Cycles of Tyranny

As a GenX-er, remembering the 1989 image of one Chinese man standing in the path of a line of military tanks to protest the violent authoritarian response against peaceful protestors feels like it happened forever ago and also like just the other day.

[front cover of a trade paperback copy of Looking for Tank Man, A Novel by Ha Jin with a "NEW" sticker in the upper right corner; split image of 2 different faces of Chinese people]

Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin

contemporary (circa 2008) fiction

Other Press, 2025

Pei Lulu's scholarly pursuits lead her into risky situations at the intersection of academic, sociopolitical, and cultural maneuvering. The conclusion of the novel launches her into the next fraught phase of her life and prompts readers to consider what they'd do (or not) in similar circumstances.

From the end of chapter 40:

He even said that his department might be the right place for me because they had just started a project on dictatorships and public amnesia...

Themes on how history is recorded and by whom, personal ethical quandaries versus sacrifices for the greater good all while navigating the mundane challenges of young adulthood make this novel a timely read that engages all of the senses.

And along with millions of people around the world, the Heated Rivalry show and fandom have invaded my brain for the way it respects the romance genre and its fans in addition to celebrating love. The tariffs that are keeping the official fleece jackets from being shipped to the U.S. and my not being Canadian inspired me to create my own version.

[a collage of 5 images showing the evolution of converting a plain white pullover with a 3/4 front zipper into a decorated garment with a red felt heart with "LOVE" at its center on one sleeve and 3 smaller red felt hearts on the other sleeve; 3/4inch red ribbon trim around the neckline and as a tab for the zipper pull; "LOVE" patch in glittery fabric and pearls on the back with "LOVE" in 2inch white iron-on letters trimmed in gray fabric paint covered in red glitter]

Please remember that the oppressive forces are always on the wrong side of history. That's why they work so hard to lie, deny, erase facts and people who challenge their deceit and inhumanity. No one can do everything to fight the f@scists, but everyone can do at least one thing.

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety & joy along with some pleasure every day

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