→ Extra Protein – Worms or Pasta

→ Make ’em Yourself! The Cost of – Backyard Chickens

→ Is it Dangerous to Wear – Shorts in Winter

→Everything You Wanted to Know About – Charcoal

→ Got A Stubborn Stain On Your Cushion? – Sunbrella Cleaning Guide

→ It’s Soooo EZ to Operate – Patio World Cantilever Umbrellas

→Check Out How It’s Made – REAL USA Made Furniture

(WBR) Wayne’s Book Review

Aren’t you lucky?  Yes, I think you are.  Because I am continuing my quest to read a book every month (last year’s New Year’s Resolution), and you get a rare glimpse into the somewhat chaotic mind of Wayne Romain and his take on said book.

Just so you know, I’m not a reader.  Other than last year, I have probably read six or seven books in the previous 10.  No literary giant here, but like a lot of things in life, you get outside your element, do things you don’t normally do, and you might learn something.

What does this have to do with the outdoors?  Maybe nothing.  Maybe a lot. But it does represent another pastime that we can enjoy (or muddle through) in The Outdoors.

This month’s book:

The Beggars of Paris 

by Louis Paulian

Book Overview

This has to be the worst synopsis which led me to reading a book:

The Beggars of Paris by Louis Paulian audiobook. Immerse yourself in the evocative world of ‘The Beggars of Paris’ by Louis Paulian, a mesmerizing tapestry woven with the threads of struggle, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. This gripping narrative transports you to the bustling streets of 19th-century Paris, where the lives of the downtrodden intertwine with the opulence of the city’s elite, revealing a stark contrast that is both haunting and beautiful. As you listen to the audiobook, let your imagination be ignited by the vivid depictions of beggars who, despite their harsh circumstances, possess an indomitable will to survive and dream. Paulian’s masterful prose brings to life a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their own stories of heartache and hope, as they navigate the complexities of social injustice and personal redemption. The rhythmic cadence of the narrator’s voice will draw you deeper into the rich cultural tapestry of Paris, where every alley echoes with tales of despair and triumph, inviting you to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of compassion. With its poignant themes and richly detailed setting, ‘The Beggars of Paris’ is not just a story; it is an experience that will linger in your heart long after the final chapter, making the audiobook an irresistible journey you won’t want to miss. 

Almost everything in the book is the exact opposite of this summary (in my humble opinion).

The author summarizes the countless ways of how people are duped by panhandlers. Even though the book is written about the beggars of the late 19th century, much holds true today. He calculates that very few (somewhere around 5%) are in truly desperate need.  The money that people mindlessly pass to the “downtrodden” on the street almost never relieves misery but promotes mendicity.

Paulin explores the social construct of such people, the why’s and how’s of their craft (begging), and the naive ways that society goes about “helping” these people.  When in most cases, begging is their job and we are the proprietors.

In the end, the author permeates some resolutions of how the beggar class can better be served while not promoting mendicity.  How to weed out the majority, who are taking advantage, to the minority who really need help.  From the huge charities, to churches, to our individual offerings, he calls for a drastic change of how to deal with the downtrodden/homeless into becoming working and productive citizens.  Of course, there are many ways to “skin a cat” and he offers some solutions that are worth investigation.

The book was informative and more like an essay or a documentary style prose that describes the problem in great detail.  It references many funny, sad, and irritating examples.  The creative ways that we humans can take advantage of a situation is truly breathtaking.  Towards the end of the narrative, he proposes his solutions.

Definitely not my favorite type of book or writing, but I suffered through it for you.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 4

Note: This is my unprofessional, biased, informal review. I make no claims and receive no money or support for my reviews.  It’s just an extrapolation from the mind of WR.

La Última Palabra (The Last Word)

“Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson