Category: books, literature, arts

September Timely Topics

In this post I look at September’s transition into autumn, filled with various observances like Labor Day, Grandparents’ Day, and Constitution Day. The post also reflects on memories of 9/11. And remembrs women physicians whose vital role in healthcare is often overlooked.

September feels like we’re in the home stretch of the year, two-thirds of the way through. Where I live, the first day of autumn happens. Vacations end, school resumes, and life gets busier.

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graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, resource for stock photos and other media

Labor Day

In the United States, we observe a holiday called Labor Day, although most people get the day off work. Not much happens on Labor Day except in a book and a movie by that name, and I reviewed both in this post.

Labor Day-a book review

In this post I review the book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard . It explores an unexpected and transformative weekend for a 13-year-old boy named Henry, his emotionally fragile mother Adele, and a mysterious man named Frank.

Keep reading

Grandparents’ Day

Another un-holiday is Grandparents’ Day. I think the only people who observe it are grandparents. I shared my grand-parenting journey in this post.

Exploring the HEART of Grandparenting

This post discusses the significance of grandparenting and the impact it has on children’s well-being. In an interview, Dr. Aletha shared her ir experiences and insights as a grandparent, highlighting the role grandparents play in creating lasting memories and passing on traditions. Practical advice on caring for grandchildren is also provided, emphasizing safety and health.

Keep reading

Remembering History-Remote and Recent

Although not as well known or observed as Independence Day (USA), Constitution Day, September 17, is probably more important. This day honors the creation of the United States government in 1787 as outlined in the Constitution.

If you listen to recent news, you know that what is and what isn’t “constitutional” creates heated debate, but that very debate is protected by the Constitution-and that’s something to celebrate. The day is also called Citizenship Day, an event I celebrated in a post about attending a naturalization ceremony.

9/11/2001

One of the darkest days in United States history, as well as the rest of the world, is September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. The country and the world have not been the same since.

Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 with Faith, Family, and the FDNY by Ann Van Hine

“Ann Clark Van Hine, aka Miss Ann, was born in Oxford, England but grew up in Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Ann is the mom of two grown daughters, the widow of an FDNY firefighter, a retired small business owner, a docent with the 9/11 Tribute Museum, a published writer, Children’s Ministries volunteer, and a breast cancer survivor.

Since September 11, 2001, Ann has had numerous opportunities to share the story of God’s presence and peace as she navigated “a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy.” She has shared her story all over the USA and internationally in Ireland, Belgium, England, and Japan. Ann is available to speak.”

(This is an affiliate link to earn a commission.)

Honoring Women Physicians

The American Medical Association recognizes and honors women physicians in September.

Women physicians, the future of healthcare

Happy Women In Medicine Month- 5 women physicians

Why women physicians are good for healthcare

Working Stiff -a book review

In this post I offer a review of a memoir, Working Stiff by Dr. Judy Melinek. She was on the team of medical examiners who investigated the victims of the 9/11/2001 attack In New York City

Keep reading

Exploring the HEART of health

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

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I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha
myReader Rewards club- photo of woman on a bench reading a book

My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.
(When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)

As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!

The Magic of Normal- Book Review

In this post I review Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s memoir, “The Magic of Normal,” which chronicles her journey from fleeing the Iranian Revolution to becoming a successful executive in robotics and cancer research. While the book highlights her professional achievements, it maintains an emotional distance, offering insights into corporate life more than personal struggles. Still, it is a compelling narrative.

The Magic of Normal

Hope, Love, and Beyond

by Maky Zanganeh

Published by Forbes Books January 2025

2025 Global Book Awards Gold Medalist in Biographies & Memoirs – Women

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for sending this book for review consideration.

A Driven Life Told at Arm’s Length: My Take on Dr. Zanganeh’s Memoir

A Story That Begins in Revolution

Dr. Zanganeh describes her book as a chronicle of her private and professional journey, though at times it feels more like a book‑length résumé than a personal memoir. She begins in Iran, which she fled after the Iranian Revolution. (Ironically, while I was reading this, the United States—my own country—was in a military conflict with Iran.)

Her family initially supported the revolution, but the country soon descended into war with Iraq. With the means to do so, her parents sent her and her sisters to France, where they lived with relatives, attended college, and where she eventually trained as a dentist.

From Dentistry to Robotics and Beyond

Then her life pivoted sharply. Instead of practicing dentistry, she entered the business world and rose quickly, becoming a high‑level executive at a budding robotics company. She led the team that created the first long‑distance robotic surgery, and later founded another company that developed a breakthrough cancer drug.

A Personal Life Mostly Offstage

Her personal life stays mostly in the background until, almost abruptly, she mentions becoming pregnant. Because of her demanding career, she sent her son to live with her parents, who raised him while she continued traveling the world for work—a lifestyle that sounded exhausting to me, though she seemed energized by it.

Illness, Resilience, and the Pandemic

Everything shifted when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease she had previously encountered only from the vantage point of a medical business executive. The timing was terrible, arriving just as the COVID‑19 pandemic began. Still, she approached her illness with the same determination that fueled her career, and she survived.

Testimonials, Business Lessons, and a Sudden Genre Shift

Throughout the book, Dr. Zanganeh seems to have a knack for meeting the right people at the right time, many of whom offer glowing testimonials in the final chapter. That chapter also includes a lengthy, detailed guide to starting and running a successful company. It felt like it belonged in a separate book and landed a bit flat after the more personal sections.

Admiration, Achievement, and an Emotional Distance

She speaks with deep affection for her family and credits them with much of her success. She also praises her business partners and colleagues, describing their strengths in detail. As someone who has worked in the medical field, I found her accounts of robotic surgery and cancer‑drug development genuinely interesting.

Still, I finished the book feeling that I didn’t truly know her. She is clearly driven by success, validation, and recognition, without exploring the source of that drive.

Her Most Human Moments

One of the most compelling moments comes when she writes passionately about the assault on women’s rights—especially in Iran—and about the suffering in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel. She questions why the world continues to fight wars and what it will take for that cycle to end.

My Thoughts: A Memoir for a Specific Audience

While I found parts of her journey interesting, I wouldn’t call this a universal must‑read. It feels best suited for people who are curious about the corporate world or who want insight into how high‑powered executives build companies and careers. Since it’s a Forbes publication, that audience seems intentional. Readers looking for a more intimate memoir will come away wanting more. You may find such insights in the articles on her website.

A Deeper Look

Dr. Zanganeh addressed several personal, health, and professional issues in her book. Based on this review, what else do you want to know about her and her work?

She experienced

  • political unrest and war
  • separation from family
  • personal illness from COVID-19 and breast cancer
  • Her father’s terminal illness and death
  • high-pressure professional life

Which of these resonates with you? If you read her book, which might be of most help to you?

From the halls of MD Anderson Cancer Center as a patient & care giver to her father battling cancer,
to groundbreaking work in medical research,
she illustrates how science, innovation, and community can illuminate the path to recovery.

From Dr. Zanganeh’s website

Photos of Dr. Maky Zanganeh

The cover image of this post was created by JetPackAI available with WordPress.

Exploring the HEART of Health

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha