Book Worm

One of my life-long hobbies and interests is reading. I have normally got at least one book on the go, sometimes two. Because I often have my nose in a book and by definition visitors to Blogs must enjoy reading, at least to some extent, I thought I would share my reading lists with you so here goes.......

The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama

Whilst I can never claim to be a very political person, I was keen to pluck this book off the shelves around the time when Obama was being sworn in as President of the USA. I saw his acceptance speech which I must admit I watched with awe as the man seems to be such a brilliant orator. Much of the detail of his policies escaped me but I could not fault his genuine passion for his country and his new job - rather him than me I thought!

The Audacity of Hope is Obama's second book, the first one being titled "Dreams From My Father". It deals with his rise from local to national politics and covers the vast subject in very manageable chucks. Obama deals with the following topics in some depth but always with a very modest manner:

• Republicans & Democrats
• Values
• Our Constitution
• Politics
• Opportunity
• Faith
• Race
• The World Beyond Our Borders
• Family

Each chapter addresses these often sensitive and complex issues in a very interesting and logical process and indeed goes a long way towards explaining where Obama has come from and where he is likely to take the USA to.

Whatever your views on politics, the USA,, world issues etc. I would very much recommend that you read this book by a man who represents a significant time in the history of North America and most likely the world.

Damaged - Cathy Glass

In complete contrast, Cathy Glass is an English foster mother who takes on the challenge of fostering an 8 year old girl called Jodie. It transpires that Jodie has been severely mentally and physically damaged through sexual abuse inflicted on her by her parents and other adults that were in her life.

The book traces Cathy's attempts to rescue Jodie from her inner torment with the hope of offering this poor young child a life that can be described as near as possible to normal. Throughout Jodies' stay, the pain and anguish suffered by Cathy and her family are astounding as they seek to understand the damaged mind of a very young girl. Most of Jodie's activities and outburst would have exhausted the patience of any adult, no matter how much of a caring and understanding nature they had.

I soon came to the conclusion that foster carers like Cathy are angels who usually go unrecognised but perform a huge service both for the children involved and society in general. The book gives a deep and shocking insight in the previously closed world of fostering and really is a compelling and disturbing read.

I regret that I cannot report a happy ending as Jodies end up in specialist care home because her conditions and issues were so severe that they could not be dealt with in a family home. It was obvious that Jodie is never likely to lead a normal life and has had her childhood stolen by those who should have been most protective towards her.

Read it and weep is how I would best summaries a stunning and distrubing true story. The sad thing is that there are many more Jodies out there, often unrecognised until it is to late.

If any reader has read either of these books I would be delighted to hear your feedback on them.

Not before time

I was ashamed to note that it had been several weeks, if not months, since I have last poured out my views and feelings into cyberspace via this Blog. I set off many months ago with all the very best intentions which in the main have come to nothing. So, in the true spirit of those who are looking to revive their enthusiasm and motivation for that New Year resolution that fell by the wayside on 11th January and then again on the 3rd February, I offer the following words of wisdom?

The mortgage market continues to be challenging and many would say difficult. Our clients often seem to be confused, if not a little scared about what to do for the best when it comes to reviewing their mortgage arrangements. With a further cut in the base rate yesterday, some are doing very well from the savings on tracker rates but others are now looking to fix a rate on the expectation that rates will start to rise again later this year.

If the base rate continues to fall, it may not be long before lenders are paying their customers to take a mortgage out with them! The basic issue is that banks are still not lending to each other and therefore to us, despite the best efforts of Mr. Brown and Mr. Darling.

On the home front, Dylan has now passed his first birthday and continues to be a charming dog of real character. He has wandered off a couple of times recently but that is said to be his natural instinct as a hunting dog, used to chase Badgers historically I believe.

The cold spell continues to set challenges with getting about anywhere and some people I am sure are suffering far more than me from this unusual spell of weather. But there again, it could be argued what should we expect in January and February - perhaps we have just got off lightly in recent years. It certainly does not seem to indicate much global warming is going on in the UK at the moment.

One of my main interests is cricket, and in particular scoring the game whilst others swing the willow and chase the leather (that last bit could sound a little fruity I accept). I am running a course this morning - yes it's minus 4 degrees outside with snow on the ground - to train a dozen people in the art?? of scoring a cricket match. I can hear the collective sigh of boredom whenever I mention cricket scoring but I very much enjoy it and hope to pass on a few hints and tips to others today that would like to improve their scoring skills.

So, with that said, I must get ready to do battle with the highways and byways of our fair country in order to deliver this training course - I just hope that most of the delegates can get there and make the day worthwhile.

Take care during this continued bad weather and you never know, it may be less than four months before I visit this Blog venture again.