Yes, it’s my mumblemumble-th birthday and I’m celebrating by drinking coffee in my NaNoWriMo Author cup (see photo below) and writing about a book I’m reading for my next novel. I’m reading several books for my next novel; Rules for Radicals, by the late Saul Alinsky, is only one of them. Why am I reading it? Am I a radical, a revolutionary? No. I even felt compelled to say as much to the clerk at the counter when I purchased my copy. But I have to tell you, this book is very important, not only to the story I’m working on but to everyone and anyone who wants to understand what is happening in our country right now. Saul Alinsky has influenced a slew of politicians and “community organizers” over the years. Think Hilary Clinton (Alinsky’s star pupil) and Obama to name just two. You want to understand them? Read this book. Obama told us that if we wanted to understand him, we could look at the people he associates himself with. I’d like to add, if we want to understand him or Clinton, we need to study who they study.

More later. The shop is closing, it’s my birthday, I’m hungry and I’m getting out of here. Stay tuned for more.