Alex Canton's Bi-lingual blog / Blog de Alex Cantón

Homophobia? / ¿Homofobia?

The etymology of concepts has always interested me, especially when a word is being coined with social purposes.

The International Day Against Homophobia was commemorated a few days ago. It is important that actions barring equal rights to people due to their sexual orientation be stopped. Though I do not think that the term is appropriate.

A phobia is an irrational fear of something. It may bring about disproportionate and uncontrollable actions. It is an "illness" well described by the World Health Organization.

What happens to people who live rejecting people due do their sexual diversity -- lesbians, homosexuals, transgender… -- is not an illness. It is a rejection, basically conscious and voluntary, that may be followed by actions well planned to undermine and punish.

The worst danger of accepting the word is that if a person commits a crime against a person that triggers the phobia, a clever lawyer may claim innocence by reason of a mental illness and get his client to walk with a big smile.

The irony is that minority groups that have coined the term may end up weaving the rope with which their protégés may be hanged.

This may seem like nonsense. Believe me; it is not.

ESPAÑOL

Siempre me ha llamado la atención la etimología de los conceptos, especialmente cuando se está buscando acuñar una palabra con fines sociales.

En estos días se conmemoró el Día Mundial Contra La Homofobia. Es importante que se luche contra la existencia del rechazo que lleve a no proveer los mismos derechos humanos -- sociales, civiles, económicos -- a cualquier minoría de nuestros congéneres.

Mas, no me parece apropiado el uso del término .

Una fobia es un miedo irracional a algo. Produce reacciones desproporcionadas y, especialmente, fuera de control. En resumen, es una y, como tal, está reconocida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

En cambio, lo que ocurre en cuanto al rechazo extremo a las personas con orientación sexual "diversa" -- homosexuales, lesbianas, transgéneros….-- no es enfermedad. Es un rechazo, básicamente consciente y voluntario, que se puede acompañar de comportamientos planificados, conscientes para castigar.

El mayor peligro de aceptar el término es que si un comete un crimen contra un homosexual, un abogado sagaz puede ampararlo bajo el concepto de enfermedad y lograr que salga absuelto.

La ironía incluida es que los grupos que han acuñado el término terminen fabricando la cuerda con que se les puede colgar.

Les podrá parecer una tontería… Créanme que no lo es.

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Where has my faith gone? / ¿Qué se hizo mi fé?

I spent this year's Lent in Los Angeles, California. By chance I decided to attend Good Friday services at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Angeles. I was concerned about the lack of attendees.

Had they travelled the same path I did?

I wish I could regain the innocent faith I had while being a child!

ESPAÑOL
Pasé la Semana Santa – Semana Mayor – en Los Angeles, California. Decidí asistir al rito del Viernes Santo en la Catedral de dicha ciudad y me llamó la atención la disminución de feligreses.

¿Les habrá ocurrido igual que a mí?
¡Ojalá pudiera recuperar la fé inocente que tenía cuando era chiquillo!

N.B.: Photo from internet / Foto de internet

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La Gran Nación Indígena / The Great Indian Nation

La turbulencia entre el gobierno de Panamá y los indígenas Ngobe-Buglé se centraron en la discusión de los planes mineros del primero y su rechazo de parte de los segundos. Y, hace unos días, los indígenas exigieron la exclusión de proyectos hidroeléctricos en su territorio y "territorios adyacentes." Se firmó, recientemente, un "acuerdo para establecer un acuerdo." En el período: 3 muertos indígenas, muchos heridos de ambas partes y un país puesto de rodillas por las tácticas de los habitantes más antiguos de la región.

Ahora se pregunta: ¿Qué hacer?

En mi opinión, parto de la premisa que los indígenas no se sienten panameños. De hecho, cuando se reúnen en foros internacionales se autodenominan miembros de la Gran Nación Indígena -- se extiende a través de todo el continente Americano. Esto es loable, pero se requiere identidad ciudadana -- panameña.

Creo que el gobierno panameño debe iniciar por establecer una campaña dirigida a crear un sentimiento de pertenencia ciudadana entre los indígenas de todas las etnias en Panamá. Mientras no se haga será muy difícil que realmente tengan ellos y el gobierno muchos intereses en común.

Como siempre, los políticos están tratando de pescar en río revuelto.

ENGLISH

There has been much turbulence between the Panamanian government and the Ngobe-Buglé Indians during the past twelve months. Mining rights were waved as the culprit. And to make matters worse the Indians demand hydroelectric projects to be included in their land and "adjacent areas." In this period three Ngobe-Buglés were killed and many were wounded on both sides. Add to this a country paralyzed due to the tactics of the oldest inhabitants of the region.
The question now is: What can be done?
In my opinion, I speak from the premise that our Indians do not feel Panamanian. In fact, when they attend international forums they identify themselves as members of the Great Indian Nation -- it extends throughout the whole American Continent. This is laudable, though citizen identity is required -- Panamanian.
I think that the Panamanian Government should start a program intended to install a feeling of national belonging to Panama among all indigenous ethnic groups in the country. Otherwise, it may be very difficult for them and the Panamanian counterparts to have many shared interests.
As always, politicians are fishing in troubled waters

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Cuando los intereses no son compartidos/ No shared interests

Cortesìa de Internet

¿Exigir que no se construyan hidroelèctricas? Mi electricidad subiò 25% en Enero... '12... tenemos la electricidad entre las màs caras del mundo... para los que consumen 450+ watts/mes. Los indìgenas consumen muchìsimo menos; por lo tanto, no les interesa. Puedo estar de acuerdo con lo de la no minerìa en su comarca, pero no lo demàs...

ENGLISH

Demand that hydroelectric sites be banned in Ngobe-Buglè territory in Panama? My electric bill increased 25% in January '12... Our electricity bills are among the highest in the world... for all who consume more than 450 watts/month. The indians do not consume as much; therefore, they do not care. I can accept the prohibition of mining in their territories, but not this new demand.

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Cuando lo que menos interesa es el país When the country isn`t important..

Muchos políticos nos ponían a Singapur como ejemplo de desarrollo. Singapur ha avanzado y lo sé porque lo he visitado recientemente. Mas el pueblo de dicho país es diferente a nosotros y, de alguna forma, han aceptado el estilo paternalista-dictatorial de su gobierno. De hecho, se le conoce como el “nanny state” – Estado Niñera.

Los Ngobe-Buglè nos están enseñando a no ser un pueblo pasivo-agresivo. Nos están señalando que pudieron poner al país de rodillas... con agresividad psicológica-económica.

Hay que ser asertivo, no agresivo a extremos. Aunque hay que recordar que el derecho del individuo termina donde empieza el derecho del vecino. Me parece que todos debemos aprender esto y ponerlo en práctica. ¿Cómo terminará todo este enredo? Ni idea... Lo que sí sé es que aquello de que "Panamá es el destino turístico No. 1 del mundo en este momento" dejará de tener validez.

Para terminar, desgraciadamente, ni los indios se sienten panameños ni los panameños los consideran co-nacionales. Por eso no hay muchos intereses en pro del bien común. Los Gunas llaman a Panamá "el país." No sé cómo nos llamarán los Ngobe-Buglé.
ENGLISH
Once again the Panamanian government is on an aggressive face-to-face with the inhabitanats of the Ngobe Buglè indians. I have no doubt that there is a hidden agenda written by persons or national or international groups trying to defend their own interests -- I`ve spotted too many non-Panamanians among the protesters.
I am very concerned about a comment in CNN En Español in which it was said that Panama's President, with his extreme right politics, is the second most dangerous president in the region after Nicaragua's Ortega. And the concept of an extreme right dictatorship was suggested.

Many of our polititians mentioned Singapur as our development goal. Singapur has boomed. Nevertheless, it is a very different country from Panama, and its inhabitants have accepted the paternalistic-dictatorial type of government. In fact, it is known as a "nanny state."
The Ngobe Buglé have taught us not to be a passive-aggresive counry. And they went as far as demonstrating that they could humilliate the country, made us their hostages... with psychological and economical tactics.
There is the need to be assertive, though not extremely aggresive. And we must remember that an individual human right ends where the neighbour's rights begin. How will all this end? I have no idea. What I do know is that the New York Time's announcement of Panama as the best tourist destination at the moment will have no validity.
Sadly, our indians do not consider themselves Panamanians and neither do Panamanians consider them as such. That's why the Guna group refers to Panama as "the country." I do not know how we are refered to by the Ngobe-Buglè.

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The Girl Who Tweaked Two Lions’ Tails -- A Review

The Girl Who Tweaked Two Lions’ Tails by Pierre Van Rooyen

Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari

The image of a young girl “talking down” a lion sets the tone for the intensity of this wonderful African story by Pierre Van Rooyen.

The geographical descriptions are vivid, and the plight of the survivors of an airplane crash in the Zambezi Valley is so compelling that I must admit feeling physically tired by the end of the survival quest.

A quote from the novel tells us what kept the group bound together under the leadership of a very special teenager: “…in Africa, where white, black, pink, yellow, brown are thrown together cheek by jowl, the races have to work together peaceably and in harmonious accord if they are to achieve anything worthwhile together.

Van Rooyen is also the author of Saturdays are Gold, another African adventure I enjoyed very much. I am definitely a follower of this writer.

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Will You Love Me Tomorrow by Danny Gillan -- A review

Will You Love Me Tomorrow by Danny Gillan

Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari

The author decided to start each chapter with a few lines of Bryan Rivers’ songs. This enabled me to construct an image of this composer/performer, bringing him “to life.”

What kept me glued to the story was the parallelism I found with the struggle of any creative artist. Creative writers always dream of being discovered by someone who will impulse them high among the starts. Though it seems that timing is crucial.

Gillan has written a story that must be read by all who create while dreaming of success. Of course, the definition of the term will find surprising interpretations throughout.

One final lesson is that success – or failure – always touches those who interact with the artist.

http://www.amazon.com/Will-You-Love-Tomorrow-ebook/dp/B005GAC6M4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327243149&sr=8-2

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"Take No More" -- Review

Review by Alex Canton-Dutari

Murder thrillers are not always my favourite subjects, except when the plot is very well elaborated and maintains a fast pace. Add to this good Queen’s English, which is the case in this novel.

“Take No More” transported me to the likes of a “CSI International” TV show. No doubts about its believability.

Now, on an editorial comment, I am very curious about some technical aspects or, I dare to call, punctuation liberties. For example, ‘ was used instead of “ in the dialogues. A long _____ replaced the … when writing an open sentence. Many grammar glitches appeared which makes me think that editing was rather rushed or done by just one person whose gestalt process got in the way.

I enjoyed Seb’s book. The editing did him no justice.

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Magical Thinking / Pensamiento Mágico

This Izora bonsái was planted 6 years ago when Dieguito was born. It has never bloomed.... Now It seems that it will... I'll use some magical thinking: If it blooms by New Year's Eve 2012 I'll finish my new book... if not.......

ESPAÑOL

Este bonsái de tipo Izora lo sembré cuando nació Dieguito, hace seis años, y nunca ha florecido. Parece que el evento está a punto de ocurrir. Recurriré al "pensamiento mágico": Si florece para el Año Nuevo 2012 terminaré el libro que estoy haciendo.... si no se da el evento.....

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Happy Hannuka / Feliz Hannuka

Happy Hannukah.... my grandchildren are learning to play with the Dreidl... and it's fun!

Dreidle / pirinola

At the same time, they'll get their Xmas presents.... works out fine for them! Then, grandfather writing a "sexy book," Oh, boy!

ESPAÑOL

Felicidades en la Festividad de las Luces.... Mis nietos están aprendiendo a jugar con el Dreidle, o pirinola. Además, recibirán los juguetes de Navidad. Encima, el abuelo está escribiendo un libro "sexy." ¡Tremenda combinación!

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Non presence vs absence / No presencia vs ausencia

As Winter Solstice approaches so many social events take place -- Christmas, Hannuka, New Year -- that tradition dictatates should be a clan or family celebration.

As the years have gone by and my set of hair becomes more frail and less dense, so has the number of members of my family. All are missed during the gatherings.

Nevertheless, a few days ago I experienced something quite unique. It happened during my mother-in-law's 96 birthday celebration. My immediate family was present -- three sons, daughters-in-law and my grandchildren. In due time, we all gathered around Tita's birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday. It was a happy moment, especially when the children decided not to complete blowing the birthday candle and allowed their great-grandmother to do it.

I was taking the birthday picture when suddenly I felt a weight on my chest, and a longing. It downed on me that Emita was not present. The awareness produced an almost physical pain.

Since my wife died I have always felt her absence. I just realized that her not being present has a different meaning.
And, definitely, there will be moments when I wish she were making up a menu, greeting every new arrival with a smile... telling me what to do.
Yes, feeling her absence I can rationalize. Feeling her non-presence I can hardly get used to; it is such a shame that this happens in a happy season.
http://www.amazon.com/Her-Peaceful-Sleep-Doc-ebook/dp/B0050VK9TQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323999458&sr=1-1
ESPAÑOL
El solsticio de invierno se acerca acompañado de eventos que conocemos -- Navidad, Hannuka, Año Nuevo. La tradición lo celebra en reunión familiar o de clan.

En la medida en que los años han pasado y mi cabello se ha hecho menos denso y abundante, igual ha ocurrido con el número de miembros de la familia. A todos se les extraña durante estos eventos.

Hace unos días experimenté algo especial. Ocurrió durante la celebración del cumpleaños 96 de mi suegra. La familia cercana estaba presente -- tres hijos, tres nueras y los nietos. A su momento nos reunimos alrededor del pastel de cumpleaños de Tita para cantar el Feliz Cumpleaños. Fue un momento divertido, especialmente cuando notamos que los niños no corrieron a apagar la velita, y permitieron que la bisabuela lo hiciera.

Yo estaba tomando las fotos del momento cuando repentinamente sentí un peso en mi pecho acompañado de una añoranza especial. Caí en cuenta que Emita no estaba presente. La realización me produjo un dolor casi físico.

Desde que mi esposa falleció siempre he sentido su ausencia. Mas, descubrí que no contar con su presencia tiene un significado diferente. Y, definitivamente, habrá momentos en que quisiera que estuviera presente preparando un menú, dándole a bienvenida a los comensales, diciéndome qué me toca hacer.

Sí, puedo racionalizar su ausencia. Aunque experimentar su no presencia es algo a lo que no me puedo acostumbrar. Lástima que esto ocurra durante una época que debe ser de alegría.

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To publish or not to publish / ¿Publicar o no publicar?

It seems that traditional paper books are on the way out and e-books are replacing them.
With the former, the authors had to try to convince publishers to consider their books, which was not easy to do. Though,when it worked, a nice advance payment was a great positive reinforcement. The latter has allowed the authors to by-pass traditional publishers and publish their works directly in places such as Kindle, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords.
I will not go into the advantage or disadvantages of the end product -- most readers complain about general quality of self-published authors' works.
Those who want to self-publish or decide to go through a middleman -- the small publishing companies -- find themselves needing to do most of the marketing. This means that the author has to become a businessman in order to sell his wares successfully.
In Panama we have to practically "peddle" our books from bookstore to bookstore, unless one is successful enough to have them "approved" by the Ministry of Education, which will allow teachers to recommend them to their students.
Will all the above said, I now ask myself: Do I really want to write and publish for a profit? I guess I would. Though, can I do all the marketing by myself. Hardly. How to solve the connundrum? I wish I knew.

ESPAÑOL

Todo parece indicar que los libros en su versión de papel están en vía de extinción, siendo reemplazados por los libros en-línea (e-books). Con los primeros los autores tenían que convencer a las editoras tradicionales para que aceptaran publicar sus libros. Algunas pagaban un adelanto que resultaba ser un buen refuerzo positivo. En la nueva modalidad los autores pueden obviar las editoras tradicionales y publicar sus manuscritos directamente en el formato moderno en lugares como Amazon Kindle, Nook, Smashwords y otros.

No voy a analizar las ventajas y desventajas de cada modalidad. Aunque debo señalar que muchos lectores se quejan de la calidad de los libros publicados en-línea -- gramática, puntuación y demás.
Aquellos que desean auto-publicar con la ayuda de un mediador -- pequeñas editoriales -- se encuentran con tener que hacer casi todo el mercadeo. Esto significa que el autor debe adoptar el papel de comerciante para vender su mercancía con buenos resultados.
En Panamá tenemos prácticamente que ir de librería en librería, a menos que se haya podido obtener la nota de "recomendación" del Ministerio de Educación, que permite que los educadores recomienden el libro a sus alumnos.
Ante todo lo anterior yo me pregunto: ¿Quiero escribir con fines lucrativos? Me parece que sería lo ideal.
Aunque no me veo haciendo de vendedor. ¿Cómo resolver este enredo? Ojalá lo supiera.

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Discrimination behind fear / La discriminación encubre el miedo

I watched Anderson Cooper's 360° program on CNN. A day after the conmemoration of AIDS World Day he announced that a 13 years old student was not allowed to register in Milton Herschey School. The "official" excuse: He carries the HIV virus and, therefore, is a health threat to the [school] community.
The American with Disabilities Act included HIV/AIDS among the ailments protected. The school seems to be going completely against this act.
An interesting point: Most people with HIV/AIDS in the US are under retroviral treatment, which reduces the transmission rate to close to 3%, according to Cooper during unprotected sex -- 97% chances of no transmision to a non-infected partner.
It seems to me that all the above just points to the ingrained fear many well-educated people, apparently including the physicians who were consulted by the school before reaching their now famous conclusion. I am convinced that there is still much work to be done in our communities, at all levels, to erase the shadow of death by HIV.

To conclude, discrimination comes in many shades. Even in a leading society such as the U.S.

ESPAÑOL
Anoche ví el programa de Anderson Cooper, 360°, en CNN. Esto fue un día después del la conmemoración del Día Mundial del SIDA. Anderson anunció que la Milton Herschey School había negado la matrícula de un joven de 13 años infectado por el VIH. La excusa "oficial": Al portar el virus del VIH el muchacho se convierte en un peligro de salud [pública] comunitaria-escolar.
Hay una ley muy importante en los Estados Unidos -- American with Disabilities Act -- incluyó el VIH/SIDA entre las enfermedades protegidas. La escuela dictaminó totalmente en contra de esta orden federal.
Para empeorar las cosas, la mayoría de la gente viviendo con el VIH/SIDA en los Estados Unidos está en tratamiento anti-retroviral, el cual disminuye la rata de transmisión a 3% durante sexo sin protección, de acuerdo con Cooper -- 97% posibilidades de no transmitir la infección.
Me parece que todo lo anterior ilustra el miedo quasi visceral entre muchas personas educadas, aparentemente incluyendo hasta los médicos que fueron consultados por la escuela antes de dar su veredicto. Yo estoy convencido de que aún queda mucho que hacer en todos los niveles de nuestras comunidades para quitar el velo de muerte por el VIH.
En conclusión, la discriminación viene bajo muchas formas.

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Thanksgiving Thankfulness / Agradecimientos del Día de Acción de Gracias

For more than a century Panama has slowly adopted some US traditions, one of them being Halloween -- which is discouraged at the time -- the other being Thanksgiving. Panamanian culturalists frown on both celebrations, as they are not native to this country. Well, neither is Christmas, which is celebrated as "yankeely" as possible sans the snow.
Still, with the passing of the years in this earth I have finally accepted that I must thank "someone" or "something" for being around. I cannot say that I was popped out of my mother's womb for a purpose, as so many people tend to believe.

But today I can be thankful for having had a life full of experiences -- tragical and joyous. These are allowing me to engage in creative writing in such a way that I realize I hope to be around for some time to share bits of my life intermingled with all the fantasy my mind is able to concoct.

ESPAÑOL

My dad's carrying me//
Me carga mi papá

Durante más de un siglo Panamá ha ido adoptando algunas tradiciones gringas, una de ellas es Halloween y la otra es el Día de Acción de Gracias o Halloween. Defensores de la cultura panameña condenan estas celebraciones por no ser originalmente del patio. Tampoco lo es la Navidad, la cual es celebrada tan "gringamente" como en gringolandia, sin la nieve.

Con el paso de los años en este mundo he llegado a la conclusión de que no salí del útero de mi madre para cumplir un propósito especial. Pero puedo dar gracias por una vida llena de experiencias, tanto trágicas como alegres. Éstas me están permitiendo escribir de tal forma que espero poder estar en esta tierra por algún tiempo para compartir escenas de mi vida mezcladas con la fantasía que a mi mente se le ocurra.

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Political Correctness? / ¿Políticamente correcto?

There was an inquiry in Book Junkies not long ago. My colleague wants to write a book set in the '60s and was not sure if she could use the words "fag" or "queer." In other words, she was very concerned about not "insulting" or demeaning anyone through her written words. She wanted to be "politically correct."
In my opinion, this so-called "politically correctness" is not necessarily synonymous of the concept of equality so much in vogue today. I have read many an article using the "correct" words but sending the most demeaning and insensitive messages possible.
Back to writing, my personal opinion is that when one is setting the story in a particular age, the dialogue should be exactly as it was used. Not doing so will make the scene completely unbelievable.
Do you know that a white South African residing in the US is, technically, Afro-American? I remember that this was commented to a white, South African Miss Universe. Her reaction was politically correct but not pleased.
I believe it is the intention of the author of the words and not the words themselves what turnes them either demeaning, or endearing.
I'll just try to write "correctly" and forget about the political bit.

ESPAÑOL
Una colega de Book Junkies manifestó que quería escribir un libro con un tema ubicado en los años 60 y no estaba muy segura si debía utilizarlas palabras "cueco" o "marica." Estaba muy preocupada por no insultar o devaluar a los lectores homosexuales. Quería mantenerse "políticamente correcta."
En mi opinión, la importación del concepto norteamericano de "corrección política" no es necesariamente sinónimo de "igualdad" tan en boga en nuestros días. He leído muchos artículos con términos "políticamente correctos" pero totalmente insensibles y degradantes.
De vuelta a la palabra escrita, mi opinión personal es que si la trama se ubica en una época especial, el diálogo debe ceñirse a la misma. No hacerlo reduciría la credibilidad.
¿Saben ustedes que una persona blanca, Sur Africana, residente en los Estados Unidos de América es, técnicamente, Afro-Americana? Recuerdo que esto se le comentó a una Miss Universo de Sur Africa, blanca. Su reacción fue políticamente correcta pero no cómoda ante el hecho.
Creo que la intención del autor de las palabras y no las palabras en sí es lo que las convierte en degradantes o agradables.
Yo trataré de escribir "correctamente," y olvidarme del aspecto político.

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Ghost Stories and The Unexplained by Emily Hill

Ghost Stories and The Unexplained by Emily Hill
Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari

I read these short stories with interest, as they did make me recall some incidents I could relate to, personally. Just to make sure, I read the whole book twice.

Curiously, two things caught my attention. First, the family biography, especially the mother and grandmother's apparent mental disarray. Second, why is it mentioned in most ghost stories that ghosts have to announce their presence with the sounds of dragging chains? This bit makes a particular story a bit suspect.

Nevertheless, I found the collection of stories entertaining and needing a touch of editing here and there.

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In Search of Lucy by Lia Fairchild

available in: English (original) | French | Italian

In Search of Lucy by Lia Fairchild

Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari
There are books that are non-stoppers. Well, this is not one of them. It is one of those who you read at ease but looking forward to return to.

I was intrigued by how the author would balance the main character's ambivalence towards her sister, who physically needed her, and the physiological and psychological requirements to be a live organ donor. My opinion is that Ms. Fairchild worked it out well enough; though, in real life the dynamics of organ donation is not as flexible.

The parallel love story was enjoyable and believable, as well as the real support from friends.

I would set this novel as a psychological thriller, adding organ donations as tags.

A bit of re-editing to correct minor details such as "altar" rather than "alter," "giver her 'a' call" rather than "give her call" would be worthwhile. And there are a few acronyms that were not explained, such as ADHD…

I look forward to reading more by Ms. Fairchild.

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The Thief of Todays and Tomorrows by Susan Wells Bennett

available in: English (original) | French

The Thief of Todays and Tomorrows by Susan Wells Bennett

Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari

I am a fan of this author, and I cannot but remain in awe at her imagination and ability to insert the reader into her story by the use of narrative in first and third person.

In plain everyday English Ms Bennett conveys what it must be like to live with permanent guilt, regardless of its real cause, and is abl...e to put the soul at peace throughout time.

I was hit by the following words: "Sometimes, late at night, I have the strongest urge to crawl into someone else's bed just to feel their warmth against me." I understood what "The Thief of Todays and Tomorrows" was all about. At my age, this story made much sense.

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Of Beta Reads, Opinions and such / Opiniones y edición

available in: English (original) | Italian | German | Portuguese

martes 11 de octubre de 2011

Of Beta Reads, Opinions and such / Opiniones y edición

No aspiring author should rush to publish. Beta reads are important. Of course, this is the ideal situation though it does not quite work out this way.

Most of the authors I have been meeting since I joined Book Junkies have already published, and many have received not-so-good reviews. And, though it is true that many do have to improve, there is a small number that may be suffering from lack of literary knowledge by their critics.
For example, an author may be from a particular region in the US, where not only English is spoken in a particular way but, on top, sub-regionalistic parlance is common. Someone not awareof this may say that the author has to improve his knowledge of English.
There is a general rule, and this I learned when I read "To Kill a Mockingbird," where the dialogues are very regional: The narrator must narrate with the correct grammar, though the dialogues may be written as the character speaks.

The same applies to authors writing in any language-as-a-second language, though in this case there may be mix-ups between puctuation and phrase construction slipping from one language to the other.

My recommendation to authors is always to try to identify the location of the critic. Location may skew the appraisal, as well as previous knowledge of the particular characeristics of the story.

ESPAÑOL

Me parece que todos los autores noveles deben acostumbrarse a que se les revisen sus manuscritos. Especialmente ahora que se están publicando en formato de e-libros, que pueden ser modificados post-publicación.

Gracias a esta nueva modalidad están apareciendo muchos críticos, no tanto sobre estilo pero sí sobre vocabulario. Aunque debo admitir que está ocurriendo más entre Anglo parlantes. Se está criticando mucho el uso de regionalismos en los diálogos, en algunas instancias sugiriendo que el autor no conoce su idiioma, cuando es el crítico el que no lo conoce.

La regla general es que la narración debe utilizar la gramática correcta. Es en los diálogos donde se permite la libertad de utilizar los regionalismos. Si ponemos a un personaje panameño de 15 años a hablar como un español de la misma edad, y la escena se desarrolla en Panamá, tendríamos un resultado poco convincente.

Mi recomendación es que los autores traten de ubicar el origen geográfico de sus críticos. En muchas ocasiones las críticas negativas se dan por falta de conocimiento de los mismos.

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Recorded history vs Urban Leyends / Historias reales vs. Leyendas Urbanas

available in: English (original) | Italian

During Panama´s International Book Fair, which was held between August 24-28, many people were intrigued by my novel "Remember...in your dreams?"
The main curiosity centered around why did I try to remember anecdotes from a century ago leading up to recent events that occurred in my family and in my country.

The answer was simple. I believe that what is not recorded in writing turns into "urban leyends" which may be misinterpreted or apostatised as they grow older.

Some of the remembrances were painful; some were cheerful. But they are all true.

Jóvenes del Círculo de Lectura de Pananmá luego de aduirir un libro para comparatir.

And I hope that every family has a member interested in recording history.

ESPAÑOL

Durante la reciente Feria Internacional del Libro de Panamá muchas personas me hicieron preguntas sobre la temática histórica de "¿Recuerdas... en tus sueños?" En este libro le narro a mis nietos datos históricos tanto de nuestra familia como de Panamá.

Las preguntas giraban alrededor de "¿por qué escribir crónicas de la familia?"

La respuesta es simple. Estoy convencido de que lo que no se escribe se convierte en "leyendas urbanas," que se pueden malinterpretar o convertirse en ápócrifos a medida que pasa el tiempo.

Algunos de los recuerdos fueron dolorosos; otros fueron divertidos. Pero todos son ciertos.

Espero que cada familia tenga un miembro interesado en recopilar por escrito crónicas de la misma.

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The etymology of concepts has always interested me, especially when a word is being coined with social purposes.

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The Girl Who Tweaked Two Lions’ Tails by Pierre Van Rooyen

Review by Alex Canton-Dutari Murder thrillers are not always my favourite subjects, except when the plot is very well elaborated and maintains a fast pace. Add to this good Queen’s English, which is the case in this novel.

This Izora bonsái was planted 6 years ago when Dieguito was born. It has never bloomed.... Now It seems that it will... I'll use some magical thinking: If it blooms by New Year's Eve 2012 I'll finish my new book... if not.......

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Happy Hannukah.... my grandchildren are learning to play with the Dreidl... and it's fun!

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martes 11 de octubre de 2011

Of Beta Reads, Opinions and such / Opiniones y edición

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Review by Alex Canton-Dutari

Murder thrillers are not always my favourite subjects, except when the plot is very well elaborated and maintains a fast pace. Add to this good Queen’s English, which is the case in this novel.