Review: The Danger Imperative by Michael Sierra-Arévalo

About the Book

Policing is violent. And its violence is not distributed equally: stark racial disparities persist despite decades of efforts to address them. Amid public outcry and an ongoing crisis of police legitimacy, there is pressing need to understand not only how police perceive and use violence but also why.

With unprecedented access to three police departments and drawing on more than 100 interviews and 1,000 hours on patrol, The Danger Imperative provides vital insight into how police culture shapes officers’ perception and practice of violence. From the front seat of a patrol car, it shows how the institution of policing reinforces a cultural preoccupation with violence through academy training, departmental routines, powerful symbols, and officers’ street-level behavior.

This violence-centric culture makes no explicit mention of race, relying on the colorblind language of “threat” and “officer safety.” Nonetheless, existing patterns of systemic disadvantage funnel police hyperfocused on survival into poor minority neighborhoods. Without requiring individual bigotry, this combination of social structure, culture, and behavior perpetuates enduring inequalities in police violence.

A trailblazing, on-the-ground account of modern policing, this book shows that violence is the logical consequence of an institutional culture that privileges officer survival over public safety.

Review

With the country at an elevated temperature involving policing and public intolerance of their policies and procedures, this was a very thought provoking book that definitely could inspire some real conversation and promote possible change in the narrative on policing and public perception and experiences.

This book unpacks so much but most importantly captures an understanding of the social dynamics of police officers. Inspired to see what that looked like, objectively author Michael Sierra-Arévalo, captured a sociological perspective from gained access to three different police departments, 1000 hours of ride alongs and interviews to depict the realities of work as a police officer and the influences that shape their experience.

With the news and social media elevating the temperature of criticism of police, this tends to walk a very sensitive line for the officers and their interactions with the public and vice versa. With many conversations saying what should be done, one thing that stands out is the culture of doing what needs to be done with the intention of perceived threats and concern for safety. As we’ve seen in the news, many situations have had fatal consequences and others could’ve been handled differently. This book documents and gives psychological insights on how police culture, from training to on the street level policing is affected by that and how certain situations by the given circumstances were handled. Also, situations involving actions done towards police as a result of the heightened climates after high profile situations and the impact of how it affected interactions with the public. 

The commentary and analysis opens the discussion of reform and rexamines some policies that are in place. The aspect of prioritizing safety in many situations, brings unspoken issues front and center, especially police violence where racial disparity is felt. This book empathized the challenges officers encounter on a daily basis but explored areas that could be improved and lead to better outcomes. It objectively puts you in a frame of reference to understand why some choose to make the decisions that they did/do in the circumstances they were presented with.

Overall, this was a balanced, objective read that has the potential to open conversation and evaluation of current policies and training opportunities that would better impact when involved with certain situations. The various examples of the good, bad and indifferent involving these situations give you a better insight to policing and its complexity, especially dealing with violence and threats while trying to stay alive on the job. This would be a great read for law enforcement or those aspiring to become a part of, legislators and those interested in criminal justice.

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Review: My Dearest Mackenzie by Rachel Blaufeld

My Dearest Mackenzie was not your typical second chance romance. Being that I’m obsessed with them, this had a different vibe that grew on me. With that being said, this slow burn romance hit differently considering the circumstances of the characters and what brought them into each other’s lives. The maturity and the realistic perspective of their life experiences brought an authenticity to them that made them relatable and interesting.

The heart of the book had me fascinated. An undiscovered love story destined to be told brought Frankie Burns into Mackenzie Miller’s life. Determined to figure out what happened between her grandfather and his grandmother, she bursts into life with a determined fire, an unwillingness to accept no for an answer, making this her mission to conquer and potentially unlock her happily ever after. 

While Mackenzie was not on board at first with this revelation and all that is to follow, as the story unfolds, opening up the past to his beloved grandmother unknowingly held the key to what was missing in his life. What neither of them knew was even though their grandparents were forced to live a life apart, their fate was destined as their story was yet to be told. 

Overall, the book was a nice read. The dual perspectives of the plot had my thoughts feeling more excited for one than the other. The unraveling of the story behind their grandparents really captured my interest. I found that part of the plot where I wanted to read more. Individually, Frankie and Mackenzie, I loved their characters. Their initial interactions and as they got to know each other was fun and engaging to read but then as their relationship blossomed, it was just ok for me. I wanted something more for them. I feel like they were both broken and the fire between them was just dimly lit for me. I’m not talking physically but emotionally I just need more because they were definitely meant for each other but that aspect of them didn’t grab me like I wanted to. Despite that, it wrapped up nicely giving them a well deserved HEA. 

This was my first read with this author and I look forward to reading what she has coming out in the future.

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Review: Abandoned at Birth: Searching for the Arms That Once Held Me by Janet Sherlund

To be honest, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact that this book would have on me. I’ve often wondered the emotional weight adoptees carry and through her poignant memoir, Abandoned at Birth, Janet Sherlund recounts her emotional journey and life navigating the exploration of her deep rooted need for belonging, discovering her identity and finding her roots.

The book explores what led to her adoption and chronicles her life navigating the dual worlds of her adopted family and struggling with the urge to find herself by locating her biological family. Her feelings of rejection, loss and grief in pursuit of finding her identity, belonging and connecting with her biological family was courageous. Her story highlighted the pain and struggles many adoptees often feel and will resonate and give insight to others who have shared or may be on a similar path.

This book became more than what I initially thought when I first started reading. It gives a voice to an experience that often remains silent. Her vulnerability makes this heartwarming and draws the deepest empathy and compassion for adoptees as a whole. This truly captures the effects of adoption, not only for the adoptees but potentially both families. This would be a great read for those on a similar journey to encourage and give comfort knowing you aren’t alone.

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Review: Fake It Till You Make It by Siera London

Faking It Till You Make It by Sierra London is a wonderful small town romance that is both heartwarming and a fun read. Introducing us to a new series, this is the first book to a charming series, The Calvary Brothers. We are taken away to a little town called Service, where everyone takes care of one another and if you think you are just passing through, think again. We are introduced to the Calvary family, who find themselves in a challenge, to save their family business.

Trying to get away from her past, Amerie Walker finds herself in the middle of this small town with nothing but determination and ambition to pick up the pieces of her life and get the life she deserves. One thing she needs is a job and when she comes across a position at a veterinary clinic, despite some obvious underlying sparks between clinic doc Eli Calvary, he doesn’t want anything to do with this city girl breezing in his place. With her infectious personality and business savvy knowledge, she has everything he needs to help turn his struggling business around but he’s too stubborn and grumpy to embrace it.

When an encounter with the daughter of the family who is threatening to take everything away shows up at his door, he finds himself in a situation introducing Amerie as his fake partner not realizing the door he opened for both of them. What initially started out as fake, they find themselves slowly growing real feelings towards each other. When they both finally feel like fate brought them together, their past comes crashing in unraveling secrets changing their lives and those around them. 

What I loved most about them is their chemistry and the evolution of their fake relationship into them being together. Their journey brought fun and tension to the book that made them addicting to read. The banter between them was not only cute but many moments you can’t help but laugh out loud. Not only them but the supporting cast of his family and her friend added to the charm and kept the book engaging. There was an authenticity of the characters including the people in the town that made you want to go for a visit.

Initially when the fake relationship trope was introduced, I thought it was going to be predictable but it wasn’t. It created an anticipation and want for them to be together but blended it with other plotlines that kept it fresh and page turn worthy until completion. This was the perfect introduction to a series that will have you interested and anticipating the second book. It gives the perfect combination of romance, small town charm and moments that will make you laugh. Between the charming characters and engaging storyline, this one will leave you feeling good.

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Review: The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains

The Finders Keeper Library is a heartwarming book that takes us on a journey through the heart of a small town where love, hope and second chances share its name. Welcome to Bloom, NC.

Savannah Collins finds her life at a crossroads. After being dumped by the man whom she thought she would be with, she found herself trying to pick up the pieces. Single, unemployed and practically homeless, seeking comfort, she decides to go to the one place filled with love that would renew her heart and soul. With a car full of plants and her new rescue kitty Fig, she heads out to Bloom, NC to spend the summer with her Aunt Eleanor. A former librarian, full of comfort, life and wisdom to await her with loving arms to soothe her broken spirit.

The book unfolds around the charm of the Finders Keepers Library. A beautiful gem, tucked away in her beautiful garden full of roses, serves more than just stories on a page. This beautiful place, where anyone can read a book or leave one, has been the heart of the community for some time. This little haven connects and heals the souls for the many facing life’s challenges as well as bringing joy, warmth and comfort for those seeking a quench to their literary thirst. When a storm passes through and the damage threatens an upcoming wedding, the community shows up by coming together to show what determination and love can do for someone they love.

While they come together to repair, in the process, Savannah forms an unexpected bond with her neighbor Evan Sanders. Now as these two go way back, all they ever was were friends. As they reminisce going though the books, their mutual friendship places them on a journey leading to comfort and strength in the company of each other. While her time here was only intended for a short visit, life has a way of bringing you to the right place at the right time to throw a wrench in your intended plans.

Through the amazing characters in the book, their story weaves together love, family and the power of community. As Savannah deals with the uncertainties of her life, she discovers that homes is a feeling of belonging, acceptance and love. Her journey with Evan was slow but deliberate. Integrated with their journey was his relationship with his daughter. The evolution of their relationship dealing with loss, self discovery and healing was a delicate, beautiful balance. My favorite was Eleanor. She represented and brought something to the book that left a warm impression. Not to mention her second chance of love in life, is always beautiful to see but her wisdom and unconditional love was soothing. Her books as a conduit to heal and soothe and what that beautiful little library brought to the book made a special experience surrounding the characters and their journey.

From the first page to the end, this book leaves you feeling so wonderful. Selfishly, I didn't want it to end and deliberate read it slow. Out of all the books that I've read from Annie thus far, this one definitely hits different. I can't express it into words but it's just a feeling that just hugs you and leaves you feeling good.

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Review: The Wild Lavender Bookshop by Jodi Thomas

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas is back with the second book in her heartwarming Someday Valley series, The Lavender Bookshop. The series, a spinoff of her Honey Creek series, will charm you as the preceding book, reconnect with some old friends and make room in your heart for some more.

Returning to Someday Valley, we are greeted by it's southern charm and rustic beauty. The Lavender Bookshop sets in roots in the heart of this town, bringing comfort to the folks and a sense of home for owner Noah O'Brien. Leaving his life behind with dreams and uncertainty, he finds himself right in the heart of a town that has claimed others such as him. Unsure of what's to come or where he's headed, he finds himself getting everything that he could ever want unexpectedly including the heart of a sweet school teacher, Cora Lee Buchanan.

Cora Lee, not only in love with his bookstore but finds herself enamored by his subtle charm and kindness. As their budding friendship blossoms, they find themselves creating their own story, searching for their happy ending and hea. These two bring joy and innocence to the book that you can't help but root for them.

Cora wasn't the only Buchanan in search of their hea. Bear, her father, known for his toughness and grumpy stature finds that tough exterior crumbling. Don't let the outside fool you because beyond that tough exterior is a big softie inside. Every town has their secrets and with him, the longing and desire for a secret love has crippled his life. When a friend needs help that puts his secret life in jeopardy, it forces a new chapter that leads to everything his he thought his heart couldn't have. Decisions are made that change his life in ways he couldn't imagine.

As we left off in the first book, the search was on for the siblings of Rusty. In storms Andi Delane, a tough gal who needs and counts on no one. While hiding low from some folks after her for a case she is on, she comes to town in search of the brothers she never knew. When she unexpectedly finds out that a deputy has been assigned to protect her, she finds herself struggling to let him in. As she lowers her guard, she finds herself not only trying to survive but fighting a losing battle that is trying to get her to stop running from the one thing she is trying to stay away from. There's something in the air in this town and as she finds out, there's something that pulls you in and doesn't let go.

This book was a slow burn romance with characters that simmered beautifully to the end. Another wonderful book in this series introducing characters that were in search of something and found a second chance of love, hope and renewed assurance that they were meant to be where they were in this wonderful place. What I love about this series and characters, especially in this book is that no matter who you are or what hardships that seem to block your blessings, you deserve to be loved.

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