BOOKS IN A BLOG

A Vanishing of Divas

2011-07-21T16:08:00.001-05:00

In his novel, ‘A Vanishing of Divas,’ Larry Long tells a mystery and suspense story about Kurt McBride, a lawyer who becomes more of a detective when he is hired by a wealthy socialite to protect her from an ominous person who is abducting her sorority sisters from North Western University of which she attended in the 1960s. For Kurt McBride, the events that unfold involve a suspenseful plot consisting of murder, black mail, kidnapping, and the sex slave trade.

In ‘Vanishing of Divas,’ the protagonist Kurt McBride is hired by socialite Carolie Safford from Tucson Arizona to protect her and find the person who is abducting her former sorority sisters. She feels threatened from a letter she received expressing intent on revenge. For McBride, the case becomes personal when he learns of his girlfriend’s death resulting from a car explosion. Kurt McBride is a man who once dreamed of being a famous world class lawyer and become a member of the upper class of society. He wanted fame, wealth, and recognition. His journey to uncover the case of the missing divas causes him to reflect on his past ambitions, losses in life, his values, and what is important in life. He is a character with unresolved demons in his own past and undergoes a personal transformation as he faces the many dangers when searching for the person responsible for his girlfriend Clem’s death.

The plot of the story can be described as a “Who Dunnit?” It is filled with many twists and turns with diverse characters that range from divas with deep secrets, ominous characters, and ruthless characters. The result is a cast of colorful characters that make uncovering the truth a challenge for McBride and the reader. ‘Vanishing of Divas’ is an engaging page turner with unexpected events that will keep readers asking, who dunnit? It is a fun read with a surprising climatic conclusion. The book is highly recommended to readers who enjoy a good ‘who dunnit’ mystery.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Second Chance

2011-07-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

‘Second Chance’ is a collaboration effort between Professor Daryl Green and his student Noriko Chapman during their time together in Lincoln Memorial University’s Master of Business Administration program. The book details an in-depth case study on a specific non profit organization’s resource allocation and operational optimization. It is written to provide non profit organizations with essential operational tools to make them more efficient and equipped to assist their clients in meeting their needs.

The case study featured in ‘Second Chance’ arose from Professor’s Green’s MBA operational analysis class and a project called the Real World Applications (RWA). The subject of the study involved the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Maryville Centre which took place from October 10th to November 30th 2010. The Maryville Centre supports area businesses by providing quality, timely, and cost-effective services by a dedicated work force.

The key issue of the study was how to establish high quality and stable production to maintain and grow business for the centre while providing recommendations to enhance the center’s operational efficiency in order to better serve clients and control effectiveness over the long term. An emphasis is placed on the production capacity, client allocation, productivity improvements, and quality control. Various operational challenges, operational constraints, and opportunities found in problems are addressed. In addition, there is a focus on leadership, how to gain the confidence to navigate operations management, and how to apply concepts put forth in the book to resolve non profit problems and issues.

‘Second Chance’ provides a comprehensive examination of the process of implementing a case study, how issues and problems were identified, and the benefits of applying operations management techniques to assist a non profit organization with becoming more efficient and effective. The case study itself is more than structural step-by-step process of business analysis because within the study, there are messages about the importance of non profits in our society, and it was also a personally meaningful project for Noriko who describes her experience when she was diagnosed with cancer. There is a spiritual message of gaining self confidence, overcoming adversity, and helping those in distress. The parallels of non profit work and personal self awareness are apparent - “…finding the true meaning of life for those who have suffered a traumatic event is a ‘Second Chance.’”

I highly recommend ‘Second Chance’ for anyone running a non profit as well as for business students. The book not only provides a comprehensive analysis of making a non profit more efficient and effective, but readers will be provided with compelling life affirming messages.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Nine Insights for a Happy and Successful Life

2011-07-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

In his book, ‘Nine Insights for a Happy and Successful Life,’ Mitchell Gibson provides a self-help guide that consists of nine insights on how a person can change a life of sadness, emotional suffering and unhappiness, to a life that is filled with happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. He notes that the nine insights for a happy and successful life were inspired by his personal experiences and insights he acquired treating patients and stored in a journal. Gibson states in his book that he “hopes to provide a little light in a world in which millions feel isolated, empty, and without hope.” and “the nine insights come from the Creator and he believes they are His way of reminding each of us that we are unique and special to Him in ways that we cannot imagine.”

In ‘Nine Insights for a Happy and Successful Life,’ Gibson addresses such issues as our belief that money is the key to happiness, how events outside of our control will cause chaos in our lives if we allow it, how we have a tendency to not recognize the possibilities, and how our thoughts affect our outlook on life. He shows readers the path to a happy and fulfilled life through an analysis of techniques that focus on channeling positive energy internally and how to keep positive energy in our environment. This includes adjusting our attitude, how to assess, develop, and exploit the necessary skills to improve our lives, how our dreams can be a source of inspiration, and understanding that failure is about applying what we learned to make better decisions in the future. He shows readers the power of the open mind and how rejecting negative thoughts and accepting positive thoughts are essential to achieving happiness. A fundamental message of the book is learning to understand how our energies, whether positive or negative, influence our state of emotional well being.

For those who have been living in a cycle of negativity that has resulted in sadness, despair, and depression, ‘Nine Insights for a Happy and Successful Life is a must-read.’ It is presented in a thoughtful, reflective, and organized way so that readers will be able to gain an understanding about how thoughts affect our well being and that we have the power to gain control of our thoughts to break free of the unconscious conditioning of always focusing on the negative. The book is very insightful and readers will learn how develop important skills on how to get in touch with their true inner selves to make important changes both internally and externally so that they can live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Media Planning and Buying For the 21st Century

2011-06-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

Because new technologies are creating better ways to communicate, marketing and media are rapidly changing. Now, there are an immense number of media choices available to media planners, particularly in digital form. In his book, ‘Media Planning and Buying For the 21st Century,’ Ron Geskey provides a comprehensive guide for students and professionals on how to implement a strategic media planning and buying strategy in this new age of digital medium and how to best execute an integrated marketing campaign.

The book covers three key media planning areas that media planners need to embrace. The first part of book focuses on the mega-trends which are reshaping the marketplace-- population & demographic trends, client needs and demands, new media and technology, media convergence, and consumers taking control. The second part of book discusses the specific factors which must be analyzed and considered before a strategic media plan can be developed. The third part discusses the step by step process of actually developing a professional media strategy and plan.

Geskey explains that the role of the media planner has shifted from media to marketing communications planning that requires engagement, accountability, ROI, and optimization. He proclaims the internet as the great equalizer which basically levels the marketing field for all businesses. As well, he emphasizes the need to experiment with new media to increase effectiveness. He says that media planners must focus on learning by doing and by actually engaging the material. He says “media planning is a blend of art and science so the media and the creative must work together.”

Geskey provides a road map for accomplishing a professional media plan so that the reader can learn to incorporate media planning and buying to 21st century trends. This includes learning about media negotiation and buying. He addresses the strategies and challenges of effective media buying and the nature of media negotiations. He explains the importance of metrics and analytics in creating a media plan. He goes into great detail about creating an effective media plan using data from key sources that require calculating metrics for analyses and the various analytic tools and mathematical formulas that data marketing planners have at their disposal to expose the target audience to the campaign. The ultimate goal is to influence consumer purchasing decisions. He notes, “medium effectiveness is perhaps the most important variable when selecting the right media set of data.”

‘Media Planning and Buying For the 21st Century’ delivers the important message that consumers are gaining more control over their access to product information and media consumption and media planners must respond using marketing communication methods that are both proactive and adaptive. Geskey effectively and in great detail shows readers how to get a high ROI from their marketing investments. Essential to success is leveraging the power of the internet and how to best influence consumer generated content on purchasing decisions. When used properly, social media becomes a powerful marketing communications tool.

‘Media Planning and Buying For the 21st Century’ is a highly recommended media planning and buying guide that will provide students and business professionals with the knowledge and tools to grow and adapt to the changing consumer landscape, particularly the digital landscape. Readers will not only gain critical insight into the various marketing media available, but how and where to best invest their media buying dollars to gain a higher ROI. The book is a must read for anyone currently in the marketing business and for those who are planning a career in media planning.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Book Publishing for Professionals: Nine Proven Steps for Gaining More Influence

2011-04-14T18:26:00.001-05:00

With the rapid growth of the internet, there are now many opportunities for people who have the knowledge and expertise to write, particularly writing and publishing books. However, Dr. Daryl D. Green points out in his workbook, ‘Book Publishing for Professionals: Nine proven Steps for Gaining More Influence,’ many do not know how to do it.” Dr. Green provides a manual for professionals and those interested in becoming published authors on how to gain influence though book publishing. Green presents easy-to-implement strategies as well as practical guidelines, and resources to help readers gain more influence and help them achieve their publishing goals.

In his workbook, a comprehensive entrepreneurial publishing model is presented that emphasizes not only the importance of gaining influence to become a successful published author, but he also emphasizes that “gaining influence is critical to achieving any substantial success in life.” He provides helpful tips on writing a book and the various ways to get published other than the major book publishers. He provides a comparison of the different publishing options, including the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of self publishing and using publishing portals. As well, he dispels myths about self publishing such as the “false stigma - a self published author's book is not good enough to be published”

In his workbook, readers will gain a critical insight into the publishing process. The author provides essential information to help readers create an effective book publishing plan that includes coming up with topics for a book, writing tips, choosing a publishing option, and how to build an author platform that will enable people to sell their book, and key book promoting tips. The book is not filled with ‘fluff’ as Green writes with clarity and preciseness to ensure his points are well understood by the reader. As well, readers will benefit from the helpful publishing sources provided and the work space provided to make their own notes and even create their own publishing model for their book publishing endeavors. Dr. Green shares over 20 years experience in a well written and organized manual that will make the process of publishing a book much easier and help increase the likelihood of publishing success. ‘Book Publishing for Professionals: Nine proven Steps for Gaining More Influence’ is highly recommended to readers who are want learn how to properly write a book, publish it, and promote it successfully.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Christian Health Manual

2011-03-29T18:42:00.002-05:00

In Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi's 'The Christian Health Manual,' a comprehensive guide on common health conditions is presented which is, as he states, “largely for the Christian reader.” Told from a Christian perspective, Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi advocates a lifestyle that prevents disease which includes practicing a Christian lifestyle. Although Christian teachings are emphasized, he also focuses on medical science for treating diseases and other health conditions.

The purpose of the book is to “educate Christians and public at large to prevent and treat some of the common diseases while providing readers with a broad knowledge about the causes and treatment of the common diseases that affect humanity.” In the manual, Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi emphasizes the power of prayer as an important part of preventing disease as much as living a healthy lifestyle and having the right mental attitude. He contends, “uncontrollable human illness equates with uncontrollable human behavior that is good for nothing.” He provides passages from the bible to support adopting a healthy mind and body.

Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi talks about ‘Divine Replacement Therapy' and states that “prayer and conventional medical science do not contravene each other.” As well, he traces the root cause of disorders back to the fall of mankind in Eden. That is, “disease, suffering, and death came into the world as a result of the curse pronounced on Adam and Eve after disobeying God.” When discussing prevention through godly living, he emphasizes the negative effects of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and promiscuity. For instance, he says “we must, indeed, guard against sinful tendencies, for, like cancer cells, sin can spread in an uncontrollable fashion.” Not only does he discuss the importance of living a Christian life, but he also focuses the medical aspects of many common medical conditions and outlines their cause, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and how to avoid the triggers that cause the conditions.

For readers who are devout Christians, 'The Christian Health Manual,' is practical health guide that teaches readers how to employ their faith to promote a healthy mind and body. Readers will enjoy reading his anecdotes about his life in a rural Ghanaian village. It is an easy to read health manual that is both practical and informative. When he talks about disease, he talks about how it is essential that one maintains a pure mind and body and how such social factors as family break down, conflict, poverty, and underdevelopment, can cause disease. 'The Christian Health Manual' will be appreciated and enjoyed by Christians who are seeking a healthier spiritual, physical, and mental life.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks

2011-03-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks’, a new educational book for children, written by May Green, tells about two young praying mantises, Orwell and Ruben, who attend the acclaimed Tulip School. At the school, they study under Oscar, who is also a praying mantis, but he is also a Professor. While at school, the two brothers realize they are students. They learn about their function and their position and the positions of other related species in the natural world, how their traits are the product of evolution and how their character in the world has interesting similarities to that of human evolution and progress.

Humans have the ability to be constructive and reconstruct, if necessary, in order to survive, while remaining in touch with their own instincts. Another key message of the book is that survival skills are of the utmost importance, whereby civil and constructive means are, always at hand, if chosen to implement. Furthermore, one point made clear, is that humans seek out goodness, in spite of threats, and they attempt ‘reconciliation’ if foreseeable. However, humans appear to resort to sadism when diplomatic ties fall short, which they must learn to adjust or they will fall behind in the very progress they attempt to make. As the story proceeds to unfold, how our very maintenance structures play a vital role is illustrated in this process and what we choose to do pertaining, matters to the paramount.

The term ‘praying mantis’ originates from the Greek word ‘prophecy or soothsayer’, which accentuates the essence of the story. The story centers on constructive and evolutionary development; where the following concept surfaces: we all have the ability to guide and lead ourselves in spite of any and whatever impositions we encounter. This serves as the fundamental theme of the story.

The praying mantises learn their vital skills in order to ensure their survival. Instincts and traits are linked to their species survival in tandem with two human children, Olive and Oliver. The story focuses on themes of science, human thought, cognition, intellectual reasoning, and societal conditioning which often hinder the ability to grow intellectually and autonomously. For instance, Olive and Oliver were told they must train in something in order to survive in hope to nourish and live a long life. Oliver challenges that thought and chooses not to train in important and vital ways for himself. Whereas, and on the other hand, Olive definitely realized through training, she needed to determine her own self, rather than, lend herself to another's disposal, and develops from an inquisitive child with great aspirations to a more self-aware adult, which emphasizes a type of evolutionary growth that we all can have.

‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks,’ is a learning story presented as a children's story which has allowed for a presentation of a unique look at humanity that is easy to understand. As well, the story is entertaining with unique praying mantis students who have a strong desire to learn about the world and all the species that inhabit it. Moreover, it is a book that imparts an interesting insight into our own natural instincts and how these instincts are not just to ensure survival of each species, but also allows us to grow intellectually and make better life choices without feeling the pressure of external influences who want to define our place and purpose in the world. It is filled with symbolism and dialogue that children of about the ages of nine to twelve will be able to follow and understand.

‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks,’ is highly recommended as a very thought provoking story with colorful characters. It is a story that children will enjoy reading.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Man and his Planet: An Unauthorized History

2011-02-23T17:29:00.000-05:00

In his book, ‘Man and his Planet: An Unauthorized History,’ James E. Strickling Jr. presents an analysis of a topic that has been debated by scholars, scientists, and religious leaders for generations - Creation versus Evolution. In his book, he examines both sides and provides an argument that refutes both their conclusions. His argument is based on the following specific line of reasoning: “Natural selection is Science’s equivalent to religious fundamentalism and Creationist’s interpretation of the origin of life as the ‘Great Mistake.’” The overall objective of ‘Man and his Planet’ is to show that the creationists’ “fixity of species” and the evolutionists’ “very orderly gradual evolution of life on earth” are in error, and it is disadvantageous for them not to listen to opposing views as there is another potential alternative to how life emerged and evolved.

Strickling contends that “the creationist system of belief offers little value to our understanding and enlightenment.” He also challenges the evolutionary concept of speciation by natural selection by arguing: “By surviving, it produces a circle; the surviving species survive because they are the fittest, and they are adjudged to be the fittest because they survive. Explains nothing - survived has survived. There are no facts to support speciation by natural selection.” Instead, Strickling argues that natural selection allows a species to maintain its identity by means of natural selection.

Strickling provides an account of the Standard Geological Column Geological Record where the picture presented is a very orderly gradual evolution of life on earth. He details an assessment of Uniformitarianism vs. Catastrophism and argues that speciation is accelerated in times of catastrophe such as the ends of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic periods that were marked by extinction on a global scale. He contends Uniformitarianism does not satisfactorily explain evolution by natural selection.

Strickling provides a possible alternative that takes into account ancient documents that reveal natural electrical phenomena. The idea is that matter emerged from energy. That is, a burst of energy erupted and subsequently transformed to matter. This theory is comparable to the scientific ‘Big Bang Theory’ as well as to Deepak Chopra’s spiritual system of beliefs pertaining to energy which asserts that there is an elaborate connection between quantum physics and consciousness. According to Chopra, "We are each a localized field of energy and information with cybernetic feedback loops interacting within a non-local field of energy and information."

‘Man and his Planet: An Unauthorized History,’ provides an intriguing look into the origins of life with a compelling critique of established religious and scientific explanations. I found myself appreciating the arguments presented while agreeing with some and disagreeing with others, such as Man’s inability to impact the global climate. ‘Man and his Planet: An Unauthorized History’ is highly recommended as a book well worth debate and readers will gain insight into another way of looking at how the earth evolved without feeling like their own beliefs are being judged or ridiculed.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Breaking Ground: The Horeb Anomaly

2011-02-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

In his novel, ‘Breaking Ground: The Horeb Anomaly,’ author Robert J. Cornell tells a story of a quest to decipher and locate an ancient artifact known as the “Perfection of Paradise” This ancient artifact holds the key to learning the truth about the history of mankind.

The novel begins by providing a historical account of the significance of the “Perfection of Paradise” which dates back to Egypt, 2150 BC. Readers will learn how Moses the Priest, the last priest of the ancient knowledge and protector of the artifact, steals it from the Pharaoh to keep it out of hands of those seeking tyrannical power, as the ‘Perfection of Paradise’ is a great source of immense power. As well, an account is given of those, who throughout history, have gone to great measures to get rid of ancient artifacts.

The plot of the story begins in 2021, where Victor Finn, a wealthy businessman and head of the organization The Finn Group, discovers an ancient scroll in an unknown language and assembles a team of scientific researchers and military personnel to translate the scroll. He finances an excavation quest to Jordan to learn the secrets of the scrolls and locate the “Perfection of Paradise.” The central characters Jack Butler, a former special –ops officer, and Holly Webster, an expert in ancient language translation, along with the rest of the team begin a dangerous journey of following the clues the scroll offers to locate the ‘Perfection of Paradise’ and acquire knowledge that would change Man’s view of the history of humanity. Their journey becomes dangerous and even life threatening as they contend with an ominous group known as the ‘Brotherhood,’ and their leader Al Fatima who tries to stop them from securing the artifact so that he can suppress historical knowledge that is not consistent with Man’s long held beliefs about the history of human civilization.

‘Breaking Ground: The Horeb Anomaly,’ is an exciting adventure story that integrates Biblical accounts and themes, particularly the theme based on the narrative from the Book of Exodus about the making of a golden idol by Aaron at Mount Sinai for the Israelites to worship. As well, the action and plot is a much like a blend of the ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘The Davinci Code’ adventure movies. Readers will enjoy following the quest and the obstacles the characters must overcome both personally and professionally in order to complete their quest. The outcome of the quest and the climatic conflict will surprise readers. The story is filled with vividly described settings and action packed scenes that will engage readers’ imaginations. ‘Breaking Ground: The Horeb Anomaly,’ is highly recommended to readers who enjoy page-turning action packed stories written within a biblical and historical framework.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Vernham Chronicles

2011-01-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ‘The Vernham Chronicles,’ John Saunders provides a glimpse into a small village of Vernham located in the countryside around Vernbury Vale, England. The buildings are mostly 16th century with a few mock Tudor buildings. When viewed from the outside, the village appears to be a quaint and charming village “suspended in time,” however, what makes the village so captivating is its collection of wacky and eccentric residents that live intriguing, comical, and atypical lives. ‘Vernham Chronicles’ is a character exploration of the residents of a quaint village and their quirky habits and unconventional behavior.

‘The Vernham Chronicles,’ is divided into twelve chapters with each chapter focusing on a specific setting in the village such as the local tea room, Candy Shop, Country Inn, and more. The stories of the characters in each chapter are loosely connected to one another. The characters presented in each chapter are not just compelling in their oddities and behaviors, but readers will see how these characters are key figures representing the heart of the little village. For instance, readers will follow the Reverend Parsworthy and his alcohol induced rants and eccentric contemplations. PC Fred Sweetman is a man with a history of flashing people who is also a part-time Bobby. Fred is viewed as the “cog in the machine of the village.”

Vernham is an intriguing village with its gossip mill and devilish young boys stealing Candy from Ye Olde Sweetie Shoppe. And the village residents are resolved to live in the past with their absolute lack of interest in technology. Vernham is a village filled with characters with comical idiosyncrasies that will amuse readers. With all of their peculiar and quirky behavior, readers will laugh at the ridiculous and obsessive behavior which makes the story such a fun and entertaining read. The ‘Vernham Chronicles’ is highly recommended to readers who love reading amusing stories about charming communities with quirky and engaging characters.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

About Time Already

2010-11-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

In her novel, ‘About Time Already,’ L.A. Noble tells a mystery and suspense story about a young woman by the name of Jenny Masters who returns to her hometown after nine years to find herself confronting her painful past. As Jenny faces her traumatic childhood memories, she unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of lies, murder, and blackmail, which results in a dangerous journey to uncover an explosive secret.

‘About Time Already,’ takes place during the summer of 2010. Jenny Masters left New Attica, Illinois after graduating from high school in order to escape a traumatic childhood. As a child, Jenny had been sexually abused by local doctor Dr. Samuel Roberts. She was not the only young girl to be preyed upon by the depraved doctor. In 2001, he killed a young girl he got pregnant. Dr. Samuel and his mother Sarah Roberts buried her body in the shed of the family home. From an early age, Jenny’s life had been entangled with the affluent Roberts family. Not only was she sexually abused by Dr. Samuel, but she also had become pregnant by Steve Roberts, Dr. Samuel’s half brother. Cold and calculating Sarah Roberts, the matriarch of the Roberts family, claimed to have had the baby adopted but then the baby died. After nine years living in Blessington, Illinois, Jenny returns to New Attica when she learns that her mother is in a serious car accident. The events that unfold involve murder, kidnappings, blackmail, uncovering dark secrets, and Jenny confronting her painful childhood and those who caused her such emotional harm.

‘About Time Already’ contains a diverse range of unique and colorful characters. Ashley and Heather are the town gossips who constantly watch and gossip about the activities of the other characters. Jenny’s friends, Michelle and Max, have a knack for solving murders and assist Jenny in her efforts to uncover the mystery while trying to make sense of their own relationship. Brothers Michael and Steve Roberts struggle with their own past with Jenny. Depraved Doctor Samuel and his mother Sarah are both scheming characters who will do anything, no matter how wicked, to protect the family name.

‘About Time Already’ is a literary mystery filled with many surprising twists and turns that will keep readers guessing the identity of the murderer right to the end of the story. Through a well-written and well-plotted narrative, readers will find themselves cheering for Jenny as she faces great danger and threats to her life. ‘About Time Already’ is highly recommended to readers who enjoy an entertaining page-turning mystery that keeps them engaged from start to end.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

We Do Remember You

2010-11-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

In his children’s book, ‘We Do Remember You,’ Steve Butler continues the story from his first children’s book, ‘A Letter From Heaven.’ His first book told the story of Jamie, a young boy who learns to understand and grieve the death of his sister, Alexandra, who died before she was born. ‘We Do Remember You’ is a story about how children can still celebrate and commemorate a sibling after he or she has died and gone to heaven.

‘We Do Remember You,’ focuses on the theme of showing children how to find a way to honor and commemorate the death of a sibling in the form of simple rituals that will allow them to stay spiritually close to them. These rituals can be, “simple, elaborate, personal, or cooperative.” The story begins with a group of children gathered in Heaven’s garden that includes: Alexandra, Adam, Tammy, Olivia, Chandler, and John. They are remembering their parents and other family members on earth and how they are remembering them. Each child discusses how their family is remembering them through simple rituals such as lighting a candle, planting a rose bush, creating memory boxes…etc. An essential message of the book to help children understand their sibling’s death is the quote from a poem: “there can be no end, for eternity calls…”

‘We Do Remember You,’ is designed to help children to understand the death of a sibling, that includes pregnancy loss, and how children can still honor and keep the memory of their sibling alive through simple rituals. The personal rituals are a way for them to continue communicating with them although they are physically separated. The book is wonderfully well-written and illustrated and deals with an issue that can be very painful to a child. I appreciate the gentleness in how the story is told and how the story helps children learn that although there is a physical loss, they still have ways to maintain closeness with their sibling. Through a well-written narrative and beautiful illustrations, the messages will be easily understood. At the end of the book there is a list of resources for further assistance in helping a child grieve and understand the loss.

‘We Do Remember You’ is a very uplifting story and is highly recommended for every child dealing with the loss of a sister or brother. Parents can read the story with their children and together discuss the messages of the story and what they can do as a family to honor their memory.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Recaging the Beast, The Yeast-Fungal Connection: The Disease behind Disease

2010-10-20T07:25:00.000-05:00

In the 1980s, author Jane Remington developed a systemic yeast infection after taking several courses of antibiotics prescribed after dental surgeries. While looking for a way to eliminate the Candida overgrowth, she found a naturopath by the name of Dr. Sylvia Flesner who put her on a yeast-free diet. Several weeks later, her immune system was restored and she regained her energy and health. In her book, Recaging the Beast, The Yeast-Fungal Connection: The Disease behind Disease, Jane Remington shares her knowledge about how the rise of diseases is directly linked to the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. She contends there is a direct relationship between the yeast levels in our body and disease. Each health condition is a different but distinct manifestation of the same etiology or cause–fungus.

Remington explains that Candida albicans is a naturally occurring tiny one celled organism that normally resides in our gastrointestinal tract. When there is a fungal overgrowth that escapes from the gastrointestinal tract, the fungus goes on a rampage throughout the body and wreaks havoc on every system right down to the cellular level. The chemicals released from the yeast are toxic which leaves the body susceptible to a broad range of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and even childhood conditions such as autism. Remington goes into much detail in explaining what yeasts are, their affects on the body and its systems, and the damage that results from the proliferation of yeast throughout he body. She highlights her own experiences working with renowned naturopath, Dr. Sylvia Flesner, and the astonishing results when patients embraced a yeast-free diet. As well, she cites many health studies to support her claims. She provides a detailed guide on adopting a yeast-free diet in order to contain the yeast in the gastrointestinal tract. She also outlines what should be avoided to eliminate yeast overgrowth and prevent future infestation, such as certain foods and beverages, antifungal supplements, antibiotics, and more. As well, Remington takes on the controversial issues surrounding vaccines, antibiotics, and the role Big Pharma plays in treating illness, not curing it.

One of the most impressive features of the book is the research. Remington does not just provide information on the importance of adopting a yeast-free lifestyle, but she has a done an incredible amount of research to support her arguments. She is able to deliver an honest account of where our future is going regarding the food and pharmaceuticals we put in our bodies. The book is a wake-up call about the health of our society and what we as individuals can do to take control of our own health. Remington makes a compelling case supported by studies that show that the yeast-fungal connection is directly linked to most of the disease and health conditions we see today, and that things will only get worse if we do not take control of our own bodies instead of relying on a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical industry to treat our illnesses. Recaging The Beast is an easy to understand, comprehensive study of the multiple causes of disease today. The book is highly recommended to readers who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle and combat disease.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Morbid Obesity: Will You Allow It To Kill You?

2010-10-18T17:09:00.000-05:00

In his book, ‘Morbid Obesity: Will You Allow It To Kill You?’ author Eduardo Chapunoff provides an in-depth account of morbid obesity that includes the causes, physiological and physiological effects, treatments, and what those suffering from obesity must do psychologically and emotionally to achieve long term weight loss. Chapunoff’s fundamental message to achieving successful long term weight loss is “radical behavior modification.”

In the US, obesity was not classified as a disease until 1985 and now the disease has an estimated annual cost of $117 billion. Chapunoff explains that morbid obesity must be treated as a medical disease, not as a lifestyle choice. He also explains that morbid obesity is a condition when one has a weight excess of 100 pounds or more and a BMI greater than or equal to 40. He provides a thorough account of what happens to the body’s organs such as the heart, lungs, and other systems when one is morbidly obese. An emphasis is placed on its life threatening effects as well as the psychological effects and social implications. He also discusses ‘comorbidities’, the diseases closely associated with morbid obesity.

Chapunoff provides key messages to treating obesity such as: “Don’t hate the problem. Instead love the challenge, radical behavior modification is essential, and awareness helps prevention.” He goes into great detail about the options to treating obesity such as the various surgical methods and when morbid obesity causes one to be disabled and at a great risk of dying, weight loss surgery is essential. He talks about how society promotes not only eating, but also over eating, including the kinds of foods that contribute to obesity. Different types of weight loss surgeries are discussed that includes the types of procedures, risks, benefits, and what to expect during and after the surgery. He outlines the misconceptions, misunderstandings, and miscalculation in the management of morbid obesity, as well as the role of patients and their friends, family, surgeons, and insurance company.

Morbid obesity is a disease that has become an epidemic in western society. ‘Morbid Obesity: Will You Allow It To Kill You?’ is a thorough and easy to understand book about morbid obesity that provides extensive information to help people better understand this disease. Very insightful parts of the book are the interviews with weight loss surgeons and patients who have had the procedure. Chapunoff also provides behavior modification tips that will help people achieve long term weight loss no matter what weight loss option they choose. The book contains a vast wealth of information about the physiological, psychological, financial, and social implications of morbid obesity. As well, Chapunoff discusses the alarming increase in the number of children suffering from childhood obesity.

I highly recommend ‘‘Morbid Obesity: Will You Allow It To Kill You?’’ to individuals, parents, and health professionals as an educational and insightful guide on the issues surrounding morbid obesity and what people can do to prevent and treat this disease.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Growing Up In A Small African Village

2010-10-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

In his memoir, ‘Growing Up in a Small African Village’ Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi provides an account of his childhood experiences growing up in Mpintimpi, a small village in Ghana where there were about 100 residents. His inspiration for telling his story comes from a poignant memory when he was young man about to leave the village to pursue his education endeavors. Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi remembers one of the villagers saying to him, “Do not forget us.” His heart has always been with the villagers no matter where life took him, and now his goal is to establish a Health Centre that will improve the lives of the villagers.

Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi’s memoir entails an in-depth account of experiences that influenced his work ethic, his belief in the importance of family, his spirituality, and his desire to help impoverished people as a doctor. He shares remarkable stories about his family, villagers, customs, education, and spirituality of the community. A strong emphasis is on the role of the extended family and community support. Customs such as polygamy are chronicled, as well as interesting customs such as when women were having their menstrual cycle; they could not cook for their husband. He highlights the hardships endured as a child, including the quality of health care. Readers will learn about the ignorance of the nurses and doctors in the hospital that was in another town that was a very far distance from the village. As well, readers will learn about unsanitary injections by people who were often not qualified to do give injections. ‘Smuggled injections’ is another issue discussed. ‘Smuggled injections’ involved fake doctors convincing the villagers that an injection would treat any condition. Many unnecessary injections were given and the villagers would be sent back to the village. Home health care and witchcraft is another interesting subject of the book. Readers will learn of how the villagers did their best to treat illnesses, even if the medicine was not appropriate for the particular condition. For instance, the medicine called Atwood was used to treat a wide variety of illnesses although Atwood was just a medicine for treating constipation. The practice of painful circumcision is also chronicled.

In regards to the community, Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi provides an in-depth account of life in the village that included colorful residents and how their hardships were not seen as obstacles, but challenges to overcome. Readers will learn about meal preparation and how the chief meal ‘Fufu’ is prepared. Readers will be surprised to learn of the use of the chemical DDT to catch fish by pouring the chemical in the water, waiting for the fish to die, and then collecting the fish to eat. Fortunately, DDT was eventually banned. He also discusses his childhood education where at the age of 6, he would walk 2 miles to school and return home to do the chores followed by homework by Kerosene lamp. He also discusses the act of caning a student as punishment for such reasons as failure to perform well on a mental arithmetic test.

‘Growing Up in a Small African Village’ is a compelling and well written story that will make readers feel as though they have been transported back in time to experience the events Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi recounts. Readers will understand why the village has had such a positive impact on Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi’s life. It becomes quite clear why he has never forgotten the village and why he wants to create a health centre to improve the villagers’ lives. As well, readers will gain an appreciation for the strength of spirit of the community. No matter how hard life became, they made the best of it, and worked hard to survive. ‘Growing Up in a Small African Village’ is the story of an impoverished community with an immense spirit.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Be Still

2010-09-24T14:16:00.001-05:00

In her novel, ‘Be Still,’ author Pamela Young tells a spiritual story about the ‘end of times’ where the world is on a collision course with a comet and messages from God delivered by angels forewarns of the end of life on earth.

The plot of ‘Be Still’ focuses on the protagonist Amanda Fox, a reporter for the World News Network. Amanda Fox is a woman who has walked away from a spiritual life to live a more secular life as a reporter. Life for her is about facts. When Amanda hears of the reports of angel sightings and messages from around the world, she is skeptical and dismisses the reports. As she meets the people who have seen the angels, she is shocked by the accounts as they seem so real, particularly the message from God, "Prepare yourself, for the time is at hand." In Greece, a man reports of his encounter with an angel. In New Orleans, Ellie Lebeaux sees and receives a message from an angel. In Victoria, British Columbia, a little girl foretells events that will take place before the world comes to an end. Amanda becomes a believer when the events the girl forecasts start to come true. In the meantime, there are groups who attempt to discredit the angel sightings and messages, as well as a reverend who seeks to profit from the sightings.

‘Be Still’ delves into a spiritual theme that focuses on the assertion that Man has turned away from the spiritual teachings of God and has stopped loving God. Man now manipulates and distorts the true word of God for personal benefit and profit. The story, although told from a Christian perspective, is able to successfully encompass all major faiths. Important themes include the disintegration of our morals and values and how Man’s greed has shaped society and taken people away from the true meaning of what it means to love God. ‘Be Still’ is also a story of a woman discovering what it means to have faith. Amanda runs the risk of ruining her reputation by broadcasting the stories of the angel sightings and she begins to reflect on her own beliefs and how she has lived her life. Amanda’s story is a journey of spiritual growth.

I highly recommend ‘Be Still’ as a story of finding true faith while providing compelling and thought provoking observations on the current state of humanity. Readers will not be able to put the book down until they find out if mankind survives. ‘Be Still’ provides numerous issues to think about regarding the path the world is on and what will become of mankind if we continue to live such violent, selfish, and greedy lives.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Everyday Housewife

2010-09-15T18:26:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ‘The Everyday Housewife,’ author Bryan Foreman tells a story about a housewife living in Oklahoma City who travels to New York City to pursue a writing career. In New York City, the once sheltered housewife finds herself immersed in a foreign world filled with intriguing people, adventure, and extraordinary experiences.

Katharine Beaumont has been living a mundane life in Oklahoma City as a housewife with a husband who barely acknowledges her and teenagers who are unappreciative and rude. One day her husband confesses an affair. Katharine decides that it is time for her needs to be fulfilled so she hops on board a Greyhound bus and travels to New York City to pursue a writing career. Katharine becomes involved in the lives of an intriguing and multifaceted cast of characters and ends up embroiled in a world of drugs and murder. As she traverses her new life, she writes a book where the main character is Katharine’s alter ego. In the story, Kitty Everhart is a smart, striking, and seductive British intelligence agent who finds herself shipwrecked on a desert island with 7 other castaways.

Katharine’s three and half month experience in New York City takes her out of the security and comfort of life as a suburban housewife and into a world where she makes astonishing decisions that she once thought were out of her nature. The story is filled with engaging plots full of surprising twists and turns, as well as a cast of offbeat characters. For instance, Bree, an emotionally damaged drug addict in an abusive relationship manages to stay a believer in true love. Joe Milano, a bartender who Katharine develops a relationship with, is involved with the mob and is known as a killer for hire. Joe fills the loveless hole in Katharine’s heart and she sees his more human side.

‘The Everyday Housewife’ is a story that utilizes dark humor in an effective manner which helps to enhance and contrast each character’s unconventional attributes. It is an entertaining and engaging character study that focuses on Katharine’s growth from a mundane housewife to a risk taker with her own independent and unique outlook on life. I highly recommend ‘The Everyday Housewife’ as a fun read that will keep readers satisfyingly engaged from start to end.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Lost Relic of the Gods

2010-09-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ‘Lost Relic of the Gods’ author Jeffery A. Friedberg tells a story about a private eye who becomes embroiled in a quest to locate an ancient relic with great powers that could, if it falls in the wrong hands, destroy the world.

Jack Vane is a private eye and ex-Green Beret living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jack has had a tough life that included run-ins with the mob. He also has diabetes and is going blind in one eye. Although Jack is a gritty tough talking private eye whose language often includes profanity, underneath he has a soft spot with a great love for his pregnant wife. His life is suddenly turned upside down when a mysterious woman by the name of Charmant tries to enlist him in a secret global organization called the ‘No One” to help them locate and secure a powerful relic. The relic dates back 5000 years to the ancient Sumerians, where a demon bowl was created that gives great power to the one who possesses it. In the wrong hands, it could cause the destruction of the world. The story opens describing the history of the relic with an evil queen and priest attempting to obtain the relic to gain immortality, but in a vividly described scene, they fail to acquire the power and use it for evil.

After dismissing Charmant as a ‘nut,’ Jack returns home to find his pregnant wife dead. Jack, along with his brother-in-law, Little Boy, a spiritual Native American and ex Army Ranger, embark on a journey to hunt down his wife’s murderer and find the ancient relic. Throughout the journey, jack becomes embroiled in ancient Native American prophecies, supernatural events, and a plot that involves two organizations: “The No One” wants to save the world and “The Combine” wants it for power and destruction. The prophecy deals with an upcoming event that will take place on December 21, 2012.

Told in the first person, ‘Lost Relic of the Gods’ is an exciting adventure filled with Native American folklore and ancient supernatural mythology. A central theme of the story is good vs. evil with Jack struggling with his own internal demons that challenge his own spiritual and moral values. Readers will cheer for Jack as he undergoes his journey of spiritual growth and transformation that involves powerful visions and contemplating his past. Dark characters such as Bacca Harakan add dark intrigue and mystery to the story. Readers will experience graphic scenes of cruel revenge and harsh retributions. Friedburg is able to successfully integrate the world of a private eye with ancient mythology to create an intriguing and entertaining adventure. ‘Lost Relic of the Gods’ is an intense page-turning read about a complicated private eye who becomes the key to unraveling an ancient prophecy. The story will keep readers engaged from start to end.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Shakespeare Conspiracy

2010-09-01T20:33:00.001-05:00

In his novel, ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ author Ted Bacino tells a historical fiction story based on the age old literary historian debate about William Shakespeare not being the actual writer of the famous Shakespearean plays.

Bacino presents the case of the greatest literary deception in history in the form of a fictional story blended with actual historical data. The story opens in London England in the year 1593. Christopher Marlowe is a 29 year old gay poet and playwright with a vibrant and mischievous spirit. He is known throughout England, including high society, as one of the hottest new writers. During this time period, the plaque is ravaging the country and the Church of England is a major influence in government and social policy. Citizens accused of spying or promoting atheism were arrested, tortured, imprisoned, and often executed. Christopher Marlowe’s former lover, Captain Kyd, is caught with writings that say that “Christ was justly persecuted by the Jews because of his foolishness and that Moses was just a magician.” He is imprisoned and tortured in an effort to give up the name of the person who wrote such blasphemy. He does not give up Christopher Marlowe; however, an officer by the name of Constable Maunder becomes obsessed with proving Marlowe’s guilt. Marlowe is accused of being a spy and charged with heresy. To escape his fate, Marlowe and his new lover Thomas Walsingham, concoct a plan to fake Marlowe’s murder and arrange for a young thespian by the name of William Shakespeare to take credit for writing Marlowe’s plays.

Marlowe flees England and travels to Italy where he travels to 7 cities in 7 years in an effort to avoid capture by Constable Maunder’s agents. During his travels, he trades letters and provides plays to his faithful courier Poeley. Poeley takes the plays to Thomas who arranges to have them transcribed by William Shakespeare. Within the story, historical facts are integrated to unravel a mystery with one logical solution – William Shakespeare could not have been the writer of all of the plays. The plot is filled with adventure and intrigue. Bacino pays careful attention to accurate dialogue and the customs of the period. Readers will enjoy the vibrant, colorful, and comical cast of characters. Readers will get a glimpse of an era filled with political strife, religious domination, and the elite customs and practices of the upper class citizens, including the spirited gay society.

I enjoyed the conspiracy presented in literary form as it helps make the argument more compelling. Actual evidence is cited in the story that includes comparisons of sonnets, similarities between Marlowe’s writings and Shakespeare’s writings, and relevant historical letters. To support the argument, Bacino provides about 50 pages of supplemental historical notes and historical data. ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ is a fun and exciting read that is not only a well written story, but also well researched to maintain historical accuracy. I highly recommend ‘The Shakespeare Conspiracy’ as an engaging and entertaining read with many twists and turns and surprising revelations.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

How Not To Drop Dead

2010-08-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

In his book, ‘How Not to Drop Dead,’ author Eduardo Chapunoff provides a comprehensive guide on 201 causes of sudden or rapid death and how to avoid them. He explains that prevention is the best way to avoid sudden or rapid death. As Chapunoff wittily states, “Meeting death at the corner of he next block because of negligence, carelessness, or sloppiness, is particularly sad and also kind of stupid.”

Chapunoff describes 201 wide ranging conditions, situations, and illnesses, such as strokes, depression, shark attack, sex and erotic asphyxiation, electrocution, drug overdose…etc., and details how each condition leads to sudden or rapid death. He discusses what happens biologically, risk factors, how the conditions are diagnosed, treatment, who is at risk, and prevention measures. The book is much more than a guide on maintaining good health as certain conditions have specific prevention measures such as making changes in the home, wearing the proper helmet when playing certain sports, immunization, learning techniques for stress reduction, practicing proper sanitary measures, adding a carbon monoxide detector in the home…etc.

‘How Not To Drop Dead’ is a very thorough guide with a common sense style of writing that makes it easy to understand, even by readers who do not have a medical background. After reading the book, readers will feel empowered to take charge of their own health and well being. The book does not read like a medical textbook as Chapunoff provides witty anecdotes and stories about his experience as a cardiologist and many years of Internal Medicine practice as well. For instance, he tells a story about a medical student who was working with a cadaver in the morgue and accidentally stuck his finger with a needle he was using to suture some tissue and died of sepsis in 36 hours. In the section on abdominal trauma, he relates the case of man who walked into the emergency room after being stabbed with a knife in his belly and was holding his intestines with his bare hands. One of the most dramatic experiences Chapunoff describes in the section of shark attack is a personal one: how he survived his own confrontation with a blue shark that headed directly toward him. “There was no time to escape. There was no time to pray…”

I highly recommend ‘How Not to Drop Dead’ as a well researched and informative read that will teach readers how to take control of their health and well being and empower them to make the necessary changes in their lives to prevent sudden or rapid death. It is a very positive book that imparts immense knowledge with frankness and clarity.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Liar Loan

2010-08-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ‘Liar Loan’ author Jason Reid tells a fictional story about the how one mortgage company under the leadership of a greedy CEO manipulated the mortgage system. Although fiction, the story mirrors what actually happened causing the 2008 – 2009 collapse of the sub prime mortgage market which nearly caused the destruction of the entire US financial market.

Neil Roberts is the CEO of Katana Mortgage, a company that markets mortgages to the masses and creates refinanced mortgages to unqualified homeowners who want extra money for personal endeavors such as education, financing a business, expensive products…etc. With loose regulations, Neil Roberts’ team is able to engage in unethical tactics such as manipulating credit scores, pushing up the values of appraisals, and charge high fees with high adjustable interest rates with their refinanced mortgages. Neil’s team lend to unqualified homeowners without thinking about the consequences of large numbers of homeowners not being able to repay their loans leading to mass foreclosures.

Neil Roberts is a self-centered, egotistical, arrogant, and sexist CEO who lives for instant gratification in business and his personal life. He pushes his team to make as many deals as possible to unqualified mortgage holders. In his personal life, he neglects and cheats on his wife. Jared, his top salesman and an obsessive compulsive, trains greedy young men and women with no mortgage experience to convince just about anyone to refinance their home. Neil’s world is on the verge of imploding when everything he has worked for in both business and his personal life begins to fall apart. The result is the biggest challenge of Neil’s life: learning what is truly meaningful in life.

‘Liar Loan’ is a fast-paced engaging story that gives readers a glimpse into a big cause of the collapse of the sub prime market. Readers will learn the tactics mortgage salesmen used to convince homeowners to refinance their mortgage to a loan they could never afford. As well, readers will learn how homeowners are partly to blame for taking a mortgage they could not afford so that they could get extra cash. In the story, there is a large amount of dialogue and explanations that focus on how the mortgage refinance works, slick sales tactics, and how credit ratings and appraisals can be manipulated so that homeowners could qualify for the loan. Readers will gain insight into the loan officers’ corrupt behavior, greed, lack of moral conscience, and how the loan officers justified their actions. Regarding character development, readers will start out despising Neil and Jared, but will have a change of heart as the two young men face what they have become.

‘Liar Loan’ is not only an engaging read, but it provides valuable information about the mortgage market and will hopefully educate people to think before they pick up the phone and call a company that has sent them an email or direct mail advertisement promising them they will get a mortgage that will give them lots of extra cash.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

The Healing

2010-08-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

In her novel, ‘The Healing’ author Pamela Young tells a story about redemption and healing. At age 54, Michael Thornton’s life has been focused on growing his Seattle-based business, Thornton Industries, into an international multi-million dollar corporation. His insatiable greed and blind ambition have alienated his friends and family. Thornton’s disapproval of his son being gay and his indifference toward his wife of twenty years finally causes her to file for divorce. Now alone, he focuses all his energy on the only thing he has left—Thornton Industries. The unrelenting workload takes a toll on his health and he develops pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and recovery distract him from his business for over a year, allowing another company to launch a hostile takeover. Ultimately, Thornton is betrayed by his best friend and his son and loses everything he believed defined him. Devastated, he takes off on a solo voyage to Alaska. His journey is interrupted when his boat is damaged and, while arranging for repairs, he becomes violently ill and passes out. He wakes up to find himself in the home of Maria Clearsky, a Nootka healer, who offers to help him. The healing process forces Thornton to face his past and his greedy and controlling behavior.

‘The Healing’ is a tale of personal transformation and freeing one’s spirit in order to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. Readers will enjoy following Thornton’s journey to healing as he transforms from a controlling millionaire businessman to a man who loses everything, followed by discovering what it means to truly be wealthy. He works to understand why he is sick and why such past emotions as resentment and anger have depleted him both emotionally and physically, leaving him vulnerable to illness. He learns that mind and body are connected and when one suffers, the other will also suffer. ‘The Healing’ is an engaging tale rich in strong character development complemented by important messages of what it truly means to not only live, but live well. I highly recommend ‘The Healing,’ for readers who enjoy stories where characters fall from grace and struggle to find what is most important in life. It is a compelling “Man vs. Himself” story that will keep readers engaged from start to end.

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Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities

2010-07-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

In her children’s book, ‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities,’ author C.W. Graham uses poetic rhyme enhanced with illustrations to tell a story that is designed to help young children understand other children with disabilities. The book teaches children not to fear or tease children with disabilities, but instead, understand and appreciate their differences. The fundamental goal of the book is to promote respect, compassion, and friendship with children who have disabilities.

In the book, Graham presents a number of children with various disabilities that includes: hearing impaired, Muscular dystrophy, Autism, visually impaired, and a child born with a disability that makes her much smaller than other children her age. Within each child’s story, Graham gives a description about each disability and how it affects each child in their daily lives. She underscores how each disability affects how each child functions in normal daily activities, and that the children are still like other children, but have to make adjustments in how they learn and play. Messages are conveyed about treating children with disabilities such as, ‘Always treat others as you want them to treat you.’ At the end of the book, Graham provides a summary of the messages of the book, a glossary, a discussion guide, model questions, and a list of website resources.

‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities,’ is an imaginative and fun book to help children learn about children with disabilities. The text, written in a lively poetic rhyming scheme, and the images which are beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors depicting happy and fun loving children, helps children to understand and remember the important messages. As well, it conveys the concept that there is no need to feel uncomfortable or nervous around a child with a disability. It sends the message that being different is something that should not be feared as we all have our differences which is what makes each of us unique.

C.W. Graham delivers a well-crafted book about helping children understand and appreciate children with disabilities. It is a fun and easy to read book that is highly recommended for parents to read and discuss with their children. As well, it is an excellent teaching resource for teachers. ‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities’ is highly recommended for parents and teachers who want to teach children about accepting and embracing people with disabilities.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Fake Sex Real Consequences

2010-06-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

In her book ‘Fake Sex Real Consequences,’ Aliceson Henderson provides a spiritual self help guide for young teen girls and young women on developing, through God’s wisdom and love, a sense of integrity, self respect, and self love. The purpose is to make positive life choices when it comes to relationships.

Henderson’s book provides lessons learned from experiences from her own life as a teen and as a young woman. She shares deeply personal experiences to help others understand how external influences impacted her self esteem and thinking which ultimately influenced her own choices. She faced overwhelming odds as a young woman, sacrificing everything for her children. She details how she believed that sex was supposed to be the way to a young man’s heart, believing what they said which led to betrayal, pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and thoughts of suicide.

A predominant message in the book is the need for women to love themselves before they give themselves emotionally and physically to another. She discusses fake sex and the fake orgasm. She explains that fake sex is the addiction to needing to feel loved. For a woman, the physical becomes the emotional which leads to bad choices and devastating consequences. She talks about soul ties. A soul tie is a connection to our heart and to God. When our soul becomes tied to someone instead of tied to God’s love, we lose our connection to God, and then lose ourselves.

Henderson discusses that she had kids but never enjoyed the process of having kids. Much of the reasoning behind the lack of enjoyment of sex is because it was “unsure sex.” She says that, “no sex is better than unsure sex.” Women need to set standards and personal values about sex despite the pressure society puts on them to have sex. She explains that unsure sex leads to low self esteem and feeling worthless which makes it is easy for a man to capture a woman’s mind and manipulate her. An important message of the book: “never let anyone define who you are.”

A nice part about the book is that the Pastor takes her own life experiences as well as experiences of others and shares them with readers. As with many religious books, social issues are discussed. Homosexuality is briefly touched upon. She appears to view homosexuality as a sin so it will be up to the reader to agree or disagree. ‘Fake Sex Real Consequences,’ is well worth reading and highly recommended as it provides a heartfelt understanding of such problematic societal issues as domestic violence, spread of sexual transmitted diseases among women, and teen pregnancies, as well helpful spiritual teachings.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Francesca

2010-06-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

In his novel, ‘Francesca,’ author Hugh Tetlow tells a mystery romance story about a woman by the name of Francesca living in Oxfordshire, England who suddenly finds her world turned upside down. Francesca struggles to come to terms with a loveless marriage, deal with the seedy underworld of diamond smuggling, and discover new feelings about a new man in her life that causes her to question her previous notions on love, life, happiness, and her future.

Francesca Westmoreland is a young woman in her thirties living in a loveless marriage with her husband Hector for 12 years. It is a marriage of convenience that leaves her feeling empty and unfulfilled. One day, her brother Ned is in a plane crash which leaves him badly injured and in a coma. On her way home from visiting her brother in the hospital, Francesca is in a car accident. She is rescued by Philip Lester who takes her to recuperate at his home where he and his daughter Emma live. Francesca finds herself drawn to their warmth and loving care which causes her to explore feelings she has suppressed for many years. It is not long before she learns that the plane crash may have been the result of sabotage and her brother was carrying contraband diamonds on the plane. When her brother awakens from the coma, he has no memory and is unable to help resolve the diamond mystery. The events that unfold involve Francesca becoming embroiled in a diamond smuggling plot that has the potential to harm not only her, but also her brother.

Told in the first person, readers will enjoy following Francesca’s vivid character development as she reflects on her past relationships that includes her relationship with her brother as a youth and her loveless marriage with an overbearing and coldhearted husband. Francesca’s emotional journey is at the heart of the story and involves struggling to find her sense of self and come to a new understanding of love. She develops from a fragile character to a character that is emotionally stronger and more self-assured. The story is a very sentimental character study entwined in mystery and danger.

‘Francesca’ is an entertaining tale of romance and mystery. It is not just a story of finding true love, but a story of a woman finding herself in the midst of danger and intrigue. I highly recommend ‘Francesca’ to readers who enjoy well written and researched romantic stories with plots that involve suspense and danger.

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The Jesus Secret

2010-05-19T18:25:00.000-05:00

In his non-fiction work, ‘The Jesus Secret,’ author Michael Wood presents specific passages from the Bible and translates the passages from original Greek manuscripts, known as Koine Greek language. The translators of the first English Bibles believed they were translating a special language written specifically for the bible. However, at the turn of the twentieth century, Greek manuscripts were uncovered in Egypt where the language was found to be the same as the Bible. Koine Greek language is the language that English translators translated the first English bibles. What Wood reveals is that the text of today’s bible contains many mistranslations resulting in incorrect interpretations of important biblical passages. What we have now is Christianity with flawed beliefs and teachings.

Wood documents important passages that contain incorrect translations. The English Bible is filled with a number of wrongly guessed meanings of specific words. A key meaning throughout the book focuses on the Koine Greek word ‘dikaios,’ which was translated incorrectly as ‘moral righteousness.’ However, the Koine Greek word ‘dikaios’ means ‘justice and equality.’ New meanings are revealed regarding such issues as: homosexuality, greed, justice, equality, human rights, the concept of repentance, salvation, and much more. As Wood points out, much of the meaning of Jesus words are rooted in the doctrine ‘equity based requirements.’ That is, Jesus’ central teaching: ‘treat others equitably for this is the law.’ Dikaios was the closest Koine Greek word to expressing ‘treating others equal to ourselves.’ As Wood points out, it is mentioned 193 times in the New Testament.

I found the ‘Jesus Secret’ a very informative and easy to understand read. I was particularly fascinated by how such incorrect translations have shaped the Christianity belief system we have today, especially for those who base their political, social, and religious beliefs on the New Testament. It is quite clear that the many English translations of the Bible have resulted in important translations and meanings being lost. I highly recommend ‘The Jesus Secret’ to readers who enjoy learning about the history of the Bible as well as to readers who want to find more accurate meaning in the passages and words found in the Bible.

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Machiavelli’s Desert

2010-04-21T20:05:00.001-05:00

In his novel, ‘Machiavelli’s Desert’ author Lawrence Uhlin tells a Canadian espionage tale full of domestic and international intrigue. The plot of the story involves the consequences to Canada after a nuclear meltdown at the CANDU nuclear power plant on the Pacific Island of Arnivan. The result of the disaster causes the Prime Minister of Canada to make a secret decision that he believes will protect the country’s sovereignty. His decision sparks events that lead to blackmail, murder, espionage, theft, and political turmoil.

Mari Volser and Beau Metcalfe are Canadian National Security Agents who are given the task of discovering how the death of a Canadian scientist is connected to the disappearance of a scientist in Dallas, Texas. They follow the trail which reveals more than they could ever imagine. In the mean time, the Prime Minister, Nicholas Plato, agrees to secretly purchase the designs for a breakthrough technology using carbon conductivity and nanotechnology to transmit information and energy at close to the speed of light, revolutionizing the world of communications and saving Canada from becoming a third world country as a consequence of the penalties incurred for the nuclear meltdown by the World Court. The story that unravels is a fast paced saga filled with corruption, murder, and secret agendas.

‘Machiavelli’s Desert’ is an entertaining tale of political intrigue that consists of exciting plots with many twists and turns. Readers will find the plan of smuggling information using DNA coding a fascinating element of the plot. They will also enjoy uncovering the mysteries, secrets, and lies, and the surprising revelation of a much larger planned event.

I highly recommend ‘Machiavelli’s Desert’ as an entertaining read that not only provides a unique depiction of Canadian politics, but it is also an exciting tale of international mystery and suspense.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Confrontation: An Axe Of Iron Novel

2010-03-30T11:22:00.000-05:00

‘Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ is J.A. Hunsinger’s second novel that is a continuation of his first Viking adventure, ‘Axe of Iron,’ that takes place in the year 1008. Hunsinger continues the adventures of Norsemen explorers Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who have lead an expedition and established a settlement named Halfdansfjord, located along the coast of North America on the east coast of James Bay, at the south end of Hudson Bay.

The Viking adventures continue with the settlers struggling to make a life in Halfdansfjord. The focus of the adventure is the relationship between the settlers and the indigenous people. Readers will not only experience the lives of the Norsemen, but also the lives of the natives that include the Naskapi (Cree), Anishinabeg (Ojibwa), and the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). The story delves into the confrontations with the natives. Readers will not only experience life and death confrontations, but also the relationships between the settlers and natives. When Gudbjartur is on a scouting trip, he is captured and becomes a prisoner of the Naskapi tribe, and is then taken to their village. Through his eyes, readers will learn about the native peoples’ lives through a chronicling of their practices, customs, burial rituals, execution rituals, hunting methods, and cooking methods. Readers will experience how tough life is in the wilderness and the brutal conditions both the natives and Viking settlers endure.

Despite the harsh conditions and brutal confrontations, a major theme of the story is how the native and Norsemen learn about each others way of life and the friendships and mutual respect that develop. For instance, Gudbjartur becomes a part of the tribe and learns from them. He reflects, “These warriors, I guess they are my warriors too. I have been accepted as one of them.” As well, his son, Ivar Gudbjartarsson, also experiences life as a prisoner of the Haudenosaunee.

Hunsinger successfully builds on his first novel and adds even more action and adventure. As with the first novel, the story is rich in historical details which clearly show the careful attention paid to historical accuracy which allows the reader to peer through a window into the past and experience an important historical period. He incorporates the fictional tale with historical details which makes reading the story not only fun, but also engaging. Readers will root for Gudbjartur as he struggles with his Norsemen fighting spirit and his desire to make peace with the native people.

I highly recommend ‘Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ as an entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre. Readers will find the story and characters so compelling that they will not realize that they are learning as they read.

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Kate, The Ghost Dog: Coping With The Death Of a Pet

2010-03-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

In many instances, a child’s first experience with the death of a loved one is when a pet dies. This can be an emotionally overwhelming time for a child who has to deal with new emotions while coming to terms with such a devastating loss. In his children’s book, ‘Kate, The Ghost Dog,’ author Wayne L. Wilson, tells the story of the emotional journey of a young girl’s grieving process after the death of her dog, and her struggle to overcome her heartache and move forward.

Aleta is a fun loving happy young girl full of energy and a passion for life. One day, she returns home after school with two of her best friends to discover that her dog, Kate, had died at the foot of her bed. After Kate’s death, Aleta’s blissful life changes to that of despair. The story that unfolds chronicles Aleta’s struggle with her deep sadness. She goes through the stages of the grief process – shock, denial, anger, despair that includes withdrawing from life, and finally acceptance.

‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ is a heartwarming children’s story that reveals important life lessons about helping a child cope with the death of a pet. The writing style is clear, consistent, and written as much like a young child thinks and speaks. It is a story that children will be able to easily follow and understand. The questions Aleta asks are common questions that most children will ask. The thoughts and emotional struggles of a young girl’s traumatic loss are depicted in a thoughtful manner. As well, the charming pictures enhance the story and make it even more enjoyable to read.

‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ is a heartwarming story that will help children overcome their grief after the loss of a pet. It will also help parents learn how to be a valuable support system during their own child’s grieving process. The story will teach children about grieving, how to understand death, and how to celebrate a life instead of mourning a death. I highly recommend ‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ as a story parents can read with their children or children can read on their own. It will help children learn how to move forward, but not forget their pet.

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Turn Right for Paradise

2010-03-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

Corin Ruth Jasmine Dienes had traveled to Nova Scotia, Canada from her home in West Sussex, England, to explore the province and visit with her brother. While traveling in the province, she came across a road sign that said, “Paradise – Next Right.’ She was so taken with the sign that she was inspired to write the romantic adventure novel, ‘Turn Right for Paradise.’

‘Turn Right for Paradise’ begins in England where the protagonist Isabel (Izzie) Brown learns that the man she is about to marry is not the wonderful guy she believed him to be. Heart broken, Izzie flees to Nova Scotia to make a fresh start. On the plane, she meets Brett Hammond and there is an instant attraction. Brett hires her to work for his business as his personal secretary. As the courtship progresses, Izzie and Brett are confronted with a number of personal and external conflicts and misunderstandings. The result is an emotional roller coaster ride with many unexpected twists and turns.

The novel reads as a romantic adventure with the central plot focusing on Brett and Izzie’s relationship. The story is rich in character development and readers will enjoy Izzie’s many struggles that result in significant personal growth. Both Izzie and Brett must overcome many obstacles and anxieties about each others motives before they can come to terms with their true feelings for each other. The plot contains a variety of personal conflicts and mysteries to be uncovered such as Izzie’s quest to uncover the mystery of her father’s disappearance. Set mostly in Nova Scotia, Dienes details a number of places in a way that enhances the romantic theme of the book.

‘Turn Right for Paradise,’ is written to be enjoyed in one sitting. Readers will identify with Izzie’s and Brett’s insecurities, fears, and intense passion for each other. It a fun and romantic read that is full of surprising revelations. It is a story that will be enjoyed by all fans of the romance genre.

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Our Chemical Lives and the Hijacking of our DNA

2010-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

From the Industrial revolution and onward, the world has become an environment that is overflowing with dangerous toxins. Mass manufacturing has resulted in thousands of chemical pollutants being released in the atmosphere, water, and soil. As well, there has been a widespread increase of chemicals being added to almost every type of food and retail product. With this overwhelming chemical exposure, there has been an increase in research and studies showing the life threatening impacts on our health and well being. In her book, ‘Our Chemical Lives and The Hijacking of our DNA,’ author Catherine J Frompovich, delves into the effects of a chemical laden world on the body at a cellular level.

Frompovich presents an in-depth analysis supported by research on how chemicals enter the body and penetrate cellular nuclei causing permanent damage and eventual death of the cell resulting in DNA mutations. These mutations have evolved to change our cellular structure making us susceptible to a wide range of diseases.

Frompovich describes how chemicals break down the body’s cells causing cellular mutation. She details how such chemicals as pesticides, herbicides, man-made preservatives and additives, and much more, result in such conditions as obesity, increased neurological disorders, respiratory disease, heart disease, cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption, immune system damage…etc. The author goes into great detail educating the reader about the effects of very powerful and toxic chemicals on our body systems. One important revelation from the book is that many of today’s diseases can be linked to our chemically driven lifestyles. This may mean that we can drastically reduce many illnesses by reducing chemical exposure in our everyday lives.

Within the book is an extensive list of chemicals and the impact they have on our health when they accumulate in the body. Her information is supported by important research and statistics. She states, “Man-made chemicals don’t coincide with nature’s templates” and “What can we do about chemical companies penchant and rationale for constantly exposing us to toxic products in every phase of modern life and living?” Not only will readers learn how we became such a toxic society, but also how to adopt a healthier lifestyle by reducing our exposure to products that contain man-made chemicals.

‘Our Chemical Lives and the Hijacking of our DNA’ is an important “wake up call’ about the current and future state of our toxic environment and what will happen if important changes are not made. Not only is it highly educational, the attention to detail makes the book a handy health resource tool. It is highly recommended to not just mass readers, but also to politicians, manufacturing industry officials, and health professionals.

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Winter

2009-12-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

In his book, ‘Winter,’ Maneesh Sharma tells an exciting adventure story filled with international mystery and suspense. It is a tale of one man’s obsession with an ominous and elusive being with a dark fixation for murder and stealing priceless historical paintings.

Alexander is a former scientist living in Chicago who left his job to become an art collector and manage an art gallery with his girlfriend Alexia. He is hired by the Vatican to retrieve a stolen painting from a mysterious man by the name of Winter. His pursuit of Winter leads him on an International hunt in such countries as England, Italy, and the United States. Winter is a mysterious creature disguised as a man who has eerie magical abilities that allows him to manipulate one’s thoughts and behavior. Alexander becomes fascinated with Winter’s magical abilities and horrified at his thirst to kill. Winter is a narcissistic creature that has been roaming the world and preying on innocence for centuries. The sadistic enjoyment he gets from his relationship with Alexander results in an obsessive need to have Alexander as a balance to his own existence.

‘Winter’ is an action packed adventure story that delves into the true nature of Man. Such themes that emerge include: nature of evil, love, the primal instincts of humanity, greed, selfishness, and our internal struggle to suppress our primitive genetic traits. Much of Alexander’s character development centers on his curiosity with the unexplained such as Winter’s magical powder as well as Alexander’s struggle to make sense of what Winter represents. As Alexander develops, the distinction between him and Winter becomes blurred, and as his obsession becomes realized, readers will be surprised by the results.

The narrative contained a few instances of clichés, however overall, it was well written. The plot of the story along with Winter’s and Alexander’s obsession with one another makes the book a very entertaining read. As well, the plot contains a lot of action and deadly confrontations. The story is a tale about the nature of Man’s true self and Man's propensity towards embracing his basic primal instincts. I highly recommend ‘Winter’ to readers who enjoy mystery and adventure wrapped in international intrigue.

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The Magic Of Old Man Pouring Rain

2009-12-14T20:58:00.001-05:00

A well-written children’s story is one that will capture a child’s imagination and tap into their creativity by using colorful imagery, unique and lively characters, easy to read and understand narrative, and contain non-intrusive important life messages. In her children’s book, ‘The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain,’ author Janet Davis successfully captures these elements to create a colorful and magical adventure story.

The story begins by introducing an ancient raindrop by the name of Old Man Pouring Rain, who uses a magical potion he has made to create ten new raindrops, each with their own delightful personalities. The purpose of the potion is to “bring life to the raindrops,’ and send them to earth to teach children that “raindrops should not be wished away.” When the raindrops fall to earth, they land in California where they meet a family of children. The raindrops and children then embark on an exciting adventure.

‘The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain’ is an enchanting and entertaining story that is full of vibrant and colorful characters children will love as well as identify with each of the raindrops distinct personalities. Rich in vivid imagery and symbolism, the adventure stretches the imagination and the marvelous illustrations enhance the reading experience. A unique focus of the story is when Paige, a little girl with leukemia, the raindrops, and the other children and their mother, go to a clinic so that Paige can receive treatment. This part of the story ties in well with the many messages that emerge such as the importance of family and support, being different is something that makes one special, and that instead of wishing something away that seems unpleasant, one can look at it differently to acquire a healthier outlook.

‘The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain’ is a fun children’s story full of excitement and adventure. An added bonus of purchasing this book for your children is that a portion of the book sales is donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation. I highly recommend ‘The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain’ as a wonderful children’s adventure that a parent can read to their children or children can enjoy reading on their own.

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DUEL

2009-12-14T20:54:00.002-05:00

Jealousy, obsession, and unforeseen circumstances come together with deadly results in David Mulholland’s new novel, DUEL, a dramatized account of the fatal duel between John Wilson and Robert Lyon that took place on June 13, 1833.

Set in Perth, Ontario, a small community in Eastern Canada, Mulholland tells the story from a report he says he uncovered - a report requested by a college professor and compiled by an aging, arthritic blacksmith fifty years after the event. The day before the confrontation, the adversaries agreed to call it off if Lyon would apologize for assaulting Wilson, and Wilson would acknowledge that statements he made in a letter sent to a mutual friend were not intended to denigrate Lyon's character. But the next day, Lyon refused to apologize. The blacksmith’s surprising revelation provides new information as to what actually caused the infamous duel.

As witness to the historical period, the blacksmith’s tale reveals much more than the story of a duel. Extensive research gives the reader insight into life in the early 1800s; vividly portraying how families lived and worked. You experience the Puritanical social environment of a time when deep-rooted convictions and beliefs played a central role in the moral fabric of the community. “The field of honour” is a prominent theme: duelling was considered an honourable means of restoring a person’s good name.

When the blacksmith finally confesses that obsession and jealousy “stripped me of all rational thinking and behaviour,” his pain begins to surface as he unburdens the guilt he has carried for fifty years. I highly recommend DUEL as a compelling work of historical fiction. Readers will gain an appreciation for the complexity of history and how it is interpreted.

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Until Now

2009-10-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

In her book, ‘Until Now,’ author Denise Skelton, presents a story of two people, each on their own tumultuous journey through life, who cross paths to find themselves, and each other.

Terry Myers is a young single mother of two sons living in Chicago. Terry is struggling financially while dealing with her ex-husband, a deadbeat dad who shirks his responsibilities as he spends his money and time with his new girlfriend and daughter. Due to the unfaithfulness and betrayal by her husband, Terry swears off men until she meets Wade who turns her world upside down.

Wade is an undercover FBI agent working as a teacher in Terry’s son’s school, trying to catch the person selling illegal drugs in the school. Because of his troubled childhood with an abusive father, Wade carries a lot of emotional baggage that has yet to be resolved. His focus on work and living an emotionally inert life becomes unraveled when he meets Terry. He becomes intrigued by Terry’s beauty, drama, and comical behavior. Their lives become intermingled in a series of chaotic events with many twists and turns resulting in comical and emotional predicaments.

‘Until Now’ is a story that is part romance and part overcoming one’s own emotional demons in order to learn to trust and love again. A refreshing part of the story is that it is a romance that involves racial diversity of the characters. As well, Terry and Wade are portrayed as real people with real life problems that readers will identify with such as struggling financially, dealing with a deadbeat ex-spouse, and dealing with childhood abuse. Terry Myers struggles to keep her life together for her children. Because of her difficulties with trusting men, Terry finds herself in a number of comical and awkward situations. Readers will be engaged by how Wade and Terry grow, evolve, and come to terms with their past and present situations.

‘Until Now’ is highly recommended to those who enjoy reading romance stories embroidered in real life problems where the characters are confronted with overwhelming personal challenges.

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Lord Skyler and the Earth Defense Force

2009-08-27T15:46:00.001-05:00

In his book, ‘Lord Skyler and the Earth Defense Force,’ author Matt T. Schott tells the story about an alien invasion on earth and a group of teenagers who fight to retake the planet from the aliens.

Jacob Skyler is a typical teenager unsure of his future and feels the pressure of a father wanting him to make important life decisions. One night, Jacob and his friends Terry and Doug are driving to a movie when they are suddenly confronted with a series of lights and thunderous rumblings and then lose consciousness. When they wake up, they find that life as they knew it is gone forever. An alien force called the Titans has invaded earth and killed much of the human population and enslaved others to help take all of the earth’s natural resources. Jacob, his friends, and other teenagers are rescued by another alien race, the Flarconeans, who are “galaxy protectors of peaceful societies.” Jacob and the others are taken to the Flarconeans’ home planet where they train for a year to fight the Titans and retake the planet. When they return to earth, they embark on the fight of their lives.

As science fiction, ‘Lord Skyler and the Earth Defense Force,’ is an exciting alien adventure with vividly described aliens, spaceships, and fierce battles. Readers will identify with Jacob Skyler, once an insecure teenager, who undergoes significant character growth as he transitions into manhood. The relationships of the young teens emphasizes a “band of brothers” united against a great evil. A common theme throughout the book is the resilience of the human spirit. As well, the theme of revenge evolves to that of fighting to save humanity. Although Jacob did have a close relationship with one of the female characters, there was no real love plot to the story. A love story would have been an interesting plot as teenagers tend to have budding hormones.

The story reminded me of a blend of the movies’ ‘War of the Worlds,’ and ‘Wolverines.’ ‘Lord Skyler and the Earth Defense Force,’ is highly recommended to readers who enjoy fast-paced science fiction stories with non-stop action and adventure.

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Ten Statements: The 10 Success Recipes for Romantic Relationships

2009-08-15T13:33:00.001-05:00

We are now living in a society where the divorce rate is beginning to outnumber the marriage rate. This trend has resulted in exploring why so many people are having problems maintaining a long term relationship. In his book, ‘Ten Statements, The 10 Success Recipes for Romantic Relationships’ Author, Philosopher, and Motivational Speaker, JL Shash, presents an analysis of relationships and a self-help guide on how to obtain and maintain a successful relationship.

In ‘Ten Statements,’ Shash provides 10 statements to relationship success that involves a step-by-step process of understanding the meaning of relationships that involves identifying and explaining what love is, understanding and defining what one’s needs are, identifying and explaining what love isn’t, and finally learning what it means to love ourselves first before we can love another.

Shash provides a no-nonsense, practical, and logical approach on how we understand relationships. Shash points to the importance of romance, but identifies how romance can often overshadow the practical elements that go into finding and building a solid relationship. He debunks many myths about what our expectations are about relationships and clarifies the meaning of love and how it has been misconstrued, resulting in unrealistic expectations. The goal is to help people make informed decisions regarding their relationships.

Fundamental themes include: helping readers engage in self reflection about their expectations, how society puts pressure on us to marry, and the need to develop such attributes as self-love and self-esteem before we can have a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship. As Shash states, “We must know who we are and what we stand for.” His moral commentary at the end of each of the 10 statements puts each chapter into a unique philosophical perspective.

Shash’s book provides clarity in an often confusing topic. Well-written, with a number of witty anecdotes, ‘Ten Statements’ is highly recommended to those seeking a rational and better understanding of relationships.

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Diary of a Mad Gen Y Er

2009-07-26T19:10:00.001-05:00

In his novel, ‘Diary of a Mad Gen Y Er,’ author Marcus Dino tells the story of an aspiring actress from Des Moines, Iowa living in Los Angeles, California. Fifi Larouche chronicles her musings, adventures, and humorous observations through unique stories, poems, and blogs, as she works as a waitress while pursuing her dream of becoming a famous Hollywood actress.

Fifi has an extraordinary group of friends such as Biff, her on again off again boyfriend, Alocki and her partner Helos, aliens from another planet called Zatoris, as well as Flifi, Fifi’s fairy alter ego. Fifi has a unique gift of rubbing her shoes together before she sleeps which helps her time travel dream. Her dreams take her back to unique times in history as well as into the future where she meets a number of colorful characters. Alocki is always with her in her dreams where they encounter a variety of people and experiences. Characters in the story are unique, eccentric, and full of life, with each seeming to balance Fifi’s personality, while helping her to understand and make sense of the world around her. Through these characters, Fifi has many entertaining adventures allowing her to provide comical observations on many of society’s ‘hot button’ issues.

Fifi is a free spirit who confronts life in a unique and extraordinary way. Through Fifi’s thoughts and writings, the idiosyncrasies and hypocrisies of the world are revealed in a comical and sometimes serious way. Her reactions are unconventional and provide not only an entertaining assessment of life, but also some serious and thoughtful reflections. As a Gen Y Er, Fifi shares not only comical observations, but also more serious observations such as her father’s opinion that she is wasting her life trying to become an actress, as well as society’s pressures on Gen Y Ers to conform. Through her experiences and relationships with a wide variety of characters, Fifi shares her outlook on such issues as religion, the future of the planet and its resources, and the function of the brain and how it processes information resulting in how we respond by either through emotion or logical reasoning. One fascinating and unique way of looking at the human body is when Fifi travels into the human body where a discussion with Alocki takes places regarding the affects of unhealthy foods and other contaminants on the body.

‘Diary of a Mad Gen Y Er’ is an entertaining and fun read that will engage the reader from start to end. It is highly recommend to readers of all ages who enjoy quirky characters who share a unique and comical perspective on life.

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Internal Vision: A Ten-Day Journey to True Happiness

2009-07-24T12:29:00.001-05:00

In his book, Internal Vision: A Ten-Day Journey to True Happiness, author Roger Revak, shares a deeply personal story of a devastating time in his life about a ten-day journey that could have cost him his life. Within the story, the author presents a self-help guide inspired by his emotional and physical struggle following his brain tumor diagnosis.

In his first forty years, Roger Revak was a man who struggled through life with no clear purpose. Haunted by the verbal and emotional abuse by his father, Revak’s adulthood involved struggling with his own internal conflicts, which affected his outlook on life and his loved ones. He had dug himself into an emotional hole and lived in a cycle of negativity. It was not until his diagnosis of a brain tumor that he began the journey of emotional and physical healing. It is a personal journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The book is divided into 15 chapters with each chapter telling the story of his plight with a brain tumor as well as a series of ‘lessons unlearned’ and self-help exercises at the end of each chapter. These lessons include: #1.) What does living in the present mean? #2.) What is fear? (Rational and Irrational Fear) #3.) How do you live in the present? #4.) What’s in it for me (Advantages of living in the present) #5.) What is the downside to living in the present? #6.) Love your inner child as if he or she were your own. #7.) Forgiving yourself. #8.) Creating Happiness (Directions to a peaceful life) #9.) Peace #10.) Happiness 101 #11.) Don’t forget to laugh #12.) How can you learn to be present without having a traumatic experience? 13.) It’s your secret. #14.) Finding your purpose. #15.) Be true to yourself.

The story reveals how Revak found enlightenment by wading through the past that included his childhood, work, and family, (especially his unconditional love for his daughter) to gain a positive, spiritual, and rational perspective while unlearning the negativity and tunnel vision he had acquired. The use of humor and learning to laugh are key elements Revak highlights as important tools to spiritual healing

As Revak points out, “the ‘lessons unlearned’ do not require going through a traumatic experience.” They are principles that can be used by anyone in effort to look at things in a more open way by implementing techniques to acquire self-love, self-respect, and to achieve happiness and maintain it. The author shows us that we can make it through any difficult situation that life throws our way.

‘Internal Vision: A Ten-Day Journey to True Happiness’ is an easy to read and profoundly personal story with a message of love, strength, and hope, that will help guide readers to achieve spiritual happiness and contentment.

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A Complete Guide to Public Speaking

2009-07-18T12:53:00.001-05:00

In his book, ‘A Complete Guide to Public Speaking,’ author, Joseph A. Grippo, presents a step-by step guide on preparing a public presentation in an a effective and professional manner using audio and visual aids. When one plans an event with the purpose of delivering important information intended to inspire creative thought and motivate the audience, a speaker becomes a critical tool to the event’s success. The speaker will stimulate people to look at situations in a new way and bring innovative ideas into the organization. The purpose of Grippo’s book, as he states, is to teach people that “public speaking is an art that can be learned.”

Grippo presents 12 sections that include: I) The Purpose of Information, II) Factors to consider beforehand, (Why one speaks and what you should know about the speaking occasion) III) Research on message retention, (How to hold the audience’s attention) IV) Selecting the topic and organizing the presentation, V) Developing the body of the speech, VI) Developing the introduction and using closing techniques, VII) Rehearsing the presentation, IX) Taking the terror out of making a presentation (Overcoming fear of giving a presentation.) X) The pros and cons of visual presentations. XI General speaking tips for effective presentation and XII) Final Remarks (Positive Reinforcement.)

Within the guide, Grippo manages to filter out any unnecessary information and focus on the “nuts and bolts” of becoming a successful public speaker. It is a comprehensive and easy to follow and understand booklet that touches on all aspects of public speaking. Common mistakes and concerns are highlighted with effective advice on overcoming any hindrances to a successful public speaking event. He provides an account of what makes a good public speaker and how one can achieve that status.

Part of overcoming the fear of public speaking is implementing Grippo’s guide and following through. I think the section on Overcoming Fear may be better suited at the beginning of the book, near the introduction, to demonstrate that the following sections will not only teach the mechanics and craft of public speaking, but also overcoming one’s fears by boosting self-confidence.

‘A Complete Guide To Public Speaking’ is highly recommended to those embarking on a career as a Public Speaker and those who want to maintain and improve their current public speaking skills. It would be particularly useful for those wishing to make business and technical presentations.

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The Gathering of the Clan: An Independent Political Option for America

2009-07-17T16:46:00.001-05:00

For years, many Americans have become disillusioned with the state of the two-part political system that has dominated politics and government for the past 147 years. With this dissatisfaction, there has been a remarkable increase in Americans registering as Independents. In his book, ‘The Gathering of the Clan,’ author Thomas Richard Harry, delves into the important role Independents could play in the future regarding the need for sensible and logical political change.

The foundation of the book builds upon the premise that within the two-party system, the present two parties, the Republican Party and Democratic Party, do not have to be the only choices in a country that is rich in freedom and possibilities. He explains that Independents could provide a vital role of influencing change where there is a sound, rational, and logical set of democratic and capitalistic principles that do not contain polarizing ideologies catering to certain segments of the population. Harry proposes that there is a need “of a remedy to unequal representation.” He proposes Independents “work to bring about balance in society.” Independents can do this by adopting philosophies that “affect a different political outcome.” He states that “government must look for solutions that ought to be in the best interests of at least most of the people, all of the time.”

Harry provides a wealth of information on how the two-party system operates, and how extreme partisanship and extreme ideologies have failed to make government work for most of the people, all of the time. He shows a clear disconnect with the needs of the people and political self-interest. This has resulted in social, political, and economic disarray where a small number of people benefit. He explains the role of Independents and provides a detailed analysis of an Independent philosophy that can help resolve such issues as special interest influences on government, taxes, Social Security, fair wages, poverty, and the working poor.

This innovative, well-researched, and carefully crafted book that reveals a comprehensive and rational outlook on how to change the way government governs. The most refreshing aspect of the book is that it is an honest and logical look at the political system and offers ideas without resorting to extreme right or left social and political ideologies. Readers will gain an in depth insight into the current two-party political system and how an Independent voice does count. The details and assessments presented will turn the dissatisfied voter into a hopeful one. Many of the ideas put forth are well worth discussion and debate. I would have liked to have seen a chapter devoted to the news media’s role in maintaining the status quo and how they prop up the polarizing ideologies of the two parties.

‘The Gathering of the Clan’ is a fascinating and compelling account of the state of politics in America and how one can adopt an Independent philosophy that could affect much needed change by challenging the current duopoly with an Independent political party. It is highly recommended to political enthusiasts and to those who have lost faith in the political system.

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GINGER HIGH

2009-06-25T17:41:00.002-05:00

At age 14, author Melissa Burmester makes her writing debut with her first novel, ‘Ginger High.’ Part supernatural and part mystery, ‘Ginger High’ tells the story of two realities colliding that result in a spine-tingling adventure to solve a string of murders taking place at a supernatural school.

‘Ginger High’ spans the period of 1901 to 2007. Ginger High is a magical school in New York where students learn to utilize their supernatural powers. The story opens in 1901 where a series of murders takes place at the school with the victims found dead with a bite mark on their necks. The plot then advances to modern day where a young girl by the name of, Daisy Fisher, attends Ginger High after her school burns down. Daisy and her friends along, with supernatural beings Amanta, Matthias, and Taeru, who have traveled through a portal from the supernatural world of Animist, work together to find a murderer. Animist is an alternate world where supernatural beings with special powers reside. In the story, the portal to earth becomes closed due to a War taking place on Animist. The plot advances to include the supernatural powers of vampires and magical powers of those who can teleport, heal others, and create fire.

As juvenile fiction, ‘Ginger High’ taps into the popular supernatural genre. The central plot is about uncovering a murderer, but engaging subplots and themes are interwoven to make the story a page-turning adventure. Much of the character development centers on Matthias, Daisy, and Amanta. Such development includes Daisy coming to terms with her supernatural powers as well as evolving to a strong and independent young girl. As a feisty and head-strong young girl, Daisy is a character young readers will identify with and root for. As well, readers will follow Amanta as he struggles to survive and comes to terms with a family secret he has kept from his brother.

There was a bit more dialogue than description. Setting descriptions could have been a bit more detailed. There could have also been a little more ‘show’ and a little less ‘tell.’ As well, I would have like to have learned a bit more about the war taking place on Animist.

At age 14, Melissa Burmester clearly has a gift for story telling. The hidden secrets that are unraveled make the story an enjoyable read. ‘Ginger High’ is highly recommended to readers who enjoy action packed adventure wrapped in exciting supernatural suspense.

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When The Phoenix Rises

2009-05-30T13:54:00.001-05:00

In her memoir, ‘When the Phoenix Rises’, author and renowned business woman, Wendy Wong, shares a unique and fascinating life story about her struggle to emerge from a life of poverty in Hong Kong, China, to that of a successful business woman and mother living in Hawaii.

Wendy begins her story as a young girl living in abject poverty in Post World War II China. She shares a childhood of bleak conditions where her father and mother could barely make ends meet. She recalls an incident where she woke in bed one night to feel the bloody fur of a mouse that was dying from poisoning in her bed.

At a very young age, Wendy knew she was meant to rise above her dismal conditions to achieve success both personally and professionally. No matter what challenges confronted her, including the subservient role assigned to women, Wendy never let them defeat her. Her relationship with men, especially with a Hawaii real estate tycoon, is an example of how she converted love into guidance on succeeding in a tough business world. When she changed her name from Cindy (Cinderella) to Wendy, it marked a point in her life where she begins to discover her own sense of self. Throughout out her life, she learns many valuable life lessons which she shares with readers:

“To Chinese, education is not only for academics, but most importantly; it is for moral and social education.”
“…you have to take chances, work diligently, be creative, and listen to your instincts.”
“I am my greatest asset, and I must please myself as much as I please family and friends.”

From her son’s outstanding education path, to providing her developmentally challenged daughter with many resources to help her find her own place of contentment, readers will discover that it is Wendy’s children and their success that keeps her grounded and focused.

Wendy’s determination regarding her education, business ventures, and personal relationships, helped shape a modern day feminist outlook on life. The experiences and accomplishments she shares along with the setbacks, both personally and professionally reveal how her character and moral convictions evolved.

‘When the Phoenix Rises’ is an inspiring journey of how one woman overcame insurmountable odds not only to find herself, but to gracefully embrace motherhood as a working mom. The memoir is highly recommended as an inspirational story of modern day feminism rooted in a strong cultural motif.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Infinite Exposure

2009-04-25T17:57:00.001-05:00

Recent world events, such as the threat of an al-Qaeda attack and the Wall Street meltdown, have left many wondering about the stability of the future. In his book, ‘Infinite Exposure,’ author Roland Hughes delivers a fictional story that exposes real life vulnerabilities.
‘Infinite Exposure’ tells a story about the events leading up to a major al-Qaeda attack that has a devastating global impact. Within the story, several international plots unfold and become entwined in a major al-Qaeda plot to steal money from one of the most powerful banks in the world. Kent Braxton, a CEO of First Global Bank in the US, is a young opportunist who is looking for a quick way to advance his career. He secures the services of Big Four Consultants to help migrate all of the bank’s data centers to one central location in India. The purpose is to save the Bank millions of dollars which he hopes will result in a promotion. Kent knows nothing about IT and the risks associated with offshoring such a powerful international bank with branches all over the world. The result of the migration will be one third of the world’s money supply will pass through the new data centre. The plot takes a turn when an al-Qaeda operative infiltrates the new data center and plots to steal all of the money. Meanwhile in America, a corporate shredder by the name of Lenny, implements a plan to illegally manipulate the bank’s stock in order to make billions when the bank falls. A software company becomes involved in the deal which further complicates matters. As well, members of the Reformed Nazi Party become involved with the processing of captured al-Qaeda members by harvesting their organs and stem cells. The entanglement of the various plots results in a horrifying global catastrophe.

‘Infinite Exposure’ is a well written story that exposes serious flaws in the business of moving jobs offshore. The major focus of the story reveals how the current policies and practices of Corporations and Governments can have devastating global ramifications. Themes of greed, arrogance, and selfishness, predominate throughout the story. Hughes lays out a plot that entails how easy it is to manipulate stocks to influence the success or failure of a business. Through a diverse range of intriguing characters, readers will see how arrogance and greed can lead to devastating consequences, particularly Kent’s emotional decline. Most notable is how CEOs lack IT understanding.

Hughes is able to successfully tie the plots together to create a page-turning tale of suspense. His technical knowledge and expertise add to the credibility of this type of event actually occurring. ‘Infinite Exposure’ is highly recommended to readers who enjoy high stakes suspense novels that reveal important messages about current world issues.

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Jigsaw

2009-03-14T16:57:00.000-05:00

In his memoir, ‘Jigsaw’, author Tim Ricker tells an emotional story about his tumultuous journey through life. He shares a reflective and personal account of a painful childhood in the 1950s and 60s followed by a life filled with intriguing events and people. While on his journey, Tim grows to be wiser and achieves a sense of peace.

In 1959, Tim’s journey begins when his family moves to Florida. For a nine year old, life becomes extremely difficult. An alcoholic and abusive father and an alcoholic mother have a profound effect on him that lasts for years. He faces such traumatic events as the death of his baby sister and his father’s severe physical abuse inflicted on his mother. Tim was forced to grow up quickly as he took on the role of his mother’s protector. At a very young age, Tim learns a valuable life lesson: “You deal with the hand life deals you.”

At age 14, Tim’s mother is badly hurt leaving him at the mercy of his father. One night while in a drunken rage, his father comes after him. He escapes and is eventually adopted by his Aunt and Uncle who live in Washington. On the bus ride to Washington, he has his first gay experience.

Tim tries to put the gay experience behind him and focus on living a traditional life. At 17 he marries, and at 19, he and his wife Debann have a child. He works hard to maintain a traditional family, but struggles internally with his true self. The marriage eventually ends, and his journey charts a new course to find his true identity.

Tim’s life story is that of a young boy who entered adulthood too soon. With no parental role models, readers will observe how Tim’s chaotic childhood affected his choices as an adult. With each experience and relationship he encounters, Tim is able to overcome his own demons and gain insight into his own sense of self. Whether it was Dennis, a partner for 17 years and eventual life friend, or Bob, who brought chaos and confusion into his life, Tim is able to process the experiences to better understand his own complexities. He shares a number of deeply personal experiences such as his suicide attempt and the pain he felt when his son rejected him. He comes to his own personal realizations:

“It was all about proving to me that I would never let fear and loneliness keep me captive or away from everything that life may bring my way.”

During Tim’s turbulent life, he lost many friends and family members. Throughout it all, he was able fit the pieces of his life together. Over the years, he acquired many valuable life lessons such as making every moment a precious memory, the importance of loving yourself before you can love another, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself in both your work and personal life.

The story is very detailed in its description of experiences that took place over a fifty year period. I would have liked to have seen more details about significant life experiences and less on details on his work life. His relationship with his son was an engaging part of the book. I would have liked to have read more about their intense interactions to get a better understanding of his son’s feelings.

With thoughtful writing that is sometimes witty and sometimes sentimental, ‘Jigsaw’ tells the story of a man, who is not just gay, but also a son, husband, father, lover, care taker, friend, and grandparent. It is a story that shows we are truly the sum of our parts. It is highly recommended to readers who enjoy compelling memoirs.

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Days Like Floating Water: A Story of Modern China

2009-03-06T16:00:00.001-05:00

When learning about China from the news media, we tend to only hear negative information about the Chinese Government and its practices. The bits of information we receive tend to be political in nature. We never learn about the life of Chinese citizens. In her book, ‘Days Like Floating Water,’ author Susan Edwards McKee tells a true story about her experience volunteering as an English instructor in rural China.

After years of an exciting military life, Susan and her husband Robert decided that retirement does not mean that life is no longer an adventure. In February 1999, they leave the comforts of their home in San Luis Obispo, California and go to China to volunteer at the Zheijiang Rural Teacher’s College. Susan and Robert’s initial reaction was that of culture shock. Unable to speak Mandarin and faced with unsanitary housing conditions and food that could possibly make them quite ill, they decide to put their uncertainties aside and become immersed in the culture As Susan states,

“I may be assigned to teach here in China, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn, maybe much more than I can teach.”

This realization became the foundation of Susan and Robert’s year and a half long exploration of the Chinese culture.

The story Susan shares is one of embracing a culture without reservation or judgment. As the students congregate at Susan and Robert’s apartment, they capture their hearts. A surprising revelation is the student’s adoption of English names. Readers will meet Jenny, a liaison to foreign volunteers. Jenny is an independent woman who knows how to get things done. Then there is Lucy, a shy but bright student who develops a passion for the keyboard. King Lake and Barbara are two young sweethearts who dream of a life filled with love and happiness. Readers will discover King Lake’s anxieties about being accepted by Barbara’s family. Readers will not only gain an insight into the customs of the Chinese people, but also their personal lives. The belief that education is the most important tool to success is such a major part of a young student’s life that it causes intense anxiety resulting in stomach aches and even cheating.

Throughout the story, many myths about the Chinese people are dispelled. Readers will learn of the Chinese entrepreneurial spirit and that equality does not exist in Communist China. Through emotional and uplifting experiences, Susan comes to her own personal realizations:

“I honor the human spirit when it rises above poverty and connects with others and with what’s most important in a life well lived”

The descriptions and attention to detail makes the reader feel as though they are traveling with Susan and Robert. As a bonus, readers will learn of the changes and growth of this little agricultural community when Susan and Robert return seven years later to attend Lucy’s wedding. Readers will also enjoy the many pictures of the people and places peppered throughout the book. As well, there are a number of Susan’s paintings at the end of the book highlighting personal memories of a time well spent in China.

‘Days Like Floating Water’ gives an in-depth and personal account of a community filled with remarkable individuals. It is highly recommended to readers who enjoy learning about other cultures and people.

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Banished to Eden

2009-02-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

In his book, Banished to Eden, author U.S. Marine Sr. presents a science fiction story that takes readers to a futuristic world where society has become a government designed utopia. U.S. Marine tells a story of one woman’s struggle to find her humanity.

The world is the product of a tumultuous past between the United States of Americas and the Europa Union which caused people to move underground and live in sub cities. In the year 2245, the threat of nuclear war became realized and the result was overpopulation, disease, and famine that threatened to wipe out the entire human population. The Government took drastic action and put a chemical in the water that inhibited the human sex drive in order to stop reproduction. The Government then added another chemical in the water that reduced the biological differences between men and women. Laws were created where woman became the dominant gender and all references to sexuality, family, and relationships were outlawed. This included such luxuries as magazines, movies, music, and dancing. The Government becomes the all powerful entity controlling the future of its people.

Shannon is a chemist working in the water department. She is told by the Chief of the Water Department that she is being considered as her replacement. In order to replace the Chief, Shannon must volunteer to be a maternal candidate (become pregnant) in order to earn enough social credits to be considered for the position. Extra social credits allowed females to accumulate social points faster than males and this helped them obtain promotions over males. Shannon learns of humanity’s past and decides to stop drinking the water. As her physical features return, she becomes more in sync with her womanhood and her maternal side. An accidental miscarriage causes Shannon to take extreme and illegal measures to become pregnant again. Her plan involves the illegal seduction of the chosen father. When they are caught, they are put on trial for their crimes. The result is banishment to a new experimental world on the surface where they learn what it means to be human.

With its dystopian warning of the future, Banished to Eden is an intriguing and compelling novel that touches on many of the themes associated with Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. In Banished to Eden, humanity consists of dehumanized people dominated by a technological empowered government. It is a futuristic science fiction novel that delves into many philosophical and ethical issues regarding free will, the role of men and women and how they are defined by society, the social consequences of a government with absolute power and control, and the human condition as it applies to love, family, and maternal instincts. Readers will be drawn into the plot and empathize with Shannon’s struggle to find her true self.

In regards to the writing style, I did find some instances where there could have been a little more “show” and a little less “tell.” Although I understand that using names of real people, such as Neil Armstrong, for a few characters was a symbolic tool, it probably wasn’t necessary. Other than a few minor points, the author has successfully created a believable work of science fiction.

Banished to Eden is a novel that is worthy of much discussion. I could see this book being adapted as a movie script. It is highly recommended as an entertaining and compelling work of science fiction.

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The Ace

2009-02-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

In the second year of World War I, a totally unprepared United States was forced to meet the threat of Germany's powerful air fleet, and in his novel, The Ace, author Jack D. Hunter tells the story of four Americans caught up in the military, industrial, and political chaos that surrounded America's effort to build an effective air service out of virtually nothing.

The story focuses on John King, a self-effacing 20-year-old living in the slums of Lackawanna, a steel factory adjunct of Buffalo, N.Y. John’s life changes forever when he rescues Bill Carpenter, an army pilot and rebellious free spirit, from the wreckage of a crashed “Jenny” plane. Jon and Bill instantly bond and develop a student/mentor relationship. John, encouraged by Bill, joins the army, where both he and Bill become entangled in the intrigues of greedy Congressman Thaddeus Slater, who enlists Bill to help him with his schemes to profit from the rise of the American military air fleet. Slater corners the nation's ash lumber supply and recruits Bill to convince the military to use only ash wood in the construction of its badly needed aircraft. Interwoven with this high-level and often corrupt in-fighting is John's emotional struggle as Mary Lou Whiting, heiress to one of the nation's greatest fortunes, falls in love with him.

Hunter delivers a passionate story with strong writing and intriguing subject matter. By incorporating factual historical accounts and documents of WWI in the fiction, he has foreshadowed the world we know today while offering an engaging and entertaining look at major themes, such as greed, the psychological effects of war, love and heartache, guilt, and blind ambition. As the plot unfolds, each character reveals humanities strengths and weaknesses. Through his relationship with John King, Bill Carpenter’s growth becomes one of finding his humanity. John King’s development involves an internal struggle with his own humanity as he faces the real human costs of war. Mary Lou’s desire to understand John’s pain reveals the emotional costs of war on loved ones. The emotional struggles of each character are a reminder of the painful human cost when war becomes a political and economic venture.

The technical details of WWI fighter planes and their performance in combat are well-researched and described in commanding detail. The most notable descriptions include plane types, specifications, and how they fared in the fighting that introduced the world to the concept of air power.

Hunter successfully shines a light on how America’s WWI aviation endeavors helped shape the military industrial complex of today. The Ace is highly recommended to historical fiction fans, war buffs, and aviation enthusiasts.

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A Daughter's a Daughter

2009-01-22T17:11:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ‘A Daughter’s a Daughter,’ author Nash Candelaria presents a fictional account of the lives of a family of Hispanic women from New Mexico spanning three generations. Although each woman grew up during different time periods, they are bound by family, tradition, and strength.

The story begins with Liberata, an only child of a successful farmer. The narrative chronicles her life growing up with a loving family. She eventually meets and marries a man by the name of Benito. Liberata expects to carry on the traditions of wife and mother, but her life is turned upside down as her husband abuses and cheats on her. One day he mysteriously disappears and everyone assumes he joined the army. The story then chronicles the life of Liberata’s daughter Maria. Maria’s story is of a childhood where her mother tries to instill the ominous rule: Don’t marry a man that is too handsome. Maria chooses to live as a traditional mother with her faith being a major source of strength. The story of Maria’s daughter, Irene, is that of an independent child full of questions. Her thirst for knowledge causes her to attend University and become a Lawyer

Each generation of women portrays personal growth and how they define themselves and their lives. There is growing independence from one generation to the next while the bonds of their Chicano traditions keep them together. A major theme is the role of women in the family and society, from obedience and servitude to freedom and independence. As well, the disappearance of Liberata’s husband is a mystery that surfaces throughout the book until its surprising revelation. As each generation progresses, the affects of war on the family, the role of religion, love, and loss, becomes central themes.

The writing is rich in Hispanic culture and traditions from pre-World War II to present day. 'A Daughter's a Daughter' is highly recommended to readers interested in Hispanic culture and women's issues.

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The Chameleon Room

2009-01-14T20:22:00.000-05:00

In her novel, The Chameleon Room, author Kerry Hadley tells the story of three young people living together in England who feel the effects of a mysterious past on their current lives.

The narrator relates the story of life with her lover Angelo and her emotionally tortured friend Kary. The three grew up together in Devon, England, and were raised by a mysterious woman known as the Doctor. The main conflict of the story revolves around Kary, a young woman with severe mental health problems. Kary becomes obsessed with her married boyfriend Clive and develops an intense and dangerous desire to become pregnant.

Kary’s disturbing actions cause the Narrator to reflect on their childhood in order to discover how the three came to be together. As the story unfolds, dark and disturbing secrets are uncovered, revealing a number of themes that include: the relentless need to be loved, love, obsession, moral and ethical dilemmas regarding reproduction, loss, and death.

The Chameleon Room deals with dark revelations of childhood that shaped the Narrator, Angelo, and Kary. The writing is rich in symbolism and imagery. The story is an intense and dark look at characters who struggle to face their internal demons.

Structurally, I found myself going back to reread the first few pages of the beginning of the book to get a complete understanding of the ending. It may have been helpful to shorten the foreshadowing at the beginning and expand the ending.

The Chameleon Room is a well written dark drama that exposes many issues of human morality. With its many surprises, the plot of unraveling the three characters childhood secrets will keep readers engaged from start to end. It is highly recommended to readers who enjoy compelling stories of human frailty.

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Susie Isaacs', White Knight, Black Nights

2009-01-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

In her novel, White Knight, Black Nights, author and World Series of Poker Ladies Champion, Susie Isaacs, tells the story of one woman’s journey of survival and self discovery.

In White Knight, Black Nights, Isaacs chronicles a tale of two families that span the years 1935-1995. The story begins by focusing on The Sommers, a wealthy family from North Carolina, and The Johnsons, a middle class family from Nashville, Tennessee. An in-depth historical account of both families sets the stage for the two protagonists, Rachel Lee Johnson and Dalton Sommers, to meet. The plot focuses on the main protagonist, Rachel Lee, and her life as a single mother. As well, an account of Dalton Sommers and the struggles he faces with a dominating, fanatically religious mother who is the fundamental influence in his life. Struggling to break free of his mother’s control, Dalton chooses a life that goes against her personal beliefs and wishes. One night he meets Rachel Lee while she is working at a Bar and the two begin an intense seduction and relationship. From that point on, Rachel Lee and Dalton eventually marry and begin a life of accumulating wealth and prosperity. They eventually find themselves living the good life in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Unbeknownst to Rachel Lee, Dalton’s life begins to unravel as he becomes caught up in an unmanageable and wild lifestyle. As Dalton drifts away from Rachel, she becomes involved in the world of poker and begins a career as a writer of stories about people involved in poker. Dalton’s life takes a different turn as he loses himself in high risk endeavors.

The story is a tale of romance, adventure, love, betrayal, loss, and rebirth. Readers will be engaged and root for Rachel Lee as she comes to terms with her marriage, her life, and her future. Readers will also feel for Rachel’s dedication to her husband and the overwhelming heartache she endures. With a host of unique and compelling characters, the narrative is very descriptive and compelling; with many poignant themes developing which tap into the self-reliant spirit within all of us.

With many surprising twists and turns, White Knight, Black Nights is a well written story that effectively draws on life skills and poker skills to unravel an inspirational story of one woman’s survival.

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Axe of Iron: The Settlers

2008-12-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

In his novel, Axe of Iron, author J.A. Hunsinger takes readers back to the year 1008 and tells a Viking tale of exploration and adventure. The story centers on two Northmen explorers, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who lead an expedition to explore and establish a settlement along the coast of North America. Their journey takes them from Greenland to what is now known as Baffin Island, Canada, and then entering Hudson Bay, via the Hudson Strait. Their voyage terminated on the east coast of James Bay, at the extreme south end of Hudson Bay, where the settlement, Halfdansfjord, was built.

The plot of the story concentrates on the trials and tribulations facing the settlers as they try to make a life in the new world. The journey is filled with many deadly challenges such as the brutal force of nature, encounters with the native peoples of North America, as well as social struggles among the settlers. Themes that develop include: the role of family and women, loyalty, betrayal, slavery, religious practices, as well as learning to work with the Native peoples instead of fighting them

As historical fiction, the author successfully captures a glimpse of the life of the Norsemen. It becomes quite clear that a great deal of research went into creating the story. The attention to detail is quite remarkable. That is, the author’s descriptions of Norse ships, Norse customs, dress, the day to day struggles to survive that include hunting techniques, food preparation, weapons, and tools. As well, Hunsinger provides a detailed historical perspective of the time period, a glossary, and a map to assist readers in following the journey. The author clearly shows his knowledge and expertise on the subject.

For readers who enjoy the historical fiction genre, Axe of Iron is a must-have. The descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are a part of the journey. The novel is an entertaining story that will give readers an appreciation of the brutal life endured by the Norsemen.

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THE BIG LIE

2008-12-07T05:03:00.000-05:00

We live in a society where there is a belief that to be happy one must achieve career and material success. In his book, The Big Lie, author Stan Sanderson asserts that “the problem is that it doesn’t work. It never has, and it never will. And the reason that it doesn’t work is that happiness is not the by-product of the acquisition of anything. We already have it! Our Creator endowed us with perfect joy, happiness, and freedom in the beginning, which we have somehow forgotten.”

In The Big Lie, Sanderson introduces readers to the Spiritual Coach Program, which teaches that true happiness can only be experienced through discovering who you really are, and developing a personal relationship with the God of your understanding.

Using universal spiritual themes rather that religious doctrine or theory, Sanderson outlines and explains his seven concepts and seven strategies that integrate material success with spiritual awareness. Concepts include: acknowledging the Big Lie and debunking it; embracing the God Thing in ones life; benefits of the Power Shift; recognizing undesirable behavior patterns through the Renovation Process; finding forgiveness in the Release Factor; and discovering the joy of living the 200 Percent Life (100 percent material and a 100 percent spiritual).

Sanderson explains how the seven strategies are used to help personalize the concepts. Strategies include: knowing yourself; defining your God; delegating authority, taking personal inventory; implementing forgiveness; techniques for prayer and meditation; and developing inner-peace and the knowing-feeling of security.

In a lifetime of spiritual study that includes transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and the continued practice of A Course in Miracles, Sanderson clearly and successfully presents a step-by-step spiritual guide to discovering sustainable joy, happiness, and freedom in each and every moment of each and every day. The Spiritual Coach Program provides a number applications and concepts that one can implement on their spiritual journey. It is an easy to understand program that all readers will find enlightening and motivating. As well, Sanderson invites readers to continue and enhance their spiritual journey by registering at thespiritualcoach.net to receive his free Coach’s Weekly Message by email.

For readers who are at a crossroads in life, or are searching for true happiness, The Big Lie is a must have. In a world where embracing religious doctrine is seen by many as having moved away from the spiritual to the political and militant, The Big Lie will bring readers back to their spiritual roots and as Sanderson states: “allow them to live as God intended in the beginning.” It is highly recommended to readers of all faiths and backgrounds.

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ReBecoming: The Way of Opportunity

2008-11-15T20:03:00.000-05:00

In his novel, ReBecoming, The Way of Opportunity, author J.R. Maxon delivers a spiritual and philosophical self-help guide in the form of a fictional story.

Diana Archer is a young woman living in Tampa, Florida who discovers that she is at a defining moment in life. She begins to question events in her life, both past and present, to understand why she is feeling a loss of identity. She attends a Gym and meets Fitness Instructor, Jon, who becomes not only a personal fitness instructor, but a spiritual and philosophical guide. For Diana, life becomes a series of difficult challenges as she faces a number of threats. Jon provides her with unique insight into analyzing and understanding her thought processes as it relates to her physical well being, how she perceives the world and her own circumstances, as well as understanding her own sense of self. Within the chapters that focus on the body, mind, and spirit, Diana learns what it means to achieve a sense of wholeness. Peppered throughout the book are many spiritual, philosophical, and inspirational quotes to help one grow spiritually and emotionally:

“The key to freedom is to shift your awareness away from the Mundane Mind and into the Open Sky Mind and to see your thoughts only as clouds passing through it.”

With a goal of learning what it means to be happy, a number of themes are presented that include: an understanding of compassion, kindness, love, self-confidence, negative thoughts, physical appearance, relationships, finding courage, love, and self-love. One main theme throughout the story is the concept of physical fitness being tied to psychological and spiritual fitness.

For the most part, the author successfully creates a Protagonist that women can relate to. Because the novel is integrated with a self-help guide, readers may want to keep a pen and paper handy in order to note the many self-help techniques presented within the story. At the end of the book, the author provides a summary of self-help passages. It may have been helpful to deliver them in the form of a mini self-help program.

Diana’s journey of breaking free of a cycle of negativity is one that readers will enjoy. ReBecoming: The Way of Opportunity is highly recommended to readers who enjoy books about overcoming one’s internal demons to gain an understanding of what it really means to be happy.

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J. Lou McCartney's, De Marco Empire

2008-11-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

In her novel, De Marco Empire, author J. Lou McCartney taps into various elements of a Shakespearean tragedy to deliver a modern tragic love story embroiled in the seedy mafia underworld of murder, revenge, obsession, and malicious jealousy.

The story takes place in London, England where Katie and Lucy, two recent College graduates, become employed at the lavish and luxurious Club La Pregheira. The Club is owned and managed by two brothers by the name of Antonio and Gianni de Marco. Katie is an innocent and naïve young woman who finds herself captivated by the handsome and mysterious Antonio de Marco. Lucy becomes involved with Stevo, Antonio’s employee and close friend. The de Marco brothers’ world of crime and murder become entwined with the girls’ romantic relationships resulting in dangerous and deadly events that threaten to tear their lives apart.

As a romance, the narrative can be described as a tragic love story. Antonio and Katie’s relationship is one of obsession and control. Katie, drawn into Antonio’s charming and self assured manner, is blinded to his dark and sinister life which becomes her undoing. Themes of obsession, jealousy, and revenge are revealed through a host of deadly and vicious characters. The story is rooted in a clash of two worlds where Antonio believes he can keep his relationship with Katie separate from his dangerous and deadly criminal life.

In terms of character development, some of the criminal characters introduced had somewhat of a limited role. More development could have been devoted to the central characters. As well, one the main scenes central to the plot was a bit brief. It could have been expanded to deliver a more dramatic climax.

As a tragic love story, the author successfully adapts the elements of a Shakespearean tragedy to a modern plot. The story is full of surprising twists and turns making it a very entertaining read. De Marco Empire is highly recommended to readers who enjoy plights of “star-crossed lovers” unable to stop external elements bent on heartless destruction.

Warriors and Goddesses: Random Mode

2008-10-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

In Warriors and Goddesses: Random Mode, author Jerome Byrd picks up where his last book, Warriors and Goddesses: Full Moon, ended. On the planet known as Androgynous Prime, the adventures of Darkasan, a human abducted from Earth and taken to this brutal and unforgiving world, and the various alien female and male tribes of Warriors and Goddesses continues.

In a world where primal instincts dictate actions, the plot of the story centers around the breakdown of tribal regions where all tribes struggle to survive and dominate a chaotic and violent society. As a continuation of the first book, violence, the use of sexuality and sensuality as powerful weapons, revenge, and primal lusts are predominant themes integrated within the struggle for power and control of a lawless society. New themes that are introduced in the storyline include the evolvement of such emotions as love, compassion, and the struggle to acknowledge and accept the need for cooperation among tribes in order to achieve some sort of primitive system of tolerance.

Jerome Byrd is very successful at maintaining the consistency of characters from one book to the next. As well, character development is well plotted with emerging qualities that include fear, hope, and love.

As with the first book, the violent and sexual imagery are better suited for adult readers. With the continuation of the series, I would like to see how the tribes evolve from primitive sexual violence as a way of obtaining power to more of an intellectual quest for a civil society. Because the story picks up where the last book ended, it may be helpful to read the first book, Warriors and Goddesses: Full Moon, to obtain a better understanding of Androgynous Prime and its alien inhabitants.

As a story that blends Dark Fantasy with Science Fiction, Warriors and Goddesses: Random Mode is a page-turning story that will be enjoyed by science fiction and fantasy readers.

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Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (September 22, 2008)
ISBN-10: 141968180X
ISBN-13: 978-1419681806
Available: Amazon.com and warriorsandgoddesses.com

Courage To Stand: Stories of Young Strength and Triumph in Adversity

2008-09-15T19:03:00.000-05:00

In Courage to Stand: Stories of Young Strength and Triumph in Adversity, author Elisa Brinton presents three young adult historical fiction stories. Each tale takes place during the mid 1800’s in what is now America. In the story, The High Cost of Unity: The Scourge that is War, Brinton takes readers back to the Civil War Era where a fifteen year old girl fakes her own disappearance so that she can disguise herself as a eighteen year old boy in order to enlist in the Union army. In Traitor to My Blood, readers are taken back to early Native American History where a young girl from the Crow nation is captured by the Cheyenne and rescued by a Sioux warrior. In Answer the Call, Brinton goes back to 1844 where Mormons in America are seeking sanctuary from religious persecution. A young girl and her family make a treacherous voyage from England to America to make a new life while following the Mormon faith.

Although fiction, all three stories become immersed in the historical period. In most cases, historical figures and settings are interwoven within the fictional tale to present an introspective series of themes. One significant theme that emerges is the strength and courage of young women in eras where discrimination and oppression were predominant. The protagonists of each story embody a deep inner strength and independence in situations where hopelessness is overwhelming. Each story touches on other significant issues such as the romantic ideal of war and conflict often overshadows the atrocities and inhumanities that accompany it. Although the stories detail overwhelming adversity, themes of love, faith, and hope, overpower the suffering and provide each woman with a new strength and understanding of humanity.

As historical fiction, the settings are vividly described in great detail. As the author points out in the forward to the story, Traitor to my Blood, there was less research available so there may be some inconsistencies in regards to Native American customs. For instance, the issue of “scalping” was mentioned. Although historians note cases of scalping in early Native American history, it was not as predominant as many now often depict when writing about early Native Americans.

As historical fiction, Courage to Stand is a compelling and well written series of stories. The many plots and themes will inspire reflection regarding current conflicts taking place around the world. For the most part, it is a well researched book that will be enjoyed by readers who appreciate historical fiction rooted in young heroines confronting and overcoming enormous adversity.

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Available: Amazon.com, www.NovelConceptsPublishing.com and www.ElisaBrinton.com

DEEP THINKING THE HUMAN CONDITION: VOL 1. CHAPTERS 1 - 4

2008-08-26T10:29:00.000-05:00

Western Academia has always been viewed as the most important institution relied on to solve endemic world problems. Social Science is one area that has been emphasized when looking for solutions to persistent underdevelopment in the Third World and persistent poverty in Developed countries. In his book, Deep Thinking The Human Condition, S.A. Odunsi addresses why Social Science has failed to solve some of the world’s most serious endemic problems.

Presented as the first four chapters in a series of forthcoming books, Odunsi details how Social Science, the designated problem solver, has failed to teach people to function in a way that facilitates economic development in the third world and eliminate “pockets” of persistent poverty in the developed countries. He makes the argument that Social Science has become an intellectual monopoly that has made no real progress and provided no real return on investment which has resulted in an acceptance that endemic world problems are a reality. He details a number of factors contributing to the failure of Social Science that includes: incessant specialization, lack of discipline and accountability, how social science is not acting in the best interest of planet because of restrictions imposed by social science itself, and that the scarcity or absence of functionality in Social Science is the essence of persistent underdevelopment and has resulted in functionality becoming a taboo subject in academia.

The first four chapters detailed in Deep Thinking The Human Condition, is a comprehensive and engaging analysis of how we have developed a defeating way of thinking that must be understood and changed in order to address and resolve endemic problems. It is a book that requires deep reflection as it challenges the very essence of our thought processes as well as challenging institutions that have been such a major influence over how we process and interpret world problems.

The concepts presented in the book will open up a dialogue about how we look at our past, present, and future. Odunsi presents new ideas to chronic world problems in a very creative and imaginative way. Arguments presented are well worth debating and studying. With the numerous current global crises taking place, Deep Thinking The Human condition is highly recommended to those concerned about why we are unable to solve world problems and why it is essential to change our approach when tackling major global plights.

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Subprime Meltdown: From U.S. Crisis to Global Recession

2008-08-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

With the current subprime meltdown taking place within the US Economy, many people are losing their homes and millions more are worried about how they are going to make their mortgage payments. In his book, Subprime Meltdown: From U.S. Crisis to Global Recession, author and real estate expert Charles Brownell addresses how the subprime mortgage was created, how it works, and what factors led to the current subprime mortgage crisis.

In 114 pages, Brownell succeeds in providing a comprehensive understanding of how a number of different sectors contributed to this crisis which has resulted in far more world wide implications. Brownell explains how the Federal Government and Congress instigated the current crisis between 1975 and 1980 when they passed legislation that forced financial institutions into the subprime market stating that it was discriminatory not to give loans to low and moderate income people. He details how the financial institutions could not afford to give loans that were considered high risk so they came up with clever ways to profit. A number of the ways that he describes were very shady and ended up costing mortgage holders much more than they thought. As well, he shows how practices of financial institutions resulted in what is known as predatory lending.

People lacking knowledge on subprime mortgages will find the book very easy to understand. Brownell provides clarity on a very confusing subject. Not only does he explain how mortgage lenders work with financial lenders to ensure the best profit for them, he also provides an account of all those hidden fees that people often don’t know about. As well, he offers solutions on how to reduce the chance of another subprime mortgage crisis from recurring. For those seeking advice on how to make sure they choose a mortgage that they can afford, helpful tips on managing your money and what to look for when choosing a mortgage are provided.

The book is a very educational read for those trying to make sense of the subprime mortgage market. Although it is about a serious situation, it is very optimistic with an important message of the need for consumer education.

A LETTER FROM HEAVEN

2008-07-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

It can be challenging for a parent or guardian to help their child understand and cope with the loss of a loved one, particularly a sibling. There are many books that deal with children’s issues when coping with the death of a family member. In his children’s story, A Letter From Heaven, author Steve Butler addresses a rarely talked about issue regarding the questions and feelings children have when they discover that their parents had a previous child who died.

Jamie is a young boy full of curiosity and questions. His inquisitiveness about a ceramic jar sitting on a shelf causes him to constantly question his mother about it. For a long time, his mother was quick to give a simple answer that satisfied him. As time passes, he becomes even more curious. His mother finally sits him down and retrieves a letter from the jar. She reads the letter and Jamie discovers that it is written to him from his sister who died shortly after being born.

A Letter From Heaven is a poignant and heartfelt story that explains what happened to Jamie’s sister before he was born. Within the letter, such themes as family, love, peace, life after death, and the connection with nature in terms of birth, death, and rebirth, are raised. The story is beautifully crafted to help children understand and cope with death. It is very positive and written with great care, emphasizing the grieving process that includes acceptance.

With beautiful illustrations enhancing the story, A Letter From Heaven, is a very tender and uplifting story. It is highly recommended as an aid for parents, therapists, and educators, to help children through the grieving process when discovering the unexpected loss of a baby through either a miscarriage, still born, or sudden infant death. The book is a must have for every library.

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THE JOY OF BEING: A VINEYARD OF POEMS AND SHORT STORIES

2008-06-06T08:38:00.002-05:00

In her book, The Joy of Being, author Hildegard Caringi presents a series of short stories and poems that are put together to portray a unique compilation that is part memoir and part prose.

Revealing how she conquered adversity to discover the joy of living, Caringi shares a personal story of struggle and survival. Readers are taken back to post World War II Germany where the author is a young child trying to survive the treacherous aftermath and extreme hardships that she and her family endured. Her journey is one of growing up in the most challenging situations to eventually immigrate to the United States. Caringi provides a candid and in depth of account of the suffering she endured that included losing her father and other family members, worries of starvation, as well as fears of being killed. Throughout the harsh conditions that she faced, her mother was the strength that held the family together. Caringi reveals that her mother provided the unconditional strength and love that helped the family survive the most difficult times.

Within her poems, the author brings her deepest feelings and thoughts alive to impart messages of love, courage, resolve, friendship, and family unity. The poems are rich in rhyme and colors with images of love, faith, and liberation that are written to those who touched her in the most meaningful way. Rooted in her poems are important life lessons: “The joy and fullness of living is found in your soul through generous giving.” “The moral is not to give into your greed, whenever you think you’re in the greatest of need.”

Caringi is able to draw on nature and its inspirational beauty to deliver heartfelt poems of faith, peace, friendship, and spiritual renewal: “Ah nature! Bring calm to my spirit and peace to my door. I know you won’t fail me; you bring so much more.”

Hildegard Caringi has lived a remarkable life filled with fear, loss, friendship, and unconditional family love that shaped her character and faith. As a story written over a lifetime, it reveals the true spirit of living that will touch the hearts of all readers.

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MICKEY MANTLE: ROOKIE IN PINSTRIPES

2008-05-27T16:38:00.001-05:00

One of the most famous and beloved baseball legends of all times is Mickey Mantle. Many books and articles have been written about the sports hero. In his book, Mickey Mantle, Rookie in Pinstripes, author Fred Glueckstein, delivers an in-depth account of Mickey Mantle’s life covering his early life to his 1951 rookie year.

Glueckstein presents a comprehensive story of how events in Mickey’s young life, particularly his relationship with his father, early teammates and coaches, as well as significant incidents that influenced and shaped him to become a baseball legend. Glueckstein chronicles his childhood as a “shy youngster with blond hair and freckles from rural Oklahoma.” Raised in a family with a strong work ethic, readers will gain insight into the deep connection Mickey had with his father and the trials and tribulations he faced and conquered. Not only do we gain insight into his personal struggles, Glueckstein also shares the influences of such baseball greats as Yogi Berra, Hank Bauer and Phil Rizzuto. Memorable events such as meeting Joe DiMaggio were both emotional and inspiring: “With Joe DiMaggio, I couldn’t even mumble hello. It was as if you needed an appointment just to approach him.” As well, readers will discover how other baseball legends felt about Mickey.

Along with a very detailed account of Mickey’s childhood and rookie year, Glueckstein is able to capture the excitement of the era making one feel as though they are reliving legendary moments in baseball history. What makes the story such a fascinating and compelling read, is how much research went into writing the book which includes documented conversations, letters, pictures of Mickey during childhood, and baseball stats. The book is skillfully crafted to allow readers to see a personal side of Mickey that was burdened with such struggles as personal loss, overcoming weaknesses in terms of playing performance, and the pain endured from physical injuries. Readers will gain a candid look into how the baseball legend was made with the strong influence of his father shaping his determination, resolve, dedication, and the love of the game. It is an inspiring story of never giving up on a dream.

Mickey Mantle is highly recommended not only to baseball fans, but to readers who enjoy stories about sports legends that understood that the driving force for success wasn’t fame or fortune, but the true love of the game.

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Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (April 29, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0595469213
ISBN-13: 978-0595469215

400 LATEST & GREATEST SMALL BUSINESS IDEAS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

2008-05-19T15:46:00.001-05:00

Today it is common to turn on the news and hear stories about massive layoffs and corporate downsizing. With the increase in living costs and an unpredictable economy, more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Many people are now considering starting a small business. In his new book, 400 Latest & Greatest Small Business Ideas From Around The World: 2008/2009 Edition, Terry Kyle presents a comprehensive guide for people considering starting a small business as well as those who already have their own business.

Whether it is a full time endeavor or part time project to bring in extra income, readers will find this extensive small business guide to be a valued asset. Kyle delivers an in- depth analysis of starting a small business. The guide is more than a list of the latest and greatest small business ideas. It gives a detailed account to budding entrepreneurs regarding the tools and skills required to make a small business a success. A fundamental message Kyle imparts is that “the key difference between a great idea and a killer small business is action.” That is, you must have the “will” to act.

Kyle provides thorough and constructive tips that will help you chart your own entrepreneurial destiny. He teaches readers how to avoid taking a financial risk, how to minimize costs that include making the most from your advertising budget, minimizing overhead, how to get you idea and message to the public, and strategies on how to work with clients, staff, and creditors. He delivers the best attributes for a successful small business.

The book will give small business owners the tactics to gain a competitive edge. As well, there is an extensive list of 400 of the latest and greatest small business ideas that include the strengths and weaknesses of each. Small business ideas such as the customizable “My Monopoly Game,” are creative, unique, and imaginative. As well as providing simple small business etiquette rules, many inspiring quotes such as “It’s not what you sell that matters. It’s how you sell it,” and “profitability keeps business alive, not mere sales,” will inspire people who are determined to succeed.

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ISBN: 9780955898907
Publisher: TheWorldsBiggestBooks.com (2008)

What the Hell is a Liberal?

2008-05-11T14:17:00.002-05:00

In today’s world, war, violence, poverty, disease, starvation, and oppression, have become an unspoken accepted reality. These were issues that Liberals once fought to overcome. In his book, What the Hell is a Liberal? author David Truskoff presents a candid look at how liberalism has been successfully minimized by the powerful political “right.” The rich are getting richer. The growing gap between the “haves” and “have nots” is increasing, and our natural resources are being rapidly depleted.

The term “Liberalism,” is defined as equality for all that includes such aspects as engaging diplomacy instead of choosing war to resolve political turmoil, ending poverty, promoting free governments, advocating education and affordable healthcare…etc. Truskoff has been an active participant and witness to Liberal struggles such as the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. Truskoff provides an in-depth account of the evolution of the relationship of the US with other foreign powers, particularly the US and Israel partnership. As well, he chronicles the influence of powerful lobby groups such as the American Israel Political Action Committee, one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington.

Delivered as a well-plotted series of essays, Truskoff is able to chronicle how the evolution of the Right has successfully exploited and depicted Liberalism as a negative philosophy to mainstream society. The book is not presented as completely anti right as he notes a number of high profile figures on the left who have abandoned key principles of Liberalism for their own agenda. Truskoff points to Senator Joe Lieberman as one important example of abandoning one’s principles and ethics. He discusses Palestine, without supporting the acts of terrorism, but the apartheid type conditions the citizens of Palestine live in. Fundamental themes that emerge throughout the book are how the greed and indifference of a select elite, with the help of the media, have been able to successfully change the dynamics of the world to everything Dr. Martin Luther King struggled against. That is, there are people in the world that are now considered disposable and military colonization has become an accepted method of resolving conflicts. Survival of the richest is now defined by Military Might.

Truskoff writes with clarity, having witnessed the decline of liberalism and the rise of capitalism without compassion, morality, and ethics. It is a very well researched and well written book that acknowledges this new breed of capitalism that seems unstoppable. Truskoff explains that it is not and writes with hope. He points to our own need to learn from the past so that we can go forward and adopt liberal ideas that seem to have been lost over the years. What The Hell Is A Liberal? is an engaging and compelling read meant to open our eyes to our past, present, and future. Whether you agree or disagree with arguments made in the book, it will definitely make you think and hopefully start a dialogue with others. It is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of humanity.

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Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Sidney T. Black Publishing. (March 31, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1436311772
ISBN-13: 978-1436311779

Memoirs Of My Grandmother

2008-05-06T13:16:00.001-05:00

In Memoirs of my Grandmother, author Lynn Pinkham shares a personal and spiritual story of her Grandmother, Agnes Sevey. For Pinkham, her grandmother, whom she lovingly refers to as Grammy, is one of the most spiritual and profound influences on her life.

Grammy was a deeply spiritual Christian who applied the Word of God to everyday problems. Pinkham’s story evolved from the personal notes and comments Grammy made beside various passages in the Bible. Pinkham is able to integrate the passages by incorporating them into a story on how to live a spiritual and righteous life. The anecdotes and passages are not only designed to help readers embrace the Lord, but to apply spiritual principles and metaphors to the trial and tribulations we face in daily life.

The story is presented in a number of chapters that balance teachings of the Bible with everyday problems. This includes: financial hardships, addictions, mental illness, coping with loss, and finding spiritual solutions to overcome life’s sudden knocks. Such metaphorical anecdotes include our relationship with the natural world, gardening, and cooking, which contrasts and emphasizes our spiritual well being as well as our mental health. Fundamental themes include: accepting and understanding our spiritual connection with the Lord and overcoming such difficulties as doubt and forgiveness. With the quoted Bible passages enhancing each anecdote, Pinkham is able to convey a spiritual healing process that we can all embrace.

One notable story is when Grammy was knitting mittens. She tells young Pinkham: “I am transforming this skein of yarn into something useful and beautiful. It is important that we become like this yarn in the hands of God so that he can transfer us into something useful and beautiful.” The book is filled with wonderful anecdotal stories rooted in strong spiritual messages.

Pinkham depicts Grammy as a peaceful and spiritual woman with a strong Christian faith. Because the stories are so personal, readers will feel as though they are sharing in Grammy’s wisdom. Memoirs of my Grandmother is a must read for those who enjoy spiritual wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. It is highly recommended as not only a compelling memoir, but also as a spiritual self-help guide.

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ISBN: 9781606040102
Website: http://www.lynnpinkham.com

Once Upon A Sand Castle

2008-04-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

When writing Juvenile Fiction, one has to be able to tap into the creativity, imagination, and attention of young readers. In Once Upon a Sandcastle, author Hildegard Caringi takes readers on a journey of the mind and spirit.

Savannah and her best friend Holly are two young girls full of curiosity, energy, and adventure. While visiting their Aunt in Malibu, the girls come across a young boy in a wheelchair on a beach. Jacob is a shy and introverted boy with a troubled family past. Jacob meets a man by the name of David and the two develop an instant bond. David teaches Jacob a song that will allow him to enter a magical sand castle. Jacob, Savannah, and Holly sing the song and enter the enchanted world. When Jacob arrives at this mystifying place, he discovers that he is no longer with the two girls. The three find themselves facing mysterious dark creatures, an angry Queen, and a multitude of lively and colorful characters.

With Jacob, Holly, and Savannah confronting many obstacles and ominous characters, Once Upon a Sand Castle is an action-packed fantasy adventure full of surprising twists and turns. The story is rich in color, creative characters, and fundamental themes that include: courage, compassion, overcoming physical and emotional challenges, as well as acquiring and developing friendships. Settings were vividly described to allow one to expand the imagination. The story is enhanced by the wonderful illustrations provided by renowned Argentina artist, Fernando Molinari. The book will inspire readers to draw on their imagination and encourage creative thought. There is a helpful list of questions at the end of the book that will motivate parents and children to discuss the various plots and themes.

Because the central character is Jacob, it may have been more appropriate to organize the book with the opening and closing focusing on Jacob. The dialogue was consistent with only a few instances of words that may be a bit beyond how young people talk.

Once Upon a Sand Castle is a very entertaining story filled with imaginative adventures and spell-binding characters. It is highly recommended to young people as well as adults.

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Hardcover: 396 pages
Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc. (January 15, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1934248894
ISBN-13: 978-1934248898

Voice of Conscience

2008-03-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

One of the most important historical influences on literature is the classic Shakespearean Tragedy. Shakespeare's tragic heroes will be men of status and the misfortunes that transpire will be unexpected and extremely disastrous. The hero will suddenly fall from high status, honor, or happiness. We feel sympathy at the depths to which the hero is suddenly plummeted. As a result, the tragedy will be enormous. Such great suffering and misfortune will affect those he most cherishes. The principal sources of tragic emotions, especially pity, are essential ingredients in the tragedy.

In Voice of Conscience, author Behcet Kaya implements the attributes of a Shakespearean Tragedy to create a modern day story of love, loss, retribution, and redemption. The protagonist, Ramzi Ozocomert Junior., is a young boy living in Atamkoy, Turkey, in 1962. In Ramzi’s culture, arranged marriages are often a part of their customs. Ramzi’s parents are confronted by a family who want to arrange a marriage between their son and Ramzi’s sister. Ramzi’s parents deny the request and allow their daughter to marry a man she truly loves. As the family prepares for their daughter’s wedding, Ramzi’s parents and sister are brutally murdered. Ramzi, fearing he will be murdered, is forced to flee his home.

Ramzi embarks on a journey where he lives in emotional isolation relying on instincts and his upbringing to survive. As he becomes an adult, he develops a strong work ethic and grand career ambitions while at the same time being haunted by the memories of the brutal slaying of his family. While in England, he falls in love with Megan, a young American who is the daughter of wealthy and powerful business man. As Ramzi becomes involved with British High Society, and when he goes to America to become a successful business man, he embraces a new culture and values. Despite his new life and loving family, he is haunted by his family’s death and overwhelming guilt for not avenging those who destroyed his childhood.

Within the story, such themes as honor, love, vengeance, obsession, and overwhelming guilt are predominant. Readers will gain insight into a culture and their beliefs while at the same time revealing human qualities that we all share. The blur between justice and revenge is an important theme.

Voice of Conscience is a compelling drama with the author incorporating the traits of a Tragedy very successfully. Readers will empathize with Ramzi’s trials and tribulations. It is highly recommended to readers who enjoy compelling stories of human frailty.

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Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (June 26, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1432706284
ISBN-13: 978-1432706289
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Thinking Is Authorized! Refreshing Philosophical Perspectives For Real Spiritual Growth

2008-03-11T00:20:00.000-05:00

In today’s world, religious debate and scientific exploration are hot button issues for many people. In his book, Thinking Is Authorized!, author Nash Khatri engages readers in a philosophical and reflective discussion on how one obtains real spiritual growth and development.

Khatri explores how we perceive our religious beliefs and explains that real spiritual growth is an ongoing process rather than a point to be reached. Khatri proposes that to achieve real and meaningful spiritual growth, we must open our minds and imaginations to the idea that there is more to time and space than what we can comprehend through our five senses. Using a cognitive approach, he presents a thought-provoking discussion on how to stretch our imaginations to gain a better understanding of how we define ourselves, our beliefs, and rationalize life’s great mysteries. Khatri discusses how we are not only connected to each other, but to the universe and everything it holds. He explains how life is a continuous series of inter-linked events and how we perceive and react to the events determines our future. Regardless of how minor our actions may seem, everything directly or indirectly affects our future. Spiritual development requires configuring our thought processes to accept that discovering truths beyond what we can currently grasp does not diminish one’s faith in a Higher Power.

Khatri makes it clear that his book is not anti religious. It is designed to seek self-awareness and expand our knowledge by broadening our minds to go beyond our senses. For instance, Khatri discusses the notion of lack-of-time-and-space and used it to support his perspectives on the soul, death, afterlife, and God. For a 100 page book, it is filled with informative and philosophical concepts about our thought processes and perceptions, and how overcoming our fears of the unknown are a necessary step to spiritual evolvement. A key message of the book: It is not necessary to accept blind faith as the only way to explain what we have yet to understand. As Khatri states, “Real spiritual advancement requires a broad frame of mind and is conducive to a more tolerant, peaceful, and non-judgmental attitude that is inclined toward uniting people.”

The book is a spiritual journey that imparts cognitive development skills. Spiritual maturity is a journey of raising questions, not finding the easiest answers to life’s unknowns. Another core message imparted: Questioning religious beliefs and ideas will enhance one’s spiritual journey. Because the book is not designed to reveal opinions as absolute truths, some may disagree with the ideas and concepts presented. The book is more centered on what its title states: Thinking is Authorized!

Thinking Is Authorized! is highly recommended to those who enjoy philosophical observations as a method of rational self-reflection, spiritual growth, and religious contemplation.

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Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 7, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1434321584
ISBN-13: 978-1434321589
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Breaking A Sunbeam

2008-03-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

In his thriller, Breaking a Sunbeam, author Geoff Hunter takes readers into a sinister and violent world where survival instincts are put to the test. The protagonist, Jake Winter, a happily married young man, becomes involved with three psychopaths by the name of Juel, Carl, and Roy. Jake’s beloved wife Kay is abducted by the three criminals when she stumbles across one of their violent escapades. To ensure his wife’s safe return, Jake is forced to join the gain and participate in their deadly activities. He becomes caught up in a dark and cruel world of violence, vengeance, murder, and unforgiving brutality. Jake participates in heinous acts that he never dreamed he would ever engage in. Kay, a prisoner in the ominous underground basement of her captors’ home, finds herself facing Roy, an insane and brutal serial killer carrying out his innermost violent desires of torture and killing young women.

Breaking a Sunbeam explores a number of dark themes. Juel, a psychologically damaged woman, exacts revenge on those who have committed terrible acts of abuse upon her as a child. To Juel, wiping her past clean is a form of self-healing. Jake finds himself in a moral and ethical dilemma; sympathizing with Juel as he takes part in her quest for revenge. As well, Kay finds herself in a situation where she must engage in violence to survive Roy’s demented obsessions.

The story is a fast paced thriller with many twists and turns that will captures readers’ attention from start to finish. Readers will empathize with Jake’s and Kay’s predicaments as well as the compelling bond that develops between Jake and Juel. Juel and Carl have similar qualities to the two leading characters from the movie, “Natural Born Killers.”

Settings were well described although scenes about the location of the town are a bit vague. The insight into the mind of serial killer Roy’s was rather ambiguous. His obsession with darkness and medieval torture could have been expanded to give a better understanding of how he developed his thirst for torture and killing.

Breaking a Sunbeam delivers fast paced and action packed elements that make for a good thriller. It is highly recommended to fans of the Thriller Genre.

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Paperback: 390 pages
Publisher: Trafford Publishing (February 27, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1425107451
ISBN-13: 978-1425107451
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell

2008-02-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

In the introduction of Gerard Shirar’s novel, The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell, a reflective passage about prejudice is cited that includes the statement, “I feed on racial, ethnic, and religious difference, preconceived ideas; mistaken opinion; falsehoods; bias; ignorance; jealousy; and blind hatred.” This passage sets the stage for Shirar’s historic fictional tale that delves into Man’s most prevalent historical demon known as prejudice.

The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell takes readers back to the year 1917 where oppression and bigotry towards Black People in the United States is rampant despite being free. The protagonist, Newell, is a thoughtful black man from Holly Ridge, North Carolina. Charlie is a man with a strong work ethic, deep spiritual faith, and committed family values. As a conscientious objector to war because of his faith, Charlie is forced to enlist in the army. According to his faith, Saturday is the Sabbath where the day is devoted to reading the Bible and spiritual reflection. Because of his faith, Charlie refuses to work on Saturday which leads to a military court martial. The result of the court-martial takes Charlie on a nightmare journey of imprisonment, violent abuse, oppression, prejudice, and a spiritual test of strength and resolve. For Charlie, life becomes a series of harrowing events that challenges his faith.

The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell is a compelling and intense story of relying on faith and hope in order to survive unbearable cruelty. As historical fiction, the author, a twenty year veteran of the United States Army, is able to capture and deliver a detailed account of life in the military during World War I. Readers will feel as though they are traveling with Charlie during a turbulent and difficult time for Black People in America.

Profound themes of faith and spirituality entwined with injustice, oppression, and hate, make for a heartfelt tale that brings out important messages that can be related to current world events. The dialogue is carefully written to depict appropriate language and figures of speech as it pertains to the time period. The events and characters mirror the values and attitudes of the period. As well, settings are detailed and well described. Charlie is a character every reader will become emotionally attached to. His journey is filled with traumatic twists and turns making the story a definite page-turner. Readers will gain insight into a historical period that must not be forgotten.

The Court-Martial of Charlie Newell is highly recommended to readers who love historical fiction. It is a piece of historical fiction that invites all readers to think about the past and reflect on current moral and ethical issues.

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Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (January 18, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0595444911
ISBN-13: 978-0595444915

Wolf & Owl Remember

2008-01-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Today the planet and its species face a myriad of problems that include: global conflicts, famine, global warming, depletion of our natural resources, and the extinction of species. Many people are wondering what the future holds. As we look to create solutions through technological advancement, we often neglect our history. We do not consider the lessons we can learn from the history of various cultures.

Author Antoinette Sarcinella reaches into her Native American Folklore history to create a children’s story presented as an ancient lesson of wisdom to help with today’s world problems. Antoinette draws on her Hunkpapa Lakota and Assiniboine heritage to bring her book, Wolf & Owl Remember, to a level that all cultures can identify with. Kumi, a young boy full of spirit and curiosity, comes across an injured bird. In a compassionate effort to help the bird, Kumi takes it home. The bird recognizes Kumi’s innocent eagerness for knowledge and introduces him to a Wolf and Owl. The animals take Kumi on a mystical journey through space and time where they and other animals share their stories of life.

The stories are rich with symbolism as each animal delivers important messages of harmony, unity, peace, and most importantly, hope. The dialogue is effective in that the animals tell their stories in such a simplistic and charming way that a child would easily understand. The vivid descriptions that entail the use of colors, emotions, and the natural world and its beauty, will inspire a child to tap into their imaginations. The vibrant and artistic illustrations by Joseph Wolves Kills add to the story making it a more engaging and enjoyable read. Readers will feel as though they are traveling with Kumi and the animals, experiencing and understanding their feelings, thoughts, and the principle message that we must not forget that underneath all of our differences, we are all connected to each other as well as the planet.

This is Antoinette’s first book that delves into the myth and folklore genre of depicting the individual uniqueness of animals. She takes a distinctive approach to this genre by applying the messages to today’s problems. I hope there are more books to follow as I see her developing the writing success of such folklore story tellers as Joseph and James Bruchac. I highly recommend Wolf & Owl Remember as an entertaining read that delivers profound wisdom that will not only be enjoyed by children, but adults reading it with them.

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Git A Rope Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 976022699
Available: http://www.wolfandowlremember.com/

Coffee

2007-12-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of Claire Jensen’s novel, Coffee, a quote is provided from Christopher Robbins’ book, “The Household Herbal,” containing passages about the medicinal virtues of Coffee. Such phrases include: “gives spirits to the body...” and “wonderfully fortifies and strengthens…” The phrases embody and give meaning to Claire Jensen’s magical romantic tale. In Coffee, forty year old Miranda Browning is a single woman with a past of troubled relationships. While working in her garden in England, she discovers a Genie lamp encased in sticky clay. After finishing in the garden she puts the lamp above the water heater to dry the mud out so that she can clean it in the morning. She is woken by a hideous, screeching racket. She runs the lamp outside to the deck and goes in to make some coffee to calm her noise-shattered nerves. The Genie smells the coffee aroma. At the request of the Genie, Miranda pours a bit of coffee into the spout of the lamp. The Genie is revived and introduces himself as Charles Hudson Witherall. Charles leaves the bottle and becomes Miranda’s loyal companion.

Miranda and Charles embark on a journey of danger, intrigue, and romance. They become entangled in an international crime ring, the kidnapping of one of Miranda’s closest friends, and dangerous confrontations with her ex husband’s drug associates.

Within this magical story, readers will enjoy the trials and tribulations Charles and Miranda encounter. A deep love and respect develop between the two characters. With other colorful characters that include family, friends, and other Genies and their companions, readers will enjoy their love of fine spirits, coffee, and exotic food.

The best way to describe the novel is a magical romance rooted in adventure, intrigue, desire, sensuality, love, respect, and faithful companionship. The focus on exotic aromas and spirits heavily symbolizes the strength and development of Miranda and Charles’ relationship.

The plot of a woman becoming involved with a dashing and handsome genie is a unique approach to the Romance genre. The symbolism of coffee as a rejuvenator and revitalizing agent strongly symbolizes character development through the senses. Descriptions of settings embroiled in sights, sounds, aromas, and taste, are vivid and add to the romance. Not only coffee, but fine wines and food that excite the palate, and the aromas of calming natural fragrances, are an integral mix with the romantic plot. As a fan of magical stories, I would have liked to have seen more of the Genie’s magical abilities. As well, a few areas of the narrative seemed a bit overly detailed.

The story is a charming magical romantic tale of finding love. With such plots as kidnapping, Italian gangsters, and magic of the Genie that includes the use of Ouija boards, the tale is a must read. Coffee is a charming story that Romance fans will love. It is a story to be read while curled up by a fire with a glass of wine. It is highly recommended to readers who enjoy the Romance genre.

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Paperback: 380 pages
Publisher: Lulu Enterprises, UK Ltd (September 28, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1847998542
ISBN-13: 978-1847998545
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

A Full House – But Empty

2007-12-18T21:34:00.000-05:00

In his autobiography, A Full House – But Empty, author Angus Munro shares his life journey that conveys optimistic and warm messages of strength, resolve, determination, and principle. At the age of three, Munro’s mother leaves his father and family, and his father becomes a single parent. The traumatic experience changes Angus’ life. Living in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada during the Depression, his childhood is a chronicle of traumatic change, sense of isolation, and added responsibilities to his family. At age fourteen, Angus drops out of school and begins his passage to adulthood. His journey takes him through various parts of Canada where he learns about his family and their values. His story is filled with anecdotes and tales of his work experience that includes working in retail, as a busboy, at a carnival, and on farms. Within his stories, readers experience how the places, people, family, jobs, and co-workers shaped Munro’s work ethic and taught him such values as integrity, dignity, accepting responsibility, and kindness.

How his experiences during his youth influence adulthood are highlighted as he draws on his experiences as hindrances and advantages to how he confronts and resolves problems in the work place. Most of his stories come from a lifetime of work experience that included the Oil Industry and Hospital Administration in California and Alaska. From each detailed account, readers will identify with positive messages about obtaining a harmonious and fulfilling life.

What is so remarkable is how the stories are so vividly described and detailed. Munro addresses the importance of education to succeed, but there are skills that textbooks cannot demonstrate. Interacting and respecting all coworkers regardless of their position, listening and acknowledging, a willingness to undertake tasks beneath your position, and interacting with staff and clients, are key elements to a successful and productive work life. His stories are about a journey of human communication and how each person he came in contact with positively influenced his life. He embraced their positive attributes and incorporated them into his own life. Many of his anecdotes are comical, particularly the incident where he sent a Valentine card to a Nun and signed a co-workers name. As the book mostly focuses on his work experiences, I would have liked to have learned more about how he coped and drew strength from such tragic losses as the death of significant family members and his divorces.

Through his stories, Munro shares a lifetime of experience. A fundamental message readers will take away from his stories: It is true that it is better to give than receive, but more importantly, giving without expecting to receive makes life more enjoyable and rewarding. When you do receive, the experience will be more heartfelt and gratifying. The memory will last forever.

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Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (September 25, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0595437192
ISBN-13: 978-0595437191

Warriors And Goddesses: First Moon

2007-12-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

In his book, Warriors and Goddesses: First Moon, author Jerome Byrd takes readers on an adult science fiction journey of action and adventure. Darius Creed, a financially secure young man with a taste for the simple pleasures in life, is abducted by a beautiful and seductive alien that he meets in a restaurant. He is taken to the strange and mysterious planet, Androgynous Prime. Darius discovers he is in an alien world where basic primal instincts are the key to survival. In this unforgiving world, territories are marked by the divisions between men and women Territories, known as polarized regions, are governed and dominated by warrior men and seductive goddesses The polarized regions governed by woman are inhabited by such tribes as the Women of Knives, Women of Prey, The Sensuals…etc. The regions governed by men are inhabited by Male tribes identified as First, Second, Third…Tribes of Men.

In this alien world, Darius is given the name Darkasan and embarks on a journey which he believes is to find Diemma, a woman he has romantic feelings toward. On this planet, there is no civility, moral conduct, and ethical laws. Primal instincts and behavior supersede rational thought. Lust, seduction, violence, sexual prowess, Free Will, greed, and revenge as justice, are major themes throughout the story. The quest for absolute power is a fundamental plot among the characters.

The story begins with Darius (Darkasan) and his quest to survive the brutal nature of this world, but then branches out to include the stories of a number of brash and intriguing characters as they all journey to a central climatic place known as the Town Meeting. Throughout each character’s dramatic story, readers are taken into a world of brutality, uncontrollable lust, treachery, and remorseless violence. The powerfully described settings of a natural world entwined with unique and colorful alien technology and depictions adds to the story’s intrigue. One noteworthy point is that there is a large period of time between where Darkasan’s journey fades and then reappears. I would have liked to have seen more of Darkasan’s adventures within the story.

Warriors And Goddesses is an excellent addition to the Dark Fantasy and Science Fiction genre. The extremely dark depictions make the book more suited for young adults and fans of Dark Science Fiction. It is an entertaining and exciting read from start to finish.

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Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (November 10, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1419650661
ISBN-13: 978-1419650666
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Just Snap Your Fingers and… Bingo You’re Sober

2007-12-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

In his book, “Just Snap Your Fingers and…Bingo You’re Sober,” author Maurice Murray provides recovering alcoholics with an extensive guide to overcoming alcoholism by tapping into their thought processes and spirituality.

At the age of sixty eight, Murray, a recovering alcoholic, demonstrates that it is never too late to start the healing process. His workbook is arranged in five chapters: Recovery Your Way (how alcohol works on the mind, accepting responsibility, and understanding the meaning of love as it applies to objects, people, and God,) God Fixes Cracked Pots (relationships between the thought process and attitude,) The Chair’s Fixed, Relax and Sit in It (self-realization, self awareness, one’s personal relationship with God,) Swat That Bee on Your Recovery Doorknob (how feelings are connected to our thought processes and behavior, learning to listen, feel, and visualize to achieve a new emotional balance,) and Bingo You’re Sober (self hypnosis as a tool for instilling spiritual and mental recovery skills.)

The book is peppered with spiritual and philosophical anecdotes intended to provide positive reinforcement and hope. Murray draws on a lifetime of experience to present relevant stories in the form of thoughtful and sometimes comical anecdotes meant to inspire recovering alcoholics to stay on the healing path.

The main message of the book is that alcoholism is a disease that can be defeated. Part of recovery entails understanding how your thought processes work, changing them, and recognizing the power spirituality plays in the recovery process. One essential message Murray imparts: Your life isn’t hopeless. It is your negative thoughts that have led you to believe it is hopeless. By identifying and changing your feelings, your thoughts will respond positively. As Murray states, “Recovery requires conscious and continuous positive actions.”

With many exercises and assignments, readers will be able to implement the principles as they read. The many spiritual references are more philosophical and positive in nature, rather than in a preaching format. It would have been helpful to have more information in the chapter on self hypnosis, particularly for those who are new to the field.

Written from a heartfelt struggle with alcoholism, Murray candidly shares his wisdom on recovering from the disease. I highly recommend Bingo You’re Sober to those seeking clarity, the resolve to recover, and finding peace during a difficult period of one’s life.

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ISBN: 9781434330611 (E-book)
ISBN: 9781434328816 (paperback)
Publisher: Author House (2007)
Available: www. recoveryyourway.com

Spies

2007-11-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

In his novella, Spies, author Will Williams gives readers a glimpse of the cold and closely controlled spy world. The protagonist, Phillip Anderson, a loyal and trusting spy working for the Secret Intelligence Agency, lives in two worlds: The life of a spy that is filled with danger and intrigue, and his private life of family and friends. Phillip’s two lives collide with fatal results. He is forced to come to the realization that in order to live, he must choose which world to live in.

The story immediately brings the reader into Phillip’s life-altering dilemma. Phillip is a sympathetic anti-hero caught up in a life he believed to be of no threat to his family.
Coming to terms with his secret life and family life is a fundamental plot of the story.

As a novella, only Phillip’s character and personal development is presented. Because it is a short read, important characters such as the Director of the Spy Agency, Phillip’s family, and his fiancée are not developed. More presentation of these characters and details of Will’s missions with the Secret Intelligence Agency would have allowed for more engaging story lines. As well, more details regarding setting description would have added to the story.

Filled with action and adventure, Spies is a definite must-read. It is an entertaining and page-turning story that can be enjoyed in one sitting. The author clearly has the creativity and skill to write full length thriller novels. I hope to read one in the future.

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ISBN: 978-1-8475-3920-5
Printed: 48 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com
Available: Amazon.com

Questions for a Full Life

2007-11-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

In his book, Questions for a Full Life, author Frank Briganti addresses the psychological and spiritual aspects of how people can find peace, unity, and internal harmony. Briganti presents an in depth discussion about how to achieve a full human life. Understanding the mystery of God is a key element needed to reach fulfillment. He states, “This book is about discovering and realizing the possibilities for growth, commitment, completion, happiness, and even ecstasy found in the union of the body and mind.”

Briganti explains five important sections to achieving a complete and harmonious life. Fresh Horizons explores what is meant by living a full human life. The Keys path focuses on understanding the mind through imagination, desires, and self awareness. Inner Realities explores our selves through a better understanding of how our mind works. Pathways provide the tools required for achieving a full life. Final Horizon focuses on the future and how to create a future that is meaningful and happy. Each chapter within the section is filled with spiritual and psychological wisdom that help readers connect to themselves. Briganti imparts some important messages: We don’t have to be restrained by negative thoughts and emotions. Inner life and growth leads to external growth and happiness. We cannot connect to others until we connect to ourselves.

A noteworthy point of the book is Briganti’s explanation of how to harness our thoughts through the use of imagination and understanding our mindsets. By understanding how we question ourselves and the world around us, we are better able to reflect on the many paths to achieving a full life. The key is to find the right path for you.

Questions for a Full Life is designed to stimulate our senses, question our current state of being, and offer ways of achieving clarity. The structure of the book is designed to help the reader look inwardly, question, and find creative solutions. Because the book is packed with so much information, it would have been beneficial to end each chapter with a summary to help the reader develop a self reflection program. As well, it would have been helpful to see a daily work guide that one could use to implement the many principles presented in the book.

Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or trying to figure out where you fit into the world, Questions for a Full Life is a helpful companion to any healing process or self-reflection plan. It will help you connect to your self and the world around you.

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Paperback: 181 pages
Publisher: PublishAmerica (September 17, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1424193052
ISBN-13: 978-1424193059

Beauty And The Yeast Beast: From Fat to Fairy Tale

2007-11-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

With the Diet Industry grossing 30 billion dollars a year, one cannot help but wonder why obesity is a leading cause of preventable illness and death in North America.

In her book, Beauty and the Yeast Beast, author Francine Hemway tackles this growing epidemic. Told from a 40 year struggle with obesity, Hemway explains that the underlying cause of diet failure syndrome is a microscopic demon known as Yeast. The premise behind her book is that Yeast, a member of the Kingdom Fungi, has invaded and increased in our bodies. She explains that “Yeast, a natural inhabitant of your body, only becomes a threat when it is allowed the opportunity to grow out of control.” Diet Failure Syndrome persists because the yeast waits for you to start consuming food it needs to grow. That is, sugars, starches and Flour. She explains how the Yeast Beast “makes us crave these foods and then makes it indigestible to us as it takes what it need first.” She explains that to be successful, one has to starve the Yeast Beast. From her own successful experience where she lost 180 pounds and kept it off, Hemway provides a detailed account of how to starve the Yeast Beast and keep it under control. A key message she imparts is that “we need to see the Yeast Beast as an invader, take control of our bodies, and stop letting the Yeast Beast control us.”

What makes this book an asset to anyone who wants to lose weight is Hemway’s candor when addressing weight loss. Told from her own personal struggle, she does not gloss up the state of obesity. She explains the effects of “Advanced Infirmation,” developing new illness as you age more rapidly than normal due to obesity. By providing an in-depth understanding of the biological functions of yeast in our bodies and how food works, she makes the point that real commitment must be taken to combat obesity.

It seems that every day researchers are coming out with new reasons why obesity is on the rise. Some examples include thyroid problems and genetics. Hemway deals with a particular microorganism that affects food intake. Through her own experience, Hemway may have found the root cause of Yo-Yo dieting, but perhaps more doctors should study the Yeast Beast to see if it may or may not be the cause of their own patients’ obesity. With so many reasons given for the increase in obesity, the solution may be to diagnose the cause through a variety of tests rather that prematurely prescribing treatment.

I highly recommend Beauty and the Yeast Beast as a comprehensive and well presented book on achieving permanent weight loss. Hemway does not simply tell you how to lose weight; she explains how to stop the insufferable ups and downs on the scale. The solution to her weight loss is carefully crafted to demonstrate that we do not have to be an overweight and obese society. All it takes is commitment, taking control, and defeating the Yeast Beast.

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The Big, Bad, O: The Brutality of Obesity

2007-10-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

When reading the cover of Francine Hemway’s book, The Big, Bad, O: The Brutality of Obesity, I was surprised by the statement: This book is not for the obese. Most books that deal with obesity are designed to provide a weight loss solution. As a victim of childhood obesity that continued for four decades before finding a way to overcome it, Francine Hemway takes a much more honest look at the state of obesity in America.

Hemway, a former public school teacher and district superintendent presents a no nonsense approach to the effects of obesity in US culture. The premise of the book is to provide an account of how and why obesity has become an established way of life. As Hemway points out, “Only in a man made habitat does obesity exist. It is against the laws of nature for obesity to exist.”

By providing an in-depth analysis of how America has come to a population where 64.5% of adult Americans are overweight or obese, as well as delivering a factual account of the rising statistics of obesity in adults and children, a clear picture is drawn that shows that no one particular group, company, or organization, can be held responsible for obesity. Hemway explains that individual and societal denial, and political correctness, has resulted in a society that allows obesity to be treated as an acceptable condition. She points out the numerous ways that we are now accommodating the obese and how we have allowed the establishment of a 30 billion dollar a year industry designed to profit from the obese. She explains a rising new culture that promotes being over weight and obesity as a normal way of living. As society’s attitude towards obesity becomes more compliant, Hemway explains the dangers to American health, well being, and the devastating financial impacts of catering to an obese society.

Told from the heart, with an important mission to educate politicians, families, educators, medical professionals, and every American, Hemway emphasizes the need to take action instead of worrying about being politically correct. Her genuine concern has led her to submit legislation to Congress that does not invoke more discussion about obesity, but will result in action intended to end obesity.

As a follow up to her book, Beauty and the Yeast Beast, From Fat to Fairy Tale, where
Hemway tells how she lost the weight and kept it off by eliminating yeast from her body, The Big, Bad, O provides a candid analysis of the state of obesity in American society and the grave consequences that everyone will suffer if our social attitudes do not change and obesity continues to move into the norm. Hemway explains that there is no quick fix, magic pill, diet book, or diet program that will end obesity. It all comes down to overcoming denial, political correctness, and employing the simple and effective concept: “Expend more energy than you consume.” As Hemway states, “Obesity is a choice.” If society accepts this epidemic as a way of life, the consequences will be detrimental to America’s future.

The Big, Bad, O is a definite must read. The information provided is well researched and the statistics and facts provided will not only cause alarm, but will make you reflect on your own perceptions of obesity and how it affects every single American. It is an honest, well presented, and personal book that will hopefully inspire change.

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ISBN: 0978623428
ISBN-13: 9780978623425
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Florida Institute of Mold, Incorporated
Pub. Date: January 2006

The Balkan Secret Conspiracy

2007-09-23T23:42:00.000-05:00

The Balkan Secret Conspiracy tells the story of a Canadian writer by the name of Zlata Pierce. As a child growing up in Croatia during Hitler’s reign of terror, Zlata and her family were victims of the brutality that took place within Croatia. Years later, Zlata emigrated from Croatia to Canada where she married and started a new life. By building a new life, Zlata tries to forget the memories of a terrifying time in Croatia, particularly, the deaths of her brother, father, and the brutal rape of her mother.

Zlata’s life is turned upside down when she receives an ominous phone call from a stranger. In an instant, she is taken back to a past she struggled to put behind her. She begins a quest to unravel the truth behind the brutal murder of her brother. To uncover the truth, Zlata embarks on a journey that involves murder, cover ups, exposing evil entangled with the supernatural, and confronting two former Nazis determined to stop her.

The story starts out as a vividly described life in Croatia during Hitler’s reign of destruction and terror. The details of life in Croatia during Hitler’s reign are compelling. The plot of uncovering the role the German SS officers played in the death of Zlata’s brother is an intriguing and engaging story. A cast of characters are introduced that include Zlata’s husband, a psychic, a bitter detective, and a forensic pathologist. Where the story loses some of its focus as a gripping thriller is the plot to resurrect Hitler using dark supernatural methods. It overshadows the main plot of uncovering the truth regarding Zlata’s brother’s death in order to come to terms with a painful childhood that cannot be forgotten. As well, the cast of characters could have been reduced to just a few to allow for more character development.

The Balkan Secret Conspiracy is a novel containing many elements that make a good thriller. The author is a promising writer of thrillers as well as historical fiction.

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Paperback: 212 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (July 11, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0595452973
ISBN-13: 978-0595452972

David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win

2007-09-05T22:38:00.000-05:00

In a highly competitive marketplace, small business owners can often be overwhelmed with the difficult task of making consumers aware of their product. With so many huge business conglomerates dominating the market place, it can seem almost impossible for a small business to efficiently reach their target customers. In his book, David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win, author Ronald Geskey shows that small businesses can not only succeed against the Goliaths, but can thrive in the dog eat dog world of big business.

Geskey explains that a key to growing a successful business is to use an innovative, well researched technique known as increasing your share of voice and your quality of voice. Through a step by step method, readers will learn how to make each advertising dollar work harder for them. By dramatically increasing your effective share of voice without increasing your budget in your market area, you can increase top of mind awareness of your product. This will then lead to increased sales and market share.

Not only does the author provide an in depth analysis and understanding of marketing and media, helpful methods and tools are provided to make the most of your advertising dollar. As Ronald Geskey states, “The key is to eliminate advertising spending waste.”

Budgets are often wasted when the wrong type of communication is used for the job (e.g., direct mail vs. publicity) or the wrong media are used to reach the wrong target in the wrong place at the wrong time-- negotiated at the wrong price without value added and media investment safeguards.

When was the last time you read a book or an article about how to actually negotiate a media buy to get the most bang for your buck? Maybe never? Geskey’s book provides clear steps on how to negotiate traditional and non traditional media buys to get substantially more media exposure for the budget.

Because successful communications with the consumer are critical to the success of a small business, the author discusses and provides an analysis of the many benefits and pitfalls of different marketing communications forms and various advertising media. Advertising media discussed include television, print, radio, internet, direct mail as well over 60 non traditional media approaches.

With well illustrated diagrams and exercises at the end of each chapter, the author provides the necessary tools and skills for you to make your small business a long term success. I plan to implement the strategies for my own business endeavors. I highly recommend the book to current business owners as well as to those planning to start a small business.

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A Cross Estate

2007-08-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

Allbooks Review Editor’s Choice Award Winner

On September 11th, 2001, the lives of the people of New York and America were forever changed. As the twin towers collapsed, a wave of horror swept throughout the world. For the families and loved ones of the victims, the nightmare would not end on that day. Working in Lower Manhattan on 9/11, author William Kinsella experienced the results of the tragedy. In his novel, A Cross Estate, Kinsella shares a fictional story of how one victim’s family and loved ones endured the devastating aftermath of that day.

As a recent graduate from Duke University, Jack Conroy, a bright, spiritual, and compassionate young man, is faced with a difficult life choice. He must choose between following in his father’s footsteps and embark on a career on Wall Street, or, work as a Landscape Designer in Durham. Jack, passionate and feeling a spiritual connection with nature, is drawn to the nursery job as it would keep him closer to his girlfriend Veronica. Jack, deeply in love with Veronica, finds himself in a situation he did not imagine as a young boy dreaming of working on Wall Street. With the advice of his family and Veronica, Jack attends a job interview. At the interview, he starts to remember the reasons why he always wanted to work on Wall Street. He accepts the job and begins working for a company in the South Twin Tower.

On 9/11, the death of Jack brings the lives of his family and Veronica to a standstill. From here, the story enters the lives of Jack’s loved ones. Jack’s mother, father, and Veronica, each undergo a painful struggle to deal with the loss. The reader is taken into their journey of hopelessness, pain, grief, depression, and losing the will to live. Only in the journey to their deepest and darkest feelings are they able to find the light.

The journey of Jack’s loved ones is an emotional and painful one where nature with its remarkable beauty is entwined with such themes as birth, death, and rebirth. A Cross Estate is an emotional story of survival and finding peace amid a terrible tragedy. With a well-detailed depiction of setting and nature, William Kinsella delivers a story of hope from a terrible event that affected the loved ones of one special young man lost on that fateful day. I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy powerful stories of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption.

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Paperback: 259 pages
Publisher: PublishAmerica (June 4, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1424166888
ISBN-13: 978-1424166886
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species

2007-08-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

To understand how and why we got here, one has to look at the history of how we evolved to the bipedal, upright, and thinking species that we are today. In his book, The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species, biologist and neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Filler proposes that a key element to unfolding the mysteries that have challenged evolutionary biologists for centuries lies within our bones, particularly the spine.

Dr. Filler explains that to fully understand evolution, we must study the early pioneers of evolutionary theory and the influence of their era’s philosophical, religious, and cultural beliefs. Filler proposes that although Darwin’s theory of evolution is a key element to understanding evolution, the concept of a slow process of descent with modification is not the final conclusion of our evolutionary story. By examining the works of a number of evolutionary pioneers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Dr. Filler is able to build on their early findings and show through his own research that locomotion and the development of the spine is a key feature to understanding how humans evolved.

Drawing on such works of Mendel’s Nature of Heredity as well as Pre-Darwinian and Post-Darwinian researchers, Filler proposes that evolution had the ability to accelerate, even in an instant. Using modern technology to study fossilized species, the bone structure of species such as the ape, fish, birds, as well as the human skeletal structure, Dr. Filler presents compelling evidence that the building blocks within the vertebrate embryo that initiate the formation of muscle, tissue and bone, are a common feature among the species. As well, he explains the bones and spinal segments that all vertebrates have in common. Although the various bones are located in different sections, the link among species indicates a common history with various evolutionary branches. That is, there is a common connection among species, but evolution is not a single straight path. It is more like a tree with various branches that contain common evolution building blocks. Filler proposes that the split between human and chimpanzee on the evolutionary ladder is the result of an upright ancestral ape with the apes we see today having evolved from a different evolutionary branch than humans. He explains in detail how the human spine evolved and how the modern ape is actually a descendant of humans.

The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species is a compelling and well-presented analysis of the story of life. With an in-depth examination of evolutionary pioneers and their influences on today’s research, Dr. Aaron Filler presents a convincing theory of evolution that will educate, stimulate, and challenge our perceptions of the history of life. I highly recommend the book not only to science students, but to readers who enjoy engaging and well-researched books that inspire debate and reflection.

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Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: New Page Books (July 2007)
ISBN-10: 1564149331
ISBN-13: 978-1564149336

West Across The Board

2007-07-20T11:16:00.000-05:00

Andrew Jalbert’s novel, West Across the Board, chronicles one man’s journey back to the Florida Keys to see his dying friend. For both men, it is a journey of lifetime reflection and liberation. In 1934, at a saloon in the Florida Keys, Lazaro, a passionate and brilliant fisherman, meets Dominic, a civil engineer graduate. The two young men instantly bond over a game of chess. The game would become more than recreation. It would become the cement that binds the two through a lifetime of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption.

With such themes as the beauty and danger of nature entwining itself with the strength and frailties of human nature, a story of growth and survival unfolds. Drawing on Physicists research into the Chaos Theory, Dominic, a pragmatist, tries to find order from tragic events that affected the choices both he and Lazaro made. Lazaro, a man forever changed from the loss of his father during a storm at sea, reflects on his life in a more traditional sense. Dominic tries to find a logical pattern of events, while Lazaro buries his need to resolve issues that led to his choice to leave the Florida Keys for a life in Wisconsin. It is only when the two men come together that Lazaro is able to confront his past.

As historical fiction, the author delivers a carefully crafted and detailed account of life on the Florida Keys. The story is rich in the sights, sounds, and description of life in the 1930’s. Drawing on real events from the past, the fictional story is well implemented within its historical context. The historical and nautical details illustrated within the story are well researched and accurately presented.

West Across the Board delivers a well crafted tale of two men’s journey back together to find redemption and peace. The history and backdrop of the Florida Keys makes readers feel they are accompanying Lazaro on his journey. I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy well written historical fiction that delves into the human condition.

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Paperback: 190 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (March 28, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0595421946
ISBN-13: 978-0595421947

Trials&Tribulations

2007-06-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

Don Haigh’s novel, Trials & Tribulations, tells the story of the struggle and survival of two young orphans by the name of Tommy and Betty. The story begins in 1802 at the town of Guisbrough, England. Tommy and Betty suddenly find themselves orphaned and are forced to leave their home. Under the guidance of Betty, the children flee to the town of Whitby. On their journey they face the overwhelming obstacles of starvation, violence and near death. In Whitby, they end up in a children’s workhouse where they and the other children suffer violent abuse and slavery. As the story unfolds, the children revolt and escape the harsh and brutal life. Barely alive, the children are rescued by the gentle and loving woman, Elizabeth Arkwright. Life for the Arkwright family and their children’s home is an exciting time of struggle entwined with harmony. As the Arkwright family is instilled with such values as morality, faith, and loyalty entwined with the moral integrity of military life, they are faced with a variety of sinister and deadly characters bent on greed and vengeance. Throughout it all, the Arkwright family confronts and challenges those that seek to destroy them.

Rich in a powerful and descriptive setting reflecting the life and times of early nineteenth century England, the author provides a compelling story of survival. As well, the attention to dialogue and setting makes the story entertaining and exciting historical fiction that reveals dark plots of rape, murder, slavery, and abuse, amid the love of a moral and honorable family.

From the various historical settings to the dress and description of military life and honor, Trials & Tribulations is a well researched novel that will entertain and delight readers. I highly recommend the novel to readers who enjoy compelling works of historical fiction.

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The Hindering

2007-05-24T07:48:00.000-05:00

In James Alexander’s novel, The Hindering, the author shares his personal true story of a tragic event that forever changed his life. As a young boy growing up in New Jersey, James befriends a boy by the name of Tommy. Tommy had recently moved to James’ neighborhood and was having difficulties adjusting to the new environment. James takes this shy introvert under his wing and the two boys become the best of friends. As the boys grow older, Tommy’s behavior changes and he starts to act out and get into trouble. As others turn away from Tommy, James remains loyal to his friend. After graduating from high school, James matures and plans a future as a graphic artist. The two boys drift apart. Eventually Tommy disappears and James immerses himself in his art while attending college. One night Tommy returns and sets James on a collision course for disaster. Tommy seeks out his friend to inform him that he has gone AWOL from the Marines. James, still remaining loyal to his friend, keeps his secret. It is one fateful night after spending an evening at a bar with Tommy; James’s life becomes a living nightmare. Tommy murders a young woman they had picked up hitchhiking. James, distraught and terrified, struggles with a loyal friendship since childhood and whether to contact the police. This proves to be his undoing. Tommy drags James into the murder by placing the blame on him.

The Hindering is a remarkable and disturbing account of one man’s devastating legal ordeal. The author shares a personal account of a determined and unrelenting prosecution. From the appalling injustices that take place during the trial, to the stunning account of a harsh and brutal life in prison, James provides a vivid and astonishing detailed story of survival. Through James’ personal narrative, readers experience the wide range of emotions that James experiences as he fights for his life.

The book is not only a true story of injustice, but a story of self preservation amid dark and hopeless circumstances. James shares how he coped in prison through his various artistic ventures to keep his sanity in a place where if you lose hope, you lose the will to survive. Through the loving support of his family and friends, and his innovative artistic methods used to deal with with the depressing and brutal prison, readers experience an honest account of coping with a loss of freedom, as well as a loss of faith in a legal system that is suppose to be just.

The Hindering is a captivating and compelling story of a devastating period in one man’s life. I highly recommend this well-written and powerfully described true story of the darkest time in James Alexander’s life.

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Paperback: 424 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (September 15, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1598006819
ISBN-13: 978-1598006810

Killer Cain

2007-04-27T18:45:00.000-05:00

Bryan Foreman’s debut novel, Killer Cain, is a fast-paced thriller that chronicles the deadly adventures of ATF agent John Cain. Cain, a seasoned agent, carries the emotional scars resulting from the dark and disturbing life as an ATF officer. He is a man riddled with the guilt and haunting memories of love and loss. Living a life focused entirely on his job, Cain becomes obsessed with a gun-dealing psychotic by the name of Bobby Ray Hooker.

Hooker, a racist and religious fanatic, escapes from prison and becomes dangerously fixated on Cain, the man he blames for his own loss. Cain and Hooker embark on a mad journey of payback where everything and everyone Cain cherishes becomes threatened. Cain and Hooker become embroiled in a twisted and sinister chase that takes both men from the seedy and crime ridden streets of LA, to the dark and deadly forests of Alabama, and finally to Cain’s brother and family in Oklahoma City.

Killer Cain is a captivating thriller filled with many surprising deadly twists and turns. The author takes readers into the vividly described violent world of guns and racist hate mongering fanatics. Although the dialogue may seem harsh to some, it gives a sense of realism to the twisted and deadly hate filled racists such as the KKK.

Within the violence and bloodshed, important themes of love, loss, and family become entwined with self-pity, guilt, and vengeance. Cain’s brother and family reveal Cain’s longing and painful guilt for the peaceful life that he gave up for a life of capturing criminals, and delving into the darkness they represent. My only question of a realistic approach to one issue is Cain’s brother and how quick he forgives indiscretions.

At the heart of Killer Cain, is a story of revenge and redemption. From start to finish, the thriller is a definite page-turner. I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy engaging and action packed stories with unexpected twists and turns.

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Paperback: 344 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 5, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1432703285
ISBN-13: 978-1432703288
Available: Amazon.com

My Imaginary Friend

2007-04-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

The book, My Imaginary Friend, tells the story of a seven-year-old girl by the name of Kathann. Kathann is an innocent child with a wonderful and creative imagination. Her creativity helps her face the terrible secret that she is a victim of sexual abuse. Through Kathann’s imagination, she meets Becky, a young girl who encourages her to confront the secret and face her fears of sharing the secret with an adult.

Told from a child’s perspective, the story is a wonderful tool to help children gain the courage to speak out when they find themselves molested or abused by an adult. In a supportive and gentle dialogue, the authors raise important issues of trust and fears about the results of telling. The well-crafted illustrations that accompany the story will help children follow Kathann’s journey of taking the first step toward survival and healing.

Kathann is a young girl faced with dealing with the terrible secret of being a victim of molestation. Through the eyes and imagination of Kathann, children who are victims of abuse will learn from Kathann’s experience that they have the ability to conquer their pain and fears and take that crucial step of telling an adult.

Unfortunately, there are many child predators in society. With a comfortable and easy to read story of strength and encouragement, My Imaginary Friend not only benefits children who are victims of abuse, but will also help other children speak out if something bad happens to them. My Imaginary Friend teaches children that they have the strength to tell an adult when someone hurts them. It is also a wonderful way for parents to discuss the topic with their children without scaring them. The book would be a great addition to libraries.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Authors: Shirley Ann Povondra and Kathryn Andrew
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Llumina Kids (January 31, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1595266690
ISBN-13: 978-1595266699
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Be Not Deceived

2007-02-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

Edward F. Mrkvicka’s book, “Be Not Deceived,” offers Christians a comprehensive guide to discovering the messages and directives as written in the Bible. Mrkvicka provides a literal understanding of the Bible to help Christians understand the Word of God.

The author explains that Christians have drifted away from the messages of the Bible to create a God that fits their lifestyle. The belief “Once- Saved-Always-Saved” is an important topic discussed throughout the book. Mrkvicka explains that abandoning the Word of God to justify current social behaviors will not lead to eternal salvation. Issues frequently discussed include abortion, homosexuality, and adultery. One of the most important points the author makes and discusses is that Eternal salvation is not a right, but a righteous gift. The author explains that we now live in a society where people expect rewards without sacrifice. This view has led many Christians to adopt the false belief that we are automatically saved as long as we believe and, therefore, repentance is not necessary.

Obeying the Word of God is a key message throughout the book. The author explains that Christians must go back to the word of God as written in the Bible to achieve eternal salvation and avoid Hell. Mrkvicka provides a Spiritual Guide to the many problems confronting Christians today. The author emphasizes that every problem has a biblical solution. In each category, biblical quotes provide an explanation of God’s directive. Through this spiritual guide, the author shows that God gives direction for every problem facing Christians.

The book, Be Not Deceived, offers Christians a guide to truly accepting the gift of eternal salvation. As the author points out, many Churches have abandoned the literal teachings of the Bible in an effort to accommodate societies changing beliefs on many social issues. Be Not Deceived gives Christians biblical guidance when tackling the many social and spiritual issues confronting society today.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Trafford Publishing (December 18, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1412090032
ISBN-13: 978-1412090032
Available: Amazon.com and BN.com

Texas Indiana II

2007-01-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

The novel, Texas Indiana II, is the second story developed from the author’s first book, Ripples in the Wind. The plot continues to chronicle the struggles and challenges facing a wealthy Indiana family. The story focuses on Barbara Callahan, a successful and wealthy businesswoman coping with the loss of her husband. Under the guidance of her retiring father Raymond Morrison, she accepts the position as CEO of her father’s corporation; Morrison, Inc. Barbara strives to overcome the obstacles that confront her and her family. Barbara must balance her role as head of the family and CEO of a powerful business. She struggles to find her inner strength to overcome the challenges that come with her responsibilities.

In the business world, Barbara must prove herself competent in the eyes of those questioning her new position. In her family, she struggles with the maternal instinct to protect her children and allowing them to confront and resolve their own problems. Her son James finds himself tackling alcoholism and the challenges he faces as he fights to save his family. Her daughter Jennifer, a smart woman businesswoman, but naïve in matters of love, faces a relationship that proves to be a danger to her and her family.

As the CEO of Morrison Inc, Barbara is confronted with those seeking to control her and her company. As she uncovers a sinister plot from within to steal from the company by individuals seeking to keep the truth from her at any cost, she faces a threat with potentially fatal consequences. Barbara and her family become embroiled in dangerous plots designed to hurt her family and business.

Texas Indiana II tells a tale of love, loss, intrigue, and suspense that tests the endurance of a family confronted with external and internal influences threatening to destroy their lives. Extortion, revenge, betrayal, and greed, are key plots accompanying the many twists and turns throughout the story. It is a charming and enthralling tale of self-reliant growth of a woman in the face of the many obstacles seeking to ruin her corporation and family. I highly recommend Texas Indiana II to readers who enjoy a well-written and engaging story of growth and survival.

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Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: Authorhouse (December 30, 2005)
ISBN-10: 1420894064
ISBN-13: 978-1420894066
Available: BN.com and Amazon.com

When Your Mind is Clear, the Sun Shines All the Time: A Guidebook for Overcoming Depression

2007-01-19T18:57:00.000-05:00

Jill Maschio's book, When Your Mind is Clear, the Sun Shines All the Time: A Guidebook for Overcoming Depression takes readers on a personal journey into the murky waters of depression. Written by a survivor afflicted with deep depression for many years, the author shares a candid story about her personal battle with depression. She shows how she came to understand it, face it, and overcome it. Maschio explains that the key to overcoming depression is "critical thinking." She demonstrates that critical thinking involves taking the time to challenge your feelings and thoughts instead of reacting to them. The author delivers key tools to becoming a successful critical thinker allowing one to develop positive decision-making abilities. By analyzing your thought processes during difficult times and recognizing flawed thinking that can lead to misinterpreting events, she shares how you can head off the path to depression. Readers learn to challenge many influences, internal and external, and develop the ability to question their validity by looking at them from other points of view before jumping to conclusions.

Rationalizing plays a key role in critical thinking. Maschio provides exercises gathered from various authors with experience on a variety subjects in the book including her own self-help exercises. Teaching readers how to assess a situation, the author offers ways to look at things differently thereby engaging in positive decision-making. Readers learn how to recognize when decision-making is the result of an emotional response, which is a fundamental tool to becoming a critical thinker. Various techniques that include relaxation, active listening, the benefits of forgiving others and ourselves, as well as using "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," help to gain insight into overcoming depression. With constant reflections of her own inner struggle throughout the book, Maschio shows readers how to apply critical thinking to constant negative thoughts. She delivers an understanding of self-esteem, a logical look where self-esteem originates, the effects of low self-esteem, and how to master the art of raising it by employing critical thinking.

Jill Maschio's guide to overcoming depression stands out from many self-help books because it is told from the perspective of a survivor. It delivers hope to those believing life is hopeless. With over 57 million people in the US suffering from depression, the author demonstrates that we all have it in us to "walk through fear" to break free from the constant cycle of negative thoughts and achieve self-discovery.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Paperback: 220 pages
Publisher: Illumines Publishing (2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0977748340

The Minimum You Need to Know About Java on OpenVMS

2007-01-16T20:06:00.000-05:00

Roland Hughes’ manual, The Minimum You Need to Know About Java on OpenVMS, is the second book that builds on his first book, The Minimum You Need to Know to be an OpenVMS Application Developer. Java is an object-oriented programming language that borrows much syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities.

In this second book, Hughes creates and demonstrates the tools you need to make Java a usable language on OpenVMS. The author delivers an in-depth guide to overcoming the problems C/C++ programmers have with Java. He notes that the problems many have with Java are rooted in syntax and where the language came from. Because the creators of Java wanted it to be a pure OOP language, Hughes explains that in Java, most things are classes. Although appearing similar in C and C++, it is not. Java has a unique class called an Array and no defined constructor. This means values can be stored anywhere and in no specific order.

In a carefully crafted and illustrated order, Hughes presents a step-by-step manual to implementing Java for more application development on OpenVMS. He points out that successfully using Java on OpenVMS requires the development of a Free Class Library. Programmers learn how to create a Class Library developed in the OOP language. As well, Hughes shows how to write Java classes using the Java Native Interface (JNI).

As in the previous book, Hughes rewrites the same application (mega-zillionaire application) with each new tool. After developing the application with Java, FMS, and RMS indexed files, he redevelops the application in this book using Java with FMS and RDB. Giving systematic and easy to follow instructions, programmers learn how to build infrastructures while at the same time building the application. Readers are shown how to develop a generic class that will be usable by Indexed Files. Hughes demonstrates how to use JNI to access RMS, FMS, system services, and operating system provided libraries. As well, programmers learn to create an infrastructure MMS Procedure and how to use the supporting classes the procedure creates. Hughes shows how to access RDB by way of the JDBC driver highlighting the importance of SQL. The CD that comes with the book contains the Full Class source.

Well-illustrated examples with detailed analysis, descriptions, and definitions, allow readers to follow the book while working with the server, thereby learning how to implement and operate Java on OpenVMS. Each chapter details troubleshooting tips, error handling tips, as well as providing exercises to enhance understanding of the tools.

With plenty of expertise, the author presents Java with all its advantages and pitfalls while often comparing it to C++. Together with easy to follow instructions, detailed examples, and an informative chapter on the future of IT, I highly recommend the book as an asset to computer programmers and those entering the IT field.

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Roland Hughes' The Minimum You Need to Know to be an OpenVMS Application Developer

2007-01-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

OpenVMS (Open Virtual Memory System) is a high-end computer server operating system. As a multi-user, multiprocessing virtual memory-based operating system (OS), it is designed for use in time-sharing, batch processing, real time, and transaction processing. It offers high system availability through clustering and distributes the system over many machines. The ability to distribute both the application and a single transaction across multiple nodes is the heart of clustering; otherwise, it is just networking.

Roland Hughes’ book, The Minimum You Need to know to be an OpenVMS Application Developer, offers Computer Applications Developers, Consultants, Systems Analysts, and developers switching to OpenVMS, a detailed and informative companion guide to understanding and implementing the applications and modules needed to operate and maintain OpenVMS.

From logging into OpenVMS, each chapter charts a systematic guide to operating and sustaining the application coding and programming of essential modules running on OpenVMS. Such languages, tools, and databases as DCL, DEC BASIC, FMS, COBOL, CDD, FORTRAN, C/C++, MySQL, and RDB cover the heart of what you need to know as a maintenance programmer. Using a created lottery tracking system, Hughes generates a single application and develops it in each of the following: DEC BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, and C/C++. As well, Hughes shows readers how to use CDD, CMS, and MMS with these languages. By repeatedly applying the same method in different languages, Hughes demonstrates in a clearly written and easy to follow guide, how a programmer knowledgeable with one language can become skilled in others. The CD-ROM that comes with it contains the source code developed in the book allowing readers to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each language.

Well-illustrated examples with detailed analysis, descriptions, and definitions, allow the reader to follow the book while working with the server, thereby learning the “nuts and bolts” of creating, understanding, and managing command files. Each chapter details troubleshooting tips, error handling tips, reducing debugging time, as well as the Do’s, and Don’ts of writing applications. Following each chapter, there are exercises to enhance comprehension of the modules and applications in OpenVMS.

With a wealth of experience, Roland Hughes provides thoughtful and knowledgeable observations about the IT field. One important bit of knowledge he conveys: “IT is a way of life, not a job.” With easy to follow instructions and detailed examples, I highly recommend this informative and well-mapped book as an asset to those in the IT industry, as well to students entering the computer-programming field.

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Publisher: Logikal Solutions (March 2006)
Available: BN.com and Amazon.com
ISBN-10: 0977086607
ISBN-13: 978-0977086603

My Angel

2007-01-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

Denise Skelton’s, My Angel, tells the story of an interracial budding romance between Simone Porter and Matt Turner. Brought together by a tragic car accident that left Matt Turner in a coma for months, Simone and Matt develop a deep and spiritual friendship. Emotionally shut down after having his heart broken when his wife left him for another man, Matt finds himself drawn to Simone’s innocence, beauty, and unconditional kindness.

Matt and Simone confront outside influences seeking to keep the two apart. In a society where traditional parental values clash with the free spirit and modern ideals of youth, Simone and Matt struggle to find themselves as well as their love for each other. Matt’s friendship and attraction to Simone forces him to reflect on his past marriage and notions of love. His ex-wife‘s ordeal with the jealous and dangerous man she left him for develops into a deadly threat for both Simone and Matt.

Matt and Simone face many obstacles, internal and external, on their journey to finding the meaning of true love. Simone’s mother, an overbearing and controlling matriarch, dominates and influences every aspect of Simone’s life. From what she should eat, to what type of man she should date, Simone feels constantly scrutinized. Matt struggles with an outspoken and bitter father attempting to influence his children’s lives. Class, race, and sexuality are predominant themes throughout the book.

My Angel is a wonderful story about finding true love amid a struggle to find one’s identity in the face of traditional struggles of class, race, sexuality, and the traditional roles of men and women compared to the untamed spirit and independence of modern youth. Issues raised in the story often take place today giving readers a unique and engaging approach to resolving such conflicts.

With family drama and a heated romance, My Angel is a definite page-turner. I highly recommend this well crafted story to lovers of romantic tales embroiled in family interference, societal influences, and internal struggles that challenge the human spirit.

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Release Date: February 22, 2007
ISBN 978-0-9790877-0-7
Publisher: First Chance Publishing
Orders: firstchancepublishing@hotmail.com
Toll-free: (866) 510- 3276
Website: www.deniseskelton.com
Pre Order: BN.com

The Sinking of Noah's Ark

2006-12-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

As a young child, Noah King rejected the simplistic life, and aspired to flee the small Maine fishing village of Walden's Cove. Enjoying the company of books rather than people, he planned for a life that he spent so many hours reading about. On the day Noah was supposed to watch over his younger brother Aidan, he horrifically witnesses Aidan die in an automobile accident.

On the day of Aidan's death, Noah deals with his guilt and pain by rejecting his mother and father's spiritual and simple way of life. He becomes an atheist. His longing to seek a life dedicated to the physical takes him to University.

During Noah's stay at University, he faces another tragedy - the death of his father. On the way home to comfort his mother, Noah is in a car accident. He wakes to find himself in the unknown reality he previously believed did not exist. He is forced to reexamine his earlier perceptions of life. In an ominous courtroom, Noah faces a Prosecutor and jury where he must justify the continuation of human existence. The Sinking of Noah's Ark takes readers on a philosophical journey that discusses the evolution of humanity, in the spiritual and biological sense. Free Will is an important theme highlighted in the book.

Although the evolution of organised religion and its roots are discussed, THE SINKING OF NOAH'S ARK is not a religious story, but a work that analyses the human condition.

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Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (September 2002)
ISBN: 1589392191
Available: BN.com and Amazon.com