The day I'm writing this column it is drizzly and gray out--no, I'm not complaining 'cause I could sit out on my patio for two hours, reading a good "dead body" book, as the rain quietly came down and fed all the grasses and plants and was its own soothing sound--and it seems a perfect time  to talk about some of the best of true stories to match the definite weather.

What is it about some Non-Fiction offerings that make us reach for them on the shelf?  Well, for me, it would be anything to do with animals and Jack Hanna's "Jungle Jack; My Wild Life" would certainly "fit the bill" as the man's an expert and has been on many TV shows with his wild companions--I loved Charles Gibson's comment, "I always loved his appearances on Good Morning America knowing both the audience and I would be entertained by and educated about animals--I also knew we would be upstaged by a leopard, lemur, or llama" and they were!  Every time! Just as Jay Leno is, on his nighttime show, every time the lady animal expert shows up with snakes or pandas or a rare species of monkey (which, invariably, has an accident on his desk or, worse still, his jacket). 

Hanna refers to himself as "just a zookeeper", which is, to me, a little like saying that Tony Romo plays a nice game of Football! Hanna has chased an elephant across a golf course (think of the damage to those greens, golfers!) and advised someone on what to do with a housebroken--a plus, no doubt!--10 ft. alligator in their basement! Jack Hanna has "adventures spanning more than 50 years--from the plains of the Serengeti to the jungles of Venezuela" and has become an educator for and liaison with and champion of all kinds of animals. 

He has improved zoos, in this country, substantially and, today, almost all of the zoos answer to strict animal-care laws, cleanliness directives, constant and monitored vet care--but it wasn't always like this 30 years ago or maybe even as recently as 15 years ago in some zoos.  The only thing done, in earlier years, was sort of feeding the animals regularly, keeping the public safe from attack, and no plans for long-term financial aid was available.

Now, cities are taxing themselves to keep the zoos open and run in a humane manner "Today, many zoos have adopted a theme park approach to compete with the current entertainment options. There's really no getting around that.  Walt Disney set the standard, and that's what people have come to expect--this doesn't mean having Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse running around; I mean clean grounds, friendly and outstanding people who work for you, clean exhibits, good food" and, I personally add, seeing animals well cared for! 

Jack Hanna has always been, literally, "on call " for people who need help with their animals from cats, to river otters, to monkeys and his stories are just wonderful!  Come and get this book and then thank me--no Hollywood gossip,no mudslinging, no depressing news (and neither presidential candidate is mentioned once!) and no "The end of the world is next Tuesday and will disrupt the bake sales plans!"  Great book!

I'm not sure I can say the same about the next one, but! but! but! it is about a superstar and told by her brother--give up? "Life with My Sister Madonna", by Christopher Ciccone, and actually he tells a pretty straightforward story about being on tour with her, actually, being her dresser (a position applied for by the majority of this country's males, no doubt!) and confidant. I will tell you now--right up front--that a lot of this book has, like Christopher's sister, shock value and if I have to read about anyone else's sexual preferences, I'd gladly pass on the privilege.

However, having said that, the book has lots of "name" in it, lots of backstage gossip, and it has been on the New York Times bestseller list--and it's a good "everything you ever wanted to know" book about a well-known star. That being said, is it necessary for a loving brother to record it all and what, for Heaven's sakes, do you think his sister thought since this book was, apparently, a "surprise" for Madonna? Ah, well, for many readers this will be a fun book to read. 

"We have made history, now, let me make progress", is a quote from Nancy Pelosi when she was sworn in as first female Speaker of the House and "Know Your Power; A Message to America's Daughters"and in this book she encourages mothers and grandmothers to encourage their daughters to speak out, make their own tough decisions, "focus on what matters most and follow their dreams wherever they may lead" She is asked for advice, gives speeches to groups on the subject of empowerment,  and says she learned from women who inspired her and hopes she can do the same. 

Okay.  Ms. Pelosi may feel she speaks in some enlightening manner in her speeches and gives hope to America's young, impressionable ladies, and if she does that, that's much to be applauded. I'd, personally only, mind you, certainly include Condoleeza Rice and Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, but in reading any of their stories by or about them, the message is the same--keep going up and breaking the marble or Supreme Court wooden or business glass ceiling but keep going!!!!  Heaven knows Nancy has earned the right to be proud of her accomplishments and has some good points to make--I guess my dog-in-the-manger attitude is that I feel others have, in the past (Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, Amelia Earhart, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Maya Angelous,for a few) made significant contributions also and not played the necessary political dues that Ms. Pelosi has. So, come in and pick it up and let me know what you think of it. 

I will be sending back to Liberal and to friends two columns written from Kerrville, TX using books in the Kerrville Library (unless they have the temerity to object!) and so, until November 8, take care and think of me as I do of you, with affection and a smile and let's see what Kerrville has to offer--other than gorgeous Hill Country views and some delightful neighbors on our street, Rock Barn Drive. 

Take care, keep cutting the grass, think of me on Halloween and candied  apples, and praise the little children for their costumes and don't close your doors--enter into the spirit, buy 6 bags of candy, and then shut off your porch light at 9:00p.m. Oh, on more thing--pat your dog, say his/her name and tell them what a good dog they are--you'll miss them when they're gone!  Bye!