On this page you will be able to find people who have read and reviewed my book, which can also be found on my portfolio site here.
7 thoughts on “Reviews”
I grew up with Mary Lee and was impressed when she told me she had written a book. This was in the Fall of 2016. With a bemused smile, Mary Lee gave me a copy of her book, “Government of the One.” I casually read her book over the ensuing days delighted to see well written and edited prose. “Congratulations” I thought and I hope I told Mary Lee at the time. I believe I understand how difficult it is to bring such a project to fruition.
A year later, I had dinner at a restaurant with Mary Lee, her husband, Steve, and daughter, Sasha. The next evening I joined them for dinner at their self sufficient home on the edge of the grid in Heber-Overgaard. I was accompanied by Geof Brahmer who also grew up with Mary Lee but left town midway through high school. Sasha entertained us with a tricky concerto on violin. Steve and Mary Lee like being on the edge of civilization and Steve “likes” his guns, both interests I share at least conceptually. I say “likes” in quotes because Steve is more complicated than that. As is my propensity, I interjected religion and politics mostly, or so I rationalize, because I think people disclose their real selves and values unlike things such as food and weather. The conversation was lively and Sasha closed the evening with a tightly articulated argument on politics and taxes. I gave her no leeway because she is only 18 and tried to counter but my argument didn’t win any converts.
Mary Lee asked me to write something on her blog about my impressions of her book. So here it goes. I thought a moment about Mary Lee’s request and my impression was pretty shallow: it was a self-help book like many Tony Robbins and others have written, although I have not read any of them. But I think Mary Lee wanted more, say a book review like in the Los Angeles Times. I had to go back and review to write one. As I read, my thoughts went wild with observations and commentary, including politics and religion.
Mary Lee’s life experiences have been different than mine and her choice of terms and characterizations are too. We can add politics and religion to that list. With good people such differences can still work.
Although, Mary Lee McPhetridge and I grew up in the same small Western town, our families and circumstances were different. I was raised Catholic and Mary Lee was Mormon. I went to Catholic school through 8th grade, with a class of no more that 18, and Mary Lee went to public school. Despite this, I spent a lot of time at the Mormon Church which was more than a church and much like a community center with a stage and basketball court. The Mormon Church was a half a block from my home and I was included in many of the events even after it was closed and a sprawling complex replaced it at the edge of town. Never the less, I wasn’t Mormon and I didn’t live in the new housing development, Desert View, so when I entered High School, I perceived there was no clique for me. Of course as with many things, this was a benefit and detriment. I observed a number of what I thought were cliques and how they functioned and interacted with each other without any loyalties or obligations on my part. Mary Lee was ensconced with her fellow Mormon families.
Well, 46 years later, I am writing a review of a self help book written by Mary Lee. Ayn Rand writes in The Fountainhead, “To say ‘I love you,’ one must first be able to say the ‘I.’” Expressed in multiple ways, I understand Ms. Rand to be saying “you are not much help to anyone else until you help yourself.” Mary Lee commences her message with something like this. “Choices,” “Excuses,” “Strong Will,” is the path she sees for the individual. More specifically, its that our choices have consequences, excuses are a waste of time and it takes a strong will to make the right choices.
My reaction is that this is the perspective of a descendent of the pioneer in the big country of Arizona. Mary Lee has personified this spirit of the pioneer in the course of her personal adventure which is now the adventure of Steve and her six children. They are meeting their challenges with a Strong Will and no excuses.
Well a “book review” is not much a a critique unless critical observation is employed. I venture down this path because I can. I mean because I think Mary Lee would want me to. So, here goes.
In referencing George Washington early in the book, Mary Lee cites to a different time and omits the less than proud standards Washington supported such the lack of women’s rights. This omission threads through her book resulting in some distortion of the present environment we presently live. You see, I don’t think that there is a level playing field nor are we all given the same deck of cards Our present environment includes nearly 7.5 billion humans with more than 330 million in this country alone.
Mary Lee promotes insular groups when she suggests professional help should be sought from someone compatible with your belief system. (pg 84) She decries assistance from or national standards imposed by the government (pg 84) while supporting high educational standards. (pg 99) She recognizes that there are groups of people who are different but assumes for the purposes of her book that everyone has the same abilities and opportunities so that if they live in an “unsafe area” it is their choice/fault. Her vague reference to “the will of the people” assumes that there is a monolithic “will.” (127)
In listing traits of fallen nations, Mary Lee ventures into their commonalities, a list with loaded terms and hot political issues, many that have become hotter since she wrote her book. She posits as bad an “Expanding national government,” “Nationalized control over medical care,” “removal of God from society,” “legislation attacking traditional families” and “Executive order to establish programs to train groups of young people . . . .” (143-144) She relates these traits to Nazi Germany. (145)
Mary Lee critically identifies ideals including “the right to succeed without penalization” and “entitlement without work modifications.” (159) I interpret the first to mean she decries higher taxation of the wealthy and the second to mean she abhors welfare without work requirements. Me, I think this ignores the resulting accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few and the fact that there are millions of Americans who do not have the ability to work and billions of humans for whom there just is no work.
Mary Lee worries that “We are witnessing a decline of freedoms and progressive culture in the United States of America as the aforementioned time-tested standard are set aside.” (190) This seems to ignore the number of humans who all want to be completely free to do as they wish in a world with limited resources. For the life of me, I don’t understand the reference to a progressive culture when it seems that Mary Lee decries the loss of tradition. I’m the “progressive” and Mary Lee is the “conservative.” The reality is actually much more complicated and I mean the global reality as well as Mary Lee’s personal reality.
We can think of Winslow in the 1950’s as much less complicated and as the “good ol’ days.” That is a mistake if you look at the complete picture. African Americans couldn’t stop for gas or food except as a few designated proprietors and definitely could not be caught out after sunset. First Nations lived in stone age poverty and had to urinate in the alleys because they were unwelcome in the bathrooms in town. By the 1960’s, the country was beginning its involvement in a Southeast Asian War and a pregnant teenager still had to leave town.
Our American Society is now facing the struggles with the reality of limited resources and many want a border wall . . . to keep the Mexicans out. This same society wants a limited government so taxes are lower and locals who prefer economic segregation insist on mediocre public education, again because it is cheaper. The rich want more wealth and have discovered a contingent who will support this as long as we have no abortion and no gays. Sure as heck, there is the voting block who are sick and tired of having to support the fat and lazy while ignoring the fact that we have children, elderly and disabled who cannot care for themselves that are ignobly tossed in with the so-called fat and lazy.
Mary Lee has taken on the burdens of life, the ones meted out to her and the ones she has taken upon herself out of the goodness of her heart . . . and perseveres. The thought occurred to me that she may be making the error that all humans are able to do what she has done just if they put their mind to it or that all humans have a family and/or community that will help, no need for a big government, that we all can get rich if we work hard enough. But Mary Lee is much more complicated than that. On the other hand, her book is straightforward, easy to read, follows a theme and makes a point, actually a number of them!
The idea of the power and effect of one individual is not unique, as many have referenced in writings and books. What makes the ‘Government of the One’ thought provoking is the significance of governing oneself in order to be a greater influence on those around us.
I appreciate the author’s personal stories and thoughtful references given to historical figures who have influenced all of us.
This book is written in a manner that literally draws the reader in. That is no small feat for a work of nonfiction. The historical elements are fascinating. The personal stories give credibility to the foundational principles that Mary Lee is trying to convey. I found myself nodding my head in agreement on numerous occasions, highlighting and then rereading passages that struck a particular chord within my heart. I don’t say this lightly, but this book has truly changed the way I look at myself, my spouse, my kids and my role as an educator.
Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a reason you were convicted to write this book.
What an amazing book! This is a time when everyone should be utilizing their Government of One to make change in this world. Thank you for writing this! You have put a whole new perspective on how to be the change not only in your own life but in others as well. I look forward to more of your work.
Mary Lee
The book is wonderful!! I love the way you have used your personal experiences to emphasize your points. I strongly feel that if people understood what you describe as the Government of One they would indeed be better members of families, communities, states, our country and the world. I also believe that people understood this concept would be happier with themselves. I sincerely wish that everyone would read this book and give time to some introspection and as you point out be honest with yourself.
Marsha Brown Ortiz
Mesa, Arizona
Glen from California gave me his permission to include his comments from a letter to me about the book:
“Dear Mary Lee,
I want to thank you for [the] copy of your book, Government of the One. I found it to be one of the most fascinating, unusual, and interesting books I have ever read. Every person should read your book no matter his/her race, creed, or country. Thank you again. I really appreciated the book.
Government of the One is not only autobiographical, but allegorical in that it uses the author’s personal experiences and life to convey principles and teachings which have broader application and scope. Because of her growing concern and outright alarm over recent events in our nation and the world at large, the author felt compelled to sound an alarm and raise her voice in the growing chorus of those wishing to preserve our constitution and return to the original intentions of the Founding Fathers of our nation. She will succeed in this endeavour by touching hearts and hopefully opening the door, if just a crack, in the minds of all who read this carefully crafted and insightful book.
I grew up with Mary Lee and was impressed when she told me she had written a book. This was in the Fall of 2016. With a bemused smile, Mary Lee gave me a copy of her book, “Government of the One.” I casually read her book over the ensuing days delighted to see well written and edited prose. “Congratulations” I thought and I hope I told Mary Lee at the time. I believe I understand how difficult it is to bring such a project to fruition.
A year later, I had dinner at a restaurant with Mary Lee, her husband, Steve, and daughter, Sasha. The next evening I joined them for dinner at their self sufficient home on the edge of the grid in Heber-Overgaard. I was accompanied by Geof Brahmer who also grew up with Mary Lee but left town midway through high school. Sasha entertained us with a tricky concerto on violin. Steve and Mary Lee like being on the edge of civilization and Steve “likes” his guns, both interests I share at least conceptually. I say “likes” in quotes because Steve is more complicated than that. As is my propensity, I interjected religion and politics mostly, or so I rationalize, because I think people disclose their real selves and values unlike things such as food and weather. The conversation was lively and Sasha closed the evening with a tightly articulated argument on politics and taxes. I gave her no leeway because she is only 18 and tried to counter but my argument didn’t win any converts.
Mary Lee asked me to write something on her blog about my impressions of her book. So here it goes. I thought a moment about Mary Lee’s request and my impression was pretty shallow: it was a self-help book like many Tony Robbins and others have written, although I have not read any of them. But I think Mary Lee wanted more, say a book review like in the Los Angeles Times. I had to go back and review to write one. As I read, my thoughts went wild with observations and commentary, including politics and religion.
Mary Lee’s life experiences have been different than mine and her choice of terms and characterizations are too. We can add politics and religion to that list. With good people such differences can still work.
Although, Mary Lee McPhetridge and I grew up in the same small Western town, our families and circumstances were different. I was raised Catholic and Mary Lee was Mormon. I went to Catholic school through 8th grade, with a class of no more that 18, and Mary Lee went to public school. Despite this, I spent a lot of time at the Mormon Church which was more than a church and much like a community center with a stage and basketball court. The Mormon Church was a half a block from my home and I was included in many of the events even after it was closed and a sprawling complex replaced it at the edge of town. Never the less, I wasn’t Mormon and I didn’t live in the new housing development, Desert View, so when I entered High School, I perceived there was no clique for me. Of course as with many things, this was a benefit and detriment. I observed a number of what I thought were cliques and how they functioned and interacted with each other without any loyalties or obligations on my part. Mary Lee was ensconced with her fellow Mormon families.
Well, 46 years later, I am writing a review of a self help book written by Mary Lee. Ayn Rand writes in The Fountainhead, “To say ‘I love you,’ one must first be able to say the ‘I.’” Expressed in multiple ways, I understand Ms. Rand to be saying “you are not much help to anyone else until you help yourself.” Mary Lee commences her message with something like this. “Choices,” “Excuses,” “Strong Will,” is the path she sees for the individual. More specifically, its that our choices have consequences, excuses are a waste of time and it takes a strong will to make the right choices.
My reaction is that this is the perspective of a descendent of the pioneer in the big country of Arizona. Mary Lee has personified this spirit of the pioneer in the course of her personal adventure which is now the adventure of Steve and her six children. They are meeting their challenges with a Strong Will and no excuses.
Well a “book review” is not much a a critique unless critical observation is employed. I venture down this path because I can. I mean because I think Mary Lee would want me to. So, here goes.
In referencing George Washington early in the book, Mary Lee cites to a different time and omits the less than proud standards Washington supported such the lack of women’s rights. This omission threads through her book resulting in some distortion of the present environment we presently live. You see, I don’t think that there is a level playing field nor are we all given the same deck of cards Our present environment includes nearly 7.5 billion humans with more than 330 million in this country alone.
Mary Lee promotes insular groups when she suggests professional help should be sought from someone compatible with your belief system. (pg 84) She decries assistance from or national standards imposed by the government (pg 84) while supporting high educational standards. (pg 99) She recognizes that there are groups of people who are different but assumes for the purposes of her book that everyone has the same abilities and opportunities so that if they live in an “unsafe area” it is their choice/fault. Her vague reference to “the will of the people” assumes that there is a monolithic “will.” (127)
In listing traits of fallen nations, Mary Lee ventures into their commonalities, a list with loaded terms and hot political issues, many that have become hotter since she wrote her book. She posits as bad an “Expanding national government,” “Nationalized control over medical care,” “removal of God from society,” “legislation attacking traditional families” and “Executive order to establish programs to train groups of young people . . . .” (143-144) She relates these traits to Nazi Germany. (145)
Mary Lee critically identifies ideals including “the right to succeed without penalization” and “entitlement without work modifications.” (159) I interpret the first to mean she decries higher taxation of the wealthy and the second to mean she abhors welfare without work requirements. Me, I think this ignores the resulting accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few and the fact that there are millions of Americans who do not have the ability to work and billions of humans for whom there just is no work.
Mary Lee worries that “We are witnessing a decline of freedoms and progressive culture in the United States of America as the aforementioned time-tested standard are set aside.” (190) This seems to ignore the number of humans who all want to be completely free to do as they wish in a world with limited resources. For the life of me, I don’t understand the reference to a progressive culture when it seems that Mary Lee decries the loss of tradition. I’m the “progressive” and Mary Lee is the “conservative.” The reality is actually much more complicated and I mean the global reality as well as Mary Lee’s personal reality.
We can think of Winslow in the 1950’s as much less complicated and as the “good ol’ days.” That is a mistake if you look at the complete picture. African Americans couldn’t stop for gas or food except as a few designated proprietors and definitely could not be caught out after sunset. First Nations lived in stone age poverty and had to urinate in the alleys because they were unwelcome in the bathrooms in town. By the 1960’s, the country was beginning its involvement in a Southeast Asian War and a pregnant teenager still had to leave town.
Our American Society is now facing the struggles with the reality of limited resources and many want a border wall . . . to keep the Mexicans out. This same society wants a limited government so taxes are lower and locals who prefer economic segregation insist on mediocre public education, again because it is cheaper. The rich want more wealth and have discovered a contingent who will support this as long as we have no abortion and no gays. Sure as heck, there is the voting block who are sick and tired of having to support the fat and lazy while ignoring the fact that we have children, elderly and disabled who cannot care for themselves that are ignobly tossed in with the so-called fat and lazy.
Mary Lee has taken on the burdens of life, the ones meted out to her and the ones she has taken upon herself out of the goodness of her heart . . . and perseveres. The thought occurred to me that she may be making the error that all humans are able to do what she has done just if they put their mind to it or that all humans have a family and/or community that will help, no need for a big government, that we all can get rich if we work hard enough. But Mary Lee is much more complicated than that. On the other hand, her book is straightforward, easy to read, follows a theme and makes a point, actually a number of them!
The idea of the power and effect of one individual is not unique, as many have referenced in writings and books. What makes the ‘Government of the One’ thought provoking is the significance of governing oneself in order to be a greater influence on those around us.
I appreciate the author’s personal stories and thoughtful references given to historical figures who have influenced all of us.
This book is written in a manner that literally draws the reader in. That is no small feat for a work of nonfiction. The historical elements are fascinating. The personal stories give credibility to the foundational principles that Mary Lee is trying to convey. I found myself nodding my head in agreement on numerous occasions, highlighting and then rereading passages that struck a particular chord within my heart. I don’t say this lightly, but this book has truly changed the way I look at myself, my spouse, my kids and my role as an educator.
Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a reason you were convicted to write this book.
What an amazing book! This is a time when everyone should be utilizing their Government of One to make change in this world. Thank you for writing this! You have put a whole new perspective on how to be the change not only in your own life but in others as well. I look forward to more of your work.
Mary Lee
The book is wonderful!! I love the way you have used your personal experiences to emphasize your points. I strongly feel that if people understood what you describe as the Government of One they would indeed be better members of families, communities, states, our country and the world. I also believe that people understood this concept would be happier with themselves. I sincerely wish that everyone would read this book and give time to some introspection and as you point out be honest with yourself.
Marsha Brown Ortiz
Mesa, Arizona
Glen from California gave me his permission to include his comments from a letter to me about the book:
“Dear Mary Lee,
I want to thank you for [the] copy of your book, Government of the One. I found it to be one of the most fascinating, unusual, and interesting books I have ever read. Every person should read your book no matter his/her race, creed, or country. Thank you again. I really appreciated the book.
Sincerely,
Glen”
Government of the One is not only autobiographical, but allegorical in that it uses the author’s personal experiences and life to convey principles and teachings which have broader application and scope. Because of her growing concern and outright alarm over recent events in our nation and the world at large, the author felt compelled to sound an alarm and raise her voice in the growing chorus of those wishing to preserve our constitution and return to the original intentions of the Founding Fathers of our nation. She will succeed in this endeavour by touching hearts and hopefully opening the door, if just a crack, in the minds of all who read this carefully crafted and insightful book.