Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts Book Review

To say that Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 to 2003) and its spinoff Angel (1999 to 2004) are both phenomenons is an understatement. Though both shows aired their finales decades ago, their cultural relevance and popularity are as strong as it ever was.

Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts, by Evan Ross Katz, was published last year. This book is by a fan and for fans of both programs. As both a devotee of this universe and a writer, Katz speaks to the show’s cast, creators, and celebrity fans (Stacey Abrams and Cynthia Erivo among them) to tell the story of why both have lasted beyond their final episodes.

I loved this book. I have fond memories of watching both BVTS and Angel during their original runs. Combining the trials of growing up, a kickass female heroine, and the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, it was a once-in-a-generation television experience.

The one aspect of the book that I appreciated was that Katz addressed the elephant in the room. Namely, Whedon’s unprofessional behavior on the sets of multiple IPs. He also delves into the lack of diversity and Whedon’s pseudo-feminism.

The chapter that has stayed with me is the question of whether or not it should rebooted at some point. I understand why the question is raised. A generation after it went off the air, both BVTS and Angel continue to be popular. Other shows/movies from that era have already had a second life or have been considered for a second life. As an OG fan, I am torn. Whedon’s creative genius (despite his personal flaws) is unquestioned. The flaws from the first go around could be corrected. But a part of me is so tied to this world as it was that I cannot even fathom seeing a reboot.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts is available wherever books are sold.

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Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America Book Review

Superheros are part and parcel of our culture. When the shit hits the fan, we know that we can rely on them to save the day. While we look up to these characters, we have to remember that they are fiction.

Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America, by Dahlia Lithwick, was published last month. The book starts with the 2016 Presidential election and the victory of he who shall not be named. Across the country and independent of one another, individual female lawyers saw the writing on the wall and prepared themselves for a fight. Among them are Stacey Abrams, Sally Yates, and Becca Heller.

Her message is simple and crystal clear. While we look to legal superheroes to save us, the truth is that it is up to us to keep this nation and this democracy alive.

The United States was founded not by generals or kings. It was started by ordinary people who understood how important freedom was. It is that spirit we need today if we are to continue what the founders started nearly 300 years ago.

I really enjoyed this book. It should inspire all of us to take action. If we don’t, then there may be nothing left of the republic that we know and love.

Joe Biden’s VP Pick & the Political Mistake That Was Sarah Palin

When it comes a Presidential election, the choice of Vice President can make or break one’s campaign.

Back in 2008, the late Senator John McCain chose former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate for that year’s Presidential election. While we may never know if it was that decision that cost him the Presidency, we do know that this woman became a political joke.

Saturday Night Live had a field day that year. Tina Fey playing Palin was comedy gold.

As this year’s Presidential election comes closer with every day, Democratic nominee Joe Biden is under pressure to choose his running mate. After promising to choose a woman, there has been speculation about who his VP will be.

I would love to say that race does not play a role in his choice. The choice should be based on experience, who is the best person for the job, and professional chemistry. But race, unfortunately, does play a role.

For me, as a voter, I would not be surprised if he chose Kamala Harris or Stacey Abrams. If he wants to be President as badly as he says he does, he needs to prove that his administration and policies will be inclusive and respectful.

The last thing he or the Democratic party needs is a reboot of the political mistake that was Sarah Palin.

Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change Book Review

There are many who are ready, willing and able to provide advice on how to lead. There are few who act on that advice.

Earlier this year, former Georgia minority leader and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams published her new non fiction book, Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change. Using her personal and professional experience as a background, Ms. Abrams writes about how real change is possible, especially when one is an outsider or has self doubts stand in the way of being a leader.

I enjoyed this book. Instead of providing pie in the sky advice, Ms. Abrams not only provides real world guidance, she provides worksheets to the help the reader work through the examples in the book. She is also humble and not afraid to use her flaws and past mistakes to inspire the reader in their own leadership quest.

I recommend it.

There is a Silver Lining: Thoughts On The Stacey Abrams & Andrew Gillum Losses

After more than a week of speculation and recounting, the votes in Georgia and Florida are in. Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum lost their respective gubernatorial races to Brian Kemp and Ron DeSantis.

Is it disheartening? Of course. Does it make me feel angry and frustrated that the men who won the elections are just another version of the same old politician? Yes. Especially given that Brian Kemp was Secretary Of State and was in charge of the elections while he was running for governor.

But the way I see it, there is a silver lining in spite of the results. There are flaws in our electoral process, but until the flaws are exposed, they cannot be fixed. Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum, in spite of their losses, have given hope to those who want to run for office, but are not the traditional candidate. The door has been opened and it will never close again. Women, citizens of color and members of the LGBTQ community now know that they can run for office and can create the diverse America that many of us know is possible.