Book Review: The Woman Who Fell From The Sky

by Jennifer Steil

Broadway / Crown / Random House

Hardcover

I read this book last week. Come read my review at BookSpin And it’s one of those books that the more it marinates in my mind after the fact, the more I think about it and come up with reasons why I like it.

 

This book while a memoir, makes some valid comparisons with Yemenis society and American society. How is this possible you may say? Well, their misogyny is blatant and ours is quite covert. We like to think that we are an equal and evolved democracy but the truth is we still have a ways to go before we are totally enlightened.

 

Also, the point that the author makes over and over again regarding the illiteracy that runs rampant throughout Yemen thus enabling government corruption is something we as a people should be aware of.  There’s a growing rift in our society and it’s probably another post (or actually a series of them) but education, once thought to be accessible to all regardless of social standing or income is becoming something that only the wealthy have access to. Oh, on paper we look good, but if you delve into the details of it, the chasm is widening. Where’s the public discourse? Where’s the ethical journalistic standards and readership that once was the foundation of this country?  (the US I mean) It’s been missing for some time now and while I like to always suggest solutions to any problem I mention here, I’m not sure I have one. Not one that most of us (comfortable and instantly gratified that we are) would accept or would be willing to help put into motion.

 

I digress.

 

However, I think that’s actually my point. This book made me think of a lot of things that need to be fixed in our country. It made me pay attention and become aware. More than I was already. It also made me appreciate all of the good things we have in our country.  And I’ll have to say that, as of right now, I want to focus on what’s good. What’s happy and what I’m thankful for.

 

That’s what reading this book did for me.

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If you don’t have something nice to say…

…then don’t say anything at all. At least that is how I was raised.  Unless you were in a debate, there isn’t a point to criticizing other’s choices, etc. Is there? I mean, that’s what this country is about right? Live and let live. Obviously, not breaking any laws, but you get what I mean.

 

That’s the whole point about choice. However, I’ve come to realize that in this day and age people feel it’s their right to criticize others when they think differently. I mean, just look at how visceral the political process has become. But this isn’t a political post, although Lord knows SOMEONE needs to bring that shit up. But I won’t, not know anyway.

 

I started thinking about this when I read a post the other day from Tina at Carrots n Cake. They did a pig roast. Being of Puerto Rican descent that post brought me back to my child hood. And they looked like they were having so much fun. Fun and lighthearted with a clear disclaimer about the photos being potentially disturbing to some people. And then in the comment section all hell broke loose. Apparently, several people felt it was their right, having read and ignored the disclaimer, to go off and post a million negative comments. Ok, maybe not a million, but seriously, there were a ton of Judy McJudgerstein comments. Someone even posted that it was the Internet and thus her right to write what she wants to say. Really? (ala Seth Meyers from SNL). Seriously? Ok, so, yes, I’m a huge proponent of the 1st Amendment, but what the hell happened to common decency and manners.  I guarantee you that that girl, whoever she was, would not have said out loud the things she was able to post hiding behind her computer screen.

 

And I’m sure that this is an issue that isn’t new. But I’m just really seeing it clearly for the first time. A lot of people came to Tina’s defense (myself included) because it’s her fucking blog and she can do what she wants and should not have to suffer the crazy comments. Of course, you put yourself out there and that’s always the chance you take. However, as I said, I was always taught if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all. And there’s the rub.

 

I guess because these people subscribe to the blog they feel the right to comment regardless of how they think their comments might affect the person writing the blog. And I just think that’s wrong. Live and let live. Vegans/vegetarians aren’t going to convince people that their lifestyle is the right way by pounding it over other’s head s and demanding change.  It’s one thing to post a different opinion. It’s another to attack people because they live differently than you do or do things that you wouldn’t do.

 

That’s just my opinion. On my own blog. Fortunately for me, the three people who read this will probably agree with me.

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