No, We Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence is a thought-provoking read that describes the three main world-views - Radical Islam, Militant Secularism, and Judeo-Christianity - and how Christians need to stand up against tolerance/coexistence with these groups to seek the truth. The world is changing, and Robert Stearns wants Christians to question what they believe in: Is the idea of coexistence a myth?; Is peace impossible?; and is there anything we can do about it?
Review:
I am one of those Christians who believes in the idea of coexistence, so as soon as I saw this book offered for review, I knew I had to see where this author's ideas were coming from. The eternal optimist that I am wasn't too pleased with some of the topics discussed, including the theory that the world is being taken over by Islam ("Islamization"), and the Judeo-Christian population is being attacked, so they have to "ensure that the torch of liberty is not extinguished..." The United States is a "melting pot" of races, cultures, languages, etc... - so why not religions? Does Robert Stearns really think that one spiritual world-view is going to completely obliterate another? I honestly don't believe that, and I was surprised to find so much exaggeration of certain topics. After reading a book like this one, you'd think the world was ending and that there was no real hope - unless you are a Christian devoted to non-tolerance ideals. It was interesting to read, but very controversial. I respect his opinions, but I have my own view of what's to come. The book was well-written format-wise, but I never managed to grasp the author's true purpose. He pointed out too many reasons for writing and not enough facts. Overall, I wasn't too thrilled with this book's content, but I did finish it. I recommend reading this book as a topic for discussion, especially for readers looking for Christian debate material.
Rating: DNR (2.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bethany House - Chosen - Baker Publishing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Master of Deceit is a detailed account of the life, times, and "crimes" of J. Edgar Hoover from the 1920's to the 1960's. Special attention is given to Hoover's creation and directing of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as his impact on the future of the United States.
Review:
High school U.S. History classes definitely left out a few facts about J. Edgar Hoover - at least mine did. What I already knew: Hoover created the FBI; what I didn't know: he ran the FBI - or variants of it - from the presidency of Coolidge (1924) through Nixon (1972), and during that time was known to use illegal methods to gain information. Master of Deceit is an eye-opener and an excellent research resource into the life and career of Hoover and his organization. Marc Aronson has written a biography full of fascinating facts and stories supplemented with over 100 images. I like the format, the short chapters, the large array of images, and the overall set-up/timeline. At ~230 pages, it is long enough to convey all the facts in an interesting manner, but short enough to encourage reading and comprehension. It's easy-to-read, fast-paced, and has a really great notes section and bibliography; I especially liked reading the author's note about his extensive research. I learned a lot of surprising information, particularly about political figures, but Aronson's goals are clear - as stated in the epilogue, "Master of Deceit shows that we must always question both the heroes we favor and the enemies we hate. We must remain openminded..." There is always more than one side to every story, and the author's research is well documented. This book is directed towards teenagers, but I highly recommend this book to both teens and adults interested in Hoover or the FBI, or readers looking for their next non-fiction fix. This is also a great companion to the new movie J. Edgar, a film about Hoover's career.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Candlewick Press) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Our Mother's Recipes: Carrying on a Jewish Tradition is a family-style cookbook filled with delicious traditional Jewish meal ideas for any level of home cook.
Review:
When I told my mother I was reading a Jewish cookbook, the first thing she asked me about was the matzo ball soup, and following that conversation we decided to whip up a pot. Yum! I have always loved concocting new recipes, especially those that I consider "comfort foods", and this book is filled with many amazing Jewish home cooked recipes - from breakfast to dessert! I like the format of the book; ingredients and instructions are easy to read and include stories about the meals, as well as color photographs of the finished products. There is a wonderfully genuine feel to this book and all of its recipes, it's like these recipes are being handed down to the reader; ( I wish certain members of my family would have shared their cooking secrets like this family did!). I tried several of the recipes, including the chicken soup with matzo balls, the stuffed mushrooms, and the fruit compote. Every dish came out looking delectable, and they tasted great too! The stuffed mushrooms are my favorite so far! I will definitely be using this cookbook as a kitchen resource in the future, and I recommend it to any cooking enthusiasts interested in authentic Jewish cuisine.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Assisting Authors Online) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Want to know more about the book, the authors, the book tour, or the prizes? Keep reading!!!
Dorene
Sager and Armin Feldman are sister and brother. the idea for the
cookbook sprang from the discovery of a treasure trove of their
mother’s recipes after she passed away. Now Our Mother’s Recipes,
Carrying On a Jewish Tradition is a Web site, a cookbook, a TV show and
a place to learn about what the best Jewish cuisine has to offer.
Dorene Sager: Dorene
represents the best of so many different things. Dorene is a cookbook
author, a wife and mother, a commercial real estate broker, a devoted
family member, a true friend and so much more. Dorene
is a fantastic cook in her own right. She learned a lot about cooking
from her mother, Helen Feldman. Dorene is married and has three
children and 6 grandchildren. Dorene and her husband just celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary. Dorene enjoys reading, movies, playing
canasta, and of course cooking. Dorene says, “I had so much fun working with my brother putting together all of the different ways to showcase our mother’s recipes.”
Armin Feldman: Armin
wears a number of hats too. Armin is a cookbook author, husband, dog
lover, supporter of friends and family, medical doctor and a lot more.
Armin is also a wonderful cook. From the time they could reach the
kitchen counter, their mother taught Dorene and Armin how to make
traditional Jewish recipes. If you watch the videos on their website, http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com ,
you can feel the joy these siblings radiate while cooking their
mother's recipes. You can also sign up for the recipe of the week sent
right to your email address. Armin says, “What
a treat to work with the best sister ever in creating all of these
venues to showcase our mother’s remarkable culinary skills.”
Description: Add
a wonderful cuisine to your everyday meals and special gatherings.
Traditional Jewish cooking is flavorful, fun and hearty particularly
with Our Mother's Recipes, Carrying on a Jewish Tradition. These
recipes have been handed down through many generations influenced by
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German and Eastern European
styles of cooking. In our family all of these cultural influences were
combined, synthesized and affected by local ingredients through the
years resulting in sumptuous, rich and wonderfully fulfilling
traditional Jewish dishes. Try our mother's farfel instead of noodles.
Replace that tired chocolate cake with some really yummy Helen Feldman
brownies or warm fruit compote. You will have the secret to Jewish
penicillin, chicken soup with matzo balls. There's enough here to keep
you going for years of great food, family, friends and memories to
enjoy.
There will b a virtual book tour starting on December 15th. see the vtb banner. The full schedule is on http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com The
Book Launch will be on February 1. Anyone who buys the book from Amazon
on February 1 will get 25 entries into the Book Launch Contest. There
are other ways to get entries. One is to comment on three of the blogs
on the tour days. See the schedule.
Contest To
get your entries and to find out how to get more entries visit
http://www.ourmothersrecipesonline.com to access the contest form.
The Prizes: $100.00 Amazon Gift Certificate for a Kindle Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Certifcates Authors can choose a video book trailer or Facebook Welcome Page instead of the Kindle.
On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler puts a pistol to his head and pulls the trigger, ending his monstrosity of a life; but soon after, he finds himself at "a way station" between Heaven and Hell - awaiting judgement. Will the atrocities he's forced to relive bring redemption or damnation? Or is the evil within him too strong for salvation?
Review:
This seventy-two page novella caught me completely by surprise. I don't particularly enjoy reading books based on the "what ifs" of real events. I feel like fictitious accounts take away from the real circumstances these books are based on. Adolf Hitler was an evil man, and his acts of hate, murder, and genocide are still sensitive and taboo topics of discussion. A book about his crimes was expected, but I did not expect a book chronicling his possible journey into the afterlife and the punishment he received there. This is a very interesting and unsettling topic, and John Reisfeld brings up a good point - What would be an appropriate punishment for Hitler's earthly sins? Well, if this purgatorial afterlife existed, then I'd have to say that Hitler would get a fitting castigation. The way the author describes Hitler's personal "Hell" is detailed and disturbing. The fact that Hitler had to relive the horrors he imposed on his victims was strangely fitting, yet difficult to read - the pain and suffering of these people is unimaginable, and I was glad the book didn't go deep into his crimes. It was interesting to delve into the speculative psychology of Hitler, and to realize the depth of his hateful convictions. Overall, I appreciated this fast-paced novella for its interesting plot and its thought-provoking topic. I recommend this novella to adults who are intrigued by historical fiction/fantasy.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Jack O'Conner has dealt with his fair share of figurative demons - death, loss, and alcohol - but what happens when an actual demon decides to possess Jack's bitter soul and have a little fun? Well, not what demons Ike and Max thought would happen. Instead of consuming Jack's soul and taking control, Ike gets trapped inside and must rely on Max to somehow release him. Unfortunately, no one on Earth seems to know how, so Max must cross into another realm and find a demon who can help. But after hearing about Garrock, a warrior demon, and his plan to get rid of Lucifer in order to start the Apocalypse, Max and Ike must work together with Jack in order to free Ike and try to save the world.
Review:
I started reading at 9:30pm and couldn't put it down until 12:45am when I finished the last page! This fast-paced christian-based fantasy adventure consumed my entire attention and kept me on edge. I didn't know what to expect from a book sporting an "Exorcist-like" illustration on the cover, but I am glad I didn't judge too quickly. The Consuming is shockingly intriguing, and full of fun, feisty, and well-developed characters woven into a sinuously twisted plot. I loved the way Max and Ike were portrayed and the striking personalities they had; the demons were almost humanized, but still retained their demonic and otherworldly persona. The story-line kept me guessing and the dialogue fit the situations perfectly, it wasn't forced. Todd Boyer has a writing style that keeps the reader interested and ready for more. I will definitely be looking out for sequels! I recommend The Consuming for lovers of all genres because there's something in it for everyone: horror, fantasy, religion, drama, and humor.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Fugitive's Doctor is a fictional biography of a doctor named Doretha Vaughn who, after years of stress and heartbreak over the death of a child and a failed marriage, decides to find love online - and is successful. She meets Sam Cawley, an amazing, talented, and caring man, although secretive, who treats her like she's royalty and makes her laugh; and for eight years they are together and happy. However, as the old adage states: "if it's too good to be true, it usually is...", and Doretha finds out the hard way when she discovers that Sam Cawley is really William Wallace, an escaped felon who has been on the run for seventeen years and is now wanted for identity theft/fraud. So what does she do? She stands behind her man, knowing what kind of man he's been for the past eight years, and does her best to get him back - For better or for worse.
Review:
When I first received this book, I actually thought that it was a nonfiction biography, until I read Chapter 32 - fooled me. Deirdre-Elizabeth Parker has written a very interesting and realistic story of unconditional love with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. The story line was unique and full of events that made me constantly re-evaluate whose side I should be on - William and Doe's, her families, or the law's. I never knew what Doe was going to dig up about William and his history, but with each new fact, a piece of the puzzle emerged, bringing me closer to the characters. The writing style and dialogue were easy-to-read, detailed, and had a memoir-feel, making the book hard to put down, but the chapters were short enough that there were adequate pause-points for breaks. With every chapter I got closer to finding out if Doe and William would ever be together again, and the ending left me wondering, so I will definitely be on the lookout for Deirdre-Elizabeth Parker's next book The Doctor's Fugitive. Now that I am invested in these characters I really want to know what becomes of them, especially since so much time goes by in this book. William and Doe's ups-and-downs will shock, surprise, inspire, and redeem the readers faith in the power of love. Overall, I thought that The Fugitive's Doctor was thought-provoking, original, and a highly-recommended read for lovers of any genre.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Book Shots) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!
Carol Shimp always had abilities beyond the "norm". She experienced precognitive dreams, saw/felt strange presences, and clearly shared a link with the "beyond"; however, her religious upbringing forced her to suppress her "gifts", using self-discipline and a quiet tongue to hide her "spiritual" side. But after the death of her mother, Carol decided she wanted to know more about what she could do, and found a group of people with similar interests and talents who helped her understand her "gifts". Little did she know, that as her knowledge grew, so would her link to a unquiet earthbound spirit from the past who refused to leave her and her family alone.
Review:
Carol Shimp's story is extraordinary. I have always believed that there are people who are linked with the "beyond", but I have never read one's autobiography. I was astounded by the way the author described her interactions with the "other side". They were very detailed, and left me convinced that her "gifts" were indeed a blessing, because she helped someone lost-of-this-world find peace. Her characters were clearly based on real people in her life, and the amount of emotion towards every person/spirit, particularly Danny, helped me relate and sympathize throughout the book. What Carol went through was unsettling, yet amazing, and her sessions with the regression therapist left me fascinated. I have heard of these therapies, but I had never known what to expect from one. Her book is quite a visual one, and the reader will experience her trials, tears, and smiles first-hand. Overall, a very interesting and powerful read, recommended to anyone who believes, or wants to believe, in the "beyond" and what lies there.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The First Ladies is a brief, yet intriguing portrait of the remarkable women behind our presidents, and the sacrifices they made for our beloved country - the U.S. of A. From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, Feather Schwartz Foster takes readers on an entertaining, fascinating, and humorous journey through the lives, loves, and personalities of our often overlooked Founding Mothers.
Review:
My parents have always instilled in my siblings and I that history is important, especially the history of our family and of our great country. So when I saw The First Ladies up for review, I grabbed at the opportunity to learn more about the women of the White House. I have taken numerous classes throughout high school and college detailing U.S. government, U.S. history, and democracy, but I have honestly never taken a class where the U.S. Presidents' wives were discussed, or even considered important in our history; and I find that to be a travesty. The only two wives I remember hearing about were Martha Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt, and it was pretty much just said in passing. But now I know so much more! Feather Schwartz Foster's guide to the Founding Mothers isn't just a list of people and their details, but a chance to delve into the little-known lives of the presidents' wives: their personalities, their passions, their accomplishments, and their legacies. The writing style is succinct, yet full of fun and surprising facts; Did you know that William Taft would have never become president if his wife Nellie "forced" him to run? I didn't. Now that I know these things, I would love to read more about them - "The Old Gals". Overall, a wonderfully entertaining read that will leave the reader smiling and inspired. Recommended for everyone who wants a peak into the lives of the White House's first wives.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Stan Levenson is a world-renowned author and fundraiser whose methods of teaching and fundraising are used in schools across the globe, but he hasn't always been such a driven and successful individual. There was a time, back in depression-era Brooklyn, that he was quite the trouble-maker, acting before thinking of the consequences; a time when he had little ambition or thoughts about the future, but that all changed as he journeyed through New York's roughest high school, graduated college, served in the U.S. Navy, found his calling, traveled the world, and transformed his life, as well as the lives of so many others. His memoir chronicles his life from Brooklyn to L.A. and everywhere in-between from his poor childhood in the 1930's to his triumphs and success in the early 1960's and beyond.
Review:
When Brooklyn Was Heaven is definitely a book worth reading - if not for the rich history, then for the genuine and heartily entertaining stories themselves. Stan Levenson has done a wonderful job with his memoir, incorporating the spirited characters and memorable moments of his youth with a writing style all his own. I could tell that the author was passionate about his younger years and his stories, writing them in such a way that the reader can laugh, cry, and sympathize along with him. His journey to who he is today is quite a interesting one, and the book itself was very easy to get into and had a good pace. I enjoyed the different sections of the book, especially the college and career years. The format of short stories instead of traditional chapters was a great set-up, particularly the quick length of most of them. Overall, I really enjoyed Stan Levenson's story and would readily read more. The photos were a nice touch as well, and I liked how he ended the book with both a written and photo epilogue. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun and inspiring read about a boy from Brooklyn who made it big all over the world.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
SEE MIX DRINK is an easy-to-use full-color guide to mixing some of the world's best drinks and cocktails using well-known spirits like Brandy, Champagne, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey, and Liqueurs. Each drink recipe is broken down into short text/diagram sections that note the cocktail pronunciation, the cocktail "snapshot", ingredients, description, best occasion for drinking, time required, proportions, calories, and text/visual instructions. There is also a guide to bar essentials, a guide to popular spirits, and a color-coded index broken down by name and calorie count per drink. This is the D.I.Y. guide to mixology, for beginners through pros!
Review:
I may not imbibe any alcoholic beverages myself, but there are plenty of people who enjoy a cocktail or a relaxing mixed drink, so I definitely see the allure of a book like this one. The book format is great, with full-color photos, illustrations, and diagrams, paired with concise text instructions. I like how Brian D. Murphy separated drink types based on what types of spirits were being used, and then alphabetically; this made it very easy to find specific drinks without having to constantly flip through the sections - as did the two indexes. And, according to my family, the drinks are quite good, especially the Dark & Stormy! I only wish that there had been a few more basic drinks, because I noticed that there was a large amount of ingredients that a home bar wouldn't necessarily stock; but with a little time and effort, one could mix a drink at a time until they have everything they need to prepare every drink in the book - and there are a lot. This book will have any person, no matter the experience, mixing and creating drinks like a pro mixologist. I recommend this book to adults (21+) who want to improve their mixing skills and serve up some awesome drinks.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the publisher (Little, Brown and Company) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Happy To 102 paves the road towards a long, healthy, successful, and happy life based on several factors studied in the longest living people and cultures in the world today. Exercise, diet, sociability, sense of purpose and mental challenge are discussed in detail with regard to longevity versus disease, and various types of lifestyle changes are examined.
Review:
Since I have ongoing experience with the elderly, I thought that Happy To 102 would be a good reference tool for me, and I was right. The research is clear - there are certain ways that we can live longer, healthier, and happier lives, so why do some people only live to age 65 while others are pushing 106? Well, maybe it's the lifestyles we choose that determine how we age; diet, exercise, cleanliness, medial check-ups, and sociability all play a part in the aging process, and the more regimental we are, the better we will look, feel, and live. Happy To 102 is a short, easy-to-read-and-understand "self-help" guide that breaks down the aging process and discusses how to increase our lifespan and decrease our chances for injury and illness. The authors did a great job writing and setting up the guides format; it didn't feel like they were talking down to the reader or trying to sell something, which I appreciate. The material is really interesting, although, most of the "secrets" to aging well aren't really secrets at all, but I liked the ideas and methods that were brought up. I do wish that there would have been more discussion about drugs and how to live with/without them, as well as how they effect the aging process inside and out, but I did learn a lot about alternative "medications". Overall this book is an excellent resource for people of all ages because the earlier you start following their advise, the better off you'll be.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
How is life aboard a space station? Just ask Hal Junior, who lives on one! Hal's mom is a head researcher, his dad is a maintenance worker, and Hal - well, he's a bit of a trouble-maker - to the annoyance of his fellow space-neighbors. But, the "trouble" part isn't always his fault, most-times "trouble" seems to find him! Whether he accidentally reverses the ships gravity field, or loses his homework in a space trashcan, Hal always seems to be surrounded by mischief. So when a teacher is replaced by the mysterious Mr. Thimp, Hal must find a way to save his classmates, himself, and ultimately his space-station - without getting grounded.
Review:
I never expected to enjoy Hal Junior - The Secret Signal as much as I did. I love children's books, but many of them are written strictly for kids, with no aim towards older readers. This particular book could be enjoyed by kids 5 and older - much older. I am in my twenties and I thought that this 175 page book was a quirky, smart, and fun little riot for boys and girls of all ages. Simon Haynes' characters are great! I loved Hal's personality and his knack for getting into all things mischievous, but I also liked the bad guys - even Mr. Thimp. The writing style was very enjoyable, the plot had me laughing-out-loud one second and shaking my head the next, and the dialogue, although easy for kids to read and understand, was just as fun for me. Being a scientist, I really appreciated the amount of technical jargon about ship computers, robots, and space cannons, and I know that younger kids will love it too. This fast-paced read will have kids excited about science, especially space, and will leave them begging for more Hal Junior adventures! The cartoons and diagrams were fun too, a great way to get kids involved! I will definitely be reading Simon Haynes' Hal Spacejock series, (ages 15+), after seeing how fun the kid-version was! Hal Junior - The Secret Signal is highly recommended to children of all ages and the people that read to them!
Rating:On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Maya is a present day Chennai-based lawyer who is investigating the mysterious death of her client, Tulsi - but everyone is a suspect; including Tulsi's mother, husband, and daughter, who act strangely about her demise. So, in order to find the truth, Maya goes into sleuth-mode and finds a metal box under a mattress that contains an old paperback diary. Little does she know, that the book will transport her to sixteenth century India where a temple dancer, Achale, is investigating a similar murder, the strange death of Thulasi - a case that parallels Tulsi's more than Maya would like to admit. Can Maya figure out how the murders are linked and catch the "killers" before they strike again? Or will she run out of time like her client did?
Review:
I am always up for reading something different, so when I spotted Middle Time, I knew that I had to give it a try. Priya Vasudevan has a beautiful writing style and the ability to create realistic characters, but there were a few sections where I felt that the level of detail was lacking. Some of the sections didn't flow as well as they should have, primarily because of the language differences, but it didn't take much away from the overall experience. Most of the character dialogue was easy-to-read and entertaining, although, there was a "translated" feel where certain words came together, which in-turn slowed down the pace. I still finished this book in a couple days, and was satisfied with the story-line and its mid-level suspense. For Priya Vasudevan's first book, I see a lot of potential for books in the future, especially with her creativity and attention to detail/research. I recommend this book to adults who want to experience a double suspense spanning India during two time periods.
Rating: Bounty's Out (3/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
What About the Boy? is the true story of Joseph Gallup, born on March 5th, 1985, to parents Stephen and Judy after a long and stressful delivery. He had all ten fingers and toes, and looked like a normal, healthy baby boy, but something seemed odd about the newborn, and it was quickly discovered that Joseph was born with an underdeveloped brain and, according to doctors, would be disabled for the rest of his life. Even after being told countless times that nothing could be done for Joseph's condition, Stephen and Judy refused to accept the advice of the medical community and pledged to find anyone/anything who could help their son have the best life that he possibly could- pediatricians, medical professionals, therapists, alternative treatment centers, counseling, etc; all in pursuit of a "normal" life for their son and their family.
Review:
When the author contacted me about this book, I knew that I had to read it. I have personal experience with special needs/ disabled children and I was very interested in his experiences with his son, as well as with all of the people involved in Joseph's life. I expected that what his family went through would be heartbreaking, and that it would change their lives forever, but I did not expect to read about the attitudes of the medical community. I am part of a medical community now, and I am ashamed to see how Joseph's care was handled back then. The doctors and their medical opinions about Joseph annoyed me to no end, and I can definitely understand how Stephen and Judy felt about the entire situation. Stephen Gallup's memoir is an amazing and inspiring story of one family's struggle for an answer, for help, and for a normal life. His writing style is easy-to-read, flows at a good pace, maintains a good level of detail, and makes the reader feel like they are part of his story; I laughed, cried, and sympathized with the family's constant ups and downs as I read, and was completely taken in. What I got from this book: love does conquer all, and What About the Boy is proof. I recommend this book to everyone - teens, adults, families, and reading groups.
Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Twenty years ago, five childhood friends stumbled upon a mysterious box with a red lightning bolt on it - and its contents, (a letter and a bag of strange mushrooms), dictated the course of their lives. Now, the estranged friends have reunited, and the past has come back to haunt them. Can they figure out what the "Silverbirch" pages mean?, what the lightning-bolt mushrooms do?, and who, or what has been controlling them their whole lives? Or, will each of them be forced to surrender their souls to the tear in the fabric of the night sky?
Review:
When I started to read Silverbirch, I had no idea the kind of fantastical action I was in for. The fast-paced read immediately sucked me in, and before I knew it, I had been reading for three hours and was on the last chapter, eagerly awaiting the finale. The characters are interesting, the story-line is well-developed and entertaining, and the dialogue, although crude and repetitive at times, is anything but flat. I did find a few spots that needed tweaking, as well as a couple cumbersome areas, but they didn't inhibit my enjoyment of the overall story. I really hope that Rob Kaay plans on a continuation, because the ending was quite a cliff-hanger and I would like to get to know the characters better. I can't wait to read more about Nudge's adventures involving Silverbirch - such a strange, yet intriguing concept! I recommend this book for older teens and adults who are into action-packed fantasies filled with blood, guts, magic mushrooms, and mysterious portals.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Vase with the Many Coloured Marbles details the lives of Emma and Marla, a mother and daughter living in South Africa from the 1920's until the 1960's, and their struggles to remain safe and unnoticed for their heritage during Apartheid.
Review:
Originally I wasn't sure how this book would work since it seemed like two books in one, but after reading, I am glad that the author set it up that way because it made the book and its storyline stronger. Both sections were very interesting and full of rich detail about the characters and the beauty/history of South Africa. I have never read anything about that area and it was quite an eye-opener, both geographically and sociologically. Jacob Singer has a way of depicting South Africa that makes the reader feel like they are there, and his characters, especially Emma and Marla, are well-developed and realistic, often gaining sympathy from the reader. Also, the dialogue was very well-written and strong, adding to the characters' presence. I enjoyed seeing how both the people and the times changed throughout the book, particularly peoples attitudes towards the characters and towards Apartheid. Overall, I learned a wealth of information from this book and met many interesting characters; I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the life and history of South Africa, especially Apartheid and its effects on the country.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Charles Rayson runs a branch of the Central Intelligence Agency - TAG - Technology Applications Group, and their current mission is to help rescue the daughter of an oil tycoon from a group of terrorist kidnappers known as
the "Spear of Muhammad". But during the mission, they discover another of the terrorists' plots, referred to as the "Breath of Allah". Spear of Muhammad members will be releasing anthrax at a crowded bazaar in Turkey, and it is up to TAG team to stop them. So, they track the phone conversations of the terrorists and come up with a plan to eliminate the threats, but what happens when Charlie and the his team find out that one of their own could be in on the plot? Can they still stop the attack and save thousands of lives, including their own?
Review:
Breath of Allah is a fast-paced, action-packed, intense spy thriller that will have readers riveted. I was impressed by the dynamic characters, the tight-knit plot, and the amount of geographical/technological detail that filled each of its 331 pages. The chapters were short, the characters were believable, and the dialogue was anything but boring and "scripted". I love books that I can get lost in, and this book definitely applies; I sympathized with the characters, experienced the Parisian and Turkish scenery, and felt like I was part of TAG for every twist and turn. I even enjoyed the ending, which is rare since I usually don't want books like this one to end! The only drawback was the amount of technical jargon involved, but it was easy enough to look up and get the gist. I cannot believe that this is Steven W. Ritcheson's first book! I will definitely be looking for more in years to come! This book is recommended for both men and women who like intense and realistic espionage thrillers.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Bring Back Summertime is the true story of Jeanne Starr Gater's life before, during, and after her husband Julius' near fatal car accident, and the extreme faith-driven rehabilitation that followed.
Review:
This memoir is a remarkable and inspiring page-turner that will leave you believing in the unimaginable powers of love and faith. Jeanne Starr Gater's detailed writing style pulled me in from the first few pages, and her amazing story kept my attention throughout. What she and her family went through was devastating, and the amount of emotion presented in this book had me feeling like I was going through it with them - the good and the bad. The people and places were very real to me and I enjoyed looking at the mini-album in the back of the book to see what everyone really looked like versus my mental representations. I am glad that I read this book, and I felt that it was a very worthwhile read. Jeanne Starr Gater is an incredible woman and writer. I recommend this book to those who want to have their faith restored and inspired.
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
A modern day coming-of-age story detailing the life and decisions of Sammy Harvitz; a dissatisfied teen on a voyage of self discovery, who doesn't really know what he's looking for, or what he wants in life. His attempts at finding himself lead to many strange places, including the punk-rock scene, the army, prison, and the streets; and the decisions he's faced with - good or bad - ultimately lead him to unexpected conclusions about himself and his generation.
Review:
At first glance, I wondered what the title, Harvitz, As to War, alluded to, as well as why the cover had a "home-made" permanent marker and duct-tape theme going on., but I liked the overall cover presentation. After reading, I realized that the "war" was inside Sammy and that the cover was the perfect representation of his mentality: imperfect, young, and unsettled - a modern wanderer. It took me about 75 pages to actually get into the book and get a hint as to what was going on. This was partially because Sammy's logic was so strange, and because there were a few sections that felt "clunky" and had to be reread, but after the lull, I really started to enjoy reading about Sammy's trials and tribulations, no matter how ridiculous, painful, or depressing. Sammy was really easy to sympathize with, but I felt that his overall character was a bit lacking, I never got a clear picture of him or his personality because he seemed to make random decisions and was a complete follower throughout the book; always making changes based on the opinions/styles of others. I think that it would have been easier to understand him if I had known "when" certain events were happening; there was no real way to plot out a timeline for his character, so I had no idea if months or years had passed throughout the story. The plot-line was confusing at times, but still entertaining, although the ending was very abrupt and left me wanting for some sort of conclusion never written. The author page photo kind of reminded me of Sammy, which was a really cool idea - intended or not, but I think a readers discussion or guide would have been useful too. Overall, Ben Nadler's first novel is definitely worth the read, and I am interested in reading other books he pens, especially if there is some sort of continuance. Recommended for teens and adults looking for an interesting coming-of-age story where change doesn't always come easy.
Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author, (LibraryThing Early Reviewers) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
