Abuse of Discretion by Pamela Samuels Young

Genre: Adult Thriller, Suspense

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

We are constantly hearing of students getting into trouble with social media. Every year at the beginning of the school year we show our students a training video about the proper use of technology. How it is not to be used for bullying or sexting. 

This author tackles this issue in a manner that parents really need to understand.  Graylin Alexander is a very good student.  Someone has sent him a naked picture of one of his classmates. Before he can show it to anyone or tell anyone about it he is summoned to the principal’s office where he finds the police waiting to question him.  His parents have trained him well. Even though he repeatedly tells them he is not supposed to talk with them without a parent present they continue to question him. He is promptly arrested.

As much as he is pressured to take a plea deal, he refuses. This is one tough kid. He is not going to go down for something he didn’t do.  His lawyer is determined to find out the truth. Along with this issue his lawyer’s team has just added Angela Evans.  These two attorney’s have issues of their own. However, they are determined to work together to figure out a solution to Graylin’s legal problems. 

I loved this book which kept me reading non-stop. Because lawyer Angela Evans’ boyfriend is facing issues from his past, and was mentioned because of the even that took place in the author’s previous book I had to go back and read that book as well.  You won’t be disappointed in this author’s work. I’ve managed to convince two of my teachers to try out this new to them series.  I love finding new authors and this is one I recommend.

Other books in the Dre Thomas Series

Buying Time

Anybody’s Daughter

About the Author

Pamela Samuels Young is an attorney and award-winning author of eight mystery novels. Her most recent courtroom drama, Abuse of Discretion, tackles a troubling sexting case that gives readers a shocking look inside the juvenile justice system.

Her thriller, Anybody’s Daughter, won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction and was a Top Ten pick by In the Margins, the best books for at-risk teens. Pamela formerly worked as Managing Counsel, Labor and Employment Law, for Toyota and spent several years as a television news writer and associate producer. The former journalist and retired lawyer is also a natural hair enthusiast and the author of Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide.

Pamela received her bachelor’s degree from USC and also earned graduate degrees from Northwestern University and UC Berkeley School of Law. The Compton native is a frequent speaker on the topics of child sex trafficking, online safety, fiction writing, and pursuing your passion.

To read excerpts of Pamela’s books, visit www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com. Pamela loves book clubs! To invite her to your book club meeting via Skype, Facebook Live, FaceTime, Zoom, speakerphone or in person, visit her website at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.

Guest Post - Berit Brogaard

What Drives Romantic Attraction?

Here's a dream scenario: No more awkward first dates. If you are single and hoping not to be, you can fill out a detailed questionnaire and submit the information to a database containing similar information from other relationship seekers. A computational algorithm then determines how well you match with others in terms of your personality  and what you are looking for in a potential partner. Once you have been matched with another person, all you need to do is arrange a date and go from there.

If this scenario sounds familiar, that's no coincidence: Many online dating sites provide at least some primitive version of the above scenario. People seeking relationships supply first-person insight into their personality and what they are seeking in a partner. They are then matched on the basis of this self-reported data.

As anecdotal evidence suggests, this approach can be successful. People do, occasionally, find love using online dating services.

However, the success of such services is unlikely to be a result of algorithms calculating who will be a good match for each other based on self-reports. In a recent study, published in Psychological Science in August 2017, scientists tested this sort of approach to dating and found that self-reports of personality from potential partners do not predict attraction.

The team, led by psychologist Samantha Joel of the University of Utah, asked volunteers to fill out questionnaires about their own personality traits and the traits they would like in a potential partner. The researchers then arranged four-minute, face-to-face speed dates and collected subsequent feedback about how attracted people were to their predicted matches during these brief encounters.

The researchers found that people were no more likely to be attracted to predetermined matches than they were to non-matches. 

The study methodology had well-known limitations: It only allowed for testing of initial attraction, not an attraction that may emerge from repeated encounters. Further, it followed the existing online dating strategy of relying on self-reports to determine personality and the traits one would like to see manifested in a potential partner. The first limitation is not necessarily a methodological flaw, as long as we draw a sharp line between initial attraction and longer-term attraction/romantic love. The second, however, is problematic. We are often very bad judges of our own personality and the traits we want others to possess. This limitation could have been avoided to some extent by using more sophisticated measures of personality and partner preference; for instance, by relying on third-person perspectives from family members, co-workers, and friends.

If this common dating approach fails, however, it raises the question of whether there might be other ways to predict who may be successful romantic partners. Information about personality by itself is unlikely to help predict good long-term matches. But a combination of feature-matching and behavioral modification—that is, teaching people how to remain attractive to as well as attracted to their partners—may hold some promise. 

Independent studies have found that long-term attraction and romantic love are more likely to occur when the attributes that generate attraction in general, together with certain social factors and circumstances that spark passion, are particularly strong.

Here are 11 features that together provide a decent indicator of who you will click with over the long term (Aron, et al. 1989):

1. Similarity. The similarity of people’s belief sets and, to a lesser extent, the similarity of their personality traits and ways of thinking.

2. Propinquity. Familiarity with the other, which can be caused by spending time together, living near the other, thinking about the other, or anticipating interaction with the other.

3. Desirable Characteristics. Outer physical appearance that is found desirable and, to a lesser extent, desirable personality traits.

4. Reciprocal Liking. When the other person is attracted to you or likes you, that can increase your own liking.

5. Social Influences. The potential union satisfying general social norms, and acceptance of the potential union within one’s social network, can contribute to people falling in love. Or, if a union does not satisfy general social norms or is not accepted by one’s social network, this can result in people falling out of love.

6. Filling Needs. If a person can fulfill needs for companionship, love, sex, or mating, there is a greater chance that the other person will fall in love with him or her.

7. Arousal/Unusualness. Being in an unusual or arousing environment can spark passion, even if the environment is perceived as dangerous or spooky (Dutton & Aron, 1974).

8. Specific Cues. A particular feature of the other may spark a particularly strong attraction; for instance, parts of their body or facial features.

9. Readiness. The more you want to be in a relationship, the lower your self-esteem and the more likely you are to fall in love.

10. Isolation. Spending time alone with another person can contribute to a development of passion.

11. Mystery. Some degree of mystery surrounding the other person, as well as uncertainty about what the other person thinks or feels, or when he or she may initiate contact, can also contribute to passion.

As the list makes clear, many of the factors that determine whether people should connect romantically are circumstantial or a result of how people behave in courtships and relationships. While it may be possible for modern technology to determine partner matches by relying not just on personality, but also on people's particular circumstances, no such algorithm can provide us with the skills necessary to maintain a relationship that is both healthy and exciting. These types of relationship skills may need to be acquired through long-term practice and training.

References

Aron A, Dutton DG, Aron, EN, Iverson, A. (1989) “Experiences of Falling in Love”, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships August 6, 3: 243-257.

Dutton, D.G., & Aron, A.P. (1974). “Some Evidence for Heightened Sexual Attraction Under Conditions of High Anxiety”, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 30 (4), 510-517.

Joel S, Eastwick, P, Finkel, E. "Is Romantic Desire Predictable? Machine Learning Applied to Initial Romantic Attraction," Psychological Science. Published online August 30, 2017.

“Brit” is a Professor of Philosophy with joint appointments in the Departments of Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Miami as well as the Network for Sensory Research at the University of Toronto. Her educational background includes a medical degree in neuroscience and a doctorate in philosophy. Her areas of research include perception, synesthesia, blindsight, consciousness, neuro-psychiatry and emotions.

Brit has written over 75 peer-reviewed articles, some three hundred popular articles on neuroscience and health issues and two books: Transient Truths (Oxford) and On Romantic Love (Oxford). She is currently finishing a third book with Oxford entitled Seeing and Saying as well as working on another book for popular press.

Her work has been featured in various public media, including Nightline, ABC News, the Huffington Post, Fox News, MSNBC, Daily Mail, Modesto Bee, and Mumbai Mirror. She is also an editor of the international peer-reviewed philosophy journal Erkenntnis and was the first female President of the Central States Philosophical Association. Brit has fear-color/texture/shape/motion synesthesia. She has recently co-authored a book with Kristian Marlow, The Superhuman Mind, based in part on research at the lab.

Lab page:

http://www.brogaardlab.com/

My blog:

Psychology Today Mysteries of Love:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mysteries-love

My blog:

Psychology Today The Superhuman Mind:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-superhuman-mind

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/superhumanmind/

Links to books:

The Superhuman Mind

https://www.amazon.com/Superhuman-Mind-Free-Genius-Brain/dp/1594633681

On Romantic Love

https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Love-Complex-Emotion-Philosophy/dp/0199370737

My website:

https://sites.google.com/site/brogaardb/home

Snake Island by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source: I purchased a copy.

Rod Campbell loves going to his grandfather's farm with his friends to tube down the river. As they float past Snake Island they talk about the different stories they have heard.  It seems to be that every generation of boys needs to spend the night on Snake Island to prove they aren't scared. Few make it the whole night.  Rod and his friends, Mark, Terry and Ken decide before the summer is over they are going to do just that. The trick is they must convince their parents to let them.

Rod's grandfather has offered to pull his boat down to the river  and  to cart their stuff down with his tractor  Before they go Rod hears the island was originally called Hobo Island. He spends days at the library learning all about the hobos, their lifestyle and the island. He has a run in with Mr. Paterson. Everyone around town talks about what a hero he was in the war, and how great he was in high school. Then they talk about how the war changed him.  He warns Ken about the island.  Rod learns that things were buried on the island. He and his friends go to the island with a metal detector and find a silver box with coins and metals. They divide things up.  Then they make final plans to spend the night on the island. They begin by eating with Rod's grandpa and he tells them old scary stories about the island.  Once on the island they set up camp and tell their own ghost stories.  Later on they hear a noise and go to find out what is going on. What they see terrifies them. They see crazy Mr. Paterson bury something in a hole.  They are so scared they leave the island and spend the night back in Rod's grandfather's barn.

A few days later a body is found on the island.  But are things really what they seem? Did the boys witness the killer burying the body?

I absolutely loved this book. It kept me on my toes. I kept wondering what the boys would find on the island. Then I wondered what kind of danger they would find themselves in. One thing about this author's books is that they are not only filled with adventure, but also have some sort of mystery to them. This is a must read book.

Stop the Slip: Reducing Slips, Trips and Falls by Thom Disch

Genre: Non-fiction

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

When I was asked to read and review this book I said yes not because this is a topic I just can’t get enough of. I said yes because my mother who lives with us has had several falls.  Two years ago  she fell  just three days after I got home from a rehab facility where I had been recuperating from double knee replacement.  The root that tripped her was smaller than one-eighth inch in diameter.

According to the author falls are often seen as humorous, until it happens to you. Studies show that there are more falls among the young due to the fact that the older people try to be more careful because of the high risk of injury.

The author also gave excellent advice for reducing the risk of falls and injuries.  Footwear has been one of the major causes of slips. People prefer to look fashionable instead of worrying about safety by wearing shoes that may be less fashionable and yet safer.

The author not only gives us authentic situations in which we can see ourselves and others. He gives tips for preventing some of these slips and falls. Some of them seem common sense. Some of them are things we never think about.  How many people think about the possibility causing them to slip or fall? Very few. We see our pets as our companions. A co-worker of mine fell two days ago, tripped up by her dog. She ended up in the ER.  Some things can be prevented if we pay closer attention when we walk. Several years ago while walking to our school’s office I stepped on the metal surrounding our outdoor mat and flipped my ankle breaking it.  I was in a rush and not paying attention to where I was walking. I actually had a book in my hand. This is distracted walking. It cost me eight week in a wheelchair.

The author has provided several resources to  help you. One of those is a home Audit checklist. This is a valuable book. The information provided could save a life or prevent a fall.  I am recommending this book to everyone because slip and fall is not an older person’s problem. It is an every person problem.

This Property is Condemned by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source:  I purchased a copy

Sam Cooper and his friends Tony and Tom find themselves in a terrible predicament. Riding their bikes down the steepest hill in Harper’s Inlet Sam Cooper realizes he has no breaks. He is riding a bike his father picked up out of the trash for him. Sam is sure that this can’t turn out good in any way. His friends keep telling him to land in the grass and it will be okay. At the bottom of the hill Sam hits the fence and is thrown backward over his friend’s head. This turned out to be extremely good in many ways. As Sam picks himself up he sees a sign that reads, ‘This property condemned”. As always, Sam has to find out more. He learns the old mansion belongs to an elderly lady who lives in the place called Remington Mansion. Her husband had built the house.  Now someone is trying to take it away. Can Sam and his friends save the day again?

This was a very intense read for me. Every time there was some sort of danger I found myself sitting on the edge of my couch, rocking back and forth.  The author does a wonderful job of creating realistic characters, and enough tension to keep you turning page after page.  I can’t speak highly enough about the Sam Cooper Series. I have loved each and every one of the books in the series.  Highly recommended, especially for that reluctant reader in your life.

At the Buzzer - Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

Source: I purchased a copy

This is the fifth book in the Sam Cooper Adventure. Sam Cooper and his friends are awaiting the beginning of the basketball season. Sam keeps having the same dream. They are on the basketball court. It comes down to him making the winning three point shot. The crowd screams.  In reality the star of the team is his best friend Perry.  Perry is the tallest person on their team. He plays center and Same plays point guard. Sam has been working on making three point shots from anywhere on the court.  Sam has a bigger concern.  Perry knows he is good. He believes he is so good that he shouldn't have to worry about homework. He is sure that with his talent, if he fails a class they will let him play anyway. He sees no use for education. He knows he is going to be a star and make millions. He doesn't need to learn anything else.  Unfortunately his father feels the same way.  But what happens when a freak accident takes him out of the game?

I could relate to this book so much. I taught at a school where the international students were semi-pro sports players.  I had a tennis player tell me he didn't need to learn English or pass my class because he was going to be a tennis star. It didn't matter what I said to him.  I asked him what would happen if he injured himself in an accident or something and could no longer play. His response was shocking. He said he'd kill himself.  I asked him if he thought he was of so little value that his life didn't matter? I told him with that attitude he would never go pro because those looking for his talent would consider him high risk. He told me that I didn't know what I was talking about because I was "just a teacher".  I told him that he could always coach others if he loved the sport so much. He left my class that year barely passing my class. I figured I wouldn't see him again. The next year I had another student just like him, different sport.  This young man looked at the other student and threw my speech at him. I was in shock. He realized that no matter what we do in life we are a team of people, not an island.  

This book is important for kids everywhere to read this book to see what decisions Perry makes.  I absolutely love all of Max Anderson's books. They are full of important yet gentle lessons.

Funny Money by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure
Source: I purchased a copy

The summer is over and Kurt, Jordan, and Riley have moved on to another job. Kurt's uncle runs a bakery and Kurt and his friends are working for him making deliveries.  Every the thinker, Jordan comes up with a plan to make deliveries easier they connect two bikes to an old cart and add a battery powered motor to it with the help of their friend Emmett.  Now they can not only get up hills faster, but get away from the boys from school who are determined to bully them.
Kurt's uncle hurts his back and so Kurt tries to help out more around the bakery. One of the things he does is spends the night in a room they have for him above the bakery. It makes it easier for him to work later and get up earlier to make deliveries before school.  It isn't log before Kurt begins to notice something strange going on.  The vacant building across from the bakery has some new occupants that seem to only show up at night and seem to bring in a lot of unusual boxes.  At school in history they are learning about currency and counterfeiters.  This of course gets Kurt to thinkinng, especially when he learns that several businesses around town have been hit with funny money. Kurt gets it into his head that there is something strange with the business across the street and he's sure there must be some connection to the funny money.  Now all he has to do is convince his friends and come up with a plan.

Once again we have a wonderful mystery for kids to involve themselves in.

The Cat Burglars by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source: I purchased a copy

Like all of Max Elliot Anderson's books, this one kept me reading from beginning to end. Kurt and his two best friends Jordan and Riley are spending the summer working for Riley's father at the Bed and Biscuit, a kennel.  Some of their clients leave their cats there daily. The Kitty daycare has brought business in. Riley's father is increasing the space in his kennels and is having a Christmas in July for his clients.  There is a problem.  Several people in the neighborhood have returned from vacations to find their homes have been burgled. Unfortunately most of those people had housed their pet at the Bed and Biscuit.  Is there a connection?  Kurt thinks there is.  But what can he and his friends do to catch the burglars and save the "Bed and Biscuit"?

One of the things I enjoy about these books is that even though there are several books in this series they all read like stand alone books.  The mysteries are simple enough with enough twists and turns that even though I think I have it figured out I haven't. These are high interest for those who might not think they like to read.  Looking forward to reading several more of these.

Ghosts in the Old Attic by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Sam Cooper’s parents are moving the family to Louisiana. They want to open and bed and breakfast. Until they can find the perfect house, they are staying with his cousins Scooter and Shelley.  Louisiana is known for its ghosts and pirates.  Sam’s cousin loves telling Sam many stories. He even takes him to what he deems a haunted house.  When Sam hears strange noises and sees strange sights he can’t explain he’s ready to leave.  Scooter wants to go back.  As luck would have it, Sam’s parents find a house they can afford with the charm they want. Yep, you guessed it. It is the old historic mansion that Sam’s cousin believes is haunted.  If it isn’t haunted, then why would someone be trying to keep them out of the house?  Loved all the twists and turns in this book.  The twist at the end was wonderful.    I have read several of the Sam Cooper series and have several on my school shelves. I highly recommend not only these books, but all of this author’s books. It is always a pleasure to read and review them.

Shadow of the Fat Man by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Adventure

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Kurt is trying to earn money to buy a car by the time he reaches high school. He helps out Mr. Weaver at his hardware store. Mr. Weaver isn’t real fond of Kurt’s friends Riley and Jordan. They don’t seem to be as motivated as Kurt is.  Mr. Weaver needs the boys to clean his basement. They need to organize it and take inventory. The basement is shared with the restaurant next door. When the boys don’t finish by closing time, Mr. Weaver locks up. He tells Kurt to make sure he locks up and sets the alarm when he leaves.  Kurt can’t wait to show his friends the secret room he found while cleaning.  While in the basement they hear voices and realize it is coming from the restaurant. They over hear a crime being planned.  It seems once again trouble has found Kurt. How do you stop a crime when you don’t know when, where, or how it is going to happen, and you can’t even describe the criminals.  I really loved this one.  I kept holding my breath because the action is so strong in this one.   I really enjoy all of his books because they have not only the adventure aspect, but, some sort of mystery to them.  Once again I have to say this is a great book.