June 23, 2018 THE BARE NECESSITIES

Healthy and Happy-- That's what I say whenever I'm asked about my family--because those are the only things that TRULY matter.  As long as they are healthy and relatively happy I can breathe a sigh of relief. By healthy--I don't just mean physical health-- also mental health. Far too many people are suffering the debilitating effects of mental illness today.  Just take a look at Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Two people who seemingly had it all together. Stars in their own right with children and plenty of money.  Both SEEMED to have it all but something was STILL MISSING. Many believe that money solves everything--NO WAY. Money can't buy health or happiness.  Be thankful for your mental and physical health today. Don't take it for granted--if you see someone struggling--BE KIND--OFFER A HAND. Remember-- it's all a crapshoot--There but for the grace of God go I. 

Greer Kadetsky, one of the protagonists in Meg Wolitzer's new novel The Female Persuasion struggles to help her boyfriend when he experiences difficulty after the death of his brother by a family member. Greer and her boyfriend Cory are the brightest of the bunch. Both plan to go to ivy league schools and have a great life. Unfortunately, Greer's hippie parents haven't saved a dime so she's off to a second rate school in Connecticut called Ryland. There, she meets Zee--a lesbian ultra feminist who takes Greer to an event on campus where she meets Faith Frank--a famous champion of the Women's Rights Movement since the 1960's. After college, Cory goes to seek his fortune while Greer gets a job working for Faith--her mentor--at a foundation that raises awareness of women's issue. While working at the foundation, Greer must come to terms with many issues including her own betrayal of her friend Zee and the untimely death of Cory's little brother. Wolitzer weaves a well written story  by alternating the voices of Greer, Zee, Cory and Faith where we learn lessons about loyalty, influence, power, betrayal, ambition as well as the history and status of  women's rights today. This novel is about 460 pages --or a 6 mile run-- that explores many themes that a relevant today.