Perversion of Justice

 

As a journalist, I believe strongly in source material. So, when the Jeffrey Epstein/Ghislaine Maxwell story continued to make headlines, I found myself again seeking out how this possibly could have gone on for so long.

The day Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced, I was reminded again of the work of journalist Julie K. Brown. Her dogged efforts brought - and, kept - this story in the headlines. Without her work, often at the expense of her personal life and probably her sanity, ensured that the world would not forget the horrific acts committed by these two people.

If you've followed this story, you know the basics. Brown's work goes deeper into the web of how Epstein and Maxwell groomed and victimized so many young girls. It also explores all the legal B.S. that allowed it to keep happening. As the person who most closely followed the case over the years, Brown also offers her theories about Epstein's ultimate demise.

 

In addition to the incredible journalism, this book also offers a glimpse into the not at all glamorous life of a newspaper reporter. It got a little long at times, but it was worth the read to understand the back story and hopefully prevent something like this from happening again.

Bewilderment

 

What a beautiful, special, heartbreaking book.

I knew a few pages in, in fact, that this book would tear me into pieces. I read anyway - hungrily - and I'm so glad I did.

This book is about fathers and sons, and moms and sons, and husbands and wives. It's about the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love. It's about loss and memory and letting go.

Theo and his son Robin are going alone. Theo's wife/Robin's mom died and the two are left to navigate the world without her. That's hard enough; now add in that Robin is a special boy with challenging behaviors. Smart and thoughtful, yet socially inept. Theo would do just about anything to keep the boy connected to the world and off medication.

That's when they find out about experimental treatment that allows Robin to channel and control his emotions. Eventually, it connects him to his mom in a way that is both life saving and life altering.

The writing is beautiful, the characters are magical and the "what would I do?" moments are plentiful. Let yourself be taken over by this story and you won't regret it, even as it comes to its inevitable conclusion.