her to potential suitors who will fail to gain her affection. He is feeling inadequate due to his small income and an estate that is badly in need of repair. Harry knows that he has not told Athena the truth, it is just a matter of time until the truth comes out.

I am falling in love with Eden’s books with every novel of hers that I read. Her writing is wonderfully entertaining and romantic without being too flowery or overblown. Harry and Athena’s friends to lovers arc is organic, easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Courting Miss Lancaster is available wherever books are sold.

The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy Book Review

As an American, I want to believe that the proverbial guardrails that protect our government and democracy are solid. Those in power are doing what is needed to protect the country and those who live within our borders. But I know better.

The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy, but Stuart Stevens, was published in 2023. The author, a former Lincoln Project strategist, explores how Republicans are using the levers of power to gain control of the government and move away from our democratic ideals.

Given that 2026 midterms are in full swing, I believe this book to be a necessary read. Specifically with a certain person as President for another two years.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy is available wherever books are sold.

Thoughts On the Full Pride and Prejudice Netflix Trailer

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a new Jane Austen adaptation must be released every 10-20 years.

The latest small screen reboot will hit Netflix in December. Playing our iconic lovers are Emma Corrin (Elizabeth Bennet) and Jack Lowden (Fitzwilliam Darcy). Backing them up are Olivia Coleman (Mrs. Bennet), Rufus Sewell (Mr. Bennet), and Fiona Shaw (Lady Catherine De Bourgh).

What I like (based on what has been released so far) is that the focus is on the sisters. At the heart of this story is not the romance (though it would appear so on paper), it is the relationships between the Bennet family (the girls specifically). It is messy, complicated, funny at times, and feels so real.

I am also liking how the creative teams hews closely to the physical aesthetic of the period (specifically by the hair, makeup, and costume departments), that Kitty is played by a plus size actress, and that Shaw is once more playing an Austen character. Though to be fair, Mrs. Jennings and Lady Catherine are two different women entirely.

Thus far, I am withholding judgement until all six episodes are released.

Pride and Prejudice will be available for streaming on Netflix on December 3.

Flashback Friday Halloween Edition: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)

Not every Halloween movie is meant to send a chill down our spine. Some are meant to make us laugh.

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken was released into theaters in 1966. The titular Mr. Chicken, Luther Heggs, (Don Knotts) is a typesetter who professional dream is to become a reporter. Assigned to investigate a 20 year old murder/suicide, he spends the night and finds that he is not alone on the property.

I found the movie to be silly. Granted it is sixty years old, but I suppose it is of it’s time.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

RIP Patrick Stewart

There aren’t many actors who can claim to play one iconic character, much less two.

Patrick Stewart died today at the age of 86. In his legendary career, he had done it all: the stage, the small screen, and the big screen.

May his memory be a blessing. Z”l.

Throwback Thursday Halloween Edition: Paranormal Captured (2019-2021)

Where we go when our souls leave our bodies has been a question that humanity has been asking for thousands of years. But when happens when a spirit decides to stay on the earthly plain?

Paranormal Captured aired from 2019-2021. Each episode follows an alleged tale of paranormal experiences from ordinary people. Experts review the footage to confirm if it is a hoax or there is some truth to the tale.

The basic question is a tempting one. Especially with the evidence provided. Either way, it is creepy to watch and tempting to believe.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Lorne Documentary Review

In our technological ubiquitous world, there is a need to share every little detail of our lives. When we keep some information to ourselves, the mystery adds to the mystique.

The new Netflix documentary, Lorne, is a biography of Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. Notoriously private, filmmaker Morgan Neville turns to various SNL alumni, friends, and famous comedians to fill in the narrative gaps.

I enjoyed this film. It humanizes a man for whom the public knows little beyond his persona as the man who blazed a trail for comedy for 50 plus years. What I found interesting was watching him manage a program with many moving parts that could change at the drop of a hat.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Lorne is available for streaming on Netflix.

The Left Should Not Be Looking Away From the New Abdul El-Sayed Ad

In any election, mistakes are bound to happen. Which, by nature, gives the other side ammunition to hopefully turn the tide in their favor.

The new ad promoting Michigan Congressional hopeful Abdul El-Sayed is pure antisemitism.

Starts at 1:49.

The problem is two fold. From my perspective, he seems to have turned the other cheek. If the Democrats wants to take back Congress next year, this is not the way to do it. The second is that El-Sayed has the support of many prominent names on the left (including former President Obama). Their silence is deafening.

The problem with politics (in general) is that few (regardless of where they stand on various issues) is that many talk a good game. Whether they can follow their words with deeds is another story.

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