Wild Temptation
Ruth D. Kerce
Novel Books
P.O. Box 661, Douglas, MA 01516
eBook/Multiple Formats: ISBN 1-931696-04-7 eBook 5.50; ISBN 1-931696-95-0 paperback
$17.95
Elaine Hopper, Reviewer
c/o Cindy Penn
www.WordWeaving.com
Crank up your air conditioner or sit in front of your fan before reading the incredibly erotic love
scenes in Ruth D. Kerce's Wild Temptation.
Suspense grips the reader from page one when Skylar Davenport discovers George and Edna
Harper's double murder immediately placing herself in grave danger. When Wade Sinclair
immediately and inexplicably claims her friends' land, owns a Sabino horse and calls her "woman"
just as the murderer did as he prepared to murder her, and refuses to give a straight answer to any
of
her questions, she places him at the top of her suspect list and keeps her rifle handy. Even if he's
not
the murderer, she suspects he's been sent by the Cheyenne Cattle Company to scare she and her
sister off their land.
But sexy, handsome Wade manages to get underfoot and under her skin. Soon she hopes he's not
the murderer and she tries to prove his innocence. But he doesn't make it easy when he still
side-steps her queries. Nor does it help that someone is deliberately causing trouble such as
putting
foxes in her chicken coop.
Tightly and beautifully written, Ms. Kerce leaves your mouth watering for more of her wonderful
stories when the last page is finished. I see two possible sequels to Wild Temptation and hope
she'll
take the hint to write Beth and Cal's story and another for Kid Joe. If you love western historical
romance, you'll love this book.
Southern Fried Sci Fi And Jambalaya Genres
Scott E. Hancock, editor
Sursum Publishing
9531 Hemlock Drive, Huntsville, AL 35803
ISBN 0967501725 $5.00 www.amazon.com
Ellen Zuckerman
Reviewer
Southern Fried Sci Fi And Jambalaya Genres is a lengthy title for a slim volume of 20 previously
unpublished science fiction and fantasy stories and poems.
If you're a sci fi or fantasy reader, or just looking for an unusual read, you'll definitely find what
you're looking for here. Want to explore the idea of life on Earth after a devastating plague?
You'll find
it in "Messenger." Want to explore family magic? Check out "Mother Gone" and "Mother of a
New
Generation." Interested in slightly surreal tales of futuristic life? Read "Talent Scout", "Psy Spy"
and
"Pattern for Change." These are just a few of the memorable stories collected in this volume.
Wild, imaginative tales of alien beings, vampires, devils and spells and life on Mars and the moon
are
all here. Mixed in with this broad spectrum of stories are a few short dark poems, a dream-like
cowboy-world fantasy, and an assortment of large-as-life characters--among them a teenage girl
growing up on planet Mars, scientists and survivalists, an elderly woman coming to terms with the
loss of her husband, and a prim and proper witness to a horrific crime.
Ranging between two and ten pages at most, each story is a little slice of the fantastic world of the
mind. Although, as co-editor Scott Hancock writes in his foreword, "These are not necessarily the
best Nasfcas stories..." each individual story has the power to draw the reader in, to make you
think
about the "what ifs", the possibilities of future life, alternate realities, and supernatural
wonder.
Additional Book Info:
Southern Fried Sci Fi And Jambalaya Genresis the first official story collection published by the
NASFCAS, also known as the North Alabama Science Fiction and Cake Appreciation Society, an
informal writers' group that has been meeting regularly, eating cake and swapping stories, for
years.
The writers come from backgrounds as diverse as engineering, software development, law, music,
film and creative writing.
Russian Experiences: Life in the Former USSR and Post-Soviet Russia
The Raven and Marie Claire
Virtualbookworm.com Publishing Inc.
PO Box 9949, College Station, TX 77842
ISBN 1589391772 (softcover) $12.95, ISBN 1589391985 (hardcover) $17.95
1-877-376-4955 http://www.virtualbookworm.com
Denise M. Clark, Reviewer
http://www.denisemclark.com
c/o Marie Claire, justmarieclaire@linkeseite.zzn.com
Do you know the difference between Communism and National Socialism? Do you have any idea
what it was like to live in Post World War II Russia? How about the Cold War period? Do you
know what happened during the turbulent period of upheaval during the late 1980's to the early
1990's, a period that witnessed the death throes of the former entity known as the USSR?
Unless one went through it, experienced it, and lived it, one can't ever really know. But a man
known as 'The Raven' lived through it, and with the help of co-writer Marie Claire, he tells us his
story. The Raven was born into a period of poor economy, poor training and few supplies. No
luxuries of supermarkets, shopping malls, and fashion stores and private transportation. Due to
lack
of proper medical care, The Raven suffered a hearing loss accompanied by a speech impediment,
thereby forced from then on to deal with prejudice because of his handicap. The Raven grew up in
Baku City, the capital of Azerbaijan, his life by no means easy. Because of the conflicts between
native Armenians and Azerbaijan natives, he and his brother were not allowed to go to school for
long stretches of time.
Ultimately, The Raven and his family left Baku, where they had lived all their lives, and moved to
a
region around Moscow where The Raven continued his education. Yet even there The Raven had
to
struggle to gain that education, one that finally enabled him to rise above the poverty and
narrow-mindedness of many of Russia's inhabitants.
Russian Experiences is a wonderful book that tells the story of one man's rise above the restrictive
conditions surrounding him. The story is not only well written, but also a very personal saga of
the
history and transition of one of the mightiest nations in the world and the consequences of its
complicated political history. Through the eyes of The Raven and Marie Claire, a reader of this
tale
begins to understand there is much behind the fa‡ade of Russia, one rarely seen or talked about on
such a personal level. This book is a primer for one to gain a better understanding of what Russia
was and is all about, a book told through the eyes of one man who fought against prejudice and
poor
living conditions to gain an identity he could be proud of. Russian Experiences is an excellent
format
for anyone to utilize, from either a social or personal perspective, in order to experience and learn
about Russia's history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of many of its people. This reviewer
gives
it an A in its writing style and in its presentation of both history and humanity.
Death Is A Cabaret
Deborah Morgan
Berkley Prime Crime
ISBN 0-425-18202-9, PRICE: $5.99-paperback, URL: www.penguinputnam.com
Meredith Campbell
Reviewer
In the world of antiques anything can happen--even murder. Former FBI agent Jeff Talbot has left
the bureau and become a "picker," someone who scrounges through attics and yard sales looking
for
valuables he can sell to dealers and connoisseurs. On a quest to find the 200 year old expensive
and
exquisite tea set once owned by Napoleon's love, Josephine, an antiques convention and auction
draws Talbot to Mackinac Island, Michigan, leaving behind his Seattle comforts and devoted, yet,
tragic wife. Settled into plush quarters at the historic Grand Hotel, Talbot meets a kaleidoscope of
intriguing characters. From a fourth floor window staring into the darkened pool area, he
witnesses
a murder. Soon afterward, the main auctioneer dies. Is his death murder or suicide? Forget the
idea
that highbrow antique dealing is for the polite gentility. The affair turns out to be cutthroat and
the
attendees not who they pretend to be.
Morgan departs from the modern mystery's in-your-face-murder and mayhem on page one. In this
first of the Jeffery Talbot series, the reader experiences an Agatha Christie, wherein the characters
take on life, ambience melds into place, and the story becomes comfortable--before the body
count
starts. Another departure that serves this kind of mystery well is Morgan's use of detailed
descriptions of d‚cor and dress. This keeps to the tone of near reverence for history and historical
object de arts. Talbot relishes old things because of the human stories represented behind
them.
The friends of slam-bang, boom boom shoot-'um-ups with detectives, who talk out of the side of
their mouths and naked women in every bed, may have difficulty with this book. But, lovers of
antiques and civilized writing will love Death Is A Cabaret. In setting the story inside the milieu of
antiques, Morgan offers a fresh voiceto the mystery genre and readers can look forward to the
second adventure in this series.
Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment Of Animals And The Holocaust
Charles Patterson
Lantern Books
One Union Square West, Suite 201, New York, NY 10003-3303
1930051999, $20.00, $20.00, www.lanternbooks.com www.amazon.com
Richard H. Schwartz
Reviewer
When I first learned that Charles Patterson was going to write a book about "our treatment of
animals and the Holocaust," I had some misgivings. I was aware that some animal rights
advocates
had made superficial, misleading comparisons between the treatment of animals on factory farms
and
the treatment of Jews and others in the Holocaust, and I knew that this had hurt the
vegetarian/animal rights cause by giving people an excuse to avoid considering the many negative
effects of animal-based diets. However, I was an early endorser of Patterson_s project because I
felt
that we needed new, creative ways to alert people to the horrors of modern intensive livestock
agriculture, and my knowledge of his character, sensitivity, and background convinced me that he
would be an ideal person for this project.
My confidence in his ability to sensitively carry out this project was well placed. The book is very
well researched (with almost 700 end notes), and it is written with great sensitivity and
compassion.
Eternal Treblinka does not equate animals and people. Rather, it shows how the frequent
vilification
of people as rats, vermin, pigs, insects, beasts, monkeys, etc., dehumanizes people and makes it
easier to oppress, enslave, and murder them. He documents many examples of this process,
relating
it to the treatment of slaves, native American Indians, Japanese people during World War II,
Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War, and other examples.
The book carefully shows how the enslavement ("domestication") of animals became the model
and
inspiration for all the oppressions that followed. In particular. he documents a trail from
slaughterhouse production lines to Henry Ford_s assembly lines for the mass production of
automobiles to Hitler_s methods in the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust. He also
discusses the myth of Hitler's "vegetarianism"--his diet of little or no meat he often followed to
reduce his chronic health problems.
Throughout the book, Patterson is sensitive to the views of Holocaust survivors. Lucy Kaplan,
the
daughter of Holocaust survivors, has contributed an eloquent Foreword. An entire chapter
profiles
animal advocates who are Holocaust survivors, children or grandchildren of survivors, people
who
lost relatives in the Holocaust, and those who have given thought to the lessons of the Holocaust.
Another chapter, "The Other Side of the Holocaust," discusses German and German-American
animal advocates who began their lives in Nazi Germany.
There is also a chapter on the exploitation and slaughter of animals as a major theme in the
writings
of Yiddish writer and Nobel laureate, Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-91), many of whose characters
were Holocaust survivors. The title of the book comes from a statement by one of Singer_s
characters: "...for the animals, it is an eternal Treblinka."
The connections between the mentality and methods behind the oppression of animals and the
oppression of human beings that are documented in this important and timely book have great
potential to stir Jews (and others) to start to apply Jewish teachings about the proper treatment of
animals, and thereby to help shift the world from its present perilous, inhumane path. I hope that
Eternal Treblinka will be widely read, that its message will be extensively applied for the benefit of
both humans and animals, and that it will help lead to that day when, in the words of Isaiah (11:6),
"no one shall hurt nor destroy in all of God_s Holy mountain."
Punctuation: A Thorough Primer For Writers Of Fiction & Essays
Harvey Stanbrough
HarMona Press
PO Box 370, Pittsboro, IN 46167
ISBN 0971308799, E-book and Print: PDF version $5.00 (download); $7.00 (Disk); $10.00
(paper bound 8 1/2 x 11 book), email at hmpeditor@hotmail.com.
S. Joan Popek, Reviewer
http://www.sjoanpopek.com
My first encounter with Harvey Stanbrough was in a college English Literature class during the
early
1990s. The first day of class, I found a seat in the front row (Older, returning students always sit
in
the front row. I'm not sure why we do that. Maybe it's just because we can.) Sitting next to me
was
a semi-attractive man a few years my junior. His chin was decorated with a sparse growth of
beard
in an obvious attempt to make him look distinguished, but it didn't quite succeed. I immediately
categorized him as a "wanna be" writer who probably would never make it through the
semester.
Since then, Harvey Stanbrough has been recognized as a brilliant poet, editor, publisher, essayist
and
fictionist. He is an English Instructor and was nominated for the Pulitzer.
So much for first impressions.
Mr. Stanbrough is now sharing his expertise with his latest book, Punctuation: a Thorough Primer
for Writers of Fiction & Essays which is one of the most intelligent, easy to understand and
comprehensive books on the subject I have ever read.
He manages to take a very dull subject and make it interesting and even humorous. He begins
with,
"Whether you're a beginning writer or an old pro, a full- time or part- time freelancer, an essayist,
a
short story writer, a novelist, or a poet, punctuation is the third most important tool in your
inventory. Its importance ranks only after your ability to form letters from lines, circles, and arcs,
and your ability to arrange those letters into words."
One of the best things I found in this book is that Stanbrough mentions immediately what the
book
will not do and what it will do for you. He says that it will not teach you, " how to react to
punctuation as a reader " and "It will not contain " a bunch of boring, out-of-context rules that
don't make sense "
What this book will do is "teach you how to use punctuation to achieve a particular effect in the
reader " and give you " a concise set of usage guidelines ."
Also included is a brief survey of your existing skills to tell you where to look for improvement. In
this self-evaluation, you answer questions like what is the primary use of parentheses? What is an
"em" or "en" dash, and where do you use them? He discusses colons, semicolons, exclamation
points and much more as well as sentence structure.
I found tremendous help, especially for fiction writers, in the section where Stanbrough discusses
how and when you can successfully break the "rules" of punctuation and get away with it.
I was especially pleased with the very informative Glossary of Definitions at the end of the book. I
intend to keep this handy reference by my side and on my computer at all times. My experience as
an
editor has taught me that no matter how much you write or how experienced you are, you can
still
get stumped when it comes to the labyrinth of English grammar and punctuation usage rules.
For experienced writers, this book is a valuable tool. For new writers, it is a mandatory reference
guide.
This book should be on the shelf of every writer or everyone who wishes to be a writer. I highly
recommend Punctuation: a Thorough Primer for Writers of Fiction & Essays for anyone who
writes
anything.
Maggie's Bookshelf
Gould's Book Of Fish: A Novel In 12 Fish
Richard Flanagan
Picador
ISBN 0330363034, 404pp, $59.00
There are times when, as a book reviewer, it is tempting to simply put the adjectives on hold;
when
mere descriptions seem paltry next to the indescribable beauty of the book itself. Richard
Flanagan's
Gould's Book Of Fish is that kind of book.
Reading it open mouthed, gasping at the richness and complexity of the text that clearly defies
categorisation and classification, one feels intimately connected, while in awe of what the author
has
produced. Gould's Book of Fish is a serious read; one of those desert island books you can read
again and again and find still more meaning in its strange depths; both confirmation and
destruction
of those things you believe in (and cannot articulate). The book simultaneously makes a mockery
of
language, history, love, and humanity, while celebrating, and even immortalising them, much as
Joyce's Finnegan's Wake, or Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury did for the last century, although
with a more straightforward storyline. Both Joyce and Faulkner are celebrated in the novel, as are
other great authors from history such as Flaubert, Hugo, Blake, Keats, Cervantes, Sterne,
Wordsworth, Pope, Borges, Voltaire, and Conrad.
The book itself is attractive, with multicoloured text printed in six different inks in shades of red,
blue, black, brown, purple to evoke the Gould's own makeshift inks the sea urchins, fish bodies,
blood, and excrement. The old fashioned Felltype, and rich coloured illustrations are also
evocative,
leaving the reader wondering about the book before beginning to read.
The story follows the history of a "real" recorded convict artist William Buelow Gould, as he
struggles with his internal and external prisons, art, love, and fraud in its many forms. When read
in
a purely linear way, Gould's Book of Fish is originally found by Sid Hammet, a scruffy and
disenchanted fraud merchant, whose rotting furniture is battered and peed on before selling it to
"fat
old Americans" or "voracious question marks" as lost Nantucket Shaker antiques. When he finds
a
dilapidated but alluringly glowing book in an old junk shop, he becomes obsessed with the story
of
convict artist and fish painter Gould, and his record of incarceration on a Sarah Island Penal
Colony.
Ridiculed by historians, and paralleled by another Book of Fish discovered in the Allport library,
the
book displayed elements of the fantastic, expanding itself while reading, and ultimately
disappearing
in a large, brackish puddle. From there, Hammet becomes a seadragon, and then becomes Gould
as
he tries to recreate the story which obsesses him. Or is Gould recreating Hammet's story? Or is it
the
seadragon's story?
Gould's story is also a Mise-en-abyme; the literary device of a story within a story, but the smooth
transition between Hammet, Gould, and the Seadragon, as well as the Dickensian cast of
characters
so humorously painted by Flanagan, forbids us from reading this as a diversion. It could also be
called magic realism, with its melting books, its many metamorphoses, its circular time, and its
schizophrenic characterisation, but again, the historical framework which is, at least in terms of its
setting and detail, fairly accurate, defies that categorisation. The narrative is a compelling and
exciting one in itself, and the reader is driven forward quickly as Gould moves from forgery in
London to a fish and bird painting apprenticeship with Audubon and George Keats, the poet's
brother, to deckhand en route to colonise Van Deiemen's land, barfly artist in Hobarttown, and
convict, on death row, the endurer of a range of tortures, gaoler and gaolee. There is a brief, but
extraordinary love affair between Gould and an Aboriginal woman Twopenny Sal, and a range of
altercations, escapes, recaptures, heroes, villains, relocations, and adventures in the wild west of
early Tasmania. For all of its philosophical and linguistic depths, Gould's Book of Fish is actually
a
very good read.
What really stands out in this book is the gorgeous but unflowery language. The book is thought
provoking and there are moments of beauty, such as Gould's statement: "I am not bound to any
idea
of who I will be. I am not contained between my toes and my turf but am infinite as sand.", or the
ode to authors: ""Perhaps reading and writing books is one of the last defences human dignity has
left, because in the end they remind us of what God once reminded us before He too evaporated
in
this age of relentless humiliations that we re more than ourselves; that we have souls". The
characters are rich, funny, and detailed, with Gould himself the most compelling. In many ways,
Gould encompasses the other characters, including Hammet, Lempriere, Jorgensen, Death,
Pobjoy,
and the Commandant, as confirmed in the sensational but simple epitaph, which brings the entire
narrative into question. Gould speaks to the reader, taunting, and we recognise ourselves as the
"nobby Hobart Town clerks who breakfast on the upper storey of the Colonial Secretary's
office fat arses flapping on padded seats" and in the desperate question marks of the rich
Americans asking "Is it safe?" In the surgeon, Tobias Achilles Lempriere, we find pure Dickens: a
"big bowl-headed steaming pudding of a man, floury & treacly by turns", speaking only in capital
letters, "words existed in his speech as currents in a badly made bread-and-butter pudding-clusters
of
stodgy darkness." Lempriere's worship of Linneaus's Systema Naturae, his obsession with gaining
admittance to the Royal Academy of science, and his ironic ultimate fate as one of the best
scientific
specimen's, "Crania Tasmaniae".
The love affair between Gould and Twopenny Sal is also moving, with Sal's many names and
identities mirroring those of Gould's, as she is revealsed as The Mulatto, Cleopatra, the one with a
secret Aboriginal name, and the sexy Cowfish that Gould the Weedy Seadragon couples with. She
is
an unlikely love interest, smelling of pickled herring, and described as having small breasts & a
large
waist & skinny shanks, an unlanced boil, lice crawling up her arm, and breasts onto which Gould
draws a cowfish. Gould's words of love are also unique, as gross as they are beautiful: "Your feet,
Your bowels, Your mound, Your armpits, Your smell & Your sounds & taste, Your fallen
Beauty, I
was Divine in Your image & I was You & I was no longer long for this grand early & why is it no
words would tell how I was so much hurting aching bidding farewell?" Twopenny Sal's aboriginal
dances are not feminine, but they are powerful, in a way rendering both her and Gould immortal:
"Nothing was reconciled: everything was beautiful".
There are also moments of genius, such as when the book begins to refer to itself, prefiguring the
chapters in a way which is both postmodern and mystical, almost Kabbala like: "Trying
desperately
to avoid the conclusion that if this book of fish was a history of the settlement, it might also just
be
its prophecy, I then realised that the book was not near ended, that it contained several more
chapters, & with mounting terror I read on the succeeding page of how 'I realised that the book
was not near ended, that it contained several more chapters, & with mounting terror I read on the
succeeding page of how ' The ending is foreshadowed twice, and the narrative, although perfectly
readable in a linear way, mocks its own timeline, and even its historical context, as references are
made to the future from the past.
There are also moments of black humour, from the way in which Gould ages the junkie furniture
he
sells to his gullible clientele, to the use of Voltaire's head to give pleasure to the perverted
Gottliebsens. The renaming of Jorgensen as The King, and his revolting but funny metamorphosis
from self-aggrandising lying historian to silent confidante is another moment that will leave
readers
with as black a sense of humour as mine, laughing outloud. Lempriere demise and ultimate
metamorphosis is another very funny moment, mingling excrement, and putrefaction, with
justice.
For all of the shifts in Gould's Book of Fish, with things like time, history, identity, and power all
variable, there are some constants, and this is the basis on which the book is built. Love is one of
those constants. Another is its corollaries, racism, brutality, and hatred - clear and obvious evils.
A
third and more subtle constant is that sense of the mysterious beauty in life, and the world: "The
knowledge of a world so awful, this sense of a life so extraordinary how am I to resolve them?"
Ultimately, as Gould says, this is a book about life, not death, and despite the inherent sadness,
the
brutality, the grossness, and the torture, what remains with the reader is how we ultimately escape
with Gould; how the love, beauty, and even the story, remains, shining and glorious. In its
gorgeous
use of language, its extraordinary structure, its ambitiously realised depths, and above all, the
magic
it works on its reader, Gould's Book of Fish is a masterpiece. Read it for the interesting story, and
find yourself, like Hammett, lost in its labyrinth depths, obsessed, changed forever, and your
unrequited love of literature both challenged, and invigorated.
Maggie Ball
Reviewer
Karla's Bookshelf
Walnut From Waterloo
Sue De Kelver
Marsh River Editions
M233 Marsh Road, Marshfield, WI 54449
ISBN 0971890919, $7.00, 48 pages
Come, wonder in the "wanderland" of Sue De Kelver's poems in her book Walnut from Waterloo.
These poems will fill you with nostalgia, while you commune with spiders hiding in the cool shade
under the porch, while you caress your cheek with lambs ears, and while you dream of almost
hang
gliding over the Poconos. As you become "aware of the zense of it," you will understand the
evocative power of story, of naming the thing that scares you, of finding your redemption in the
garden, or if you're knee deep in winter snows, at least the gardening catalogue.
These are poems redolent with memory of childhood, whether seen through the child eye of the
poet
or the eyes of Claire, the narrator's niece. The details of these poems evoke the texture of a time
long gone but still alive somehow in all your musings. You will discover saddle shoes, (black and
white like mine?) and ponytails (how they swung when we walked). You'll remember when
Popsicles came in pairs, a time before "Fritos had fat" and a time when watching Howdy Doody
and
Mr. Bluster were the only things to do after school. There are imaginary friends aplenty, ironic
jaunts with the Farmer in the Dell, and enough Catholic angst to keep everyone in limbo
forever.
In the poem "Before Spiders Got Scary," you are reminded--through De Kelver's detail--of a time
when life was simple and spiders were the only things of which to be afraid. The narrator tells the
reader that:
This is a day when our only work is to play
when we don't creak if we crawl
and hiding is just for fun.
A long time ago when a 45 means music
and war is a game of cards.
There is story in these poems, the resonance of authentic language, the true voice of the teller, a
tale
in every artifact and act, the recalling of what has passed before. In addition, the poems are rich in
the texture of language: the fuzz of flowers, the creep of monsters, the crack of ice. When you
read
these stories, you will feel heat that first kiss, the first taste of mortal sin; you will feel the cold.
For
example, in "When the Shivering Stops," a girl is found drowned, and the poet serves as witness
to
this horror--"this 12-year-old locked beneath the ice:"
I try not to see her,
face down in the Pike,
bloated and frozen.
I want to picture her
giggling into the phone,
savoring the last days
of Christmas vacation
and witness to the men who must enter the hard water to break her free:
How divers must smash through
the solid blue surface,
struggling within the current,
dragging armfuls of empty ice to shore
and finally witness to the
factual story [that] breaks in his voice
like the stiff, floating fingers
of Jennifer's hair.
There is sadness in these poems and loss. Fathers and grandfathers who die and children hiding
their
fears, daughters who leave home imaginary friends who comfort and protect, like the narrator's
friend Johnsifer who "appeared after my aunt and her two little boys/came to live with us when
my
uncle went crazy and /tried to kill her with a knife."
There is silliness in these poems: "The Bowling Balls of Fremont," are left outside perhaps to
meander someone's front yard, where the poet surmises that this might be "a place of therapy , to
discuss lives/spent knocking others around;/a daily meeting of BB for those/who've spent too
much
time in the gutter;/a retirement home for odd balls". The narrator congratulates a friend for
turning
fifty, reminding him, "There's plenty of time for fulfilling dreams." And the challenge now is to
"Grab
your backpacking guitar./Strum a tune for Tiger Lily and Tweedle Dee."
And there is a renewal in these poems, perhaps the best of them--the poems about gardening, the
reconnection to soil and soul, the tender loam of rediscovery of that which restores you. In the
poem
"In the Meantime," the
poet considers how her salad garden never delivers all the green goods at once, and challenges
herself and anyone else who might complain to enjoy what you have, "Sit down, shut up and eat
what's on your plate." In another poem, De Kelver asks, "What's the point of a flower?" then
reminds you that while they exist to delight, you we all--exist to help them survive. In the poem
"It's
All in Your Timing," the poet bemoans the fact that it's still February when she dreams of a fair
trade-off for the chill of winter:
But in February's dungeon
when heart and hands are blue
when the white shroud
of sameness surrounds me
when ears ache from silence
and root foods stick in my throat
then you could have me
for a ticket to Tahiti
or three, sweet spears
of fresh asparagus.
Finally, in reading these poems, you will find yourself remembering when or pulling a wrap tighter
around you to protect from the ice, the snow, the harsh realities of life. But in the end you must
give
yourself up to the diversity of the salad, enjoy the explosions of wild flowers and marvel at the
meanderings of the Ouija planchette or those happy wandering bowling balls of Fremont.
Karla Huston
Reviewer
Lowe's Bookshelf
Death By The Riverside: The First Mickey Knight Mystery, Rev. Ed.
J.M. Redmann
Bella Books
P.O. Box 201007, Ferndale, MI 48220
ISBN 1931513058, 2001, 309 p. $ 11.95
Reprinted by Bella Books, Death By The Riverside is the first of the Micky Knight mysteries (the
third, Intersection of Law and Desire won a Lambda Literary Award). Here is an opportunity to
meet Micky and her wonderful assortment of friends. The ensemble cast that Redmann creates is
an
amusing crew of friends and family. Each individual is clearly defined, easily recognizable with
detailed backgrounds that evolve over the series.
Written in the first person, the Micky Knight stories are a contemporary lesbian version of the
gritty
gumshoe classic noir mysteries. Set in New Orleans, the action in Riverside (and Micky's
irreverent
humor) begins immediately as she finds herself helping a "tasteful" young blond socialite track
down
the fiance that spurned her. When said socialite turns out to be laying a trap to cut her brother out
of
his share of the family inheritance, Micky decides to even the score. Thus she finds herself
meeting
the socialite's grandfather and the Holloway family patriarch as well as his other granddaughter,
Cordelia. This meeting opens the door to ghosts from Micky's childhood which she tries very hard
to
smother with alcohol and women and foreshadows many storylines.
At the request of a sort of friend and police detective Joanne, Micky soon finds herself drawn into
efforts to break a regional drug ring that is using part of the Holloway plantation as a shipping
location. There's a great deal of page turning action as Micky tries to help the police and keep
herself alive while catching the bad guys.
Meanwhile, the reader learns bits of the past that Micky tries desperately to hide from herself and
others. Redmann's depictions of the scars left by childhood abuse are powerfully accurate in all
four
of the Micky Knight stories. Indeed many of the questions raised or hinted at in Death by the
Riverside are not answered until the fourth novel, Lost Daughters. Redmann's well developed
characterization has the reader wishing she could have a beer, or maybe a po'boy sandwich with
some of these women. Certainly you will find yourself looking for the reissue of the Deaths of
Jocasta to follow their continuing adventures.
Deaths Of Jocasta: The Second Micky Knight Mystery
J.M. Redmann
Bella Books
P.O. Box 201007, Ferndale, MI 48220
ISBN 1931513104, 1992 [2002], 398 p. $ 12.95
Deaths Of Jocasta opens with thirty years old, Barnard educated and underemployed, out lesbian,
private investigator, Micky Knight accepting a job overseeing security for a very exclusive and
festive annual party hosted by Emma Auerbach. Of an old money New Orleans family, Emma has
been a friend and mentor to Mickey for years. Sober and celibate for over six weeks, Micky is
beginning to face the demons from which the liquor and sex allowed her to hide for over a
decade.
Although determined to remain sober, Micky does hope the weekend party brings an end to her
loneliness, especially when the good doctor, Cordelia James arrives. Micky lost her heart to
Cordelia
months ago, during the events of Death by the Riverside. But Emma's annual gay-la ends abruptly
when the body of a young woman is found in the woods on her estate and everyone returns to the
city.
At loose ends back in New Orleans, Micky goes to the library to check out some Dorothy Sayers
books. "Some of her Lord Peter Wimsey books, not so much for detective ideas, but for dating
tips." About which Micky concludes, "via Lord Peter, the method for making a woman fall in love
with an offbeat detective was to save her from the gallows by proving her innocent. Somehow
that
didn't seem to have much bearing on Cordelia and myself." (p55). Of course, Micky is quite
wrong!
More bodies show up near Cordelia's clinic. When they turn out to be young women who were
patients at the clinic, the police see Cordelia as the prime suspect. Cordelia decides to hire Micky
to
investigate. Meanwhile an uncharacteristically restless, NOPD Detective Sgt., Joanne, increasingly
angered by these events, is spending more time with Micky. Joanne senses Micky has similar
ghosts
in her past.
With the same tough, first-person voice of the first Micky Knight novel, Redmann directs the fast
paced action of Jocasta. Micky tracks down leads connecting the pasts of several characters with
the
current events. And the truth turns out to involve a dangerous combination of extremists --who
justify murder in the name of life-- and people who crave old-fashioned, mean revenge.
Redmann handles serious and painful issues without hiding the pain, becoming pedantic, or losing
her sense of humor. Her characters are well rounded, interesting women who deal authentically
with
their problems. One of the most impressive examples of this is Redmann's handling of child sexual
abuse. Accurate and realistic, the depictions of the abuse and its ramifications runs a spectrum of
forms, parental reactions, and consequences from Micky to Joanne to Cordelia. This thread
actually
evolves throughout the Micky Knight novels as Micky has the opportunity to grow and heal.
This re-release of Deaths Of Jocasta by Bella Books is a must for mystery lovers. In this readers
opinion, the covers of Jocasta and Riverside are the best Bella has produced to date. Ten years
have
passed since Jocasta was originally published. It is pinned to the early 1990s by technology -- the
lack of cell phones and email via the world wide web -- and Joanne's early adolescence (and rest
of
the crowds ages in relation to her) is set as prior to the Roe v. Wade decision (1973). However,
the
issues of the novel are very relevant today and Redmann treats the women struggling to survive
them with respect and dignity. Deaths of Jocasta does not answer all the mysteries hovering in
Micky's background. For that, readers should look for The Intersection of Law and Desire and
Lost
Daughters, in that order. Take Micky Knight home with you and laissez les bons temp
rouler!
Substitute For Love
Karin Kallmaker
The Naiad Press
P.O. Box 10543, Tallahassee, FL 32302
ISBN: 1562802658, October 2001, 288 pages, $12.95
What would you be willing to do in order to secure the health of your mother, your child, your
love?
Reyna Putnam has sold her soul to the proverbial devil to guarantee that her terminally ill mother
has
the best care that her father's money can buy. Grip Putnam, the result of generations of political
men,
is determined to be President of the United States. Thus he carefully controls his media image as a
conservative radio pundit as well as the image of his family. His only surviving child, Reyna is part
of that image; a lesbian daughter is not. Reyna walks a careful tight rope, trying to maintain her
sanity, and some self identity while she continues personally abhorrent work that keeps her father
paying those health bills.
At 27, Holly has spent most of the 16 years since her mother's death in an accident, hiding. She
hides
her body in multiple layers of clothing that reflect her need for self-protection from people who
should be her allies in life as well as her self-denial. But Holly has just done something
extraordinary.
She quit her job in protest because a coworker who has been fired for being an out lesbian. Holly
quit her job because it was the right thing to do. This righteous act snowballs as Holly finds
herself
questioning her eight year relationship with Clay, an older, male, college instructor who is
controlling and critical, and her feelings about a host of other issues. In a matter of weeks Holly's
life
will change completely as she discovers several surprises about her mother, her early childhood
and
herself.
Kallmaker's characterization, humor and story telling skills continue to develop with each novel
she
writes. Substitute for Love may be her best book to date. -- Although part of me continues to
prefer
her scifi/fantasy titles written as Laura Adams. But this is like the difference between Cherry
Garcia
and Chunky Monkey. Both are good. It depends on your mood and taste. -- Kallmaker gives us a
glimpse at the mind of a mathematician through Holly's thought process. She points out the
frustrating futility our nations health care system creates for people who are not independently
wealthy. Yet she pokes fun at the liberal Clays touting of a simple life without understanding the
trade off in human labor, supplied by Holly for eight years, required to achieve it.
The Putnam Institute, located in Orange County, California, is symbolic of several extreme
right-wing political groups in the area. Kallmaker uses its work to address a number of methods
similar groups employ in their campaign against homosexuality, i.e., fundraising, ex-gay therapy,
and
the hypocrisy of people who pass as straight. Kallmaker manages to address all these issues
without
interrupting the romance or seeming too busy. She even manages to give readers hope that the
sociopolitical wave the right has been riding may have already crested. Dependable for highly
erotic
scenes that will leave the reader warm and dreamy, Kallmaker's action between Holly and Reyna
is
no exception to this skill. For fans of contemporary lesbian romance, Substitute for Love is a
keeper.
Unexpected Sparks
G.L. Dartt
Justice House Publishing
3902 South 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
ISBN 0970887477, 2002, 263 p. $ 17.99
Forty years old and a prominent businesswoman in her town, Kate Shannon is about to change
her
life. The owner and manager of Novel Companions, an independent bookshop in downtown,
Truro,
Nova Scotia, Kate has spent much of the last year becoming friends with a regular customer,
Nikki
Harris.
The 26 years old Nikki is a shy, intelligent, beautiful and openly lesbian woman struggling to
survive
small town life in the economically depressed Canadian Maritimes. A book lover, Nikki enjoys the
cozy atmosphere of Novel Companions, especially since Kate started carrying gay and lesbian
fiction. She also enjoys the detailed discussions with Kate of novel plots, characters, favorite
authors
and related political themes. In fact, Nikki has become painfully aware that she is quite attracted
to
Kate and has recently cut down on her time at the bookstore, in hopes of weaning her affections
away from the charming, presumably straight, shopkeeper. The bleak February is looming long
and
lonely for Nikki.
When the insurance office across the street from the bookshop burns down one night, Nikki
rushes
to the scene to make certain its not Novel Companions. A perplexed Kate had noticed the new
distance from Nikki. Seeing Nikki standing out in the cold, Kate invites the young woman into her
apartment above Novel Companions. The two women watch the fire and begin to speculate about
its
origin.
Nikkis natural curiosity is piqued when the body of Sam Madison, the owner of the insurance
office,
is found in the ashes. She convinces Kate to help her investigate the fire. Kate, willing to go along
with an opportunity to spend more time with Nikki, agrees to help. Unexpected Sparks is a classic
armchair mystery with old fashioned, timeless clues and important character revelations leading
Nikki and Kate to answer the questions of why and how Sam ended up in the burning office.
Via their amateur sleuthing project, Kate and Nikki find themselves drawing closer together. Their
attraction and developing romance is another theme of Unexpected Sparks. Dartt illustrates falling
in
love and coming out in a charming and touching manner. Her characterization is realistic and
perceptive. The elegant and composed Kate is surprised and delighted by the depth and range of
the
emotions she feels for Nikki. She is also startled by the attention, positive and negative, from
customers, friends and neighbors as they begin to hear about her new lavender relationship. Dartts
Truro setting is nicely detailed and provides insight into Canadian small town life, particularly for
lesbians. Unexpected Sparks is Dartts first novel and the first of at least three Kate and Nikki
mysteries. This reader will be happy if her future mysteries are equally entertaining.
M.J. Lowe
Reviewer
Dana's Bookshelf
Shaping The Future: Aspirational Leadership In India And Beyond
Arun Maira
John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte Ltd
2 Clementi Loop, #02-01, Singapore 129809
ISBN 0-471-47919-5, $29.95, 6 x 9 octavo, hardbound, 207 pages, http://www.wiley.com
Although this book doesnt breathe a word of it, it is really about why business investment flocks
to
China but is wary of India. What has gone wrongand rightsince India undertook a series of drastic
economic reforms due to a reserves flow crisis in 1991? And if India has changed so positively for
the better, why does investment in China exceed investment in India my many multiples?
Indias numbers can be startling: It numbers a sixth of all humanity. It has the fifth largest economy
in
the world, and a quarter of the earths urbanized populace. A third of the worlds people live under
its
more or less democratic umbrella. It is the second largest among the developing economies after
China. And most important, India is the first massive, complex developing country to successfully
transit from a socialist to a market economy without massive rural or worker unrest.
India is a modern industrial state, yet lives with ancient roots that still encourage a timeless vision
of
life in which values of several thousand years ago shape much of today. As with Chinas, Indias
sense
of collective history is a formidable force. It underpins religions, languages, class, caste, and the
strong remnants of socialist attitudes from Gandhi and Nehru eras. Despite millennia of conquest
and colonization, India has kept its sense of cultural continuity virtually intact. So deep and yet so
resilient are its social and religious ideas that art forms one sees today are almost identical to
carvings and paintings more than 3,000 years old. Indians have a knack for absorbing useful ideas
(like software development) while discarding unwanted ideas (such as accountability in
government)
like so many saris on the rag carts of history. Every attempt, whether generated within or by
transnational entities, to change India into something else has failed. Village life remains very
much
the same as one reads in the great epics of thousands of years ago (and in the superb novels of
today). Even in the fast-paced modern cities like Mumbai and Delhi, beneath the facade of with-it
popstyles are age-old obligations and symbols of loyalty. As Daraius Ardeshir, managing director
of
Nestle India put it while explaining the difficulties marketers face when looking behind the facade
of
Indian modernity, Indians are capable of living in several centuries at once. When I visit my
fathers
house I still kneel and touch my forehead to his feet.
China and India are dissimilar in ways that go much further back into history than their newfound
interest in Western economic success (if not the ideas that have made it). Chinas uniform written
(though not spoken) language, ethnicity, and nonsectarian religious sensibility are polar opposites
of
Indias genetically intermingled and uncountably diverse populace. India counts twenty major
languages, and seven major religions. In China there is apathy if not outright antipathy to
formalized
religiosity. Chinese religion is largely familial rather than institutional, ancestral rather than deistic.
Indias religious devotions demonstrate the endurance of institution-mindedness perpetuated
through
imagery. In China the good life is more important than the good soul; in India the value of religion
can be more important than the value of life.
Hence Indias strengths are Chinas weaknesses, and vice versa. China changes from within faster
than
India but the results are more unstable. China has too little law and bureaucracy; India has too
much
of both. China lacks the structure to manage the entrepreneurialism of its economic energy. India
has
a great deal of structure but is weaker on the entrepreneurialism.
Arun Mairas Shaping the Future is a case study in the surprising fact that business leaders are the
most idealistic and reform-minded people in India; it is the godmen, the politicians, and the
bureaucrats who hold the country back. Yet India lacks not for due diligence: Watch a laborer
digging a ditch with a pick and shovel in the heat of the late afternoon sun and you will never
again
think the Indian worker of being lazy.
Yet China still sucks in the bucks. Why?
For one, India is a minefield of contradictions. It is way ahead of China in self-generated
technological prowessMahatma Gandhi imprinted his message of self-reliance welland about equal
with China in encouraging entrepreneurs (especially women) to discover and exploit business
opportunities. Yet it also groans under horrific and seemingly intractable poverty, a
brobdingnagarian bureaucracy, a fault line between the relatively efficient central government
(The
Centre) and dysfunctional, erratic, wasteful, nepotistic, and in some cases monumentally corrupt
state governments. On pages 8586 Mr. Maira describes the corrosive effect government
interference
with business directorship has not merely on the company but also the economic sector for which
the company produces. On page 87 he hits the nail of Indias core problem square on the
head:
... it suffered from problems typical of government sector companies in India .... Salaries were low
compared to non-government sector companies. The principal reward that people looked forward
to
was the acquisition of new titles and perquisites by promotion into higher grades. The company
had
many levels of managers so that people could be rewarded as they progressed upwards in their
careers. Power to make decisions was related to rank. Decision making was encumbered by the
plethora of levels that information had to flow through. The directors and general managers sat
atop
tall organizational pyramids. ... And thus, level-by-level, the pyramids built up. The pyramids were
organized by functions with a functional director, appointed directly by the government, on top.
People within one pyramid did not work easily with people within others. ... [no] one could
respond
quickly to the changing needs of customers....
That is why China still sucks in the buck.
Into this Mr. Maira jousts. He spends several pages in Chapter 5 describing the recent formation
of a
new state named Jharkhand almost out of despair at the intractability of the problems in the state
of
Bihar, which as he puts it, [Bihar is] regarded as the real-life embodiment of all that can go wrong
with democracy and governance. Yet what rises from the ashes of Indias worst-run state is a
phoenix of idealistic, even romantic, business people whose values are more compassionate than
any
other social class in India. Indias mistrust of globalization is well-founded: its own business
thinkers
are much more humane.
In fact, Chapter 5 is arguably the best in Mr. Mairas book, due in large part to the richly detailed
case examples he draws upon to make his points. In sum, his message is how to plan and use
leadership techniques such as scenario planning to improve organizational leadership. Chapter 5
introduces the complexities of Indian business and society; the rest of the book is devoted Mr.
Mairas solutions. Roughly speaking, and rephrasing as I understand the import of his message, his
analysis is this:
Each of us sees the world through a unique set of lenses ground by our personal experiences,
responsibilities, and interests. None of us, individual or group, sees reality in its entirety. This fact
is
reinforced in business structures which organize employees, tasks, and responsibilities into
pyramid
structures (hierarchies) in which everyone is so preoccupied with their niche arena they tend not
to
see the company as a whole. Only the top leaders pay much attention to whether the companys
products or services are customers really want.
Myopia except at the top leads to a selective rather than collective sense of vision. Hence
marketing
managers are psychologically attuned to increasing market share; they tend to focus their budgets
on
sales and promotion at the cost of developing new products. Accounting managers aim to
maximize
profits by minimizing superfluous expenditure, usually at the expense of product quality and
promotion. Production and design managers want to allocate their budget to product development
and manufacturing processes, ending up with market-forward products and great prices with
insufficient money left to notify the customers. Even communication styles can conflict. On page
75
he describes what might be called expertise stylesthe soft side goes in for images and examples
while
the hard side demands technical charts and statistics. Such blinkered vision is the result parochial,
imbalanced leadership. In poorly led companies it reaches into a companys top management; one
sign of it is management occupying itself more with organizational planning than with success
planning.
Shaping the Future addresses these and other managerial flaws. Particularly in chapters 8 through
10
Mr. Maira describes practical ways in which Indian organizations (and by no means that countrys
alone) can be transformed from 20th-century command-and-control enterprises into 21st-century
context enterprises that merge the enterprises resource base with its knowledge base via a series
of
leadership policies. Mr. Maira suggests that leadership awareness can transform all parts of a
company into management resources. Firms with a company-wide leadership-training approach
along the lines suggested by Mr. Maira would have less need for the micromanagement of
top-down
leadership which is so characteristic of the Chinese organization. Leadership culture becomes its
own distinct facet of the corporate culture. Leadership management in and of itself is as crucial as
product or human resources management. Creating cooperation should be a must for everyone in
the organization no matter what their job description.
Mr. Maira does not stint on examples to support his views. Chapters 3, 5, 7, and 9 are filled with
examples both from the real world and the worlds of metaphor and scenario. Chapter 7 might be
called The Metaphor Chapter because Mr. Maira draws on so many unorthodoxeven
startlingreal-world examples in which to plant his thesis. His drawing business leadership notions
out
of the diverse worlds of music is a classic in transcultural thinking. On pages 8081 he recommends
establishing positive working relationships with NGOs. (Non-Governmental Organizations are
often
charities or faith-based entities working for social change whose foreign, humanitarian, or
religious
overtones make them suspect in the eyes of politicians.) Mr. Maira rightly points out examples of
how NGOs provide global solutions to local problems that governments and businesses could well
learn.
Adept choices of examples keep his writing brisk and entertainingsomething one cannot often say
of
books about leadership management. This said, there are some improvements that might be made
in
his next book. A minor but distracting irritation is a too-copious and superfluous use of
exclamation
marksthey turn a message into a fist-pounder. (In all fairness, though, the renowned physicist
Richard Feynmann did this in his middlebrow popularizations of heavyweight theoretical physics,
and if he can get away with it ....) Chapter 6 is the weakest in the book, not for content but for
style
reasons; it reads as though written for a different setting and injected here. The chapters line of
discussion is platitudinous and the examples lusterless (tuning knobs on radios). Pages 11011
present information is so elemental a form it reads like prattle. Mr. Maira is so good at story-like
case examples his abstract philosophizing comes off as other-worldly. There is too narrow a focus
on the Boston Consulting Groupno other consultancy is mentioned in the Index or text. And the
Indexthis is the worst I have ever seen; you could do better riffling through the pages and hoping
for
the best. It appears to have been generated by the word-processor used to write the text and
leaves
out a sizable number of references that are not directly named in the text. For example, the four
scenario-planning image-models he suggests on pages 17075 are not indexed by either their own
names or as a thematic citation. To read the Index you wouldnt even know they existed, yet they
are
vital to his theme.
And what is that theme? To sum up in my own words what I perceive his message to be:
Most organizations are loathe to restructure completelythe painful errors made during the
Reengineering the Corporation era of the mid-1990s has made everyone twice shy. Yet many
senior
managers still chafe under the fact that their firms management structure fosters progress-stifling
behavior. If there is a solution to this, they want to know what it might be. Mr. Maira proposes
that
leadership training become a core element in the firms culture.
If an organization wishes to adopt a strategic alignment approach to achieve its management
objectives, the prospective leaders themselves must devise the environment within which the
alignments can best function. The emphasis is on the word themselves for true leadership comes
from within.
While hierarchical management retains responsibility for deciding which ventures are to be
undertaken, they must lead by to allocating specific projects to particular teams and defer to these
teams in the matter of how to reach the preset objectives; i.e., keep their spoon out of the
pot.
Leadership by coaching and mentoring rather than pyramid-structure authority leadership should
be
built into the firms organizational structure rather than relying on classroom-type instructional
models.
Last December at the 2001 India Economic Summit, Mr. Maira summarized his broader view of
this
message at the forum Human Capital: The New Competitive Advantage, stating, While India has
been able to produce high capability individual human capital, it has not been able to derive
advantage from this at the group or society level. [At this same conference, a Mr. Jagdeep S.
Chokar, Professor and Dean at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, came up with
the
marvelously Indian idea that Every individual, whether he works or owns an organization, has to
ask
himself whether he is functioning as an investor of human capital or a speculator of human capital.
If
an individual is ready to leave his job for a better offer elsewhere or if he is willing to sell his
company because he is being offered a good price, he is functioning as a speculator and should
not
expect anything different from those working with him or under him. No job-hopper he. Yet
consider the implications of the terms human capital investor and human capital speculator.
For those who may be interested in pursuing the broader perspective of Mr. Mairas ideas can go
to
the website
and download the Minutes Of The First Meeting Of The Council of Indian Industries Colloquy on
Multinational Companies which took place in New Delhi in August 2001. The entire PDF
download
is an informative read for those interested in the zeitgeist of the modern liberal Indian enterprise,
and
Mr. Mairas points, though too many to detail here, are certainly worth the read.
As is this book.
Silent Theft: The Private Plunder Of Our Common Wealth
David Bollier
Routledge
29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001
ISBN 0-415-93264-5, $26.00, 6 x 9 hardbound, 260 pages, 1-800-634-7064
Mr. Bollier's Silent Theft joins a stream of seriously conceived books questioning an economic
idea
first hymned by Ayn Rand, limned by Ronald Reagan, and skimmed by todays soft-money
Congress.
Mr. Bollier analyzes the viscosity of todays market economythe notion that free and open markets
should be the sole determinant of the value of anything, including ideas and finds it dangerously
sludged.
The notion of the free market has taken on airs once associated with religions. There is a founding
savior, Adam Smith, whose actual beliefs have been so selectively snipped by modern acolytesas
were the messages of Jesus and the Buddhathat the message has become a gross distortion. Smith
was highly fearful of free markets, for example. There is a papacy and curia in the form of Milton
Friedman and the Chicago School of Economics. There are cloistered sects in the form of think
tanks and consultancies. There is an Inquisition called op-ed pages. There are indulgence sellers
who
peddle holy water and exemptions from purgatorysuch beings are called legislators and they are
no
less cloggish than the corrupt friars who sent Luther to the door with his theses.
And finally, there are those who see through the hocus-pocus to the realities beneath, and point
out
that free market doctrine is a set of blinders called dollar signs. Barbara Eherenreich has given us
Nickeled and Dimed. From William McDonough and Michael Braungart we have Cradle to
Cradle.
Emma Rothschilds Economic Sentiments: Adam Smith, Condorcet, and the Enlightenment throws
up the mirror of what the founders of modern capitalism actually said versus what turns up
shrink-wrapped in magazine articles today.
All these writers have a common quality: case examples are preferred over airy pop-econ rant. His
fundamental thesis is that there is more than one kind of economic wealthand health. Market
economics happens to be the flavor of the day right now. There are mixed socialist/capitalist
economies that build wealth yet remain humane, as in Europe. Communism turned out to be such
a
bad idea it gave us a new bon mot: never trust people who get their learning in a museum
library.
Mr. Bollier describes two other economic theories: the Commons, and the Gift Economy. Both
have
strong roots in the worlds traditions. The commons is land held in common by the community, to
be
shared forever as the private domain of no one. This ideal was slowly replaced by the notion that
nothing has any value unless it can be bought and sold. From such simple philosophy some
egregious aberrations have bloomed. A Minnesota publisher managed to copyright the page
numbers
used in Americas uniform listing of law citations, in effect claiming the sole right to reproduce the
law. Public landmeaning land you and I have entrusted to the government to preserveis leased for
a
song to strip-mining companies and clear-cut loggers. A Texas company applied for a patent on a
variety of rice that has been grown in India for centuries. And California taxpayers will be paying
for
years to come for free market manipulations of Enron.
Mr. Bolliers is no mewling hanky-wringer. He liberally ladles the authority of example. His book
truly shines in the last 35 pages as he sets forth a coherent and consistent philosophy of
community
wealth vis-…-vis the free market system. He names and provides website URLs for numerous
organizations dedicated to fixing this or that leak in the protective dike of community rights.
Most of all, he sends a challenge to the economic attitude inarticulated by Ronald Reagan but all
too
articulated by acolytes thereafter, namely that the rich run things besta notion defined as
kakistocracy, government by the least principled. In lieu of the government-assisted plunder of
publicly funded medical breakthroughs, software innovation, the airwaves, the public domain of
creative works, and even the DNA of plants, animals and humans, Mr. Bollier reintroduces that
sense of purpose, domain, and drive that once defined the economic thinking of the middle class,
but
now defines those who still believe in the System but want to clean it of its sludge. Mr. Bollier
brings to mind the wonderful phrase by Charles Simic, Inside my empty bottle I was constructing
a
lighthouse while all the others were making ships.
Dana De Zoysa
Reviewer
Paul's Bookshelf
Human
Brian F. McNamee
VistaTron Publishing
c/o Vista Research Group LLC
P.O. Box 321, Ashland, OH 44805-0321
ISBN 1881760022, $13.95, 298 pages
For most people, the medical diagnosis of total internal organ failure, one at a time, would be a
death sentence. Not for Dr. Sean Colin, head of Geneserch, a biotech firm based near Cleveland.
While Colin is dying, his employees come up with a way to mix his DNA with that of a
chimpanzee
to create a half-human, half-animal walking organ repository for harvest. It's name is
Mookie.
The people at Geneserch think they are safe from the prying eyes of the public, until, tipped off by
a
disgruntled employee, the authorities put Mookie in protective custody and put Colin on trial for
cruelty to animals and felonious assault. The animal rights people have a field day. The defense
attorney, L.J. McClafferty and the prosecutor, Javer Houston, have met many times before in the
courtroom. Houston's loathing for McClafferty is such that a mere conviction for Colin isn't
enough;
Houston wants to flatten McClafferty like a steamroller.
Much trial time is spent trying to determine What is human? Where is the dividing line between
animal and human? The trial does not go well for Colin; every witness, even the "friendly" ones,
seem to hammer another nail in his coffin. By the time of the verdict, the only question for Colin is
the length of his prison sentence.
This book is just weird enough for X-Files fans. Those who enjoy courtroom novels will
especially
enjoy this one. The author, a doctor and lawyer, has done a fine job throughout. Maybe the story
gets a little too technical at times, but it is still a first-rate piece of writing.
World Hunger: Twelve Myths
Frances Moore Lappe, Joseph Collins, Peter Rosset
Grove Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
ISBN 0802135919, $13.00, softcover, 224 pages
Over the years, many myths have emerged about the subject of world hunger. People think that if
this or that should happen, hunger will disappear, and no longer will westerners have to look at
pictures of starving babies in Africa. This book explodes many of those myths.
Some people think that population (or overpopulation) is the problem. Others think that there
simply
isn't enough food available, or that nature, with her floods and droughts, is the culprit. Still others
think that the solution lies with free trade, or letting the market provide, or with the Green
Revolution, with its heavy emphasis on pesticides and other chemicals. Other possibilities are that
the poor are simply too hungry to revolt, or that the US should increase its stingy foreign aid
budget.
The authors place the blame elsewhere. All over the world, there has been a huge concentration of
land in fewer and fewer hands, forcing poor and middle-class peasants off the land (in the US,
witness the decline of the family farmer). Structural adjustment programs from places like the
World
Bank and International Monetary Fund (part of the requirements when asking for a loan) require a
country to reorient its agriculture toward items that are easily exportable rather than items that
can
feed their people. Another requirement is the removal internal tariffs and other barriers to the
import
of grain and other foodstuffs. It results in a flood of cheaper (usually American) agricultural
products reaching the market, driving local farmers out of business. The countries that one thinks
of
when hearing "famine" actually produce enough food to feed their people. The only problem is
that
much of it has to go overseas to help pay the foreign debt.
This book is excellent. It presents a potentially complex subject in a clear, easy to understand
manner. It contains a list of addresses to contact for more information, and is a great activism
reference.
Banshee Rising
Walter Ihlefield
Xlibris Corporation
436 Walnut Street, 11th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
ISBN 1401021328, 183 pages, $17.84, www.xlibris.com
Mitchell Parks is a police officer in present-day small-town Virginia. He is also a former Navy
SEAL, Codename Banshee. He learned the ways of the warrior from his grandfather, a Lakota
warrior, who raised him. He is also troubled by bad dreams of a SEAL mission in Vietnam that
went
very wrong.
One day, Mitchell finds the ghost of a teenage girl in his attic. Sara McCafferty lived in town
thirty
years ago, until her father, Ian McCafferty, abruptly packed up the family and left town, never to
be
heard from again. Ian was a very jealous sort who seemed to spend much of his time being a mean
drunk. Mitchell resolves to find her killer.
As Mitchell, Dana, his lover and fellow cop, and Owen Taggart, former SEAL dive buddy, begin
to
ask around town about the McCafferty's and start rattling cages, someone or something pushes
back, hard, almost killing Mitch twice. Some in town are not happy about old town happenings
being resurrected. The town is in something of a spiritual time warp, seemingly stuck in the early
1960s; the preferred mode of transportation around town is the Studebaker. The finger of
suspicion
points toward Clyde Meller, the police chief, and a drug deal thirty years ago that went bad.
This one is surprisingly good. The author gives the feeling of (for want of a better term) knowing
his
way around; not just mystery writing, but also familiarity with police procedures, and what it is
like
to be a Navy SEAL. The story is interesting, plausible and well done from start to finish. I hope
this
is not the last of Mitchell Parks.
Change Of Heart
Jack Allen
Burping Frog Publishing
c/o Xlibris Corp
436 Walnut Street, 11th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
ISBN 0738867306, 318 pages, $16.00 softcover, http://www.burpingfrog.com;
www.xlibris.com
Joshua McGowan works for US Naval Intelligence. He is pulled out of an assignment and sent to
eastern Russia to escort Valeria Konstantinova, a former KGB spy, to America. She is busted out
of
a Russian prison by the CIA; it's part of the price demanded by Colonel Mironov, a former KGB
officer and head of a secret faction of the Communist Party. Mironov is ready to give the location
of
Dr. Otto Jones, an American scientist who defected several years previously with the formula for
an
undetectable plastic explosive. Of course, Mironov has his own plans for Valeria.
Valeria also has her own plans. In northern Japan, she eludes Josh and calls her lover, the brother
of
one of the most powerful Russian mafia families, leaving Josh in the hands of the Japanese
police.
Josh takes a side trip to western Iraq, to help the Mossad destroy a shipment of the plastic
explosives sold to an Iraqi terrorist group. Back in Moscow, Valeria's lover gives the location of
Dr.
Jones. Josh plans on returning the doctor to America for trial, but Valeria kills him to keep him
from
hindering her own plans.
Mironov is ready to force the return of the Communist Party by taking Valeria, who Mironov has
used as a high-class prostitute, to the floor of the Russian Parliament. Showing Russian
democracy
as weak, he will then demand a vote on restoring the Communists to power. Josh is the only one
in
the way.
This is a real gem of a story. It's very well done, it keeps the reader involved from the beginning,
it's
very plausible and the characters are real people. I am looking forward to any sequels that might
come in the future.
Never Fade Away
William Hart
Fithian Press
c/o Daniel and Daniel Publishers Inc
P.O. Box 1525, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
ISBN 1564743861, $12.95, softcover, 202 pages, http://www.danielpublishing.com;
John Goddard is a remedial English teacher in the California State University system, and a
soon-to-be published fiction writer. He is also a Vietnam veteran still troubled by bad dreams of
his
time in the war.
University policy is that two failed remedial English courses equals automatic expulsion from the
university. The system, designed by Mary Hart Parcell, Dean of Arts and Sciences, whom
Goddard
loathes, seems intended for just that purpose. The assignments and exams are totally wrong for
people who are usually immigrants from another country, and whose English may be lacking.
Goddard is that rarity, a teacher who sincerely cares about his students, but without tenure, there
is
only so much that he can accomplish.
Tina Le is a student in Goddard's class. One of the post-war Vietnamese boat people, she is living
with a woman named Rayneece, the sort of person who goes through boyfriends the way most
people go through tissues. Tina writes a short story for an assignment about life back home in
Vietnam. For Goddard, trudging through a sea of pretty bad writing by the rest of the class, Tina's
story is a breath of fresh air. He fudges the grade on her final exam so that she can pass the
course;
the story is just too good to ignore. He gets disciplined by Dean Parcell, and after refusing to
change
Tina's final grade, is told not to come back next semester. He files an ultimately unsuccessful
grievance against the school. Meantime, the relationship between Goddard and Le blooms into
something more than the usual student-teacher relationship.
This is a gem of a first novel. Told in alternating diary excerpts, Hart easily switches back and
forth
from American English to "immigrant English." The author, an ESL (English as a Second
Language)
teacher in real life, has many things to say about the academic world, none of them very
complimentary. This one is well worth reading.
Terrorism and War
Howard Zinn
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
ISBN 1583224939, $9.95, 160 pages, http://www.sevenstories.com
This book, written in interview format, gives Zinn's perspective on the events of September 11
and
its aftermath. Zinn is the author of A People's History of the United States.
When announcing the bombing of Afghanistan, George Bush said that Americans are a peaceful
people. Tell that to the people of Iran, Guatemala, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic,
Nicaragua, Panama and Iraq. If America is serious about shutting down terrorist training camps, it
should start with the School of the Americas in Georgia. Any discussion of US foreign policy, let
alone criticism, is seen by some as supposedly justifying the attacks.
The Defense Department has spent a lot of time saying that they are being as humane as possible
in
their bombing, and that military, not civilian, targets are being bombed. From 30,000 feet, it is
impossible to see just what you are bombing; all that can be seen are flashes on the ground (Zinn
was a bombardier during World War II). During the Gulf War, over 70 percent of US bombs
missed
their targets. A number of reports have come out of Afghanistan of civilian casualties caused by
American bombs.
When interest in the war begins to fade, and Bush's 90 percent approval rating starts to drop,
people
will begin to see the failure of the capitalist system to solve basic problems. Put the extra $48
billion
for the Pentagon together with the $70 billion "economic stimulus package" and the $1.3 trillion
tax
cut in an economy that's struggling, and things like Medicare and aid to the poor will be cut
before,
for instance, corporate subsidies.
This book is excellent. It's short, very easy to read and presents a rarely-heard perspective in
terms
that anyone can understand. Those who are unsatisfied with the "official" view of the war would
do
very well to read this.
Paul Lappen
Reviewer
Harold's Bookshelf
Complications: A Surgeon's Notes On An Imperfect Science
Atul Gawande
Metropolitan Books
c/o Henry Holt and Company
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 0805063196, $24.00, Pages: 269
This book reveals surgeons as human beings who learn and practice surgery, with the emphasis on
the words human beings. Dr. Gawande exposes the myth of doctor perfection and replaces it with
a
compassionate look at the humanity of surgeons. Of course this comes at the price of a loss of
confidence in surgeons or at least a heightened sense of concern when someone you know goes
into
the hospital.
Do surgeons make mistakes? They learn and practice on people and as part of that process they
make mistakes. So should you use only experienced surgeons? What if they are not up to date on
a
newer and safer technique? They still have to learn and practice them. Where will our next
generation of experienced surgeons come from if no one would use the less experienced
ones?
These are tough questions that must be answered. It is easy to say that surgeons need to practice
on
people and should be encouraged to while under the supervision of a more experienced surgeon,
but
what if it is your child being operated on? Gawande even shares his experiences as he had to deal
with this situation.
A thought-provoking and revealing book it will educate and entertain. For people who want to
see
the human side of the surgeon's profession it is a recommended read.
Successful Managers Handbook: Develop Yourself, Coach Others
Susan H. Gebelein, Lisa A. Stevens, Carol J. Skube, David G. Lee, Brian L. Davis, Lowell W.
Hellervik
Personnel Decisions International
2000 Plaza VII Tower, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
ISBN: 093852920X, $59.95 Pages: 687, Copyright: 2000, Sixth Edition
With a thorough examination of the issues a business faces, this book is as close as it comes to
distilling a complete MBA degree into a single useful book.
The book breaks the critical areas of business into four basic areas: Thought Leadership, Results
Leadership, People Leadership, and Self Leadership. In addition it breaks down those four areas
into
nine core factors that determine business success. These core factors include Strategy, Judgment,
Business Knowledge, Planning and Execution, Motivation and Courage, Leadership,
Interpersonal,
Communication, and Self-Management.
The organization of the information was logical and useful. Some of the subjects covered include
Strategic Advantage, Customer Loyalty, Sound Judgment, Thinking Strategically, Applying
Expertise, Managing Technology, Planning, Managing Change, Influence, Coaching and
Developing
Others, Building Relationships, Managing Conflict and many, many others.
This is by far the most thorough and useful single reference book on managing that I have ever
come
across. For ease of use it can't be beat with each section having it's own introduction and a list of
the
most valuable tips in that section. Then to make it even more useful, at the end of the book is a
listing of resources by chapter. These resources include available books and seminars that relate
directly to the items in that chapter.
If you are involved in business management pick up a copy of this book and keep it close at hand
you will find yourself referring to it often.
Primal Leadership: Realizing The Power Of Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee
Harvard Business School Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
ISBN: 157851486X, $26.95, Pages: 290
Daniel Goleman has written two previous books on Emotional Intelligence and why it is more
important than IQ over a person's lifetime. This book takes those concepts of Emotional
Intelligence
(EI) and applies them to successful leadership roles. In doing so it moves leadership from an art
form to science.
While it is not difficult to follow this book even if you are not familiar with his prior works,
familiarity with the concepts would make the reading flow much smoother. For this text he is
joined
by EI experts and co-authors Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee as they unravel the use of EI in
the workplace.
The bottom line of Primal Leadership is that one of the most important tasks of a leader is to
create
good feelings in the people they lead. They do this by maintaining those same positive feelings in
themselves. In addition they have to create change, sustain change, and build an EI competent
organization.
The book introduces the concept of "resonant leadership". This is the tendency of employees to
perceive the business environment in the same manner that their leaders do. The moods, opinions,
and actions of the leaders resonate to their employees and create the same feelings in them.
The top leaders develop four leadership styles and have the ability to easily change between them
as
needed. The book not only defines primal leadership but details how to develop and use these
leadership qualities to make your business excel when others flounder. A great read with a
thought-provoking analysis, this book is required reading for those seeking to excel as leaders in
their organization.
The Do It Yourself Lobotomy: Opening Your Mind To Greater Creative Thinking
Tom Monahan
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
605 Third Avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY 10158-0012
ISBN: 0471417424, $29.95, Pages: 262, 1-800-225-5945
The author, Tom Monahan, was the cofounder and former creative director of Leonard/Monahan
and is now President and Head Creativity Coach of Before and After, Inc. With a client list that
includes names like AT&T, ABC Sports, The Wall Street Journal, McDonalds, Sears and others
you
know that he has a proven track record.
In this book he takes the reader through a series of techniques to break through the rust of
thinking
the way you always have in the past and open new directions in creative thinking. Whether
looking
for a truly different solution to a problem, a unique way to open a new market, or anything else
that
requires a new approach this book will teach you to break loose from old patterns and embrace
new
ideas that you never knew existed.
A truly enlightening piece of work, you will not be disappointed. Access your creative self and see
how it changes your world or at least your perception of it.
The Phoenix Effect: 9 Revitalizing Strategies No Business Can Do Without
Carter Pate and Harlan Platt
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
ISBN: 0471062626, $27.95, Pages: 237 plus index
Carter Pate, a PricewaterhouseCoopers turnaround expert, and writer Harlan Platt provide clear
and
effective advice to any business needing revitalization or wanting to stay ahead of the competition.
The book describes techniques to guide business owners in completely evaluating their entire
company and then shows the path they need to follow to put their business back on track.
The nine strategies include getting to the point of a problem, examining the scope of your
business,
determining your correct orientation, dealing with scale, handling debt, dealing with working
capital,
handling employees, product marketing, product production and process analysis. Not just
theoretical in nature, the authors detail the process in a very easy to understand and implement
manner. The examples are detailed and to the point allowing anyone to follow the process.
Whether trying to turn around a business in trouble, keep a current one ahead of the competition
or
determine a business strategy for a startup, the book provides top quality guidance.
Messy Spirituality: God's Annoying Love For Imperfect People
Michael Yaconelli
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310235332, $14.99, Pages: 141, www.zondvervan.com
Sometimes it is difficult to write an appropriate review for a book, such is the case here. It would
be
impossible in a brief review to convey the depth of understanding and clear vision of God and
spirituality that this book conveys. If you are a Christian and in your Mary Poppins world think
yourself to be practically perfect in every way, then this is not the book for you. For everyone
else,
including those who need to deal with perfect Christians, this is one of the best books that I have
ever read on the subject of Christianity and spirituality. The focus of the text is to challenge one of
the most insidious practices of the church, the expectation of perfection among its members,
rituals
and procedures. Through personal examples Michael Yaconelli illustrates the true grace of God
and
how it should show through in all the ways we interact with others. If you have been taught to
berate yourself because you are less than a perfect Christian, this book is a breath of fresh air that
truly frees you from those chains of what you "should" be. I have read many books on
Christianity,
theology, Bible Studies, etc. and many of them have been excellent, but if there were one book
that I
would recommend above all others this is the one that should be in every Christian's hands.
Everything You Know About Love And Sex Is Wrong
Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.
G. P. Putnam's Sons
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0399146555, $23.95, Pages: 277
It seems that from the time we are very young we start to develop ideas of what love, marriage
and
relationships should be like. Generally, it is not that we actually see those relationships but
through
the influence of media, family and friends we are taught that the ideal relationship contains certain
particular traits and anything less is not good enough.
Schwartz looks at twenty-five myths about relationships and how they keep you from achieving a
happy and contented relationship. Some of the myths she challenges are holy grails of what
relationships "should" be. For example, that your lover or mate should also be your best
friend.
I don't agree with everything she says but she has compelling arguments for her positions and
encourages us to challenge our preconceptions to see if they fit for us.
Not a deep book filled with psychological studies and analysis by any means, it is filled with
practical
advice and new ways to look at relationships. A recommended read for anyone with a history of
relationship problems, entering into a new relationship or just questioning the values that they
grew
up with.
Healing Conversations: What To Say When You Don't Know What To Say
Nance Guilmartin
Jossey-Bass
989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
ISBN: 0787960195, $18.95, Pages: 313 plus index
A wonderful and healing book in itself, Nance Guilmartin's Healing Conversations gently guides
the
reader to the appropriate and caring thing to say when you don't know what to say. One of the
most
important things that it teaches is knowing when to keep your mouth shut and just listen.
Sometimes
just listening is the most critical part of a healing conversation. Sometimes we struggle so hard to
find the right thing to say that we don't listen to what they are saying. Often if we had just listened
to
what they were saying we would have known the appropriate thing to say.
Excellent advice that anyone can use, it is divided into sections entitled "When you need a friend",
"Health matters", "Healing conversations at work", "Transitions" and "Lost loves". While these
are
fairly broad categories, they are subdivided into detailed sections that cover just about every
situation you might come across. From putting a pet to sleep to helping children understand
illness
to being fired or retiring the book is complete and reveals a dept of understanding and empathy
not
easily found in such books. A highly recommended read.
The Truth About Addiction And Recovery
Stanton Peele, PhD and Archie Brodsky
Fireside Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN: 0671755307, $14.00, Pages: 417 plus index
Flying in the face of conventional thought, "The Truth about Addiction and Recovery"
encourages
the reader to challenge the contention that addiction is a disease. The authors' contention is that
addiction is a coping mechanism that people develop to deal with life's stressful situations. Instead
of
doing the 12-step program the solution is to develop alternative coping skills.
Addiction is a symptom and not the disease.
Peale argues that treatment for addiction should be based on learning skills that allow the addicted
person to cope better, communicate easier and relate to others better.
One of the more interesting points of the book is the analysis of people who try to kick an
addiction
without going through a 12-step type program. Statistically, untreated people have the same or
better success rate as those in treatment. The author make a very strong case and argues it well.
This
should be required reading for anyone dealing with an addiction or who knows someone dealing
with an addiction whether it is drugs, sex, food, shopping or whatever other addictive behavior
they
may have.
Who Owns History? Rethinking The Past In A Changing World
Eric Foner
Hill and Wang
c/o Farrar, Straus and Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003
ISBN: 0809097044, $24.00, Pages: 219 plus index
What constitutes history and how it should be told has become an increasingly significant question
over the years. How events are portrayed in history texts often is more the result of the social
climate at the time or the purpose of the writer than actual fact.
Part of the problem with history is that as new facts are discovered and new perspectives
proposed
history is rewritten. Different groups offer a different perspective to the traditional perspective.
So,
we now have black history, women's history, etc. However, these same historians must deal with
a
fickle public whose primary interest in history has traditionally been that it be told with a
particular
purpose in mind. When the Constitution states that everyone has a right to life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness we are taught that it means literally everyone. However, history has at times
excluded American Indians, Black Americans and others. Particular areas of the United States
have
excluded the Irish, the Catholic, the Polish, the Japanese or any number of other groups.
This book contains nine essays by Eric Foner, a professor of history at Columbia University, that
were prepared for various conferences and book introductions. In these essays Foner examines
how
the historian interacts with the history and their surroundings and how that interaction determines
their perspective on history. It includes essay on Mr. Foner's personal life as a historian and the
things that influence his perspective. Others include essays on modern Russia and post-apartheid
South Africa and how they are rethinking their past in view of the current changes. Probably the
most interesting essays are in Mr. Foner's area of specialization slavery, the Civil War and
post-Reconstruction America.
An especially interesting read for those who are not familiar with the controversies of traditional
history, it is a good read, logically argued and recommended for early college level students or
higher. For most of the essays the writing is slightly above the level of the average high school
student.
Windows 2000 Network Services
Debra Littlejohn Shinder, Thomas W. Shinder, Tony Hinkle
Syngress Media, Inc.
800 Hingham Street, Rockland, MA 02370
ISBN: 1928994067, $49.95, Pages: 634 plus index, www.amazon.com
While I have read and reviewed many books on Windows 2000, this is the first one that I have
read
from this particular publisher. It is one of the best books and compares to the likes of Mark
Minasi's
works. As the title indicates, this book concentrates strictly on the networking services of
Windows
2000. It covers all the typical items of DHCP, DNS, WINS, etc. in a very organized and detailed
manner allowing you to quickly setup the services and get it right the first time. It does an
excellent
job of explaining how the services work with each other and the problems an administrator might
encounter.
Although not designed as a test preparation book, the book could be used for that purpose. In my
opinion it is much better than a test preparation book that tells you what answers to put where on
an
exam, it is a real-life problem solving book with the answers to the questions that you will have in
reality instead of on an exam.
There is one more thing that is unique about the book and publisher. When you purchase a
Syngress
title you are given a unique warranty against content obsolescence as the result of vendor
upgrades.
If there is a vendor upgrade and you need to get the new information or changes to the
information
then you can download chapter updates directly from the Syngress web site. In addition you can
sign
up for monthly mailings of customer questions and the detailed explanations. Finally, you get a
free
membership to Access.GlobalKnowledge an information source for IT professionals.
What a deal! An excellent book, a warranty against becoming outdated three months after you
read
it and access to an informative and helpful web site. This is a book that should be on every
administrator's bookshelf and the extras just make it an even greater value.
If Men Could Talk: Translating The Secret Language Of Men
Alon Gratch, PhD
Little, Brown & Company
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN: 0316178683, $13.95, Pages: 301
Gratch is a clinical psychologist who has spent many years working predominantly with men. One
of
the most common complaints from women about men is that they don't talk. This book is the
result
of years of getting men to talk and finding out what they would say, if they would talk openly.
Covering several areas from shame to sexual acting out, this is not a book about quick fixes but a
detailed analysis of the psyche of men and what goes on under the surface.
Gratch breaks his analysis down to seven key attributes that you must understand in order to
understand men. First are the defensive attributes of Shame and Emotional Absence. He explains
how these affect a man's thoughts and actions as well as what can be done about it. Then he
discusses the four things that affect a man when he finally does open up. These are Masculine
Insecurity, Self-Involvement, Aggression, and Self-Destructiveness. And finally he discusses the
practice of Sexual Acting-Out.
An interesting and provocative book, some readers (mostly men) will have a problem with the
analysis and some will find it enlightening. Reasonably argued and filled with interesting insights,
it is
a reasonable analysis of how many men really operate deep inside.
Harold McFarland
Reviewer
Roger's Bookshelf
Rewiring Organizations For The Networked Economy
Stan Herman, Editor
Jossey-Bass
350 Sansome Street, 5th floor, San Francisco, CA 94104-1342
ISBN 0-7879-6065-9, $32.00, 200 pages. Trade Paperback, 1-800-225-5945
Rewiring Organizations For The Networked Economy: Organizing, Managing, And Leading In
The
Information Age is written for organizational development professionals. Those not educated and
engaged in the field will find the text slow reading, but loaded with information and insight. OD
types will enjoy this volume, as will thought leaders in the human resource profession. It will also
be
well-received by futurists and strategists interested in gaining knowledge about life in the
Information Age environment. Information Technology professionals will also find the book of
interest . . . and validating.
I have given this book a Five Star rating because, for the intended market, that's certainly the
ranking it deserves. For the general public, including business executives, the book will be slow
reading, but with frequent gems to highlight or write down.
The book is organized into five sections: Setting the Stage, The New Strategic Basics,
Collaborative
Challenges, HR, OD, and Information Technology, and Conclusions and Implications. The first
section is written by the editor, Stan Herman (no relation to the reviewer), who presents
Uncertainty
is Unavoidable, Technology, and Commerce are the Key Drivers of Organizational Change, and
Three Imperatives of Change Derived from Information Technology.
Part Two contains three chapters, each written by a different contributor: Strategic Navigation:
Learning Viability in a World Wired for Speed, Strategic Conversations in the Networked
Economy,
and Inside the AOL Experience. Part Three also includes three chapters each written by a
different
author: Virtual Teamwork, Ready for Virtuality: A Case, and The Whole System Transformation
Conference: Fast Change for the 21st Century.
In Part 4, the first chapter presents Basic Info-Tech for Consultants. The second chapter, HR and
IR: Metamorphosis and Opportunities delves into some practical aspects of dealing with the issues
of telecommuting, e-learning, knowledge management, e-cruiting (internet-based recruiting), and
approaches to HR/IT integration. These topics will be "hot" in the near future as both HR and IT
cope with the problem of how to not just get along, but be happily intertwined. I was glad to see
this
chapter included, lending a bit of a pragmatic strength to the book. While there isn't a lot of
how-to
in this representative chapter that caught my attention, there's enough for HR, IT, and OD
professionals to advance their work. A case study contributes to the "this is real world" aspect,
but
this book is oriented toward raising issues to be explored in organizations, rather than to offer
step-by-step solutions. The chapter includes references to web sites and other resources to help
readers go deeper. Chapter author Jana Markowitz offers insights into emerging roles in
organizations-Chief Learning Officer, Chief Knowledge Officer-as she explores some of the
changes
underway in today's corporations.
Organizational life is moving at a rapid rate. Technology is indeed a powerful driver, so those
leaders concerned with the human side of the enterprise should read this book to gain a deeper
understanding of what's happening . . . and what they might do to help their organizations through
the evolution to a new way of operating. They'll discover some pioneering ideas, some practical
guidance, and a look at some of the theory behind some major shifts in our corporate world.
The New New Economy
Tim McEachern and Chris O'Brien
AMACOM
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
ISBN 0-8144-7143-9, $17.95, 223 pages, Trade Paperback, 1-800-250-5308
I experienced several surprises while reading this book. The first-a biggie-was that AMACOM, a
revered and respected publisher of business books, would stoop to this level. Publication of this
book may have begun as a joke, then accidentally slipped through the system.
My second surprise was that I read as far into the book as I did. I kept reading, hoping that each
page turn would produce something of lasting value. I was almost consistently disappointed. I
made
it more than halfway through the book, then just gave up.
OK, the book is a satire. A satire of the good business books published by outfits like AMACOM.
Agreed, some of the business books today do make readers shake their heads, wondering where
the
authors had theirs? The book is categorized as "humor/business," an interesting classification that
I
have not seen in bookstores. An oxymoron, to be sure.
The flow of the book is jerky and disconnected, like a bad comedian's attempt at a monologue.
While there are some funny things in the book, I shook my head a lot more than I laughed. If
written
as a satire, this book could have been more effectively done.
The authors do begin with a disclaimer: "This book is satire, pure and simple. It is written in a
superior, all-knowing tone, the persona of which the authors take on to further the satire and poke
gentle fun at ourselves. The authors don't really think they know everything, or even much of
anything, and they are both very nice guys. Everything in this book is a joke and should be taken
as
such."
I accept their disclaimer, but still feel like I endured far too much verbal slapstick. But, this is me.
And you may have time for this kind of a read. I'm surprised I took as much time as I did, but
reviewers should make that investment to be fair. I'm surprised I'm writing such a long review, but
I
feel you should be warned. You may agree that there are better places to spend $17.95. I would
never have expected this attempt at humor from AMACOM. All that said, if you assume that
AMACOM does monitor its quality and reputation, buy the book. But don't say I didn't warn you!
Save this reading for your vacation.
Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leapand Others Don't
Jim Collins
HarperBusiness
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
ISBN 0-06-662099-6, $27.50, 300 pages, hardcover, 1-800-242-7737
If you want to lead your company to greatness, read this book. If not, don't bother; you won't
understand or appreciate it. The book is best read slowly, carefully, and analyticallywith
highlighter
or notepad close at hand. You will find each chapter through-provoking, inspirational, and
stimulating. Savvy readers will be motivated to initiate specific actions before even completing the
book.
Good To Great is actually, in the author's mind, a prequel to his best-selling "Built to Last." It's a
research-based report of what it takes to move from being a good company to a great company.
His
focus is on organizations that have sustained great results for at least 15 years. The selection
criteria,
explained in the book, were tough. The book examines companies that moved from mediocrity to
extraordinary performance, exploring how they did it and what common lessons might be
learned.
Is this usable information for your company? Collins asserts "Our five-year quest yielded many
insights, a number of them surprising and quite contrary to conventional wisdom, but one giant
conclusion stands out above the others: We believe that almost any organization can substantially
improve its stature and performance, perhaps even become great, if it conscientiously applies the
framework of ideas we've uncovered."
The chapters are organized according to what Collins and his researchers learned makes
companies
great: Good is the Enemy of Great, Level 5 Leadership, First Who, then What, Confront the
Brutal
Facts, Hedgehog Concept, Culture of Discipline, and Technology Accelerators. The book moves
then to explain the flywheel and doom loop concepts that enable the other factors to either enable
the company build momentum to high achievement or wind down to a whimper and drop off the
radar screen. Closing the book, Collins relates this work to his previous work reported in "Built to
Last." The Frequently Asked Questions epilogue helps tighten the readers' focus, as do the
summaries at the end of each chapter. There are several research appendices for those who wish
to
look behind the curtain.
This is a powerful book with a wealth of messages about how the eleven Great Companies did it.
Example follows example, with painfully simple methodology. Amazingly, most executives and
managers get in their own way, making it impossible for them to make the leap from good to
great.
The companies Collins used to compare against his chosen few suffered from that dilemma, and
Collins names names to tell the story of exactly what happened-or didn't happen. Expect to be a
bit
embarrassed by what you have done or not done, but at the same time educated about what you
need to do now.
You may not agree with everything you read in "Good to Great," but you'll think. And you'll act.
And that makes a book powerful. This is a book you'll recommend to others.
Roger E. Herman, reviewer
http://www.hermangroup.com
Shannon's Bookshelf
Bright Evening Star, Mystery Of The Incarnation
Madeleine L'Engle
Shaw Books/Waterbrook Press
2375 Telstar Drive, Suite 160, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
ISBN: 0877880794, $13.99, 1-800-603-7051, www.waterbrookpress.com
For over 2000 years, theologians and scholars have sought to answer humanities many questions
about God, Christ and, perhaps most importantly, Jesus' rise from death.
In Bright Evening Star, Mystery Of The Incarnation, Madeleine L'Engle chooses not to try to
answer our questions, but pleads with us to enjoy the glory of the holy mysteries. "When we try to
explain it, we lose it," L'Engle offers. "When we try to explain the stories which have grown up
around God's love, we lose the love in the midst of the explanations, because love defies
explanation."
As a loyal fan of Madeleine L'Engle's books for many years, I've grown to love her warm
conversational style, her artful story-telling, but mostly I love the permission she gives us to just
enjoy what God has given us, without demanding explanations and answers.
Instead of presenting us with a scholarly, this-is-how-it-is type of book, Bright Evening Star reads
more like a diary of the author's observations. Sometimes they are profoundly moving, at other
times
warmly comforting, but the essays included are always thoughtful and thought-provoking. Giving
the reader a glimpse into her life and the lessons each day presents to her, we are invited to use
our
own imaginations and to trust our own reflections about God and faith.
L'Engle, in many of her other books, scoffs at being called a "Christian" writer. While definitely a
writer who happens to have a personal relationship with God, her books should not be
compartmentalized into being read only by Christians. Life's mysteries in general are freed from
their
human-made boundaries by L'Engle's frank prose and lyrical poetry. Each of us will recognize
something of ourselves Bright Evening Star.
Making Crime Pay: The Writer's Guide To Criminal Law, Evidence, And Procedure
Andrea Campbell
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
ISBN: 1-58115-216-7, $19.95, April 2002, paperback, 296 pp., 212-777-8395,
www.allworth.com
Criminals and their crimes have long been used in modern fiction to add excitement and realism.
Getting the facts surrounding these crimes, though, can be deadly to a writer. Making Crime Pay,
written by Andrea Campbell, provides writers with a comprehensive, thorough, and quite detailed
reference regarding crimes and their perpetrators.
The book is divided into three parts, after the opening preface, The Drama of Crime. Ms.
Campbell,
a specialist in Forensic Science, member of the International Association of Identification, and
diplomate fellow with the American College of Forensic Examiners, suggests that "The smart
writer
prepares for the journey ahead of time." Although, admittedly, procedures and strategies of the
criminal court system vary from state to state, Making Crime Pay offers the writer enough
information that the writer can "manipulate [the rules] with confidence."
Part I, Criminal Law Explained, is divided into six chapters, including The Evolution of Law,
Crimes
Defined, Crimes Against the Person, and Defenses, Justification, and Excuse. Within this Section
and all others are sidebars entitled FYI, Writer Jump-Start, Writer's Tip. Instead of Making Crime
Pay being a book for lawyers, which writers would then be forced to struggle to interpret, these
sidebars make this book invaluable to writers specifically, with the author's knowledge of what
information within this subject would make a writer's job simpler.
Part II, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, includes four chapters, including Search, Seizure and
Arrest, Rights of the Accused, and Men in Blue. Procedures for arrest and proper procedures,
including such details and photographs of search warrants, lend details to the writer which may
not
be readily available to them elsewhere. Real-life examples of cases, crimes and arrests are given,
as
well as details regarding the actual trying of crimes in a court of law.
Part III, A Walk Through the Criminal Justice System, offers up four chapters, with such titles as
Arrest, Charges and Booking, Juvenile Justice, and Anatomy of a Trial. Topics include pleas, bail,
the history of juvenile justice, and the job of lawyers, both in defense and prosecution of
criminals.
While, of course, one book cannot possibly present every single scenario a writer may wish to use
within their fiction, Ms. Campbell has done an incredible job getting us started. The book's
appendix
includes short sections on what happens after the trial, where writers can obtain further research,
and the rights the prisoners do not have.
Making Crime Pay is not a book to be read once and put away on a shelf. It is a book to be kept
at
hand, to refer to over and over again, as a writer needs information to add authenticity to his or
her
books. Ms. Campbell has, indeed, done a great service to writers everywhere in putting together
this
wide-ranging interpretation of our legal system. I recommend you purchase this book and let your
imagination be tantalized by all the new ideas that will grow from within the pages of Making
Crime
Pay.
Shannon McKelden Cave
Reviewer
Hodgins' Bookshelf
Relentless Pursuit
Alexander Kent (Bolitho-series pen name used by Douglas Reeman)
Bolitho Maritime Productions Ltd./William Heinemann/Random House, London
ISBN 0434008842; price Can.$37.95; 323 pp.
McBooks Press
ISBN 1590130006; price $24.95, 320 pages
Under his own name, a dust-jacket blurb tells us, Douglas Reeman has written "over thirty"
novels
and two nonfiction books. As "Alexander Kent" he also has written 24 naval historical novels in
the
Bolitho series, most of them centring on Richard Bolitho, introduced to readers in 1975 in the
initial
short (under 160 pages) novel, "Richard Bolitho -Midshipman", set in 1772.
Time has flown by, and not only is Reeman/Kent - let us now refer to him only as Kent - now 27
years older, but also his story line has advanced to late 1815 as "Relentless Pursuit" begins, 43 or
44
years after nominal starting date of the series. (In 1815 there were no oceangoing steamships, but
the `Charlotte Dundas' had pioneered commercial canal steamer service in 1802. She'd acted as a
tug, towing two lighters.)
Both time lapses affect the writing of this sort of fiction. For an author to grow 27 years older is
to
exhaust a certain amount of one's life force and many original ideas; I can so attest from personal
experience over, as it happens, precisely the same period. Also to have consumed 44 years of
fictive
calendar time is, in the case of the 1772-1815/6 period, to advance from the era before the
American
and French Revolutions, beyond the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars, and into the long
quasi-peace of the mid-19th century as well as the beginnings of the Age of Steam with all its
eventual implications for sail.
The lapse of 43-44 years was yet more significant for Kent's original protagonist Richard Bolitho,
for he has in the meantime aged and worn out, then died at sea in the course of a previous volume
in
this series. Yet the Bolitho novels are carried on, now in the person of Captain Adam Bolitho who
represents the next generation.
When I last followed them, these books struck me as excessively sombre, even dismal in mood,
and
rather frequently as faulty in sentence structure. Specifically, one often encounters statements
devoid
of verbs or, secondarily, statements starting with non-conjoining conjunctions. For instance, in
telling of a ship that might never move off her stocks owing to an outbreak of peace, Kent writes
in
part on page 7, "The same fine lines, the pride of any craftsman. But abandoned. Unfinished.
Dead."
That makes four non-sentences in a row!
Am I merely quoting an isolated four-statement aberration, though? Well, the preceding
paragraph
had ended, "A thoroughbred. Like the carved inscription beneath her figurehead. `Second to
None'."
Plenty of other examples exist, as well.
More tolerant readers, perhaps not having read as many of Kent's books as I have, may argue that
these are "mere questions of style". The same defence may be used for the version of third-person
point-of-view favoured by Kent - a version in which the focus shifts restlessly from (say) captain
to
lieutenant to admiral to coxswain, etc., every few pages. The defence may also apply to a given
Bolitho book's many allusions in its early pages to events presumably covered in earlier volumes,
allusions which don't actually enlighten us about the background situation.
At least one person, Kent himself, obviously likes his style, and there may be others, too - perhaps
MANY others. Alas, the present reviewer is not among their number.
You retort, "Try writing naval historical novels yourself"? I have in fact done so, but my works
are
beside the point; only a "Kent" work is now under review, and we must focus on it.
That other styles are applicable to such works has however been amply demonstrated by such
other
authors as Captain Frederick Marryat, C. S. Forester, William Golding, Richard Woodman, and,
most eminently of all, Patrick O'Brian. Of this lot only Marryat, whose life bridged the 18th and
19th
centuries - he alone actually "was there" - wrote no serial novels, but I think none of those authors
could have written such frequently opaque introductory chapters as Kent has managed here.
Certainly, Kent is a spinner of strong seagoing yarns. If only one could begin by reading the first
book of the series, and methodically follow through the entire sequence in its proper order, there
would be far less trouble in getting started in each new volume! Without having done that in the
past
decade or so, I am now experiencing an out-of-sequence reading almost as if I were a newcomer
to
the Bolitho series - and I must say, it ain't easy; e.g., on page 47 around the middle of Chapter 3,
I've
run into inexplicable information regarding a lock of some unknown (to me) girl's hair. That
"Huh?"
feeling returns whenever Kent does these things.
It's an interesting problem in nicety of writing, to outline a story's established thread whilst
beginning
a new volume of serial works. Ideally, the author will gracefully "hook" and retain both old and
new
readers, by avoiding boredom of the former group through obvious or flat repetition, and by
giving
the latter group just enough introductory information to avoid their subsequent puzzlement or
"lost"
feelings.
A good example of how this problem may be resolved was written within half a dozen pages by
Patrick O'Brian at the outset of Chapter 1 of his "H.M.S. Surprise". From that instance, some
prime
author guidelines may be suggested: 1) concentrate on information essential to the future story,
abandoning comparatively irrelevant details from the past; 2) get the repetitious summary phase
quickly over with; and 3) disguise its repetitions by having something new and interesting happen
while the past is being summarized. The cited O'Brian example describes an Admiralty meeting at
which participants bicker and show personal foibles, even while the background situation is being
unfolded for those not in the know.
As Kent isn't very forthcoming about his present central personality, Captain Adam Bolitho, here
are
my recollections from readings of bygone years.
Adam was a natural son of the "late" Richard Bolitho's rakish elder brother Hugh, and of Kerenza
Pascoe, a young woman of Penzance, Cornwall; she is mentioned (and perhaps first given a
forename) in the present book's page 21.
Owing to a crushing gambling debt or something of that nature, Hugh had run off to America,
perhaps unaware that he left an unmarried, pregnant woman behind him. Thus little Adam was
born
with his mother's surname of Pascoe.
Then the American colonies revolted and Hugh Bolitho threw in his lot with them, soon finding
himself on the side opposite his brother, Richard. I don't recall the details, but I think the
disgraced
Hugh met a reasonably honourable death in the war.
Kerenza meantime had sickened and was dying when she sent off her little boy, Adam Pascoe,
with
instructions to seek out his uncle Richard Bolitho in Falmouth, Cornwall, which lies perhaps 20
miles east of Penzance as the crow flies.
Richard, a just and kindly soul, adopted the lad and gave him the Bolitho surname, although in
this
book they are known as uncle and nephew, not father and son. (If, by the way, you notice many
names ending in -o or -oe, they may be characteristic of Cornwall, although better known are
Cornish names beginning in Pol- [e.g. Polowin], Pen- [Pendragon, perhaps Pender], and Tre-
[Tregorren, Tregurtha].)
That background, some elements of which are confirmed in Adam's coxswain's ramblings on page
22
of this book, should help explain much of the puzzling angst felt by Captain Adam B. when he is
ordered to sail from Plymouth, Devon, to Penzance, Cornwall, the westernmost port in England,
there to receive final orders and recruit additional hands to make up the ship's complement.
Penzance was, after all, Adam's birthplace and the burial place of his beloved mother.
His ship, the HMS `Unrivalled', was a very modern and powerful frigate for her day, although still
of
wooden construction, rigged with squaresails on all three tall masts, and armed with
muzzle-loading
cannon firing roundshot. Such vessels were designated in part according to the number of
conventional cannon they carried - 46 in this case, with other armaments (such as powerful but
short-range carronades) being additional; whereas, at the beginning of Richard Bolitho's naval
career, a 26-gun frigate would likely have seemed large. In fact an "arms race" was in progress,
even
back then.
Moreover, the "46"'s great guns fired 18-pound shot, as against the earlier "26"'s 12-pounders;
thus
the nominal "weight of metal" that could be fired in one broadside salvo of the more modern
frigate
was 414 pounds against the old frigate's 156, so that the "46" had in effect about 2 2/3 times as
heavy a "punch" as had the "26".
Yet there appears to have been a related error in this book's writing and editing, for near the foot
of
page 48 is the statement, "She [`Unrivalled'] carried a total of thirty eighteen-pounders, her main
armament, divided along either beam." Thirty does NOT equal forty-six, and, 46 being quoted
more
commonly, my guess is that the 30 is erroneous.
There may however have been an error of a different sort, for on page 80 a different frigate is
mentioned: "She was in fact His Britannic Majesty's frigate `Kestrel' of thirty-eight guns ...", and a
page or so later we are further informed, "... `Kestrel' had been prepared for her new role. A third
of
her heavier armament had been removed ..." The problem then is, though, that the remaining 2/3
of
her cannon would then come to a nearest whole number of 25, not 30, so that `Kestrel' offers no
adequate answer to how the 30 originated. Something simply is wacky, then.
The great Napoleonic wars being at last over, there remained policing and peacekeeping duties
not
entirely dissimilar to those that have fallen to United Nations and NATO forces since the Cold
War's
end in our own era. In Chapter 1 of this book, there are unclear references to such an action
recently
fought by Adam's `Unrivalled' against another frigate, the `Triton'. Now Adam's vessel is sent
forth
on a new project of a comparable nature. It emerges that the new assignment is to investigate and
possibly fight slavery, first on the Sierra Leone coast.
This may already be the lengthiest book review I've ever written, given the work's perceived
shortcomings which tend to demand exploration. At this point it is probably better to cry
"Enough!"
and even apologize for my seeming overkill, although more could certainly be written.
Tallying The Tales Of The Old-Timers
Joan Finnigan
General Store Publishing House
1 Main Street Burnstown, ON, Canada K0J 1G0
ISBN 1-896182-95-X; price Can.$29.95; xvi + 270 pp.
Note: of about double "pocket" page-format) incl. 2 maps, scores of often antique photos, several
etchings, etc.
Joan Finnigan, this book's compiler/editor (and occasional author, e.g., of the slightly immodest
Introduction), is an indefatigable specialist in the history, traditions, and lore of the Ottawa River
Valley, essentialluy as defined by its watershed (or drainage) area.
"The Valley" may also be roughly described as a broad political boundary zone divided between
the
Canadian Provinces of Ontario to the south, and of Que'bec* to the north. It is also divided
east-west at the National Capital, Ottawa, between the Upper Ottawa Valley lying upstream and
to
the west, and the Lower Ottawa lying downstream and to the east.
Among the numerous books in Finnigan's series, this one seems based, or specialized, in the
Upper/Ontario quadrant of the total area.
Ottawa is an Ontario city, but it looks directly across the river to a Que'bec counterpart until
recently generally known as Hull, but now renamed "Gatineau". The political situation suggests
that
these two cities may never be officially united, but the joint metropolitan population may
nonetheless
be set, early in the new millennium, at roughly 1 million persons.
The near-twin cities lie at the confluence of the Ottawa with two important tributary rivers, the
Gatineau flowing down from the north on the Que'bec side, and the Rideau flowing up from the
south in Ontario.
To appreciate this book it would help to be at least somewhat locally knowledgeable, as well as a
history and folklore buff. To readers who are none of these things it may come as a surprise that a
part of Central Canada has had the character Finnigan's books portray. The conurbation is rather
different today, though, given its extensive ultramodern high-tech component, its urban multilane
highways, and its other features unknown to Finnigan's old-timers.
It may be because of Canadians' characteristic reticence that you, a reader of this review, may find
this book choice somewhat inappropriate. You may for instance feel "in the dark" while reading
Chapter 5, entitled, "For Some Obscure Reason I Always Wanted to Be a Newspaperman"; it
describes a certain Greg Guthrie's impressions and experiences reporting for "The Ottawa
Journal",
a fine if politically biased (pro-Conservative) newspaper closed down in 1980 as part of a spate of
horsetrading between two major publishing firms whose head offices were located elsewhere. Mr.
Guthrie speaks as an Ottawan to, at most, us other longtime Valley people ... in which case, what
will someone living far from this area make of his remarks? What will you, my reader, make even
of
Guthrie's dropping of John G. Diefenbaker's name, although "Dief the Chief" was formerly our
Prime Minister and, as such, our national Head of Government, approximately as important to us
as,
say, President Eisenhower once was to Americans?
Ms. Finnigan - my distant relative, as it happens - is greatly to be praised for having worked so
long
and diligently as to assemble a series of such books recording her subject matter, much of which
would have been lost without her, when many of the same old-timers would have died
unrecorded.
In theory, anyone "from up th' Valley" with a decent writing ability both could and perhaps even
should have done the job; in practice only Joan does it, certainly with such tireless
dedication.
It therefore seems churlish, even to me, to criticize her work in any respect, but a critic's job is to
criticize where appropriate, especially when a reader may wish to be forewarned about any aspect
that seems less than ideal.
Her father was Frank Finnigan, a renowned National Hockey League figure in the first third or so
of
the 20th century, playing first for the original Ottawa Senators and then the Toronto Maple Leafs.
No one person comprises an entire sports team, though, and in this work, the fairly frequent
mentions of Joan's father's name seem sometimes disproportionate.
Yet we should keep it in mind that this is just one of many books by the same author, mining the
same sorts of material; it thus is quite possible that her coverage, taken all in all, is much better
balanced than this one, sampled oeuvre may suggest.
No single sort of man (and I think just one woman) was interviewed to contribute chapters to this
particular book. There is for example a chapter narrated by a member of the Odawa or Ottawa
"Indian" tribe, one by a logging truck driver who later turned provincial policeman, and another
by a
scion of a wealthy merchant family who lived in the City of Ottawa - which Ms. Finnigan refers to
at
times as "the Hub", whereas the more rural portions of the Valley she likens to "the spokes" of a
huge wheel.
Subject to those caveats, readers interested in "the old days" of (say) horse teams skidding
axe-felled
logs over the winter snows out of the bush, to be stacked on some waterway's ice to await the
spring
breakup when log drivers and raftsmen would direct them downstream to the mills, will find this
book series rewarding to read, perhaps especially when, as in the present work, the tales told are
given in original tellers' exact, sometimes profane words, with every last shred of character kept
intact.
However, when a sports game is described, it must be accepted that the teams chiefly mentioned
represent places like Douglas, Whitney, Eganville, and Kilaloe, Ontario - villages often lying away
out on the aforementioned "spokes" of "The Valley".
Pete Hodgins
Reviewer
Emily's Bookshelf
Summersaults
Douglas Florian
Greenwillow/HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703.
ISBN 0-06-029267-9, $15.95, Ages 5 up.
Florian invites readers into a land of belching bullfrogs, twilight flashlights (fireflies), squawking
sidewalks and six-foot flyswatters to celebrate the good and the not-so-good of summer. Kids will
indeed summersault through this zippy tome of rhymes, rhythms, wordplay and silly illustrations, a
companion to Florian's earlier "Winter Eyes." Here's a sample of the 28 verses meant to help
propel
readers through the lazy, hazy days to come:
THE SWING
The swing's a flinging zinging chair,
The place to chase the air up there.
Just hold on tight, no need to steer,
And soon you'll clear the atmosphere.
Audrey And Barbara.
Janet Lawson
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas. New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0-689-83896-4, $15.95, Ages 3-7
Ahoy, young sailors! Get out those inflatable tubes and take a voyage with Audrey and her lazy,
nap-loving cat in author Janet Lawson's debut picture book. "Barbara," asked Audrey, "how
would
you like to ride an elephant?" "Will I have to get off my pillow?" So begins the banter between
girl
and cat as they set out to India to see the Taj Mahal--and a snake charmer, of course. No
challenge
is too daunting for the imaginative Audrey, who dreams up a way to get them across the ocean in
a
bathtub boat with a bed-quilt sail. Fortunately for the duo, a whale agrees to give them a tow. The
quirky, humorous watercolors are perfect mates to the playful story.
Bugs Before Time: Prehistoric Insects And Their Relatives.
Cathy Camper, author
Steve Kirk, illustrator
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
ISBN: 0-689-89092-5, $16.95, Ages 5 to 10
Which bug should be named to the Guinness Book of Records for its longevity in pestiness?
Ta-dah!
The cockroach! It dined in our human ancestors' caves 3 million years ago, and its descendants
invite
themselves into our homes today. (Though we shouldn't complain; they have at least shrunk with
time. One prehistoric cockroach grew to a half-foot long!) Cockroaches have inhabited earth for
325
million years and, since a pair can produce 100,000 babies a year, they'll probably be around
another
zillion years. This is just a sampling of the lore packed into this 40-page picture book. It's a work
that will worm its way into the heart of any child interested in bugs, either today's modest varieties
or prehistoric "giants."
C Is For Coyote: A Southwest Alphabet Book
Photographs by Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan.
Text by Andrea Helman
Rising Moon
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389.
ISBN: 0-87358-798-7, $16.95, Ages 5-8
The alphabet provides a framework for showcasing striking photos of the Southwest, building
interest in the region's animals and natural wonders. Readers learn of age-old monuments sculpted
by nature, including the Delicate Arch, the Grand Canyon and the towering cliffs of Zion National
Park. Fascinating Southwest fauna include javelinas, kestrels, lizards, mountain lions, coyotes and
rattlesnakes. Just enough information is provided on each topic to whet the appetite for more.
"M"
is for "must-read," especially for those heading West on vacation this summer.
Over In The Garden
Jennifer Ward, author,
Kenneth J. Spengler, illustrator
Rising Moon
P.O. Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389
ISBN: 0-87358-739-6, $15.95, Ages 3-7, 40 pages.
Bugs, numbers and music tally up to a lively package in this text set to the tune of "Over in the
Meadow." Lots of micro-activity is taking place in the garden buzzing, crawling, nibbling,
marching and even glowing.
Listen!
"Over in the garden near the old shady tree
"Lived a mother dragonfly and her little dragons three.
"'Zip!' said the mother. 'We zip!' said the three.
"So they zipped and they zoomed near the old shady tree."
In zapping colors, the illustrator creates BIG bug-eyes. A musical score, hidden numbers and
insect
facts comprise other segments of this snappy package.
Square, Triangle, Round, Skinny
Four little books created by Vladimir Radunsky
Candlewick
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02140
ISBN: 0-7636-1534-X; 0-7636-1536-6; 0-7636-1533-1; 0-7636-1535-8, $14.99 each, Ages
1-4.
The medium is the message, or at least part of it, in these clever board books. Each is shaped
according to the concept it imparts, and all four are neatly packaged together. Here's the skinny
on
one of the selections. Surf (remember, these are "board" books!) through it to view an
e long ated dachshund, a pencil, a train, a toothbrush and a skyscraper. The bright colors and
unusual presentations of words and images should engage the baby-size attention spans of its
young
readers.
The Prince Of Butterflies
Bruce Coville, author
John Clapp, illustrator
Harcourt
525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495
0-15-201454-3, $16.00, Ages 6 up.
Master storyteller Bruce Coville combines science fiction and fact to spin a compelling short story
of
an 11-year-old who learns he can communicate, nonverbally, with monarch butterflies. Coville
lightly draws upon the experiences of John Farrington, a butterfly lover who persuaded Congress
to
pass a law setting aside a string of wild, undeveloped spaces for the migrating orange and black
beauties. Called "The Butterfly Road" bill, most researchers today agree it saved monarchs from
extinction.
Tessa, a young mouse with a "be-boppin', hip-hoppin' heart," happens to live in the same house as
Oscar, a caroling, crooning cat. Tessa's mom, worried that Oscar will catch her twirling, swirling
dancing daughter, makes her "scamper and scurry like a proper mouse!" Meanwhile Oscar sings
up
such a storm that neighbors call to complain. Mrs. Timboni instructs her pet to stop the chorusing
and start chasing mice like a proper cat. What will happen in this home with two occupants trying
to
kick their rock and rolling habits? Will Tessa become kitty-chow? Will Oscar end up an alley-cat?
Anything can occur when the rhythm of the rain starts rapping on the roof. Marsha Gray
Carrington's vivid acrylic illustrations are as jiving as the text is vibing.
Ray And The Best Family Reunion Ever
Mildred Pitts Walker
HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10019-4703.
ISBN: 0-06-623624-X, $15.95, Ages 8-12
The extended Moret family gets together every three years in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where
11-year-old Ray's Creole family began at the end of the 18th century. Because his family could
not
attend the last reunion, this is the first reunion in which Ray is old enough to understand what's
going on. Though there's one thing he can't make sense of--why does his Papa hate his own
father,
Gran-papa Philippe? When Papa is angry with Ray, he blurts out things like, "When are you going
to
learn to do something right? You know, you just like your Gran-papa Philippe. Can't depend on
you
to do anything. You're just like him. Even look like him." Papa has forbidden Ray to have
anything
to do with Gran-papa at the reunion, but Ray takes an instant liking to this man he closely
resembles.
Ray finds himself smack dab between the two estranged men. Can he help heal the rift? Ray And
The Best Family Reunion Ever helps explain why Louisiana's Creole culture resembles that of
Haiti.
When slaves revolted in Haiti, many French landowners, as well as some freed and just-liberated
blacks, boarded ships and headed for France's colony in America. Walker knits into her narrative
some of the history of this first and only successful slave revolution to give rise to an independent
nation (in 1804).
Nighty, Night!
Margaret Wild, author
Kerry Argent, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318
ISBN 1-56145-246-7, 32 pgs., $15.95, Ages 1-5
The baby farm animals, in a playful mood at bedtime, dream up a bit of mischief when their folks
start calling them in. When Father Duck goes to tuck in the ducklings, he's greeted with a
surprise.
The same happens to Mother Sheep, Father Pig and Mother Hen. The smart parents quickly catch
on to their young ones' pranks and manage to get them to bed. But then begins the familiar litany
of
"one more story!" "Ten kisses each!" "We're thirsty!" and (the piglets), "We have to wee, wee,
wee!". Young ones may see themselves in, and identify with, this light-hearted spoof . Bright,
bold,
boisterous illustrations bring the animals and their silly shenanigans up close.
Don't Step On The Sky: A Handful Of Haiku
Miriam Chaikin, author
Hiroe Nakata, illustrator
Henry Holt and Co.
115 West 18th St., NY, NY 10011
ISBN 0-8050-6474-5, $16.95, All ages
Within Haiku's sparse word limitation, traditionally 17 syllables, Chaikin views nature anew
through
a child's wondering eyes. The "handful of haiku" is arranged so as to carry a theme, each poem
pulling its own slight weight to create a whole. Nakata's light, whimsical illustrations, featuring a
little girl and her cat, add to the book's joyful spirit. Following is the haiku after which the
collection
is named:
After the rain
A puddle.
Careful.
Don't step on the sky.
Auntee Edna
Ethel Footman Smothers, author
Wil Clay, illustrator
Eerdmans Books For Young Readers
255 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
ISBN: 0-8028-5154-1, $16.00, Ages 4-12, 32 pgs
Tokee has an attitude about having to spend a day at Auntee Edna's. The furniture and
furnishings,
indeed the whole house, seem to scream, "Stale! Old-fashioned! No fun!" Not even a TV! How
will
Tokee find anything interesting to do while cooped up with her old aunt? When Auntee Edna
hands
Tokee a mixing bowl, Tokee irreverently thinks, "Now Auntee would probably make her bake
dinky, old cookies. Auntee Edna should know by now that people don't make cookies. They buy
them at the store." First the cookies, then the button box, then brown-paper curlers. Will Auntee
Edna succeed in pulling Tokee out of her "'stale, stale, stale' syndrome"? Or will Tokee batten
down
the hatches against this storm of old-fashioned customs? In lustrous acrylic paintings, Clay helps
convey the story via vivid facial expressions and body language.
Ugh! A Bug
Mary Bono
Walker & Company
435 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 0-8027-8799-9, $15.95, Ages 3-8.
With a rhyming text and comical illustrations, Mary Bono offers children a range of reactions to
those bugly bugs, while gently encouraging a response that does not harm the critter, or confine it
to
a jar: "Supposing a spider should slide into view. Would you scream? Would you holler? Just
what
would you do? Admire her weaving? Or think about leaving?" Many of Bono's droll illustrations
feature a child's extra-large round face with a decidedly distinctive expression on it. The unique
illustrations, done primarily in soft watercolors, feature 3-D model insects made of clay, wire and
acetate wings.
The Bug Cemetery
Frances Hill, author
Vera Rosenberry, illustrator
Henry Holt
115 West 18th St., NY, NY 10011
ISBN: 0805063706, $16.95, Ages 3-7
According to the book jacket, Hill was "destined to write a story about a bug cemetery. As a child
she and her sister created a bug cemetery of their own with matchboxes for insect coffins." The
children in this story irreverently bury dead bugs. Big sister eulogizes the deceased while brother
and
friends pretend to cry. Soon they become the bug undertakers for the whole neighborhood,
complete
with lemonade stand for mourners. When a beloved pet dies, however, the children realize
"funerals
aren't any fun when they're for someone you love." They convert the cemetery into a fitting
homage
to insects and to the deceased pet. Bright watercolors illustrate both the children's whimsical play
and their sorrow in this imaginative story.
If I Were In Charge The Rules Would Be Different.
James Proimos
Scholastic
555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
ISBN: 0-439-20864-5, $16.99, Ages 7-11
The first hint that this book may be just a bit zany is right up front on the cover; the title is
upside-down! Proimos' poetry does not necessarily provide timeless insights into life, love and
beauty. He speaks of more mundane matters--stinky feet, "enemy" vegetables, nose picking,
monsters, belly buttons, bullies, bubblegum Kid stuff. Proimos illustrates his work with black and
white Simpsonesque (especially a la Bart) drawings. Here's a screwball sample of the 65
verses:
THE ONE-TON POOCH
I have a 2,000-pound pooch,
which is pretty super dooper.
The only part that I don't like
involves his giant pooper scooper.
Emily Will
Reviewer
Shirley's Bookshelf
Resurrecting Paul: Why Terrorism Can't Win
P.E. Blais
AmErica House
c/o Publish America
PO Box 151 -Frederick MD 21705
ISBN: 1591292808, 206 pages, $17.95, http://www.publishamerica.com
I must admit, at first I was not overjoyed at reviewing a book about terrorism The horror of the
events of September 11 were still weighing heavily upon my heart. I wasn't sure I wanted to hear
a
recount of another act of this sort. It was not that I wanted to forget about the senseless acts of
terror. No, it was just that I was not sure I wanted to read more of the pain and suffering these
attacks bring, that I knew would be within the pages of this book. I am now glad that I did.
P.E. Blais, author of Resurrecting Paul, laid bare for the reader to feel his heart cry of anguish and
victory. This act of terrorism that occurred at the US Air Force Base at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
has
changed his son's life and the lives of their entire family forever.
As the author begins his story, he immediately connects you with his son and the personnel
stationed
at Dhahran. They no longer become faceless names that you only read in your local newspaper or
hear over the television. Perhaps for the first time, you realize these are your neighbors. They are
someone's brother, sister, wife, father, they are your fellow Countrymen. For those moments, as
you
read the authors words of the happenings that day, you become one with the terror . It is easy for
us
to read a newspaper account and walk away. It is not so easy to read Mr. Blais's account and do
the
same. His words will stay with me forever.
The days that followed this senseless act were no less hideous for the writer. Not knowing if his
son
Paul was alive or dead became a crushing question, as the entire family waited for the answer.
Frustration and anguish became the world that he and his loved ones lived in. Finally, he is
overjoyed
to hear his son is alive, but unbeknown to him, it is only another beginning of many hurdles that
they
would all have to overcome.
Mr. Blais shares with the reader the long road of recovery that his son travels. He tells of the
many
heartaches experienced and the many sacrifices that were made on behalf of his son. He speaks of
the devotion of love that his ex-wife Maria and her husband Curtis give to Paul, as they work
endlessly to help him achieve a quality of life. He opens his emotions to us as he honestly tells of
his
fears and concerns for his son's future, and speaks freely of the many victories and failures that
occur
during his son's healing process.
For those of us whom these terrorist acts have not touched personally , we become angry, maybe
shed some tears and agree that retribution must be made. We then go on with our lives, giving
little
more thought to the trauma and upheaval these acts have had on people such as Mr. Blais and his
family. His book, Resurrecting Paul , has made me stop and realize my own lack of
understanding. I
thank this author for writing this book. I believe, we as Americans, should read this book and
more
like it. We must never forget what terrorist acts leave in their wake. Resurrecting Paul is a must
read
for us all. Remember, we are in this together. My prayers for total restoration are with Paul,
Mr.Blais, and his entire family.
Interview with P.E. Blais:
1.. In searching yourself, what do you think your reasons were for writing this book?
Writing this book started out as a catharsis for me, a cleansing experience. All the emotions that I
felt needed a medium, and as the tension, the anger, and the disappointment grew within me, they
needed to get out. The fact that this is a very human and wonderful story, worthy of telling, made
it
that much more important for me. Later, as disasters occurred in the world, natural and otherwise,
it
became a message of hope too. A footnote to history that the bad guys don't win, can't win. That
evil will not prevail, and that, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles, hope, love,
perseverance,
and courage will find a way to overcome.
1.. Do you feel that this book helped you and others in the healing process?
It certainly helped me, and I think my family, too. I was feeling so many difficult emotions. At
times,
I still do. There are passages in the book that still make me cry when I read them. I suppose this
authoring process has allowed me to vent, in a manner of speaking. Even though my son is still
here,
his old self is gone, lost forever. He will never be the full person he started out to be, and that
hurts.
It always will. On the other hand, for awhile we thought he was in a box. I can never be too
grateful
for having been given this second chance. Second chances are important and shouldn't be
regarded
lightly. I think others need to weigh the message for themselves and try to take some positive
answers with them based on their own circumstances.
1.. Who do you think should read this book and what do you hope they will receive from it?
Of course, I'd like to say that there is a message here for everyone, but realistically, I think that
those
who have been through similar situations will recognize that they are not alone in their grief and
anger. Anyone in the military should know the effects their actions and decisions can have on their
families and the families of their subordinates. I would hope that military members and leaders,
both,
could take something away from this.
1.. What is your son's reaction to you writing this book? Has he read it?
He read an initial draft a few years ago, and seemed pleased. I don't think he's read the actual
book
yet. I hope he does soon. There are a lot of emotions and feelings expressed that somehow don't
seem to get said aloud, despite our best intentions.
1.. Was the rest of your family supportive about your book and all that was revealed in it?
Yes. Curtis and Maria read the same initial draft as Paul did, and didn't say much at the time. I
hope
they will read the whole book now and see where the other part went.
1.. How did your ex-wife feel about you revealing her "temper" in your book?
She didn't say much. I assured her that I would treat her better in the remainder of the book, and
think that I did. I still give her and Curtis the lion's share of the credit for my son's improvement.
Many of the actions you mention took place under extreme duress.
1.. Do you feel, since the events of 911, that our Nation is doing enough to halt terrorism?
I wouldn't want to second guess the leadership. I suppose the test will be how soon and how
damaging the next attack might be. In this case, no news is good news.
1.. Have the events that you and your family been through caused you to re-evaluate your life and
what is important. If so, what life changes have you made?
I think that my son and I are closer now than ever before. We talk frequently and treat each other
as
friends, not father and son. He celebrates his 32nd birthday next month. I know that I must let him
lead his own life, but want him to know that I'll be there for him, no matter what. Maria and
Curtis
have moved out of my life again, but I think we've all learned that we'll be there for each other, if
it
comes down to it.
1.. What would you say to the families of our Service men and woman who are now fighting
terrorism both here and in other Countries?
Have faith. I hope that the military has learned from its prior mistakes and that they will do
everything to protect its own. It seems that is happening in Afghanistan and around the world. I
think there is a much higher level of consciousness concerning security than before.
1.. If you could go back and say one thing to your son before this event happened, what would
that
be?
I would have told him I love him the day before the bombing. Just as you can never take back
words
that have been spoken, you can't speak words that never were said in the first place. I would want
him to know that.
1.. If you could say one thing to our President right now, what would that be?
Protect our men and women in uniform with the same zeal that is being shown for the American
public. They're citizens too and not expendable. Every one that is lost leaves a hole in the future
where that person might have stood, and in the hearts of his or her family and loved ones.
1.. What thought would you like to leave with the American people and the world concerning all
that you and your family have been through?
Sometimes life sucks, but how you react to these catastrophes is a mark of the person you are.
God
isn't obligated to tell us why He does anything, we only think that he is.
1.. Do you plan to make a sequel to this book? If so, when?
I'm not sure. I guess it will depend on how Paul's future goes. I would love to write a book
describing how he fought to obtain his pilot's license and was able to see his original dream come
to
fruition, but realistically, that is unlikely.
1.. Do you have any other books in print?
Resurrecting Paul is my first book. I hope it is the first of many. I have two novels in various
stages
of completion.
Mask Of The Stranger
Joyce & Jim Lavene
Awe Struck E-Books
ISBN # 1-5874-9002-1, Price $4.50 download, http://www.awestruck.com
I became one with the terror felt by Kelsey Lord as she pondered why this man was stalking her.
The police were not help. As a matter of fact, they were ready to arrest her for her continuing
calls,
which produced no one. Who was this man and what did he want with her?
How would Kelsey know? She could not even remember what she had done just a few months
ago.
If it were not for Martin, she would not even know that? He had told her, she had no family, no
friends. If only she could remember, but the plane crash had taken all memory from her. She had
to
believe Martin, it was the only shred of sanity she could hold on to.
Joyce and Jim Lavene quickly draw you into Kelsey's troubled mind. You long to know who this
stalker is, only to have the mystery of Kelsey's past heightened when he is finally revealed. Is he
the
one that Kelsey should fear, or is Martin hiding something that would end Kelsey's suffering?
Who
should she trust? Who is the mystery woman, Sara, and what part does she play in Kelsey's past
life?
The plot thickens, as each character is introduced, drawing you deeper and deeper into the
mystery
of Kelsey's past.
This book takes many marvelous twists and turns. It will keep your attention from beginning to
end,
as Kelsey battles to learn the truth. Just who is Kelsey Lord? Is that even her real name? Where
does
the stalker fit in this mystery and why has Martin made Kelsey's problem his? Is he just attracted
to
her as a woman, a friend or is there more? The ending will surprise and delight you. Thumbs up
on
this one. It's a book mystery buffs will enjoy.
Clouds Are The Creator's Fingerprints
Claywomen
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Road, King, NC 27021
ISBN: 1-931-540-55-1, 77 pages, $5.00 Download, $8.00 CD Rom,
http://www.Synergebooks.com
A good poet is one who writes from the depths of their heart, searching withintheir very being and
drawing out what is etched upon the pallet of their souls. I am a lover of poetry, to me, it is the
heart
of the author. All other genes of writing are wonderful. They fill our minds with adventure and
danger. They bring us places that we would never go, but poetry touches our innermost being.
Clouds Are The Creator's Fingerprints has done this and more.
Claywomen has searched within herself to write the words of her work of poetry. She has drawn
from the depths of her life experiences and taken these precious and often painful memories, and
penned them into a work of art.
Claywomen's words can only be compared to a Master painter who has so craft- fully and
skillfully
woven the colors and expressions of life upon his easel. With each word you can feel the authors
heart and soul. That is what true poetry is about!
The photographs that accompany this work are magnificent. Blending together with the words
that
are written, the reader is absorbed within the life of this work. I highly recommend Clouds Are the
Creator's Fingerprints.
You will not be disappointed.
The Grass Dance
Laurel Johnson
Publish America
ISBN: 1588514455, 108 pages; $14.95, 1-877-333-7422, http://www.publishamerica.com
I can only say that this book is one of a woman's honesty, courage and victory. The authors
written
words weave their way into your mind and heart, taking the reader into the very essence of her
story. Her Mother and her Grandparents were a deep part of Laurel's life, when they died, a part
of
Laurel died too. She struggles with her deep feelings of loss.
The characters are brought alive by her descriptiveness of each, allowing the reader to feel her
reaction and interaction with each one. Love, hate, sorrow, confusion, and acceptance all are
brought full circle in this compelling novel, as the writer comes to terms with herself and her
Creator.
Indian John will forever be etched in the recesses of my mind. Laurel Johnson, author of The
Grass
Dance, has given me that treasured memory. Although I never had the good fortune to know this
man in person, the author, has given me the opportunity to unite with him through her marvelous
writing.
We all need an Indian John in our lives, past, present and future.
As her story unfolds you are taken into her very being, as she openly shares her souls struggle for
survival. She graces the reader with tender moments of family love shared and enjoyed, of loyalty
and moral fibers that are bred into her as a young girl. She also speaks of abuse and heartache that
is
turned within herself, hidden, laying dormant, and you the reader wonder what lays ahead, as you
feel her heart become one with yours.
Laurel travels through pain, fear and emotional crisis. Turing to ways contrary to her beliefs, only
add confusion and more upheaval within her being. Coming to the brink of destruction, the
authors
help comes from her past in a way that will make believer in God and unbeliever sit up and take
notice.
What part does Indian John play in this recovery? This reviewer will not tell.
It is well worth your time to find out the answer.
If your life or one you love's life is in turmoil, share this book with them. It will minister to their
souls and will help others to reach out in compassion to the hurting one.
This is a book that you will treasure for years to come. A book of trials, to be sure, but also a
story
of hope, faith , courage and victory.
Well worth your read.
Shirley Johnson
Reviewer
Harwood's Bookshelf
Merely Mortal?: Can You Survive Your Own Death?
Antony Flew
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
ISBN 1-57392-841-0, 200 pp., HC, $26.00, 1-800-421-0351
"To suggest that we shall survive such total dissolution [death] is like suggesting that a nation
would
outlast the annihilation of all of its members.... To expect that after my death and dissolution such
things might happen to me is to overlook that I shall not then exist." (p. 2) "Given the undeniable
and undenied fact that ... we shall die, then the not necessarily soluble, philosophical problem
becomes to formulate some survival hypothesis which is not already known to be false." (p. 8) So
much for religion. On the paranormal, Flew quotes J. Beloff's definition, "A phenomenon is, by
definition, paranormal if and only if it contravenes some well founded assumption of science," and
adds his observation (p. 169), "We still appear to be as far away as ever from any repeatable
demonstration of the reality of any psi-phenomena." "The more we make astral bodies like the
ordinary flesh and blood persons from which they are supposedly detachable ... the more difficult
it
becomes to make out that it is not already known that no such astral bodies do in fact detach
themselves at death." (p. 16)
While Flew makes clear that the evidence does not support the existence of "telepathy,
clairvoyance
and paranormal precognition ... (ESP)," he at no time appears to notice that two of the three
capacities labeled as ESP involve information traveling backward in time, or that the definitive
argument against such claims is the reductio ad absurdum to which all time travel hypotheses can
be
reduced. I got the impression that, despite his disclaimers such as the above, he is not ready to
acknowledge that the astral body/soul is so definitively unproven that further examination of the
non-evidence cannot be justified. He cites Socrates' alleged proof of the psyche's immortality,
along
with parallel arguments by Thomas Aquinas and other religious and secular philosophers, finds
them
all to be flawed, and summarizes (p. 171), "We cannot, at best, reach about any such story any
verdict stronger than a cautious, and appropriately Scottish, 'Not proven.'"
On both religious and paranormal beliefs that part of the human organism is immortal, Flew's
conclusions will neither outrage nor convince believers, for the logical reason that philosophical
arguments that the soul/psyche/astral body cannot exist will be met with the response, "Yes, but it
does."
It is my view that, having reduced Flew's dissertation from 215 pages to less than 500 words, I
have
done readers a service, since they now do not need to read the long, meandering, hairsplitting and
basically trivial version. This is a book I can recommend only as a cure for insomnia.
The Judaeo-Christian Bible Fully Translated
William Harwood, Ph.D.
To order, contact: www.booksurge.com
Reviewed.by Bernard Katz, 4207 Harbour Dr, Palmyra, NJ 08065
Note: first published in American Rationalist, Mar/Apr 2002.
Right off, let me clear up a misunderstanding: the title of his two-book set is misleading. Harwood
has translated and edited only the first six books of the Jewish Testament and the Gospels, Acts
and
Apocalypse of the Christian Testament.
But don't let this fool you. Harwood's biblical and extra-biblical translations and comments are a
herculean job-all are most interesting and informative. Interspersed among the texts are his
bracketed inserts that are so illuminating I wish there were many more of them. For instance, he
comments on the incest of the two daughters of Levit [Lot] with their father, and why this
tabooed
behavior was included in the Yahwist's (J) account. To explain this, Harwood has a bracketed
comment on p. 24 of the Jewish Testament that says: "In order to justify King David's brutal
conquest and enslavement of the Mowabites [Moabites] and Khamownites [Ammonites], J [the
Yahwist writer] portrayed their pretended ancestor as the perpetrator of a monstrous crime. The
Hasmonean kings used J's vicious fiction as their reason for completing the genocide of the
Mowabites in the 2nd century BCE."
As you can see, this brings up the difference between the traditional spelling of names in the Bible
and Harwood's rendition. To correlate his spellings with the traditional ones, I'm afraid the reader
will have to consult a conventional Bible. In the case of Lot and his daughters, the correlation will
be
found in Genesis 19.37-38. Since Harwood numbers his translation the same as all other Bibles,
this
shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Note the "J" in the above example. This is the initial of one of the five writers who determined
what
finally became the Jewish Testament: The Yahwist (J), dated about 920 BCE; The Elohist (E),
about
770 BCE; the Deuteronomist (D), 621 BCE; the Priestly author (P), 621-612 BCE; and the
Redactor (R), 434 BCE. Harwood shows quite clearly which authors were responsible for the
various texts, ones which led to the conflicting views we find in the Bible. The conclusion is clear:
such conflicts not only account for the many contradictions found in the Bible but also for the
grievous error of the fundamentalists, namely, that the Bible-God's Word-cannot be interpreted
literally. Harwood has included much informative and needed material from extra-biblical sources
to
help the reader understand the biblical texts. In the first of his two books, he includes maps of the
world according to the wording in Genesis, very unlike the one presented by modern science. His
"Part One" shows the contributions of each of the above-mentioned biblical authors in their
stories
of the patriarchs-which Harwood put in the convenient form of side-by-side columns for
comparisons. He does the same in "Part Two" in his analysis of Moses. He then develops "The
Deuteronomic Narrative," followed by "The Priestly Ritual Narrative." Then he delves into an
examination of "Yahuwshuakh"-Joshua. Finally, he goes into the "Law Codes."
His second book translates parts of the Christian Testament. As he so ably did in his analysis of
the
Jewish Testament, he also does the same fine job in examining the sources that fed into the
Christian
Testament. This volume contains the canonical Acts, the Apocalypse, the four canonical gospels,
the
two Gnostic gospels written supposedly by the apostles Peter and Thomas, plus the surviving
portions of two Jewish gospels written earlier than John. This volume has thirteen sections, each
of
which makes up a separate source or author. Except for the sections that are derived from a
common source being placed together, all the other sections are in chronological order by the date
of composition.
Harwood has packed this volume with much material on the many diverse sources of Christianity
that are usually hard to find: the Nativity of John the Immerser; the famous "Q" document
frequently
referred to in many other commentaries but hardly ever fleshed out; the interpolations in the
Synoptic gospels; believe-it-or-not, the Jewish gospels (Nazirite and Ebionite); the memoir of the
Beloved Disciple who is an important character in the Fourth gospel; the Gnostic gospels (the
Gnostics making a very important contribution to Christianity itself); and a Coptic Christian
addition
titled The Acts of Peter.
Now you can choose your biblical translations from two sources: traditional translations that are
too
often misleading and even false, and Harwood's. His "Translator's Preface" in both volumes are
summaries that should be taught in every Bible class to show how the God's Word was compiled
as
well to point out the intentional mistranslations of God's names, translations that give the illusion
that there was only one God instead of many. As Harwood emphasizes, "The practice of
bible-makers mistranslating a word that means 'the gods' as 'God' stems from the doublethink that,
because the translators considered themselves monotheists, the bible authors must have done
likewise. They did not." Thus Harwood explodes the Jewish and Christian myth of biblical
monotheism.
Read and study-yes, study-these eye-opening books. You will realize that it is not the Bible but
Dr.
Harwood who is giving you proper revelations. Better still, there ought to be an air drop of the
"Translator's Prefaces" from both volumes in all territories occupied by fundamentalists, much like
what is done during war to convince an enemy to surrender.
If they dare to read these books, some panacea peddlers may, just may, be shocked back to the
reality that the world is not going to change according to the emotional and political needs of
biblical
writers long since dead. In the eyes of religious fundamentalists, what Dr. Harwood has written is
high heresy. Perhaps the following epigram from English poet Hilaire Belloc is fitting: "When I
am
dead, I hope it may be said: 'His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.'"
The Judaeo-Christian Bible Fully Translated
edited and translated by William Harwood
Imprintbooks.com
5341 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29418
paperback, volume 1, 328 pp., ISBN 1-59109-166-7;volume 7, 309 pp.,
ISBN 1-59109-254-X, $23 per volume, 2002
Reviewed by Jack Truett, P.O. Box 935, Somerville, TN 38068, (first published in Pagan Palaver
#
19.)
I shudder at the impossibility of doing justice to Dr Harwood's brilliant accomplishments in the
two
volumes he's published with the above title. In these he has presented exact translations of the
oldest
Biblical writings yet found. Therein lies the greatest debunking of Judaism and Christianity I have
ever had the distinct pleasure of finding. No one can read the exact wording of these ancient
writings
without immediately knowing how drastically current "Bibles" have been tampered with, changed,
deleted, added to, and have thus purposely caused greatly evolved Scriptures and "Gods" to
become
the hoaxes they now are. The best thing that could happen would be for these two volumes to
become required reading for all pupils in our high schools and universities.
There is far too much valid information in these two volumes for me to do more than just briefly
exhibit a few examples. If any reader of this review is one who still considers the bible to be the
inspired Word of God, then my advice is: "Take cover and get prepared for one hell of an
explosion."
From volume one: The Yahwist (J) c, 920 BCE. (1:1) "At commencement the gods conjured up
the
skies and the land." (1:2) "The land was shapeless Tehowm (sea goddess) and on Tehowm's face
was darkness. The breath of the gods incubated over the waters" (Tehowm's) face." (1:3) "The
gods
said, 'Light, exist.' And light existed."
Right from the first line, it becomes more and more evident that early writers coining what would
become the Bible, firmly believed in and were describing multiple gods, NOT just one. But even
more damaging to present day beliefs was their equal belief in, and referrals to "Goddesses." This
stems from even older beliefs when gods had not yet been conceived of and all godly powers were
female, including what has come down to us as "Mother earth."
Quickly then let's look at the "Virgin Birth." Matthew 1:18 "Now the birth of Iesous the Messiah
occurred like this. While his mother Marian was betrothed to Joseph, (1:20) a messenger of his
Lordship appeared to him in a dream and said, "Ioseph, descendant of David, (1:21) she's going to
bear you a son and you're to name him Iesous for he's going to iesakh (liberate) the nation from
their
disobediences.' (1:24) Then Ioseph awakened from his sleep and did as his Lordship's messenger
had
instructed him. He possessed his woman (sexually), (1:25) until she bore him a son, and he called
his
name Iesous.: [There was NO virgin birth fable at all in the earlier versions of the "Bible"!] The
above examples are just the beginning of what should be required reading for all of our
people.
William Harwood
Reviewer
Gorden's Bookshelf
McQueen Of The Tumbling K & Other Early Western Classics
Louis L'Amour, author
Jean Marie Stine, editor
Renaissance E Books
P.O. Box 494, Clemmons, North Carolina 27012
ISBN: 1-58873-096-4, $4.00 electronic download, 149 pages, www.renebooks.com
Louis L'Amour is one of the top storytellers of the Twentieth Century. There is one basic theme
to
all of L'Amour's stories, the indomitable spirit of a man, or woman, doing what has to be done.
L'Amour idealizes this spirit with a moral code that most Western cultures share. He even infuses
his
villains with a portion of this morality. His stories could be placed in any time or location. Even
L'Amour has written a number of stories that do not take place in the Old West. L'Amour spent
most of his years in the American West and that is where his writing is most comfortable. He has
traveled the locations he refers to in his stories and has talked to men and women who have lived
through the time he writes about. His intimate knowledge and powerfully simple writing style
bring
the reader back to what we believe the Old West must have been. Readers of L'Amour's other
works
will recognize themes and plots in these stories that he uses again in his later tales.
'McQueen of the Tumbling K,' 'Trap of Gold,' 'Mistakes Can Kill You,' 'Ride, You Tonto
Raiders!,'
'Riding for the Brand,' and 'Trail to Pie-Town' are easily recognizable as coming from L'Amour's
pen. McQueen is the foreman of a widow's ranch that a swindler and gun fighter is trying to steal.
'Trap of Gold' is about hard rock mining and prospecting. 'Mistakes Can Kill' You is a story of a
young gun fighter trying to hang up his guns. The climax, in 'Mistakes', has a classic L'Amour
twist
based on his detailed knowledge of the Old West. 'Tonto Raiders' has the recurring theme of
keeping
a promise once made and the responsibility of those who can to help those in need. 'Riding for the
Brand' is a tale of loyalty and the ability of a man becoming whoever he desires to be. And
'Pie-Town' is a tale about the banding of families and friends together to face the dangers of living
on
the frontier. It is L'Amour's first dabbling into the story theme that will become the classic
Western
family, the Sacketts.
I don't need to recommend this collection of stories. Louis L'Amour's name is enough for you to
know the tales will be memorable.
Dead Hand
Harold Coyle
Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN: 0-812-57539-3, $7.99, 358 pages, www.tor.com
Harold Coyle is possibly the best of the current techno-military writers when it comes to ground
troops. The techno-military genre has developed into stories where the battlefield takes a
comparable role to the characters narrated in the story. Good techno-military authors have to
keep
their heroes and heroines compelling enough to balance the strength and power of the battlefield.
Coyle's characterizations in Dead Hand are not as strong as they could be.
One of the most memorable aspects of many of the military novels is the randomness about death.
It
is not always the best trained or the most worthy that survive. Luck dictates the trajectory of a
bullet
more often than we wish it. There is a trend in modern military novels to push the randomness of
the
killing until it doesn't become random anymore. Knowing characters will die can influence the
tension in a storyline as much as knowing a writer will never let the hero die.
The Russian government is in flux. It is not a communist dictatorship but it is also not a
democracy.
The transitional nature of the government means that central control of regional military forces
has
fallen apart. The novel starts with a Russian commando raid taking back control of a small
regional
nuclear missile battery rebelling against the lack of even minimal support by the government.
A meteor is spotted with a trajectory that will strike Siberia. Its collision will surpass the damage
of
a full-scale nuclear strike.
Dead Hand is the name given to a plan developed by the Russians during the Cold War. The
computers controlling the launching of Russia's nuclear missiles will automatically enter the
release
codes if the system's sensors think a nuclear attack has taken place giving the local commander
the
ability to launch the missiles. The general commanding the Siberian military region refuses to
disarm
'Dead Hand.' Instead, he wants to use the missiles to force his takeover of the Russian
government.
When the West discovers the coup attempt, they decide they can't let it happen. The US and
NATO
set a plan in motion to use special forces teams to take out the individual control missiles of 'Dead
Hand' after the meteor impacts Siberia.
The premise in Dead Hand is great. The military action and the destruction caused by the meteor
are
breathtaking. If you have not read other books by Coyle, you will love the military drama of the
battle. If you have read his previous stories, you will notice that the characters populating the
story
are a little too familiar and one dimensional. Even with the cursory characters, Dead Hand is a
good
techno-military novel. It is just one step below the best in the genre.
S.A. Gorden
Reviewer
Bill's Bookshelf
A Worship-Filled Life
Marcos Witt
Creation House Publishing
600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL - Florida 32746
ISBN: 0884195430, $12.99, (407)333-0600, www.creationhouse.com
Living a life of Godly worship is not just an enjoyable feeling, but it is a command from God. We
do
it for obedience to Him and we are blessed for it. A Worship-Filled Life does not just show why
but
how we are to worship God. The author backs up the points he makes with relevant Biblical
Scripture showing the way we worship is more than just a suggestion.
This book revealed to me what the Bible means when it says we are to worship God. Along the
same lines as King David who stripped off his outer garment and begin to dance before God as he
brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city, we are to be totally committed to our Father in
Heaven. The examples in this book show how we can follow the direction of the Bible to
demonstrate the desire and need to be in the presence of God.
Without giving it a second thought I would recommend this book to anyone who desires to have
an
intimate relationship with God. This book is for those who want to know how a person is
supposed
to act before the throne of God and for those that are interested in understanding the details of
how
to live the Christian life. A Worship-Filled Life should be read, as well as studied, so we can come
before our Lord and truly see his intense and awesome love for us.
Go And Make Disciples
Roger S. Greenway
P&R Publishing
PO Box 817, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
ISBN: 0875522181, $9.99, (908)454-0505, www.prpbooks.com
Go And Make Disciples is a must read for any existing or potential missionary. The facts, figures
and how-to sections were more than informative. This book provides not only the basics of
missionology but leads you to the next steps for anyone feeling the call of God.
The Biblical basis of missions and why some people are called to be missionaries is at the very
foundation of missionary service. This foundation shows what God has in store for the missionary
as
well as the people he will be serving. Throughout the pages, one will clearly see that foundation
and
why it is so important. The text also shows what to expect on the field by providing examples
from
such great missionaries as Jesus and the Apostle Paul. As the reader peruses the pages, not only
does the Biblical basis for becoming a missionary become clear, but also the issues that one could
possibly face on the mission field, including interaction with religions other than Christianity.
The Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit echo in each part of a missionary's
mind,
body and spirit throughout the entire book. Whether the reader is a potential candidate for
mission
work or a veteran missionary, this book will provide insight and practicality. Because it was so
full
of useful information and was the first book of this type that I have read, I felt I needed to read it
a
second time to make sure I did not miss anything important. I highly recommend this book to
anyone considering mission work.
Bill Reese, Reviewer
Cindy Lynn's Bookshelf
American Gods
Neil Gaiman
William Morrow
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
ISBN 0-380-97365-0, $26.00, 461 pages, Hardcover June 2001 (Paperback $7.99, May
2002)
Shadow Moon has just served three years in prison - years spent because he took the blame for
his
wife, Laura's, part in a bank robbery. All he wants to do now is live the quiet life, get his old job
back, and be with Laura. But of course, this can't happen - a car accident robs him of his wife and
his best friend Robbie, as well as his illusions about his marriage, since Laura was unfaithful with
that best friend, who was also going to give him a job. When Mr. Wednesday, a self styled grifter
and rogue offers him employment, Shadow accepts because there really is nothing else for him to
do.
Wednesday needs Shadow as a bodyguard, because there's a war brewing between the old gods
that
people brought with them to America and the new gods of technology and media. Shadow finds
himself in a strange world -- where roadside attractions are sacred places, and where the dead
don't
always stay dead. Laura comes back, and her desperation to pass for alive in a decaying body
combined with her determination to help her husband is strangely moving. Their relationship is
odd,
because despite her death and her flatly honest, almost harsh comments about Shadow (for who
cares about tact, when you're dead?) they really do love each other, and Shadow spends much of
his
time trying to figure out how to bring her back.
There are many plot twists, such as a murder mystery in the too perfect town that Shadow finds
himself staying in, and many small short stories that, rather than distracting one from the action,
add
to the story. The true joys of this book lie in the characterization -- it makes perfect sense that
members of the Egyptian pantheon should have opened a funeral Parlor in Cairo, Illinois, and
different mythological figures are done well and interestingly, although even those expert in
mythology might want their encyclopedia of myth close by. Recognizing the different cultural
myths
of America can also be fun - such as Jonny Apple Seed and the myth of the Government
Conspiracy.
Those who read and enjoyed Stardust might not like this book - while Stardust was light and
gentle
with a heavily romantic plot, American Gods is far darker, bleaker, more film noir than fairy tale. I
often read books for well-done male characters, and I loved Shadow - he's big, but he's not the
stereotypical big, dumb guy. He's intelligent, quiet, and has a determination that I enjoy. I admit,
his
wife saves him a few times too often, but the fact that Shadow experiences all of these strange
happenings without really batting an eyelash is very refreshing.
Brown's Town: 20 Famous Browns Talk Amongst Themselves
Alan Natali
Orange Frazer Press
37 1/2 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 214, Wilmington, OH 45177
ISBN 1-882203-61-5, $35.00 US, 576 Pages, hard cover, 1-800-852-9332,
http://www.orange.frazer.com
Paul Brown is, without doubt, one of the best football coaches of all time. Despite setbacks in his
career, every place he coached, whether it was for Massillion High School or for the NFL, he
brought his team to greatness. Sometimes deified, sometimes demonized, he drove his team to
success through hard rules and harder practice. Words like "exemplary" were often attached to his
name.
What kind of man was Paul Brown? What was it really like to work under him as a player, as a
coach? Alan Natali takes you into his world with his amazing new book, Brown's Town. Instead
of a
plain, season by season account of Brown's life, Natali has tracked down twenty of the best
known,
best loved athletes from the Cleveland Browns rosters. We have such greats as Don Colo and
Tommy James, Otto Graham and Jim Ray Smith telling their stories. Each of the twenty chapters
has
a profile written of the player, discussing his relationship with Paul Brown. It is in these profiles
we
often learn the most, from Brown's inventions and additions to football to the team's successes. It
is
the profiles, sort of like mini-introductions to the actual narrative, that solidify what we are
reading.
Even Paul Brown's son Mike was interviewed, giving us the most intimate look into being a
Brown
of all.
Once we are prepared by the profile, the reader gets to sit back and listen to the actual person, in
their own undiluted words. Natali is a master of pulling narrative out of memory, using cleverly
asked questions that we never hear to create colorful, amazing tales of life in football. Listening to
some of the players talk, one feels somewhat wistful for the old days of football, before money
hunger and new rules took the sport from the gladiatorial to the orchestrated. Each voice, each
person creates a different set of colored tiles, and those tiles, placed together create a deeper,
more
complete picture of Paul Brown than any other book could. Natali knows when to be quiet, when
to
let the people who knew Brown best pour out their experiences to us. He also knows when to
step
in, his well researched profiles filling in any gaps that the narratives leave out. There is a saying
that,
if you want to learn the truth about something, go to the source. This is what Natali has done for
us,
and what we learn about the society at the time as well as about the game is invaluable. He has set
down voices of a time that is disappearing from memory.
One of the highlights of the book is the introduction, where Natali tells us of his own familial and
personal connection to Paul Brown. It serves as a personal explanation as to why he wrote this
book, but it also gives the book something else. It transforms the book from cool exposition,
showing all of us why it is important to understand a man like Paul Brown, his drives, his needs,
his
methods. He also gives us his own bona fides. Natali is no delineate who thinks he knows about
football because he's watched a couple of games. He has an understanding that only a person who
actually trained, played and dreamed about the sport can have.
Accented with paintings of each player by former tight-end Greg Storer, this book would make a
wonderful addition to any sports enthusiast's home. I think the book would be indispensable to
anyone with an interest n football, or to anyone who wants to read narrative biography at it's best.
Like Paul Brown, Alan Natali is a master of his field.
Copies of this book are available directly from Orange Frazer Press, 1-800-852-9332, or can be
ordered from any online retailer.
Cindy Lynn Speer
Reviewer
Sullivan's Bookshelf
Recalling Education
Hugh Mercer Curtler
ISI Books
PO Box 4431, Wilmington, DE 19807-0431
ISBN# l-882926-55-2, $24.95, 200l, 2l0 pages/indexed, 1-800-526-7022
The author, a Professor of Philosophy and Director of Honors Programs at a small, midwestern
university, makes the traditional argument that a college education should be to prepare young
minds for a better life rather than for a better job.
Everyone," Curtler writes, "in higher education has a stake in a common enterprise, which is to
free
young people from stupidity, prejudice, and parochialism, and to enable them to think for
themselves. It is precisely this sort of freedom that empowers human beings, regardless of color
or
gender. And until, or unless, we turn our attention to the question of how best to achieve that
goal,
we will continue to cheat our students and fool ourselves."
Curtler goes on to suggest that everyone going to a college or university should take a liberal arts
course as an undergrad. Then he or she can specialize in graduate school. The author makes many
Socratic-type arguments to support his point of view.
He also thinks that football should be cast out entirely from Division II and III schools. But
Division
I institutions ought to keep their football teams intact but not require their athletes to go to class.
Those players should be paid, like the professionals they are, too.
On the progressive side of things, the author promotes integrated subject classes under broad
rubrics, such as "Creativity," in which art, psychology,literature, and philosophy professors would
all
teach the course.
Not surprisingly, he is not big on 'elective' courses for college students. Though electives started
as a
concept at Harvard University in the l880s, such courses are not demanding enough to make one
think deeply. And such study is often selected as easier thereby keeping grade point averages
up.
Multiculturalism comes in for condemnation, too. Such studies, especially for undergraduate
education don't bring to students the eternal verities necessary to enhance a thinking mind. In
short,
they don't get at the truth. Curtler's positions on this subject will certainly not endear him to
teachers
of women's and black studies.
Moreover, though not discussed directly, Curtler alludes to his disagreements with such things as
quota systems, affirmative action, and the like in higher education.
Yes, Curtler believes strongly that the work of 'dead, white, European males,' should remain the
teaching 'canon' for educating students at the higher education level. In this, he closely follows
Allen
Bloom who was even more outspoken on the topic than this author.
Curtler is not a supporter of research universities and their oppressive 'publish or perish' policies.
College teachers, at least at the undergraduate level, shouldn't be required to publish but ought to
be
given instead time and resources to teach
Though there is little new here, the author's debates are always interesting, occasionally
persuasive,
and, at times, compelling.
Curtler has penned nearly half a dozen books. He was educated at St. John's College and
Northwestern Univeristy.
Recommended.
Measuring Eternity: The Search For The Beginning Of Time
Martin Gorst
Broadway Books
ISBN# 0767908279 , $23.95, 200l, 338 pages/indexed,
The dispute, sometimes brutal, on occasion lethal, between religion and science throughou history
over the age of the earth has been won, finally, by science. Until recent date, each time science
had
contradited the Bible, science has had to back off. Now the tables have been turned.
In the l600s, Protestant Bshop James Ussher of Dublin, Ireland, made some arcane, complicated
calculations from the Bible. He determined that earth was just under 6,000 years old. He even got
more specific: our earth started, he asserted, on Saturday, October 22, at 6 p.m. in the evening in
the
year 4004 B.C.
He published this fact in a book in l650. His finding was accepted as legitimate by most other
religious officials. The 4004 B.C. date began finding its way into printed Bibles where that year
would remain as published fact into the 20th Century!
This story, as presented, of finding the earth's age is fascinating and enlightening. Overcoming the
shackles of religion was just part of this fight. Science, also, had to surmount the out-of-date
religious and scientific beliefs of its own prominent scientists.
Thanks to various new methods of dating fossils and rocks, such as the more recent 'Carbon l4'
technique, and the study of stars and the cosmos, the age of earth has been pushed back, at first,
thousands, then millions, and, finally, billions of years. Today, scientists have pegged the earth as
being 4.5 billion years old.
To say that Bishop Ussher was a tad off in his math would be somewhat of an understatement.
Most
religions nowadays have come to accept the scientifically determined age of the earth without
offering apologies for Bishop Ussher or any other religious zealots who had disagreed.
The author writes in his penultimate paragraph. "The world has not only existed much longer than
was once believed, we now know that it is larger and more varied, richer and more complex, than
Ussher and his contemporaries, could ever have imagined. It is a universe that we have only just
begun to explore, a store of untold mysteries remaining to be uncovered."
This volume, though in small print, is recommended reading.
Martin Gorst resides in England where he creates science videos for Britain's Channel 4 TV and
the
U.S.'s Discovery Channel TV.
Jim Sullivan
Reviewer
Leonhardt's Bookshelf
Speak Up!
Julie Gough
Self Published
ISBN: 0971476608, $12.25, www.formulamkt.com/BookMart/SpeakUp.htm
If you want to speak before an audience, here you have the basics. Speak up by Julie Gough
covers
three key areas: overcoming fear, preparing for the presentation and the delivery.
Speaking is our greatest fear, even more than dying, so techniques to conquer fear are key for
many
beginning speakers. Gough was so impressed with how Toastmasters helped her control her
nervousness and speak with confidence, that she wrote this book, which includes a handy list of
exercises that reduce anxiety.
Preparation is a key, both to reduce nervousness and to deliver a top notch speech. Her advice on
preparation covers what you need to know before the presentation and a few easy steps to build
an
effective speech.
Delivery is where it all comes together. Gough covers appearance, use of notes, body language,
visual aids (never talk to them), timing (finish in less time than allotted), voice and articulation,
and
impromptu speaking.
The information in the book is solid, surprisingly so for a short (29 pages) book aimed at
first-time
speakers. Unfortunately, it is available only through the author's web site
(www.formulamkt.com/BookMart/SpeakUp.htm) for $12.25, including shipping.
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul
Susan Harrow
HarperResource
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
ISBN: 0-06-019880-X, $24.95, 1-800-242-7737, www.prsecrets.com
Don't let the title fool you. Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul is a good book if it is what
you are looking for.
If you want to market your local business or practice in local media, this book is not for you.
If you are looking for a marketing guide, this book is not for you.
If you are looking for a guide to ethical marketing, this book is not for you.
If you want national media coverage, this book is for you. Yes, some of author Susan Harrow's
advice will help attract local media coverage, but that is not the focus. Yes, some of her counsel
goes beyond just media, but that is not the focus. Yes, some of her ideas show a clear love of
authenticity, but ethics is not the focus.
The focus of this book is attracting media coverage, something Harrow knows and delivers. One
of
America's top media relations coaches, she runs through almost every tool imaginable to increase
media coverage, and she reprints samples for readers to review.
Harrow walks readers through such items as media kits, news releases, radio biographies, e-zines,
pitch letters, and other tools that readers might want to use in publicity campaigns. One of the
best
features of the book is how harrow dissects those samples into component parts, producing
templates readers can easily apply to their own situations.
Somehow she manages to pack the book full of useful lists: four essential components to conduct
a
professional interview, six secrets to keeping as much control over your content as possible, six of
the most important things in stories and in life. The feature I like the best is the "Hot Tips"
scattered
through out the book bite-size nuggets that can be applied one by one.
I hope this book reaches the right audience, because it is an excellent manual for anyone seeking
national media coverage. Don't just read the book. Highlight anything you may want to come
back
to later or you'll be sorry you didn't.
David Leonhardt, Reviewer
http://www.TheHappyGuy.com
Jennifer's Bookshelf
Time In A Bottle
Karen Anzalone
Wings ePress
ISBN: 1-59088-073-0 eBook, 1-59088-950-9 Trade Paperback, Price: $6.00 eBook, $9.95
Trade Paperback Formats: eBook (PDF or HTML)
After Kevin Larson's brother breaks the antique glass bottle he planned on basing his school
history
project on, he and his friends, Naomi, Tasha, and Michael get together to search the Internet for a
new project. However, when an accident turns the computer into a time machine, it transports
Kevin
and his three friends into the past-October 18, 1880 in Bodie, Californianow the adventure
begins.
Ms. Anzalone's Time In A Bottle is an exciting young adult novel full of adventure, with realistic
characters, while weaving in historical facts that is sure to intrigue its readers.
Time In A Bottle is well-written and told in an understandable and simple manner. Ms. Anzalone's
plot is clear and moves the story along so that young readers will be able to keep up with the
storyline.
Anyone, not only middle-grade students, will find Time In A Bottle a delightful read and will
definitely put Karen Anzalone on their "must" read lists.
My ten-year-old son, Nicholas, who has recently found an interest in chapter books, thoroughly
enjoyed the tale of Kevin Larson and his friends.
I highly recommend Time In A Bottle by Karen Anzalone.
Improbable Solution
Judith B. Glad
NovelBooks Inc.
Formats: Print or eBook , http://www.novelbooksinc.com, http://www.judithbglad.com
The water that runs through Hackberry Creek in Whiterock, Oregon, a small town struggling to
survive, is thought to be water that holds powers beyond reasonable forces. Then again,
Whiterock
itself is thought to hold powers all its own. Is Whiterock alive?
Gus Loring had nothing on his mind except leaving the past behind him and starting over again,
when he drove into Whiterock, Oregon. Meeting a woman, certainly never crossed his mind, but
when he sets eyes on Sally Carruthers, a woman consumed with her own problems, he soon finds
room in his life to at least get to know her a little.
Gus and Sally hold secrets of their own and when Whiterock senses these secrets and problems, it
sets to work on pushing these two individuals together. Will it work?
Whiterock needs the passion between Gus and Sally to increase, so it will survive. Nevertheless,
can
Gus and Sally set aside their own problems to start a new, fulfilling live together?
Ms. Glad's book Improbable Solution is well-written, and its realistic characters are unlike any
other.
The believable dialogue sets fire to the plot and sub-plots, giving its readers an intriguing
ride.
I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more books of this nature from this
talented author. Improbable Solution comes highly recommended from:
The Computer's Nerd
W. Royce Adams
Rairarubia Books
ISBN: 0-9712206-2-X, Price: $17.95, Formats: Hardback, http://www.rairarubia.com
Bullies rule at most schools, but at Arthur's school, they get what they deserve.
Arthur is known as a computer nerd, and he is constantly being picked on at school. After strange
things happen to the bullies, Arthur starts to think that his computer, that has a strange program
called The Game, has something to do with it. Nevertheless, Arthur doesn't understand how The
Game knows all the things that it does, nor does he understand why it wants to help him. Or does
it?
Arthur is enjoying life until The Game takes control, spinning lies all around him. Then and only
then, Arthur starts to wonder if The Game is on his side.
The Computer's Nerd is full of dangerous action that will fascinate and delight its readers. Young
adults will surely get hooked on Adams's books.
This well-written book deals with the troubles of many children today. The characters are
intriguing.
The dialogue is life-like. I found myself engulfed with the main plot, which kept me reading with
interest until the very end.
I highly recommend The Computer's Nerd by W. Royce Adams for all middle grade students.
Living In Shadows
Ann K. Fisher
Amythyst Publishing
2527 Arthur Street, Los Angeles, CA 90065
ISBN: 1-931395-00-4, Price: $14.95, Formats: Soft Cover, 323/259-9728,
annfisher@mindspring.com
Living In Shadows is a systematic book written as an informational guide to caring for stray and
feral cats.
Because every neighborhood has several homeless and unloved cats roaming about, Ms. Fisher
has
put together a wonderful book on how you, a resident in the cat's neighborhood, can care for
these
love-deserving cats.
Learn how to tell the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat, and how to care for them.
Also
included are detailed instructions on how to feed the cats; trap the cats so you can have them
spayed
or neutered, how to tame feral cats, and kittens, and how to care for more than one cat.
Ms. Fisher's book Living In Shadows is well-written, giving the reader a clear and useful guide to
loving homeless cats, not to mention helping control the pet population.
At the end of the book, the reader will find a guide to Cats Rights, References, Traps, Supplies
and
Organizations to further your learning experience.
As an extra bonus for cat lovers, the book's pages are adorned with adorable and irresistible
photographs of cats and kittens, which enhances the read tremendously. I loved it!
Being an individual, with no cats, who leaves a bowl of cat food on the back porch nightly for
roaming cats, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a few new ways of how to help
stray
and feral cats in my neighborhood. I highly recommend Living In Shadows by Ann K. Fisher.
Angels Of Saigon
Leonie Campbell
American Book Classics
ISBN: 1-930586-34-5, $22.00, Format: Soft Cover, Trade Paperback,
http://www.american-book.com
Set in post-war Vietnam, Angels Of Saigon by Leonie Campbell is a true account that exposes the
difficult lives, full of anguish and misery that the women and children of Saigon must endure.
Thi Kim, the main character in Angels Of Saigon, lives the life of actual women in Vietnam. Her
story involves one woman's strength of mind to triumph over the sorrow of losing ones family,
being
raped, imprisonment in an adult establishment, and risky encounters with crooked officials all
while
trying to save the children of Saigon, not to mention, fighting for her own freedom.
This book comes complete with a "Related Articles" section, where readers can read quotes about
this subject matter collected from various newspapers and magazines.
I enjoyed reading Ms. Campbell's book even though it brought me to tears more than once. I
found
myself thinking about the characters while doing the dishes or watching TV.
The descriptions of the characters, and surroundings was superbly written in vivid detail and I felt
that the dialogue was intriguing and realistic, moving the story along nicely.
Marky & The Mouse
Deanna Luke
Published by: BOW Books
ISBN: 1-928777-05-8, Price: $8.95, Format: Hard Cover, Genre: Children's, Ages 6-9
http://www.bowbooks.com, http://www.deannaluke.com
Marky & The Mouse is Volume 1 in The Marky series and is targeted toward children ages 6-9
years of age. These books help build character while teaching children important values such as
problem solving, learning right from wrong, and the importance of honesty.
Marky Stevens is your typical eight-year-old boy. In this book, he talks about how his sister,
Missy
aggravates him, and about a mouse that lives in the house. Young Marky watches, as his father
gets
annoyed repeatedly because his attempts to catch the mouse continue to fail. Marky thinks the
mouse is cute and doesn't see what harm the mouse is causing by staying in the house. Marky is in
for a lesson, as in all the Marky books, but in Marky & The Mouse, he learns how to think things
through and learns what reconsidering means.
This book and other books in The Marky series was accepted into the Renaissance Accelerated
Reading Program, making these books part of the required reading in schools across the country.
Read more about The Marky series books by visiting Marky's webpage at
http://www.markyseries.com.
The author, Deanna Luke is the founding author of BOW Books, a publishing company that
creates
books and other materials that promote values, integrity, and principles in a fun and entertaining
way. BOW Books, owned and operated by Luke and her husband, Jerry, is "Dedicated to
protecting
the minds of our future."
Luke started writing children's books more than 20 years ago, and she decided to publish shortly
after becoming a grandmother. She wanted to produce "safe" books for her grandchildren, and
thus
started BOW Books. Luke lives with her husband in Fort Worth, Texas, where she teaches
Creative
Writing in an enrichment program for home school students. She has three grown daughters and
four grandchildren.
My children and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and as a mother and reviewer of children's books,
I
highly recommend it for your little ones. Luke's storytelling is wonderful, and the adorable
illustrations are a bonus for this charming children's book.
Marky & The Seagull
Deanna Luke
BOW Books
ISBN: 1-928777-12-0, Price: $8.95, Format: Hard Cover, Genre: Children's, Ages 6-9
http://www.bowbooks.com http://www.deannaluke.com
The Marky series is a collection of books t hat build character while teaching children right from
wrong, as they learn what truthfulness and ethics mean-just what all parents love.
In this book, eight-year-old Marky Stevens travels to the beach to visit with his grandparents.
When
his aunt and uncle show up with their newly adopted little boy named Mikey, Marky doesn't know
quite how he feels about his new cousin. However, after finding an injured seagull that he wants
to
take care of, Marky learns the true meaning of love and caring.
This book and other books in The Marky series was accepted into the Renaissance Accelerated
Reading Program, making these books part of the required reading in schools across the country.
Read more about The Marky series books by visiting his webpage at
http://www.markyseries.com.
The author, Deanna Luke is the founding author of BOW Books, a publishing company that
creates
books and other materials that promote values, integrity, and principles in a fun and entertaining
way. BOW Books, owned and operated by Luke and her husband, Jerry, is "Dedicated to
protecting
the minds of our future."
My children loved my reading Marky & The Seagull to them at bedtime, and asked all types of
questions afterward. As a mother, I loved books that bring out this type of behavior in my
children,
and as a reviewer, I love these types of books period.
Young Marky is like any other eight-year-old child you'd meet and adore. The illustrations, which
adorn each page, enhance the storyline and give the book a delightful touch. This book comes
highly
recommended.
Bravo Ms. Luke for your Marky series books!
Jennifer LB Leese, Reviewer
http://www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/aswbr.html
Terry's Bookshelf
Where Is Joe Merchant?
Jimmy Buffett
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
ISBN: 0151962960 - $19.95 (Hardback) - 382 pages - 1992
Right up front, I need to admit to being a true Parrothead, but only as far as the music goes. Have
all
the albums/CD's, but had never read the books. Then, a kind friend heard I was under the weather
and sent me her copy of WHERE IS JOE MERCHANT. I agree with the critics who say Buffett's
style is a little sloppy. However, what he lacks in style, he certainly makes up for in
substance.
I loved the stories about: (1)Frank Bama -- bruised and battered pilot with a commitment phobia;
(2) Trevor Kane - Frank's beautiful ex-girlfriend whose family tree is so full of nuts that her last
name should be PECAN or WALNUTor ALMOND. Trevor's looking for her lost brother, dead
rock 'n roller JoeMerchant; (3) Colonel Cairo who's looking for his lost arm, a treasure troveand
control of Joe Merchant's fortunes; (4) Desdemona, macaroon-maker extraordinary, who has been
receiving instructions from 'the generators' on how to build a space ship; and (5) more subplots
than
a Robert Altman movie.
There's plenty of blood, guts and action to keep even a Steven King fan interested. One of Frank's
best buddies blows up a fleet of jet skis, and while it's funny on the page, it makes the reader think
about man's impact on the pristine ocean.
With Desdemona, Buffet even throws in some new age cosmic jokes, with hilarious results. There
is
a twist, however, and it caught me completely by surprise. I had to go back and re-read the
passage
several times before it sunk in.
If you're looking for the tight, compact style of Hemingway or if you're into stream of
consciousness
like Faulkner, this book is probably not for you.
However, if you want a good story peopled with lots of interesting characters who are flawed but
wonderfully written, and if you've ever wanted to just chuck it all and live in the Keys, you will
probably devour Where Is Joe Merchant as quickly as I did and you'll be wanting more Frank and
Trevor stories. -- Enjoy!
Cardiac Cartel
David Mucci
1stBooks Library
2511 West 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
0759685126 $TBA, 185 pages, 1-800-839-8640, www.1stbooks.com
I Hope He Gets An Agent - This is an Author to Watch! After finishing David Mucci's debut
novel,
Cardiac Cartel, I couldn't help but be reminded of the plot line in John Grisham's The Firm. In this
case, however, it's not a young, ambitious attorney who gets in over his head....it's a young,
ambitious cardiac surgeon who gets thrown to the sharks.
Dr. Peter Pavano doesn't even get a chance to catch his breath and enjoy the perks of being a
'fellow'
in a prestigious angioplasty program before his life unravels before his eyes.
He's set up for a fall, but Pavano is man with more lives than an alley cat. He's smart and he
remains
alive by staying one step ahead of the really, really bad guys.
I don't read many self-published books because I find the quality lacking. This is an exception and
I
recommend it to anyone who likes a thriller. You don't necessarily have to like medical thrillers to
enjoy this roller coaster ride.
Strap yourself in and set aside several hours because once you start Cardiac Cartel, you won't be
able to put it down.
I look forward to other work from Mucci. He's got a voice and a real talent for weaving a tale.
And,
his bad guys are truly evil. If there's a movie version of this book, I'm sure Hollywood will cast
someone like Matt Damon or Leonardo DiCaprio as Dr. Pavano, but there is no one that can play
bad guy Dr. Barbosa better than Frank Langella. The part is tailor-made for his particular kind of
evil eye madness. -- Enjoy!
The Blood Remembers
Terry Stanfill
Elton-Wolf Publishing
2505 Second Avenue, Suite 515 Seattle WA 98121
1586190334, $24.95, 359 pages
A great debut by a talented storyteller. I rarely find a 'first book' to be all that a publisher says it is.
In the case of The Blood Remembers, however, I must make an exception.
Terry Stanfill has written a story that rivals another great first work The Eight by Katherine
Neville.
Stanfill has bridged the gap between past and present with a wonderful story line , very
reminiscent
of Neville's story of Charlemange's prized chess set.
Stanfill's heroine, Rose Kirkland, has lost herself in her husband, her work and her desire to have a
child. She begins to hear a voice...to experience out of body moments and she is witness to lush
interior scenes of richly decorated castles. She also experiences an almost overwhelming
sadness.
To find herself and to silence the voice, Rose feels compelled to trace her family's roots through
the
better portion of Europe and re-visit their long and protracted histories.
To say anymore would be to give away too much.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Ms. Stanfill. Her pedigree -- she has been
honored for her work in saving the 'art and architecture of Venice' -- and her storytelling talents
should provide her fans with many hours of interesting reading. -- Enjoy!
Terry Mathews
Reviewer
Kaveny's Bookshelf
"When I have a little money I buy books. If there is any left I buy food and clothes." Erasmus
born
Oct. 27, 1469 , Rotterdam, Holland [now in The Netherlands] died July 12, 1536 , Basel,
Switzerland
(From a T-shirt I bought at the Kalamazoo Medieval Conference for advertising purposes)
I need to explain a few things right off the bat this month. (Boy this reminds me of being back in
graduate school for most of the 1990's) I realize that last month I said that part of Kaveny's
Bookshelf would included my definitive comments on the PBS Series of The Commanding
Heights
and all of its components consisting of the Book, the Webcast Version, and the six hour three part
video tapes of the program.
Most of that will have to wait until next month, as will the reviews of s number of my associates
and
colleagues work. The reason for this is I want to share my experiences at two conferences I
attended
and participated in while the are still fresh in my mind. A first they will seem very different to my
readers. One is the premier conference of its type in the world. The 37th International Congress
on
Medieval Studies which took place at Western Michigan University at Kalamazoo Michigan over
the
weekend of May 2- 5th. The conference drew nearly 3,000 attendees from the Four Corners of
the
world. Though in a number of instances I have participated as a presenter at this conference, this
time I participated as a bookseller named HedgeHog & Otter along with the following
exhibitors.
I am including he URL from online program book which gives a layout of the room and the names
and booth numbers of all of the participants some which are world renowned in case you wish to
take a virtual tour. http://www.wmich.edu/medieval/congress/37congress/main.html
-36 Abbey Scriptorium-15 Adler's Foreign Books
-60 Alecto Historical Editions-36 Allen G. Berman, Numismatist
-42 AmberSource-67 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Kalamazoo-66 Arizona Center for
Medieval & Renaissance Studies (ACMRS)-13 Ashgate Publishing-34 Baker Book House
-17 Cambridge University Press-45 Castle Furnishings-3 Catholic University of America Press-54
Chaucer Studio-31 Chivalry Bookshelf-33 Cistercian Publications- 43 Columbia University
Press-26
Consortium for the Teaching of the Middle Ages (TEAMS)-8 Cornell University Press-58
Cornwell
ScribeWorks
-57 David Brown Book Co.-40 Deadly Passions Bookshop-5 Droz
-27 Edwin Mellen Press-59 Four Courts Press-50 France Edition
-30 Franciscan Institute Publications-55 Franciscan Press-56 -Garrylee McCormick-Goliardic
Society-37 Hackenberg Booksellers-16 Hambledon & London-65 ( That's me folks HedgeHog &
Otter (books)-38 Historic Waxcraft-7 Indiana University Press-62 International Center of
Medieval
Art (ICMA)
-29 Loome Booksellers-44 Mackus Company Illuminated MSS
-Mail Room (so you don't have to bust a suitcase, or a gut carrying it-11 Maryellen Hains
Studio-12
McFarland Publishers
-19 Medieval Academy of America-62 Medieval Academy of America-Membership-26 Medieval
Institute Publications-
-51 New City Press-23 Oxford University Press-2 Palgrave-
-6 Paulist Press-49 Pegasus Press-3 Penn State Press-
-24 Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies-32 Powell's Bookstore
-35 Routledge/Garland-46 Scholarly Digital Editions-10 Scholar's Choice-63 Studies in Medieval
&
Renaissance Teaching (SMART)
-52 Syracuse University Press-41 Timely Tunes-34 Truman State University Press- 25 University
of
Chicago Press-20 University of Michigan Press-39 University of Minnesota Press-28 University
of
Notre Dame Press-1 University of Pennsylvania Press-19 University of Toronto Press-9
University
Press of Florida
-53 Usborne Books (children's)-47 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing-48 Yale University Press.
The exhibit space is huge. A cafeteria which normally seats thousands is cleared and filled with
book
sellers, publishers representatives , and just the right number of jewelers and T shirt, religious
Icon,
music vendors, and, academic program representatives to make the place look like a Medieval
market place.
I wish I had time to say something about all of the exhibitors, however, time and space do not
permit this. Rather I will say that the most valuable part of the exhibitor experience was making
friends with at least a double handful of other exhibitors. I also greatly value making friends with
at
least a portion of the hundreds who Viewed, observed, and sometimes even inspected my table
carefully before they finally surrendered and bought one, two, or more, of the hundreds of books I
sold, many, many of them by or about J.R.R Tolkien who is now the object of much medieval
scholarship.
One incident was stands out in my mind. A Junior faculty member from an Ivy League school was
looking at my copy of, N.R. Ker (ed.) Medieval Libraries of Great Britain. A List of Surviving
Books office of the Royal Historical Society, 1964 8vo. 1st ed.424pp. Red boards with gilt
embossing. I had it priced at a very affordable 10.00 rather than it's list price of 55.00.
Nevertheless
the junior faculty member said he would think about the book, and return after lunch. His former
graduate advisor who just happened to be standing behind him and nearly twice his age and height
said in a booming voice.
"If you don't buy that book now, you will regret it for the rest of your life."
The junior faculty member at that point decided to forgo lunch and bought the book. I wish I had
recorded that his masters voice to employ in future occasions of purchaser doubt.
From the standpoint of a book exhibitor who has sold books on two hundred or so occasions in
the
last quarter of a century from venues as different as car trunks and World Science Fiction
Conventions drawing 8,000 or so souls I have not seen things run as well as the were by Exhibits
Coordinator Candace Porath and her staff, with the support of Wayne Rood from Artcraft
display.
Candice made all of the exhibitors feel that we were an important and welcome, and an integral
part
of the event.
It was strange because I did not go to a single presentation, but my Dr. Janice Bogstad and my
dear
friend Jan Anderson kept bringing back reports of events in way that I felt like I was a part of it
all.
One last thing the event was a great financial success. I made enough money to cover my
expenses
The Other event that covered my plate this month was WisCon 26: May 24-27, 2002. The
gathering
of the feminist community, with guests of honor Nalo Hopkinson Nina Kiriki Hoffman. WisCon
26
gathered together many invited writers, editors, publishers, scholars, artists, women, and men
from
around the world to discuss science fiction and fantasy, with a emphasis on issues of feminism,
gender, race, and class. Again I am including the URL for Wiscon for those who might be
interested.
http://www.sf3.org/wiscon/ It happens each year over Memorial Day Weekend at the lovely
Concourse Hotel in downtown Madison Wisconsin USA.
I wear two hats at Wiscon actually they are both the same hat. It is black leather without a
hatband.
It is my campaign hat and it has been half way around the world with me. I sell books at Wiscon
also
many of the same books I sell at the International Congress on Medieval Studies, but generally
not
to the same nor as many of the. My major reason to attended Wiscon is literary and in a sense to
jump-start my brain. What I have included below is a list with descriptions of the three panels I
participated in. I have included the time and place to remind us how real all these events
were.
Program (86) What Is Worth Saving About America?
Caucus Room Saturday, 4:00-5:15 p.m. (Political, Economic, and Social Issues) If Armageddon
were to come tomorrow, what about our country would you save to pass on to the future? For
that
matter, what institutions, ideas, or traits are most worth saving today? M: Janet M. Lafler, Karen
Joy Fowler, Philip Edward Kaveny, Cheryl Myfanwy Morgan, Vicki Rosenzweig.
This panel was presented in an informal seminar format to a crowd of about forty or so people. It
got off to a pretty bad start when I had to explain to writer Karen Joy Fowler who insisted on
spending ten minutes at the start of the panel telling us how she had a bad experience as young
protestor in the late sixties. I explained to here that this was a panel about what was worth saving
in
America, not an experiment in her autobiography. I don't know but in the sixties I faced a fixed
bayonet or two, and smelled the smell of tear gas. So I felt that I knew from wench I spoke.
It is not like we ended up singing "God Bless America" But a dear and long time friend of mine
Dennis Hackbart who has faced
Up to and survived life threatening medical problems gave us a list
Of things that we could be proud of as American's Right up there was The World of Walt Disney,
The Internet, and perhaps as Mike Lowery (who always dresses in orange) American contrariness,
which leads us to say I will do it my way.
Program 99: Reviews! Reviews!
Assembly Saturday, 9:00-10:15 p.m. (Prodom) Reviews are essential to get the word out to book
buyers at libraries and bookstores, and to readers themselves. How do books get reviewed? What
are the better review venues? What do reviewers go through? How can an interested party
become a
reviewer? And what do you say when you have to write about a book you really, really hate? M:
Philip Edward Kaveny, Janice M. Bogstad Michael Marc Levy, 'Orange Mike' Lowrey, Lori
Selke
The Midwest Book Review was very well represented at this
This panel with Dr. Mike Levy, myself as the Literary Editor, My wife Dr. Janice Bogstad as the
newly appointed International Editor, and Bethany Cox contributing from the audience as the
Midwest Book Review's Managing Editor.
Is the Senior Science Fiction Book Reviewer for Publishers Weekly, which my wife Dr. Janice
Bogstad is a contributing book reviewer. 'Orange Mike' Lowrey has his own ideas about what a
book review should do some of which he sometimes writes in Esperanto. Lori Selke covered yet
another perspective since she was represented small niche erotic publisher, so between us we had
lots of bases covered. What did we decide? First book reviewing is a labor of love rather than
money
though you can get paid and write off expenses. Second reviewers are always needed and there
are a
number of professional organizations like The Science Fiction Research Association, which has a
handful of publications
Which always need reviews. Lastly always be on time with your editor, and do as I say not as I
do.
Program 177: It's The Economy, Stupid!
Capitol A Monday, 10:00-11:15 a.m. (Political, Economic, and Social Issues) Do all the larger
issues within societies and the world, boil down to economic terms? One economic analysis
documented how the organization of the American family (and family values) from the Industrial
Revolution to the present was determined by changing economic forces. Just how powerful are
economic forces in shaping societies? What economic realities would economists advise SF/F
writers
to keep in mind as they create their speculative cultures and worlds? M: Beth A. Plutchak , Ian K.
Hagemann , Philip Edward Kaveny , Scott David Westerfeld.
Considering that this panel took place on the Monday morning of a four-day convention it was the
high point of a very long weekend for me, because in a sense it allowed me to address the
question
Re: The Commanding Heights Series In last months Kaveny's Bookshelf
"Yet for all of the compelling force the three part PBS series, "Commanding Heights" is also
supported by wonderful web resources. Nonetheless, I am still resistant to the biggest message of
this outstanding series, a message which I would paraphrase as follows: The free market
unfettered
by tariffs, national boundaries, and protectionist measures is a historically demonstrably superior
means of making life and death economic decisions which will affect the course of events of the
rest
of the century, and will contribute more to common well being of the human race than any other
economic system available in theory or practice."
I still don't have an answer to this question but I think that Science Fiction has historically been a
place to look for answers since the time of H.G. Wells and Edward Bellamy in the late 19th
Century.
What I mean by looking for answers is that we should turn to writers and media producers who
have
the courage to suggest that the present way we order reality is not the only possibility.
Many issues were brought up in the Panel. Beth A. Plutchak a budding writer who very much
admire also works in the finance industry, and knew and under stood Thorstein Veblen's work on
conspicuous consumption written early last century and was able to apply it to the works of Philip
K
Dick.
Ian K. Hagemann was able to suggest that much of what we know as scarcity is in fact a
fabrication
of desire, and that the "Free Market", is as much a social construction as is the rest of our reality.
But the panelist really got our attention and in a sense lit up the audience was, Scott David
Westerfeld. Scott drew on the bow classic work of Science Fiction which launched the Cyberpunk
genre in 1984 "Neuromancer, and in the process at least conceptually inspired the Internet with
his
concept of "The Sprawl. "The Sprawl" was world wide consensual illusion, which has become
inseparable even with the literary and cultural mainstream for "The Internet". Scott suggested that
the "Free Market" exist as the same sort of consensual illusion, and can be modified or improved
upon by our powers to dream and visualize something different.
Philip Kaveny
Reviewer
Jade's Bookshelf
Touching Evil
Kay Hooper
Bantam Books
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
ISBN: 0553583441, Price: $6.99, http://www.bantamdell.com, http://www.kayhooper.com
Police sketch artist Maggie Barnes is used to drawing the face of evil. It's her job to listen to a
victim
describe her attacker, and then create an image for the Seattle police to use for identification
purposes.
But this latest case has thrown Maggie for a loop. She can't draw the serial rapist's face because
he
knocks out his victims before they can see him. To make matters worse, he also blinds them while
they're unconscious and then brutally assaults them. If Maggie can't figure out what this criminal
looks like soon, he's going to rape and maim again.
What makes Maggie so unique is that her artistic ability draws on her natural psychic talents. A
powerful empath, Maggie is able to feel the pain the victims experienced and the cold, cruel
signature the rapist leaves behind at the crime scenes. With this constant barrage of outside
emotion,
it's no wonder Maggie has a troubled soul and a fiercely protective nature.
Using his political and business connections, millionaire John Garrett insinuates himself into the
investigation. His sister was one of the rapist's victims and she ended up committing suicide
several
weeks after the attack. But that's not the only reason John is so interested in this case -- Maggie
intrigues the hell out of him and the more time they spend together, the more he's drawn to
her.
The story is compelling and full of dramatic moments. The introduction of the FBI's special
psychic
task force (previously mentioned in several other Kay Hooper mysteries) adds a paranormal twist
to
this violent and empathic tale.
Hooper's writing style, well honed in the romance genre, avoids falling into any melodramatic pits
of
despair. All of the characters feel full-bodied and real, and their feelings are clearly conveyed.
Touching Evil reads like a speeding locomotive racing down a track that ends too soon. The
police
investigation keeps the reader on edge, revealing only small clues to the rapist's identity, and the
heroine is a woman tortured by visions of pain. You (and the hero) don't know whether to hug her
tightly or marvel at the compassion and dedication she shows in the face of a dark demon wearing
a
human's face.
An Offer From A Gentleman
Julia Quinn
Avon Books
10 E. 53rd St., New York, N.Y. 10022-5299
ISBN: 0380815583, Price: $6.99, http://www.avonromance.com, http://www.juliaquinn.com
Sophie Beckett's childhood mirrors Cinderella's. She is the bastard daughter of an earl who
refuses
to recognize her as anything other than his ward. When her father marries then dies, Sophie is
faced
with the addition of an evil stepmother and two wicked stepsisters who immediately turn her into
the
tortured maid.
While there is no fairy godmother bibbitty-bobbitty booing in this romance novel, Sophie does get
the opportunity to attend a masquerade ball, and there she meets her prince -- a wealthy member
of
the ton named Benedict Bridgerton. Thankfully, the story veers off into a more modern direction
at
this point, and becomes a fabulous tale of love lost and found.
For one who is treated so cruelly, Sophie is no victim. She's an independent, intelligent girl who
makes her way in the world using only her wits and sensible nature. Though she immediately falls
in
love with Benedict at the ball, she's levelheaded enough to know they could never be together due
to
their social ranks, and does what she can to avoid him. This task becomes quite a bit more
difficult
when he saves her from the evil clutches of her new employer, and then places her in his mother's
home because he's simply unable to let her out of his sight.
Two years after that ball, Benedict is still haunted by the image of that masked woman. But when
he
is unable to find her, he resigns himself to a life of boring parties and continuous, familial
matchmaking. Then he meets Sophie, and suddenly his world is filled with joy and frustration. He
offers to make her his mistress, and cannot understand why she refuses.
Julia Quinn knows how to build a romance between two characters from different backgrounds.
She
creates situations where their worlds collide and then lets nature take its course. Her writing is
clean
and angel food cake light, and her dialogue skills are flawless. Each conversation embodies the
moment, whether it includes witty repartee, dripping venom or lusty pronouncements. The only
downside to this book is the ending; after such an intriguing romance, I was sorry to see the prose
fall into soap opera melodrama.
An Offer From A Gentleman, a Cinderella tale told in Regency fashion, will fill any romantic
reader's
head with images of masked strangers and love conquering all.
Saddam's Bombmaker
Khidir Hamza
Touchstone Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl., New York, NY 10020
ISBN: 0743211359, $14.00, 1-800-223-2336
Khidir Hamza presents a truly unique view of two antipodal societies--neither fully appreciated by
most Americans. His insider's view of Iraq shows the desperation and danger than entraps the
innocent populace under Saddam Hussain's megalomaniac reign. Likewise, his eventually fulfilled
lifetime longing for the bounties of America shows a patriotic appreciation for the freedoms most
native born citizens spend theirs lives taking for granted.
His authentic story would stretch the boundaries of the most creative novelist. Visual imagery
rivaling Dickens' "Bleak House" makes the hopelessness of daily life in Iraq vividly real, and his
ultimate escape from Saddam's clutches challenges Tom Clancy's most intricate yarn. Making the
adventure even more chilling is his longtime easy access to the highest levels of Saddam's
government. As a player and eventual head of Iraqi's nuclear program, Dr. Hamza was privy to
the
palace inner machinations. From the unrestrained use of torture for any perceived slight to
Saddam's
clintonian-caliber sexual conquests, Dr. Hamza shares it all from his close-up vantage point.
Among the book's most interesting features are several almost desultory anecdotes. Curiously,
Iraq
allows considerably more religious freedom than most predominantly Islamic countries;
Christianity
is largely ignored. After the Gulf War, Saddam's probably not irrational fear of revolt reassigned
much of the nation's depleted resources to maintaining order--a catchall phrase often used to
justify
unprovoked massacres. Penury and entropy flooded the country as many industries folded, while
Saddam also built himself three new palaces (to add to the dozens he already owned.) Dr. Hamza
remarks that several Muslim charities misappropriated donations intended to help the poor--much
of
it was rerouted into corrupt imams' pockets. Conversely, Christian charities diligently distributed
their sparse resources to those in the greatest need. He even sites one Christian minister who
denied
his own brother because his meager income was greater than the average pauper.
Discussing Saddam's lack of interest in world travel, Dr. Hamza mentions that his only two
official
visits to non-Arab states brought him to Moscow and Paris where a hero's welcome greeted him
in
both capitols. Major changes in Russia as well as clearly revealed picture of Saddam's evil nature
would likely negate a repeat embrace in Moscow. Conversely, with recent developments betraying
France's present descent from civilization's standards, it is easy to see loving throngs welcoming a
return visit there in 2002.
Those who perceive a decline in intelligence activities starting under the Clinton administration
will
not be surprised to hear of the CIA's reluctance to cooperate when Dr. Hamza first contacted
them
with a request to defect. Over a year passed while the CIA dilly-dallied with the possibility of
acquiring information that could save millions of lives in the free world, but fortunately even the
dilatory interstice did not deter Dr. Hanna's quest for the American Dream and he was eventually
accepted. The inspiring story of getting his family out is another beguiling facet that employed
enough ingenuity to put James Bond to shame.
Among the autobiography's many uplifting messages is Dr, Hamza's devotion to his marriage. At
the
age of thirty he entered into an arranged marriage with a 15 year-old, but his unflinching
commitment to her stands as testament to how seriously he viewed his husbandly obligations. In a
telling revelation about Iraq, he describes once flying back from a international government
mission
to accompany his wife while she went into labor because Iraqi hospitals do not extend major
efforts
in caring for women--even the wife of a high-ranking government official--unless a man is around
to
hector the staff.
Both the tenacity and temerity of the Israeli military are displayed by two incidents in the book.
First
was the completely unanticipated bombing of Iraq's nascent nuclear reactor in the early 1980's. A
move that despite snarling in the West must have been greatly appreciated by the allied forced
during
the Gulf War. The second ingenious maneuver occurred when Israeli troops landed in
convincingly
disguised Iraqi helicopters and planted an underground spy satellite. Many witnesses overheard
the
imposters speaking authentic Iraqi slang.
To eliminate any doubt about Saddam's evil nature, Dr. Hamza discussed the sustained,
multi-faceted biological and chemical weapon experimentation on Iraqi solders and civilians which
he rightly names "one of the most grisly episodes of these awful weapons in history." Atrocities
ranging from transferring political prisoners to a "pesticide factory" to poisoning the water supply
of
unsuspecting rural dwellers bare bold witness to the Iraqi despot's insensate turpitude.
Underlining the whole narrative is a version of the typical American immigrant's story. The
circumstances may deviate greatly, but as for so many others, the beacon of liberty beckoned. For
decades, it looked like Dr. Hamza and his family--financially sound in Iraq--would never be
among
those blessed tempest-tossed souls who would make it. Fortunately like so many other first
generation Americans, perseverance and kismet intersected and he successful reached the Shining
City on the Hill.
Won By Love
Norma McCorvey & Gary Thomas
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
ISBN 0785272372, $19.99, 1-800-251-4000
While rabid abortion-rights activists will be reluctant to look beyond the surface of Norma
McCorvey's transformation, open-minded readers of all ideological leanings will be moved by this
story of a human being's redemption. Political considerations do not diminish the literary strength
behind this moving tale of a badly lost soul who finally found her way home. One would have to
be
blindly biased not to celebrate her emotional repristination. Life as Jane Roe was empty and
painful;
life as Norma McCorvey is now full and joyous.
Norma came from the wrong side of the tracks, and while she was not a completely unwilling
pawn
in the judicial maneuverings that lead to the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade, she
was never embraced by the powers-that-be behind the cause she unwittingly came to embody.
Throughout the book she demonstrates that the Ivy League feminists had little use for a
blue-collar,
drinking, drug-abusing, poorly-spoken, foul-mouthed, high school dropout carnival barker. She
even
learned of the Supreme Court's decision by catching it in a newspaper write-up. So encompassing
was feminist illuminati's eschewing of her, that she was not invited to most major pro-abortion
marches, or even to the 20th anniversary White House commemoration with Feminist-in-Chief
Hillary Clinton. On the rare occasions when her paths did cross with the ilk of Gloria
Steinhem/Kate
Michelman/Molly Yard et al., the meetings were usually openly confrontational. One exception
was
the iconoclastic feminist Gloria Allred. Ms. Allred's brave call for President Clinton to resign on
account of his criminal actions--even though she staunchly supported his agenda--brought her
scorn
from the left (CNN all but barred for life) and praise from scores of her normal nemeses on the
right,
and she should earn considerably more anomalous approbation/opprobrium by revelations
contained
here. Norma describes Ms. Allred as the one feminist who always treated her respectfully and
unhesitantly acknowledges that today her regard for this political opponent remains high. Among
Ms. Allred's credits were her efforts to prevent Norma from drinking before she would appear on
television and her discouragement of the insecure woman's narcotic indulgences.
Unquestionably the plot's most fantastic twist occurs after Operation Rescue--the civil
disobedience
prolife group--moved in next door to the abortion clinic where Norma was working. Despite
opposite goals, Norma amazingly formed friendships with several Rescue staff members and one
in
particular who grew so trusting of the infamous foe that she actually let her eight year old
daughter
play under Jane Rose's tutelage inside the clinic. Were this book a work of fiction, most readers
would slam it down in disgust at the farfetched contrivance in that chapter, but as the cliche goes,
"truth is stranger..."
Obviously Norma's story would be inchoate without a portion devoted to the horrors of the
abortion
trade, and from her days as an insider she possesses an armamentarium that far surpasses most
right-to-life advocates. She makes little effort to conceal her disdain for her clinic's smarmy,
avaricious abortionist--whom she never identifies beyond "Arnie, " and reveals an industry secret
"that a disproportionate number of abortion doctors are actually from other countries--foreigners
who perceive that our lax abortion laws create a tremendous moneymaking opportunity." Her
contempt for this physician who was always barefoot in the office seems appropriate when she
discusses how as his wife battled breast cancer, he moved a mistress into their home. While he is
the
only abortionist profiled in the book, Norma's implications are clear. Referring to the reality of the
work in an abortion clinic, Norma admits that on-the-job cocaine usage was commonplace among
most workers (and honestly admits to frequent abuse of the drug herself) "drugs became a major
tool to keep the peace; drugs got us through the day." Even abortion proponents should be
outraged
when she explains political pressure has resulted in a situation where "veterinary clinics have
stricter
regulations than abortion clinics."
One of the book's most poignant moments has to be Norma's revelation of her change of heart to
her
loving--if dysfunctional--father on his deathbed. The man who had begged her not to abort any of
her children (and as she relates he had implored his wife to allow Norma to live decades earlier),
was
too weak to talk but smiled brightly and gestured affirmatively when she held up a Christian,
pro-life
shirt.
One powerful vignette concerns a post-conversion encounter with a stranger. The young mother
allowed Norma to hold her baby. After returning the child Norma remarked how beautiful the
child
was eliciting a smile and thanks from the mother. Contrasting this subtly joyous experience with
her
previous vocation, she keenly states, "It dawned on me that I've never had a woman get up to
leave
an abortion clinic and say 'thank you' before she walked out the door."
In a mordant aside at media bias, Norma mentions that after her tergiversation many interviewers
asked about her long time lesbian relationship. (She has long since renounced that lifestyle as did
her
former partner.) Tellingly, she says that the subject of lesbianism never came up during her
decades
of interviews as a abortion-rights supporter.
While the subject of abortion has become a polemic that many run from rather than discuss, it is
always beneficial to have a reasonable ratiocination of both perspectives to any divisive topic. It is
equally helpful to explore the inner psyche of those tirelessly involved on either side. "Won by
Love"
is that rare effort that successfully presents an intimate look at both sides of the dichotomy.
The New Thought Police: Inside The Left's Assault On Free Speech And Free Minds
Tammy Bruce
Prima Publishing
c/o Random House
280 Park Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10017
ISBN: 0761534040 $23.95, 1-800-726-0600
The Word "liberal" is bandied about freely today--generally used to describe people and/or
activities
that are anything but classically liberal. Tammy Bruce is one of the dying breed of true
progressives
for whom the label remains condign. She is a supporter of gay rights, abortion advocate, and
believer that women's studies and black studies programs have the potential for good. Still her
most
unabashedly liberal principle is unquestionably her fervent conviction that someone may
vehemently
disagree with her and remain an intelligent, respectable member of civil society.
While many critics have suggested that the feminist establishment sacrificed its principles toadying
for Bill Clinton, Ms. Bruce argues that its credibility was floundering before it knelt at his
concupiscent altar; although she acknowledges that the Clinton administration arranged for the
first-ever federal funds to flow into NOW's coffers only after the president's sex-scandals became
known. Ms. Bruce proudly served in an executive position at the National Organization for
Women,
but her disillusionment with the NOW's practices started quickly as she unhappily discovered the
group to be little more than a rudderless sycophantic wing of the Democratic Party. Her dismay is
not limited to feminist illuminati; she excoriates the NAACP and other race hustlers while perhaps
reserving her strongest denouncements for the intolerant gay rights establishment. Discussing the
campaign against Dr. Laura Schlessinger's controversial TV show, Ms. Bruce bravely assails the
vitriol of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and other agenda-driven
pressure
groups to whom rationally presented opposing viewpoints are seen as dangerous. Quoting the
radio
talk show host directly, rather than the distorted rhetoric so frantically oft-repeated, Ms.
Bruce--an
open lesbian--admits her disagreement, but does not perceive any threats from an intelligent
person
whose opinion contradicts her own. However when she quotes directly from GLAAD's website,
she
does express some cause for concern at intimated threats toward companies that sponsored the
targeted program. She further relates purported suggestions of vandalism against retailers who
advertised as well as intimidation and implied physical harm to all involved in the production or
sponsorship of the program. She juxtaposes this hysterical overreaction with the gay lobby's tepid
protestations of hate-lyric rapper Eminem whose songs (for lack of a more appropriate word)
glorify
violence against homosexuals. Referencing GLAAD's pallid denunciation of a duet between gy
avatar Elton John and Eminem as "misguided,' Ms. Bruce humorously remarks, "that must have
put
the fear of God in both of them."
It is hard to imagine a more compelling or articulate case against hate crime legislation than Ms.
Bruce offers. Although she does not possess a legal background her comprehensive evaluation on
the potential dangers of criminalizing thoughts should be read, analyzed, and debated in every
American law school. Sadly, that will never occur, because as she will accurately points out
analysis
and debate are no longer celebrated, encouraged, and frighteningly not even allowed at many
universities.
Her further discussion of politically correct race relations will be welcome to sensible New Jersey
residents who should smugly grin reading over the author's dissection of the state's decade-long
manufactured controversy, racial profiling. Reviewing former attorney general and PC-activist
appeaser Peter Veniero's dossier on the fabricated issue, she begins, "here's how Veniero's
fable...er,
report-put it" and expounds upon how his alleged investigation was in reality a vapid effort to
placate all sides in the state's escalating issue. She insightfully demonstrates how race
hustlers--with
few sincere concerns for interracial harmony--have hijacked the debate. Certain concepts such as
widespread racially motivated injustice must be acknowledged as givens even if they do not really
exist outside the elitist perspective.
No section is as touching as the narration of events that occurred in the aftermath of the O.J.
Simpson debacle. A side effect of the travesty was Ms. Bruce's eventual departure from NOW.
She
made no apologies for condemning a man found civilly liable for the death of his ex-wife, but the
nation's number one feminist organization disapproved of what they interpreted as racism. While
feminist movers and shakers may have been appalled by her post--O.J. activities, many ordinary
citizens applauded her efforts to ostracize the despicable former gridiron star. NOW's LA chapter
office was flooded with calls and donations from those who knew of her leadership on the issue.
Many of those supporters opposed much of NOW's politics. Poignantly, Ms. Bruce assured all
pro-lifers, religious conservatives, Republicans, and other designated enemies, that any money
they
gave would go exclusively to programs arising from the Simpson case and assiduously made
certain
than not even one penny was misapplied.
Tammy Bruce eloquently lays out her case and supports it with bushels of documentation.
Ironically
though, her legion of so-called liberal critics has far surpassed her in articulating the viewpoint
that
she is attempting to convey. Only a handful of newspapers--most with a decidedly conservative
tendency-- have even reviewed this thoughtful book since its publication, a far cry from the days
when seeing her work published was as simple as making a phone call. The author believes that
crazy ideas should be countered with strong arguments. Obviously, those who dismiss her
positions
could not adequately refute them or they would not be afraid to confront them head on.
Steven Fantina
Reviewer
Cindy Penn's Bookshelf
Bittersweet Passion: Special Edition No 1449
Peggy Webb
Harlequin Retail Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373244495, Mass Market Paperback, 251 pages, $4.50
Bittersweet Passion continues The Westmoreland Diaries series by Peggy Webb. The narrative is
interspersed by journal entries spanning four decades penned by Anne Beaufort Westmoreland as
she records the challenges and joys of her life with husband Michael. Theirs is a special kind of
love:
they knew at first sight they were bound together as soul mates, and even as Michael's career as a
mountaineer carries him thousands of miles away, they have always treasured their bond. As
parents,
Anne and Michael only wish their children could experience the kind of love they share. This
selection in The Westmoreland Diaries is their daughter Emily's story. With a voice of an angel
and
the daring of a seductress, Skylar Tate thrills fans with her sexy videos and sultry voice. When she
meets Methodist Minister Daniel Westmoreland, she immediately attempts to ignore the chemistry
because of her past. Her father had been a "hell fire and brimstone" preacher intent upon saving
his
daughter's soul. When she ran away at sixteen, her father brought her home. When she ran away
at
eighteen, she stayed away. No way does Skylar need another minister in her life, no matter how
sexy
he might be. Standing at his father's bedside, Daniel hears the voice of an angel. When he learns
the
angel's identity, Daniel rushes out to buy her six CDs and the most erotic musical video he has
ever
watched. Despite their obvious differences, he is hooked. Even as he fights a crisis of faith,
worries
over his mother's well being, and prays for his father's recovery, Daniel pursues this signing
sensation, defying tabloids and irate congregation members with equal fervor. Author Peggy
Webb
heart touching Bittersweet Passion touches the beauty and the challenges of love in its most heart
breaking and yet emotionally satisfying possibilities. Once again the powerful love story of Anne
and
Michael frame a memorable tale of love not to be missed. As Anne struggles to believe in
Michael's
recovery four months after his tragic accident, so does Skylar struggle t believe in the possibility
of
love for herself. Her spirited determination and indomitable spirit conceal a wounded soul that
Daniel remains determined to heal. Indeed, Daniel's determination echoes his father's
determination
as the reader becomes privy to Michaels occasional reflections as he struggles to come out of his
coma. In addition, Webb resolves the conflict of careers without the usual compromise that would
interfere with these dynamic characterizations.
Private Investigations. Harlequin Temptation No 876
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037325976X, Mass Market Paperback , 218 pages, $3.99
Private Investigator Ripley Logan's first day on the job is a bust. No one admits to recognizing the
grainy photo she carried to Memphis, so Ripley comforts herself with a hot bubble bath at her
hotel.
But when three gun-wielding men break into her room, quick thinking lands the still naked
woman in
the bed of a sexy stranger. Joe Pruitt knows something is missing from his life. Business success
no
longer leaves him fulfilled, but he did not realize what was missing until the unorthodox stranger
climbs through his hotel window, bringing sensual excitement to his life both in and out of bed.
Joe
quickly attaches himself to Ripley, determined to see her case to its end. Private Investigations
displays writing team Tori Carrington's talent at its scintillating best. Comic humor sharply
contrast
torrid passion resulting in a memorable reading experience. Ripley undermines Joe's stable world,
leaving him questioning every element of his life. Joe determinedly hangs with Ripley through
dangerously tempting danger, determined to touch her heart as well as her body. The combination
of
these rich characterizations, a fast paced plot, and outrageous daring make Private Investigations
a
keeper. Very highly recommended.
Sheriff In Tennessee: Superromance No 1063
Lori Handeland
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710631, Mass Market Paperback, 298 pages, $4.99
Model Isabelle Ash intends to make a career change. Rather than showing off thong bathing suits
in
thirty-degree weather, she is to become an actress. A new series set in a small town has
approached
her for the part of the lead - a lady sheriff. So Isabelle sets off for Pleasant Ridge, Tennessee to
learn
first hand what it takes to be a small town sheriff. Sheriff Gabriel Klein is skeptical of a beautiful
actress learning from him, but the mayor signs his paycheck and insists Gabe teach her. Gabe has
many women friends, but with his homely looks they all seem to prefer to be pals rather than
romantic partners. So he never considers that fact that Isabelle might sincerely be interested, or
that
his attitudes toward her might portray a very inaccurate stereotype. Author Lori Handeland has a
gift for combining an amusing storyline with complex characterizations, demonstrated once again
in
A Sheriff In Tennessee. Gabriel and Isabelle fall neatly into the stereotype traps regarding looks --
as
polar opposites. Gabriel sends mixed signals because of his own poor self-esteem, little realizing
just
how sexy Isabelle finds him. Isabelle is accustomed to being judged by looks and resents it, so her
interest is peaked when Gabriel obviously overlooks her bust size, yet grows aggravated when he
still does not pay enough attention to her brain. Such an amusing conundrum does not necessarily
dictate a "fluffy" read when circumstances allow both to prove their strengths in a twisting plot
that
will keep the pages turning. A Sheriff In Tennessee comes very highly recommended.
Practice Makes Perfect: Superromance No 1066
Kathryn Shay
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710666, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $4.99
At seventeen, Paige Kendrick lost her parents and gave her baby up for adoption in the same day.
Paige never saw the child, never asked its sex or health; instead, she raised her sister and went on
to
become a doctor. Now she works as a pediatrician charging high prices to those who can afford
her
skills; at once distancing herself from girls like the one she once was even as cares for children like
the one she lost. No other doctor has the skills or the compassion of Dr Paige Kendrick, and Ian
is
determined to sign her onto his program. He also quickly realizes he needs her in his life as much
as
he needs her skills for the inner-city girls. Unfortunately, Paige builds strong walls around her
emotion and her past, refusing to share her heart or her history. But Ian is equally resolute to
understand and love this elusive woman. Author Kathryn Shay has a gift for boldly presenting
challenging life situations that offer no easy solutions. This series, Serenity House, brings women
together who once shared life in a group home for girls. Practice Makes Perfect one again exhibits
Shay's deep compassion for her flawed, yet marvelously portrayed characters. Loss has taught
Paige
a bitter lesson only love can cure. Conversely, Ian understands adoption from an entirely different
perspective. But his take-charge personality proves equally attractive and abrasive, presenting him
with his own challenges in building a relationship with Paige. The result is a sympathetic,
heart-warming tale that presents families, adoptions, and love with beauty and sparkle. Paige's
younger sister likewise is an interesting and unorthodox character, lending the story a marvelous
subplot. Very highly recommended.
She's My Mom: Superromance No 1065
Rebecca Winters
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710658, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $4.99
Dinner with friends at a hotel-casino in Los Vegas results in a stunning revelation for
thirteen-year-old Brett Corbitt. In a chance encounter on the stairs as he descends to the lobby,
Brett
sights the mother he believes to be deceased. It is her face, and her body and her voice, but there
is
no flicker of recognition. When Brett arrives home, he persuades his father, Detective Grady
Corbitt, to return to the hotel with him. Even though the woman calls herself Martha Walters,
Brett
and Grady know the woman's true identity as Susan Corbitt. What they do not know is why she
did
not recognize her son or why she disappeared. Six months ago Susan was found wandering a
nearby
Indian reservation. She suffers from amnesia, recovering first in the home of residents and later at
a
women's shelter. When the hotel-casino opened, she got a job as a maid. Fearing why she was lost
in
the desert and possible consequences if someone recognized her before she regained her memory,
Susan changed her hair color and never went to the police. But when the sexy detective arrives at
her apartment, it was chemistry. She cannot help feeling pleased to be married to him, even if she
does not recognize Grady. She is likewise delighted with her son. But Susan will never be out of
danger until they learn why a bomb was planted to kill, yet her body was dumped in the desert.
Author Rebecca Winters creates a convincing amnesia story with She's My Mom. The
complications
of memory loss provide strong conflict, yet are touchingly handled. As Susan falls in love all over
again, she is painfully aware of the differences between now, and the woman Grady has been
married to for seventeen years. And those differences are both profound and unforgettable, no
matter how much that she and Grady want to deny their importance. Her son Brett likewise lends
a
poignant note in his eagerness to regain his mother. Grady's struggle in some ways is the most
difficult as he struggles with self-honesty and reconciling a past that his wife cannot remember
with
the preent. A remarkable and memorable tale, She's My Mom comes very highly
recommended.
The Wildcatter: Superromance No 1067
Peggy Nicholson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710674, Mass Market Paperback, 299 pages, $4.99
Eleven years ago wildcatter Miguel Heydt comes to the Suntop ranch hoping to strike it rich.
While
he finds indications of black gold, he also finds something else of tremendous value. The rancher's
glorious daughter Risa transforms his world even as he tells himself a woman of wealth and
privilege
could never want a poor half-breed like himself. Then her father offers a deal he cannot resist; he
has
only to marry Risa and father a son to achieve all of his dreams at once. Risa brings home a totally
inappropriate fianc‚, at least in her father's eyes. Ben has no intention of allowing the ranch he has
built to fall into the hands of a scheming lawyer who sees his fortune in dividing and selling the
ranch
off someday as little "ranchettes." So he takes a risk on the penniless ranch hand who hunts oil by
night, in hopes of sparing his daughter heartache. But when Risa learns of her father and
husband's
agreement, she disappears without a trace, gets an annulment, and marries her former fianc‚. The
past and present collide when Miguel and Risa arrive at Suntop at the same time, eleven years
later.
Secrets and betrayals of the past threaten to destroy their relationship again, before it is even
reborn,
lending The Wildcatter intense conflict. Author Peggy Nicholson skillfully balances the timeframes
of past and present to create a richly developed story. As secrets come to light, both Risa and
Miguel are forced to undergo tremendous growth and change. These beautifully developed
characters and well-paced plot provide delightful reading that comes highly recommended.
Slow Dance With A Cowboy: Superromance No 1062
Linda Style
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710623, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $4.99
Schoolteacher Nicole Weston profoundly understands what it means to be ostracized by everyone
around her. Her mother's mental illness resulted in tremendous instability during her childhood.
Consequently, Nicole is a lioness when it comes to protecting those in her care for a program for
teens at risk, providing the last chance they have for graduating from high school. When her
classroom is vandalized, her troubled students are the first to be suspected of the crime. She just
as
fiercely rises to the cause of the underdogs in her elementary classes. Then one of Nicole's
students
most in need turns out to be the son of her old flame. Ex-cowboy Cameron Colter has given up a
lot
of dreams over the years, leaving behind his family's ranch to establish his own construction
company. Anger at his brothers has separated him from his family, but now he has new family to
care for when his son sudden comes to live with him. Cam intends to form a strong working
relationship with Michael's teacher in hopes of calming behavioral issues. Then the substitute for
the
remained of the year turns out to be the woman he wanted to marry ten years ago. He never
understood why Nicole ended their relationship, and it does not take long in her company for him
to
long to rekindle old flames. Author Linda Style boldly incorporates the theme of mental illness in
Slow Dance With A Cowboy. My own mother was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia twenty
years ago, and I cannot help but be impressed with Style's enactment of the nightmare such a
diagnosis brings. Nicole faces issues regarding long term care of her mentally ill parent, including
the
financial ramifications as well as the questioning of her own mental health and that of her future
children. Only a child when her mother was hospitalized, Nicole learned to accept the necessary
changes to her own life that schizophrenia brings about regarding one's hopes and dreams. As any
person would, Nicole once longed to hide her mother's illness, desperately wanting to be normal
instead of beingostracized because of her mother. Cam's response to Nicole's mother is
marvelous,
and he demonstrates tremendous forethought as he thinks through the ramifications of a
relationship
with Nicole, who is at risk for schizophrenia as well. Indeed, themes of honesty with self and
others
make this a story that touches the heart as well as providing food for reflection. Very highly
recommended.
Hot On Her Tail: Blaze No 43
Karen Anders
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790473, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $4.59
Bounty hunter Austin Taggart recognizes trouble in the breathtaking photo of his skip. Indeed, his
instinct warns him against taking this case, but his sister's need for tuition money motivates him to
accept anyway. Francesca "Maxie" Maxwell ostensibly embezzled a million dollars from the bank
where she was a manager. All he has to do is pick her up, bring her back to Sedona and collect his
paycheck. With his tracking skills, the job should only take a day or two. As soon as he sees the
delicate pixie in person, Austin knows his instincts had been right. His inconvenient hormones
threaten his flawless record for bringing in skip traces. No matter how many times she escapes or
how attractive he finds her, Austin remains hot on her tail. Maxie's ability to handle the raucous
customers at the Lucky Star proves her resourcefulness, yet the reader has to wonder at her
reasons
for repeatedly returning to the same place knowing Austin will follow. Her own upscale bar called
Firecrackers that she intends to partner with her sister sharply contrasts the motorcycle bar, yet
Maxie delights in its unusual patrons with their hearts of gold. She intends to lay low just long
enough for a computer guru/friend to prove her innocence or for the liquor license for
Firecrackers
to go through. After all, her sister provided financial backing for the club, and Maxie intends to
make her investment profitable to pay back for all the times her sister has stood by her. Author
Karen Anders brings a gift for vividly realizing a fun story in Hot On Her Tail. Memorable
characters and naughty handcuffs lend the novel breathtaking intensity. Austin's ethnic
background
and devotion to family gives him strong motivation and sensual appeal. Indeed, his dangerous,
lethal
aura makes him every woman's fantasy. Maxie's determination and resourcefulness likewise makes
her incredibly appealing. Secondary characters are also fascinating. Star Dupree, bartended and
owner of the Lucky Star where Maxie waitress proves herself both a loyal friend and a formiable
woman. Indeed, the former motorcycle momma's bar provides an unusual focal point where
Maxie
repeatedly returns. Further, the moral and ethical dilemmas that Maxie and Austin face as they
both
try to honor their family responsibilities gives the novel strong motivation. Hot On Her Tail comes
highly recommended.
Anything You Can Do...!/Anchor That Man!: Duets No 77
Darlene Gardner, Dawn Atkins
Harlequin Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441436, Mass Market Paperback, 378 pages, $5.99
Duet authors Darlene Gardner and Dawn Atkins combine their gifted pens in creating these
playfully
delightful tales certain to entertain. Anything You Can Do...! and Anchor That Man! prove that
competition can bring out the best and worst in lovers! Both lighthearted tales star lead characters
that fans will savor. Anything You Can Do...! by Darlene Gardner: Lane Brooks thrives on
competition. She might not know anything about cat shows, but she knows she wants the
prestigious job with Splash! When she realizes the competition is her nemesis and sensual tease
Clay
Crawford, she resolves to maintain her completive edge regardless of the distractions. Gardner's
journalism background lends Anything You Can Do...! a convincing tone even as the outrageous
antics of cats and characters alike keep the reader giggling. The deft weaving of humor, turmoil
and
competition give this tale a delicious spice that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Further, Gardner
resolves this competitive dilemma with startling flair. Anchor That Man! by Dawn Atkins: Only
two
weeks after landing her dream job as hostess to Making it to Marriage...with Renata Rose, the
petals
fall from the blossom when Renata becomes disillusioned with marriage. Her caustic tone
threatens
her job until co-host Hawk Hunter arrives to help Renata rediscover her "flair." Clashes on screen
and clashes off screen make for dynamic interaction. Dawn Atkins creates a tale filled with mixed
emotions and sharply contrasting characters. The harder Renata tries to control her show, her
emotions and her attraction, the more Hawk keeps throwing her off kilter. His distractions,
romantic
nature, and foolish male mistakes keep the laughs coming. Powerful women who aren't afraid to
go
after what they want make this Duets selection absolutely memorable. Forgoing the classic
comedy
of error plots, these daring authors thrust their heroines in challenging competitions guaranteed to
keep the pages turning. Highly recommended.
Heaven Scent / Shotgun Nanny: Duets No 78
Jacqueline Diamond, Nancy Warren
Harlequin Inc.
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373441444, Mass Market Paperback, 378 pages, $5.99
Duets combine with two tales of rather unorthodox nannies who never intended a career in
childcare. Outrageous hilarity and scent-sational fun prove that these authors aren't just clowning
around. Congratulations to authors Jacqueline Diamond and Nancy Warren for earning the first
WordWeaving Award for Excellence for a Duet! Heaven Scent by Jacqueline Diamond: Assistant
psychology professor Nancy Verano finds herself without a job for the summer, so her sister
convinces her to trade identities. Before her sister landed her big break on a sitcom, she had
accepted a position advertised on the Internet for a nanny. Too bad Nancy dislikes domesticity. Of
course, the very name of the nearest town suggests trouble: Skunk Crossing. Something stinks in
Skunk Crossing, but Diamond's tale comes up smelling like roses. Vegetarianism, a desire for
Vienna sausages, and teens give this heroine a unique challenge that will keep the laughs coming.
Max's attitude toward psychologist provides strong motivation for secret keeping, which
inevitably
leads to trouble. A delightful read! Shotgun Nanny by Nancy Warren: When Annie Porter meets
super serious ex-Mountie Mark Saunders under less than auspicious circumstances, neither
dreams
that they would soon cross paths again. Mark does not recognize Annie under her grease paint
when
arrives at as niece's birthday party as a clown, but her remarkable success with his niece leads to
an
irresistible offer of employment. Inevitably, Annie's free spirit collides with Mark's staid approach,
as
her very presence brings laughter and disaster in equal measure. Nancy Warren's clowning around
results in hysterical hilarity in Shotgun Nanny. Annie's free spirit and engaging personality draws
out
her reticent charge and the circumspect uncle in equal measure. Squirrels, dogs, and out of
control
humor will keep readers laughing until the last page. Indeed, Warren's effortlessly charming prose
proves her mastery of romantic comedy.
Operation Katie: Superromance No 1064
Roxanne Rustand
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037371064X, Mass Market Paperback, 296 pages, $4.99
For the last ten years, Zach Forrester has excelled at training, worked high profile cases, and faced
impossible odds to track and capture dangerous men who make headline news. Now one three
year
old moppet brings him to his knees with a challenge that exceeds any other: Operation Katie.
Now
he must learn to detangle fine baby hair, make peanut butter sandwiches with the crust removed,
and
endear lunch in froufrou restaurants filled with lace and dollhouses. Moreover, he must keep her
safe
from the man who wants his tiny niece dead. So he takes her to Fossil Hill, Colorado to heal and
to
find safety a town that once rejected him. Widow Dana Hathaway raises two children, maintains
the
Rocking H Ranch and a thriving veterinarian practice. Fifteen years do not weaken the shock of
seeing her high school sweet heart again. The years have only honed his dangerous, unpredictable
edge. So many times she relived the magic of their Senior Prom and the disillusion of his
disappearance the next day without a word of explanation. She wants to maintain her distance to
protect her heart. But the contrast of the powerful, protective male and the fragile child touches
her
profoundly. Worse, he ignites the memory of passion, of burning need. But Zach knows that his
past
working undercover has made it impossible to give the honesty and commitment necessary for a
relationship. Too bad his heart does not believe his head. Intrigue keeps the plot moving and
interest
piqued, but the characterizations are what make Operation: Katie truly sparkle. Roxanne Rustand
has a gift for capturing the essence of relationships in all their complexity and charm. Zach bears
scars both externally and internally that make him a flawed, extraordinary hero. Dana never backs
down from her independence, yet can act with courage and passion when circumstance demands.
Secondary characters are equally vivid, especially young Katie who demonstrates the behavior to
be
expected from such horrific circumstances, yet reveals her own appeal and intensity. I absolutly
couldn't put Operation: Katie down. Very highly recommended.
Man With A Message: Superromance No 1056
Muriel Jensen
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710569, Mass Market Paperback, 299 pages, $4.99
With water pouring from a shower wall, Mariah slips on a towel, knocking her unconscious. She
falls and comes face-to-face with one of Whitcomb's Wonders. Plumber Cameron Trent moves
her
sodden body to a bed out of the water, and performs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But he is the
one left stunned when she kisses him and then slugs him. Despite her mixed signals, Cameron
finds
himself enchanted with the avenging angel with the left hook. Badly scarred by three miscarriages
and a stillbirth, Mariah does not believe her dreams of family will ever come true. Her husband
cruelly stressed his need for biological children and rejected her when she refused to get try
another
pregnancy. Now Mariah enjoys her quiet life as a dorm mother at the local boarding school and
dreams of a trip to Europe. She resents Cameron's intrusion her life because he ignites her desire
for
things she cannot have. Muriel Jenson brings a small-town richness to Man With A Message, part
of
the continuing Men of Maple Hill series. Heroine Mariah echoes the disillusionment endemic in
many modern women when her dreams of a traditional family seem to have become impossible.
But
Cameron's heart-warming assurances that dreams can come true makes Man With A Message a
modern fairy tale complete with a happy ending. Secondary characters are likewise endearing
from
Mariah's bohemian sister to her young charge that insists upon digging for bold in attics behind
shower tile. A warm read filled with charm, Man With A Message comes highly
recommended.
My Sexiest Mistake: Blaze No 44
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790481, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $4.59
Part time romance author Ryan Donnelly would dearly love to trade her career as a corporate
trainer
for writing full time. Unfortunately, her own life experience has prepared her for little more than
writing simple, sweet romances. Now her must write the steamier versions of romance if she
wants
to make the transition. One inept experience eight years ago does not provide the needed
inspiration.
So her agent persuades her to hire a gigolo to cater to her needs. But a case of mistaken identity
leads her the bedroom with the wrong man who turns out to be perfect; that is, until she realizes
her horrendous mistake. Four years after his divorce and sexy Cade Douglas still goes home
alone.
So when a sensually delightful woman presents herself, he cannot resist the invitation to her room.
Even as he realizes he is not the man she requires, Cade cannot walk away from such a luscious
opportunity. He promises her to explain when they meet a second time, but the outraged Ryan has
her own plans. Realizing her mistake, Ryan seduces Cade into allowing her tie him to the
bedposts,
takes her pleasure, and leaves him partially bound and his clothes lying in a tub of water. Of
course
they meet again weeks later, in a professional environment, and then things get real interesting!
You've got to love a woman daring enough to use a man for her pleasure and then leave him
bound
to the bedposts. Of course he can eventually free himself, but not until she's made her point.
Moreover, you've also got to love a man so determined to satisfy! Ryan and Cade are the kinds of
characters romance readers adore, showing tremendous growth and change, hearts of gold, and a
real pizzazz for sensuality. Secondary characters likewise sparkle. Ryan's gravelly-voiced agent
and
her new love will bring smiles as well. Debut author Kristin Hardy's own impetuously
spontaneous
nature dazzles in My Sexiest Mistake. She admits My Sexiest Mistake was inspired by her
attendance at a writers' conference. She plotted out this Blaze novel on the plane home and wrot
the
draft of Chapter One that night. Harlequin wisely bought this outstanding new voice, and her
subsequent three book will be released by Blaze in 2003. Hardy is definitely a rising star to watch
for. My Sexiest Mistake comes very highly recommended.
Two To Tangle: Temptation No 886
Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373259824, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $3.99
Ever since Chloe Weston started working for the family-owned department store, boss Troy
Langtree frequently catches her eye. Although attractive, however, Troy does not initially seem to
appreciate the joys of living. Then one night while working late on a window, with summer
lighting
in the midnight sky, Chloe sees Troy changing a flat in the rain. Suddenly the proper businessman
becomes a pagan rain worshipper. With other hints of a wild streak lurking beneath that carefully
polished exterior, Chloe cannot help being intrigued. When people lined up five deep to admire
her
windows at the department store, Chloe is rewarded with an all expense paid trip to the South
Florida Retailers & Merchandisers at a pricey Fort Lauderdale-area resort. In addition to
furthering
her career, the trip affords Chloe the opportunity to briefly escape the drudgery of school, work
and
supporting her family. She does not go seeking a fling, but when the man she believes to be Troy
approaches her at the pool side, having admired her love of the elements, Chloe throws caution to
the wind. Trent might be an identical twin, but his approach to life is diametrically opposed to his
brother's business life. Trent left the family fold to pursue his love of outdoors, and now owns a
landscaping business. Three years ago Trent's money grubbing social climbing fianc‚e ditched him
because he could no longer keep her in Mercedes convertibles. Subsequently, work has consumed
his time and attention. Then he sees a delectable woman savoring the rain, and he cannot resist her
allure. Neither Chloe nor Trent realize that their erotic encounter stems from a case of mistaken
identity! Through mistaken identity and the use of twins, author Leslie Kelly allows her characters
the freedom to loosen their inhibitions and discover the pleasure of dancing the rain, walking on
the
beech, and the sensual touch of a new lover. The plot plays out skillfully, not belaboring the
mistaken identity yet exploiting it to the fullest. In addition, characterizations sparke. Chloe
acknowledges her desire for paid bills and security, but depends upon her own abilities to provide.
Her growth a character is phenomenal. Trent is every woman's erotic dream with the sensual
description of his rain dance and joy in simple things. Further, readers intrigued by the bad-boy
Troy
will look forward to his story early in 2003. Two To Tangle comes very highly
recommended.
Double Exposure: Harlequin Temptation No 881
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373259816, Mass Market Paperback, 218 pages, $3.99
Stuntman Hugh Armstrong pursues his profession for the adrenaline rush. Leaping from flaming
buildings, however, comes much easier than risking his heart. Consequently, when he and Kate
Cooper just seem to click, Hugh welcomes the opportunity to turn a wedding into his own little
weekend tryst. Unfortunately, he does not suspect that Kate's sensuous seduction is partially
based
on a case of mistaken identity. With her twin rapped up in last minute wedding preparations, Kate
promises to pick up best man Harry Armstrong on the airport. Her gift for photography makes
picking him out of the crowd easily, but someone should have told her that he has an identical
brother. It is not until after the fireworks lead them to bind blowing pleasure that Kate learns the
man in her bed is not Harry. Her outrage is only matched by her mortification. Worse, she is not
the
type for a weekend fling and a Sunday afternoon goodbye. Author Vicki Lewis Thompson
delivers
an outrageous read in Double Exposure. Mixed identities, coincidence and heat lend Double
Exposure the plot twists that keep Thompson's fans begging for more. With a daring heroine
seeking
the hero of her dreams, and a hero who does not exactly meet her expectations, Double Exposure
reveals a memorable couple caught in the throws of passion. Further, Kate's gift for making every
second count, her need for excitement, and passion for living make her an intriguing heroine.
Hugh's
persistence in running from a painful past to protect his heart builds deep sympathy in the reader.
With a delightful cast of secondary characters, including a charmingly daring child who almost
steals
the scene, Double Exposure satisfies. Very highly recommended.
Wedding At White Sands: Intimate Moments No 1158
Catherine Mann
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272286, Mass Market Paperback, 250 pages, $4.50
When the scruffy young man shows up in her office, Private Investigator Allie St. James finds
herself
immediately enamored. Allie has a soft spot for causes, usually focusing investigations that track
deadbeat dads. Robbie's snaggle toothed grin quickly convinces Allie to lend her professional
investigative skills to his cause. Robbie believes someone is trying to kill his dad. Allie's visit to
Jake
Larson to investigate his son's concerns leads to a tie between Jake and the owner of White Sands
resort, Neil Phillips, who happens to be at the top of Allie's hit list for deadbeat dads.
Consequently,
she follows Jake to the resort. Jake had been an Air Force investigator until a drunk driver killed
his
wife and left him physically and emotionally damaged. Currently he works with the police to bring
down the crooked owner of White Sands Resort, the same man who also tried to scam his
parents.
When Jake lands in Miami only to find Allie sitting on the hood of his rental car, he knows he is in
trouble. Allie's creative manipulations result in their sharing a honeymoon suite and posing as a
married couple trying to add spice back into their marriage. Despite his obvious physical desire
for
Allie, however, Jake holds back. He has never been an emotional man and does not believe
himself
capable of giving any woman the love she deserves. Yet he finds that it is impossible to win
against
anyone like Allie. Author Catherine Mann creates an enthralling romance in Wedding At White
Sand. Her gift for characterization and drama will hold readers enthralled. Free spirited Allie balks
at
stricture. Jake thrives on quiet moments free of emotional entanglements. Allie is the essence of
perpetual motion and Jake prefers peace. In fact, Jake resents the rush of awareness Allie inspires
as
she circumvents his careful control. The closer she comes emotionally, the farther he backs away,
and yet he cannot walk away. Their conflict combines with the spice of danger, resulting in a
multilayered plot that moves swiftly along with surprisin twists that maintains the element of
suspense. The fake renewal of wedding vows will strike a strong emotional cord with reader,
especially with the recurrent ties throughout the remainder of the novel. A marvelous combination
of
suspense and romance, Wedding At White Sands comes very highly recommended.
And The Winner Gets...Married!: Desire No 1442
Metsy Hingle
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373764421, Mass Market Paperback, 187 pages, $3.99
When his brother Daniel assumed the throne of Altaria, Justin Connelly does the work of two men
as vice president of marketing. He has weathered an attempt on his brother's life, a crash of the
corporation's computers and now a fiasco with the firm's marketing campaign. Worse, his sister
plans to put him the auction block, for charity of course. Shockingly, his executive assistant
Kimberly Lindgren wins the bid for a romantic getaway with him. Kim carefully conceals her
feelings
for her boss with a proper business demeanor, her femininity with appropriate business attire, and
her long sensuous hair with a twist. When Justin turns the assignment of putting together a date
for
the charity auction, she simply designs a date that would fulfill her own hidden fantasies regarding
Justin. But when she appears at the auction, Justin's sister demands that she accept a cashier's
check
and bid for Justin herself. Once again author Metsy Hingle demonstrates her flair for writing
romance combined with stunning sensuality in And The Winner Gets Married. Despite the threat
of sexual harassment lawsuits, author Hingle successfully pens an office romance that is at once
convincing yet touching. Heroine Kim struggles with the usual virginal/class issues, coming
vibrantly
alive with Hingle's deft pen. Hero Justine's unsuccessfully attempts to resist the lure of love
because
of the forbidden surroundings, proving that love can overcomes common sense. This character
driven romance provides wonderful entertainment, coming highly recommended.
Full Moon Shining
T. A. Parmalee
Xlibris Corporation
123 Chestnut Street, Suite 402, Philadelphia, PA 19106
ISBN 0738864757, 185 pages, $20.99
In Full Moon Shining, TA Parmalee explores our inner landscapes, tearing away the veneer of
civilization to expose the "hidden crevices the dark spaces no one ever goes into." In the light of
the full moon, long associated with insanity or the lunatic, questions are asked regarding the most
hidden recesses of the human psyche, proving nothing is ever as it seems. Indeed, in the tradition
of
experimental fiction, Parmalee keeps the reader guessing as to the "truth" of each tale. Common
themes bind the stories together, especially those examining questions of sanity: "The world is
crazy;
that's what I think. If everybody were normal, everybody would be reacting to life's chaos in a
bizarre way. . .sane people are insane and insane people are perfectly normal." Truth becomes an
elusive and impossible thing, more illusion than fact. Guilt becomes a powerful motivator, and the
dark conceals that which we would prefer not to examine. Yet in the light of the full moon, the
revelations are startling, eerie, and surreal. Collections of short stories are always difficult to
review
because they are, by nature, somewhat disjunctive. But Parmalee's voice lured me in quickly with
the
first two stories that work in tandem, establishing a questioning, yet fluid voice that moves
smoothly
from tale to tale. Even as perspectives, purpose, and characters change, the consistency of tone
allowed me read, reflect, and revel in the tales in one sitting. An extraordinary collection of
stories,
Full Moon Shining comes very highly recommended.
Cold Blooded
Lisa Jackson
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821769340, June 2002, Mass Market Paperback, 464 pages, $6.99
A psychic, Olivia Benchet dreams about a priest who kills. Then she awakens to a horrid certainty
that her dream was something more. Vivid details bear witness to an innocent woman's torture
and
death at the hands of a man wearing vestments, his face concealed by a black ski mask. Worse,
she
knows that the killer is aware of her presence and her identity. Recalling the headlines of the
previous rash of killings, Olivia seeks out the detective instrumental in solving the bizarre killings.
Rick Bentz is skeptical of Olivia's claims until a burned house reveals its macabre secret. As Rick
examines the site, he recalls Olivia's tale of a naked chained victim, a priest with a radio and
sword,
and the significance of the date. As further facts compel his belief in Olivia's story, Rick finds
himself
irresistibly drawn to this intriguing woman. Little does he suspect, however, the coming danger to
the women in his life. Meanwhile, the Chosen One continues to pursue his mission to "rid the
earth
of the vile sinners on the day God had selected." Author Lisa Jackson demonstrates extraordinary
flair for creating nail-biting romance in Cold Blooded. Picking up where Hot Blooded leaves off
and
including several favorite characters and the New Orleans setting, Cold Blooded explores a
methodical and cunning serial killer's plan for redeeming lost souls. There are no easy answers for
Jackson's characters where anyone is suspect, and vows of silence protect the guilty. Crisp
dialogue,
a multilayer plot, and a carefully measured pace build suspense in this chilling.
Night After Night: The Happily Ever After Co
Kate Donovan
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821772732, Mass Market Paperback, 313 pages, $5.99
In a rather unorthodox letter, Maggie Gleason appeals to matchmaker Russell Braddock to
arrange
a teaching position far from her home in Illinois. Memories of the tragic scandal that dominated
Chicago headlines have convinced her that she should remain single and childless. Braddock
agrees
to help Maggie secure a teaching position, hoping that when her heart heals, he can help with a
husband too. Consequently, Maggie brings hope for a new beginning to Shasta Falls, California.
The
boarding house where she resides contains a lovely library filled with books where Maggie hopes
to
spend countless hours if only she can avoid the abrasive Alex Coburn, who practically claims the
library as his own. Bounty hunter Alex Coburn conceals the reasons for his long absences as
carefully as he conceals his past. He pays extra for the best suite in the house and use of the
library,
not to mention a private bathroom. While the landlady credits Alex with allowing her save her
home,
Maggie cannot help but being affronted by his rude treatment of others. Then she comes to realize
he purposefully hides behind a prickly exterior to keep others at a distance. Maggie breaches his
defenses simply with her presence as she settles into a routine that indulges her literary cravings in
the library. Quiet evenings together are interrupted, however, when Alex learns of anonymous,
threatening letters Maggie has been receiving. Soon both Maggie and Alex learn that they must
face
their past pain if they are to discover a future together. Night After Night takes an interesting shift
in
tone from Kate Donovan's earlier work, allowing dark psychological overtones to lend
atmosphere
and pending danger that sharply contrasts Donovan's characteristic touch of playful risqu‚. While
the
heroine chooses to blind herself to the truth regarding her brother's personality and behavior, that
choice becomes surprisingly sympathetic in Donovan's hands. Further, this difficult to know hero
conceals an equally painful history that makes him darkly dangerous. Donovn provides a
surprising
yet entirely satisfying conclusion that will leave readers looking forward to her November 2002
release, Fool Me Twice. Highly recommended.
Falling Home
Karen White
Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue, New York NY 10022
ISBN 0821773380, June 2002, Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages, $5.99
The three o'clock in the morning call stuns Cassie Madison when her sister simply states, "It's
Daddy. He's dying." The old judge lives long enough for Cassie to leave New York and drive to
her
hometown of Walton, Georgia. Cassie had sworn she would never set foot in Walton again, and
only her father's dying wish lures her back. Indeed, Cassie brings with her fifteen years of buried
resentment and heartache. She finds healing, acceptance and love. It does not take long for the
south
to reestablish its influence. Cassie finds her speech, her clothes and her attitudes radically
influenced
by the people and place of her roots. But she does not yield easily. Fifteen years is a long time to
resent a sister for eloping with her fianc‚. Soon, however, Cassie comes to realize her absence
denied her not only the sister she had practically raised, but also her nieces and nephew, a town
that
loves her, and her heritage. Her return also opens the door to Doctor Sam Parker, a man who
recalls
her vividly even if her memories are centered elsewhere. With great flair, author Karen White
captures the nuances that characterize the south in Falling Home. Ice tea, grits, magnolia trees and
fried okra create an atmosphere of healing for Cassie, despite her old resentments. As she moves
beyond her guilt, Cassie discovers the family she had rejected, the possibilities of love, and the
pain
of grief. Cassie might have thought she had established a new life in New York, but she soon
comes
to learn running away only buries the old wounds. Sexy doctor Sam has already learns the same
lessons with which Cassie struggles, imparting wisdom and patience in equal measure. But
Cassie's
determination to return to New York, her fianc‚, and her carefully controlled life will eventually
force a choice in more than just lifestyle. Southern colloquialisms and attitudes and are used to
great
effect, creating a novel peachy as the state in which it is set. Falling Home comes very highly
recommended.
Silverbridge
Joan Wolf
Warner Books, Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446610429, Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages, $6.99
American movie star Tracy Collins lands the opportunity to play opposite Shakespearean actor
Jon
Melbourne in a Regency film. A veteran of romantic comedies, she relishes this new challenge.
Her
blockbuster name assures that Americans will buy tickets, but critics suggest she cannot handle
the
serious drama. But drama captured on film soon echoes the drama of her personal life when she
becomes a guest of Harry Oliver, the lord of Silverbridge. Tracy comes to realize that visions of
the
past and the dangers of the present are somehow connected. Harry only allows the filming of the
Regency film on his property because he needs the income to support the outlandish costs of
maintaining the Silverbridge estate. Between the rules for maintaining the historical site and death
taxes, Harry struggles to retain ownership, even as his younger brother demands that he sell a
large
part of the land to a real estate mogul intent upon displacing cattle with a golf course and a luxury
resort. Harry's younger sister Meg becomes the focal point that initially draws Tracy and Harry
together. When Tracy becomes his guest, she encourages Meg's interesting in film making as a
way
to lead the teenager toward recovery from anorexia. As a new fan of Joan Wolf, I found her
characters warm and engaging. Further, Silverbridge melds a number of elements from
contemporary romantic suspense to paranormal. Indeed, the supernatural elements move the plot
along nicely without overshadowing the subplots of romance and suspense. While some readers
may
be uncomfortable with such an unexpected combination elements, the overall effect is surprisingly
successful. Further, Wolf's understanding of Meg's struggle with anorexia lends the novel a
convincing note that nicely contrasts the supernatural elements. Tracy and Harry likewise become
appealing characters with their provocative romance. Indeed, Silverbridge provides very pleasant
entertainment and comes highly recommended.
Knight In My Bed
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Warner Books, Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446610348, Mass Market Paperback , 390 pages, $5.99
The MacInnes and MacLeans clans have been bitter enemies for centuries. The marriage of a
MacInnes bride to a MacLean groom forges an uneasy peace, tragically broken when Lileas is
found
drowned on a tidal rock called the "Lady Rock." The treacherous islet has a history of drowned
wives, and the seeming resurrection of the barbaric custom shatters the truce between the clans.
The
MacInnes vow revenge, except for one. Donall the Bold of the MacLeans and his foster brother
return Lileas' body to her clan, only to be double-crossed. The MacInnes believe Donall's brother
killed his wife. As chieftain to his clan, they hold Donall ultimately responsible. But Lady Isolde,
sister to Lileas and chieftain to her clan, knows her clan cannot survive an act of vengeance in
their
comparatively weaker state. So she plans to seduce Donall, hoping to become pregnant. She
promises to save his life if he agrees to her plan. Initially Isolde reviles the man she holds
responsible
for her sister's death. Then she gets a good look at the man chained to her bed and she feels
amazed
at his splendid physique. She grows concerned when she realizes that Donall resembles the man in
her vision on Beltane. Custom holds that he will be her soul mate, but surely that is impossible.
Further, she is as bound to the bed as he, though her chains are the invisible bindings of the
survival
of her clan. In spite of his ire, Donall cannot help but admire Isolde's courage and strength of
spirit.
Her bold plan at once outrages and yet intrigues him. Now Donall only prays for the cunning
necessary to escape before she realizes just how very attracted her he has become. Even as her
clansmen plot his demise, Donall cannot help desiring the willful and stunning Isolde. Author
Sue-Ellen Welfonder pens a stunning fourteenth century romance with Knight In By Bed. While
the
plot might be considered somewhat typical of the genre, her deft characterizations will hold
readers
mesmerized. Both Donall and Isolde struggle with their responsibility to their people and heir
growing passion. Consequently, the premise of the hero chained to a virginal bed provides
delightful
entertainment as Donall and Isolde struggle to maintain control of their hearts. Savvy readers will
quickly solve the mystery regarding Isolde's death, but it does provide strong motivation and
keeps
the pace of the novel moving quickly. A sensual delight, Knight In My Bed comes very highly
recommended.
Fatuma's New Cloth
Leslie Bulion, Nicole Tadgell (Illustrator)
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
0967792975, Ages 4-8, Hardcover, 32 pages, $11.17
Fatuma and her mother plan to spend their day in the market. Along the way, various merchants
suggest their wares make chai (tea) taste better, but she does not see how their offerings make the
chai taste differently. Then at the cloth shop, Fatuma chooses a new kanga cloth from which her
mother will make her dress. Each Kanga pattern is imprinted with a Swahili saying, many of which
have more than one meaning. Fatuma chooses a kanga imprinted with this message: "Don't be
fooled
by the color. The good flavor of chai comes from the sugar." So she learns that just as surgery
dissolves becoming something we cannot not see, so are the things make us special as impossible
to
see. Fatuma's New Cloth provides not only an entertaining tale, but also a fascinating peek into a
vastly different culture from most American children's. In America, we teach our children, "don't
judge a book by its cover." In Swahili, the same lesson is expressed as "don't judge the tea by its
color." Parents will welcome the message that the value of people lies on the inside where we
cannot
see. In addition, parents seeking to teach their children the lessons of acceptance of other people's
beliefs and culture will find the story an excellent aid. In addition, authentic East African features
and kanga patterns frame the pages, lending the text an extraordinary visually pleasing appearance
as
charming illustrations bring the text alive. An author's note at the end aids parents to further
explain
the nuances of the story. Also included is a recipe for chai, allowing young children to experience
the story first hand. Very highly recommended.
For Love Or Country
Kerrelyn Sparks
Forge/Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
ISBN 0765340372, Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages, $6.99
Tensions build in pre-Revolutionary Boston as Tory soldiers and loyalist citizens attempt to
maintain
English control. Quincy Stanton, recently returned from seven months abroad, allows himself to
be
recruited by his uncle to spy for the Sons of Liberty. He needs to gain concrete proof of the
British's
plans of suppression. They use Quincy's trip abroad as a cover; he purportedly returns a staunch
Loyalist. Then he can hobnob with British officers and other Loyalists. So Quincy assumes the
role
of a pompous, arrogant, totally useless Lord like his father. After all, the unacknowledged bastard
son of an English Lord has learned first hand how obnoxious Lords conduct themselves. Virginia
Munro arrives in Boston from South Carolina with her sister to accept the hospitality of her
widowed Aunt Mary while she fulfills a period of mourning. Mary's late husband had been a
loyalist
and his connections allow her into the inner sanctums of Loyalist homes. She too seeks proof that
the British have not arrived to protect but to suppress. When her nieces learn her intentions, they
likewise vow to aid the American cause. Such determination sets Virginia on a collision course
with
Quincy, whose hidden motivations seem to belie his foppish exterior. Indeed, nothing about
Quincy
quite makes sense, and while her heart believes his loyalties to be other than what he claims, her
mind cannot ignore her suspicions. Further, danger threatens all who spy whatever their loyalties.
For Love Or Country by Kerrelyn Sparks has it all: gadgets, spies and love. Set during the
tumultuous years in Boston preceding the Revolutionary War, Sparks craftily utilizes historical
events, occasionally with a twist of facts, to great effect. Quincy's undercover role as fop
complete
with wigs and heels strikes the perfect comedic balance against his dangerous motivations to
protect
his country. Virginia's determination to spy despite possible danger to herself proves her
willfulness
and loyalty in equal measure. Together they make a dynamic couple that kees the pages turning.
Indeed, their outrageous antics, delightful subterfuge, and outright hilarity make Sparks' debut
novel
sparkle. Remember Kerrelyn Sparks for she promises to be one of historical romances' rising
stars.
For Love Or Country is very highly recommended.
Jerome's Jam
Rainey L. Friedman, Betsy Dill (Illustrator)
DreamDog Press
3686 King Street, Suite 160, Alexandria, VA 22302
ISBN 0966619927, Hardcover, Reading level: Ages 4-8, 32 pages, $15.95
Watching mommy's tummy growing large, Jerome declares that he does not want a brother or
sister.
He thinks that three is the perfect number for a family. Mommy emphasized the special place in
her
heart for Jerome, but her reassurances are not enough. Nevertheless, when the baby comes home,
Jerome comes to understand just how important he is as the big brother. With the help of Jazz,
the
beautiful dream dog with the rainbow colored tail, Jerome discovers that with a new baby just
means
that more love gets added to his family. Young children facing the addition of a new sibling will
delight in Jerome's Jam. Author Rainey captures the essence of the varied and conflicting
emotions
brought about by the expectation of a new baby in the home. Rhyme and beautiful illustrations
bring
the message of love alive with a rhythm perfect for reading aloud again and again. Complete with
a
list of helpful tips for parents, Jerome's Jam is not only entertaining to children, but a valuable
resource to parents. Very highly recommended.
The Long Way Home
Staci Stallings
American Book Publishing
325 East 2400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
ISBN 1930586574, June 2001, Paperback, 284 pages, $13.25
The beauty of the rolling hills of the Kansas Foot Hills is initially lost on Jaxton Anderson. He
only
wants to fulfill his task and be on his way. His grandfather's recent heart attack has led the family
to
inquire regarding his grandfather's will and related worth of his ranch. Jaxon's resolve to quickly
return to his "real life" in Chicago soon gives way to something more, however, when a foolish
decision forces self-examination and self-honesty. Further, seeing neighboring Ami Martin's need
inspires him to growth beyond his wildest imagination. Now Jaxton finds himself torn between the
father and the life he left behind, and a place and a woman that claims his heart. When her own
grandfather died, it was Jaxon's grandfather who encouraged Ami Martin to fulfill her dream. Her
grandfather's home is the only home she has ever known. Unfortunately, her father intends to sell
it
out from under her. Nevertheless, Ami dreams of transforming the property into a bed and
breakfast
-- a place of romance and beauty for the world-weary. Jaxton initially represents the city and the
values Ami abhors. But when he insists upon making restitution, and then continues to help her to
realize her dreams, they both learn to leave behind the bitterness and disillusionment that
encumbers
their lives. Author Staci Stallings creates an inspirational romance in The Long Way Home that
proves that a romance need not contain graphic sex to provide a beautiful story. Jaxton is a
flawed
hero, guilty of tragic mistakes, who grows to someone extraordinary. Ami struggles issues with
self-esteem, family, and economics to come to believe in hope and dreams. Ordinary struggles
with
pain of destructive family relationships, struggles with self-esteem, and financial challenges lend
heart-rending yet realistic challenges. Further, themes of transformation and redemption provide a
spiritual foundation without overwhelming the narrative. Indeed, the author gives the novel a
heart
of goodness amidst the flaws that make us human.
Time For Alexander: Book 1 Of The Iskander Series
Jennifer Macaire
Jacobyte Books
PO Box 19 Mitcham South Australia 5062
ISBN 1741000947, Paperback/eBook/Multiple Formats, 292 pages
(Australian Prices), Download $9.95, Printed Book $22.95, CD $15.95
Time travel requires so much energy that the planet can sustain only one voyage a year. Carefully
trained for her voyage, Ashley had renounced her titles and her fortune, preferring to maintain
silence between herself and her mother, and making her reputation as a journalist. Following
Alexander the Great's second defeat of Darius, Ashley wishes to venture back in time three
thousand
years to interview him. Outfitted with a tradi-scope, she can speak and understand any language
of
the time. Ashley has also been cautioned to do nothing to change the course of history or she will
be
erased. Alexander believes the unexpected woman to be Persephone, wed to Hades and daughter
of
Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. When Ashley attempts to return to her own time, he
"rescues"
her, dooming her to living her life in his time. Consequently, Ashley becomes a part of a world of
oracles when the gods still walk the earth. Unfortunately, Alexander's mother disproves their
relationship and has Ashley kidnapped. After she reveals her pregnancy, Ashley is only allowed to
keep the boy ten days before he is taken away. Her miraculous escape reunites her with Alexander
and leads them on a quest to recover their child. Author Jennifer Macaire creates an epic saga in
this
first of a seven part series. The inclusion of historical detail adds depth to the background and
narrative, but the struggle with power, betrayal, and love is both contemporary and intense.
Interestingly, Macaire adheres to the moral codes of Alexander's time when Ashley becomes his
third wife. While he loves her, Alexander still honors his various political marriages and still
maintains male lovers. Further, although they are divided by three thousand years, Ashley and
Alexander both struggle with letting anyone emotionally close. More than a love story, Time For
Alexander examines the nuances of history that make ancient tales live with political dangers,
triumphs and defeats of battle, and the complexity of relationships. Readers should be aware there
will be nosimple resolutions with six more installments of this series to come. Stunning
characterizations and a fascinating read make for an extraordinary read, making Time For
Alexander
come very highly recommended.
Cry The Night
Glenn Miller
Sunny Side Up Publishing
408 East Pastime Tucson, AZ 85705
ISBN 0970093039, eBook/Multiple Formats $4.97, Paperback $19.95
Deep in the unexplored wilderness of Australia lie twenty years of secrets protected by a madman.
The murders began with a kidnapped child, her body left in a creek, and her sister's disappearance.
As the his story unfolds, the killer's motives of ritualistic attempts to end the cruelties inflicted by
his
mother reveal a mind destroyed by madness, erased of a conscious, and filled with delusions and
darkness. Four young men and a teen girl will intrude on those dangerous secrets, turning a day's
walk in the country into a dangerous journey into insanity. Their struggle for survival will force
them
to confront their deepest fears, and not all will escape the evil that stalks them. As night descends,
a
trip planned to last a day will challenge the bushwalkers beyond their wildest imaginings. Author
Glenn Miller utilizes his gift as an artist to bring his prose a bold vividness in Cry The Night.
Written
with extreme intensity, Cry The Night reveals the inside view of a mind destroyed by abuse and
intent upon enacting its own revenge. Insanity and darkness walk the night, sharply contrasting
the
innocence and beauty of youth. The unexpected turns of the plot will keep readers hooked until
the
last mind-blowing page. Read Cry The Night with all the lights in the house on! Very highly
recommended.
Cousin Feely
J.B. Jones
Double Dragon Publishing
P.O. Box 54016, 1-5762 Highway 7 East Markham Ontario L3P 7Y4, Canada
ISBN 189484131X, eBook/Multiple Formats, $4.95 USD, 257 pages
Citizen of Grunion Glade pride themselves upon their lineage from the founding fathers who were
twin canal boat captains and coincidentally met and married twins after following their football
into
the woods. Their offside kick of a football from their canal boat resulted in the establishment of
the
town of Grunion Glade. A hundred years later, football is still this town's passion and the high
school holds a record of never being defeated. While the town holds football sacred, one citizen
does not. William Feely's dwarfism is simply a physical manifestation of an inward difference.
Further, William's outspoken opinions regarding football would get him killed if it was not for his
cousin Bob Skinner Junior. Bob never wanted to be his cousin's bodyguard. Eventually a high
school
football hero himself, Bob becomes proficient in fighting because of his determination to protect
his
weak cousin. On the occasion of the town's centennial celebration, William, Bob and Roylette
Grunion, daughter of the town's bank president, accept the challenge to write a play that
encompasses the town's history. For a guaranteed A+ in English, they must discover a fact not
presently known by the town's citizens. Their determination to uncover a secret leads to a
complete
upheaval for citizens of Grunion Glade. Author J. B. Jones presents a powerful narrative voice
that
will lure readers into an idealized and almost forgotten era in Cousin Feely. Set during the fifties,
this
tale of tragedy and triumph occurs in the Ohio River Valley, drawing from the richness of the soil,
the murky depths of the canal, and the local legends. Richly created characterizations explore
what it
means to be human, to accept one's foibles, and to redefine one's identity. While Cousin Feely
follows the tradition of the coming-of-age story, it also offers a powerful breadth and depth that
reaches the sublime. The contradictions offered by love, the pursuit of truth, the duty of
protecting
family, and the need to preserve the power of the human spirit achieve a pignant beauty. As the
town
looses its innocence and moves into the modern era, it sadly also looses those qualities that
preserved its uniqueness and magic, serving as microcosm of humanity's loss of innocence as well.
As appropriate for a college classroom as for beach side reading, Cousin Feely will appeal to all
audiences.
Russian Experiences: Life in the Former USSR and Post-Soviet Russia
The Raven and Marie Claire
Virtualbookworm.com
PO Box 9949, College Station, TX 77842
eBook/Multiple formats:
ISBN 1589391772 (softcover) $12.95, ISBN 1589391985 (hardcover) $17.95
ISBN 1589391780 (electronic available from the publisher) $6.00
Authors "The Raven" and Marie Claire collaborate in Russian Experiences: Life in the Former
USSR and Post-Soviet Russia to provide an insider's view of life in Russia. The first chapter
provides a brief explanation of communism and the pitfalls of such a governmental system. The
second section reveals the first hand struggles of one man living under communism and in
post-Communist Russia. Readers need to realize that the personal sections of Russian Experiences
are penned by an English as a second language author, with the idiosyncrasies and word choices
that
accompany such a writing style. Only a hundred pages, length seems to have dictated the depth
that
narrative reaches and readers who seek a truly personal narrative will be left wanting.
Nevertheless,
Russian Experiences provides a simple yet concise explanation of communism for younger
generations who do not remember the Cold War and associated propaganda. It also gives readers
a
personal feel for living in Russia during the communist regime. Russian Experiences would be
perfect required reading for high school government classes. Recommended.
The Hired Man: A Dick Hardesty Mystery
Dorien Grey
GLB Publisher
P.O. Box 78212, San Francisco, CA 94107
ISBN 1879194767, Multiple Formats
Stuart Anderson, the C.E.O. of a trendy kitchen supply boutique, hires PI Dick Hardesty for
background checks on prospective managers and assistant managers of his new stores. Married
with
children, Anderson is bisexual, and enjoys the company of Phil Stark, who referred Dick to him.
Stark works as a male model for ModelMen, a company that joins a growing number of discrete
businesses that offer "hired men", the sexy male counterpart of the traditional call girl.
Unfortunately, Anderson is discovered dead before Hardesty can deliver the investigative results.
Arnold Glick and his wife Iris own and operate ModelMen. She is twenty years younger than
Arnold
and a former Las Vegas showgirl who once ran a finishing school for showgirls and enterprising
hookers. Now she brings those skills to the escort side of ModelMen, which employees six men.
Each man offers specialized skills for discerning clients. Glick is concerned that his business will
receive too much scrutiny by the police, because ModelMen provided escort services to
Anderson.
So he hires Dick to help resolve the complex set of problems and potential problems with
Anderson's associate with ModelMen. Then one of the escorts is found dead, his body dumped in
a
dumpster, and suspicion immediately falls squarely on ModelMen. The Hired Man by Dorien Grey
will appeal to a vast audience. Lovers of murder mysteries will find the complex twists and turns
fascinating. Readers open to questions of sexuality and the prejudice that follows will likewise
delight in Grey's novel. While Dick's promiscuous nature seems extreme at times, his playful
approach to his sexuality makes his character all the more endearing. Indeed, Grey's powerful
writing style brings all these characters vibrantly to life, lending each a surprising depth and
complexity. Heterosexual readers will find this glimpse to the worlds of "gay", "straight" and "bi"
absolutely fascinating, especially as Dick reveals his own qualms regarding those who are
self-proclaimed "bi". Indeed, The Hired Man breaks nw ground by being the first novel the first
mystery to make bisexuality an issue in solving a crime. An entirely satisfying read, The Hired
Man
comes very highly recommended.
Painted With Shadows
Becca De La Rosa
LTDBooks
200 North Service Rd W., Unit 1, Suite 301, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 2Y1
eBook/Multiple Formats: ISBN Disk: 1-55316-052-5 $5.00, ISBN Rocket: 1-55316-950-6
$6.00
Her mother knew that September, nicknamed Ember, is a witch, but tried to hide it. When her
mother died, September was only eight, so she joined other orphans living at street-ends.
Eventually
they became a group of nine, working together to live, eat and sleep in safety. Then one of their
numbers is compelled to use his gifts to create a poison destined for Lord Phil Griffin, the city's
Lord
of Magics. Soon a thief joins their ranks as they set of across the world to escape the one
demanded
the poison, Demon's Brother. A magical storm results in a shipwreck, and the group of refuges is
separated. Ember and two of her friends are stranded in Silver Syrlen, the home of Piper's
Temple.
Danger stalks the young people in this city where witches are publicly hanged for their magical
abilities. Author Beca De La Rosa creates a marvelous tale of magic, danger, and adventure
Painted
With Shadows. Adult audiences will revel in the tale as much as the young adult audience for
which
it is intended. Filled with thrilling, suspenseful moments, Painted With Shadows moves at a brisk
pace, luring the reader into a world of fascinating mythology. Ember carefully guards her magical
abilities, resisting using them except in dire circumstances. Readers will be left hoping that she will
develop her gifts in future books. Very highly recommended.
Thief's Desire
Isabo Kelly
LTDBooks
200 North Service Rd W., Unit 1, Suite 301, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 2Y1
ISBN Disk 1-55316-067-3, ISBN Rocket 1-55316-933-6
eBook/Multiple Formats: Download $5.00, Disk $6.00
Signs foretell the fulfillment of prophecy that will influence the precarious balance between good
and
evil. Moreover, a dark power grows in the north, spreading its evil influence and converging in
the
city of Dareelia. Now a child has been born. Her only hope for good lies with unexpected
champions: one who is a thief and a gambler and another who is part of the King's Own Guard. A
child of the streets, Vic Flash can cheat professionals at cards as easily as she can pick a
nobleman's
pocket. Her deft skills make her one of the best in Thief's Hole gang, but her overconfidence also
puts her in danger when she presses her luck a bit too far at poker. Now Big Charlie wants his
money back. Vic must become Victoria in an attempt to keep a low profile. Trading breeches for
long dresses, Victoria embarks upon a new challenge in the Upper Market. Something strange has
been happening in the city, and her boss wants information. Since Vic has previously spent most
of
her time disguised as a boy, the chances of recognition are slim. Jacob Marin, the King's Own
General, only came to town for a quiet drink when the brawl broke out and Vic staged a quick
disappearance. Later, when he witnesses Victoria picking the pocket of a nobleman, he again
cannot
resist approaching her. Soon he convinces her to spy for the king. Goblins, smugglers and blood
magicians have been spotted in the city, and Victoria has the skills to ferret out their intentions. Of
course, Jacob has a personal interest in her as well. In spite of his reputation as a lady's man,
Jacob
has been without a woman in his life for several years. Victoria gives life to desire again and
perhaps
even more. When the king's infant daughter is kidnapped, Jacob and Victoria must work together
to
save her from forces of evil beyond imagining. Isabo Kelly creates a powerful tale of love, magic
and
intrigue in this first book in the Fate's Hand Trilogy. Thief's Desire contains the perfect blend of
elements for a fast-paced yet sensual delight. Victoria's street smarts sharplycontrasts with her
virginal innocence, while Jacob's older, knowledgeable characterization provides the perfect foil.
As
love develops, Jacob finds himself wishing to protect Victoria from the very danger she has
courted
for years, resulting in convincing conflict. With each new novel, Kelly's gift for intriguing
characterizations and a fascinating plot grows even more exciting. Thief's Desire will leave readers
looking forward to the next installment, Destiny's Seduction. Very highly recommended.
One Night With Zorro
Karen Hudgins
Wings ePress, Inc.
PO Box 726, Lusk WY 82225
eBook/Multiple Formats $6.00, Paperback $11.95, 337 pages
In an extraordinary night if passion Julia Preston gives her virginity to a man who only leaves
behind
a mask. Now three years in the past, the wild night following a masquerade ball was the only time
a
man ever touched her heart, until her friend introduces her to Nick O'Brien. One kiss, and she
recalls
the masked man of her past. Unfortunately, conflicts of interest threaten any future possibilities.
Julia
dedicates all her passion these days to Chelsey's, a lace shop she runs with her aunt. They
desperately need space to expand which brings Julia into direct conflict with Nick, the architect on
the project. With their past history, with Nick a part of the team that prevents Julia's shop
growing,
and with indications of serious trouble lurking in his background, Julia and Nick seem to be at an
impasse. Yet Julia knows that like fine lace, all things of value in life come with a premium. Now
she
must decide if the investment would be worthwhile. Author Karen Hudgins pens a delightful
character driven romance with One Night With Zorro. Hudgins lends the tale a delightful
background with the mask of Zorro and a family legend of a lost saber that lends the plot
delicious
possibilities. Julia struggles with priorities and possibilities even as Nick struggles with the past,
providing each the opportunity for growth and change, not to mention all too human mistakes.
Secondary characters likewise sparkle, including Julia's aunt who deserves her own story. This
heart
warming contemporary romance comes very highly recommended.
Through All Time
Judi Phillips
Wings ePress, Inc.
PO Box 726, Lusk WY 82225
ISBN 1590889487, March 2002, Paperback $12.95, eBook/Multiple Formats $6.00, 274
pages
A vision brings Soaring Hawk, an Ojibwe Indian in 1700 Northern Minnesota, a view of a world
without trees and a woman with fair hair and blue eyes. He does not know he is seeing into the
future -- 2250 to be exact -- the time of reporter Amaryllis "Rylla" Sheridan. Soon his vision
comes
true when Rylla visits a preserve, finds an arrowhead and unexpectedly timeports. Fortunately,
Soaring Hawk chances upon her and takes her to his village. Without knowing how she arrived,
Rylla is at a loss as to how to return to her time. Technology makes communication easy, and
soon
she settles into life in the Ojibwe village. Fighting his attraction to her, Soaring Hawk refers to
Rylla
as Badger Woman because of her perchance for speaking her thoughts and her "lack of training."
Her ways sharply contrast his methodical, thoughtful actions and rationing of words. Despite their
radical differences, Rylla and Soaring Hawk discover a love that can last through all time. Judi
Phillips pens a memorable time travel in Through All Time. With an understanding of Ojibwe
culture, Phillips pens a tale rich in background and filled with dynamic characters. Soaring Hawk's
attempts to maintain disdain of Rylla provides light humor to contrast his painful background.
Rylla's
disillusionment with relationships finds healing within the Ojibwe community. I find it interesting
that
she's one of the few time travel heroines that regret leaving behind a family she loves -- precluding
the easy answers so typical of the genre. While the focus is of course romance, that theme does
not
entirely dominate the novel. The secondary plot involving Five Feathers reveals the value of
community verses the need to act independently, thereby adding a rich texture to this multilayered
tale. A delightful read, Through All Time comes very highly recommended.
Love Poems: Feelings And Fantasies
Richard W. Carlson
iUniverse.com
5220 S 16th, Ste. 200, Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN 0595219276, March 2002, Paperback, $10.95, 124 pages
Those seeking sophisticated verse will want to look elsewhere, but those who love simple rhyme
and
genuine feelings will delight in Love Poems: Feelings And Fantasies. Richard W. Carlson Jr's
exploration of love from youth to maturity will bring smiles to those who have also traveled the
challenging and tumultuous path to love. With younger brother Kevin Carlson's charming
illustrations, Love Poems provides pleasing distraction in a world that seems to all to easily forget
the enjoyment of young love. Recommended.
What Color Is Your Scarf?
Michael S. Brown
Creative Works Publishing
4197 Fulton Dr. NW, Suite B, Canton, Ohio 44718
ISBN 1930693931, November 2001, Paperback, 100 pages , $9.95
As gay subculture continues to evolve, it develops its own myths, cultural heroes, stereotypes and
sign language. For those just entering the gay community, or for those of us who simply seek
understanding, books like What Color Is Your Scarf? prove invaluable. At the age of forty, author
Michael S. Brown was a late comer to the gay community. His candid account of his coming out
and subsequent exploration of the gay community is extraordinarily enlightening. His candid
descriptions of gay bars, personal ads and the internet will sound quite familiar to those who have
journeyed before him. Like handkerchiefs worn hanging out of a back pocket, gay men are
creating
their own language and meanings to convey intent. Men exploring their sexuality and seeking an
entry to an otherwise wildly confusing landscape will welcome What Color Is Your Scarf? for its
pragmatic, humorous, irreverent approach to homosexuality. Further, although I began with a
fascination for a lifestyle that is completely opposite my own, I ended with the realization of the
commonness of experience in the quest to find Mr. Right.
A Theory Of Relativity
Jacquelyn Mitchard
Harper Torch
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 100322-5299
ISBN 0061031992, Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages, $7.99
When the unthinkable occurs, hearts are put on the line. Georgia and Ray die in a tragic car
accident,
leaving behind their one-year-old daughter Keefer. Georgia's adopted brother Gordon McKenna
wants to adopt Keefer, believing it would fulfill his sister's dying wishes. Unfortunately, his
wealthy
in-laws also wish to adopt Keefer. Legal wrangling raise the issues of what constitutes a "blood
relative" when Gordon's adoption request is initially dismissed because he is an adopted relative
rather than a blood relative. When Keefer goes to life with her father's family, the typical
differences
in culture, religion and parenting style will echo the nightmares of any parent who lost custody of
their child. Tragically, the best interest of the child becomes secondary to the letter of the law, and
the needs of the survivors. Readers expecting a dramatic fight complete with courtroom drama
will
be disappointed. But readers expecting a carefully crafted, character-driven drama that reveals the
foibles, challenges and fears related to changing family dynamics will find their expectations richly
rewarded. Life-like details reveal the devastation left by grief and desperation, as young Keefer
becomes the symbol of survival for two families. Selfish need replaces the best interests of the
child
in a poignantly tragic way even as love struggles for supremacy. The themes of judgments made
based upon the letter of the law rather than its spirit will strike the heart of any parent caught in a
custody battle as well as those that concern adoption issues. A remarkably heart rendering novel,
A
Theory Of Relativity comes highly recommended.
What Luck!
Annie Mary House, Annie Applefield (Illustrator)
E & E Publishing
1001 Bridgeway, #227, Sausalito, CA 94965
ISBN 0971989834, Children's Picture Book K-3, April 25, 2002, eBook: PDF format, $3.95
A young boy and his parents are going to visit his Aunt Lucy for the day. His sister cannot go
because she got sick, but that leaves him the whole back seat. The whole day is filled with similar
instances when someone feels frustrated with their bad luck. But each instance becomes an
opportunity for something positive for the boy, even rain, flat tires, and spiders! What Luck! will
charm young readers with its simple illustrations and fun story. In the hands of author Mary
House,
luck becomes a state of mind determined by one's perception. Whatever others consider negative,
the young boy turns into positive. What Luck! Becomes refreshing spin on the axiom, "Is the
glass is
half full, or half empty?" In addition, Annie Applefield's charming illustrations bring the story
alive.
Great fun! Very highly recommended.
The Dowager Duchess
Joye Ames
Avalon Historicals
401 Lafayette Street, NY, NY 10003
ISBN 0803495374, $19.95
At the age of twenty-two, Louisa Drayton, Duchess of Osbourne, lives her life exactly as she
chooses. Five years a widow and in control of her fortune and her estate, Louisa revels in the
freedom of riding the open rolling hills of her estate and living as she chooses. Unfortunately, men
frequently seek her hand in quest of making her beauty and wealth their own. So when she
decides
to come to the aid of her young niece Elsbeth in securing a match made for love and not for
fortune,
Louisa must conceal her own identity. She assumes the identity of her elderly aunt, the Dowager
Duchess of Roth, and escorts Elsbeth to London for her Season. Just before her departure for
London, Louisa receives Lord Devon Stanton. They have not seen one another since they were
children, and he is immediately captivated with the young widow. A slight accident in the library
detains Devon overnight for his health, and he's immensely sorry to learn that Louisa departs for
London the following morning before he can see her again. Devon follows her to London, where
he
encounters grave difficultly locating her. Devon does not know that he holds the power to ruin
Louisa. The resulting complications and machinations are at times humorous, and at other times
quiet deadly. The Dowager Duchess is an outrageously good read with unexpected twists and
delights that cannot help but charm readers. This colorful cast of characters proves to be highly
entertaining with a sharp contrast between the parasites and the sincere. Indeed, author Joye
Ames
displays a remarkable gift for capturing the flavor of the regency era while defying conventions.
Louisa's determination to maintain control of her life is greatly challenged by Devon's presence,
making her long for things she never before dreamed possible. Devon's attitudes are not
particularly
circumspect, providing surprising room for his character to grow and change as well. A secondary
love story between Elsbeth and Louisa's parasitical nephew lends the tale additional depth and
complexity. Indeed, thi wonderful storyline will appeal to a much broader audience than simply
regency lovers, belonging on all romance lovers' keeper shelf. The Dowager Duchess comes very
highly recommended.
Mulligan Stew
Deb Stover
Jove Books
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
ISBN 0515133094, Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages, $6.50
In Reedville, Tennessee, Bridget Colleen Mulligan mourns the accidental death of her
grandmother.
Bridget is stunned to learn the tiny trailer they shared has been foreclosed upon due to Granny's
gambling debts. She is even more shocked to learn the man she married seven years ago, who
disappeared seventy-two hours later, did not abandon her. Instead, his accidental death so quickly
after their elopement deprived his family of knowledge of his young bride. Only her eventual
divorce
papers lead them to contact Bridget, and then, perhaps, only because she bore Culley's son.
Desperation for family and new beginning leads Bridget to accept the invitation to her husband's
family farm on the west coast of Ireland. Culley's mother and sister truly Bridget and her son
Jacob,
but brother Riley disbelieves her tale. Culley had been engaged to a woman in the local village,
and
Riley did not believe his brother would marry another. Nevertheless, Bridget's straightforwardness
and blatant honesty, not to mention her country cooking, eventually begin to work their magic on
him. Then he finds her in the abandoned family castle, abandoned a hundred years ago due to a
curse. Riley has heard the whispers of the castle since his brother died, though he never puzzled
out
why Culley believed he could end the curse. Riley believes the story of his brother's bride to a con
until he realizes she can hear the whispers, too. And then there are the erotic dreams that lower
his
defenses and leave him vulnerable to the woman's spell. Deb Stover writes with a stunning beauty
and wry wit that resonates beautifully throughout all of her novels, but never so profoundly as
with
Mulligan Stew. Like the stew for which it is named, Mulligan Stew offers something for
everyone's
taste in this artful blend of Irish contemporary romance, an ancient curse, a haunted castle, gothic
overtones and the struggle to reconcile the past with the present. Characters are vividly realized
from the heroine who will kick another woman in the shins for hurting her chil's feelings, to the
hero
who cannot forget the dead brother he loved so deeply. Stover creates a poignant tale of loss,
healing and recreation that will linger long after the last page is turned. Yet another Stover novel
to
add your keeper shelf.
A Rogue's Promise
Peggy Waide
Leisure Books/Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
276 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
ISBN 0843950226, Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages, $5.99
Miss Joanna Fenton boldly enters a tavern frequented by smugglers and dockworkers seeking
MacDonald Archer. Her family faces financial ruin, and Joanna needs help to locate her brother
and
a Chinese artifact scheduled for public auction. Her responsible shoulders have born the burdens
of
her family since her scandalous season several years ago, and she intends to keep any further
scandal
at bay until her younger sister can be safely married. To her surprise, Mac's educated speech belies
his surroundings. Soon Joanna finds herself shockingly attracted to this stranger who can be
alternately charming or intolerable. MacDonald Archer plans to trade the lucrative life of
smuggling
for the respectability of ordinary shipping. The money, the adventure and the danger no long hold
the allure they once did, leaving Mac plagued with a nagging restlessness. Then he meets Joanna,
and sees beyond the ordinary exterior that other's dismiss. Suddenly he is intrigued by this
bodacious
woman intent upon the salvation of her family. Although he has little tolerance for blue bloods,
Mac
is fascinated by the puzzle Joanna presents with her contrast between vulnerability and
determination. Soon he finds himself traipsing through the underbelly of London in Joanna's
company, seeking the life threatening answers to the disappearance of both her brother and the
artifact. Peggy Waide's historical novel A Rogue's Promise is one of the most fun and sizzling
Regency romances I have had the pleasure to read. A Rogue's Promise proves Waide's gift for
creating strong characterizations. Joanna's drab exterior conceals a woman of passion and fire,
fiercely determined to protect her family and equally bold in her growing love for Mac. Mac is
fantasy material with his worldly ways and sensual touch. With a page-turning combination of
romance, suspense, and danger, A Rogue's Promise is impossible to put down. Indeed, if you only
add only one Regency romance to your shelves this year, you will want to make it A Rogue's
Promise. Very highly recommendd.
Juliette Low, Girl Scout Founder: Young Patriot Series
Helen Boyd Higgins, Cathy Morrison (Illustrator)
Patria Press, Inc.
3842 Wolf Creek Circle, Carmel IN 46033
ISBN 188285909X, Hardback, 124 pages, $9.95
The bodacious Juliette "Daisy" Gordon never hesitated to prove that girls and can do anything
boys
can do. During the first five years of her life Daisy knew the deprivations of the south during the
waning years of the Civil War. She also knew the pleasures of playing in the woods with friends.
After General Sherman captured Savannah, Daisy and her family traveled north to Chicago to
seek
refuge with her mother's family. When the war ended and her northern neighbors celebrated, one
small voice cheered the south and sang Dixie. Such bold defense of the south characterized
Daisy's
strength and loyalty. Years later Daisy learned to give up climbing trees and to enjoy parties and
dancing. Eventually she married, traveling to Scotland to live in a castle with her husband. But
after
he died, Daisy's life felt empty, until she heard about the Boy Scouts. Recalling her own childhood
love of roaming the Georgia woods, frolicking in streams and playing with friends, Daisy vows to
give girls the same opportunity as boys, founding the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia
in
1912. Author Helen Boyd Higgins captures the powerful spirit that founded the Girl Scouts in
Juliette Low, Girl Scout Founder. Daisy's impetuous spirit and love of nature come alive in this
tale
for young readers. Details like the lack of sugar for cake during the Civil War will surprise readers
who have never known such deprivation. This southern girl's first experience with snow, and the
power of loyalty to friends and country, provide a powerful reading experience, bringing this
historical personage uniquely alive. A fascinating read, Juliette Low comes very highly
recommended. Biography, Ages 9-12
Beyond Stone And Steel: A Memorial To The September 11 2001 Victims
Brian W. Vaszily
Hard Shell Word Factory
PO Box 161, 8946 Loberg Rd, Amherst Jct. WI 54407
ISBN 0759905126, Hardcover/eBook, 100 pages, $10.00
Where were you when the World Trade Center collapsed? We as a nation are deeply scarred by
the
events of that day. Yet in the hands of author Brian Vaszily, we also have the opportunity to
revaluate those lost lives as a gift of life affirmations. Indeed, Vaszily creates an intensely personal
work that will touch all American hearts in Beyond Stone And Steel. Vignettes capture the
intensity
of the moments before death. A man on the stairs in the World Trade Center turns back to help a
fallen woman, only to realize the tower is about to collapse. We've heard the stories of the heroes
who brought down Flight 93, but there were others on that flight and others paralyzed by fear, by
the realization of impending death who are equally missed. Each voice combines with the rising
chorus of loss, reminding those of us left behind of the beauty in living. I felt myself identifying
with
Vaszily's personal narrative as he describes how his horror and shock over such a monumental
event
as September 11th displaced the personal crises he faced in his life. Suddenly unemployment,
bankruptcy and other mundane matters took a backseat to the appreciation of life, love and
family.
The voices of these fictional victims bring about the profound realization of the beauty in living,
and
the goodness and tremendous potential in the people around us.
His Majesty's Envoy: Book Of Neophyte Warrior
Richard Patton
Zumaya Publications
P.O. Box 44062, Burnaby, B.C. V5B 4Y2, Canada Historical Fiction
ISBN 1894869389, eBook/Multiple Formats $6.00, Paperback $14.00, 234 pages
The years preceding the French and Indian War are fraught with tension between the French, the
Indians, and the British. Twenty-one year old George Washington has no military experience
when
he heads north with doomed ultimatum for the French. Nevertheless, formalities of eighteenth
century diplomacy demand that the British make a polite but forceful warning to the French to
return the Ohio valley to the British before engaging arms. During the most challenging days of
winter, Washington leads a small group of soldiers through grueling conditions to confront
Captain
Philippe Joncaire of the French forces in Ohio. The seasoned men he leads consider Washington a
boy, and only learning the part of a commanding officer will garner their respect. Among the party
are Old Smoke and Pariah West who provide profound secondary plots that broaden the reading
experience even as they expose the perils, the challenges and the dangers confronting them all.
Author Richard Patton creates a powerful historical drama in His Majesty's Envoy, Book 1 in the
Neophyte Warrior series. The struggles of young George Washington to command his mission, to
contain his longing for a woman he cannot have, and to face the coming war bring the dry
historical
data vividly alive. Rather than the image of our founding father with his neatly gray wig, we
examine
the early years filled with challenges, politics and impossibilities. Secondary plot lines also
effectively
bring this period of time alive, with a Heart Of Darkness undertone that promise tremendous
drama
in the continuation of the series. American and Canadian Indians are given the respect and honor
they are due, as are the British and French factions. With a masterful finesse, the culminate effect
is
absolutely outstanding. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
A Suite Deal
Kay Layton Sisk
RFI West
#431 5515 N 7th Street, Suite 5, Phoenix AZ 85014
ISBN 1586974009, eBook/Multiple Formats, $4.95
A curious mix of class and comfort, Megan O'Toole's hiking boots and cashmere jacket catch the
eye of David White, who grows increasingly impatient of the woman that keeps one step ahead of
him from the Dallas airport to the Orlando hotel. Something about Megan intrigues David,
infuriating him yet leaving him hungering for more. While at the Orlando business convention,
David
hopes to change jobs, interviewing with WOTs-New-Now. Owner Hez Wetherbee arranged the
interview, but sends an underling in his place. Worse, due to a hotel mix-up, he and his brothers
are
sharing a suite with a room full of women. The glares from the sexy passenger behind her in line
at
Dallas cannot dampen Megan's spirit. Heir to the family business, Megan keeps her particulars of
her
connection to the family business quiet. Megan has a gift for creative thinking that makes
WOTs-New-Now a success. Unfortunately, her father keeps pestering her about the interview she
is
scheduled to conduct in his place, so Megan rebelliously comes up with reasons not to read the
resume. In addition, the hotel double-books her suite with David and his brothers, keeping her
further distracted. Author Kay Sisk creates an amusing romp that keeps the plot moving in A
Suite
Deal. With a deft pen, Sisk combines irony, matchmaking and amusing exploits in a smooth style
that keeps the pages turning. With David's brothers along and Megan's mother and niece, the
opportunity for hilarity grows proportionally. This charming cast of characters and comedy of
errors
will steal your heart. Very highly recommended.
Cindy Penn
Reviewer
Laurel's Bookshelf
Quiet Paths 2 - Fragile Beauty
Matthew Lyon and Christine Dickinson
Earthpassage Music
P.O. Box 136, St. Ignatius, MT 59865
EP106, $12.99, www.earthpassage.com www.amazon.com
I discovered Earthpassage music several years ago. I have every CD they've created, except for
one,
and I don't plan to be without that one long! My interest in music is eclectic but I am very
particular
what music I purchase. I'm not qualified to be a music expert, but like most of the purchasing
public,
I know what I like
This latest offering from the gifted Matthew Lyon and Christine Dickinson does not disappoint.
Their music comes alive through celtic harp, piano, guitar, flute, and cello in an ensemble group
that
is nothing short of exhilarating.
In the enclosure accompanying their CD, they quote Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Though we travel
the
world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." Matthew and
Christine
carry the beauty they discover in Montana with them. It lives in their music. Whether it be the title
selection "Fragile Beauty", the haunting Irish tune, "Be Thou My Vision", or my favorite, "Stones
Along the Shore", their music alternately inspires, soothes, and intrigues. Listening to their music
is
like reading a favorite book or gazing into the eyes of a much-beloved person - spirit satisfying,
intensely gratifying, conferring blessings that go beyond description. Matthew and Christine are
musical poets. In their music, "the everyday and the sacred dance together".
Puddles
Lynn Barry
America House Book Publishers
PO Box 151, Frederick MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-58851-139-1, 203 pp at $19.95
At first blush, Puddles appears to be a simple tale of everyday life. The author herself describes
this
story as a "soap opera", but I thought it went far deeper than that. What Ms. Barry has here are a
few small slices of the real world revealed.
The voice of this story is Susan, who is both blessed and cursed. She's blessed with what seems to
be
the ideal marriage and a wonderful stay at home life, cursed with a rebellious, sexually active
daughter and the spectre all loving wives fear the worst - her husband's infidelity. The author
made
me care about the characters, their joys and sufferings. When Susan's doting husband, Jeff, lusted
after his sex-starved secretary, I was enraged. And when her best friend reveals an alternative
lifestyle, Susan's struggle to accept this bit of knowledge made me chuckle.
You'll find a little something for everyone in this book. You can help Susan solve a mystery and
face
danger with her. And you can laugh, struggle, and rage right along with her, just like I did, as she
tries to make sense out of a life gone askew. Ms. Barry transplanted me into Susan's life. I lived it
with her. Not many books throughout the years have managed that.
Your Mother Has Suffered A Slight Stroke
Kathleen Bosworth
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick MD 21705-0151
1-58851-288-6, 162 pp at 19.95 paperback
This is a stunning book. It should be required reading for every medical professional. Doctors,
nurses, and therapists, should have to read it twice, once in their first year of study and again
before
they graduate. I'm serious.
And that is not to say that only medical professionals will benefit from reading this well-written
book. Kathleen Bosworth tells her touching story from the lay person's point of view. From that
first
heart gripping moment when she gets the bad news about her mother's stroke by phone, to the last
page, the author's personality shines through. Her outrage, quiet humor, and sense of decency
make
this book stand out in ways it never might have if a lesser writer had created it.
Ms. Bosworth's mother had a stroke. That much can be gleaned from the title. From there the
author
takes each reader through a maze of doctors, nurses, and therapists who are less than helpful.
Some
are downright rude, or maybe ignorant. Her search for answers, and for professionals who have
hearts as well as brains is detailed honestly. With the support of a loving, close-knit family, she
struggles to find a constructive way of managing her mother's care.
Kathleen Bosworth educates herself about treatment plans, possible outcomes, patients rights,
living
wills, and insurance coverage. With courage and determination, she and her brother fight the
system
to get their mother the loving care she needs and deserves. I recommend this book to everyone
and
repeat again: This is a stunning story.
Secret Ties
S.J. Graves
1stBooks Library
2595 Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404
ISBN 0-75964-686-4, 240 pages, e-book $4.95 and paperback $13.50
At age nine, Tyler Kane has had enough. She's been shuttled from one foster home to another in
those nine years, and her latest overseers are by far the worst. Tyler represents little more than
slave
labor to the Barltons, and a monthly check they receive from Social Services for her care. What
care
this child gets is minimal. Her heart and spirit are literally withering away in a cold and hopeless
environment. Tyler prays day and night to find a better life somehow. She wants the kind of
happiness she can "wrap up in a little ball and store in her heart where no one could touch it."
Geneva Douglas is wealthy, beautiful and sweet-appearing on the outside, tough as nails on the
inside. She has grieved for years over the death of her best friend, Celia, and the subsequent loss
and
disappearance of Celia's baby. Geneva's life is one of privilege, security. She is surrounded by
loyal
friends, devoted employees, and a protective ex-lover, James, who would gladly die to keep her
safe. James and Geneva work as operatives for "94", a U.S. Security Agency. Both are the best in
the business and work hand in glove as a team.
Tyler and Geneva cross paths in a lovely California park where both have gone in search of
answers.
After that chance meeting, Tyler moves from a life of abuse and neglect into a world of privilege
and
unconditional love. The lonely child cannot help but fear that this new and wondrous life is a
dream
that will be snatched away at any second.
The author alternates effectively between the loving relationship established by Tyler and Geneva,
and the dark, dangerous underworld that is Geneva's work life. Ms. Graves introduces us to the
crazed nemesis Ryan Walsh, who has been driven over the edge by the death of his pregnant wife
and unborn child. Walsh is bent on destroying Geneva and James and focuses on this goal with
maniacal determination. Walsh's cohorts are equally evil and determined, but for different reasons.
To make the story even more intriguing, the vicious Mr. Barlton resurfaces with a goal of
reclaiming
Tyler as the family slave.
Secrets are revealed and mysteries resolved. Terror and evil battle with courage and love to claim
the life of one small girl. Ms. Graves told this story well, and held my interest until the very last
page. Her book is well worth reading.
Awareness - Book I Of Mindsight
C.E. Winterland
AmErica House Book Publishers
P.O. Box 151, Frederick MD 21705-0151
ISBN 1-58851-933-3 529 pp at 24.00 paperback
"Circular is time, and the path of the sun and the shape of this earth, yet a wobble hast been
introduced in this form of darkness."
That cryptic statement, written by an ancient scribe before his death, made it clear by page two
that
this would not be a typical sci-fi fantasy adventure. I discovered intelligent prose that varied from
wondrously descriptive to poetic, from gritty to harsh, and all points in between. And I found
myself
caring about the odd mix of draks, dryads, elves, dwarves, and humans in this book.
Gen of Mercured is born with gifts that only two other living humans possess. This gift, called
mindsight, increases as he progresses into adolescence. His parents nurture the boy, protecting
him
until the day the Prophecy will be fulfilled. In many ways, Gen is a typical boy, until he is trained
in
rudimentary martial skills by his warrior father. It is when Gen and his chums Jayce and Page
embark
on a seemingly innocent camping trip that his mindsight kicks in and he learns of the
Prophecy.
Gen knows his future belongs to the Prophecy, even though he doesn't fully understand his part in
it.
According to time shrouded legend, two Innocents will be born to play out the fates of the world,
and a mysterious Bredling will appear. This Bredling will bring together the separate races
through
his blood and begin a new race that surpasses the powerful elvens of old. Gen suspects he is one
of
the Innocents, but his inexperience prevents him fully understanding that he may also be the
"Bredling".
The unworldly Gen experiences desire, and soon passion, when he meets Seena the Elven Queen.
Love blooms and quickly progresses to full flower between commoner and Queen before Gen's
dreams of sharing life with her are dashed. His broken heart is only partially mended by the lovely
Leiss from Arcena and Princess Aloura. Both women are intrigued by Gen's mindsight power and
his
reputation as warrior, and he in turn is sorely tempted by their beauty, but Seena remains first in
Gen's heart.
Gen is not a one dimensional hero. He loves with blind and breathless passion, hates with
destructive
rage, and fights to the death with savage realism. And through Book I of Mindsight, he remains
that
somewhat bewildered adolescent boy in search of truth and wisdom.
Awareness was just that. Gen of Mercured becomes aware of his gifts and gains a small idea of
what
his future holds. The book ends as Gen does supernatural battle with Whitsinne, the Lord of All
Evil, and Whitsinne's adopted son, Aboli.
The writer poplulates this book with realistic characters and locations. The battles are terrific,
often
gruesome, and the love Gen feels is believably touching. I have never really liked the fantasy
genre,
but find myself eagerly anticipating Book II of Mindsight and wondering if I'm right about Gen of
Mercured. Is he the Bredling? Did he really finish off the evil Whitsinne and Aboli? And what of
Page and Jayce? Seena and Gen's other lovely ladies?
Mr. Winterland, I'm staying tuned.
Interview with C. E. Winterland:
I wanted to interview C. E. Winterland because he writes in the sci fi and fantasy genre and does
it
well. SFF has never been a preferred genre of mine, but this author's work has me rethinking that.
His first published book is Awareness, ISBN 1-58851-933-3, America House, 520 pp at 24.95 in
paperback.
LJ for MBR: I haven't quite finished reading Awareness yet, but can already say it is the kind of
book that gets in the reader's mind and stays there. It almost seems an epic tale to me. What
prompted you to write Awareness, and how long did it take to write it?
CEW: My mother has always been an avid reader. When I was young, I used to participate in all
of
the school-sponsored reading programs and buy books through them - I remember those as far
back
as first grade. We used to camp and travel a lot throughout the northwest, where I grew up, and
during the drives I would always have a book to read. The first series fiction I read was Edgar
Rice
Burroughs' Tarzan series, and I loved them. Then my mother handed me a series she was reading,
Jean M. Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear", I was probably 11 or 12 at the time. I read all of those
and
really liked them. Then a neighbor friend of mine handed me David Eddings' "Pawn of Prophecy",
and the world of fantasy was opened up before me like some kind of tantalizing jewel to be turned
about and inspected, looking for the perfect tale. I began swallowing up fantasy of all types, and
can
remember spending a sick-day home from school and reading two complete novels in Eddings'
"Belgariad" series.
Over the next three years I found myself critiquing the books I read. By 14 I had decided to write
my own, and came up with a shortlist of characters that would populate Mindsight, which was
what
Awareness was originally called. I finished the story in 1987, as a junior in high school, and that is
still much of what makes up Awareness today.
Being a series junkie already, I decided that Mindsight was to be a series, and plotted out its first
book as just that. As soon as 'Mindsight' was completed when I was 17 years old, I immediately
began work on its sequel, as well as on two other works which I called "A Matter of Time", and
"The Manner of Kings", both of which are still manuscripts in progress. I also began the arduous
task of editing 'Mindsight'. I sent the first copy of 'Mindsight' to Del Rey in 1991, my second year
in
college. I have continued working that original 'Mindsight' manuscript, editing and re-editing,
including a few complete rewrites based on the original. But as I grew as a person, I continued to
shape 'Mindsight' throughout my days of studying the literary canon and western philosophy.
It was 1995 by the time that the Mindsight Series stepped up and defined itself to me. I had been
working on it for a full 11 years before the series and I came to an understanding. What is the
Mindsight Series about? I asked myself. The answer was inevitable - it is about life. The trials and
errors of working and reworking 'Mindsight' had by then proven to be a process of laying out the
story, then going back an making it live, putting in the life-lessons, the timelessness (as they might
say in an English Lit class) of the characters and the story itself. The characters remained what
they
had been originally, but the world around them grew, the narrative grew, and the backgrounds
grew
to give a perspective on them that the 14 year old who had written the story could never have
provided.
That notion of growth became the definition of the entire series, and the titles of its seven parts
made themselves known. The titles became gradients of life itself. Awareness as the initial
reflection
of the main character, the ignorance and the darkness of the unknown. Hunger is the next phase,
the
seeking of understanding. Wandering as the effort toward knowing that understanding on a
personal
level. Struggle as the reconciliation of the understanding and the personal knowledge. Structure as
the resolution and the order within the individual of all of that information. Wisdom as the
utilization
of it all. Finally, there is Unity, the individual perspective finding its place within all that exists
with
or without that individual.
These titles, within the tale of Gen of Mecured, the main character of the Mindsight Series, are
particularly enticing as well, as Gen grows and learns about life from his unique perspective and
place in the world of the series. The titles are the phases of Gen's life, and reflect his place and his
understanding of himself throughout the series. But more than all of that is the fact that, as the
writer, in order to fullfil such ambitious titles, I must understand them before I can write them.
Awareness could not have been called 'awareness' until I had come to terms with the fact that that
is
what the first book of the Mindsight Series is about on a level above just the story and the
characters
within.
It has been 17 years since I first put pencil to college ruled paper to tell the story of Gen of
Mecured, and I am still learning about it myself. Awareness has come to mean many things to me
during that time, not the least of which is an awareness about writing itself and the paths toward
getting published. The Mindsight Series can be a harsh taskmaster, but at the root of it all is the
pure
enjoyment of getting into Gen's world and helping it to live.
LJ for MBR: Then that explains the feeling I have while reading Awareness that it was written
with
a sense of almost childlike wonder, and why Gen's progression into manhood transcends the
fictional. That timespan allowed Gen to grow, mature, and reach manhood along with the
writer.
Awareness is Book One of the Mindsight Series. How near are you to completing Book
Two?
CEW: Hunger, Book II of the Mindsight Series is about 550 pages right now, and I have a few
chapters to go to finish. There are several resolutions carried over from Awareness, and Hunger
continues to grow the series. After editing and filling in the gaps (which I sincerely hope will go
much faster than they did with Awareness), I imagine the text will fall in at around 500 pages
total.
In Book II the tale is no longer strictly from the main character's perspective, but branches
outward
to include those of the companions and some of the main alliance characters from Awareness, as
part of the growth of the series itself. No longer are we seeing Gen's growth from his own limited
perspective, but growth from the circle of companions and friends as well. The idea is to show
characterization from others' points of view.
Without giving away too much of what happens in Book II, I am writing a good-sized war as the
finale. There are about 3 or 4 thought provoking twists to finish Hunger, and as I am currently
working on rewrites for the second edition of Awareness, I have been reluctant to dive into the
finale of Hunger until I can devote my full attention to it. As I am currently without a publisher
for
either book, I have the unfortunate leisure of being without a deadline. Should one crop up, I
imagine I could have Hunger completely ready in about six months (likely less).
LJ for MBR: I'm glad you brought up the subject of publishers. You are the third author I have
interviewed. All three have different publishers, are excellent wordsmiths in varying genre, and are
writers I respect. I pose this question to you, as I did the other two.
If you had the undivided attention of the major New York publishing houses, what advice would
you like to give them, OR what one question would you want to ask them.?
CEW: I don't know that I'm in any position to give them advice. I would like to know however,
what the heck do they want? I've been submitting queries on and off for the last twelve years, and
it's
rare enough to get past that stage of the "process". Realizing they are all busy folks (who the hell
isn't, afterall...?) what I would like to see is a straight up answer as to what they are looking for in
a
query. I expect the answers would be as diverse as the number of agents, editors and publishers,
but
why is that information not available? Some people have success with a business-like query, some
with a personal flair, and others with something else.
My queries are generally business-like, because when you read in any of the agent/publisher
listings,
they all come off that way themselves. They all know that you aren't getting anywhere unless
someone READS your manuscript, but getting it to them is more often than not a crap-shoot. It's
very frustrating.
I'm not really too impressed when I hear "we're very busy, and can't read everything that comes
our
way". Knowing that many who read manuscript submissions do so on off-hours, I can understand
that. However, working a full-time day job (generally in the neighborhood of 50 hours a week),
then
spending all of my free-time writing, and then trying (usually in the wee hours of the morning) to
guess what kind of query letter they want and what will push their buttons is not exactly a
vacation
on the beach, either.
Often enough as well, when you get a few sample chapters into someone's hands, you don't hear
anything back. I actually received my query package back from a respected AAR agent recently.
Inside was my sample chapters - that's it. I had sent them a query letter, synopsis, and the sample
chapters. They sent only the sample chapters back, without even the courtesy stamp or form letter
to
say 'thanks, but no thanks'. I e-mailed them afterward, asking about the non-response, and got
nothing for my trouble. This is not the kind of agency I would want representing me or my work.
Sure, they didn't ask for my submission, but they took the time to remove it from the envelope,
then
put it in the SASE... they could have at least scribbled something on it.
In a very, very difficult market, a struggling author needs such non-responses like they need a
second head to argue with. It's like falling down in the mud, and having them walk over you
without
even the courtesy to look down and see what they are walking on. There is a lot of talk about
Print
on Demand publishing and where it is headed, and the fact that the big houses may be pushing on
the
little ones to make them topple. The fact of the matter is, such attitudes by people in positions to
answer you or not, are going to push the big ones over from the inside. As a business man, if you
don't bother to even reply to me, you will not see my business (probably not even through a
telescope, if you catch my meaning).
It is frustrating to be the writer (in the business model, writers are the engineers and factory) and
realize that you are low on the food-chain, low enough to not even warrant a respectable reply
from
a submission that follows the "rules" of submission to the letter. Sometimes you just want to walk
in
to their office, kick down the door, scrub all of the other manuscripts piled high on every flat
surface
to the floor, and hand them yours. "I won't accept 'no' for an answer", you may say. If a personal
visit equated to some of the replies you get from the 'proper' method, they would probably answer
by leaving in silence and going on an extended lunch, hoping you won't be there when they get
back.
So, the question I would ask is... what the heck do you want? I treat you nice, recognize your
efforts and position with a perspective of respect... in doing so, I warrant the same in a reply; I
expect it, nay, I demand it.
LJ for MBR: You hit the nail on the head. Authors reading your reply are shouting AMEN all
over
the country, I imagine.
Now, last question, and one I've been wanting to ask since reading the back cover of Awareness.
To
quote, "Wandering the hills and woods as a boy taught C.E. Winterland to draw upon the wonder
of
nature..." I know that is only half of the quote, but it is the 'wonder of nature' aspect that intrigued
me. Will there ever be a time that you write about your surroundings - the woods, mountains, and
lakes - in other than a sci fi-fantasy genre?
CEW: Yes... I think. That's a tougher question than it sounds, actually. Most of my writing until
now is centered around a single-word question: Why? It's a question I think about all the time,
about
everything. Writing is not only enjoyable to me, but helps me to answer that question for myself
and
about myself. While the Mindsight Series, and all of my writing, is character driven, it also has
that
question as a kind of back-up power supply. As a student of metaphysics (regardless of whether I
am presently in school or not), the answers to that question can be fairly abstract. Fantasy and
science fiction are like a canvas on which I can paint some of those answers.
Still, some of the most abstract answers that come from that question, some of the strangest and
least logical, center around people. It is characters that give a story its true catharsis, and it always
will be. The question "Why?" does not always apply to people or characters, though. Often there
is
no why, no reason to explain.
Boiling that down further reveals, for me, the difference between genre fiction and literary fiction.
Until now, I have enjoyed delving into possible answers to the question. As a reader of fantasy
and
science fiction, I enjoy the format, and find it easy to lose myself in the tales and the characters. I
would like to explore writing a mainstream fictional piece, however. When I think about it (and I
do), it always comes to the same thing... time and my lack thereof.
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where mountains, rivers, and ocean meet one another
sometimes
like a violent clash, and sometimes like an idyllic pasture of beautiful grains and flowers, proud
conifers and humble stones. Of course, there is every type of climate you can imagine in
Washington
and Oregon. There you have desert, rainforest, high mountain peaks, and low river deltas. It is
like a
miniature world of climates and environments. I would love to share that with everyone. But my
own experiences there will only carry a story so far. The balance would have to come from
research.
David Guterson, who wrote "Snow Falling on Cedars" and "East of the Mountains", does that
exceedingly well, where the characters and the scenery bear a kind of cohesion to one another,
one
making the other what it is and defining it. There are tales to be told of the area, to be sure.
I would certainly like to write a non-fantasy tale taking place there. But that old maxim of 'write
what you know' is a true one, of course. Until I can have a bit of time to do some of the research I
would need to do to make the tale live, I wouldn't be able to do it all justice. As we are discussing
it
though, philosophy, mysticism and metaphysics all play a substantial role in the history of the
Pacific
Northwest. You have the migrant workers brought in to build the railroads, the indian tribes
peppered throughout the region, the role of the area in the ancient landbridge that brought people
to
the North American continent. I am particularly interested in the area in which I went to college, a
little town called Ellensburg. The Yakima Indians inhabited the area, a verdant green valley
secluded
between miles and miles of sagebrush desert, high in the Cascade Mountains. Rumor has it that
portions of that area were a sacred burial ground. And to sit up in the surrounding hillsides and
look
down over the valley, you can see that it was once a large lake. That is all the curiosity one needs
to
begin a tale... but again, the time to research it eludes me for now.
Thanks for asking the question. It's rekindled my imagination, and now I'm thinking about it once
again. I realize that reading some of my answers may make it seem like I'm dead serious all the
time.
However, my writings (I hope) are often quite light-hearted. There is a seriousness to writing
though, that may not (or possibly even should not) come through. If I do not put the effort into
the
story that the story itself requires (let alone the readers), it won't work.
LJ for MBR: Thank you, C.E. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to answer
my
questions. Do you have a website where readers can find out more about you?
CEW: Sure. I would love it if they visited me at the Mindsight Series website,
www.mindsightseries.com or they can go to my Authors Den site,
www.authorsden.com/cewinterland.
Interview with Christine Dickinson and Matthew Lyon of Earthpassage Music:
LJ for MBR: I've been enjoying your music for several years now and it never fails to soothe and
inspire. What gave you the idea to create music about Montana?
Christine: I remember one of my poetry workshop instructors in college advising our class many
times: "Write what you know". Matthew and I try to follow that path in our music. We had the
idea
to produce a CD at least two years before Glacier Journey was released. At the time we were
playing with a Celtic group called Madra Mor. The effort of getting everyone together to actually
record proved to be too challenging, as most of us had small children at the time, full time jobs,
and
very limited resources. We basically came up with the idea of recording music about Glacier Park
because we needed a way to get started producing. As it turned out, this very focused project was
exactly what we needed to get going. We spent all summer and all that Fall of '95 composing and
rewriting along with our cellist, Janet Haarvig. We not only had to write music, but I ended up
writing stories (paragraphs really) about all the pieces which gave the album its definition.
LJ for MBR: What I like best about your music is that it varies so in each CD. I am particularly
enchanted by the Celtic influences in your creations. You have five - or is it six? - different CDs
now. Tell me a bit about your creating process. Does one person write the music, or is it a
collaboration?
Matthew: It's really a bit of both... we are both always working on music and have a lot of pieces
in
different stages of development at any one time. Sometimes we sit down in the studio together
and
just play around with ideas, but more often we work on pieces alone, sketching out ideas for each
other to elaborate on. We give each other space to write and create until we're comfortable with
the
idea of "letting go" and letting the other person add their input. When either of us gets to that
point
with a piece then everything is up for grabs. One of us may have a very different idea about the
direction a piece should take, and the process of trying to balance our hopes and dreams for a
particular song with the opinions of the other person is always a delicate dance. It's like two
people
writing a novel, passing the pencil back and forth between sentences. It's a great practice for a
marriage!
The other partner in our writing, the one that has an-ever increasing role, is the listener. As we've
matured as artists we've come to understand that our first responsibility is to the people listening
to
what we are playing. After completing five albums, we have in our minds very real people with
real
needs that we strive to meet in some small way with our music.
LJ for MBR: However you arrive at your results, the finished product is stunning, Matthew. Is
there
any chance, even a small one, that your ensemble will release an all Celtic music production in the
future?
Matthew: Thank you... We both love Celtic music; it's such a part of both of our musical
backgrounds and a common language, as it were. We were totally immersed in the music of
Ireland
and Scotland for nearly ten years, absorbing both the tunes and songs, learning to hear and think
about the music like an Irish musician would. Christine sang songs in both Irish and Scots Gaelic,
and during this period I also took my first baby-steps as a harper.
Our first albums Glacier Journey and White Cloud Big Sky were in a way a deliberate departure
from Celtic music. We were very focused on creating our own sound to write about the places
around us, drawing on all of our musical experiences, and I think we weren't really sure how to
make the connections we needed to make about very specific places using the language of Celtic
music.
With the release of Quiet Paths in 1999, we started to incorporate more Celtic influences, such as
the harp, into our music. Our writing began to be less and less about specific places and more
about
explorations of inner landscapes, about trying to describe an experience that at its root is spiritual
in
nature. It really opened up a world of possibilities musically, and I think that we started to feel
comfortable letting our audience in our little secret: we are Celtic musicians cleverly disguised as
Montanans!
Seriously though, I think the common thread is this: Celtic music, like the traditional spirituality of
Ireland and Scotland (both pagan and Christian) is grounded in the natural world. Life was lived
in a
setting of raw beauty,and certain places were considered to be "thin", where the boundaries
between
heaven and earth, human and God are just a bit easier to cross. We write about those thin places,
about the places that leave a longing in your heart that is both for the place itself and for the
deeper
connections the place signifies. In that sense the basic impulse in both Celtic music and ours is the
same: nature as a window onto the divine.
Long answer for such an easy question! I think it's probable that we'll record a very Celtic
sounding
album in the future. The question will be whether it will be traditional material or our own. There
are
so many wonderful traditional musicians that we probably will continue to focus on finding our
own
voice, walking our own path, while drawing on the deep well of tradition.
LJ for MBR: I like that! "Celtic musicians cleverly disguised as Montanans." Great answers, you
two.
Where can those interested in purchasing Earthpassage music find your albums or CDs? And
where
can they find out more information about you?
Christine: Our music can be found and listened to (Real Audio sound files) on our website,
www.earthpassage.com. There is also information about us and the other members of our
ensemble
on the website.
Anyone interested in our music can order directly through our 800 number, an easy choice,
800-584-2671. We do have credit card purchasing available. Those who prefer the snail mail
route
can write us at EarthPassage Music, PO Box 136 St. Ignatius, MT 59865. We try to keep our cds
modestly priced at $12.99.
We don't have all of the cds on Amazon.com; however the first four are available through
them.
LJ for MBR: Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to talk with me, Matthew and
Christine. I'm looking forward to your next creative endeavor!
Matthew and Christine: It was our pleasure, Laurel.
An Interview With Brendan Granahan:
Brendan Granahan is the author of Voyager: An American Prayer (GreatUNpublished, LLC,
ISBN:
1588985539, $15.00, 291 pages). I chose to interview Mr. Granahan because of his "voice", that
very human and distinctive presence that shines through in his writing. Voyager is his first
published
novel, and I sincerely hope it won't be his last.
LJ for MBR: While reading Voyager, I thought your writing style seemed to flow naturall,
without
effort. Are you a "born" writer, or did you create your own personal style through time and
experimentation? Have you studied creative writing, and if so, has it been helpful?
Brendan: Well, thank you for the compliment. I wasn't so sure if all the writing flowed naturally,
especially the first couple chapters. Voyager started out life as a journal I kept during the summer
of
1980. I wrote it down as soon as - or soon after - it happened. So maybe that accounts for the
immediacy of much of the action and those little details you forget over the course of time.
No, I'm not a born writer and I don't believe there is such a thing. I think you have writers like
Frank
McCourt. Good, but not great writers, who have their life stories bottled up just waiting for
release.
Angela's Ashes is such a wonderful piece of writing. But 'Tis, the follow up, is such a let down.
Such
slackly writing! I believe Frank is working on a novel at the moment. I don't envy his position.
He's a
world-renowned writer who, unfortunately, must now learn to write in public. Iagree with
whoever
said writing is rewriting. My style, such as it is, developed over time.
I've never formally studied creative writing. For the most part, I believe money spent on creative
writing courses is wasted money. I've read novels produced by graduates of these so-called
college
courses and while the writing is competent for the most part, it is mechanical, boring, and
uninspirational, sort of like Hemingway by the numbers - all short declarative sentences without
any
sense of the master's rhythm, grace, style, or lyricism.
Informally, I've read and reread Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and Fitzgerald's The Great
Gatsby
literally dozens of times. I guess you could say they're my models. There are others, of
course.
LJ for MBR: You mentioned Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes, and the disappointing follow up.
Many basically good writers have had that problem with works that follow blockbuster successes.
Colleen McCullough and The Thorn Birds comes to mind. Voyager was a well written and
thought
provoking book. I felt it went far beyond being simply a young man's memoir written after the
fact.
Are you planning your next book, and will it be a complete departure from Voyager?
Brendan: My next book is nearing completion. In the Belly of the Big Black Beast. Currently, I
am
doing the grunt work, line-editing, etc. It's autobiographical also, but in terms of style and form, a
radical departure from Voyager. It's a series of self-contained stories and sketches, covering the
years 1977-1990, a very unsettled period in my life. Each story captures a pivotal moment, crisis
or
moment of resolution. I'll also be using an illustrator to illustrate each episode. I guess you could
say
it's a picture storybook of my early, turbulent life. I must seem like a complete egomaniac writing
about myself all the time!
LJ for MBR: I think most writers put bits and pieces of themselves and their lives into their
books,
regardless of the subject or genre, whether fiction or non-fiction. But I'm trying to get inside your
head here, Brendan. What drives you as a writer? What nudges you to write what you write? In
Voyager, for example, you allude to Kerouac and quote Jim Morrison's poetry. You speak of
sorrow and outrage over John Lennon's death at the hands of a madman. That told me more about
you than you were willing to reveal in prose.
Brendan: Well, I don't believe it's what drives me as a writer that's important. Writing is simply
the
means of expression, isn't it? If I were an artist, I would paint. But I don't have that particular
talent.
It's what drives me as a human being, as a person that's important. And I, like everybody else I
would imagine, want to live a life that has purpose, that has meaning, that, at the end of a long
hard
day, a long hard life, adds up to something. And that life you live, and how you live it, is more
important than the writing you write or the paintings your paint. In the end you, yourself, are the
person you will answer to, not the audience you may find through your writings. I think it was D.
H.
Lawrence who said writing is a form of therapy. Maybe that's true in my case.
LJ for MBR: You sound like a deep thinking idealist, and that shines through in your writing.
Have
y ou set a writing related goal for yourself in 2002, and if so, do you mind sharing it?
Brendan: I don't set myself writing-related goals. In fact, I don't hurry myself when I write at all. I
work hard at getting it right, which can take a long time sometimes. I'm a perfectionist. That
doesn't
mean I get it right all the time, but I try. Sometimes I will put a manuscript aside for months at a
time and work on something else. It's easier to be objective when I return to it. However, I do
want
to relaunch Voyager, possibly as an imprint edition, in the near future and come up with a more
efficient marketing and distribution system. Also, I'd like to see the follow up, In the Belly of the
Big
Black Beast, in print before the end of the year. Then I'll start work on revising a novel I put aside
some time ago.
LJ for MBR: OH! Another novel! Care to give a hint on that? Also, can you share with our
readers
what you mean by "imprint edition" of Voyager and your thoughts about the marketing and
distribution end of it?
Brendan: It's a work of pure imagination this time. No biography, you will be happy to learn. I call
it
a ghost story. The drama takes place within a 6-hour period on a particularly cold and windy New
Year's Eve. A young man is haunted (literally) by the spirit of a recently deceased friend, whom he
idolized, and an impending marriage which he does not want to go through with. It's a
tragic-comedy.
An imprint edition of a book simply means that I will be the publisher of record. I will use another
company's printing services. There is such a prejudice against POD books at the moment, and
some
POD publishers bear the brunt more than others. An imprint edition gives me a better shot at
having
my book placed in traditional outlets, which is where your book ultimately needs to appear in
order
to find readers. The digital publishing revolution is a blessing for self-published authors, and a
personal web site and online reviews certainly help. But most readers, before they make that final
decision to buy your book, need to physically pick it up, look at the cover front and back and read
through it before they make that all important decision to buy it. It's how I do it, anyway.
LJ for MBR: If your fictional story is as well written as your biographical novel, it will be worth
reading.
Publishing your own book as you described sounds like it will be an expensive process that most
writers might not be able to afford. I wish you well with it because your work deserves to be out
where the reading public can lay their hands on it.
One final question, Brendan. Will you giive our readers just a little thumbnail sketch about
yourself,
a bio if you will? Say anything you'd like potential readers of your work to know.
Brendan: Or all that David Copperfield kinda crap, as Holden Caulfield calls it? Where to begin?
Let's see, I was born in Manhattan, New York, West 181st, right near the George Washington
Bridge. Left for Ireland when I was four years old but all my earliest memories are of New York.
Superman on TV, the A train subway, winter snow drifts.
In Ireland I was brought up in County Mayo in a small village at the foot of a half-mile high
mountain in a fairly desolate area. Hardly moved outside of the parish for another 14 years.
Ireland
in those days, and rural Ireland in particular, was still dragging itself out of the middle ages. TV
was
a novelty, many houses were still thatched and used oil lamps for lighting, horse drawn plows and
carts were still fairly common. Think Amish county with an Irish flavor. I went to a school that
had
dry toilets, no running water; small turf (peat) fires that barely heated the rooms in winter. It was
a
farming community, and I know as much about farming today as I did then, which is nothing at
all.
But they were simpler, happier days, and I remember them with nostalgia.
Adolescence was a nightmare from start to finish. Like Frank McCourt, I don't know how I
survived
it at all. Corporal punishment, Dickensian boarding school, thick farmers sons, backward priests. I
hated every individual minute of it. Also, my dad returned to the US to look for work, leaving
mom
at home to raise a family on her own. They were difficult times.
Thank God for my college days at U.C.G. (University College, Galway) or my memories of
Ireland
would be very bitter, I think. Ireland is a small country, still very provincial, but slowly moving
away
from those benighted days into a more modern era.
I returned to New York two days after I completed my college finals back in 1979. Couldn't wait
to
return.
I had grown up not feeling particularly Irish, but I had just as tough a time settling down in the
USA.
I went through
something of an identity crisis, I suppose. That struggle is the basis of "In the Belly of the Big
Black
Beast." These days I'm comfortable with the fact that's I'm both Irish and American.
My wife, Sunjoo, is a native of Seoul, Korea, and Yonkers, New York is where we call
home.
LJ for MBR: Thanks, Brendan. It sounds to me like you've had a fascinating life! Before we bring
this to a close, is there any other tidbit of information you'd like to share with our readers?
Brendan: I think I've gone on enough about me. An interesting fact about my wife's late father, I
learned after we were married. He was a writer also and used to translate Russian masters like
Chekhov into Korean. Sunjoo tells me stories of her mother having to abandon their small
apartment
with babes-in-arms to let him get on with his work. Strange how life repeats itself, isn't it?
Although
Sunjoo hasn't had to abandon the apartment yet, I'm happy to say.
LJ for MBR: I appreciate your time and your honesty. I wish you well in all that you do, and hope
I
have the opportunity to read your next book in hard copy very soon.
Brendan: Thank you, Laurel.
Note: You can view Mr. Granahan's website at www.brendangranahan.com
Voice From the River - Monongahela
Harvey R. Tate
SynergE Books
1235 Flat Shoals Road, King NC 27021
ISBN 0-7443-0359-1, e-book at $5.00 - coming soon in paperback
There are some authors who just have the gift of story telling. Harvey Tate is one of those
authors.
This work of fiction begins in 1754 in pre-revolutionary America. Jim Cooper meets an untimely
death, leaving behind his pregnant not-yet-bride, Hannah Adams. From there the author takes us
to
1964, where we meet Cooper Adams and the woman who will be his lifelong passion, Emily
Jettalich. And from that point the reader moves to the present day where the focus is on Cooper
and
Emily's son, Jett. Like his father before him, Jett attracts women like flies until he settles down
with
the one woman he will love for a lifetime.
The heart of Monongahela is a 250 year old mystery involving human skeletal remains passed
down
through generations of the Adams family. The story moves seamlessly backwards and forwards in
time as we meet the Cooper and Adams progenitors. Through word of mouth, written diaries and
letters, and modern technology the mystery is eventually solved through the efforts of Jett and the
woman he loves.
From scanning aged bones with an electron microscope and carbon dating, to the delightfully
potent
lovemaking of the Cooper-Adams clan, this book is both intriguing and charming. But what
attracts
me most to this author's writing is his lyrical descriptions of the Monongahela. "There are some
nights along the Monongahela that defy description, when the moon and the mountains conspire
to
add a delicate beauty to an otherwise hard land."
This book is fascinating, at times breathtaking. It is currently an e-book but will soon be available
in
paperback through synergE. As far as I'm concerned, Monongahela is a must have, must read
book.
An Interview With Harvey Tate:
Harvey Tate is the author of two books so far. Both are published by synergE. His first was Voice
From The River - Monongahela, ISBN 0-7443-0359-1. The second was Little Sisters Of War,
ISBN
0-7443-0384-2. I chose to interview Mr. Tate because I was impressed by his writing style and his
choice of subjects in both books. He writes fiction that strongly smacks of being non-fiction to
me.
LJ for MBR: I'm going to just jump right in here, Harvey, and make a statement. You write with
the
kind of eloquence and banked passion that only comes with maturity and experience. By passion,
I
mean strong feelings about your subject and your characters. Do you agree that the life you've
lived
contributed to your choice of book subjects?
Harvey: I certainly would agree that my life is found in my writing; however I'm not sure that I
chose my book subjects. What I'm implying, is in writing, my subject revealed itself. As an
example,
I intended Voice from the River ~ Monongahela, as a mystery that followed a line from the source
of the river in West Virginia, to its convergence with the Allegheny to form the Ohio. I carefully
researched small towns, disasters, events beginning in 1700 and ending in the present. It was a
great
idea. Then, I found myself fascinated with the Jumonville episode. There was something there that
brought me away from my linear intentions. The mystery became secondary and the relationships
come to the front. After all, what is more mysterious than human interaction?
In that regard I would agree that my life experiences have colored my writing. I am a person who
sees the science in life, but find my self drawn to its mystery. My passion as you call it is merely a
result of my conviction that maturity and experience make me realize that I'm running out of
time.
LJ for MBR: You state on your Authorsden site that Mad Comics had an influence on your
writing
style. I'm curious about that statement because I find no evidence of that influence in your books.
Enlighten me.
Harvey: In the sense that I don't lampoon my subject I agree. However, I'm sure I found a
direction
from my early life and my affinity for comics, particularly Mad. Why Mad Comics? I hurried each
month to the corner store to plunk down a dime for a thesis on humor; heady stuff for a pre-teen.
I
found my way, not my parent's way, or anyone else's way to express myself in sarcasm, satire, and
in
literature. There was never a time that I didn't learn a great word, a word that sent me to the
dictionary.faux pas, debris, words that challenged my mind and I still remember reading them for
the
first time in Mad. Besides, Mad originally lampooned the classics, I found myself challenged to
know more, in order to understand the source of their comedy. It's difficult to "get it," if you,
"don't
get it." My reading influences changed with time, but I'm still looking for the joke.
LJ for MBR: Your profession as an educator and your love of history are clear in both your
books.
Tell us a little about your career as it relates to your writing.
Harvey: I spent thirty one years stuck in adolescence. I think I finally got it right. There is no
more
prescient talent than listening, and when you deal with the fragile egos of youth, you learn to lead
them through listening. Eventually some one will tell you how to solve their problem. I believe
that
listening to others and actually hearing them is a necessity for a writer. As an administrator, I had
to
learn to obfuscate and write paradigms of "bull hockey" to make the public believe I/we really
knew
what we were talking about. It helped my writing skills a lot. "I don't know what that means, but
it
sure sounds right."
LJ for MBR: So, you are a retired High School principal who began writing in recent years.. I
know
you plan several more books and have a specific goal of making each book a different subject and
style. Share with us your thoughts on that goal and please tell us more about these future
books.
Harvey: Okay, my next goal is to write a sequel. I am looking for this thought in my readers.
"This is
not like the usual sequel." I am currently following up, Voice from the River ~ Monongahela, with
a
darker, scarier, sexier, and more violent tome. By the way, I'm looking for a title, and would
entertain any suggestions. I was thinking that I'd start it with an A, so I'd get listed at the front of
my
publisher's list of titles. My next idea is a black comedy about high school. maybe an up the down
staircase from hell. I wonder where that idea came from? If I have the time I will attempt science
fiction. I read more Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert Heinlein than any other authors;
by
the way, I believe Phillip Dick is a creative genius.
LJ for MBR: I recently reviewed Little Sisters of War for MBR, and am in the process of reading
Monongahela. Personally, I prefer holding a hard copy in my hand to reading electronically. When
might your readers who feel the same expect synergE to release the paperback version of your
books?
Harvey; Little Sisters of War is my baby, I love that work. I can read it over and over and still
make
myself misty-eyed, but then again, I shed a tear when Seattle Slew died. I share your need to have
a
paper copy. There is a comfort in knowing that something you love is sitting on a shelf nearby,
waiting in dust-collecting mode, for you to bring it back into your life. I have several books that I
read and re-read. Loren Eiseley's, The Immense Journey, for those times I need comfort. Eddie
Richenbacher's, Fighting The Flying Circus, for the days I feel immortal, Michael Shaara's, The
Killer Angels, for good reading, and Robert Coover's, The Universal Baseball Association, Inc,
when I want to mess with my head. Then there is Zen Flesh - Zen Bones, and Microcosmos, Four
Billion Years of Microbial Evolution to fill my other needs.
When will I have that paper? Synergebooks.com is working just as fast as they can and maintain
its
concept of delivering an excellent product. I'm in line for "Print-On-Demand", and have legendary
patience. I hope my readers can wait. At least I'm a best selling e-book author on the
Synergebooks.com site. Someone likes my writing.woo hoo!
LJ for MBR: Getting published can be a long and discouraging process for an unknown writer.
Has
that been your experience? If the major publishing houses were open to suggestions, what one
suggesion would you offer them?
Harvey: You had to ask! Have you been to a great movie lately? F. Scott Fitzgerald would need a
hit on MTV's TRL to get a print publisher to notice him. Are you tired of reading "My Life Story"
by Brittney Spears, et al? Don't misunderstand, I remember all the reasons I like her bare midriff,
but
please! There is a fear of failure in the arts, why? Money driven- motives.whatever is popular is
what
they'll print, mindless candy for the masses. Every aspiring author has run into rejection, but
cloaked
in the, "It doesn't fit our demographic; not our style; we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts."
However, it is the arrogance of the major publishers and their churlish behavior that infuriates us.
It
is enough to make me think of changing my name to Harvey Higgins Clark. I would like the major
publishing houses to allocate one percent of their capital to scouring the "www" for new ideas,
and
to have a shred of altruism in the search. Here is a caveat; e-books could go in the same
direction.whenever profit overrides vision.
LJ for MBR: Is there anything else you think our readers would like to know about you, or any
other bit of information you hoped I would ask?
Harvey: I am a product of two people who were children of the Great Depression, and although I
was alive, the Second World War was a memory created for me by others. I was given an ethic
that
made me soldier on, keep my eyes on the horizon and take each day as it came. Never get too
high
in order to keep yourself from the depths.
My mother encouraged me to read, and read I did. I remember the day I got my library card. I
remember the formidable solid red brick monument, called Branch Number 2 of The Enoch Pratt
Free Library, in Baltimore's Canton section. After what seemed like hours I presented my book to
the librarian, it was Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea. The librarian
decided
that at six I was too young and she made me prove that I could read. When I was finished reading
to
her, I got my book, and lifted my sights a little above the horizon. There is always a lesson to be
learned.
LJ for MBR: Thank you, Harvey. I look forward to reading your future books, and wish you well.
Keep writing.
Harvey: And thank you, Laurel. Your questions were great. I enjoyed answering them.
See more about Harvey Tate at www.authorsden.com/harveyrtate
Laurel Johnson
Reviewer
Sandra's Bookshelf
Yoga: The Ultimate Spiritual Path
Swami Rajarshi Muni
Llewellyn Publications
P. O. Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164
ISBN:1-56718-441-3 Soft Cover. 184 pp. $14.95, www.llewellyn.com 1-800-THE MOON
Swami Rajarshi Muni is an advanced practicing yogi who has written numerous books. His latest,
Yoga: The Ultimate Spiritual Path, is "a remarkable synthesis of yoga psychology and
metaphysics."
In it, he traces the history of yogic philosophy and its development over time, emphasizing its role
in
spiritual unfolding. He does not include any yoga postures, leaving that up to individual
instructors.
"Yoga is neither a religion by itself nor part of any other religious system," he says, adding that
"yoga is universal and a yogi is not necessarily bound to any particular religious faith." He defines
it
as "the union between the individual self and the universal self." Yoga is available to anyone who
wishes to accept its discipline.
Muni discusses yoga practices relating to a variety of areas, such as rebirth, karma, the purpose of
life, bliss, human consciousness, and suffering. Although yoga is an ancient practice, its underlying
philosophy is timeless and still relevant to those wishing to transform their lives. Classical yoga
focuses on spiritual development and the attainment of higher levels of consciousness, and this is
what Muni concentrates on throughout his writing.
Yoga: The Ultimate Spiritual Path provides a comprehensive overview of traditional yoga
philosophy for the Western reader and at the same time creates a context that helps us place
ourselves on the spiritual pathway, so that we may understand the deeper purpose for our
existence." It's essential reading for all those interested in philosophy. It will also satisfy those
who've practiced yoga as a physical or mental exercise, but sense that there's more to it than
simple
exercise.
Answers: A Divine Connection
Yvonne M. Albanese
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
ISBN: 1-57174-192-5 Soft Cover. 189 pp. $13.95, www.hrpub.com 1-800-766-8009
Yvonne M. Albanese has had psychic abilities since childhood. For years, she believed she had no
control over her special gifts. Over time, she's learned that she can use her abilities at will.
She began by communicating with deceased loved ones, using automatic writing. When she
"writes,"
she is unaware of what is written until she looks at it later. The handwriting differs also from her
normal writing. Late one night, she received a comforting message from God. "I have since been
receiving answers to questions I ask God on a regular basis," she says.
Answers: A Divine Connection is a compilation of the questions Albanese asked and the answers
she
received. She also includes her own commentary on the information she received.
She asked a wide range of questions, including ones about the nature of souls, love, who Jesus
really
was and his role, life in other worlds, angels, dreams, abortion, and cloning. She covers most of
the
issues that people are struggling with on a daily basis.
Although she freely shares her questions and the answers she received, Albanese emphasizes that
"the messages I receive are my own truth." She says that she's learned that each person has their
own truth and reality, and all have significance to God. God is available to everyone on a very
personal level, regardless of religion or other beliefs.
"Filled with hope, inspiration, and guidance, Yvonne Albanese's Answers is another link in the
infinite chain of testimonials to God's presence and love." It's an essential book for all those
seeking
answers to questions of the heart.
Transitions Of The Soul
Nick Bunick
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
ISBN: 1-57174-252-2 Soft Cover. 303 pp. $13.95, www.hrpub.com 1-800-766-8009
Angelic intervention changed Nick Bunick's life forever in 1995. Since then he's been devoted to
spiritual and humanitarian activities, including writing about his experiences. His latest endeavor,
Transitions of the Soul, is a collection of true stories from people who've had contact with
deceased
loved ones.
All the stories reinforce the idea that the soul does not die, but lives on in peace and happiness.
Bunick says that "perhaps the most important discovery I have made is that there is no such thing
as
death. Death is only a transition of our spirits and souls from the confinement of our physical
bodies
into the spiritual world."
Those who offer comfort from the other side do so in different ways. To reflect this, Bunick has
divided the book into five parts: Visitations; Angels; Sights, Smells, and Sounds; Dreams; and
Extraordinary Personal Stories. Each part includes a collection of stories told by ordinary people
in
their words of how they learned the soul continues on after the body dies.
Bunick "brings us a cure of the grieving heart and a balm for the universal fear of dying."
Transitions
Of The Soul will provide comfort and inspiration to all who read it.
Reversing Multiple Sclerosis
Celeste Pepe, D.C., N.D. and Lisa Hammond
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
ISBN: 1-57174-226-3 Soft Cover. 465 pp. $18.95, www.hrpub.com 1-800-766-8009
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the growth of lesions on the tissue that protects the body's nerves.
Those
lesions stop the flow of information from the brain to the body, particularly in the arms and legs.
Parts of the body without contact with the brain deteriorate, and people with MS end up with
various physical handicaps. Medical science has no cure for MS. At best, all they can do is slow
the
progress of the disease.
Celeste Pepe, D.C., N.D. was diagnosed with MS when she was in her early forties. A practicing
chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, she refused to take the powerful drugs that her medical
doctors insisted were her only option. She decided that not only would she fight MS, she would
be
healed of it.
Reversing Multiple Sclerosis is the story of her successful search for a cure, a five-year journey
into
alternative medicine therapies. She had no special abilities other than a determination to be well,
and
she tell others that "if you are ever diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, you must pursue,
with
all your might, every doctor, of all varieties, with every healing modality known to them, and
never
give up, until you find the ones that heal you."
Pepe describes the emotional devastation she felt when she was first diagnosed, and the reactions
of
her family and friends. Not everyone supported her when she turned from conventional medicine
to
alternative therapies. She shares all that she learned as she consulted each professional, and details
their treatments and the effects those treatments had on her. She relied heavily on what her body
told her after each treatment.
She emphasizes that each person is different and not every treatment has the same effect on
everyone. However, through her experience she was able to define nine steps that will help
reverse
MS. Most of these are quite simple, such as dietary changes, but all should be done under the
supervision of a professional. She includes an extensive list of resources.
Reversing Multiple Sclerosis is "one woman's courageous journey from incurable illness to
optimum
health, against all odds and the prognostications of futility and doom from the medical
community."
Pepe writes in a personal and friendly manner, and her book is an essential reference for all those
who have been diagnosed with MS.
Write From The Heart: Unleashing The Power Of Your Creativity, Revised Edition
Hal Zina Bennett
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
ISBN: 1-57731-177-9 Soft Cover. 238 pp. $14.00, www.newworldlibrary.com
1-800-972-6657
Hal Zina Bennett believes that becoming a good writer involves much more than mastering the
techniques, although those skills have their place. He says writing is a way to "share our
humanness," and that "being true to ourselves is what gives our writing fire." In the newly revised
edition of Write From The Heart: Unleashing The Power Of Your Creativity, he shares the
insights
he's gathered over a long career as a prolific writer and creativity coach.
He delves into the sources of creativity, noting that for many people, this requires a certain
amount
of solitude. He then discusses language itself, saying that "it is the marriage between language and
the deep mysteries of the human mind that excites me." Writers write to tap into that connection,
for
themselves and for others. The creativity is within--we only need to learn to recognize and utilize
it.
Some people don't have the resources to have a private place of their own for thinking and
writing.
Bennett explains how the perfect place can be created through guided imagery. Writing can help
complete the imagery and the imagery helps to make the writing possible.
Early in his career, Bennett learned that having an "imaginary reader" brings life to writing,
whether
fiction or nonfiction. The imaginary reader is the one special individual to whom the writer directs
his words. He explains how to create an imaginary reader and use it to add humanness and sharing
to the writing.
All of us have intensely joyous times in our lives, called peak experiences, and times of deep
suffering, which Bennett describes as "essential wounds." Both are a source of personal growth
and
creativity. Dreams are another source of creativity--sometimes they lend themselves better to
stories
than to interpretations.
Writing has the ability to transform the writer and the reader. In Writing From The Heart, Bennett
provides the advice, exercises, and guidance that beginners and experienced writers need "to
overcome blocks, unleash their inborn creative voice, and channel their creativity toward
becoming
happily published."
Sandra I. Smith
Reviewer
Klausner's Bookshelf
The Curse Of Arkady
Emily Drake
Daw Books
June 2002, $19.95, 304 pp., ISBN: 0756400740
Once upon a time two powerful magicians fought a bloody (magically speaking) battle to
determine
how magic would be used in the world. Neither side really won as magick was ripped out of this
world and the elder practitioners moved forward into our time. The forces of light led by Gavan
want to establish a school so fresh recruits could have a safe haven to learn how to use the
magick.
The followers of the Dark led by Brennard don't want this to happen and will go to any lengths to
stop it. They successfully infiltrated and destroyed the summer camp but not before a group of
powerful young adult magickers were discovered and partially trained. Twelve-year-old Jason is
the
most powerful fledging discovered and now that he is back in the mundane world, the forces of
Brennard are doing all that they can to capture him and drain his magickal powers. The Magickers
is
America's answer to the Harry Potter series. Young adults, teens, and even geriatric boomers will
enjoy The Curse Of Arkady because there are characters of all the age groups thrust into the main
story line. There are many threads left dangling so that the readers will be eagerly awaiting the
next
installment in this enchanting series. Emily Drake's series is reminiscent of the early teen fantasies
written by Andre Norton.
To Trade The Stars
Julie E. Czernada
Daw Books
June 2002, $6.99, 496 pp., ISBN 0756400759
In the far distant future, mankind lives on many different worlds all across the known universe.
Until
recently, The Clan, a humanoid looking xenophobic race with incredible mental powers have
hidden
themselves in plain sight on the human worlds. Now that Sira is the speaker for the clan council,
the
clan is a member of the Trade Pact. They fervently hope that working with humanity will be able
to
save them from extinction. Sira is mated to human Jason Morgan and their mental bond is unique
in
a universe full of wonders. Jason is a space trader and Sira is part of his crew but when their
spaceship needs repairs, Morgan uses his powers as a telepath as payment for getting the ship
fixed.
Morgan's most deadly enemy captures Sira forcing Jason to hunt for her, a job made much more
difficult by a race who has their own plans for his beloved. Space opera fans will love To Trade
The
Stars, a colorful action packed novel that brings to life many new worlds inhabited by various
sentient and colorful species. The protagonists of this work are endearing characters whose love
for
each other means risking their lives to make sure the other one is safe. Julie E. Czernada ties up
all
the loose ends in her Trade Pact universe, making this one the top science fiction series of the new
millennium.
30th Anniversary Daw Fantasy
Betsy Wollheim and Sheila Gilbert, editors
Daw Books
May 2002, $24.95, 420 pp., ISBN: 0756400708
Three decades have passed since the great seer Donald A. Wollheim founded Daw as a place for
some of the best fantasy and science fiction works to have a home. This 30th Anniversary Daw
Fantasy anthology provides strong stories that run the gamut of the genre from some of the more
renowned writers to the future stars. The stories pay homage to the company, but the contributors
including the editor pay deference to the deceased founding father. Each tale is new, but more
important well written as if each writer understood whom they really honor with this collection.
Fans
of fantasy will enjoy the tales, but also the short introductory blurb that each author adds about
Mr.
Wollheim (never realized he wrote the tale that Mimic is based on until Michael Shea pointed that
out). Great short story book worth reading and hopefully its companion on science fiction holds
up
as well.
30th Anniversary Daw Science Fiction
Betsy Wollheim and Sheila Gilbert, editors
Daw Books
May 2002, $24.95, 464 pp., ISBN: 0756400643
Over thirty years Donald A. Wollheim had a vision of a home for speculative fiction writers and
fans
so he created Daw. Over the next three decades, Daw has published some of the best fantasy and
science fiction works in the business. If this review sounds like d‚j… vu, it is because this
collection
easily matches the high quality bar of its sister anthology, 30th Anniversary Daw Fantasy. This
collection, 30th Anniversary Daw Science Fiction, also provides strong stories that run the gamut
of
the genre from some of the more renowned writers to the future stars. Once again, the stories pay
homage to the company, but the contributors including the editors pay deference to the deceased
founding father. Each tale is new, but more important, it is well written as if each writer
understood
who they really honor with this collection. Fans of science fiction will enjoy the tales, but also the
short introductory blurb that each author adds about Mr. Wollheim. Great short storybook worth
reading as much as its fantasy companion.
Have No Mercy
Bobby Ruble
Bedside Book
Sept 2001, ISBN 1930556086, $TBA
As a youngster, David Epstein was a shy introverted person who liked books rather than people.
An
only child, he was close to his parents with his only friend being Todd Reaming. When he was a
junior in college, his parents announced they were moving to Israel and leaving their considerable
fortune to David. Hurt beyond measure David cuts all ties to his parents and when money gets
tight,
he asks Todd to move in to share expenses. When Todd betrays him, David bloodies him before
throwing him out of his house. David moves on with his life and becomes a prominent psychiatrist
in
his hometown of Mt. Pride, Colorado. He marries a beautiful woman and they build a very
expensive mansion on the Exclusive High Cliff estates area of the town. David should be a very
contented man but when Todd unexpectedly enters his life, the reasonable shrink starts planning
his
deadly revenge. Have No Mercy is a very cleverly written crime thriller where nothing is as it
seems
and everyone is suspect. The characters are well drawn and are portrayed in a realistic manner,
but it
is the electrifyingly fast-paced plot that keeps the reader mesmerized and glued to the pages.
Bobby
Ruble is an author who has a very clear and fresh voice.
Light Music
Kathleen Ann Goonan
Eos
June 2002, $25.95, 416 pp., ISBN 0380977125
In the latter part of the twenty-first century, nanotechnology is about to take man into the next
evolutionary leap. Then continous, mysterious, and unstoppable signals from space created The
Silence, a state where radios, television and the net were inoperable. Crescent City was created in
the Caribbean Sea, a sentient life form meant to be a repository of all human knowledge. Crescent
City will one day turn itself into a space ship but before that could happen, pirates attack and
destroy
the coordinates needed to take the ship to it's proper destination. Jason Peabody and Dania leave
Crescent City for Johnson Space Station in Houston where they can retrieve the coordinates the
city
so desperately needs. Their journey through a world altered by nanotechnology and decimated by
plague is the stuff of legends. On one level, a person has to be a super genius to understand all the
scientific concepts put forth in Light Music. On the other hand, if the readers are willing to let
their
imaginations flow freely, they will enjoy a fascinating story line populated with characters that are
all
too human despite their genetic differences. Kathleen Ann Goonan is a writer on the cutting edge
of
literature.
The Visitor
Sheri S. Tepper
Eos
Apr 2002, $25.95, 416 pp., ISBN: 0380979055
Her older stepsister Rashel, who cares nothing about her except to insure she does not get in her
way, raises (a loose verb for Cinderella-like slavery) Disme Latimer following the strange deaths
of
family members. As Rashel becomes conservator of a renowned Museum, Disme finds a book
written by an ancestor that explains the "magic" that followed the asteroid catastrophe that
destroyed the planet. The book hints that her distant relative Nell, author of the tome, still
miraculously lives. Disme knows she must hide this book from Rashel who would turn her and her
book in to the authorities to further her own career. The youth begins to learn the ancient magic.
If
the government finds out what she is doing, they would "bottle" her away and her relative would
gladly turn her in. However, The Visitor who caused the pandemic destruction in the long ago
twenty-first century is apparently returning. The world needs a hero, but could that person be a so
young, too frightened, and clearly all alone female hiding her activities from her guardian? The
Visitor is science fiction at its bleakest best as Sheri S. Tepper paints a dark panorama of a distant
future filled with repression and gloom. The story line is as complex and furnished with intelligent
concepts as much as any genre novel contains yet The Visitor is also loaded with action and
deeply
drawn charcaters. As Zager and Evans break into song, readers will agree that Ms. Tepper has
written a tale that will be on everyone's short list as a candidate for the genre's book of the
year.
Schild's Ladder
Greg Egan
Eos
May 2002, $25.95, 342 pp., ISBN: 0061050938
Twenty thousand years into the future, humanity has conquered everything in its path including
death yet so far at least no other sentient life form has been found that did not originate from
earth.
Science rules, as knowledge is everything. However, a quantum physics experiment inadvertently
creates a vacuum effect that forms a new universe with physical laws different from the current
one.
This universe is growing rapidly and eats anything in its path though nanotechnology has kept
humanity safe by instant evacuation. However, what is to be done about the ever-expanding new
universe that threatens life as we know it becomes the subject of great debate. The
Preservationists
want to destroy the new universe before it consumes humanity. The Yielders prefer to allow the
growth of the new universe in order to study the phenomena. In that void, star crossed lovers
Tchicaya and Mariama join separate and opposing hostile camps. Schild's Ladder is brilliant
science
fiction as it entertains the reader with an action-packed plot yet requires the audience to think
about
the ethical clashes that make up the science community as part of the larger society. The story line
is
cleverly designed to run faster than the speed of light yet maintains a cerebral moral fiber to the
plot.
Characters are fully developed so that the audience understands for instance the split between
Tchicaya and Mariama. Fans of science fiction will want to read Greg Egan's distant future
intelligent thriller that leaves the audience hungering for more novels like this one while debating
current scientific moral dilemmas confronting society today.
Icebones
Stephen Baxter
Eos
Jun 2002, $14.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 038081899X
In the year 3000 at least earth time, Icebones awakens from an extended suspended animation to
realize she is not on her native planet anymore, but instead is at the top of Olympus Mons, the
highest known mountain in the solar system. Even stranger is the behavior of the herd of her kin,
woolly mammoths. They complain of starvation, but have no concept of feeding themselves.
Instead
they had been spoiled from when their former masters, the earthly humanoids, took care of them.
Now the humans have deserted their pets on Mars. Icebones realizes she is different from the
other
members of her species. The human scientists regenerated them all but she was born in a more
natural manner enabling her to understand mammoth history, legend, tradition, and most
importantly
how to survive in the wild. Against some opposition, she becomes the leader and begins the
journey
across the planet where food and water might exist so that the species can live. Icebones, the
concluding novel of Stephen Baxter's imaginative personification of Woolly Mammoths, is an
engaging science fiction tale that readers will enjoy. The story line requires a stretch to accept yet
the audience will want to read this novel in one sitting. Fans will appreciate Icebones, a heroine
who
recognizes her responsibility to guide the unruly herd to the promised land and does not shirk
away
from doing the right thing though that would be easier on her. This is a strong epic morality tale
that
holds up with its two predecessors quite nicely to provide an entertaining insightful trilogy.
Imperial auditor Miles Vorkosigan and his wife Ekaterin enjoy their belated intergalactic
honeymoon
until the ship's Tau Cetan captain informs them that a Barrayaran Imperial Courier has an official
sealed data disc for him. Lieutenant Smolyani of the Imperial courier ship Kestrel provides a
message from Emperor Gregor Vorbarra involving an impoundment of a Komarran trader ship on
Graf Station in remote "Quaddiespace". Apparently murder has occurred and each side spins a
different tale. Miles is to investigate the murder. Miles and Ekaterin arrive at the space station
inhabited by Quaddies, genetically engineered humans. Miles makes inquiries into the case where
he
learns that a Barryar ensign fell in love with a Quaddie dancer, which led to trouble. The
investigation turns further complex because no one is cooperating making the situation even more
tense. The latest Vorkosigan outer space adventure is a thrilling tale that showcases the small hero
at
his best. The story line contains a very complex mystery that is further complicated by the
hostilities
requiring high level diplomacy to keep the combatants from fighting while solving the case.
Interwoven into the plot are "asides" that provide insight into previous tales in Lois McMaster
Bujold's Hugo Award winning universe for new readers, but long time fans will find that
disruptive.
Diplomatic Immunity is a fine science fiction mystery that is not quite on a level with much of the
series previous novels, which for the most part are some of the best written over the last fifteen
years. Still the book remains better than most novels of this sub-genre.
No Good Deed
Manda Scott
Bantam
Apr 2002, $22.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0553802674
In Glasgow, Detective Inspector Orla McLeod and her partner Luke Tyler work undercover.
They
plan to bring to an end the brutal Tord Svensen's criminal empire. However, everything quickly
unravels as either someone on their team informed Tord or they slipped up somehow because they
are spotted as infiltrating intruders. When the dust settles, Luke is dead and the only person living
who can identify Tord is the nine-year-old boy who saved Orla's life even as he watched his own
mother killed. Orla realizes that she must keep the lad Jamie Buchanan safe, but Glasgow means
death for the youngster. She takes him to the Scottish Highlands, but Tord is coming. No one
lives if
they can finger Tord. No Good Deed is as good a police procedural thriller as it gets. The story
line
is powerful and descriptive even with the villain identified almost from the start. The action moves
out as soon as the reader begins the opening paragraph. Yet Manda Scott insures that the
characters
are fully developed, especially the haunted Orla. As she did with Hen's Teeth, Ms. Scott provides
a
Scottish police procedural worth reading by anyone who relishes a loaded fast-paced thriller.
Wet Grave
Barbara Hambly
Bantam
Jun 2002, $23.95, 304 pp., ISBN: 0553109359
In 1835 New Orleans, Olympia Snakebones sends for her brother Benjamin January to come to
the
poorer side of town because someone killed a free colored lady, Hesione LeGros. The victim was
stabbed to death with the culprit obviously searching her shack for something, but it was not for
financial reasons. The killer never robbed Hesione or took the money in her possession. The city
guards fail to arrive to investigate the homicide as they are busy with the murder of a white plus
blacks receive "leftover" justice in the same way slaves receive food scraps. Refusing to ignore the
crime, Benjamin accompanied by his beloved Rose Vitric begins making inquiries into the brutal
death of an old woman. The January historical mysteries are some of the best nineteenth century
tales on the market regardless of genre. The story line vividly brings New Orleans with its caste
society to life so that the reader feels as if they are visiting the locale. The who-done-it is cleverly
designed to further bring out the era and the hero. Fans of historical tales, especially mysteries will
want to read Wet Grave and the previous January novels that Barbara Hambly has written
because
these are insightfully top quality.
Spirit Of The Stone
Maggie Furey
Bantam
June 2002, $6.99, 480 pp., ISBN 055357941X
Myrial is a place like no other; the ancients created this world as a refuge for species in danger of
extinction. Impenetrable barriers known as the curtain walls separate the different realms from
each
other. The Shadow League led by Cergorn is the keeper of all knowledge both magical and
mundane. Amarun a Loremaster in the Shadow League is branded a traitor and flees the land,
traveling through the curtain into the realm of Callisora. There in the capital city of Tiarond, he
builds up a power base with his ultimate goal to march into Gendival and take control of his
former
associates, the Shadow League. Through his machinations, the curtain is lowered and vicious
flying
creatures attack Tiarond, destroying the local army. Amarun travels back to his homeland
intending
to use whatever means necessary to take control of the Shadow League but to his surprise he
finds
unexpected allies who don't approve of Cergorn's rule. Fans of the Shannara series by Terry
Brooks
and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy will definitely enjoy Book 2 of the Shadowleague, Spirit
Of
The Stone, an epic sword and sorcery fantasy novel. Told from the viewpoint of many different
characters, both human and magical, readers feel at all times as if they are in the middle of the
action
in spite of some problems keeping track of whose whom. Furey is a talented storyteller who
captures and keeps the attention of her audience.
Don't Look Back
Amanda Quick
Bantam
Jun 2002, $24.95, 336 pp., ISBN: 0553802003
Pushed by his lovely wife Celeste who sees her husband's skills as a means to enter society, Dr.
Howard Hudson moves to London to open up a medical practice. Howard uses mesmerism to
minister to patients suffering from nervous disorders. However, the elation felt by the move turns
ugly when someone murders Celeste and apparently also steals a valuable bracelet. Howard asks
his
long-term friend and fellow mesmerist Lavinia Lake to investigate who killed his wife. Fearing for
her safety, Lavinia's lover and partner Tobias March tries to persuade her not to get involved.
Tobias
firmly believes Hudson killed his spouse and wants Lavinia to locate the missing jewelry before he
disposes of his so-called friend. However, Lavinia remains as obstinate as ever and begins making
inquiries with the help of Tobias' brother-in-law Anthony and Lavinia's niece Emeline. Tobias
soon
feels obligated to help if he wants to keep the three people he loves safe. Don't Look Back is a
humorous Regency mystery with a touch of romance as a secondary subplot. The quick story line
is
quite funny especially when an exasperated Tobias tries to keep Lavinia from diving off the deep
end
as is her penchant. As Amanda Quick did with the Lake-March first novel Slightly Shady, the
author
provides a delightful who-done-it.
Fatal
Michael Palmer
Bantam
May 2002, $24.95, 387 pp., ISBN: 0553802038
Dr. Matt Rutledge obviously knows something is wrong in his hometown of Belinda, West
Virginia
when several of his patients in for not much more than a cold suddenly die with strange
symptoms.
He believes that the Belinda Coal and Coke Company has poisoned the air, land, or water or a
combination of all three with their usual disregard for safety or environmental health. Matt detests
the coal company because their practices led to the death of his father, an employee of Belinda
Coal
and Coke. Matt digs deeper into why intelligent people are suddenly babbling and have unsightly
lumps on their bodies. He learns that former Belinda residents also have died from the same
mysterious ailment. He soon finds out that while he practiced medicine elsewhere, his hometown
was the test site of a supervaccine whose consequences are starting to appear. That elixir is about
to
be approved for use across the country; a few deaths in backwater West Virginia is not enough to
stop Omnivax from reaching the marketplace. Michael Palmer is a sure shot (no pun intended) to
have his tenth New York Times best seller with the action-packed Fatal. The story line never
slows
down from the opening sore throat to the final climax. Readers will admire Matt for his stand
against
Herculean odds, but what makes him feel real is his deep negative feelings about the coal
company.
Though the plot seems to go over the edge at times, Mr. Palmer provides a penetrating spot light
on
America's vaccination program and to a lesser degree the environmental unsafe at any speed
record.
Desperate Alliances
Cory Daniels
Bantam
June 2002, $5.99, ISBN 0553581031
Reothe, the last T'En warrior, thought to marry Imoshen, the last T'En empress, when the Ghebite
General and his warriors invaded their island home of Fair Isle. To insure that her people would
survive, Imoshen married the General and gave him an heir. In time she came to love Tulkhan and
their marriage was more than a political merger. Tulkhan and the Empress yearn only for peace so
they can enjoy life but circumstances drive a wedge between them. Reothe still wants Imoshen
and if
truth were known, she loves him in a way she can never love the General. Yet when Tulkan's
half-brother tries to take Fair Isle by force. Tulkhan, Imoshen and Reothe are forced into an
alliance,
using T'En magic and brute force, that might bring the powerful Ghebite empire to its knees. This
is
the third and final novel in "The last T'En" trilogy and Desperate Alliances is as good as it's two
predecessors. Cory Daniels ties up all the loose ends and answers all the remaining questions so
that
readers of this sword-and-sorcery romantic fantasy will feel totally satiated upon completion of
this
novel. Ms. Daniels is a first-class storyteller whose words will appeal to lovers of epic and
romantic
fantasy.
The Phantom Limbs Of The Rollow Sisters
Timothy Schaffert
Blue Hen Books
May 2002, $23.95, 256 pp., ISBN: 0399149007
Years ago in Nebraska, their father committed suicide and their mother abandoned them to their
grandmother. Now their grandmother has left the two sisters by themselves to live in and eke a
living out of her antique shop that most people would call a rural junk store. The Rollows,
twenty-one year old Mabel and nineteen year old Lily, struggle with the latest renunciation of the
two of them. This leaves both sisters emotionally stunned and looking introspectively as to why
adults leave them. Though rather different in appearance and demeanor, the siblings concur on
two
things that parents desert the young and that gin guzzling Jordan is cute but in a destructive way.
Lily persuades Jordan to accompany her to confront her mother somewhere in the southwest.
This
leaves Mabel feeling further abandoned, but seeking solace and understanding by using a medium
to
attempt to communicate with her deceased dad. The powerful cast makes The Phantom Limbs Of
The Rollow Sisters into a strong angst-laden reading experience. On the other hand, Timothy
Schaffert provides so much insight into the Rollow sisters, he slows down his plot and sends the
reader into character overload requiring the reader to deliberately simmer over the tale. The story
line remains perceptive and intelligent enabling the audience to observe two wounded young
struggle to understand the meaning of at least their lives.
Staircase Of A Thousand Steps
Masha Hamilton
Blue Hen Books
May. 20002, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN: 039914725X
In 1966, eleven year old Jammana struggles with her ability to see the memories of the past, as
seen
through the eyes of others. Currently, she accompanies her mother Rafa on a visit to the latter's
hometown of Ein Fadr where the same families can trace their roots to Abraham and Allah strict
rules. Jammana's beloved grandfather Harif also has psychic powers though his talent enables him
to
see into the future, making him somewhat of an outcast among the villagers frightened by that
power. His spouse Faridah is a midwife delicately walking between tradition and independence.
As
Jammana struggles with her skills, her grandparents tell her tales of long-buried secrets.
Meanwhile
the confused Jammana alternates between believing she is damned vs. chosen while growing up
rather fast when tragedy and betrayal strike. Staircase Of A Thousand Steps is a powerfully
insightful look at life in a small ancient Jordanian village. This is not the usual westernized
character
study as Masha Hamilton's brilliant novel provides insight to a complex society especially the roles
of women in what is typically described as simple and servant, but in this novel is much more.
Fans
of deep glimpses into small village life will fully relish this strong tale starring three generations of
tremendously developed characters.
Mirabilis
Susann Cokal
Blue Hen Books
Jun 2002, $25.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0399147535
In Anno Domini 1349, the Black Death has plagued the beleaguered the villagers of Villeneuve,
France for two years. As the morale sinks lower, a miracle occurs at the Saint-Porchaire Church
to
provide hope that God has not abandoned the faithful. At the first communion of a teenage girl,
Blanche Mirabilis levitates above the stunned townsfolk. Nine months later, she gives birth that
many villagers believe is an Immaculate Conception. However, years later, the church burns the
miracle girl at the stake for committing heresy. As a teen, that infant Bonne Mirabilis becomes a
wet
nurse, but with her heritage no one will hire her, treating her like a pariah. Wealthy Radegonde
Putemonnoie is pregnant with her deceased spouse's child. If she gives birth to the heir she
inherits
her late husband's fortune. Radegonde hires Bonne as her wet nurse. As the town is under English
siege and food becomes scarce except in the home of Radegonde, Bonne allows the less fortunate
townsfolk, who previously avoided her like a leper, to drink from her ever flowing breasts.
Mirabilis
is a powerful medieval historical fiction that vividly brings to life the period as few books do. The
story line flows deeply and graphically so that the audience tastes, feels, and smells the mid to late
fifteenth century yet not all the descriptions are quite glowing and upbeat as is typical of novels
depicting the period. However, the theme is not to turn Villeneuve into the Eerie, Indiana of
fourteenth century France, but instead through a strong cast show how every body needs
someone
to care and cherish them. Susann Cokal presents a wild, wacky, but wonderful debut.
Black Gold
Charles O'Brien
Poisoned Pen Press
June 2002, $24.95, 396 pp., ISBN: 1590580109
In 1787 France, Colonel Paul de Saint-Martin, a provost of the royal highway patrol, is directed
to
find and arrest Captain Maurice Fitzroy for the rape and assault on a French noble woman. After
making several inquiries he learns that his quarry has escaped to England and is residing in his
cousin's home in Bath. At the request of her host to teach how to read lips, sign and speak to the
master's son, a deaf child, Anne Cartier (see Mute Witness) temporarily resides at the same
Combe
Park home as Fitzroy. Anne and Paul are good friends on the verge of becoming even closer and
she
is only too happy to help to help Paul with his efforts to kidnap Fitzroy and bring him back to
France. Their efforts are sidetracked when Anne's worst enemy is killed on the grounds of Combe
Park. Paul, Anne and a Bow Street runner work together to find his killer, no easy task because
the
man had more enemies than a street dog has fleas. Fans of Iain Pears rich historical mysteries will
want to read Black Gold, a work rich in period detail with characters that are unique to the era.
Charles O'Brien is a gifted storyteller who writes about the aristocracy of the late eighteenth
century
from a commoner's point of view. The novel takes the moral high ground, which helps explain
why
the protagonists are so appealing.
The Dragon's Horn
Glynnis Kincaid
Novel Books
ISBN: 1931696853, $15.95
Once he lived with the other gods in heaven until he was cast out due to his evil ways. Vowing
revenge, he kills all but three of the dragons, stealing their horns, which enhances his already
strong
powers geometrically. He plans to finish slaying the remaining threesome and their immortal
wives.
Rilana and her dragon-mate Rynak are chosen to fight the demon. They can change into human
form
and with their pure and strong love for one another, feel they can defeat their foe. However, he is
uncanny with his tricks that test the dragon couples. If they fail life on earth will end. The
Dragons's
Horn is one of the most refreshing and mesmerizing fantasy romances this reviewer has ever read.
The characters are so beguiling that they will find a place for themselves in the reader's heart while
the story line is so action packed that readers will want to finish this book in one sitting. Glynnis
Kincaid is a fresh and welcome new voice in fantasy romance and will one day be a superstar.
Let's
hope she a new book out soon!
Guarder Lore
Shawn P. Madison
Novel Books
April 2002, 300 pp., ISBN 193169673X, $15.95
The U.E.N. (United Earthian Nations) was formed in 2045 to defeat the United Soviet States
which
rose out of the ashes of the Soviet Union. The USS was intent on global domination and its failure
to achieve its goal is due in large part to the guardian squadron, a block pps unit of soldiers
trained
to think and act outside the box. On any planet, in any situation, when someone threatens the
peace,
their word is law and they are the jury and judge and exexutioner in the field. Local officials must
obey them without question. Over time, they become legends. Most people don't believe the
Guarders ever existed, a situation that suits the agents fine because it gives them more freedom to
work behind the scenes. Historian Joseph Mullins, after a particularly nasty and public incident, is
given permission to write the official history of the squad. He travels to the guardians'
headquarters
on the planet Aegis where he interviews long time agent Mr.Frank Buzzer and learns of his many
exploits throughout the years. Fans of military science fiction are going to love Guarder Lore, an
action packed story line that starts out at warp speed and accelerates from there. The protagonist,
a
Schwartznegger type patriotic hero, is seen as a man who will do whatever it takes to get the job
done. Shawn P. Madison has structured a series of vignettes, each one capable of making into a
full-
length novel. This reviewer hopes he does that because his work just whets the appetites for more
stories about the Guarders.
Captain Trilby Elliot and her only companion Dezi the droid operate an obsolete outer space
cargo
ship when her intruder alarm noisily explodes, warning her of something nearing her vessel. The
best
she can hope for is a sizable fine that she cannot afford to pay when her binocs show only one
ship, a
high powered fighting Tra'Tark that crashes onto the planet. Trilby feels her luck has changed as
the
"sko" from that wreckage should be worth a fortune for the Finders Keepers salvage of what is
now
space garbage to anyone but her. However, Trilby finds one problem near the crash site as the
pilot
still breathes. Imperial Senior Captain Rhis Vanur informs Trilby that he is commandeering her
ship
and is kind enough not to maroon her on this isolated rock. As they become better acquainted
they
defy the astronomical odds and begin to fall in love. However, he is genetically engineered to have
no emotions while someone needs her dead and wants her old ship with its seemingly ancient
charts
for no lucent reason. Fan of romantic science fiction will enjoy this outer space adventure tale. If
it
sounds somewhat like Star Wars (loquacious droids, empires at war, etc.), it is to a degree, but
the
story line develops its own gravity due to the powerful lead couple. The audience will root for
Trilby
and Rhis to overcome their enemies and make it together. Linnea Sinclair has written a wonderful
novel that has strong cross-genre appeal to those readers who take pleasure in an action-packed
thriller.
Command Performance
Linnea Sinclair
Novel Books
May 2002, 300 pp., ISBN 1591060808, $TBA
The coalition-Triad war is over and now the former enemies are allies against the Illithians who
want
to rule the universe. Former coalition captain Tasha "Sass" Sebastian commands the spaceship
Vaxxar, second in power to Triad Admiral Kel-Paten, who is part human and part cyborg. Sass
doesn't know it but Kel-Paten, who isn't supposed to have any feelings, is in love with her. Pirate
Jace Serafino, a renegade telepath, is beamed aboard the Vaxxar when his ship is destroyed in a
space war. He is a wanted man in the alliance because he was coerced into working as an
undercover agent for them in their war against the Illithians but disappeared before he could
deliver
anything really useful to them. Jace has let himself become caught by his enemies because he has
knowledge of a plot by the Illithians to conquer by stealth what they could not take by force. Now
he has to convince his most deadly enemy the Admiral that he is telling the truth and he needs
Sass's
help to do it. Then they must try to stop the intrigue before they are killed because both Sass and
her
admiral are marked for assassination. Command Performance is a space opera in the tradition of
Star
Trek and Star Wars, complete with romantic heroes, dashing rogues, evil aliens and adorable
space
pets called furzels. The protagonists of this novel are well drawn and easily engage reader interest
and empathy even as the plot races at hyperspeed. Linnea Sinclair raises the bar of excellence in
science fiction romance several notches.
Escape The Past
K.G. McAbee
Novel Books
Dec 2001, 203 pp., ISBN: 193169687X, $16.95
For killing his owner, he is to be executed in the human and the hounds playful manner of the
elite.
Thus the hounds and their aristocratic owners pursue the condemned slave. Valerik's flight for life
seems futile until he meets Madryn, who rescues him from certain death. However, though he has
little choice, Valerik wonders who the mysterious woman is and if he has entered the fire after
escaping the frying pan? Thugs attack them and they are fortunate to survive. Other adventures
follows as dueling sorcerers plot their fate. While Valerik ponders deserting his hostess, Madryn
distrusts him though she intellectually knows she needs him to succeed on her quest. Though
attracted, they fight to thwart the feelings that bind them together, but love blossoms anyway.
With
Garet the thief tolerated as an unwanted appendage, Madryn and Valerik continue on her mission,
which looks more hopeless than a relationship between an aristocrat and a slave, if that is even
their
true identities. Escape The Past is an interesting romantic fantasy starring an engaging heroic pair
and an insightful, irritating (to the lead couple but not the reader) young thief (mindful of
Broderick
in Ladyhawke). The story line is fast-paced but similar to other sub-genre novels as side
adventures
test the mettle of the hero and heroine during their epic journey. K.G. McAbee provides fans with
a
fun fantasy filled with delightful protagonists struggling to endure on a vividly described world of
magic.
Inter-Office Male
John Richards
Warner
Jun 2002, $6.99, 288 pp., ISBN: 0446611166
Middle manager Walter is a typical red-blooded American yuppie until Luna Wolfe joins the
office.
When he sees Luna for the first time, Walter falls into a daze, which leaves him unable to
communicate with anyone including himself. From that sophisticated first encounter when he
destroyed his shirt with ink, Walter becomes even more pathetic as anytime Luna is in his vicinity,
he
falls, crashes into things, or spills coffee. Luna realizes infatuation when she sees it and finds
Walter's
pitiable retreats kind of cute. Walter knows he is behaving out of character while struggling with
the
physical side effects of his lust for Luna. Even his bowel movement has turned as mushy as his
mind.
Every plan he concocts is perfect until execution when his mind turns blank. Luna likes Walter,
but
more as a pet rock until he becomes a sexual attraction for other women. Inter-Office Male is an
offbeat amusing contemporary romance. Walter's schemes turn what could have been a schmaltzy
tale into a fun read as he hooks the audience into wanting the hero to succeed in his quest. The
story
line provides humorous insight into his once intelligent mind that has turned into applesauce ever
since Luna landed in the office. Luna will surprise the audience as she is not some selfish sex
siren.
John Richards provides a facetious, unusual, and entertaining relationship comedy.
Act Of God
Susan R. Sloan
Warner
Apr 2002, $24.95, 530 pp., ISBN: 0446524514
For over five decades the Family Services Center have provided health service to many of
Seattle's
unwanted or poor. However, someone takes exception to the facility providing abortion services
among its medical practices and sets a bomb to destroy "Hill House" as the locals call the place
resulting in over two hundred dead or severely injured. The city is shocked to its basic core
especially when the bomb experts conclude that the culprit timed this deadly event for maximum
destruction and death. The police arrest Corey Dean Latham as the only immediate suspect with
means, motive, and opportunity. The naval officer has never let go that his wife aborted their child
without talking with him. Attorney Dana McAuliffe agrees to defend Corey Dean. However, the
circus begins when the outsiders (media and extremists from both sides) try to take control of the
issue for personal gain disregarding the legal and ethical rights of the dead, the family members,
and
the accused. In Act Of God the author shows why the abortion issue is loaded with emotional
minefields so that both sides go to extreme measures to make their point, sometimes with tragic
consequences. The story line is fast-paced and well written as Susan R. Sloan avoids preaching
while
furnishing a strong tale. However, Dana's own abortion a few years earlier reduces some of the
strength of the story with unnecessary baggage. Still readers who want a potent legal thriller
focusing on an fervent yet mangled social issue will want to read Susan R. Sloan's strong novel
that
the zealots on both sides will hate for providing a complete picture.
If Looks Could Kill
Kate White
Warner
May 2002, $22.95, 320 pp., ISBN: 0446530239
Early Sunday morning in Manhattan, Gloss Magazine editor Cat Jones frantically calls her
true-crime writer Bailey Weggins to drop all plans including sleeping with her boyfriend to get
over
to her town house because something is wrong with the nanny. Cat says that Heidi does not
respond
to her knocks on her apartment. Bailey tries to convince Cat that the woman is probably sleeping
with some guy, but when Cat calls everyone leaps. Bailey grabs a cab and goes north to
investigate
where she finds a dead nanny. Apparently, someone placed poison in a box of Godiva chocolates
that Heidi had taken from a party hosted by Cat. The editor wonders if Heidi was the intended
victim? She insists that her true crime "reporter" investigate. Unable to persuade Cat to let the
police
do their job, Bailey begins making inquiries, but soon finds clues taking her from New York to the
surrounding states. If Looks Could Kill is an exciting journalistic investigative tale that is at its
best
when Cat is off stage. Bailey is fabulous as she makes the rounds trying to balance her personal
life,
her regular assignments (no relief), and her new task. Cat might have the ability to make the city's
superheavyweights wear rubber underwear, but her whole reaction to the Heidi caper seems out
of
character as she acts more like a damsel in distress because she saw a mouse. Still the trip through
the media circus from within, a strong who-done-it with plenty of red herrings, and a great "shoe
slut" makes Kate White's mystery quite entertaining.
Long Lost
David Morrell
Warner
May 2002, $25.95, 310 pp., ISBN: 0446529400
As the older sibling thirteen-year-old Brad Denning knew he was responsible for his kid brother
nine-year-old tag along Petey. However, his friends encouraged Brad to send Petey home. So
Brad
told Petey to leave. The sobbing preadolescent biked away. However, when Brad returned home
for
supper he learns that Petey did not come home. Frantically their parents called friends and the
police,
but the skinny little kid never came home. Nearing forty, Brad is married, has a son, and has a
successful architect career, but remains guilt stricken by the sobbing of a Long Lost nine year old.
Desperate for closure he appeals on TV for Petey to come home. In Denver, a mangy looking
construction worker calls Brad by name insisting he is Petey. Though initially skeptical, Brad
begins
to believe him because this guy knows insider things about Brad and their parents. Brad takes
Petey
home, where his wife and son warmly welcome him. While camping, Petey shoves Brad off the
edge
of a cliff before abducting his sister-in-law and nephew. Brad survives and begins an odyssey to
rescue his family from the avenging serpent. Long Lost is a taut suspense thriller that hooks
readers
from the very first line until the one sitting tale is finished. Though Petey's revenge seems extreme,
especially the events he committed after he left his brother for dead, the suspenseful plot
thoroughly
retains its grip on the reader. David Morrell has furnished a powerful haunting thriller with a
frightening ending that just adds to the depth of a hard to forget novel.
A Twist In Time
Candice Kohl
ImaJinn Books
May 2002, $14.50, 288 pp., ISBN 189389679X
American literary agent Judy Lambini and her client author Carla Whittaker travel to Wixcomb,
England so that the writer can research the archives of Viscount Laycock. After a brief meeting
with
the viscount, Carla is involved with her research, leaving Judy free to take a walk to Laycock
Castle.
The villages are celebrating All Hollow's Eve but Judy, wanting to be alone, takes a walk though a
deserted part of the castle grounds and winds up in Medieval England. Her clothes and her
manner
bring her to the attention of Andrew, the youngest son of the Baron of Laycock. The Baron and
his
two older sons are with the other barons who are attempting to persuade King John into signing
the
Magna Carta. Andrew is attracted to Judy from the start and she comes to love him as well but
1215
AD is not her time and she is uncertain that their feelings will survive her modern day upbringing.
A
Twist In Time is an exciting and believable time travel romance because the heroine doesn't easily
adjust to medieval society. The hero is a sensitive person man who goes to unbelievable lengths to
make sure he has a future with the woman he loves. Candice Kohl has done meticulous research
so
that readers will have a taste of what life was like living under the yoke of King John. Time travel
enthusiasts, medieval historical hounds and historical romance devotees will enjoy reading this
very
special book.
Love Once In Passing
Jo Ann Simon
ImaJinn Books
May 2002, $14.50, 300 pp., ISBN 1893896676
Christopher Dunlap, the ninth Earl of Westerham is a very wealthy and respected member of
polite
society in 1812 Regency, England. He has a town house in London but his love for the land
allows
him to spend much of his time seeing to his country estate. One night he is riding his horse from
London to his country estate when he simply appears in a car in 1981 Eastport, Connecticut.
Jessica
Lund is shocked and very afraid when the handsome man in Regency clothes suddenly appears in
her
car. It takes her awhile to believe he is a Regency traveler who has journeyed through time. Once
she comes to accept he's not crazy, she takes him into her house and eases him into the ways of
the
twentieth century. They fall in love and give into their passion but in the back of their minds they
are
always wondering if Christopher will be returned to his own time. This reviewer read Love Once
In
Passing when it first came out and thought it was a beautiful love story twenty-one years ago and
after rereading Jo Ann Simon's time travel today the novel remains a fantastic reading experience.
The characters are timeless and somehow believable and the reader hopes they get the happily
ever
after they so desperately want. To find out the answers to that question, the audience will want to
read Love Once Again coming next month.
The Vampire Apocalypse: Revelations
Katriena Knights
ImaJinn Books
May 2002, $13.00, ISBN: 1893896099
Julian: "Senior" vampire, Julian Cavanaugh has not tasted human blood in three hundred years.
He
attends the annual Halloween bash also frequented by Lorelei Fletcher. A vampire attacks Lorelei,
but Julian rescues her. Julian knows he is evolving into something beyond his species, but only can
complete the metamorphosis with Lorelei by his side. Nicholas: Nicholas Carrington escorts
mortal
Dina Winters to the vampire gala, but cannot resist her lure and bites her neck. When Dina
awakens,
Nicky tells her she is dying but surprises her that he knows of her illness. Nicky plans to stay by
Dina
until the end, praying that "seniors" can save her life. Lucien: The vampires gather to hear Lucien
tell
his biography of twelve thousand years of "life". He explains that four women mated with Gods
resulting in four demon births. The foursome each begot children carrying a special gene like
Lorelei
has and created the vampire race. Lorelei: Julian worries that Lorelei is unhappy with him though
they love one another. She learns that she is pregnant. Since a vampire cannot sire a child, Julian
jealously wants to know who the father is. Lorelei is hurt and Julian is stunned when he realizes he
is
the dad, but he has no time to rejoice because war is imminent. All four tales that make up The
Vampire Apocalypse: Revelations are well written, exciting and can stand alone yet leave a
cliffhanger feel to the cross anthology plot. Fans of vampire stories have a winner as Katriena
Knights provides a wonderfully insightful story line with realistic characters that make the
supernatural feel alive.
Wizard's Moon
Rebecca Anderson
ImaJinn Books
May 2002, $14.50, 336 pp., ISBN: 1893896625
Boaz, Lilith and Jachin were born in Sena, otherwise known as the world of Avalon, but were
brought to Earth by their mother who mysteriously vanished. The triplets were separated and
brought up by different sets of parents never knowing their magical heritage. Boaz, accompanied
by
her best friend Angela, travels to her Aunt Marrion's home where she finally learns the truth about
her heritage. Boaz and Angela then journey to Jachin's house and tell him the truth about his past.
At
first he doesn't believe them but when they journey to Sena to rescue their sister Lilith held
hostage
by an evil wizard, he is forced to recognize the truth about himself. He also realizes that he loves
Angela (who reciprocates the feeling) but he knows that a match between a mundane Earthling
and
a Sena wizard can never be. Wizard's Moon is a beautiful romantic fantasy, a charming adult fairy
tale complete with a handsome hero, a fair damsel and an evil magician. The world of Avalon
contains fire breathing dragons and tiny fairies that seem so real readers will call travel agents to
book passage to the island. Rebecca Anderson is a talented storyteller who creates characters the
audience cherishes.
After warning him about his unorthodox behavior on cases, Nikolena assigns Alex "Drago"
Dargovich the Enforcer with eliminating a threat to their vampire race. Drago is to determine
whether half-breed Dhampir Marya Jaks, daughter of a vampire hunter, lives or dies. Marya being
a
Dhampir has the innate ability to locate bloodsuckers and if she could become a slayer of the
undead, Drago must eliminate her. After meeting her, Drago grants her life. Drago returns to
Paris,
but is shocked when Marya leaves a message on his voice mail that she will kill him. Apparently
another vampire has persuaded Marya that Drago changed his mind about her. No longer willing
to
wait for Drago to carry out his revised sentencing, Marya plans to take action. However, Drago
never changed his decision. Someone wants one of them permanently dead and if this duo fails to
communicate that assailant will succeed. Who needs Anne Rice when they you have Afterimage,
the
second novel in Jaye Roycraft's vampire tales (see Double Image) is an exciting supernatural
romance that provides a refreshing look at the undead. The story line is loaded with action and
plenty of bite as the lead couple is wary and mistrustful yet falling in love with one another.
Supernatural romance readers and vampire lovers will enjoy this novel and look joyfully forward
to
more fables set in the Roycraft universe. This is one novel that is perfect in every, something few
books are.
Psychologist Dr. Anna Stanfield worries about her sister Sandra lying in a coma in a nearby
hospital
when FBI Agent Ian McGregory accosts her. Ian insists that Sandra is the latest victim of the
Chameleon, a serial killer who leaves his targets dead or in a coma. Anna and her sibling share
powerful psychic abilities though the former denies that there is any empirical evidence that ESP
exists. However, she admits an attraction to Ian, who is more than just a Fed. Ian is from the near
extinct Cintarian race chasing after one of his own kind. As he finds himself falling in love with
Anna, he knows that he will risk his life to keep her safe from the Chameleon. Dream Snatcher is
an
exciting paranormal romance starring strong lead characters and an engaging villain who is a
"psychic vampire" feeding off of human emotion mindful of one of the greatest foes Superman
ever
faced. The story line is so filled with police procedural/serial killer style action that fans of these
sub-genres will find the plot satiating yet Shauna Michaels still imbues plenty of romance for that
genre's audience. Anna is a wonderful doubter while Ms. Michaels has Ian wrestle with his loyalty
to
his people vs. his beloved in this refreshing tale that convinces readers that the Cintarian race lives
among us.
In Atlantic City, the three Van Buren siblings (Jonas, Isadore, and James) died when inebriated
and
they drove off the road into the nearby water. For the last seventy years they have haunted the
family
home at Laguna Vista, but the last decade has been boring, as no one has resided in the house.
The
ghosts know they are somewhat at fault with their pranks that have kept their descendants away.
One of their relatives Marcus Van Buren hires novice ghostbuster Daisy Malone to certify that
Laguna Vista is ghost free so he can get rid of this mausoleum. Her family needs the money, but
ethics and knowing spirits live there provide Daisy with a moral dilemma. As three worried
apparitions play matchmaker, Daisy and Marcus fall in love, but does this couple have a ghost of a
chance to make a permanent relationship last when they disagree about the existence of Jonas,
Isadore, and James? The key to what makes Scandalous Spirits so delightful a novel that
paranormal
romance fans will want to read is the strong cast. The lead couple and the ghostly support players
seem real so that the audience believes in the magic of love and the authenticity of sprightly
spirits.
Surprisingly Jonas faces an angst-laden decision that will endear him even more to readers and
showcase the abilities of C.B. Scott to convert the surreal into feeling so real.
In her capacity as the protector of a secretive magical order, the Sorceress of the Ancients worries
that someone stole three rune stones that enable the owner to shape shift. She directs Druid
Warrior,
Gryphon O'Connor to retrieve the stones before someone learns of their power and consequently
enable humanity to learn about their order clandestinely living amongst mankind. Gryphon
journeys
to New York where the artifacts have been delivered, but appears he is too late as the stones
apparently were used to commit the murder of a guard at the Manhattan Museum of Antiquities.
Gryphon knows he needs help and turns to museum employee Heather Green for assistance in
finding the stones amidst the humongous edifice. Heather rejects Gryphon's story that the stolen
rune stones probably led to the guard's murder even as she finds herself attracted to this lunatic.
As
Gryphon and Heather fall in love, he wonders whether the Sorceress of The Ancients will allow
he
and his beloved to live when the prime directive is to hide their existence from the mundane
world.
Gryphon's Quest is a tremendous tale that contains much appeal to readers of fantasy, mystery,
and
romance. The story line is brilliantly devised so that elements from each genre smoothly intertwine
into a strong tale. Gryphon is a lonely hero in a Prometheus sort of way while Heather is a
wonderfully intrepid heroine who bridges the gap between mankind and myth- kind. Readers who
relish a powerfully written amateur sleuthing romantic fantasy will want to peruse Candace Sams
opening gamut in what the audience will hope is a long running series.
L.A. Woman
Cathy Yardley
Red Dress Ink
June 2002, $12.95, 288 pp., ISBN 0373250169
When her fianc‚ of four years gets transferred from a small northern California town to Los
Angeles,
Sarah Walker quits her job and moves there to make the move easier for Benjamin. Unfortunately
for Sarah, the transfer is delayed, forcing Sarah to find a job that will pay the rent. A couple of
months later, Benjamin informs Sarah that his transfer is imminent but he prefers to have a
separate
apartment. Angry and hurt, Sarah breaks it off with him and gets herself a new roommate to cut
down of expenses. Martika takes Sarah under her wing, introducing her to the L.A. party scene.
Sarah goes through quite a few men and jobs before deciding what is the best road for her to
travel.
L.A. Woman is a breezy, light read that is a perfect book to take to the beach. There are many
humorous scenes in the story line as the heroine tries to get her act together but the spotlight
really
shines on the supporting cast. The secondary ensemble are so stereotypical, they are amusingly
believable. Cathy Yardley captures the party scene in L.A. to perfection and shows the dark side
underneath the glitter and glamour.
Wolfkin
Elaine Corvidae
Hard Shell
Dec 2001, 244 pp., ISBN: 0759901880, $12.95
Knowing the ice is taking control of his land and making it more and more hostile, Emperor
Jahcgroth decides the only way to save his people and his rule is to relocate to a more hospitable
locale. He chooses Jenel, persuading the corrupt advisors to the young Queen Rozah that
marriage
between the royals is good for both countries. The famous wizard Ax believes the end justifies the
mean. In that regard he sends Suchen and her sworn warriors to safely escort Trethya. Next Ax
dispatches Yozerf to assist his warriors even as Suchen and the other escorts begin to understand
the
importance Trethya plays in a world going mad. Now instead of a convoy, they are on a quest to
free Rozah from her stifling wardens and from the necromancer Emperor Jahcgroth. However,
though with them, the warriors detest Yozerf as an unworthy half-breed. Yozerf does not help
himself with his fellow freedom fighters as he distrusts everyone. Fans of romantic fantasy will
fully
enjoy Wolfkin, a strong entry due to the fully developed key cast members and a realm filled with
magic that seems to exist. The story line is filled with twists and turns so that the reader is never
sure
what will happen next, but Elaine Corvidae never loses sight of the prime theme of her tale.
Readers
will look forward to more adventures in the world of Jenel perhaps a final confrontation between
an
amoral magic practitioner and an angry young man with an ax to grind.
A Playdate With Death
Ayelet Waldman
Berkley
June 2002, $22.95, 240 pp., ISBN 0475184730
She is on indefinite leave from her job as a public defender but Juliet Applebaum isn't satisfied
being
a stay at home mom to her two children. The only time she is truly happy is when she can fit a
murder investigation into her hectic schedule. When her friend and trainer is found dead the police
rule it a suicide but Juliet's instincts go into overdrive. In Juliet's expert opinion, Bobby was a laid
back, easygoing guy with no apparent reason to kill himself. She convinces his girlfriend to give
her
Bobby's computer to see if there is anything on it that would give a clue to her trainer's state of
mind
before he died. She discovers that Bobby was searching for his biological parents and when Juliet
starts questioning those involved in the search, somebody reacts by threatening her family. A
Playdate With Death is an intricate cozy that stars a protagonist that is impossible to dislike. Her
frustrations and troubles with being a stay at home parent add comic relief to a very serious and
believable story line. Ayelet Waldman is a natural storyteller who has created such an intricate
mystery that readers will want to finish the book in one sitting while obtaining other
Mommy-Track
novels.
The Boy Next Door
Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Berkley
May 2002, $6.99, ISBN 0425184498
Growing up, as next door neighbors in early 1980s Rushton, England, Mickey and Fred were best
friends doing everything together sort of Siamese twins. They expected their friendship to go
years
beyond their first cigarette and kiss to their last dying breath. However, the death of his father
intercedes and the duo is separated as Fred and his family moves away. Fifteen years later both are
ignorant that the other also resides in London. The divorced Mickey raises a son by herself while
managing a flower shop. Fred is a marketing manager for an Internet news site. He is engaged,
but
keeps asking "is that all there is"? That is until he accidentally runs into Mickey. With his wedding
one month away, Fred wonders if he loves Mickey or just nostalgic over seeing his best bud from
the happiest period in his life? THE Boy Next Door uses the technique of alternating first person
perspectives (between Fred and Mickey) that Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees are so adept at making
work. The "He thinks, She thinks" story line focuses on the angst of the understandable lead
characters with flashbacks to their idyllic childhood and the abrupt end of their personal Eden.
Though his fiancee Rebecca is not much of a rival as she is too selfish to matter to Fred or
readers,
this novel will motivate readers to seek previous books from this dynamic duo (Come Together)
while wondering what Josie wrote and what Emlyn wrote.
Six Strokes Under
Roberta Isleib
Berkley
Jun 2002, $5.99, 272 pp., ISBN: 0425185222
Former PGA caddie Cassandra Burdette will soon attend the LPGA Qualifying School in
Sarasota.
Her mother hates that Cassandra is wasting her time on this frivolous activity that reminds her too
much of her former husband, the golf pro who deserted them. Though lacking family support and
knowing the odds are so against her, Cassandra knows she must try. Also attending the four day
"boot camp" is fellow Myrtle Beach phenomena Kaitlin Rupert, who claims recovery of an ugly
memory that her father sexually abused her. After finishing a visit with her psychiatrist, Cassandra
notices that the door to a neighboring doctor's office is open when it never is and she hears weird
noises from within. Reluctantly Cassandra enters only to find someone has murdered Dr.
Benchley,
Kaitlin's psychiatrist. Police Detective Maloney feels that Cassandra is the prime suspect and does
not want her leaving town any time soon. Cassandra begins making her own inquiries not realizing
that a killer will gladly ace her if she gets to close to learning the score. Six Strokes Under makes
a
birdie as the opening drive of the Golf Lover's Mystery. The story line is at its best when
Cassandra
prepares for her big moment at school while dealing with a who-done-it that psychologically ruins
par for her. Cassandra is a wonderful heroine, but why she accepts bogies from Kaitlin hurts her
appeal. Still, Roberta Isleib provides duffers with an entertaining amateur sleuth sports tale that is
a
fine first round.
Reservations For Murder
Tim Myers
Berkley
June 2002, $5.99, 180 pp., ISBN 0425185257
Nestled in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains lies the Hatteras West Inn. Also on the
land
owned by the inn's proprietor Alex Winston is a duplicate of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and its'
outer buildings. As a favor to his friend Shantara Robinson, he is allowing the Golden Days Fair
to
be held on the property. The biggest draw to the fair is Jefferson Lee a blacksmith with a national
reputation and an ego to match. Jefferson is trying to drive his closest competitor, Bill Yadkin out
of
business. Bill publicly and forcefully disses his rival to Alex. When Jefferson is found murdered on
an isolated part of the property suspicion immediately falls on Bill but there are many other people
who had reason to want to see the blacksmith dead. As Alex sleuths aound he should remember
that
too much curiosity can get one killed. Tim Myers proves that he is no one book wonder as
Reservations For Murder lives up to the promise of his first novel in the Lighthouse Inn mystery
series" Innkeeping For Murder. The protagonist is a likable and believable character whose loyalty
to his friends makes him an admirable human being. His inquisitiveness propels him into
involvement
in a homicide investigation even though he has to take time away from his precious inn. The
mystery
is a shrewdly crafted puzzle that will catch and keep reader interest.
Death A L'Orange
Nancy Fairbanks
Berkley
June 2002, $5.99, 288 pp., ISBN 0425185248
Who can turn down a journey to France at greatly reduce rates? Certainly not the Blue family,
especially Carolyn who is writing a book about New Orleans cooking and hoping to get another
book on French cuisine out of this trip. She is also a syndicated food columnist who writes pithy
little comments on each day of her trip and faxes them back to her boss in New York City. She
can't
wait to see to see Paris, Normandy and the Loire Valley to taste the food these places made
famous.
When the Blues land at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, their luggage is lost. A prominent
medieval historian, Professor Jean Claude Childeric who Carolyn struck up a conversation with, is
pushed onto the luggage carrier and is seriously injured. He claims he was pushed but Carolyn and
other members of the group think he's imagining things. They don't know that someone on the
tour
has a long-standing grudge against the professor and won't rest until he's humiliated, ostracized
and
hated by the rest of the group. Death A L'Orange is a yummy treat for anyone who likes to read a
well- written original mystery. Although the stalker manages to ruin the trip for everyone, even
turning husbands against wives, the way it is done is very comical and will have readers chuckling
out loud. Nancy Fairbanks has created a winning series and this reviewer can't wait for the next
meal.
The Road To Shamballah
Stephen Graham Charles
Dancing Ground Press
Feb 2002, $15.00, 148 pp., ISBN 0970263201
He was a wild Highland boy living with his grandparents since his mother died in a plague and his
father was lost in space. The unit governing body wants to send the boy Willie McTavish on a
mission and he is not given the choice of refusal especially when his grandparents insist upon his
going. He is driven to the shuttle and than flies to the space station. He boards the Fourth Ray and
begins a mission that is not yet revealed to him. While in transit, they are ordered to pickup the
Hyggelig Ambassador who will complete the mission with them. Willie learns how man developed
the hyperdrive and defeated the evil aliens who wanted to have the human race for lunch. The
Road
To Shamballah is reminiscent of some of the young adult works of Andre Norton. Steven Graham
Charles has written a charming coming of age tale that showcases a protagonist who learns
wisdom
on a journey that he never wanted to take. Although this is partially a character study, the plot line
contains plenty of action, making for a complete package.
Grace Notes
Charlotte Vale Allen
Mira
May 2002, $22.95, 240 pp., ISBN 1551669664
Over two decades have passed since Grace Loring walked out on her abusive husband, taking her
infant daughter and moving into her brother's home in Vermont. Grace became a successful
writer,
creating popular fiction and an autobiography that revealed the horror of spousal abuse. Nicky
grows up into a fine and caring young woman but Gus becomes crippled from rheumatoid
arthritis,
forcing Grace into the role of caregiver and wage earner. After many years of caring for Gus,
Grace
feels trapped and unable to write. When an abuse victim, Stephanie, contacts her via her website,
Grace reaches out to the troubled women, offering audience and sympathy. When Gus learns that
Grace is engaged in an intimate correspondence with Stephanie he believes that Grace should stop
the relationship because only trouble will come of it. His sister ignores him and continues to write
Stephanie encouraging her to leave her husband. Gracie's good intentions lead to a terrible
tragedy
and the realization that big brother is sometimes is right. The heroine of Grace Notes is a
warm-hearted woman who wants to save the world but is forced to learn that she has no control
over the actions of others. Charlotte Vale Allen makes her protagonist a sympathetic character so
that when tragedy strikes, our hearts to go out to her. Ms. Vale Allen has written a gripping tale
about spousal abuse and its affects on the survivors.
Like Silk
Mary Lynn Baxter
Mira
May 2002, $6.50, 384 pp., ISBN: 1551669021
Three years ago in Tennessee, Jackson was the family fair-haired boy on his way to a judgeship
until
the car accident left him paralyzed. The driver of the other vehicle Tommy Banks resides in jail for
driving drunk, but swears he was slipped a Mickey. Now Jackson's stepbrother Collier Smith is
the
family member one step away from a federal bench appointment. Everything changes for Collier
when he finds a dazed Brittany wandering the mountain road. Apparently, an enemy of his family
accosted and beat her up before deserting her. Collier takes her to safety though she is Tommy's
sister. As Collier falls in love with Brittany, he has decisions to make, as she is bad for his political
career. Adding to his difficulty is pressure Tommy puts on him to help get him released from
prison.
Will Collier choose love or family loyalty and power for he cannot have both? Though a
star-crossed
love story between a person from the wrong side of the tracks and an elitist has been told a zillion
times in novels and movies, Mary Lynn Baxter provides a compassionate spin on the theme
through
a strong cast. The story line is character driven especially by Collier, torn between his love for
Brittany and his familial obligations enhanced by the bitterness of Jackson and the machinations of
Tommy. Fans will enjoy this tale, but feel that though Mary Lynn Baxter resolved the prime
theme in
an exemplary manner, the talented author left too many sub-plots dangling as if a sequel is
planned.
The Beach House
Mary Alice Monroe
Mira
May 2002, $6.50, 416 pp., ISBN: 1551668998
Cara Rutledge may start believing bad things do come in threes. She lost her job; her boy friend
knew she was unemployed before she did but failed to tell her making her wonder about their
relationship; and her mother, needing to see her, asks Cara to return to South Carolina.
Reluctantly,
Cara decides to visit her mom Lovie, a card-carrying member of the Turtle Ladies. In Isle of
Palms,
South Carolina Cara learns that her mom is dying. Still, the pending mortality fails to ease the
acrimonious estrangement between mother and daughter that grew over the years faster than the
cancer destroying Lovie's body. Time is running out and if this pair cannot reconcile their
differences
through their love for one another, both will go to their graves filled with regret. The Beach
House
is a poignant contemporary tale that provides a deep message of the importance of forgiving in
relationships before it is too late. The story line is loaded with angst and plenty of tears because
the
two women not only seem authentic, but also they feel like you and me as many readers have held
grudges for years. Mary Alice Monroe turns up the passion and compassion with this plea of not
to
wait until its too late to reconciliate tale that requires a crate of tissues nearby.
With A Southern Touch
Jennifer Blake, Heather Graham & Diana Palmer
Mira
May 2002, 384 pp., ISBN: 1551668769
"Adam" by Jennifer Blake. In Louisiana, Adam confronts Lara as to the whereabouts of her Aunt
Kim wanted for questioning in the killing of her husband, the nephew of the local mob chief. As
Lara
and Adam chat, Kim enters the room just before three gangsters arrive. As they try to stay safe
the
younger couple finds love enters the mix. "A Night in Paradise" by Heather Graham. In Florida,
senior citizens Michael and Mary agree to marry. Michael informs his grandson Max while Mary
tells her granddaughter Aurora. Max is stunned that his beloved grandfather is marrying a gold
digger, Aurora. He confronts Aurora who believes he is more concerned with his inheritance than
Max's well being. When Max learns the truth he thinks this is great, but seeks revenge on Aurora
by
hiding the facts from him until they kiss. "Garden Cop" by Diana Palmer. In Georgia, FBI agent
Curtis visits his mother while looking for a missing government informant Abe, who is reportedly
nearby. Curtis observes neighbor Mary growing marijuana and reports her. The next day Curtis
sees
the plants and pulls them out of the ground. Mary, a deputy DA, accuses Curtis of killing her
tomato
plants. As they become better acquainted they fall in love, but the mob wants Abe dead and will
kill
anyone else in the way. These three amusing tales star a contemporary southern female initially
disliking the new man in her life before falling in love with him. Though the story lines never fully
develop the romances, each tale is fun and the cast provides a flavor of the region.
Money To Burn
James Zagel
Putnam
Jun 2002, $24.95, 432 pp., ISBN: 0399148914
In Chicago, Judge Paul Divine decides to rob the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank
mostly because he wants to taste the thrill of the caper. He thinks of his best friend Dave Brody, a
fire department paramedic, who enjoys torching buildings and wants the feel of being on the edge
excitement. During an equal opportunity case in his court in which the reserve bank is defending
its
policy, Paul believes he has found the remaining members of his heist gang besides Dave. He
enlists
Sergeant of the Guards Charity Scott and her husband electrician Trimble Young to help pull off
the
robbery. Both are angry with the bank's leadership for enforcing a little used rule on spouses
working together. Now the team is in place and the plan is set with only the time left to select
when
to pull off the caper. Think of Taking of Pelham 123 occurring inside the Chicago Federal
Reserve
Bank to grasp the underlying action of Money To Burn. However, what engages the reader with
the
story line is the thought processes of the Judge, a model citizen who seems to have allowed his
darker side to take charge. James Zagel provides an intriguing debut novel that will hopefully not
be
the last because this author has plenty of talent.
Fire Ice
Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos
Putnam
Jun 2002, $26.95, 384 pp., ISBN: 0399148728
Off the New England coast, a retired oceanographer turned fisherman recognizes the noise as a
deadly tidal wave. He calls the police from the sea and averts a major catastrophe. In the Aegean
Sea, Captain Joe Logan takes visiting marine archeologist Dr. Pulaski underwater in a special sub.
However, instead of scientific research Pulaski takes control of the sub waiting for a "pick-up". A
TV crew visits an abandoned Soviet sub base only to be attacked by Cossack warriors on horses.
Only the intervention of National Underwater and Marine Agency scientist Kurt Austin saves their
lives. What these events have in common is Mikhail Razov and Boris the monk are behind each
incident as they get ready for a Cossack holy war to take over Russia reminiscent of a modern day
Czar with his Rasputin. They also expect to destroy the infidels starting with the United States.
Only
Austin and his old Soviet counterpart Victor Petrov stand in their way of succeeding. As with all
the
NUMA tales, Fire Ice is non-stop action that readers will dive into in one sitting. The exciting
story
line never slows down even for a paragraph as one event leads to another in Petrov's efforts to
become the first Czar of Russia in nine decades. Austin remains the heroic genius that he was in
previous books and the villains are an interesting duet. Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos
furbishes a
strong entry in one of the better action series.
The Man With The Red Tattoo
Raymond Benson
Putnam
Jun 2002, $23, 95, 272 pp., ISBN: 0399148841
On a flight from Tokyo to England, passenger Kyoko McMahon becomes violently ill before
dying.
At about the same time near Tokyo, Kyoto's parents and her older sister also die. In England, the
coroner believes that Kyoko died from a strand of West Nile disease, but only ten times deadlier
than the normal strain. James Bond attends the G8 summit in Japan to provide added protection
to
his country's leadership. He also investigates the deaths of the McMahon family, as the patriarch
was
a Scottish citizen and the CEO of a powerful pharmaceutical firm. Bond prefers not to return to
Japan as he has bad memories though he appreciates the grace and beauty of the women. He soon
works with his old friend Tiger Tanaka and agent Reiko Tamura in a race against a doomsday
clock.
Japanese Mafia Yami Shogun Goro Yoshida plots an end to western domination especially
kicking
America off his beloved nation's soil through a strand of virus that makes the deaths of the
McMahon seem slow and gentle. The Man With The Red Tattoo is the best of the neo-Bond light
tales. Raymond Benson returns Bond to what makes the character interesting to readers, yet
humanizes 007 with his bad memories of Japan. The story line is quite exciting with global
implications yet simplistic. The support cast is fun especially the return of Tiger and the villain
who
seems a lot like Bin Laden, as he wants the American presence off his beloved island nation. Mr.
Benson makes a case that he is the heir to Mr. Fleming.
Savage Run
C.J. Box
Putnam
June 2002, $23.95, 288 pp., ISBN 039914876
He is a radical environmentalist known nationwide as an ecoterrorist and founder of the group
One
Globe. On the third day of his honeymoon, he and his bride Annabel are in the Bighorn National
Forest spiking as many trees the have nails when a cow explodes and blows them away. Stewie
Woods never realized two men were assigned to kill him had tracked him for days. After Stewie is
taken care of, the two shooters, Charlie Tibbs and the Old Man crisscross the country killing
environmentalists who are in a position of power. Their killing spree includes a writer, a lawyer
and
a lobbyist. When word gets back to the pair that Stewie may still be alive, Charlie goes back to
finish
the job. The environmentalist killer tangles with game warden Joe Pickett, a man with a keen
sense
of justice and a determination to uphold the law at the cost of his reputation and even his life. In
Savage Run, the Wild West is still a place where some "respectable" citizens are willing to take
the
law into their own hand to get their viewpoints across to those who try thwart them. The hero is
an
admirable man, whom a century ago would be considered a "white rat" willing, even eager to see
justice triumph. C.J. Box is a talented writer who take his audience out of the typical suspense
thriller box and keep his readers audience on their edge of their seat eager to find out what
happens
next.
Twelve Mile Limit
Randy Wayne White
Putnam
June 2002, $24.95, 322 pp., ISBN 0399148736
Dr. Marion Ford lives and works on Sanibel Island near Dinkin's Bay. His business Sanibel
Biological Supply provides fresh or preserved specimens to schools and labs nationwide. His
assistant and close friend Janet Mueller is reported lost at sea when their diving boat capsizes so it
only natural that Doc and the people who live on or near the bay launch a full scale search that is
coordinated with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard picked up only one of the four people who
got
separated from the group the night of the dive. After she recovers, she comes to Dinkin's Bay to
tell
her version of the events that happened that night. She informs Doc that she saw a boat that
stopped
as if it was picking up survivors. Tapping his resources in the intelligence community, Doc finds
proof positive that a ship operating on the dark side of the law picked up Janet and a companion.
Now the hunt is on and Doc won't rest until he finds them and brings them home. Randy Wayne
White has written a fantastic work of suspense. The hero has previously, been portrayed as an
enigma but in Twelve Mile Limit the audience learns a bit more about Doc's deep and murky past.
Readers will come to understand why the foot soldiers in the intelligence community have a
different
view of humanity than the rest of the world and act accordingly. With the humanization of his
hero,
Mr. White delivers a superior book, one that those who have followed this absorbing series will
thoroughly enjoy.
Freedom's Ransom
Anne McCaffrey
Putnam
June 2002, $23.95, 304 pp., ISBN 0399148892
When Catten's mercenaries who were controlled by their Esoi masters invaded Earth, the people
of
Terra put up a brave fight but were ultimately defeated. Dissidents by the thousands were dropped
on the planet Botony and were expected to colonize that world. That they succeeded was due in
large part to Zainal, a highborn Catteni who was accidentally dropped and wanted to stay. It was
Zainal's plan that led to the destruction of the Esoi and the liberation of Earth. Now, the once
mighty
planet must rebuild their shattered world and Zainal, along with his mate, former Denver resident,
Kris Bjornsen, intends to see that this happens. He leads an expedition to Earth where they pick
up
some coffee and dental supplies and then heads off for the trade planet Barevi where stolen Terran
goods are rotting away in greedy merchants' warehouses. It has been almost four years since the
last
Freedom book was published but it was well worth the wait. Freedom's Ransom reintroduces the
audience to some old and beloved characters and shows what has been happening in their lives
since
they were last scene. There is plenty of action especially daring feats to keep fans of space opera
thrillers very happy.
A Private War
Patrick Sheane Duncan
Putnam
June 2002, $24.95, 336 pp., ISBN 039914885X
The lieutenant colonel is career military with the common officer goal of wanting to join the elite
general officer club. Lieutenant Colonel Meredith Cleon, the new provost marshal of Fort
Hazleton,
Indiana, doesn't think her new back water post will do anything to advance her career but she
couldn't say no to the Star who requested she take the assignment. From the moment she gets on
the
base, she knows she's not going to like her stay at Fort Hazelton. Her immediate superior is a man
she had trouble with in the past and her aide has a problem with a woman as a boss. The day gets
worse when a general's aide is found tied to a target on the range, her body riddled with bullet
holes.
Then the PM discovers a cache of weapons headed for Fort Knox was stolen. To add to
Meredith's
woe's an Afro-American and a Jew are the victims of hate crimes. Meredith wants to see if there is
a
common denominator to these three crimes preferably before her career goes down the tubes. A
Private War takes no prisoners. Everyone is either a suspect or a target and the protagonist must
make sure she knows friends from foes. Patrick Sheane Duncan creates a fascinating story line,
which enables readers to see what happens during a military police investigation. This is an
excellent
story created by an expert writer.
Juror Number Eleven
Terry Devane
Putnam
June 2002, $24.95, 320 pp., ISBN 0399148868
Even a gangster deserves a proper legal defense and Shel Gold agrees with that principle when he
agrees to represent his childhood friend Ben Friedman on a murder charge. Shel and his associate
Mairead O'Clare manage to convince the jury that their client is innocent but during the testimony
and the reading of the verdict, Juror Number Eleven constantly stares at Mairead. When that same
Juror Conchita calls Mairead to visit her at her home on a matter unrelated to the trial, the lawyer
reluctantly agrees. When she arrives at the home, she find Chita's lifeless body hanging from a
rope.
The police rule it a homicide and when they find the victim deposited $10,000 in cash into her
savings account, they think that Ben tampered with a juror and then killed her to keep from
talking.
When Ben is charged with Chita's murder, Shel and his associate must find the actual killer if they
hope to gain a second acquittal for their client. Juror Number Eleven is a very realistic legal
thriller
starring characters it is very easy to like. Readers get to see what is involved in preparing for trial
and what is involved in presenting a case. It is even effortless to like the self-admitted gangster
because the reader feels the police and the district attorney's office are using his reputation against
him, making seem loke a scapegoat. Terry Devane is a new and shining light in the legal thriller
constellation.
Black Water
T. Jefferson Parker
Hyperion
Apr 2002, $23.95, 338 pp., ISBN: 078686804X
Orange County Deputy Sheriff Archie Wildcraft lies in a hospital near death from the bullet
lodged
in his brain while his wife Gwen is already dead. The law enforcement officials detest that one of
their brothers killed his wife and tried to commit suicide. Only Detective Merci Rayborn thinks
differently though circumstantial evidence targets Archie as the culprit. Though he does not
remember what happened, Archie believes that he never murdered his spouse though the media
has
convicted him. Archie takes things into his own hands and goes after an unknown killer. Merci
chases after Archie. However, as he plays cat and mouse with her, both undergo a paradigm
switch
from believing Gwen unfortunately took a bullet aimed for Archie to thinking Archie took a bullet
aimed for Gwen. Now they separately seek a culprit who wanted Gwen dead and has no qualms
about adding two cops to the victim list. The key to this strong police procedural is the clever
way
T. Jefferson Parker enables the reader to observe Merci up front and personal without slowing
down
a fast-paced yet unique cat and mouse story line. Merci's personal life (single mom) and peer
ostracization in her professional life due to the aftermath of her previous case (see The Blue
Hour)
brilliantly intertwine in her hunt for Archie who, in a subplot, seeks the killer. Merci in her third
appearance and to a lesser degree Archie make Black Water a must read for fans of the author
and
those who enjoy a convincing police investigation.
Twenty something Englishwomen Esther Waring and Gemma Harding have been friends for
about
two decades though they are quite the opposite in attitude. Esther is confident to the point of
arrogance that she can do anything while Gemma is reticent to the point of insecurity believing
that
she can do nothing. Though Esther's haughtiness includes stealing the guy Gemma wants, to
renew
their sliding friendship the duo travels to India together on a backpacking trip. Rather than the
adventure they expected, the trip proves to be more of a series of bickering spats and complaints
as
Esther expects to gain her way ever time regardless of Gemma's desires while Gemma argues and
whines, but acquiesces. Soon veteran backpacker Coral joins the duet. While Esther detests the
know-it-all newcomer who steals her thunder, Gemma warms to her. The threesome trek through
the jungle together until they reach a shrine where an ecstatic Coral begins a self-immolation
journey
that ends in Esther Losing Gemma. Starting with the opening statement and the stark locale (no
Taj
Mahal), Losing Gemma grips the audience from beginning to end as readers observe the downside
of friendship. The story line engages the audience and though the ending is anticipated, it takes
little
away from one of the year's strongest character studies that focuses clearly on all three female
protagonists, but hones deep inside Esther and Gemma. Katy Gardner provides fans with a
powerful
relationship drama filled with real people that stress friends that care could lead to friends that
betray.
Marry Me
Susan Kay Law
Avon
May 2002, $5,99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380819074
In 1899 Philadelphia, her beloved sister and brother-in-law might not think she lives up to her
surname, but Emily Bright wants independence so she heads to Montana to homestead and claim
her
own land. Not long after Emily selects her lot, Jake Sullivan returns home only to find a pretty
eastern filly living on his acres. Jake demands Emily give up her claim and leave. Emily refuses
saying he abandoned the property so it now belongs to her. As they argue, fuss, and fight, she
learns
her sister is coming for a visit. Emily begs Jake to pretend to be her husband while Kate is here.
Unable to say no, he agrees, but soon both wants to change their fake status into a real marriage
as
love blossoms between them. The second book in the Miss Bright trilogy, Marry Me is an
entertaining western romance starring two stubborn, difficult, and ornery charcaters that readers
will
cherish. Emily and Jake make the tale succeed, as they are warm realistic protagonists. As Susan
Kay Law did with Marrying Miss Bright, she makes the final decade of the nineteenth century in
America seem so alive in her vivid story line her audience will believe in time travel.
Tell Me Something Good
Lynn Emery
Avon
May 2002, $5,99, 384 pp., ISBN: 038081305X
Mrs. St. Denis and her grandson Noel, CEO of the Treme Corporation, hire Taylor Gallery to
appraise the family art collection. Lyrissa Rideau, an assistant at Taylor, is especially pleased with
the assignment because she has a personal interest. She believes that the ancestors of the St. Denis
brood stole a valuable painting from her family. Lyrissa plans to get it back. While checking into
the
St. Denis collection that is not fully catalogued and is spread among the extended family, Lyrissa
finds Noel courting her though she rejects his advances. Noel is stunned, but he is beginning to
believe in love at first sight, as he wants Lyrissa at his side. Overcoming unbelievable barriers,
Noel
and Lyrissa fall in love, but she wonders what will happen to their relationship when he learns
how
she manipulated the St. Denis and the prize she covets for her family. Though the obstinate
Lyrissa
slows down the romance, her resolve enables the reader to better understand what motivates her.
The story line engages the audience as the agendas of the secondary characters pop up whenever
it
seems as if the lead couple is taking a step closer to intimacy. Noel is a warm, compassionate
person, perhaps a bit too perfect, as he patiently tries to get his beloved to see that they belong
together. Lynn Emery furbishes a wonderful multicultural romance that emphasizes the depth of
the
female lead character's quandary between her heart and a lifetime of lessons about the ignoble
thieving St. Denis brood.
A Necessary Husband
Debra Mullins
Avon
May 2002, $5,99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380819082
In 1805 London, a very disappointed General Northcott lectures his daughter Lucinda that she
has
brought shame to their family name that has been above reproach for over two centuries. He
insists
she will marry the younger son of an earl instead of the older one whom she loves. Harry
Devering
not her beloved Malcolm becomes her spouse. For the next decade Lucinda is the paragon of
proper
behavior, which cannot be said of her husband. In 1816 Lucinda makes her first social appearance
since Harry died in the bed of his mistress over a year ago. Only for her charge Meg would she
return to the Ton. However, at Meg's debut, her brother, Sea Captain Garrett Lynch, crashes the
gala. Ready to declare the third Anglo-American war, Garrett is side tracked by the beauty and
calm
of Lucinda. He wants her, but Lucinda will give up love before stepping into any scandal, just ask
the odious Malcolm who wants her as his mistress. Though the story line is somewhat typical of a
Regency, Debra Mullins keeps it fresh through the relationships of several of her key characters,
especially the lead protagonists. Lucinda's vow to never cause harm to her family name after the
way
her father looked at her in 1805 battles with her desire to make love with the wild Garrett, whose
attitude is damn the torpedoes full speed ahead in his quest. Regency readers will find A
Necessary
Husband a charming read that never steps out of the box.
My One And Only
MacKenzie Taylor
Avon
May 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380819376
Over a decade ago Harrison Montgomery saved Abigail Lee's life when he provided her
employment
following the murders of her parents. Harrison's kindness enabled Abigail to keep her younger
sister
Rachel with her and she would do anything for her mentor and his family. However, the company
is
in trouble so Abigail turns to an international expert on saving failing businesses for help. She
turns
to Harrison's alienated illegitimate son Ethan Maddux just prior to the man flying to Prague for a
conference. Neither father nor son look upon Abigail's request with favor as they have not spoken
in
two decades, but she continues her pursuit of saving the business and even more important: a
reconciliation between the two. As Ethan and Abigail fall in love, he wonders if she really is his
father's paramour, but his doubts don't stop him from needing to keep her safe when her life is
threatened. This is a strong cast especially the dynamic secondary characters. The lead couple is a
charming duo as Abigail is an intrepid individual while Ethan occasionally overplays the
angst-laden
family victim remains a viable delightful protagonist. The story line is fast-paced especially when
the
suspense of the who-done-it and doing-it kicks into full gear. Fans will enjoy MacKenzie Taylor's
debut novel and want a sequel a few years into the future starring the heroine's sister (and a
couple
of nieces/nephews).
On A Wicked Dawn
Stephanie Laurens
Avon
May 2002, $7.50, 432 pp., ISBN: 0060002050
After eight years of dire financial straits caused by his deceased father, Viscount Luc Ashford is
wealthy. Successfully steering his family through the great debts, he allows himself a night of
drinking to celebrate. When he tumbles home, Lady Amelia Cynster accosts him with a
proposition
that they marry and he use her large dowry to pay off his no longer existing debts. Perhaps it is
the
marriage of his best friend to Amelia's twin that encourages him (see On A Wicked Night) and
though he has the income to pay his bills, Luc finds the idea of Amelia as his bride quite
appealing.
He accepts before falling drunkenly unconscious at her feet. However, Luc insists on a proper
courtship, which Amelia acquiesces to even as she tries seducing him. Waiting becomes agony, as
Luc wants Amelia as much as she desires him. When they finally marry, passion is their middle
names until someone steals items from their home. The theft causes Luc to worry how his beloved
Amelia will react when she learns why he married her is not the reason she believes. The ninth
Cynster novel is an enjoyable Regency romance starring two likable lead characters spending
much
of the book hiding their love for one another when they are not gazing or kissing. The
well-written
story line focuses on these delightful protagonists whereas a subplot involving a mystery
augments
their tale with unnecessary suspense. Though nothing new is added to the Cynster universe, fans
of
the series and Regency tales in general will enjoy Stephanie Laurens' latest historical.
The Rebellious Bride
Brenda Hiatt
Avon
Apr 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380817799
In 1816 England, American visitor Quinn Peverill misses the freedom of her native Baltimore.
Bored
with societal rules and not knowing most of them, Quinn goes about London unescorted while her
father conducts business. At about the same time, Lord Marcus Northrup takes on the Robin
Hood
mantle of the Saint of the Seven Dials from his recently married friend when he observes Quinn
disguised as a lad trying to help a young pickpocket. Not expecting to see one another ever again,
Marcus and Quinn are caught in a situation that requires they marry. Neither one wants to wed a
stranger, but society dictates they must to avoid a scandal. Thus the couple get hitched. As they
become acquainted with one another they argue and fight until love enters the relationship.
Brenda
Hiatt is highly regarded by Regency romance readers for her energizing tales starring warm
characters. Her latest novel, The Rebellious Bride, is a fun sequel to Rogue's Honor. Though the
bickering between the lead protagonists is amusing it also slows down the action. Still, readers
will
find the independent fiery Quinn a charmer and Marcus a hero while simply enjoying the latest
Saint
tale and vowing they want more such stories.
Tempt Me With Kisses
Margaret Moore
Avon
Apr 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380820528
Lord Carodoc of Llanstephan Fawr does not have to look at the near empty hayloft to know his
estate is in trouble and wonders when King Richard will take the castle from him for failure to pay
taxes, a deed he has not done in months. Though he would prefer to flee from his responsibilities,
Carodoc vows to remain and do everything he can to turn the property solvent until His Highness
takes it away. Fiona MacDougal, daughter of a Scottish wool merchant who died two months
ago,
arrives with a proposition. She will pay off the royal arrears if Carodoc marries her. She says she
wants a titled husband with no previous children and he needs her dowry. Reluctantly, Carodoc
agrees, but seals the deal with a passionate kiss. As they fall in love both shares in common
feelings
of inadequacy and they feel undeserving of one other. The historical romantic story line of Tempt
Me With Kisses is more of a character study than the usual action-packed tale. The readers
observe
first hand the doubts of the lead protagonists as they struggle to make their relationship succeed
even as Carodoc and Fiona are weighed down by personal baggage that threatens to destroy their
marriage. Fans who relish an insightful look at the primary couple will enjoy Margaret Moore's
marvelous romantic narrative, but readers who need plenty of action should look elsewhere.
Former supermodel Lola Carlyle needs time to recover before she kills her ex-fianc‚ Sam the Jerk
for peddling fifteen nudes shots of her over the Internet. She relaxes on a yacht in Nassau Harbor
when American government agent Max Zamora boards her vessel. Beaten to a bloody pulp, Max
needs to flee this Bahamas paradise as his mission completely tanked. While escaping from drug
lord
Andre Coselli, a badly beaten Max killed the kingpin's son so right now Florida sounds quite nice.
Lola and her companion miniature pinscher Baby Doll are quite upset when Max commandeers
her
boat. Her efforts to stop the ship-jacking leads to her destroying the yacht. As they drift along
knowing that Coselli is sure to follow, Max and Lola form an attraction when she is not trying to
kill
her hijacker. If they survive this fiasco, could love blossom between this duet especially with a
tiny
chaperone objecting? Lola Carlyle Knows All is a humorous romantic suspense romp that
combines
danger with laughs in a sort of modern version of a 1930s madcap tale. The story line is fun as the
thrills and amusement cleverly intertwine into an entertaining romance. The lead couple is a
dynamite duo while Baby Doll makes it clear from the start what he thinks of this third wheel.
Rachel Gibson insures her fans have an insanely good time with this wild ride that hopefully leads
to
sequels starring the kinkier members of Lola's lunatic family.
His Scandal
Gayle Callen
Avon
May 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380821095
In 1589 London, the Ton praises Viscount Spencer Thornton for his work as a spy. His job
helped
the English defeat the Spanish Armada. At the same time, the aristocracy holds his younger twin
Alexander in contempt for masquerading as Spencer even though that enabled his sibling to stay
safely undercover. His so-called friends refuse to speak to him and Alex misses estate
management
and Parliament. He feels the only thing he is good at doing is causing scandals. A bored Alex bets
Edmund Blackwell that he can obtain a kiss from a virgin first. Alex selects Elizabeth Langston as
Edmund's target while the latter chooses Blythe Prescott as the former's sacrifice. Alex flirts with
Blythe, who is guarded by her spinster older sister Emmeline. To his shock, Alex finds himself
dreaming of Emmeline rather than Blythe who now seems so young. Soon Emmeline concludes
that
Alex purposely projects the image of a wastrel. She has seen his kindness and decides to marry
him,
but must take things into her own hands if they are to wed. His Scandal is a thrilling Elizabethan
romance that is superb when the lead protagonists are on center stage. The fast-paced story line is
filled with delightful support characters that amplify the understanding of the lead couplet.
Though a
subplot involving attacks on Alex takes away from the main tale, Gayle Callen renders a strong
tale
that complements her previous novel His Betrothed starring Alex's twin and leave her audience
anxiously awaiting the final tale in the trilogy.
When The Laird Returns
Karen Ranney
Avon
Apr 2002, $5.99, 384 pp., ISBN: 0380813017
In 1775, Nova Scotia ship builder and sea captain Alisdair MacRae learns that Magnus
Drummond
absconded with his ancestral lands in Scotland when no MacRae claimed the property. Though he
had no plans to even see the estate, Alisdair decides to reclaim what is his heritage. To regain the
MacRae estate, Alisdair must buy it back from Magnus, but the stipulation includes marrying the
laird's daughter Iseabal. Alisdair does not want a wife, but accepts the terms. Iseabal sees Alisdair
as
her hero enabling her to escape from her abusive father. She knows he plans to dump her in
London
by annulling their vows, but instead of folding she campaigns to earn his love and more important
his
trust. As Alisdair and Iseabal fall in love, her father pulls one more dastardly deed that leaves the
couple wondering can they entrust their soul with the person whom has their heart? Fans of
Scottish
historical romances will enjoy the passion of the lead characters set in a richly textured eighteenth
century Scotland. Iseabal is a wonderful protagonist while Alisdair is a reluctant hero in every
sense
of the word though he cares intensely about Iseabal's plight. The story line is typical of the
sub-genre
except that the historical depth enables the key duo to turn the pages into a compassionate
reading
experience. As with the first book of the Highland Lords One Man's Love, When The Laird
Returns
showcases Karen Ranney's ability to hook her fans into deeply feeling responsibility for what
happens to her characters.
The Trials Of Angela
Millie Criswell
Ivy
May 2002, $6.99, 336 pp., ISBN: 0804119937
In high school in Baltimore, Angela DeNero dated Tony Stefano, but had a secret crush on John
Franco (he became a lawyer not a pitcher). Surprisingly, John shared her feelings, but neither
admitted the attraction probably more out of fear, but somewhat out of loyalty to Tony. Both
goes
on to college and law school, but during all that education, they never set eyes on one another.
Seeing each other years later, Angela and John are on opposite sides of a custody case. Angela
represents the Gallaghers while John's clients are the Rothbergs. Legal and sexual sparks fly as
Angela and John argues for their respective client. Besides not really wanting a relationship at this
time, Angela is pregnant from the cheating boyfriend she just dumped. However, love is the
supreme
court of relationships so that the appeal between Angela and John makes for an open and shut
case.
Millie Criswell's third Baltimore tale, The Trials Of Angela, is a delightful contemporary filled
with
amusing family antics inside a warm romantic romp. The amusing story line is fun though the tons
of
humor takes away from some of the seriousness of the custody trial and the pregnancy yet leave
the
reader upbeat in a You Can't Take It With You theme. The cast engages the audience just as it
did
with The Trouble With Mary and What To Do About Annie? and probably will with the next
novel,
Mad About Mia.
The House In Thornton Wood
Anne Knoll
Love Spell/Dorchester
Apr 2002, $5.99, 307 pp., ISBN: 0505524775
Desperately needing to earn money, Olivia St. Claire is ecstatic when trice widowed Sir Evan
Thornton hires her as governess to his fourteen year old daughter Vanessa in Northumberland. A
bit
nervous about leaving London for the unknown northern most county and caring for her teenage
charge, Olivia travels by coach to her destiny only to have a wheel break. Waiting for help, a
gypsy
recognizes Olivia as a kindred soul even though the latter hides her witch abilities to communicate
with the dead. After the gypsies surprisingly fix the wagon, a new passenger Dr. Philip McAllister
joins Olivia inside the coach. She finds Philip a bit to bold in her innocence. After arriving and
settling in at Thornton Manor, Olivia also finds her employer dark, brooding, and handsome. Both
men court Olivia leaving her confused and wondering whom to trust with her heart and even more
critical her soul as her channeling with the dead increases. The House In Thornton Wood is a
throwback novel that will remind readers of the golden age of Gothic romances. The story line
contains all the classic elements that readers expect in a sub-genre novel: the innocent woman, the
brooding dark gentleman, and the Poe-like house. Anne Knoll brings that and more together in a
tale
that will please readers who relish an old fashioned, but well written novel.
Debuty & The Beast
Linda Jones
Love Spell/Dorchester
Apr 2002, $5.99, 351 pp., ISBN: 0505524767
Twelve years ago Anya Sedley was thought dead in the shipwreck that took the lives of her
parents.
However, she managed to find haven on the Caribbean Island of Puerta Sirena where the ragtag
locals treated her as a Love Goddess. Anya returned to North Carolina high society, but has had
trouble readjusting. Having run through a chain of tutors, governesses, and companions, she has
earned the reputation as the Beast of Rose Hill. Her desperate grandmother wants Julian DeButy
to
"tame" and marry Anya. Julian tries to teach the wild and spirited Anya how to behave in polite
company. However, Anya plans to provide him special sexual lessons in her bed. As they battle
for
the role of teacher, they fall in love. However, Anya does not trust those feelings and Julian is
bewildered by his needs for her that go contrary to his vow of celibacy. Debuty & The Beast is an
engaging early Americana romantic romp that will delight sub-genre fans with the antics of the
lead
female character. The story line is filled with plenty of humor, a bit of pathos, and some action.
Julian is a wonderful protagonist struggling between his belief that celibacy equates to good health
vs. his overwhelming desire to make love with Anya. The support cast provides a feel for the era,
insight into the prime couple, and the impetus for the action. However, Linda Jones' tale belongs
solely to the feral heroine who the audience will adopt as a favorite.
Misconception
Darlene Gardner
Love Spell/Dorchester
May 2002, $5.99, 320 pp., ISBN: 0505524813
Biology professor Dr. Marietta Dalrymple believes that males cannot be monogamous. Feeling the
natal need to have a child to raise by herself, Marietta meticulously plans her pregnancy to the
most
minuscule detail. She advertises in a scientific journal for male donors, establishes a valid
checklist,
and evaluates each candidate based on her criteria. High on her list are the attributes family health
history and genius IQ. After careful consideration, she chooses biochemist Harold McGinty to
serve
as the sire. Unable to do what he agreed to with Marietta, Harold struggles with his feelings of
guilt.
At the airport, Harold meets his friend Cash "Jax" Jackson and asks Jax to tell Marietta he is not
"coming". Jax agrees, but before he can inform her, he finds himself sharing the best lovemaking
of
his life. Forced to leave for a while, he returns to their hotel room only to find she is gone, but
two
months later learns she is pregnant. Jax plans to prove to his beloved that he will remain faithful
and
jointly raise their child and future children. That is if he can overcome her stereotyping
Misconception that men will leave. Of course his professional wrestling persona, The Secret Stud,
does not help his cause. Misconception is an amusing romantic romp that is character-driven. The
story line contains a zany plot as Marietta refuses to believe Jax can think with his brain though
the
anecdotal empirical evidence shows he can use both heads quite compassionately. At times
Marietta's stubbornness can become frustrating, yet fans of jocular romances will take pleasure in
this laugh a minute novel.
Protector Hale looks at mortals with disdain except for his half-sister Zoe, who he rationalizes has
some real blood flowing in her veins to overcome her tainted side. Hale is assigned to obtain
Aphrodite's Girdle, a magical artifact that has been missing for years has suddenly surfaced. If
Hieronymous the outcast former Protector gains the belt, he might control the world. Mortal
Tracy
Tannin wears the belt though she has no idea what she is wearing. All she knows is that she, a
plain
Jane, now has males chasing after
