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October/November 2019
‘WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES’ A POWERFUL READ
I’m not normally one for fiction, as those of you who’ve kept up with these book reviews have undoubtedly figured out. It’s not that I dislike imaginative stories, but I’ve always found histories, biographies, and thought- provoking works of nonfiction to be more interesting. However, I have a special place in my heart for historical fiction. When done well, historical fiction can bring the past to life better than any textbook. “We Were the Lucky Ones” is one such transcendent work, managing to be moving, powerful, and deeply vital to modern audiences. A New York Times bestseller, “Lucky Ones” isn’t just based on a true story; it’s drawn from personal accounts. Author Georgia Hunter’s journey toward writing this book began when she was just 15 years old, which is how old she was when she learned she was the descendant of Holocaust survivors. As Hunter herself writes, “The discovery sparked a dizzying array of questions … Why was I just learning this now?” Thankfully for us all, she
didn’t stop investigating, and eventually, she shared her family’s incredible story of heartbreak and survival. Without spoiling too much, the story follows Hunter’s Jewish ancestors, the Kurc family, as World War II erupts. As the Nazis occupy their native Poland, three
To me, the power of historical fiction is how it makes the past feel far less distant than it does in history. We don’t just get to see the side of the Kurc family that survived in documents and family recollections. We see their hopes, their fears, and their collective capacity to find hope
generations of the Kurc family are forced to do
whatever it takes to survive. Facing the horrors of persecution, they separate in a desperate bid to escape the Third Reich, or else hide in plain sight. The narrative jumps between multiple family members, taking readers into the incredible stories of their unlikely escapes. Now, some of you may be questioning if this book can be called historical fiction. After all, it’s based on family accounts, including the author’s own grandfather — a prominent character in the story. Wouldn’t this be a biography? Well, not quite. What makes “Lucky Ones” a novel is the little embellishments and narrative pacing you just don’t get from nonfiction. The characters and events are very real, but the splash of creativity that comes in the form of imagined conversations, moments, and thoughts takes this book outside the scope of a purely academic work, and that’s a good thing.
even when circumstances are at their darkest. We get to live in the moment with them, and that’s what takes these characters from being mere historical figures to full-fledged human beings. It’s one thing to view events like the Holocaust as a list of facts in a textbook, but it’s another to step into the shoes of those fleeing its horror. Works like “Lucky Ones” are visceral reminders of the cruelty humanity can inflict on itself and the world at large. Remembering the crimes of Nazi Germany is always important, but today, as minorities and immigrants are increasingly dehumanized, these kinds of books are more crucial than ever. Hunter’s work is a moving read that is, sadly, extremely relevant to the challenges we face today.
“IT’S ONE THING TO VIEW EVENTS LIKE THE HOLOCAUST AS A LIST OF FACTS IN A TEXTBOOK, BUT IT’S ANOTHER TO STEP INTO THE SHOES OF THOSE FLEEING ITS HORROR.”
-Elliott Kanter
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
A DIFFICULT DISCUSSION TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CANCER
FOCUS ON PREVENTION EDUCATION
As pink-clad products line store shelves this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, children are bound to be curious. Since they rationalize the world around them with what they already know, kids may ask silly questions like, “Is cancer contagious?” Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or you just feel it’s time to educate your children about the disease, answering questions can be difficult. These tips can help you prepare. Telling a child that you or a loved one has cancer can be complicated. To start, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends giving yourself time after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis to process this new reality. Two-parent households should tell their children together, while single parents ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH
are encouraged to ask an adult with a positive influence on the child’s life to join the conversation. Remember, your child will be experiencing the same emotions as you but in a kid’s body, where hormones and developmental changes are already wreaking havoc. Monitor their emotions and offer them space and opportunities to discuss their feelings with a professional. When it comes to explaining the disease and its consequences, younger children may require fewer details and broader concepts, while older kids may need more comprehensive answers to their questions. A 5-year-old is going to have different concerns than a 16-year-old, so your approach must be different. However, regardless of your child’s age, always tell the truth.
A loved one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with cancer for you to educate your family about the disease and its prevention. Studies have linked prevention efforts, including anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programs, to actually preventing cancer. (In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented!) Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure to foster healthy habits and lifestyles. Organizations that host walks, benefits, and other events for cancer prevention and research can be great sources of education for families, too. The ACS has resources for families living with cancer or those wanting to learn more. Visit Cancer.org for more information.
‘ALL IN YOUR HEAD’ HOW TO RECOGNIZE A CONCUSSION
We have our fair share of football fans here at the office, and we’re more than ready for the 2019–2020 season to kick off. Of course, as a firm that handles personal injury cases, there’s one aspect of the sport we can’t ignore: concussions. Football stars and car accident survivors alike suffer from this pernicious head trauma all too often. But unlike pro athletes, most people don’t have a dedicated medical staff who can check for the signs of a concussion right away. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of this serious condition. CAUGHT IN A HAZE While the symptoms of a concussion can vary widely, one of the most common is a persistent mental “fogginess.” If you find yourself unable to remember your accident, or feel confused or lost in what should be familiar settings, you may be concussed. Of course, it can be hard to diagnose your own confusion. This symptom is easier to spot from loved ones facing this condition. AN ACHING HEAD Another very common effect of concussions is frequent headaches. For some this may be an extreme pain, while others may experience more of a feeling of pressure in their forehead. Typically bright lights and
screens can make this sensation worse. If you’ve been unable to shake a headache after a car accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Also, it’s best if you don’t drive there yourself.
GOING DARK While it doesn’t occur in every case, the possibility of losing
consciousness is one of the main reasons it’s so important to identify a concussion sooner rather than later. Some people facing this head trauma can faint without warning — making it vital they are in a safe location and don’t drive or walk down a flight of stairs. If you or a loved one blacks out, seek medical attention immediately.
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
PROBATION
In many cases, probation is good for those accused of crimes and good for California as a whole. Rather than wasting away behind bars, a person gets to contribute to society, spend time with their loved ones, and rehabilitate themselves without facing a criminal record. That said, you need to be aware of some aspects of probation. but they aren’t the same thing. Probation is an alternative to sentencing, usually used for first- time offenders and very minor crimes. Parole is an opportunity for those already declared guilty and imprisoned to re-enter society during their sentence. Unlike probation, those on parole still have a criminal record and can be reincarcerated for minor violations. SUMMARY VS. FORMAL Two types of probation are grated in our state — summary and formal. Summary probation is less invasive. Simply avoid any additional criminal charges, and you should be able to complete this period without issue. Formal probation is more involved, requiring monthly meetings with your probation officer, as well as other stipulations related to the crime you were accused of. COMMON PROBATION REQUIREMENTS Those offered probation will typically be required to do the several things, or face harsher sentencing. PROBATION VS. PAROLE These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably,
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT
Inspired by Food Network
This super easy and fun way to create homemade treats provides your kids with a healthier and more delicious alternative to packaged industrial candy. As a bonus, making it is an awesome Halloween activity for your family to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
•
1 package melting chocolate
• • • •
Community service or roadside work
Therapy
• Assorted dried fruit, including apricots and mangoes
Abstain from alcohol and/or drug use Pay a mandatory restitution fine
DIRECTIONS
For those who want to keep their record clean while making up for past mistakes, probation is a perfect fit. However, if you violate the terms of your probation, you may face harsher consequences. If you are summoned to a Violation of Probation hearing, you’ll want an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. The attorneys at our law firm have over 30 years of experience defending clients in criminal cases — we will fight for you every step of the way.
1. In a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. 2. Place a large, heatproof mixing bowl on top of saucepan so that no steam can escape. Place melting chocolate in mixing bowl and double boil until melted. 3. Dip half of each piece of fruit in chocolate before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet to rest. 4. Let cool for 10 minutes until chocolate solidifies. 5. Place in school lunches, serve at parties, and indulge in a few for yourself.
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC 2445 Fifth Ave., #350 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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THE TRUTH IN HISTORICAL FICTION
EDUCATING YOUR KIDS ABOUT CANCER
COULD YOU SPOT A CONCUSSION?
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CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT
PROBATION PROBLEMS
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AMAZING CAT TALES
TAILS FROM THE PAST
Most owners will tell you their cats act like ancient deities. Majestic, scrupulous, and utterly unpredictable, these fascinating creatures have long captured our imaginations. Even before cat videos took the internet by storm, humans have been idolizing felines, placing them alongside some of their most important mythological figures. BASTET — EGYPT Of course, a list of mythical cats has to start with Egypt. While many people know the pharaohs and their followers thought cats were sacred, you may be surprised by how deep the connection goes. The earliest depiction of Bastet, the feline deity of protection, is a lion-headed woman in battle. But, over the course of 2,000 years, Bastet evolved to resemble the domesticated, pointy- eared cats we know and love today.
招き猫 (MANEKI-NEKO) — JAPAN Legend has it that in the 17th century, a monk living in a small temple in Edo (now Tokyo) was struggling to survive, but he still split his meals with his cat, Tama. One day, Lord Nakaota Ii got caught in a rainstorm while hunting and took shelter under a tree near the temple. Nakaota spotted Tama near the temple, and the cat raised its leg, beckoning the noble to come toward him. Curious, Nakaota complied, stepping out from beneath the tree just before a bolt of lightning struck it down. The lord’s life was saved, and to this day, the Maneki-Neko (the beckoning cat) is a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
FREYA’S SKOGKATTS — NORWAY In Norse folklore, the goddess Freya had a unique means of travel: a chariot pulled by two cats. These were skogkatts, or Norwegian Forest cats, that were only a little larger than your average house cat. Still, these small felines towed Freya around battlefields as she gathered warriors to send to Valhalla. On top of being the goddess of war, love affairs, and magic, Freya may well have been Midgard’s first cat lady.
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The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
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