This is the 2nd book in the Sisters of the Moon/Otherworld series by Yasmine Galenorn. It's narrated by Delilah D'Artigo, the youngest of 3 sisters, Camille and Menolly. Delilah has the ability to shift into a were-tabby cat, unfortunately it can be at the wrong time and usually when she gets really nervous and stressed out. Delilah is trying to become more responsible to show her older sisters that she is able to take charge of her own situations without relying on them to solve her problems. With war breaking out in the Otherworld, a demon threatening to destroy Earth and when a mysterious stranger (that she feels a strong attraction to) shows up in her office asking for her help to find out who is killing all of his tribe's people, all chaos breaks out. She has to rely on her sisters and their friends to overcome the evil that awaits them and to solve the mysterious murders of the Rainier Tribe and ...some how find out how to save both of their worlds, plus come out alive.
This is a wonderful and exciting book, with lots of twists that keeps the reader guessing all the way through. If you like to read about shape shifters, demons, dragons, supernatural creatures and romance this is a book you definitely want to include on our TBR list.
Hillary
Dr. Thomas Moore
Alphar Publishing
8419 O'Melveny Avenue, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 91352
0978602404, $16.95, 228 pages www.alpharpublish.com
Anthony Chaytor
Reviewer
HILLARY, by Dr. Thomas Moore, bridges fiction and nonfiction to tell a strange if true story of coded secrets, psychotic delusions, truth, and lies. This story of greatness and weakness, of genius and hallucination, is based on the parallel lives of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Carmella Meeks, (a sophisticated prostitute) and Tony Chaytor, the greatest forensic investigator and structural engineer of many centuries. Taken together their work proved that truth is elusive, that knowledge has limits, and that structure can reveal past corruption. Chaytor was devoted to truth of the highest abstract nature, yet was unable to grasp the mundane truths of his own life. Through it all, the narrator wonders, along with these odd heroes, if any of us can ever really grasp the truth. Dr. Thomas Moore masterfully brings these great characters together in a slightly fictionalized version of their lives. This novel is no mere assemblage of biographical transcriptions. We are very much within the mind of an unreliable narrator, one whose dark obsessions resonate with the version of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Newt Gingrich, along with the sexy Carmella and the whistle-blowing Tony Chaytor.
Waiting for Normal
Leslie Connor
Katherine Tegen Books
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
9780060890889 $16.99
Colin Butler
Reviewer
I was fortunate enough to win Waiting for Normal, by Leslie Connor from the professor of my young adult literature class. Connor distinguishes her book from other young girl coming-of-age novels through a unique exploration of a daughter's bond to a less than competent mother. Addison 'Addie' Schmeeter must be the mature member of the family, holding down the trailer of a fort for herself, Piccolo, a pet hamster, and 'Mommers', who is compulsive and flighty to a fault.
"I ducked inside, put the macaroni in the pot and grabbed the broom. While I swept I wished everything good that I could for Mommers. I wished her up to Union Street in time for her bus. I wished her a seat by the window, and something as tasty as fish-and-chips for dinner. I wished up the best interview ever for Mommers. Then I wished something for myself: I wished Mommers back home before midnight." (Page 68)
Addison is the antithesis of the nebulous, mystical woman, and her frustrations with her mother are a critique of that oft promoted character. A similar critique is depicted in Midnight Hour Encores by Bruce Brooks, in which Sibilance T. Spooner, an accomplished cellist, goes on a cross country trip with her father to reunite with her estranged mother. This novel's biggest success is the genuine sense of love displayed between daughter and mother, and goes further than Midnight Hour Encores by placing the daughter in the chaotic home of the mother, and yet still achieving a sense of sympathy.
As an English teacher I feel it is important to not only create lifelong readers but also to keep abreast of the exploding young adult literary market. Waiting for Normal also represents an often contentious genre of young adult literature, that of the maturing young woman. The genre, and conventions used suggests this book is for maturing young girls. An age range of "Grade 5 and up" is specifically printed on the inside cover and there are themes, such as pregnancy, which should caution against the reading of the book by younger audiences. Although the book is somewhat longer than the usual young adult novel at 290 pages, the writing is not too complicated for the grade level intended. There is even a unique and helpful device employed by Connor to help reluctant readers assimilate new words. Addie is dyslexic and records words she does not understand so that she may look up the definitions later. Therefore, teachers and parents of children with learning disabilities should read Waiting for Normal because it provides a glimpse of the world as perceived by a dyslexic child.
Connor adheres to many of the conventions of young adult literature which is not necessarily a bad thing. Having a small cast of characters, a lack of parental supervision and a protagonist looking for a hero at a turning point in her life are definitions of literature for young adults, some of which Connor uses innovatively. However, innovation within this type of literature is not always the key to success, since predictability and adherence to the conventions creates points of access for reluctant readers. The exploration of other less developed relationships, such as those between a father and daughter, would create a story too complicated for beginning readers. Hopefully Leslie Connor will use her gift to create other complicated, yet loving relationships in future young adult novels. She has authored Miss Birdie Chose a Shovel, a picture book, and Dead on Town Line a young adult novel written in free verse. She grew up in Schenectady, New York which is the setting for the majority of Waiting for Normal, and currently lives in Connecticut.
Amish Grace, How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy
Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher
Jossey-Bass
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780787997618 $24.95 www.josseybass.com 201-748-6000
Corinne Gompf
Reviewer
The effects of a shooting at an Amish schoolhouse reached far beyond the rural landscape of Nickel Mines, Pa. in October 2006. Shocking not only the reclusive community, but also the country, this school shooting, which led to the death of five girls, resulted in a heartwarming, yet questionable, act of forgiveness.
This nonfiction book explores how a troubled milkman gathered weaponry, invaded an Amish school and took the female students hostage. The chapters that focus on the account are heart-wrenching, as the authors give an adept retelling of the details.
However, the shooting is only part of this in-depth look at Amish, as well as English, forgiveness. Immediately after the shooting, many in the Amish community reached out to the shooter's wife, children and parents to offer their forgiveness. This spurred the nation to question whether or not the Amish who forgave the shooter and his family acted too quickly, or if their forgiveness was real, leading to a debate on Amish versus English forgiveness.
The authors interviewed English and Amish parents, clergymen and laypeople about their ideals of forgiveness and what it truly means to them. They explain cultural and religious beliefs and significance of forgiveness.
"Amish Grace, How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy" also offers a brief overview of Amish culture, which proves to be a bit more interesting after a long-winded exploration of forgiveness and tends to lean toward a "textbooky" side. The style of the book is informative, but interesting, and should be able to hold a reader's attention. The authors are, of course, renowned experts of the Amish culture and teach at the college level. They have written multiple books on the subject.
All in all, this book is an easy read of an important topic, allowing the reader to think about his or her views of forgiveness. I found the insight to the Amish culture fascinating and would encourage anyone who appreciates their rural lifestyle to read "Amish Grace, How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy."
A Match Made in Heaven: America Jews, Christian Zionists, and One Man's Exploration of the Weird and Wonderful Judeo-Evangelical Alliance
Zev Chafets
Harper
New York
9780060890599 $13.95
Fred Reiss, Ed.D.
Reviewer
Zev Chafets, in his newest book, A Match Made in Heaven: America Jews, Christian Zionists, and One Man's Exploration of the Weird and Wonderful Judeo-Evangelical Alliance, investigates how right-wing Christians act and interact with each other and with the Jewish community. He then asks if those deeds support or undermine the Jewish people in general and Israel in particular.
His first encounter with fundamentalist thinking occurred in his youth, when a Christian friend informed him that as a member of the Chosen People, he would be going to hell when he died. This led Chafets on a life-long quest to understand fundamentalists. In so doing, he attended their churches and sat in revivalist tents. Chafets is now in a unique position to draw conclusions about Evangelical Christianity, Israel and American Jewry. He was born in Detroit and raised there until, as a late teenager during the Viet Nam War era, traveled to and remained in Israel; eventually becoming an Israeli citizen. He fought in the Israeli Defense Forces and in due course became the Director of the Government Press Office for former Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin.
As a newly arrived emigre, Israeli territory had no emotional meaning to him. If the Arabs wanted land for peace, so be it. After a period in the Israeli Army, he went to work for the newly formed Likud Party. In 1977, the left-leaning Labor Party lost to the right-of-center Likud Party. This was the first time since the founding of Israel that the Labor Party lost a national election. Likud asserts the equivalent to America's 19th century belief in Manifest Destiny by calling for the annexation of all the land that makes up Israel, including the West Bank, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem. While taking a hawkish stance against the Palestinians, they were the first party to negotiate peace with its neighbors. Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Accords, which returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
While working for Begin, Chafets learned that Christian Zionists, including Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, wanted to establish relations with the Israeli government. At that time, all Chafets could recall were his memories of the Bible-thumping hypocritical evangelical preachers from Detroit. Begin liked them from the start. The leadership of American Jewry was scandalized and outraged, but Begin didn't care because they "were willing to go to mat for him against Jimmy Carter over the issue of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza."
A Match Made in Heaven gives us the perspective of events and issues dear to American Jewry through the eyes of an Israeli Jew who once had American citizenship. For example, many American Jews saw the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon as a discrete act of terrorism, like the bombing in Oklahoma City. They heard Jerry Falwell blame the attack on American immorality and others call for severing America's close ties with Israel. Chafets supports Israeli belief that this assault on America is part of a worldwide jihad against Jews and Christians alike.
Chafets meets with two Evangelical Christians in the Israeli city Meggido, which some say is the site of the future Armageddon. They discuss eschatology, telling him that they subscribe to Hal Lindsey's book, The Late Great Planet Earth. They believe that the Bible does make predictions; nations do fit into certain power patterns and most important of all, the Jews have returned to the Promised Land after two thousand years in exile. Who cares? No one, until Evangelical Christians became politically active. Now there is a great suspicion that "born again" George W. Bush is using his political position to push a biblical agenda.
And yes, Evangelical Christians want to convert Jews, even if it's by cell phone, as Chafets learned when he called a Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. No wonder that American Jewry is leery of interactions with right-wing Christian groups. In 1923, the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago hired a converted Jewish professor to head their first chair in the Department of Jewish Studies. In 1964, the American Board of Missions to the Jews set up a booth at the New York World's Fair. Less than twenty years later, the Southern Baptist Convention asked its members to divert all their energy and resources toward proclaiming the gospel to Jewish people. On one hand, Chafets asserts that Christian Zionists downplay their serious efforts to convert Jews, especially when dealing with Israel, while on the other he observes that moderates declare that except for extremists, evangelical Christians do not intend to turn America into a theocracy.
Throughout the book, Chafets is asking, is the support of Evangelical Christianity good for the Jews, or not? By way of interesting vignettes and anecdotes Chafets takes us into the world of Christian Zionists and their interaction among themselves and with world leaders. Fallwell tells Chafets that "critics of my ministry have tried to drive a wedge between me and the Jewish community… They forgot that my master was a Jewish rabbi." Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin had no problem with either Fallwell or with the Moral Majority's four points of pro-life, pro-traditional family, pro-American, and support for the State of Israel.
So, are Israeli Jews from Mars and American Jews from Venus? Perhaps this was the case until 9/11, asserts Chafets, when American Jewish liberals realized that the Arabic translation of Mein Kampf was a best seller in the Middle East, the Palestinian rejection of the Camp David two-state solution implied more than territory was at stake, and Islamic heads-of-state began declaring, in support of article 22 in the Hamas Charter, that Jews controlled the world through a Zionist conspiracy. It was no longer Israel, but the Jews who were the enemy. Israelis support America's attack on Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein. "By toppling him, the United States was sending a clear message: even if we think you'd do something like 9/11, you're gone."
Throughout A Match Made in Heaven, the reader is made aware of the author's view that evangelicals are basically good people who support Israel because that's what the Lord wants. Consequently, they support American presidents who show unconditional support of Israel. Chafets sends the clear message that Israel gives unconditional support for Christian Zionists and hopes that American Jewry will see beyond the Christian mission to convert non-believers and subsequently rally behind presidents who support a strong Middle Eastern policy that recognizes the legitimacy and survival of a Jewish state.
The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture
John Battelle
Portfolio Hardcover, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3657
9781591840886 $25.95
Margot Note
Reviewer
In the introduction of John Battelle's The Search: How Google Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture, the author discloses that he did not want to write a business biography of Google, although the company is discussed throughout the book. Although the subtitle mentions Google, the book is a broader look at both the history of the search engine industry and the effects it has on our culture. Battelle wanted to follow the story of how searching has evolved from graduate student information science projects to the world's growing dependence on online information. He also discusses some of the battles between Google, Yahoo!, MSN and second-tier search engines.
It all began in the mid-1990s, when AltaVista showcased a new computer created by its parent company. The search engine they created worked quickly on the powerful computers. AltaVista did not realize that it had created something more valuable than the computers themselves - the power to search the web.
Search, in Battelle's book, goes beyond businesses like AltaVista or Google. As more users manage their lives through the Internet, companies that analyze our queries and deliver what we are looking for will flourish. Battelle calls it the "Database of Intentions," which transitions the Internet from presenting content to interpreting intention. The Database of Intentions is a system that not only helps us satisfy our individual needs and wants, but changes the way we interact with others. As more users participate, search engines will better anticipate what will be asked for in the future.
The value of contextual advertising depends on interpreting intention. Since text ads are targeted for their audience, the ad buyer only pays when the ad is clicked. This has revolutionized advertising because small businesses which could not afford to advertise can now do so, and they only have to pay when it works. As one ad executive said, only a half of advertising works, but you don't know what half. Text ads work for everyone involved: businesses get sales boosts without a large marketing budget, customers get what they want (or did not even realize that they want) and search engines make money by connecting the two. Of course, it is not as easy as it seems, and Battelle offers examples of how companies have benefitted and been damaged by search engine algorithm readjustments.
Battelle also discusses the downside of search engines, such as the various black hat schemes to rank pages higher or to commit clickfraud, among others. Google, whose motto is "Don't Be Evil," has been criticized for some of their business decisions. As search engine companies move into markets in countries like China, they will have to deal with oppressive government regimes that censor material, at best, and kill online dissidents, at worse. Google has issued a limp statement in defense of supporting China's censorship laws, and Yahoo! was recently exposed as helping China prosecute dissonant journalists that use its search engine. This topic will be discussed at great length in the coming years as companies try to profit in large, censored markets by compromising their ideals.
Although Google leads the market, other companies are gaining ground, like Yahoo! and Ask. In order to stay in the market, all companies will continue to analyze and market the Database of Intentions in quicker, faster, and simpler ways.
Murder's Madness
Alex Matthews
Veiled Intent Press
546 N. Humphrey, Oak Park, IL 60302
9780979475603 $15.00
Cynthia Penn
Reviewer
Very Highly Recommended
Once again peanut butter cup eating Cassidy McCabe finds herself embroiled in a murder and mayhem with author Alex Matthews's latest release, MURDER'S MADNESS. Favorite characters make an appearance including the wacky, brilliant wig festooned Gran, the rascal Starshine, and Cassidy's husband Zach. As Zach's career comes to a screeching halt due to a new editor, Cassidy invests her time and attention in a tenant's disappearance. Her tenant, a woman with schizophrenia, has witnessed a murder, but her mental state makes her testimony suspect, leading Cassidy into a dangerous world of disappearances and death. With her remarkably savvy style, Matthews once again creates a world of murder and mystery devoted fans of Cassidy McCabe will find impossible to put down. Very highly recommended.
Borne On Wings Of Steel
Tony Chandler
Hard Shell Word Factory
9780759947245 $15.95 http://www.hardshell.com
S. Joan Popek, Reviewer
http://www.sjoanpopek.com
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reading Chandler's first EPPIE award winning book, MotherShip. I have never forgotten that book and always hoped there would be a sequel.
Well now there is! Mother and her crew are back in an exciting action/adventure/mystery sequel that encompasses worlds peopled with a variety of alien beings rivaling even "Star Wars" eclectic collection. Chandler has the unique talent of bringing his characters to life and making you believe that they are not only possible, but maybe--just maybe they are waiting for you right around the corner.
One of my husband's favorite adages is, "Never try to come between a mother and her child." As I read this book, I thought of that and couldn't help laughing. Imagine how much more that adage might mean if that "Mother" is a sentient starship fully armed with hybrid weapons built especially for her and ready for battle. Ouch!
Three children raised by Mother are now young adults full of the curiosity and exuberance of youth. Are these three the last remaining humans in the universe? Their home world, Earth, was completely destroyed by a war-faring alien race. The children barely escaped destruction because they were already aboard MotherShip. But their quest to search for other humans has not ended. Deep down, they hold out hope that they will find other human survivors. Because she wants them to be happy, it is also Mother's goal. The search leads them millions of light years away to strange worlds, where they encounter many exotic races--but no humans.
During their quest, they and their alien "family" become entangled in a web of espionage and danger where they encounter the mysterious Paum. Who or what is Paum? Why are the inhabitants of this universe afraid of Paum? Why is this Paum so interested in Mother? They soon discover that more than just lives are at stake. Perhaps the future of the entire universe lies in the hands of these three, young humans, Mother and their small "family."
Because I am intrigued by the idea of sentient machines with artificial intelligence, I found myself holding my breath to see what Mother would do next. One of my favorite lines from the book is, "Don't make Mother mad." This story will have you chuckling one minute and on the edge of your seat the next.
If you did not read the first story MotherShip, you will find that the sequel, Borne On Wings Of Steel, stands alone with high adventure, and will keep you entranced from the first page to the last.
If you did read the first one, your experience will be enriched twofold--you will reunite with old friends and make new ones in this second in the series. I strongly recommend that you get both at Hard Shell Word Factory and take not just one, but two exciting trips into this innovative future that Chandler has created for you.
I picked up Knots from my local library where I saw it displayed prominently among under new arrivals. It seemed to me as if the subject matter - civil war, poverty in Somalia were heart wrenching topics and anyone writing about them with an insider's eye view were bound to make for interesting reading. I read the back blurb where reviewers from Salon to New York Times seemed to agree that Nuruddin Farah deserves a Nobel for his literary outputs.
The story is something like this: Cambara, a Somalian transplant in Canada decides to return to her country soon after losing her only child to a freak accident. The aim is ostensibly for her to recover her family's property from militiamen who have moved into the ancestral home by force. The Somalia that Cambara comes home to is an empty, dysfunctional shell of a country. Very few people want to live in Mogadishu (Mogadiscio according to the book). There are almost no educational facilities, and young boys have been initiated into various opposing factions of small armies - enticed by the promise of blood, war and the addictive qaat, leaves of a native plant that grown men constantly chew. Cambara comes to live with her cousin/ex-husband Zaak, a good-for-nothing fellow who she married out of loyalty to her mother's wishes. Zaak is both unable and unwilling to help Cambara with retrieving her family home. In the meanwhile, Cambara meets up with Kiin, a widow and single mother who runs an upscale hotel in Mogadishu. Together the two women manage to get back Cambara's home. Cambara's mothering instincts finds expressions in the two boy soldiers she informally adopts. And by the end of the book, love arrives in her life and all ends relatively well.
In spite of the interesting subject matter, this book was difficult to like. It seemed rather like a spinach side-dish that was good for me. Farah's language is very stilted, almost as if he found the longest words that could fit a sentence and stuck them in there. Americanisms thrown into the passages seemed entirely out of place. Farah, a male writer, seems unable to get inside a woman's psyche. On three separate occasions, the reader is treated to improbable descriptions of Cambara observing her driver clumsily changing gears. the writer also has a propensity to launch into inner thoughts and internal conversations and every action by the main protagonist is rationalized, explained, its root causes examined. The result is that the book's pacing suffers.
Apart from the stylistic flaws is the improbable story line. Almost nothing untoward happens to Cambara, considering how risky her undertaking is. Time after time, friends and friends of friends assist Cambara in her quest. Not once does she come face to face with the militiamen who are occupying her home. Even the pivotal aims of hers - the acquisition of her home - is by happenstance. It was rather like reading a Sherlock Holmes without Holmes and Moriarty ever facing off.
I didn't enjoy the book but I would still recommend it to anyone who cares about the crisis in Somalia. Why? Simply because we know so little of the Somalian conflict beyond what the newspapers and 24 hour news channels report. The ultimate message of this book really is how essential and needed women are in a war-ravaged country, and that is a message that would resonate anywhere in the world that is a staging ground for despicable atrocities. There are some books that must be written and read for pleasure's sake, and some that need to be put out in order to inform and educate. This book belongs to the latter variety.
We Are All One
J. M Harrison
Book Surge
9781419674051 $13.99
Shirley Roe
Reviewer
For a state of true awareness, consciousness is the underlying substance of all, the void between the atoms, the invisible One-ness, the very spirit of God. pg. 167
If I had to sum up this book in one sentence, this would be the one. We are all One is an inspiring, educational tool in the journey to find Truth and One-ness. As one who has read many books on this subject, I find J. M. Harrison to be a talented writer; one who presents, what could be a complicated subject, in easy to understand terminology and constant repetition to drive the point home. Readers will find new and interesting approaches to awareness and many tools that will help them find their "true self."
The author takes readers on a slow and enriching journey of conscious evolution from Spatial Consciousness through Perception and Experience, Lovelight and Healing and a complete explanation of the Metasenses. Each chapter should be read and reread to absorb the knowledge before moving on to the next in order to fully appreciate and absorb the multitude of information provided. Many important phrases are in bold type to draw your attention back several times as you read the page. Phrases such as "Nobody can ever give you anything, but you can give yourself all." Or "Seeking our greatest truth provides us with the clearest answer." The poem 'Lovelight" rang true on a universal level with me, as it was very similar in message and cadence to some I wrote myself. Never did I find the reading tedious. It held my interest from start to finish.
J. M Harrison is co-founder of The Dubon Centre of Healing and Awareness in Gascony, France. More information on the center can be found at: www.dubon.org. Once you have read this book, you will actually begin to feel the universal connection, the One- ness that joins us one to another, whether human, animal, plant or mineral. We can no longer argue, We are all ONE.
Well written, and highly recommended by Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review.
The Authentic Tarot: Discovering Your Inner Self
Thomas Saunders
Watkins Publishing
Sixth Floor, Castle House, 75-76 Wells Street, London W1T 3QH
9781905857159 $24.95 AU
Rose Glavas, Reviewer
www.astrologyrealm.com
It seems appropriate to see 'The Chariot' on the cover of this book… I'm only a beginner in the sometimes complex field of Tarot, but it reminds me of being taken on a journey with lots of things to discover. Saunders meaning to this card is '…journey into unfamiliar territory...', it also seems appropriate when I think about going from just learning about Tarot and moving into a deeper level of understanding through reading this book.
Thomas Saunders has taught many seminars in the UK and America and has been reading the Tarot for more than 18 years. In the past he was also a regular on the Pete Murray show for LBC London Radio, and became the Tarot expert for 'Marie Claire' magazine in 1993 for three years. There is a lot more that the author has been involved in that also contributes to his knowledge of the Tarot and other occult knowledge.
'The Authentic Tarot' was a very interesting read that was written in a way that was engaging, deep and easy to understand. There are full-colour reproductions of the deck the author prefers (Ancien Tarot de Marseille) - explanation is given for his preference for it in the introduction to the book. All of the cards are explored and a very detailed way of reading the cards is given in this title that was quite comprehensive and detailed (I really liked it but it was very time consuming for a novice like me). Thankfully there was a simpler spread for those of us who are just starting!
In summary I would recommend 'The Authentic Tarot' for anybody who has an interest in the subject, regardless of your skill level. This would appeal particularly for those of you who are looking for the next level of meaning to this symbolic art.
Lover Enshrined: Book 6 of The Black Dagger Brotherhood
J.R. Ward
Signet Books
9780451222725 $7.99
Roxanne Rhoads
Reviewer
J.R. Ward has outdone herself in the 6th installment of The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Lover Enshrined. Not only does she focus on the main couple, Phury and Cormia, in this novel but she really opens up her vampire world to the reader taking us farther and deeper than she has before. Ms. Ward has a very complex and completely different view of vampires and slayers than I've seen in any other works and believe me; I've read a lot of vampire fiction. Vampires are mainly what I read (and write) about.
In Lover Enshrined, the reader is introduced to new and interesting characters and some characters that were previously minor ones, just shadows in the background, were revealed more in depth and brought into the spotlight in some cases. The nature and depth to which she opens up these previously minor and new characters raises many questions and really spins and twists promises of stories to come, new plots, and subplots that will hopefully unfold in the future.
A few main characters were relatively out of the picture in Lover Enshrined, but hey the last two books were completely about them so that's understandable, I just kind of missed them since they are two of my favorite characters. Other characters that came into the spotlight were John Matthew, Blay, and Qhuinn. I suppose John Matthew will be the focus of the 7th book which raises so many questions about how Ms Ward is going to handle the whole John/Darius thing. Reincarnation intrigues me, but that's a very long philosophical discussion I'll save for another day.
Lover Enshrined was full of action and a lot of twists and turns in the story line that kept me wondering what would happen next. From the very beginning it was like, wow, that's deep. The Omega gains ground with a new weapon against the vampires. The lessers get a new, completely unexpected leader, one of the vampire's own and an angel wants to be part of The Brotherhood. What was lost is found and the vampire princeps council also gets a new and completely unexpected leader, you'll never see that one coming.
This book seems a little bloodier that the previous books in the series, but even though it is filled with violence and death Ms. Ward balances it with new life and hope for the future of the vampire race. She does a splendid job of mixing romance, sex, violence and hope into what some may just disregard as vampire/romance/trash without meaning. There's always meaning, you just have to read between the lines. Plus give me a good fiction novel to escape in any time. I have enough heavy "meaning" in my life; fiction is my escapist drug of choice.
The main focus of Lover Enshrined, is of course, the romance and the conflict between the two main characters in this novel, but I love how Ms Ward takes the basic romance formula and spins it in with other major plots and sub plots.
The book opens with Phury still struggling with the Primale role he took over from Vischous. He feels he is in no form to have the fate of his race resting on his shoulders. Hero complex aside he's so messed up he can't get his own head on straight yet now he's supposed to essentially be a vampire stud and sire young with his First Mate, Cormia, and the rest of The Chosen females. Needless to say it may be more than he can handle. After months he still hasn't sealed the deal with Cormia let alone moved on to her sisters.
Throughout the book Phury struggles with his past, fears his future, and can't seem to get past all his mistakes (real or imagined). He worries about his twin and his twin's pregnant mate Bella. Phury falls farther and farther into darkness letting his addiction eat away at him and lead him to the very edge of disaster.
While Phury hovers at the edge of everything, including being on the outside of the whole of what is going on in the vampire world and The Brotherhood, he is also distanced from Cormia as she discovers there is much more to her than just being one of The Chosen. She learns about this new exciting world she is in and starts to finally enjoy it even while she longs for Phury to discover her and take her as he is supposed to. Not just because it is her duty but because she really wants him to.
Lover Enshrined is definitely one of the most complex of the Brotherhood series. I can see where Ms. Wards writing skills are improving, not that she was bad to begin with, but as she writes the story unfolds and becomes deeper and more complex as her world grows. In this book she really lays her main characters bare, souls wide open for us to see inside while she teases us with what may come in future books. Hot, erotic, and thrillingly sexy she teases and pleases and makes us want more.
What she started with Butch and Vischous (which I found strangely and surprisingly super sexy) she continues with two other males (not as sexy for me). I wonder how far she will take the whole bi/homo eroticism and if will help or hurt the story line. I guess it probably won't hurt; it didn't seem to hurt Laurell K Hamilton's popularity in her Anita Blake series.
I have to admit that Phury is probably my least favorite of the Brothers. Although Phury is a beauty, a true male of worth (even if he doesn't see it), and has a major hero complex, I just don't care for him. I think it's the drug addiction, hits to close to home with men I've dealt with in my life I guess. I have no sympathy. Lots of people go through hell without turning to drugs. Anyway, I thought that would hurt my enjoyment of this book but it didn't. Maybe Ms. Ward foreseen this issue with many readers and that is why she made this installment so much more complex than previous books, or maybe it's just a happy coincidence.
So does Phury kick that habit? Can he overcome his past, get over his strange obsession with Bella and seal the deal with Cormia? Or is the weight of the vampire world resting on his shoulders just too much for him to handle?
You have to read the book to find out. It's a long, bumpy road but a thrilling ride.
Fans of The Black Dagger Brotherhood will love it. Vampire fans in general will adore it. If you haven't read any books in the series yet, now's a great time to catch up but really you have to start from the beginning so you get the full effect of everything that's going on.
Andrew's Bookshelf
Honor Due
D.H. Brown
Big River Press
9780979874413 $15.95 www.bigriverpress.com
Few Americans know about the American forces fighting with the Montagnards in the central highlands of Vietnam. A battlefield for some 30 years,"the 'Yards" were one of the country's 54 major ethnic groups. Allied with the Americans, the Montagnards were horribly persecuted by the victorious North Vietnamese after the American forces left the country in 1975, with many emigrating to the United States.
Author D.H. Brown, a Vietnam vet who fought with the Montagnards, has written a fast-paced thriller based on the CIA-Special Forces-Montagnard relationships that continued after 1975.
With the hero patterned after a special forces vet living in the Pacific Northwest rainforest, Brown's story drags the hero, ex-Special Forces, back into the CIA- Spec Ops - Montagnard confusion of the late 1960's - early 1970's. His 'yard' friend suddenly and brutally murdered after an attempt on his own life, Brown's hero finds himself falling in love with his friend's daughter as they chase and are chased by a renegade CIA hit team. The action is realistic and convincing as our two defend themselves before a thrilling and surprising conclusion.
"Honor Due" is D.H. Brown's first literary effort, and the first of a planned trilogy and is well worth reading.
The Boys in Blue White Dress
William F. Lee
Authorhouse
9781434327277 $25.50 www.authorhouse.com
All too often authors are told not to use the first person, or to not to personalize their story; what a shame because William Lee's excellent novel "The Boys in the Blue White Dress" could have been one of the better memoirs of 2007.
In addition to being one of the Marine Corps "The Few…The Proud," William Lee was a Marine officer who had the rare distinction of serving on the "Death Watch" as President John Kennedy's casket sat in the White House, and then on public display at the Capital's Rotunda back in November 1963.
Those old enough to remember those days can think back to those few ramrod-straight Marines on our black & white television sets who stood guard - so few people alive in the world today can claim such a view of history.
Lee has written an interesting book about the Marines who present the motivating Friday Evening Parade at "8th & I" - the Marine Barracks. A unique job even by Marine standards, Lee treats the reader to the stories that illustrate both the humanity and the effort necessary to for their pageants and presentations. Some of his vignettes of the Marines with whom he served are laugh-out-loud funny, as Lee personalizes the men under his command - all while woven into the surrounding tapestry of his and his Marine's efforts and feelings during those tragic November days. Included are photographs from 'back in the day' that only serve to reinforce the rarity of Lee's unique view of history.
Class of Twenty-Eight
Neil Moloney
PublishAmerica
1424110769 $22.95 www.publishamerica.com
Most veterans write stories based (sometimes loosely) on their experiences in battle. First-time author Neil Moloney has instead penned a unique book covering the lives of five young men - five high school friends - four of whom enlisted in the military following the Pearl Harbor attack.
Moloney's story follows these young men from boot camp to battle, as they participate in the war in different branches of the service. In an interesting twist, one of the five is Japanese, and his story is that of a Japanese-American trapped in Japan on 7 December, and forced to fight against America.
A former Marine who served in the South Pacific during WW2, Moloney's book deserves high ratings for his honest portrayal of combat, and how men behave in battle. He also remembered to weave in a war-time romance; so common as the young men - which brings in a touch of humanity to the brutality of the Marine's island war in the Pacific.
Shades of Gray
Jessica James
Patriot Press
9780979600005 $27.99 www.patriotpressbooks.com
Set in Virginia during the Civil War, "Shades of Gray" is more a novel of the concept of honor and loyalty than battles. As the United States grew from a collection of brave, but independent states to a full-fledged federal system, a few states like Virginia struggled to adapt from the courageous but soon-to-be outdated concept of individualism to that of being part of a larger national entity. A romantic novel set within the framework of a Union-Confederate relationship, Virginia's Captain Hunter seems to have met his match in bravery, intelligence, and stubbornness until he meets Sinclair, a Union spy in disguise.
Set in the 1860's, author Jessica James's historical fiction contains many twists and turns, perhaps a few too many. The interplay between northern bluntness and southern graciousness is well illustrated as "Sinclair the spy" is soon revealed to be Andrea, a lovely lady who believes herself to be the equal of any man.
This is an interesting story on several levels; that of a Civil War novel, that of a romance story, but more importantly, one that delves into the thoughts and feelings of combatants who are fighting for respect (her) and honor (him) in a war in which both sides knew deep down what would be the outcome.
While perhaps too romantic and sweet for many Civil War readers, those who enjoy romance and the psychology that builds relationships will find "Shades of Gray" to be a very enjoyable book.
Andrew Lubin, Reviewer
www.andrewlubin.com
Bethany's Bookshelf
The Adventures of Mom
J. Kaspar Barnes
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68512
9780595472710, $17.95, www.iuniverse.com
Middle age - the point where many people look at their lives and become depressed in believing that they have done absolutely nothing with their lives. Everyone deals with this differently, however. "The Adventures of Mom: A Natalie Quill Mystery" tells of thirty-eight year old Natalie Quill whose solution is her attempt at becoming a mystery writer, and for inspiration is working in her half-brother's private eye business. It turns out private investigations are not as glorious as they are in the books, and that Natalie might not get to finish her novel. "The Adventures of Mom: A Natalie Quill Mystery" is a deftly written and intriguing piece of work - highly recommended for mystery fans and for community library mystery collections.
Swimming on My Wedding Day
Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager
iUniverse
2001 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68512
9780595426553, $12.95, www.iuniverse.com
The tragedy of cancer has a tendency to have no upsides - why it's usually referred to as a tragedy. But there was a huge upside to author Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager and her husband Paul - they found each other and found a huge thing to bind them - they are both survivors of cancer. "Swimming on my Wedding Day: My Cancer Journey Through the Seasons" is their story of fighting their cancers and their new marriage being there bastion of support through it all as they celebrate the life that was almost taken from them all too early. "Swimming on My Wedding Day: My Cancer Journey Through the Seasons" is a highly recommended piece of writing for anyone looking for strength in their reading to fight what may be a cancer of their own and for community library memoir collections.
My Splendid Concubine
Lloyd Lofthouse
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68512
9780595458431, $21.95, www.iuniverse.com
Love for ones wives' sister is typically forbidden by most western religions, but the most successful westerner in Chinese history is faced with this conflict. "My Splendid Concubine" is the tale of Robert Hart who deals with the matters of his lust and how to deal with them the Chinese way, which so conflict with his upbringing. The Taiping Rebellion doesn't help matters, him making enemies of established and skill mercenaries in the process of protecting his interest and the women he loves. "My Splendid Concubine" is packed cover to cover with intriguing characters and plot, a must read for historical fiction fans and a fine addition to any collection on the genre.
Economics in the Present Tense
Joel Clarke Gibbons
Vantage Press
419 Park Avenue, South, New York, NY 10016
9780533157402, $15.95, www.vantagebooks.com
Inflation, the downward spiral of the economy, rising poverty - just a few of the money worries that dwell on the American financial mind. "Economics in the Present Tense: Dysfunctions of the Welfare State" is what a Ph.D in mathematics and economics believes are the problems with today's economy, written in simple terms that non-specialist general readers will be able to read and understand. Subjects like inflation and productivity are attacked in the form of informed and informative essays. The scholarly approach makes "Economics in the Present Tense: Dysfunctions of the Welfare State" a must have for community library economics shelves and for readers concerned about the future of their money.
Susan Bethany
Reviewer
Bob's Bookshelf
The Homeowner's Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook
Penelope O'Sullivan
Storey Publishing
210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781580175708 $29.95 www.storey.com
Divided into three sections - design, care and plant profiles - this comprehensive guide covers every essential consideration when choosing and maintaining trees and shrubs. After an introduction to the principles of garden design, O'Sullivan guides readers through tree and shrub selection, with special consideration for owner expectations and growing conditions.
The heart of the book, an extensive encyclopedia of hundreds of tree and shrub portraits, featuring plenty of color images, will inspire hours of browsing. Each profile covers how best to use the plant in a particular landscape, as well as ease of cultivation, availability, history, hardiness, size, growth rate, and special characteristics.
The author also includes warnings about plants not to grow, such as invasive exotics and disease-prone trees and shrubs. The final section covers care and maintenance, with thorough advice on buying and planting, pruning, fertilizing and coping with diseases, pests and environmental problems.
101 Baseball Places to Visit Before You Strike Out
Josh Pahigian
Lyons Press
P.O. Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599212517 $26.95 www.LyonsPress.com
In "101 Baseball Places to Visit Before You Strike Out" Josh Pahigian takes the reader on a road trip across America to honor the game's players, fans, and ballparks. Through a series of essays, Pahigian looks at the game's effect on American culture, how the game has evolved, how baseball helped break down barriers and how the sport helped unify the country when we needed it the most.
As with any book of this nature, the reader will weigh his list of "must see" places against what the author has selected. For example, Pahigian's first five include the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Field of Dreams (Dyersville, Iowa), the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Monument Park (Bronx, New York), and the Pennsylvania Little League International Complex. Frankly, only two of these locations would have made my Top Five list!
You may not agree with all of the spots the author includes in this book but that is the problem with any volume of this nature. Each selection is accompanied by a short essay (and usually a photo) that explains why the place is mentioned. In some cases the author's logic will win the skeptical reader over, but more often than not it probably won't make a Doubting Thomas a believer!
Admittedly, a book of this nature is fun to page through. In many cases it will mention some places baseball fans weren't aware of and it will certainly generate a discussion about the appropriateness of some of the selections.
Although I might be reluctant to recommend this volume to anyone who was seriously looking for a list of "must see", iconic baseball venues, the book would be an entertaining read for the armchair traveler. The serious baseball fan would probably glean between 20-30 places from this list that would merit an actual visit.
The Last Real Season
Mike Shropshire
Grand Central Publishing
237 Park Ave., New York, New York 10017
9780446401548 $25.99 www.HachetteBookGroupUSA.com
Purported to be "a hilarious look back at 1975-when major leaguers made peanuts, the umpires wore red, and Billy Martin terrorized everyone", this account of the Texas Rangers season is anything but funny.
After finishing this sorry, first persona narrative about the Rangers dismal, disappointing season, I wondered why anyone actually thought "The Last Real Season" was worth publishing. Not even the Texas baseball community will find this book a worthwhile read.
A running account of the author's alcohol consumption, a rehash of Billy Martin's juvenile behavior, and a week-by-week narrative of a team's less than satisfying season isn't something most people will consider riveting reading.
Quite truthfully, I was embarrassed for the sports journalist who wrote this drivel. I think he did his craft, his newspaper, his team and himself a grave disservice. Mike Shropshire steps up to the plate here only to strike out!
FBI 100 Years: An Unofficial History
Henry Holden
Zenith Press
400 First Ave. North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760332443 $40.00 www.zenithpress.com
"FBI 100 Years: An Unofficial History" offers an up-close look at the best and worst moments in the history of one of the world's most famous law enforcement agencies.
Given unprecedented access to the FBI Washington, D.C., headquarters and the agency's academy at Quantico, Virginia, Holden not only delves into past history and notable cases but he also discusses the FBI's ever changing role and powers in a rapidly changing world.
Beginning with Teddy Roosevelt's trust-busting force and a need to deal with possible acts of espionage during World War I to the aftermath of 9/11, this oversized volume charts the course the FBI has taken since its inception in 1908 as a "Special Agent Force" attached to the Department of Justice.
It wasn't until 1935 that the moniker "Federal Bureau of Investigation" was used for the agency. As one would expect, in telling the story of the FBI's first century there would have to be substantial chapters devoted to its most famous (or infamous) director, J. Edgar Hoover, and the gang busting period that accompanied Prohibition. Besides these important sections of the book, there are other chapters on investigating organized crime, the McCarthy era and the accompanying blacklists, spy busting, and a look at such tragedies as Ruby Ridge and Waco.
Although it is largely a positive picture Holden presents of the agency, he doesn't duck controversial issues such as surveillance methods. Not only are Hoover's notorious files addressed but also the rumors about the director's supposedly X-rated private life.
How the FBI handled the Red Scare of the 1950s, civil unrest in the 1960s, political assassinations and the more recent Patriot Act are also discussed. The personalities you'll read about range from "Baby Face" Nelson, John Dillinger, and Al Capone to Alger Hiss, Patty Hearst, John Gotti, and Robert Hansen.
At the back of the book you'll find a timeline, the names of special agents who have died in the line of duty, a list of film titles called "The FBI Goes To Hollywood" and a page of acronyms and abbreviations.
Featuring 300 color and black and white photos, "FBI 100 Years" is a pictorial treasure-trove of images that will delight anyone interested in American law enforcement. Undoubtedly books more critical of the agency will be released this year, since this is an important FBI anniversary. But for a well illustrated and comprehensive overview of the organization, you won't find a better value than "FBI 100 Years".
Bob Walch
Reviewer
Buhle's Bookshelf
Where the Redwing Sings
Ed Kostro
Privately Published
19 W 238 Gloucester Way, Oak Brook, IL 60523
9781601454355, $12.95, edkostro@comcast.com
Prolific and award winning author Ed Kostro returns once more with his seventh book, "Where the Red Wing Sings", an anthology of lyrical poems and brilliant essays. With a focus on nature and the animal kingdom, "Where the Red Wing Sings" is a brilliantly written and composed book of poetry, and highly recommended for community library poetry collections.
Elan Vital
Suzanne M. Kelly
Privately Published
P.O. Box 16741, Ft. Worth, TX 76162
9780979648007, $21.95, www.elan-vital.net
Self-described as a modern day Illiad, "Elan Vital" has a huge pair of sandals to fill. Author Suzanne M. Kelly writes out her twenty five years of musings about the universe to produce a massively epic poem, her ponderings on God, the bible, personality, free will, and the after-life - if there is any. Going through history and pre-history, she leaves no subject untouched or stone unturned. "Elan Vital" is highly recommended to any poetry lover who wants something a bit more epic from their reading and poetry, and for community library poetry collections.
Cold Season Poems
Jalal Ghavami
Vantage Press Inc.
419 Park Ave. South, New York, NY, 10016
0533149886, $8.95, www.vantagepress.com
Jalal Ghavami describes his poetry as a bank for all of his memories over the years, and that his first anthology of poetry, "Cold Season Poems" is his first deposit into that bank. With a focus on the winter months, "Cold Season Poems" is a deftly composed anthology, brilliantly assembled in his own unique format, sure to bring joy to anyone who lays their eyes upon his rhyming and lyrical writing. "Cold Season Poems" is highly recommended for poetry collections everywhere. Let's Chill: C Block/D Block/G Block/What's making a/difference/let's chill//September, October 2003.
The Song Itself
Annonymous, Yaq Cuartz, translator
Privately Published - yaq@thesongitself.net
1905 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR, 97215
9780615169200, $17.45, www.thesongitself.net
He has to deliver the ancient gnostic codex, but so much stands in his way. "The Song Itself: A Gnostic Remembrance" follows the anonymous and ambiguous messenger on his travels to deliver his parcel - pyromaniacal linguists, illusionary and real threats, and more comes to threaten his delivery of the ancient gnostic codex in "The Song Itself: A Gnostic Remembrance", excellently composed and written, and highly recommended to readers who want a fiction with a unique slant and for community library literary fiction shelves.
Best Fantastic Erotica
Cecilia Tan
Circlet Press, Inc.
39 Hurlburt Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
978885865601, $19.95 www.circlet.com
The difference between pornography and erotic literature is a fine line of literary demarcation that is as subject as any other distinction between categories of art and artistic expression. Circlet Press is a premier publisher of erotic literature and its publisher, Cecilia Tan, is an expert in all aspects and segments of this specialized literary genre. Her newest publication is "Best Fantastic Erotica", a compilation of eighteen stories from authors around the globe who were winners of the first worldwide search for the best in erotic science fiction and fantasy genres. Five hundred entries were narrowed down over the course of a year, leaving readers to enjoy the contributions by both winners and runner-ups. The carefully crafted, deftly executed, imaginatively original, and memorably entertaining stories range from Arinn Dembo's Monsoon, to Argus Marks 'Copperhead Renaissance', to Fauna Sara's The Caretaker; to Dan Recht's 'A Circlet Crossword'. "Best Fantastic Erotica" is an impressive and superbly produced volume that is enthusiastically and confidently recommended for readers of sophistication who appreciate an erotic element infused with seminal stories of science fiction and fantasy.
Willis M. Buhle
Reviewer
Burroughs' Bookshelf
The Dominium
Hasanuddin
Privately Published
9780980096323, $22.22
The LHC project, despite all the money that has been poured into it, could end up destroying everything - and that means everything. "The Dominium" speaks of a near-future man-made doomsday scenario where an object made as a symbol of peace, cooperation, and scientific advancement could collapse the universe into yet another big bang, speaking as if this a very real reality, and not just fiction. In publishing his book, Hasanuddin passes the burden of responsibility to the reader - what could you do to stop the LHC project. Highly recommended to readers with an interest in hard science and who would ask of a more through understanding of the LHC project.
Diamond Rewards
Robert J. Sonstroem
Infinity Publishing
1094 New Dehaven St., Suite 100, W. Conshohocken, PA 19428
0741442914, $14.95, www.infinitypublishing.com
Rick is a former jock coming home to his home town - with no other job to take other than coaching little league. "Diamond Rewards: A Tale of the Little Leagues" follows Rick as he goes through changes in life and gains a piece of happiness as he learns he enjoys helping others and takes a orphaned child under his wing while flirting with the water ballet coach, Rick teaches his team the mastery of baseball while dealing with the balance of educational athletics and winning at all costs. Heart warming and uplifting, "Diamond Rewards: A Tale of the Little Leagues" is highly recommended for both sports and fiction collections everywhere.
The Wrestler from Montreal
Arnold Holtzman
Infinity Publishing
1094 New DeHaven Street, Suite 100, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2713
TCI Smith Publicity (publicist)
2 Split Rock Drive, Suite 12, Cherry Hill, N J 08003
0741440288, $18.95, www.infinitypublishing.com
Two brothers, split by tragedy, look to the long spiraling road of life lying ahead of them - where will it lead them? "The Wrestler from Montreal: Prophecy for a Separate Man" is the tale of their journeys on that road, as they immigrate across Eastern Europe, bombarded by the tragedy, evil, and temptation that wishes to devour them. With only the words of their dying mother to guide them, they try to find the goodness of humanity in this touching tale, and exploration of the character of people towards travelers and strangers. "The Wrestler from Montreal: Prophecy for a Separate Man" is highly recommended for literary fiction fans and for community library collections dedicated to fiction
Chinook
Roc Roth
Vantage Press, Inc.
419 Park Avenue, South, New York, NY
9780533156252, $14.95, www.vantagepress.com
A small town with a elaborate rainbow as a cast of characters and their struggles - the setting of "Chinook". Narrated by an Indian spirit with the title of the book for his name, the story of a Scottish prostitute, a lecher with childhood trauma still plaguing his life, an honest trucker with a loose wife, a man who rebels against the unions of the town, a state senator with dark secrets are just a few of the many well written and intriguing people readers will find and fall in love with in "Chinook", a highly recommended and well crafted piece of literature that should be a part of every community library fiction collection.
Home Away From Home
N. Dao
Privately Published
9780980237009, $15.95, www.nickdao.com
The end of the Vietnam War, 1975. The Americans were leaving the country, and many of the native Vietnamese as well wanted to escape the country. "Home Away From Home" is the story of one of these immigrants and his family as he made the long last minute escape from the communist Vietnam for the democratic America. This is the tale of his long journey from there, to the refugee camps and finally to the small town of Coffeyville, Kansas, "Home Away From Home" both a story of appreciation and culture shock, and a deftly written account of an oft-forgotten set of immigrants. Highly recommended to community library memoir and biography collections.
John Burroughs
Reviewer
Carson's Bookshelf
The Cross, The Star, The Crescent vs. Radical Islam
Jack Chinn
Publish America
P.O. Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705
1424191823, $19.95, www.publishamerica.com
Rhetorical questions are never meant to be answered - but author, poet, artist, teacher, and father Jack Chinn seeks to answer them anyway, dubbing them in need of answers. "The Cross, The Star, The Crescent vs. Radical Islam" is an examination of how the three Abrahamic religions, even Islam, are under constant attack by the Radical Islamic Extremists who act without apparent logic or sense in their slayings of their fellow man. Chinn goes to answer the obvious why to these acts, and suggestions on how the world, both religious and secular, can seek to face this problem. "The Cross, The Star, The Crescent vs. Radical Islam" is a well composed writing and highly recommended for any social issues community library collection.
Geneva
Scott Michael Gallagher
Publish America
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
142419184X, $24.95, www.publishamerica.com
Can two wrongs eventually make a right? "Geneva" is a story of that possibly being true. An aspiring author meets a gorgeous woman, maybe a little bit crazy, and they seem to hit it off - although mostly in the bedroom. They soon realize that this was all a mistake, their first wrong - and soon divorce in nasty and angry fashion - they soon learn was their second wrong. In the time that follows, the two realize there have been more to their odd relationship than just the sex - a love for one another that they both had ignored until it seems it's far too late?
The Obviousness Of It All
Adrienne Petterson
Publish America
P.O. Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705
142417807X, $19.95, www.publishamerica.com
Common sense is something that people harvest from experience - it can't be taught in a class room. "The Obviousness Of It All: A Guide to Common Sense" hopes to impart those experiences as best as it can to it's readers to help them, if not teach it, refine and improve their common sense so their more alert and can be better equipped as a whole to handle decisions when they come up in life. "The Obviousness Of It All: A Guide to Common Sense" is a deftly written guide and highly recommended to anyone who has been accused of lacking common sense and taken it personally - and for community library self-help collections.
Goldmine
Leroy G. Carey
Vantage Press, Inc.
419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY
9780533156405, $8.95, www.vantagepress.com
The very first anthology of poetry from Leroy G. Carey will make readers wish it wasn't the only one so far and will leave them yearning for more. "Goldmine: A Book of Poems and Beautiful Love Stories" is quick and delightful read that will leave readers wondering aloud why there isn't more - deftly written and vivid lyrical poetry throughout this volume, "Goldmine: A Book of Poems and Beautiful Love Stories" is highly recommended to poetry lovers and community library poetry shelves everywhere. Come to Me: Oh dream, oh dream from beneath/The sea/Where there is land we/Cannot see/Where thunder is heard as/A spoken word and/The angels sing of liberty/Come to me Darling/Come out of the sea/And be my love and set me free/Because she was a mermaid/Made just for me.
Building the Future
Mac and Sam
Vantage Press, Inc.
419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY
9780533156801, $10.95, www.vantagepress.com
Technology exponentially improves every year that passes, and in "Building the Future", an optimistic view of the advancement of technology and the good it can bring mankind, a shining beacon in the sea of pessimism of cyber crime, threats of nuclear war, and child predators getting marks on the internet. Life will only get better and better in the grand scheme of things claim Mac and Sam, writing under pseudonyms for reasons they say they won't explain, and future generations have a lot to look forward to. "Building the Future" is highly recommended to community library technology collections.
Michael J. Carson
Reviewer
Cheri's Bookshelf
Interpreting The Times: How God Intersects With Our Lives to Bring Revelation and Understanding
Chuck D. Pierce
Charisma House A Strang Company
600 Rinehart Road Lake Mary, Florida 32746
09781599791982 $14.99 www.charismahouse.com
In this concept of time author Chuck D. Pierce teaches us that we can transition into a new dimension of God's success by faith. That God is not limited by our idea of time. He can travel past, present and future. And as the author teaches we must rise above man's thinking of time and see time in God's perspective.
In this awesome book the author takes us on an amazing journey of understanding the concept of time and being in God's perfect timing especially in certain situations using prayer, fasting and worship. Not only does the author touch on the understanding of time, he also shows us how to develop faith for our future, how to be in God's perfect timing and making it through the transitions as well as other topics.
The author has done an amazing job in this very comprehensive teaching for the times we are in now! Touching on a subject that this reviewer has not seen dealt with before. Key are the Hebrew words and meanings translated to our understanding as well as references to other books and teachings by the author and others. This book is for men, women and even teens who wish to move in to a deeper relationship with God and would be perfect for Bible study groups with the only thing missing is a study guide to make this book complete. This is one teaching that should not be missed and stay tuned as the author will continue this subject in his next book!
Sisterchicks Go Brit! Sisterchicks Series #7
Robin Jones Gunn
Multnomah Books a division of Random House Inc
12265 Oracle Boulevard Suite 200 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921
9781590527559 $12.99 www.mpbooks.com
Liz and Kelly by chance meeting or God ordained meet Opal in La-La Brew Coffee Shop which sets things in motion for Kelly to get her interior design company off the ground when Opal decides to hire her to redo her apartment. Opal wants to go back to England to visit her twin sister and drafts our midlife divas to help her get there.
Nothing about this trip goes as our ladies have planned but both women know that God has ordained and taken care of everything from a balloon ride, madcap taxi rides even accused of being a terrorist, to returning to the states with the wrong twin! Every wish of both women's hearts comes true even fulfilling Liz's crush on Big Ben. See the sights of England from Olney, Oxford to London through our midlife divas eyes.
This book is absolutely amazing this reviewer felt she was in England with Liz and Kelly having tea time at the Ritz, Windsor Castle and all the other amazing things our ladies did while there at the same time keeping you in stitches with the madcap escapades.
Author Robin Jones Gunn has done an outstanding job of bringing her characters to life. But whatever you do grasp hold of the teachings God has for our Sisterchicks for they pertain to our own lives as well!
Payback: The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor Book Four
Melody Carlson
Multnomah Books a division of Random House
12265 Oracle Boulevard Suite 200 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921
9781590529348 $12.99 www.mpbooks.com
Samantha McGregor has a gift a truly special and powerful gift from God. He gives her dreams and visions of things to happen. Most of the time it's only bits and pieces and with God's help she puts them together like pieces of a puzzle and this time is no exception.
Sam works with the local police department who accepts her gift but especially with her dad's partner Ebony. Her dad was killed in a shooting and it really hasn't been easy for her family. Her mom is dating a man that neither Sam nor her brother Zach like or trust and her brother is in rehab for meth addiction. Not everyone knows of Sam's gift just her mom, who really doesn't want to believe, Zach, Ebony and her partner Eric, her best friend Olivia and a few others at the police department.
The visions this time seem to be about a boy who is being bullied and beaten up and Sam sets out to find him to protect him. Then visions come of a shooting at a school prom and working with the police department they set out to find out which school and kids are involved and to try and stop it. As they all grow weary attending high school proms Sam's mother disappears and the truth begins to emerge of who her mother's boyfriend really is. An awful lot for a teenage girl to deal with but Sam is determined to sort it all out. Are the visions connected or separate incidents and what of her mom……..
What a totally awesome book! Author Melody Carlson has written an exceptional novel concerning just one of the gifts of the Spirit. Written for teenagers but highly recommended for adults as well. In this outstanding page turner book four and sadly the last for this series the author draws you in from the Author's Note to the section on wanting to know more about visions and dreams. Included also is a Reader's Guide as this book would be definitely be perfect for a youth teaching or book study. But whatever you do get this book into your teen's hands and read it for yourself as the God teachings are as tremendous as the story!
Cheri Clay
Reviewer
Christy's Bookshelf
The Fiery Cross
Diana Gabaldon
Bantam Dell/Random House
9780440221661 $7.99
In the fifth installment of the Outlander series, time-traveler Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser and her eighteenth century husband, Jamie, have established their homestead on Fraser's Ridge in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Grumblings among colonists against British tyranny have begun, and Jamie and Claire are resigned to the fact that the American Revolution will take place and there is nothing they can to do stop it. Although Jamie sympathizes with the colonists, his allegiance, for the time being, lies with William Tryon, Governor of North Carolina, who gave Jamie a land grant of 5000 acres in North Carolina, although Jamie is Catholic and this was forbidden at the time. When Governor Tryon appoints Jamie Colonel and asks he put down a forthcoming rebellion by the colonists (called Regulators) at Alamance, Jamie follows Highland tradition and calls together his fellow clansmen by burning a large cross, referred to as the Fiery Cross. Accompanied by Claire (acting as field surgeon) and Roger Wakefield, Jamie's son-in-law, they journey to Alamance, where a brief but brutal skirmish takes place.
This installment addresses interesting issues of the eighteenth century, including everyday mundane activities, medicinal herbs and treatments, Highland superstitions, amidst a wide array of characters, savory and otherwise, made all the more intriguing by the time period. The love story between Claire and Jamie, is, as always, in the forefront and continues forward as they age with each book. Recommended.
Charm City
Laura Lippman
William Morrow/Harper Collins
9780061210037 $19.95
In the second installment of the Tess Monaghan series, Tess, a former newspaper reporter, is working for an attorney while applying for her license as a private investigator. After business tycoon Wink Wynkowski announces he is going to bring pro basketball back to Baltimore, an article about his troubled financial situation appears in the local newspaper, the Beacon-Light. The managing editor of the Beacon-Light hires Tess to find out who placed this article in the paper, since it was rejected until sources could be confirmed. But before Tess can fully investigate, Wynkowski is found in his garage, dead of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is attributed to suicide. When the reporter Tess suspects planted the story is found dead, also ruled as a suicide, Tess becomes convinced the two have been murdered and extends her investigation further to find out who is behind these deaths.
Charm City was initially released as a paperback by Avon Books in 1997, followed by the hardback edition by William Morrow in 2007. As a reviewer who has read and reviewed and enjoyed later books in the Tess Monaghan series, this was a somewhat disappointing read. The plot is slow and laboring, and Tess does not come across as a very likeable person. She seems immature and irritable and at odds with what to do with her life. Tess's best friend Whitney Talbot is superficial and annoying. Tess's boyfriend Crow adds much-needed warmth, but the saving grace is Esskay, the greyhound Tess's uncle adopted, who ends up under Tess's somewhat negligent, resentful care. As with each book, Lippman's love for Baltimore shines through via her visual descriptions and narrative.
Sunset Express
Robert Crais
Hyperion
0786860960 $21.95
Wealthy entrepreneur Teddy Martin is accused of murdering his estranged wife, but Martin's defense attorney, Jonathan Green, is alleging the arresting officer, Angela Rossi, planted evidence against his client. Green hires private investigator Elvis Cole to check into Rossi's background concerning another case in which she was accused of planting evidence, as well as the present one. Cole's investigation clears Rossi, yet Green announces to the media that Cole has cleared his client of the wrongful death of his wife. This puts Cole on the defensive and he begins to look into the attorneys surrounding Martin and their suspicious undertakings, all under the guise of proving their client innocent.
The Elvis Cole books are good reading, some better than others. This is one of the more mundane of the series, with a mystery that's pretty simple to resolve, amidst commentary on the LA police department and their efforts to get past unsavory events. Cole is involved with Louisiana attorney Lucy Chenier, who seems distant and less involved in the relationship than Cole. All in all, a good read.
Christy Tillery French
Reviewer
Daniel's Bookshelf
A Revolution In Arms
Joseph G. Bilby
Westholme Publishing, LLC
Eight Harvey Avenue, Yardley Pennsylvania 19067-2064
9781594160172 $26.00 www.westholmepublishing.com 1-800-621-2736
I am an avid reader of other magazines and columns of the Civil War period, and I am familiar with Joseph G. Bilby. He wrote a column in the Civil War News entitled "Black Powder, White Smoke."Bilby also has written some excellent articles pertaining to firearms and referencing them by the use of his books, and other articles in North and South Magazine. It dealt with firearms and shooting, so in this book he delves in a comprehensive work on repeating rifles. The book covers the story of breech-loading to repeating rifles. He concentrates on the development of them, and a great amount of detail on their history and events that led to the first repeating weapons firing a self-contained cartridge.
Bilby's beginning chapter explores the history of the ultimate weapon search by man. He traces the most primitive stone-throwing sling, through spears, the bow and arrow and last a projectile propelled by gunpowder. The mechanics of the matchlock, flintlock and percussion systems are explained in order to set the background for the desire to create a firearm that would fire faster and would be loaded from the breech. Bilby's chapter on Christopher Spencer and his breechloader with a self-contained cartridge is important to the story of repeating guns. There is a wealth of information in the development of the cartridge and the marketing of carbine and rifle versions to both the Army and the Navy. Bilby concentrates on the Henry and the Spencer, but first spends a great amount of detail on the history, that led to the first repeating weapons. Bilby covers the history and weapons discoveries and developments on Samuel Colt and Christopher Spencer. His study leads us through the early work of Benjamin Tyler Henry and Oliver Winchester. Later on, with the advent of the Civil War, the success and massive sales of Henry rifles seemed assured. Bilby's last chapter covers the use of rifles/carbines in the final months of the Civil War. What happened to the military repeater to the military repeater in the postwar Army.
A Revolution In Arms well-written and researched. The story line progresses in an understandable way for the those unfamiliar with the subject. There are extensive notes and an excellent bibliography. The book covers photos of weapons and personalities associated with the Spencer and Henry, several maps, a photo and sketch of the Blakeslee cartridge box, patent drawings of the Spencer and Henry, and ammunition examples. This book has interest whether you are a military historian, cavalry enthusiast, arms collector shooter or interested in the technology of the Civil War. I found how important the use and development of firearms covered in this book did help end the Civil War sooner, and created a more highly effective cavalry arm.
Small Arms At Gettysburg: Infantry and Cavalry Weapons In America's Greatest Battle
Joseph G. Bilby
Westholme Publishing, LLC
Eight Harvey Avenue, Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067-3064
9781594160547 $29.95 www.westholmepublishing.com 1-800-621-2736
I found that after reading the fine general history of the repeating rifle in his earlier well-disciplined work on firearms, A Revolution In Arms, I was prepared to understand and enjoy Joseph Bilby's new unique book. The book studies the small arms used in the Battle of Gettysburg in great detail for the three day battle. He analyzes the firearm and other individual soldier weapons. The battle was a watershed with military weapons technologies representing past, present, and future sabers, smoothbore rifles, and breechloaders in action alongside each other. This provided an unique opportunity to compare performance and use, as well as determine how particular weapons and their deployment affected the outcome and course of the battle. The small arms included, muskets, rifle muskets, carbines, repeaters, sharpshooter arms, revolvers, and swords. It provided a detailed examination of their history and development, technology, capabilities and use on the field of Gettysburg. One learns that the smoothbore musket, although beloved by those who carried it, sang its swan song. The rifle musket began to come into its own, and the repeating rifle, although tactically mishandled, gave a glimpse of future promise. This is the story of the weapons and men who carries them into battle during the early days of July 1863.
Joseph G. Bilby examines the numerous types of firearms used by both the Union and Confederate armies at Gettysburg. Cavalry as well as infantry the development history of these weapons is covered, as well as how they were actually used on the battlefield. The most space is devoted to the rifle muskets.( be that they were the most common shoulder arms used at Gettysburg) The smoothbore musket, and breech loading rifles, carbines, revolvers are also described.
I found it interesting the author's detailed discussion on "buck and ball" ammunition This was commonly used in smoothbores and is given its due attention for the first time. The entire writing is vivid, and informative for a serious student of the Civil War or those wanting to learn more about the weapons technology history of this war. This book is definitely a good reference book to have on your bookshelf.
Daniel Allen
Reviewer
Debra's Bookshelf
Born Standing Up
Steve Martin
Scribner
9781416553649 $25.00
In his autobiography Born Standing Up, Steve Martin sets out to explain, as he puts it, "why I did stand-up and why I walked away." The result is a history of his career, from selling guidebooks at Disneyland when he was ten through his decade and a half as a struggling magician turned comic to, finally, the years of meteoric success on which he abruptly turned his back in 1981. Martin explains his philosophy of comedy and describes the development of his act, profiling the various colleagues and acquaintances who influenced him along the way. In one chapter he provides what amounts to a thumbnail history of comedy in 1960s America.
The chapters focusing on Martin's career, if the raison d'etre for the book, are less interesting than those in which the author unpacks his less than idyllic home life as a child. In a passage that must have been difficult to write he describes the incident which led him to resolve, at roughly age nine, that thenceforth "only the most formal relationship would exist between my father and me...." This too, Martin suggests, was a sort of preparation for his career:
"I have heard it said that a complicated childhood can lead to a life in the arts. I tell you this story of my father and me to let you know that I am qualified to be a comedian."
Most of Martin's book has to do with his hungrier years. But these led eventually to a four-year period during which he was at the pinnacle of success, playing to audiences of thirty and forty thousand. As he describes it, his act in fact suffered because of the size of the crowds:
"The act was shifting into automatic. The choreography was in place, and all I had to do was fulfill it. I was performing a litany of immediate old favorites, and the laughs, rather than being the result of spontaneous combustion, now seemed to roll in like waves created far out at sea."
Martin's popularity led to his increased isolation and depression.
"Though the audiences continued to grow, I experienced a concomitant depression caused by exhaustion, isolation, and creative ennui. As I was too famous to go outdoors without a discomforting hoopla, my romantic interludes ceased because I no longer had normal access to civilized life. The hour and a half I spent performing was still fun, but there were no band members, no others onstage, and after the show, I took a solitary ride back to the hotel, where I was speedily escorted by security across the lobby. A key went in a door, and boom: the blunt interior of a hotel room. Nowhere to look but inward."
Celebrity means that normal interaction is no longer possible. It's not hard at all to see why he walked away.
Born Standing Up is a quick read. There are occasional witty turns of phrase in the book, but it is not funny per se, and it in fact borders on being dry in Martin's recitations of the people and places that studded his early career. Martin's forays into his person life make for good reading, but one is left wishing the author had spilled a little more of himself on the page.
No Time For Goodbye
Linwood Barclay
Bantam Book
9780553805550 $22.00
Cynthia Bigge woke up one day when she was fourteen years old to find her mother, father, and brother gone. No note. No sign of struggle. No explanation. The police investigation into their disappearance was inconclusive. Cynthia wound up living with an aunt, her mother's sister, and managed somehow to get on with her life. Twenty-five years later, Cynthia is still haunted by what happened, and when a crime-stopper program runs a segment on the cold case, she finds herself thinking about her family's disappearance more than ever. Were they in fact all killed that night? Are they still alive? Did they choose, inexplicably, to abandon her? We watch Cynthia struggle with her past through the eyes of her husband, high school teacher Terry Archer. Since we're not privy to Cynthia's unexpressed thoughts we, like Terry, cannot know for sure whether she's losing her grip on reality--or if something more sinister is going on--when she tells him, for example, that a car has been following her and their eight- year-old daughter, or when she claims to have received a menacing phone call when alone in the house.
Linwood Barclay does a good job of sowing doubts about Cynthia's sanity--and about her culpability in her family's disappearance--but she's not the only one readers have to worry about. For most of Barclay's book we don't know whom to trust. This is not a story that scares with gore and firepower, yet it's one of the most frightening and suspenseful books I can remember reading. In part this may be a function of the ostensible ordinariness of the characters' lives. They're not secret agents or gun runners or private eyes, just middle- class suburbanites. And Cynthia didn't wake up that morning to a bloodbath, something outside of the average experience, but to an empty house--which is far more readily imagined and thus more truly frightening. Barclay also has a delicious way of casually injecting into otherwise mundane scenes small but heart-stoppingly chilling details.
In short, Barclay's thriller is the sort of book you stay up late reading--I speak from experience--both because you don't want to stop and because the prospect of turning off the light doesn't bear contemplating. It would make a great movie.
Dishwasher
Pete Jordan
Perennial
9780060896423 $13.95
In his memoir Dishwasher Pete Jordan writes about the twelve years he spent pursuing his unusual goal, to wash dishes professionally in all fifty U.S. states. Pete's quest landed him in plenty of run-of-the- mill diners and restaurants, but he also sought out unusual gigs whenever possible. He writes about dishing on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, for example, and at a commune in the Ozarks. He washed dishes for snobs at a ski resort in the Rockies, and he worked salmon season at an Alaskan cannery. He "dished kosher" at a Jewish retirement home.
Dishing was the perfect job for Pete, a sort of cheapskate slacker whose idea of the good life was a rootless, near possession-less existence. Dishwashing jobs are easy to get and easier to quit-- perfect for a guy who can't stay put in one place for more than a few months. And in most restaurants dishwashers have access to a steady stream of table scraps, which is likewise perfect for a guy who'd rather save his pennies than squander them on undefiled foodstuffs. Pete spent his dishwashing years traveling the country, crashing on friends' couches, freeganing out of the "dish tub buffet," and quitting jobs the moment--often quite literally--the urge to do so struck.
The surprising twist in Pete's story is that he became something of a celebrity. He started a zine dedicated to dishwashing, a staple-and- Xerox affair, which grew, incredibly enough, to have some ten thousand subscribers. He eventually attracted the attention of publishers, whose advances he rebuffed once he'd gotten a free meal from them, and even the producers of the Letterman show, on which he didn't quite manage to appear. It wasn't until Pete had hung up his dishrag for good that he seriously considered writing a book about dishing.
It's always interesting to learn about the inner workings of unfamiliar subcultures. Each has its own hierarchies and jargon and rules for acceptable behavior. Prior to reading Jordan's book it hadn't even occurred to me that there was a dishwashing subculture, but I'm happy to have been introduced to it. Jordan's descriptions of the process of dishwashing are interesting--I'm always fascinated to learn how people organize their work. And the characters he encounters while hopping from restaurant to restaurant can make for good reading:
"Most of my interaction at the restaurant was limited to the patriarch, the old man who paid me every week in a bizarre ritual. I'd stop by the restaurant during the afternoon lull. The old-timer would go to the register, count out some cash and then motion me to follow him into the corner of the dining room. He'd glance over his shoulder and scan the empty restaurant to make sure we weren't being watched. Satisfied that the scene was secure, he'd grab my hand, jam a clump of fives and ones into it and then force my fingers to make a fist around the dough."
But about halfway through, the book loses steam. The dishwashing- related historical snippets with which Jordan peppers his narrative are on the whole uninteresting. And the recitation of Jordan's own doings could have been pruned to make for a tighter read.
Love is so abstract. You must be attracted to the person in some way first, right? Well, Victoria Small has establishing her event planning business as number one thing to do on her list. Even though she has prayed for God to send her a soul mate she isn't holding her breath for him to come knocking on her door. In a series of 'unexpected interruptions' Victoria gets more men in her life than she ever expected.
Enter Ted Thornton, a power CEO who has his eye set on Victoria. His loveless marriage, business concerns, and inability to get Victoria to see him as more than her boss can make a man do strange things. Ted manages to get Victoria interested in several major projects at work but can he get her to overlook the fact that he's white?
Enter Mr. Gorgeous AKA Parker Brightwood, dedicated surgeon and super sexy black man. Parker is a ladies man that works his magic on the most unsuspecting females. Victoria is putty in his hands but will she allow her trust issues to put the kibosh on their relationship?
Hickman tackles some difficult issues in this chronicle of love. Be ready to ponder these issues: feelings on interracial dating, the age old debate of light vs dark African Americans, when to leave the corporate world and start your own business, and who do you trust in the workplace. It is refreshing to read a novel that discusses underlying issues with meaning. Hickman is one of the few serious writers that will bring respect back to African American literature. I look forward to reading more from this new up and coming literary star.
ACT in a Box (Cards)
Kaplan Publishing
1 Liberty Plaza, 24th floor, New York, NY 10006
9781427796691, $19.95, www.kaplanpublishing.com 1-800-223-2336
There are over 600 flashcards that provide detailed tidbits that will increase your ACT score. The cards are small enough to fit in your backpack, purse or desk drawer. The cards are colored coded according to subject and chock full of information. The Math cards have information on general math (common terms, formulas, and concepts) and math problems (sample test questions and step-by-step explanations). Reading cards contain vocabulary (detailed with word, part of speech and pronunciation with the definition, synonym and word in a sentence on the back) and word roots. The Science cards cover general science, chemistry, biology, and physics basics. The English cards review grammar basics most commonly tested, word choice, idioms, prepositions and the new optional writing tips.
If you are preparing to take the ACT exam, this would be a great investment. As an ACT prep instructor, I recommend that my students get these cards and use them everyday. Not only do they serve as excellent study tools for the ACT but great for anyone wanting to brush up on their basic education.
Shadow Living: Paintings of Grief
Deborah Slappey Pitts
Harobed House
5003 Willowbrook Drive, Columbus, GA 31909
9780978789701 $12.95 www.deborahslappeypitts.com www.christianpublishers.net
Imagine living life after the one person you love more than anything else died. Shadow Living chronicles the thoughts and intimate emotions of Deborah Slappey Pitts after the death of her soul mate and husband, Clyde. Pitts offers a detailed account of the range of emotions and how she came to acknowledge and eventually begin to live again. This inspirational story will encourage you to make the most of everyday and celebrate the small things with those you love. Pitts gives words of advice and ideas for planning for the inevitable - death.
Shadow Living is a brilliantly written narrative that offers rich description of emotions experienced by those left in the aftermath of death. The explanation of Amyloidosis disease, the recent research, and support groups serves to educate readers about the terrible disease. It is admirable how Pitts relies on God, hearing and reading of the Word, and works through grief therapy. After reading the book, I felt her pain and realize that we all experience grief differently; the important thing is that you keep trying every day. Thanks Deborah for sharing your story, you have provided a road map on how to live after death.
Where Souls Collide
Stephanie Worth
Leisure Books
9780843959703 $6.99 www.stephanieworth.com
Do you believe in psychic gifts? Is there really a spiritual realm that connects the past, present and future? Well, Navena Larimore has started to question reality as her psychic gift has awakened. The past comes back - Maxwell left her heartbroken years ago and now he is her new boss. The present - Luke is always showering Navena with gifts and even though he has asked for her hand in marriage she consistently refuses. The present also offers terrible nightmares of murder and mayhem. The future - will Maxwell believe Navena and will she open up her heart to accept his help?
Worth has masterfully written a paranormal adventure with superbly developed characters. The imagery in the descriptions will force you to stay up late reading and thinking about Navena's next move. The suspense, romance and fiery love scenes all brilliantly combine to make this one of the best paranormal romances this year. There are a few editing issues but that don't take away from the story. The twist in the storyline along with smoothness of time shifting will leave you in awe. Stephanie Worth is ready to pick up where the late Octavia Bulter left a colossal void.
All That Glitters
D. L. Sparks
Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 1615, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20773
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
9780979975743 $15.00 www.dlsparks.com or www.myspace.com/dlsparksonline
Santee Mitchell keeps coming up short. She is short on her rent, her car payment is way past due, and the love of her life gave her the short end of the stick. Santee knows that things have to change and it must happen fast. A distant friend, Monique, introduces Santee to a world of flashy clothes, fancy houses, and fine dining. The extravagant lifestyle leaves Santee's nose wide open. At first she didn't know what to think of the sexy dancing and long nights, until that first outlandish sexual experience turned her out. As she agreed to sell her soul to the devil, her money woes disappeared but her peace of mind takes a beating.
All That Glitters is a sure fire page-turner. The character development is creatively wrapped around the drama that Santee encounters. The story has twists and turns that this reader never expected which made this reader finish the book in one setting. All That Glitters has a few gangsta characters but its not what I would consider urban lit as the plot doesn't focus on the drugs, murder, or videotapes rather on the relationships that behavior changes. Sparks definitely ranks among my new favorites and is an author everyone should watch.
Passover by Design
Susie Fishbein
Mesorah Publications, Ltd.
4401 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY , 11232-4212
9781578190737, $19.95, www.artscroll.com
This cookbook is an exceptional tool for anyone wanting to update their recipes, change their table decor or wanting an understanding of this Jewish tradition. The explanations are clear and concise giving the reader a vivid picture of the rich history Passover entails. The plate presentations, "green" table decorations, and modern Passover dishes will compliment any dinner and can be used year round. The Kosher dishes are separated into several categories: appetizers, soups, salads, poultry, meat, fish/dairy, side dishes and desserts. The recipes have interesting stories, serving size, apparent instructions and thorough ingredients.
Passover by Design offers over 170 recipes and 140 photos which will make your mouth water. These dishes take the hum drum out of the Passover dinner adding sophistication and spice that will help update this wonderful tradition. I noticed that most dishes are gluten free which gives tasty food options to the millions that suffer from allergies. Even though this cookbook is 'Passover-centric' these dishes can be used year round to compliment any dinner table. Fishbein has a new fan and this reviewer can't wait to prepare steamed artichokes with two sauces, creamy peach soup, purple cabbage salad, and tomato-basil chicken. Thanks for introducing a healthier way of cooking and providing attention-grabbing insight to this Jewish holiday.
The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking
Diane K. Danielson with Lindsey Pollak
Booklocker.com, Inc.
PO Box 2399, Bangor, ME 04402-2399
9781601452535, $14.95, www.booklocker.com
The Internet provides you with a new world to networking. This guide gives you the history of online networking - starting with email, introducing e-newsletters, how to increase your Goggle presence, the 411 on social networks, basics to blogging, closing with internet forums and discussion groups. The plethora of information is presented in a fun and interesting format comparing today with the old world of Jane Austen.
The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking is a must have guide for those not familiar with what the Internet has to offer today. The humor and relevant stories will encourage you to increase your time spent online. There is also information about the Downtown Women's Club - the what, when, how, and where to set up a local club. The easy-to-read nature along with the on-going storyline will keep you entertained while you learn.
Exam Cram - ACT
Susan Ludwig, Teresa Stephens, & Paul Felstiner
Que Certification (Que Publishing)
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780789734433, $24.99, www.quepublishing.com 1-800-428-5331
This compact guide offers test taking techniques, essential math, science, English, and writing. The step-by-step procedures discussed are clear and easy to understand. The most exciting aspect of this book is the tear out cram sheet. This cram sheet has the most frequently tested material in a effective, concise and clearly explained. The Exam Alerts offer information about the test that you won't want to miss.
If you are looking for a condensed version of test prep information this is the guide for you. The explanations are written by educators with years of experience in tutoring for the ACT exam. With over 3 million copies of this book sold, I'm not the only one that believes that using this study tool will increase your score.
Million Dollar Networking
Andrea R. Nierenberg
Capital Books, Inc.
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781933102054, $19.95, www.capital-books.com 1-800-758-3756
What is the best way to grow your business, further your name recognition and meet new people all at the same time? Learn to effectively and efficiently network. Many people see networking as a burden but Nierenberg flips the script giving you motivation to get your networking on. Million Dollar Networking is packed full of useful advice, time saving tips, along with all the how to's and what for's. Even though this book is stocked in the business section, it should be read by people looking for employment, business owners, and everyday people wanting more out of life.
Million Dollar Networking is a follow-up to Nierenberg's "Nonstop Networking" but can easily be used as a stand alone and provides new information. The easy to read format, clever stories, and use-it-now ideas will increase your networking skills making you more marketable. Reading this book has provided keys to increasing my networking circle and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
Deltareviewer
Reviewer
Duncan's Bookshelf
Serpent
Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos
c/o Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas; New York, NY 10020
0671026704 $16.00
The helmsman aboard the Stockholm deliberately steers the sleek ship into the side of the Andrea Doria, just off Nantucket Sound. While she sinks, a waiter sees a team of assassins kill the guards who were hired to protect a fortune in gems and a priceless pre-Mayan artifact.
Forty five years later Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala rescue a marine archaeologist who escaped from a massacre; a research team has been killed and buried. Kurt and Joe, another of the NUMA teams, set out to stop a Texas industrialist (Halcon) who kills people to prevent the discovery that the Phoenicians were first, and not Columbus. Halcon has a master plan to lead Latinos in a rebellion to carve out a new nation from the southwest U.S. and Mexico.
Kurt and Joe foil Halcon's plan and recover the artifact from deep inside the Andrea Doria .
Cussler and Kemprecos have given us a pair of heroes for the new century in an adventure novel with lots of thrills. If you like action and heroes who struggle against evil men and the occasional flirtatious scene with a curvaceous female archaeologist, then you will enjoy the adventure with Cussler's new heroes, Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala.
Trojan Odyssey
Clive Cussler
G.P. Putnam's Sons
375 Hudson St. New York, NY 10014
0399150803 $27.95
An intriguing change. Our heroes Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino are older, grayer and 'thinking' about retirement. The gray hair is mentioned. The lady love of Dirk's life (the Honorable Loren Smith, US House of Representatives) has minor wrinkles and crow's feet. Dirk begins to think it is time to retire from his life-risking adventures.
Dirk's son and daughter (Dirk Jr. and Summer Pitt) are trapped in a NUMA sea-bottom laboratory when a horrendous hurricane scours the Caribbean Sea, with no escape and running low on oxygen. Dirk and Al (meanwhile) are risking their lives to haul a cable out to a NUMA tug that pulls a floating hotel off rocky shores that could demolish the hotel and kill a thousand persons. Dirk Jr. and Summer in their NUMA lab are shoved into a crevice; the airlock is jammed against a rock wall.
Adventure leads to adventure. Dirk and Al investigate a brown muck that is killing the sea, east of Nicaragua. They find a cabal of aggressive women who practice and dress as Druids and discover an evil plan to change the Atlantic currents and bring perpetual winter to Europe and the East Coast (U.S.).
They are still our heroes, making sharp barbs and insults while risking their lives to save imprisoned scientists. The humor was familiar; the adventure was tingling. Fans of our 'old' hero are treated to a especially poignant scene when Dirk decides to change his life style (that's a hint). You will truly love what our brave, naive hero does (it involves Loren). Alright, no more hints. Read the book. You will love the adventure.
Marty Duncan
Reviewer
Gary's Bookshelf
The Year Of Disappearances
Susan Hubbard
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781416552710 $22.95 www.susanhubbard.com www.simonsays.com
For years I've reviewed Hubbard's different works. She began with several short story collections then wrote two novels in the romance genre and now her second weird horror novel is a chilling addition to the realm of vampire tales. Her character of Ariella Montero is fascinating because like any other teenager she is searching for her own self image but hers is more complicated because she is half human and half vampire. She does not fit in with humans or vampires. Her life is a search for where she belongs. Hubbard also adds to the mix friends of Montero who disappear mysteriously. There are zombies, demons and vampires in a chilling novel that changes a person concept of the vampire story. The writing is dark and sinister and the novel moves along at a brisk pace to its final revealing ending. Hubbard is a master weaver of a chilling tale.
Solving The Migraine Puzzle
Judith E. Chiostri and L. Brooke Dubick
C and D Solutions
6448 Mellow Wine Way, Columbia MD 21044
9780977287604 $27.95 www.StopMigraineNow.com
12 percent of the population suffers from migraines. Women are three times more likely to endure migraines than men. The authors tell that there are four types of migraines, what triggers, and ways to prevent them, foods that activate them, foods to prevent them, medications that work and side effects. One nice thing though is that most of the book tells a lot about foods and they even have plenty of recipes that sound delicious. Now in a 2nd edition this is a book that should be the bible for anyone who suffers from migraines.
Sundays At Tiffany's
James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9780316014779 $24.99 www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com
Nope, it has nothing to do with "Breakfast at Tiffany's." It's more like the Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan movie "City of Angels" The premise is very similar but there is nothing wrong with that. Here the story is Jane Margaux, a young girl with an imaginary friend named Michael. She is the only one who can see him. At the age of nine he leaves her. Years later when she is an adult he re-enters her life. This time everyone can see him and he begins to become human. The characters are interesting and the story moves along to its surprising ending. There are many twists and turns along the way that makes this a very delightful read.
Stranded Stories From The Edge of Infinity
Kimberly Raiser
Outskirts Press Inc
Denver, Colorado
9781432706012 $11.95 www.outskirtspress.com
The short story is hard enough to write. Even more difficult is the short short story. Raiser is a master of both types as evidenced in "Stranded." There are generous doses of tales of sf, fantasy, and horror. Her writings have appeared all over the Internet. This is the first time they have appeared together in one collection. Some of the pieces are dark and sinister while others are very funny. Many of them are in the realm of the "Twilight Zone."
Things are different in Florida and David Brookover shows why. A kidnapper in the small town of Gator Creek, Florida is terrorizing women. The evidence leads to the small island of Demon Key. What is found on the island is even more sinister than a kidnapper. The style of writing is much like James Patterson with its short chapters and fast pacing. The characters are realistic with dialogue that crackles and a story that is just weird.
My Life Is A Joke! And The Joke Is On Me!
Rob Bob
Outskirts Press Inc
Denver, Colorado
9781432705855 $12.95 www.bandofpeace.com www.outskirtspress.com
So many times we get jokes in e-mails from all over the place many of them are funny and make us laugh out loud. Author Rob Bob used many of them to tell his characters' life story. The book is a fast paced read of a person who has lived his life though many jokes. The writing will have readers laughing out loud at how silly many of the situations are. The beginning starts with the character remembering his birth then gets funnier and funnier. Rob Bob has a great gimmick.
Alfie's Bark Mitzvah
Shari Cohen
Songs by Cantor Marcelo Gindlin
Illustrations by Nadia Komorova
Little Five Star
c/o Five Star Publications
P O Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246-6698
9781589850552 $18.00 www.AlfiesBarkMitzvah.com
You don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this wonderful kid's book. When I first saw "Alfie's Bark Mitzvah" .I thought, that's cool a dog who has a bark mitzvah (a play on words for bar mitzvah.) After reading the book I was amazed how Shari Cohen Marcelo Gindlin and Nadia Romorova combined their talents to tell the story of a puppy who becomes a dog at his bark mitzvah ceremony in the Jewish temple. What they all show is that the ceremony of a bar mitzvah is a joyous occasion for family members and friends to celebrate the happy event together.
Blood Redemption
A.H. Holt
Thomas Bouregy & Co Inc
160 East Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780803498907 $21.95 www.aholt.com www.avalonbooks.com
Westerns have always been fun reading and this is a very good one. Holt mixes in historical fact with a character driven story that races along to its very satisfying ending. The story begins with a horse race. After the race the two bitter enemies, Red Thornton and Wes Lane get into an argument in a bar. The barkeep is shot and killed and Red is accused and tried for the murder. He is innocent but serves his time. When he gets out things in the town have changed drastically. He has his work cut out for him. The book is fun reading and unlike "Deadwood" the characters are believable. Holt is a very good storyteller, and this one shows why.
Club Shattered
PZ Hopkins
Stoney Street Press Inc
13799 Park Blvd # 162, St. Petersburg Beach, Fl 33706
9780977983902 $14.00 www.PzPower.com
At first glance of the authors picture on the back cover many would say how could anyone that looks that good have any problem in a relationship? First of all, looks are not everything. Second, it takes two people to make it work. So often only one of the people is committing himself/herself to the liaison. Unlike other books in this field that are written by therapists who have elaborate solutions, PZ Hopkins gives a first person account of her own situation that strengthens her advice because she has already been there. She gives women step-by-step information to follow to move forward in their lives.
Knowing Joseph
Judith Mammay
Blooming Tree Press
P.O. Box140934, Austin TX 78714
9781933831053 $13.95 www.bloomingtreepress.com
Everyday TV news and newspapers have stories about autism. "Knowing Joseph " deals with someone who is autistic. This novel is being published at a perfect time when the public is becoming more aware of this condition. At the beginning of the book Brian is bothered that his younger brother Joseph is not like other normal kids. It takes friends of his to teach him that Joseph is not that unusual and to accept him the way he is. The characters are believable and the story moves along to its educational ending. This would make a very good movie.
Gary Roen
Reviewer
Gloria's Bookshelf
Slip of the Knife
Denise Mina
Little, Brown
c/o Hachette Book Group USA
237 Park Ave., NY, NY 10169
9780316015585 $24.99, www.HachetteBookGroupUSA.com 1-800-759-0190
Denise Mina's newest book opens with the shocking murder of Terry Hewitt, former boyfriend of her protagonist, Paddy Meehan. They had known each other since they were both in their teens, eleven years ago, but it had been six months since they had seen each other. Paddy is now 27, and has graduated from her lowly position at the Daily News to her present celebrity status with a regular column of her own, in addition to being a published author. Terry, in turn, had just signed a book deal of his own, and Paddy is told by the police that his killing "had all the hallmarks of an IRA hit…his body found stripped naked in a ditch, single shot to the head." He had been a journalist as well, later "went to war zones, conflict zones, did hard reporting on a world stage…the last of a dying breed…had witnessed corruption and brutality, women raped and murdered, children mutilated, whole villages put to the torch…a fifteen-year-old Angolan boy, shot between the eyes right in front of him." But in the moments before he is killed, after thinking that he "had been arrested in Chile, seen a woman necklaced in Soweto, stood on the edge of a riot in Port-au-Prince," he has no idea why he is about to be murdered on a road on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland.
In many respects Paddy has changed little over the years since she first appeared in Ms. Mina's books, of which this is the third: She still hates her appearance, believing she is too fat; still feels she has to prove herself to the misogynistic men around her; though she attends Mass, she still rebels against her family's Catholicism - her sister is a nun, "wasn't even prepared to take communion and had had a child out of wedlock," a son, Pete, now nearly six years old, who she adores. When she is told by the police that Terry had listed her as his next of kin, with her new address that she didn't even realize he had known, she has no choice. When the effects of that investigation threaten not only Paddy but her son as well, the stakes are raised all the way around.
A parallel story line deals with the release after nine years in prison of young Callum Ogilvy, who with another boy had been found guilty of the brutal murder of a toddler, following Paddy's investigation - she had been engaged to Callum's cousin, Sean - described in an earlier book.
Ms. Mina's descriptions conjure up her characters precisely, e.g., someone's wife is "blond, tall, and so thin she could have opened letters with her chin;" in a photo she sees "a woman of eighty, arms crossed, grinning, the folds in her skin deep enough to lose change in;" and, of her editor: "Nature, time and his temperament had conspired to perfect McVie's glower. His face and posture fitted around misery as neatly as cellophane over a cup." The author maintains an undercurrent of menace. Paddy is a gutsy, slightly vulgar and very human protagonist, the characters and the setting very well drawn, the writing and the story taut with a hold-your-breath quality. Highly recommended.
L. A. Outlaws
T. Jefferson Parker
Dutton
c/o The Penguin Group
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
9780525950554 $25.95, www.penguin.com 1-800-847-5515
LA Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Hood has just made detective, a temporary assignment after he was first on the scene of a horrendous crime scene: ten men shot dead inside an auto body shop, apparently members of opposing street gangs, although one 'civilian' is dead at the scene as well, a diamond merchant there to hand over nearly half a million dollars worth of diamonds to repay a large gambling debt. Charlie is included in the squad organized to investigate the murders. He is 28 years old, former NCIS, and filters everything through his experiences in Anbar province.
Another prominent player in this tale is Lupercio, a Salvadoran killer known as 'the lone wolf" who, by the way, walks around with a machete strapped to his leg. The two men's lives cross when they both become focused, to the near exclusion of all else, on Suzanne Jones, 32, a beautiful LA history teacher who, in her other life, is self-styled Allison Murrieta - she is a direct descendant of a real-life infamous outlaw, Joaquin Murrieta, who was shot and beheaded in 1853. Among other things, over an eighteen-month period and wearing a mask and a wig, she has committed 34 armed robberies of various retail businesses, mostly fast-food chain stores, and stolen a couple of dozen high-end cars for sale on the illegal foreign market, literally leaving behind a calling card each time. Since she donates large amounts of money to various charities, she is known variously as Robin Hood, Bonnie Parker, or, as one cop says, "a delusionary babe with a death wish."
Thanks to the ubiquity of security, video and cell phone cameras, Allison's exploits have been shown on tv and in the newspapers. Charlie Hood meets Allison just after she has left the scene of the murders, where she came upon the gory scene after hoping to make off with the diamonds - which she does - having known of the planned meeting. He shortly suspects her dual identity. Lupercio, on the other hand, has been ordered to find her and gain possession of the diamonds. When he sees her, he wonders "why anyone with such beauty would choose to be a criminal." A valid question indeed. But she does know a helluva lot about expensive cars, stealing them often, since she gets "bored after five days of just about any car."
Allison is an original and obviously over-the-top creation. She has three sons, a baby and a ten- and nineteen-year-old, all by different men, and is presently living with the father of the youngest. She has become a local folk hero. Charlie thinks "Allison Murrieta was just brazen enough to think she could lift diamonds from gangsters and live to tell about it, as if the underworld was just another fast-food joint and all she needed to conquer it was an attitude and a gun." Charlie becomes obsessed with her, and the results are not good. But they make for an exciting and suspenseful read. This book is a bit of a change for Mr. Parker, being less grounded in reality than his previous novels, but no less well-written, and is recommended.
Shades of Blue
Bill Moody
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9781590584859 $24.95 www.poisonedpenpress.com 1-800-421-3976
Bill Moody's fourth Evan Horne book is a welcome return of this series. Evan, a jazz pianist who has been living and working in London and Amsterdam, has returned to the US and settled down in San Francisco. When he receives a call from an attorney in LA telling him that his mentor of many years ago, a pianist named Calvin Hughes, has died and named Evan as his sole beneficiary, the world as he knows it is turned upside down.
Evan travels to LA and, among Hughes' things, discovers evidence that, incredibly, Hughes might be his father. [As far as he knew, Cal had never been married and, further, Evan's mother and father are alive and well and living in Boston.] Also unearthed are some sheets of music, in Hughes' writing, that Evan recognizes as famed old jazz pieces ostensibly written by the late and great Miles Davis, that were included in two legendary old jazz albums. Is it possible that Hughes was the actual composer? Either one of these mysteries would be daunting enough to solve; Evan must attempt to get to the bottom of both. He turns for assistance to his girlfriend, an FBI agent, though he vaguely fears she has some knowledge she is not sharing with him.
The sense of place is strong of both NYC and California, and I especially enjoyed the description of the small town on the Russian River in northern California where Evan lives. The author, himself a skilled jazz musician with an impressive background, brings to life the vibrancy of this music and its practitioners, and a knowledge of the history of the music and the musicians isn't at all necessary to thoroughly enjoy his writing, although it is certainly makes it that much more wonderful. As good as the story is, what makes it so special is the entree it provides into the world of jazz music. The articulation of what a jazz musician, or indeed probably any musician, has in his head as he listens to, or creates, great music is absolutely elegant. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it is recommended. I was delighted to see that Poisoned Pen Press has published this new Evan Horne book, and hope it portends more of the same in the future.
Burn Zone
James O. Born
G. P. Putnam's Sons
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
9780399154546 $25.95 www.penguin.com 1-800-847-5515
This novel is the second in the series featuring Alex Duarte, ATF agent living and working in Florida. Alex, whose family is from Paraguay, is now nearly thirty years old, and seems to have commitment issues. His nickname is Rocket, because of his focus and drive; he believes "once you hit your stride, you never let up." He is called in by his friend, DEA agent Felix Baez, working out of the agency's headquarters in West Palm Beach, to assist in the attempt to shut down a smuggling operation run by a mysterious Panamanian named Ortiz--guns and drugs seem to be involved, thereby bringing it under Duarte's jurisdiction as well. With the informal help of his girlfriend, a crime scene tech [or 'forensic scientist' as he prefers to think of her], Alex joins the hunt for this infamous and slippery criminal.
The ensuing investigation pits them up not only smugglers, but a white supremacist group intent on "changing America." The man called Ortiz is seen to be a sadistic brute, but sadism is the least of his failings. A helluva combination, as it turns out.
This is a thriller which doubtless will be enjoyed by many. This reader was disappointed, however: Having enjoyed Field of Fire, I expected more from its successor novel in the series. The identity of the alter egos of the two 'bad buys' was apparent to me early on, which might have been intentional on the part of the author, perhaps to heighten the suspense - if that was the purpose, it didn't work, at least not for me. The book began with a great opening line, addressed to Alex by his ATF partner: "You ever think we should write some of this b***s*** down and put it in a book?" With the author's background, it just may have originated that way, and while I am sure the scenarios laid out are possible, this thriller just didn't hold up for me. I found the characters almost caricatures and the whole not nearly as well written as the prior entry in the series. That said, I would probably read the next chapter in Alex Duarte's life, in the hope that it will come up to the level seen in Field of Fire.
The Granite Ridge Initiative
Karl Vincent
Citation Press
P.O. Box 818, Bromley G London, BR1 9AG, U.K., 01959 573360
9780955123801 6.99 Brit. pounds www.cp
