Month: December 2025

Winter: The Story of a Season by Val McDermid

This is a review of Winter: The Story of a Season, a soon-to-be-published book by Val McDermid.

Winter is not my favorite time of year. In fact I consider it the worst of all seasons but I found it interesting to read an opposite opinion from one of my favorite writers. I especially enjoy Val McDermid’s Karen Pirie and Allie Burns series.

But moving on to Winter, this is a book of relatively short essays on memories of growing up in Scotland, discussions of winter festivals in Scotland and of course the role of winter in her writing process.

I thank both Netgalley (https://www.netgalley.com ) and Grove Atlantic (https://groveatlantic.com/) for the chance to read this before publication. The book will be published on January 13, 2026.

I read this book, despite my dislike of the season. I’m glad I read it and I hope you will give it a try. Anyone with an interest is Scotland or the author would probably enjoy this book.

Preserve or destroy

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is charged by Congress with helping to preserve historical buildings. The White House is one of those buildings and a rather uniquely important one.

When President Trump expressed his desire for adding a ballroom to the White House he promised not to interfere with the existing building. Next thing I heard about it, the East Wing of the White House had been demolished.

The nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation is now suing. It is too late to prevent the damage that has already been done but may stop further destruction of the White House or other historic buildings.

This is the website of the National Trust for Historic Preservation if you would like to comment or make a donation.

3 branches

When I was young and in school, I learned about the 3 branches of our government. As I understood it, the 3 shared power and each was different but served as a check on each other. Seemed to me, it was a great idea. And I still think it should work than way.

But it doesn’t seem that way now. Congress seems to be more of a rubber stamp for what the President wants. They might argue a bit but in the end they always seem to agree with the President. The Supreme Court seems to do about the same.

But when I was young was over 50 years ago. But I still think the branches of government sharing power is a good idea. I still can’t get used to the idea of a President with unlimited power (or a king or a dictator).