Sunday, May 4, 2014

Things Fall Apart

by Hillary Neiman
All of us have a before and after in our lives. Sometimes this event can be joyous, like before I was a father and after I was a father. Other times, people are not so lucky. I'm speaking of accidents or death of a loved one or any number of things that can befall us. In the case of Hillary Neiman, it was the loss of her freedom and license to practice law. How devastating! I'm not sure I can make it out of something like that. The worst part about it was that Ms. Neiman was not out there looking to commit a crime, but rather in her zeal to help her clients, intended parents, to fulfill their dreams of actually being parents, she overlooked some technicalities—her intentions were always good, of that I am certain. I'll let you read the book to find out what these were and what impact this mistake had on her entire life. The book continues with Ms. Neiman's lessons learned in prison and then in home confinement. Despite being what could be a humiliating and depressing experience, she was able, partly through her undergraduate education in comparative religion, to become a better person and to make friends with some of the inmates.
I feel fortunate to have read this book. It made me value my life for what it is and also live the moment—because you never know what is around the corner. The author has the rare gift of being able to address each and every reader. I felt like she was talking to me personally, that she was right in the room telling her story, holding nothing back. I couldn't put it down. I found myself putting off chores so I could finish it more quickly. Things Fall Apart should be college-level required reading in Philosophy, Law and Criminology courses. Young people, no matter how bright, should learn about the world they are going to enter after graduating from college and put in place checks and balances in their professional activities so that they do not run afoul of the law unknowingly. And anyone else should read this book to appreciate the life they have as well as to overcome any anguish and frustration they may have. Whatever the motivation behind reading this book, you won't be disappointed! Get your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/Things-Fall-Apart-Hilary-Neiman/dp/0991547802/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1399234543&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=things+fall+apart+hilary+neiman