tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18213363556841194132024-02-19T04:16:29.361-05:00Reviews, endorsements, online and onair interview, short and lengthy reviews, back cover quotesThis blog is for book reviews that I feel are noteworthy and written by authors that I have eithered interviewed on my radio show or whose books really are outstanding. If you are an author and need a review let me know. Leave me your email address and I will get back to you with the information required.Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-68151908539580295282017-09-02T18:46:00.002-04:002017-09-02T18:46:57.447-04:00Names of the Dead
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Perpetua;
panose-1:2 2 5 2 6 4 1 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Header Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-link:"Footer Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.HeaderChar
{mso-style-name:"Header Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Header;
mso-ansi-font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.FooterChar
{mso-style-name:"Footer Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:Footer;
mso-ansi-font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.6in 1.8in 1.6in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Names of
the Dead Girls: Eric Rickstad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Someone is
watching you but you cannot see or hear the person. Someone wants to end your
life because of something your father did to him. Someone attacked you and you
have never been able to deal with it and now that someone is no longer is
prison and you think he is coming back for you. This man is responsible for
killing your parents long ago and now that your uncle some harsh truths are
about to come out since your uncle has adopted you, your father, tried to hide
and protect you from the horrific truth. But, this man is not finished yet and
more girls will pay the price, as the list of the names of the dead girls will
vastly grow before we hope this person is stopped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ned Preacher
is a serial rapist and murderer who has now been released from prison after
serving a light sentence. He is taunting and threatening Rachel Rath the young
girl in question whose parents were brutally murdered but girls will go missing
and one woman named Dana Clark has made his list as former Detective Frank Rath
and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Detective
Sonja Test must form a strategy to take down a killer but is he the only one?
Dana Clark is heading for her daughter’s house when someone seems to be
following her in an SUV. Calling her daughter alerting her to the danger hoping
she will get her help but the call terminates as Dana claims she’s okay so why
doesn’t she arrive at the daughter’s home? Where is Dana Clark? <br />
Frank Rath does not want to go back to his former position but the Chief of
Police gives him no choice and in order to protect his daughter he is going to
have to pull out all of the stops and use the resources available to him when
another victim is found. Rachel in the mean time is using Google to search for
Ned Preacher and views him being led into the courtroom in shackles. The
expression on his face allows readers by the vivid description provided by the
author letting us know he is taunting those in the courtroom and practically
shouting out: I DID IT! SO WHAT! SHE HAD IT COMING! THEY ALL HAD IT COMING!<br />
Afraid to be alone yet not wanting to be held captive in her old room she and
her boyfriend Felix begin to feel trapped and Rachel is going to do something
about it and the first step is to learn more about the stabbing of her parents
and the next will surprise readers. Rachel viewed the murder photos and the
back-story about Preacher and what he did in 1989 to a young 12-year-old girl.
The description is graphic and the end result is more than horrific. But, why
did they say he would profit from behavior modification? On page 100 understand
why she was fuming, what he did to her parents and the meaning of the knife.
Barrons was the person in charge as the reason she received the files is that
Test sent them to her. There were several murders and one called in by a boy
and his father who even took pictures of the dead body so they would be
believed. But, the questioning was extensive and at times you begin to think
that everyone is a suspect in these murders. Abby Land is in prison and she is
either naïve, stupid, gullible or al three. Held in the prison’s Administrative
Segregation area for her safety. When you hear her voice you’ll understand why.
Abby killed Mandy Wilkes. Rath questioning her reveals it might have been over
Luke Montgomery and the way Mandy looked at him. Jealous rage! Jamie Drake was
found hanged and you could tell the killer tortured her slowly but Abby just
looked as if she was drifting into another world. Her mannerisms were odd and
her reaction even stranger. Thinking she was going to get out I two years was a
lie she believed thinking that she would never do hard time. But, in two years
it would change when she reached 18 and would be tried as an adult. Even with
her lawyer explaining it to her she seemed spaced out and kept thinking it was
a lie. Reality never really sets in until the final reveal when she explains
her actions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rehashing the
murders and speaking with Luke Montgomery they inform him about he murder of
Mandy Wilks and that Abby Land killed her. But, his behavior was odd and the
responses not quite what you would expect and his description of Abby right on
target but he did not think Mandy was killed because of him. But, while
speaking to him a startling revelation was revealed that Mandy and Jamie’s
murders were connected and but he claims he did not know either girl. Was that
true? <br />
A phone call from a retired inspector from Canada takes the murders across the
border as Rochelle Beauchamp and Vanessa Lancaume’s murders come to light and
Rath shares his findings and files about Jamie this man once he realizes he’s
legitimate. Page 234 reveals information about the hanging of the murder
victims in both countries and something that was told to CTV Montreal about the
body found in the Richelieu River. But, the reports came at the same time on
CTV television. The murders go back to 1991 and the killers might be the same
so what it Preacher in both places?<br />
Pages 252- 255 will enlighten readers even further as we learn some information
from the lab, the tests, the fingerprints and how they were received and what
Inspector Hubert reveals about Lucille Forte another victim and the fact that
each victim was from a well to do family but how do they all link together as
Rath enlists the help of a former cop named Grout. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Learning there
are other victims from the 1990’s will set in motion events that will change it
all as he reads the lists from the Double Black Diamond Resort, the sign-ups
for the acting auditions and there is the link to the victims and what they
have in common but why kill them? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A simple item
will change it all as something from the auditions and the place where they
took place links them even more. Mandy Wilks: Notepad: no one puts her at the
DBD: killed by Abby Land. Abby attended the auditions at the resort on Oct 12
and killed Mandy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jamie Drake
was also there and attended the audition found tortured, murdered by hanging.
Killer?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Did Ned
Preacher do it or Luke Montgomery? Boyd Pratt III was there too for an adoption
of a baby girl. Not a suspect in the murders</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke has no
connection to the DBD. He is Land’s motive for killing Mandy. But, this proved
nothing until something happens and you won't believe the revelation as Rath
was following and stalking Preacher at the time of one of the murders. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who was stalking
Rachel and why did this man appear out of nowhere? Why didn’t some red flags
rise? What happens the next time he is there and why does he offer her a ride?
But a situation lends itself that she needs a ride and what happens would place
her in dire danger. Her father and Felix warned her against being anywhere
alone and not heeding their warning might bring the murderer front and center.
Throughout the investigation Sonja is dealing with her husband Claude who wants
to take a post as a visiting artist and perhaps a permanent position but she
cannot focus on this and when she finally does what will her response be to
both situations?<br />
Someone was behind the murders and someone was controlling Abby Land but who
and how does this relate to what happens to Rachel? Rachel is in danger can she
get away from this dangerous person before it’s too late. Texts do not go
through but there is someone who would change it all as Preacher opens the
door, has no idea what will happen next and the truth behind something else is
revealed? Where is Dana Clark? Who controlled Abby and why did she say I did it
for him? Rath has always been on the straight and narrow, honest to almost a
fault so when you learn the truth about who the real killer is, what really
happened to Dana Clark and the startling revelation at the end you the reader
decide who is guilty and who is not!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Perpetua; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lies,
betrayals, deceits, cover-ups, revenge, survival and one young girl named
Rachel that even resorted to buying a gun and learning to use it protect herself
from a deadly killer. The ending brings into question whether the story will
stop right there or will Rath decide to take it one step further. When you read
the last page you decide as author Eric Rickstad created a
mystery/psychological/thriller far surpassing so many others that I have
reviewed. Frank Rath is a solid character that takes on a case or task and is
relentless and will stop at nothing to get to the truth, as does his daughter
who works along side of him helping with his cases. What’s next for Rath and
hopefully Test too? Only this great author knows that for sure. Heart stopping,
suspense filled and a twist at the end that will make you heart beat faster
hoping that the final tally will be an end to the list of the NAMES OF THE DEAD
GIRLS. Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-87264992230994200272017-09-02T18:45:00.000-04:002017-09-02T18:45:22.608-04:00RELOAD : DAVID MC Caleb<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.4in 1.0in 1.3in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Red Harmon just wants to live his
life with his family without looking over his shoulder. Someone is after him or
maybe his wife, Lori too as the first scenes in the book are filled with
violence, attacks, tension and an enemy that remains elusive is stalking Red
Harmon and his family. As you get the meet him and understand his job as the
covert leader of a group called DET, Red has yet to uncover a counterfeit plot
that spans the snow-covered mountains and ravines of North Korea. <br />
Lori his wife for all outward purposes is in the finance department of
the CIA and although she seems like a typical mom living in the suburbs she is
anything but. Secrets are at the root of this novel and although Lori and Red
are married and share Intel in this case doors are closed and someone has to
unveil the truths before more lives are lost. Meet the guards, soldiers and
higher ups in North Korea and learn what they have been planning regarding our
100-dollar bill and how they plan to reproduce it and use it as currency. Meet
the Red’s team of covert operatives that are dangerous, deadly and you wonder
at times that can be trusted. When his superior finds out that he is taking on
this OP as the head of it the response is not what he expected but he forges
ahead anyway because somehow the CIA has a mole that is leaking information to
the North Koreans and at this time it’s difficult to tell if someone close to
him just might be the mole. Distrust reigns over this novel and the people Red
is supposed to trust as Carter seems to ignore what Red thinks and claims the
end result will not be in his hands and if someone close to him is dirty then
this person will be taken out. With the help of an entire team whose names were
changed to protect their identities, Ko the Korean guard who has no choice but
to help the Americans is a great character who shows initiative, loyalty and
manages to get his sister and daughter out of a dangerous and deadly prison in
order to restore our national security and safety. <br />
Lori worked on financial intelligence and terrorism funding tops the list gut
they deal with all economic espionage or anything that threatens our financial
standing. Mossad was involved but how and according to Carter he’s not worried
about them but in this case it’s hard to tell whom to trust on every side. The
author presents doubts that will linger until the very end is revealed. Red was
a military operation and not an investigator. His special ops background as
related by the author was mottled and it spans two different military branches,
which includes a stint in Force Recon, the US Marines special operations. He is
now heading the DET: Detachment 5 of Special Operations Command. It consists of
a battlefield where cooperative members share intelligence, assets, and efforts
for the common good. No single co-op owned the DET. They were a fusion cell.
Red was the commander in charge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Enter Zhang Dawe whose primary goal
it is to take down those that took his family away and his life. Watching his
father beaten and then killing his family his revenge seemed justified to take
out his uncle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The author relates that sources
indicate that North Korea has started production of an accurate US hundred
dollar bill. Over 60 percent of legit US hundreds are circulated outside of our
borders and North Korea has been a source of counterfeit currency. Imagine the
fact that these bills are so good that they get past screening and are almost
flawless. To make matters graver China provided the press and the technical
specs were leaked but Red has his mind on Lori and had not spoken to her in
several days. But, how could North Korean counterfeiting operation get through
unnoticed and she was working fintel. The ministry of intelligence is performing
a balancing act, ensuring the counterfeit flow is steady providing benefit but
not so much that it would harm Chinese interests. They feel this did not
include or have anything to do with the People’s Bank of China and are
proposing a solution. Ko now turned against his country and would be contacted
to complete a mission or his sister and daughter would be killed. Called Sangsa
he is told to not ask questions just follow orders. <br />
Marksman was sent to protect Lori and yet what happens to him was not expected
and the revelation that he is gone adds to the suspicion that Lori might be the
leak or the mole but is that true? The CIA used Marksman just like Mossad to
provide humint only. They claim he had no access to anything deeper and he sold
the Intel gathered from his experience with DET to China, North Korea and not
long ago after the DET blew up their newest ballistic missile, the KN-08 on the
test pad therefore the DET is compromised with both Korea and China.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The joint op if it succeeds is to
erase the leaks and destroy North Korea’s counterfeit capabilities at the same
time while the CIA deals with China. The DET will handle North Korea. <br />
This would be as the author relates a joint operation that would happen at the
same time. Hit all three and nothing should be left. Javeick questioned that he
was being asked to authorize an op to blow up the entire data system of China’s
Ministry of Intelligence and the response was CIA Takes those all three will be
hit by an electromagnetic pulse: an EMP erasing the data. All they want is his
approval for the DET striking North Korea’s Ministry of State Security facility
in Chongjin where the mole is supposed to make the final transactions. This
plot is multi-level and complex as we learn more about the mole being on site
and treason but who is the mole? Whether it is authorized or not they intend to
do what is necessary and the allegations against Marksman True or False? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Harmon wanted this to end because
of the numerous threats against his family and he hoped that this could be done
without any trace left behind but the ending will show you the reader. If they
eliminate China, the DET will take care of North Korea and he hoped Javick
would accept this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Information alights that someone
was ordering as Jamison reveals Marksman to shadow the asset, ensuring
protection making it appear that he was an uncover bodyguard which is why he
was at Red’s house but how was he connected to Lori? If Marksman was dirty what
about Lori? Reloading means to reload the ammunition and they certainly do in
the last few chapters as the mole is on foot, the final outcome is about to be
revealed but not before guards are eliminated, things are scatted, Mule Neck
kicked in the door when Red was about to take him down, will he succeed when coming
face to face with the enemy? Within pages 267 we hear the voice of Lanyard,
Cooley and we see a women coming out but who is it and is it Lori? Using other
names to identify those within this mission Ko is hunched below the dashboard
of his vehicle the man in charge is called Jellyfish and his threat to kill his
sister and daughter are what’s keeping Ko fixed on the operation. Chapter 35 is
crucial to the operation and Ko hoped to save his Soo Jin by making her drink
or at least eat something but the tension is heavy and the end result you will
have to learn for yourself. Jamison did more digging on Marksman laptop and
Mossad as they suspected was doing their own investigation into the
intelligence leak. Was it linked to the CIA? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
While this was happening Zhang had
to get both pallets of capacitors in place and working with a threat to his
life if he failed by the man in charge called Blue Tie. Was Blue tie linked to
the Ministry of Intelligence? An antenna had to be placed in the right spot and
specific lights has to work and light up at the right time for their plan to
work. When is it supposed to go off and if the antenna is loose or out of place
the man won’t work. Ko Chung, Zwang both in a mission for someone else and both
threatened if they fail. Ko Chung working for the Americans and Zhang for the
other side who will succeed as the violence erupts, the heart stopping ending
will keep you wondering if Red and his team and the others will survive the
oozing infections, ammonia, fecal matter and the smells of poor sanitation as
the missions come to a violent close and Ko faces off with a young guard and
hopes he will come out the winner. The ending will leave you with many
unanswered questions and wondering if Red can place his faith in his wife if
they ever connect or will the weapons be drawn again, the missions going ahead
while Red joins his teammates and once again might have RELOAD.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Characters that are tough, well
disciplined and a plot that could be ripped right out of the headlines. Will
Korea and China succeed in the plans to reproduce our 100-dollar bill? Is Lori
dirty? Only author David McCaleb knows the answer to these questions not even
Red Harmon can tell us. Great book, great suspense can’t wait to see what is
going to happen next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ
magazine </div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-18828574669336642852017-08-30T18:02:00.001-04:002017-08-30T18:03:17.293-04:00RAT PACK PARTY GIRL <style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";
panose-1:2 2 6 2 8 5 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.4in 1.0in 1.3in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Rat
Pack Party Girl: Jane McCormick with Patti Wicklund</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some
stories are told with passion, heart and feeling. Some stories need to be told
in order to enlighten the world about events that might not always be in the
headlines of a newspaper or a newscast but need to be brought to the public.
This story needs to be told and retold so that women, children, young boys and
girls, young adults become aware of the pitfalls of falling for the lies,
deceits, deceptions and unsavory behaviors of those that would prey on the
weaknesses of others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When
a young child who is innocent and wants to trust the adults that are supposed
to nurture and care for him/her and early on learns that it’s not so. What
happens when a mother turns a blind eye to what her husband is doing to her
young five year old daughter all in the name of pushing the truth aside, not
finding herself at this person’s mercy and allowing right before her eyes this
person to molest and rape her young daughter. Jane McCormick early on learned
that her stepfather Woody was one of the worst pedophiles alive. Within her own
mind as a child she began to believe that she had to resign herself to this
fate or face his wrath. So, distraught that at nine years old she attempted to
run away with her best friend Lana who decided that if Jane was scared and
upset they would find away to get away together. But, unfortunately they were
caught and brought to the police and when Jane recanted her story and told it
to the authorities they refuse to listen with open ears and she was sent home
only to endure more abuse and then seeing a psychiatrist but would this person
believe her? <br />
Moving again her mom introduced her at 14 to a boy named Allen thinking that
having a boyfriend would help her. But, sometimes the best what her mother
thought intentions turned out to be the start of Jane’s downward spiral into a
world that she would soon regret entering. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Believing
Allen and then Jim was the start of what she tried to play the innocent girl at
least for a while. But, this backfired. Friendships with Carol and Curly were
on the positive side till this day but introducing her to Bob not the best
friendship in the world. Jane fell hard and too fast for his slick lines and
his ways. Knowing that he would be away for long periods of time in the service
did not faze her but his behavior and his at times callous treatment of her
should have been a serious red flag. But, what happened next is serious as Jane
was raped and prayed that her child would be alive and live. Her legs bruised her
life upside down feeling all alone. Mae, Bob’s mother claimed she did not know
where he is and turning to anyone else was out of the question. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Tyler
the pimp came next and when Jane got an eviction notice taped to her door owing
two months rent she had no choice but to call Bob’s mother Mae to care for her
two daughters while she waited for the divorce to become final. Using her to
make money and whoring her out was her first step into the world of
prostitution. Feeling used, dirty and degraded played in the back of her mind
as she realized that she was making tons of cash and hoped it would help get
her girls back. Men wanted her and working in a bar was the start until the
owner learned she was not of age. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Here
is where her life changes even more as she enters the world of Las Vegas the
nightlife and slot machines. Her luck was amazing at the slots and even at the
tables where some of her johns enjoyed giving her money hoping she would be
lucky for them and even for herself. But, becoming pregnant was a disaster and
the end result you have to read for yourself, as it will warn others what
happens when you do not go to a reputable doctor to take care of your abortion.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Then
reality sets in when she has to go for custody of her girls and does not get
it. Left with no money and Tyler leaving her things were about to take on a
different turn as she becomes involved with some high rollers and famous
people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Joe
E Lewis, Vic Damone, and many others as she rolls the dice and wins. Flamingo
Lounge more parties, going up to Joey Lewis’s room and earning money sets the
tone for many years to come. Going to the Candlelight Room with Damone but when
he learned more about what she does to make money he dropped her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Frank
Sinatra became one of her regulars and he treated her like a real queen. Money
poured in and many types of soirees in his room along with several other women
at one time. Jane soared in this area as she became proficient at please more
than one man at a time. Sammy David Jr., Joey Bishop, Dean Martin, Frank
Sinatra and entire Rat Pack and she became their primo party girl. The scenes
are quite graphic and the encounters with these stars many but in between she
manages to see her two daughters but at the will of Bob and his mother. Jerry
Lewis, Harry James, jockeys, actors and even the man who played Tarzan her
reach for clients knew no boundaries but things we not always be the same and
eventually she would meet two men that would be her downfall. Being kept and
controlled by men and thinking each one really cared about her to the exclusion
of anyone else would eventually bring her down in more ways than one. Jane just
wanted someone to love and care for her but while this might have happened she
still went out at night or any time of day and made hoping to entertain as many
clients and bring home as much money to send to Mae for her children and to
feed her new lavish lifestyle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Imagine
meeting Dan Blocker and enjoying time with him. Jane’s wealth increased for a
while due to all of the stars she serviced but was she really content or
satisfied with her life? Meeting Johnny she thought was the start of something
wonderful but she would learn later on that Johnny Patterson was anything but
wonderful. Her friend Annette was always there for her as Carol was too. But,
sometimes things change and the person you want to count with you don’t.
Learning slowly at times and only wanting to have someone special in her life
Jane would later learn that the only person you can depend on is herself and no
one else. A hard lesson that comes with a lot of pain and sorrow. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Howard
Hughes, Irving an elderly man with lots of money who made Jane feel special and
who gave her many gifts not only to keep her in line to want to be with him but
to justify in his own mind cheating on his wife who of course common sense
reigns would never divorce his wife who was not blind to his transgressions.
So, Jane became a kept woman in New York City and for a while that was fine
until it was not. But, first she makes a serious mistake and allows Johnny to
find her after she wisely left and hopefully she would realize that no matter
what she needed to free her of him for good. Would he follow her and what
happens when she arrives on her mother’s doorstep knowing she is married to
Roger now? Within Chapter 20 she finally says it all to her mother and although
it appears that she cleared the air what Jane still allows reader’s to hear are
her feelings of desertion, unhappiness and still wondering why her mother never
came to her aid against Woody. But, Jane would get even one night when she sees
him in a bar and what she does and how she acts lets readers know she is
finally on the right path and the scene is priceless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Going
to a gay bar was the first step she made believe it or not in the right
direction but before realizing that there is another world out there for her
she had to deal with Johnny and come to terms with his abuse and rid herself of
him forever. Meeting several women and beginning relationships she finally
meets Patti and her life was change forever. In 2007 her perspective on life
took on a different turn and Jane would decide to write a book called Breaking
her Silence: Confessions of a Rat Pack Party Girl and Sex Trade Survivor. The
title was Patti’s idea and a good one. Printing over 2000 copies and things
changed greatly as the interviews came and as Jane Harvey using Bob’s last name
she met with FBI agents, law enforcement agencies and more hoping to help other
women. Chapter 31 explains how she and Patti have helped other women, dealt
with her adversities and had the courage, bravery and forethought to come out
and tell this story. This is a story that although some of the scenes are
graphic and the language strong should be read by young adults and adults
starting out in life teaching them what never to do. Never let anyone own you
body and soul. Never become someone you are not. Never let anyone tell you that
you are worthless and never stay silent when someone abuses you. Schools need
to be more vigilant, parents need to be more aware and Jane your story needed
to be told. Some women wind up with STD’S, AIDS, and other communicable
diseases some just give up. Jane chose to stand tall and look herself in the
mirror and be able to realize she is special, she counts and most of all
deserves the admiration of so many for telling this amazing first hand account
of what happens when you have to do anything to survive. Told in narrative form
and told with heart and soul this book deserves FIVE GOLDEN STARS. <br />
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-18441654413112332952017-08-30T18:00:00.000-04:002017-08-30T18:04:07.715-04:00DARK DAWN LIGHT <style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Times;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Times;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.4in 1.0in 1.3in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each time I enter the worlds that are created by
author Jon Land I often travel back in time to many different periods. The
story this time takes place in the 20<sup>th</sup> century in 1990 where it is
told through the eyes of different characters presenting three separate plots
and events before they’re all tied together. At the inception of the book we
encounter Ben Younger and his partner Dale Denton drilling oil on the impact
center of the Big Bang. But little do they know that it is cursed or does this
happen to be the way Mexican’s do their transactions? Ben goes down deep
beneath the surface and hopes to find what everyone seems to be fighting
something that will help them control power and lose the need to have oil as a
source of fuel. Max Younger is Ben’s son and was in Yemen fighting for his
life. Never been one to follow orders and when told to eject the Ambassador
from being help captive by terrorists he disobeys the orders when told to abort
the mission. Denton on the other hand will stop at nothing to get what he wants
and as usual power, greed and money are his aphrodisiacs. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">While Ben’s life is lost and Denton and a professor
are left to determine the power of a rock that was found and brought up by Ben.
Placed safely away and not able to be extracted or touched by anyone until
major tests are completed we meet a virologist named Vicky who worked for the
CDC and WHO and is in Jordan at present. While Al-Qadir in Iraq shows his
ruthlessness and heartless side as we witness the deaths of many first born as
he insists that parents slit the throats of the children or endure his wrath.
No one dares to go against this lunatic. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Reenter Max Younger who is a Navy Seal and when
enlisted to extricate the Ambassador his rogue rescue mission takes him back in
time to a period he would rather forget. Returning to New York the lies,
betrayals and truths of the death of his father will resurface as he gets
caught up in what Vicky is trying to determine is the worst pandemic ever.
Victoria Lewin just lost her fiancé in an accident and the reunion with this
infectious disease expert will set off a series of events that will threaten
all humans, the planet and date back to the origins of our universe. As
pestilence plagues the land and death comes from the Middle East, Max Young
/AKA/ called the Pope seems invincible. Trapped by this sick and sinister plot
and hoping to learn about his father’s death and the cause, we find Max hoping
to uncover the power of the rock, stop the plague and virus from spreading as
he reunites with the now Vicky Tanoury together with her team in infectious
disease working for the World Health Organization to stop what someone has
started. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vicky and Neal her partner enter the clinic where
there are 14 patients. What the author reveals is startling and shocking as she
exams bodies that are alive but appear half dead. Checking the first man’s
ears, eyes, nose and mouth she finds pockets of blood pouring out and teeth
that are loose but rebuilding themselves as if he has baby teeth that come out
and new ones coming in. His skin is so hard that when blood is supposed to be
drawn the needle breaks without being able to puncture the skin to get the
blood. Things take on a darker perspective as Vicky takes on the task of using
a larger needle to try and get blood from the first patient. But, the end
result will terrify readers as the needle cannot pierce his skin, the body
grabs Neal’s arm forcing it to break off and leave him with a stump as we learn
that whatever this is, is more dangerous and deadly than anyone can imagine. <br />
The author backtracks as we learn when and how both Max and Vicky were born the
fate of their mothers and the death of Ben Younger as he found the meteorite or
rock that is now at the base of this novel causing more deaths, destruction as
the main premise was for Ben and Denton’s company to strike it rich with oil
fields but the end result is going to be catastrophic as Denton in the present
along with a man named Beekman sees first hand what this “rock” can do to
everyone that it comes in contact with. Ben Younger and his son, Max Borgia
both have the same distinguishing mark on the palm of one of their hands. This
mark tends to bleed, hurt or change color at times. Dale Denton and his
daughter Victoria Tanoury will meet as the plot flashes back from the past to
the present and the story centers around this mysterious glowing rock. The rock
as the authors relate was founded in 1990 in the Yucatan, where both Ben and
Dale hoped to strike it rich in the oil fields drilling for oil. But the end
result is catastrophic as Ben winds up down deep within the depths of where he
was digging only to find himself not too far form where he started having no
idea about the in between. The settings and time periods fluctuate from Brazil,
to Yemen and Iraq. But, Papal investigator Pascal Jimenez is enlisted without
his consent you might say to uncover what this rock is doing and has to deal
with Mohammed al-Qadir a well known terrorist. Coming back to Victoria she
realizes that there is an unknown virus or pathogen that is killing and
mutilating the bodies of its victims. But, can she determine how and why and
what does this glowing rock have to do with it? </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Events flashback and forth and we learn that the rock
that Ben Younger touched changed the composition of this DNA and body chemistry
causing him to react differently to many environmental stimulus but in the
present as we move forward Max searches for the same answers that would explain
why the birthmark on his hand hurts, oozes blood and why are times he envisions
scenes that might actually relate to what happened to those in the clinic that
were killed, his father’s cause of death and the death of Dr. Franklin Kirsch
and his daughter Laura. Max questions Kirsch after learning where he is hiding
and not before questioning his daughter so why are they now dead? Denton and
Professor Beekman unearthed important evidence about the power of the rock and
its ability to be able to light an entire state even more powerful than a
60-watt bulb. The frightening thing is that Denton is evil, wants to profit
from whatever this rock caused and the pathogen that is killing people which is
at the heart of this novel just might destroy our entire world. But, remember
the terrorist whose a player within this complex plot and has a stake in hoping
this pathogen will take out our world but will all of these evil doers succeed?
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Younger remembered his encounter with the rock hidden
deep underground and leaving a mark on the palm of his hand. The company that
grew into Western Energy Technologies or WET has been searching for this rock
sparing no expense. The speculation is that the rock can give off so much heat
or energy without any indicators or evidence as to how. We then move to Father
Pascal and Nigeria. He is a planetary scientist who has been enlisted to get
involved with this rock or what they think was a meteor strike. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Denton and Ben have a frank discussion stating that
they both know that it is not a rock that he found and that this rock would set
off something so horrific, a pathogen that if in the wrong hands and spreads
could wipe out a nation and much more. Not able to remember anything, Dale
tries to convince him that there is something in the rock that caused what
happened to both of their children and their wives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Father Josef Martenko’s Catholic mission was flanked
with native guides provided by the government of Nigeria. Telling everyone to
call him Cambridge there is something about him that Jimenez finds unsettling
and the swollen path on this man’s hand is definitely a sign. Pascal Jimenez
completed his report based on the strike itself but something strikes him off
and hoping to learn more from the samples of the meteor itself. The meteor
struck the Earth, created a crater, so where did it go? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fast forward to Cairo, Egypt and Vicky and Neal Van
Royce having to enter a village not knowing that what they would see would not
only be horrific but would be unexplainable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When all of the enemies are together and the final
scenes are played out what author Jon Land creates is so well crafted, so
descriptive that you will hold your breath, find your heart beating faster and
wonder what the outcome for both Max and Victoria will be. When the terrorists
capture Victoria and a soldier they are holding captive infects her, the end
result will be horrific for both. But, is there a cure for her and what happens
when they learn her blood type and that only one person can save her at the
risk of losing the donor too. Heart stopping, terrifying, mind boggling and
definitely an ending you won’t expect as one simple rock controls the fate of
the world, the fate of humanity and can create enough energy that can kill the
entire human race.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dale Denton and Orson Beekman think that they have it
all figured out. Dale does not seem to take into account what happened or might
have happened to his own daughter. Added in he takes on the one person that he
thinks can make it possible for him to control the world’s energy and not even
listening to the ramifications of what he expects this man to do but he has not
choice but to obey him. Wait until you visualize the end result. When Max and
Denton meet again the final outcome will clarify what really happened to Ben
but will Max survive the encounter? Lives are lost. Deaths are common as this
pathogen spreads but will it ever or can it ever be stopped? The ending is
striking and startling as once again author Jon Land leaves us wondering the
answer to this question: IS IT OVER YET? WHERE IS THE ROCK? TO BE CONTINUED WE
HOPE!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .05pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .05pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-61006602502391327462017-08-30T17:59:00.003-04:002017-08-30T18:04:20.125-04:00THE INSIDER <style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:18.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Insider Reece Hirsch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes your well ordered life
would unravel when there are forces other than your own that control your
destiny. What happens when your associate calls you on your work phone and you
fail to respond? What happens when this person repeatedly calls and the next
thing you know or see is this person pummeling down the outside of your office
building. Thinking Ben Fisher committed suicide is what the killer would have
you believe but taking over his major case as the lead corporate attorney
dealing with a major merger between Jupiter Software and Pearl Systems will
take down one young attorney named Will Connelly and send him on roller coaster
ride that might never end. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hoping to become a partner in the
firm he works for he never expects his colleague to fall to his death from the
roof right in front of his window. Having to take over, as the lead attorney
was the first step to his well calculated and thought out downfall created by
someone he would never expect. The major merger between the two technology
companies would do more than just give them the intelligence needed to get
ahead in technology world it would go as far as raising the prices of the
stocks, giving information to the Russian mafia and then all plotted and
methodically calculated to destroy Will’s life and career. Never seeing it come
at him and the police thinking he was the prime suspect for Ben’s death,
realizing it was murder, he is now the prime subject of an investigation by the
SEC for insider trading. Foiled by his own hopes for success and yet blindsided
when going to a bar and meeting up with a young girl named Katya who sets the
plan in motion that was so well orchestrated by her and her cohorts that by the
time Will realizes the deception it’s too late and he’s in too far. The merger
is Will’s job to executive but when he learns more about it and realizes that
the national security of our country is about to be compromised and that he is
now a pawn of the Russian Mafia thanks to meeting this girl and now her two
cohorts Nikolai and Yuri, Will is now in a no win situation. Can he prevent the
leaks from going any further and what will it cost him if it gets in the wrong
hands? Claire Richmond worked in due diligence and for some reason the partners
fired her for doing poor work. Will told Claire the entire story form start to
finish beginning with Ben’s death, through his various encounters with Katya,
Yuri and Nikolai. He told her of his suspicion that one of the partners namely
Grogan was involved with the Russians and got her fired because she was the one
who found the link between Jupiter and the NSA. Added in the author and Will
share that the two Russian thugs said they needed his help to get the
encryption keys to the Clipper Chip devices that would allow them to hack into
our financial systems, the Bart train system and even create a terrorist attack
on using sarin gas. Using a friend at Jupiter who knows high-tech security and
is guarding these keys, Claire did some fancy flirting and manages to get the key
in a subtle way. Handing Will a silver memory stick and talking about what they
know about the plan for the BART trains. The man at the helm is Aahif Agha a
dangerous man whose associates would probably bring liquid sarin solution onto
the train in water bottles or other containers. In each train the terrorists
would puncture the bottle containing the sarin and leave it under the seat,
just before getting off the train. When the doors shut the sarin would be
leaking and emitting a toxic gas and you can imagine the carnage and deaths. <br />
Things change when the authorities bring Will in to talk about what they think
they know that he did and the charges are just piling up but will they stick?
The DOJ, The SEC, the police, organized crime and the Russian Mob are all after
Will. The two thugs will stop at nothing to hurt and torture him and Claire but
will he be able to defend himself in the end? Finding a lawyer was paramount
even though Sam one of the partners offered him help right after he was fired.
Jon Coulter an old friend takes the case but what happens during the
interrogations and the final outcome you just won’t believe. If ever anyone
decides to become an insider trader author Reese Hirsch’s research,
intelligence and vivid description of how it’s done and the end result for Will
and others will convince you never to let it happen to you or even to try. The
research is extensive and the plot is information driven and fast paced as the
lawyers talk, the different agencies question Will and the final outcome is a
fight to the finish. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a legal thriller filled with murder and even more our
own view of what happens when a huge corporation and its managing partners
decide to take on the Russian mob and hopefully get rich in the long run. The
merger seems straightforward at first until Will gets caught up in a fight
against his own company the mob that he most likely will not win. Realizing
that everyone in his company has their own agenda and that the murder and
insider trading investigations have merged and the different agencies are after
him to press charges they hope will stick, he soon realizes that he is the
scapegoat and listening to Marjorie and Dennis question him and pretending to
befriend him hoping he will tell what they already know about the mob
connection and the Russians it takes every ounce of will power for him to deny
any knowledge and keep silent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At times Will is impetuous and
forced into situations that most would think he should not be in a like getting
into a car with the Russians or going to the club and confronting Boka one of
the men in charge of the Russian operation and then facing off with the one
person in his company he knows is behind his troubles. Confrontations that lead
to unexpected outcomes and the truth behind the conspiracy is revealed as Will
lays it out to someone close to him but the final showdown has yet to come.
Ben’s murder, the threat to himself and even his mother, Nikolai and Yuri petty
criminals and Boka the head along with someone close to him. What did the
Russians invest in and did it involve Jupiter and Pearl? What about Aashif Agha
and his role and who was taking money from Boka to go along with the plan?
People die but no one involved would care and using the sarin gas to plan an
attack on the BART trains did not really make this person pause for thought or
think this was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Will
realized his fate might be sealed and the end result was that shots were fired
as he left the one person he thought he could trust and the ending is so
explosive you won’t see it coming. As will faces off with a killer in a battle
that takes him deep into deadly waters and the final outcome and whether he is
charge is something you will have to read for yourself. Tension rises, lives
are at stake and Will Connelly’s will to survive will shock readers. A strong
character but at times quite reckless and a plot that will give you chills
until you find out the dramatic and surprising conclusion. When reading this
novel you the reader must decide if you too want to become the next INSIDER!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ
magazine </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-15438220911343869652017-01-25T17:21:00.001-05:002017-01-25T17:21:08.725-05:00THE RISING
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Rising: Jon Land/ Heather Graham</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What would you do if you found out that your entire life was
a lie and that what you are as a human is about to be questioned and
challenged? Football hero and star quarterback Alex Chin is playing at
top-notch form when an accident during one of his games sends him to the
hospital. Nothing from this point on would ever be the same as the doctor
taking his tests realizes much to his impending death that something rings
untrue about the CAT Scan he took. Taking it again reveals the same thing an
unusual shadow that cannot be identified but just what it is will astound
readers later on as the plot becomes more complex and we learn more about Alex,
his history and his parents and why things about his life and how he came to
live with An and Li Chin. Samantha Dixon is his tutor and is helping him
prepare to graduate high school while taking on a internship at NASA hoping to
foster this as a springboard for her career. When the football accidents sends
Alex to the hospital and Samantha becomes concerned when he does not appear for
tutoring what happens next links and binds them together in this science
fiction/ mystery thriller by two award winning and outstanding authors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Samantha works with a Dr. Thomas Donati in the NASA lab but
when she sees something alarming he discounts it because he has an agenda of
his own. But, things are about to drastically change for not only her but
others too as Dr. Payne the doctor caring for Alex is killed and when Alex
realizes this with Samantha’s help he leaves the hospital and from that point
on they are on the run. When Samantha finally does tell Donati about the
anomaly she found she describes a tsunami and an earthquake high on the
Ricker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>scale caused by
immeasurable heat originating at the Earth’s core, pushed upward as the authors
relate by the pressure to vent. But, a man at the football game that she did
not recognize and then told her to leave and disappear but why stole her IPAD
with all of the information? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As the authors continue with their description of Donati’s
duties and responsibilities one being watchdog calling for a Janus alert. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Next we are about to meet Alex when he finds Dr. Payne dead
and face down on the floor of his office and then receives a message from his
mother to RUN and don’t look back but where and why? Sam and Alex area bout to
meet the Ash Man who will explain why someone is after him but first should he
call the police and wait until you find out when they do appear at his own
house and what he learns and finds there will shock readers to the core. When
he finally hears his mother’s final words and what appeared to me policemen
show up what actually happens is frightening as the figures that appear claim
that ALEX BELONGS TO THEM. Just what are they and why do they claim he is not
one of us but one of them. Alex and Samantha do not wait for the answers
instead he takes action. Realizing and learning later that they were just
drones delivering a messages and the Ash Man would explain it even more
claiming he must come with him but first we hear An Li tell him to run, leave
her there and not look back until he is out of their reach. But, can he and
Samantha survive? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In every science
fiction or thriller there is someone who wants to destroy the main character and
in this case it is Langston Marsh and another man named Raithman claiming they
are going to war as we meet the Guardian called Raiff whose been watching Alex
and who is supposed to take care of him and prevent him from harm. Enter
Laboratory Z where it all started but first Alex says goodbye to his parents
but not before his mother presents him with a special statue and a flash drive
hidden in it. As you hear her final words and read them along with Alex you
will learn just how he came into our world through a special wormhole and who
gave him to An Chin and the story behind how she adopted him but not in a
conventional way. Raiff is a guardian, Alex’s guardian and Trackers who call
him Zarim are hunting him. His job was to find Dancer or Alex and bring him to
the world where he belongs but the dangers multiply, the situations that both
Alex and Samantha encounter will prove whether they have the muster to outfox
and hide from those that want him dead or those that want to return him to his
other world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Enter the Memory Room and as Raithman defines the history
behind the Project Blue Book to the Colonel as he explains and why we are at
war and if he is not for the cause he is the wrong man for the job. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Alex and Samantha find themselves needing a way to get some
money, new clothes and a place to sleep while finding someone to get a ride
from who proves to be an odd professor that just might have some clues to what
they need to know and where Laboratory Z is. When both Alex and Samantha find
their way there after losing sight of Raiff what they learn when they arrive
and finally realize what the experiments were the significance of the wormholes
and that there are many aliens, cyborgs and more coming through and it’s only
just beginning. A dead doctor, two dead patients, a missing kid and another on
the run, as Raiff and Lieutenant Grimes are about to hear the truth as Alex is
the only hope for the world to hang on and for our world to survive. But, will
they find him in time? Read Chapter 49 and hear the voice An Chin, his mother
who will explain Laboratory Z and the menial staff that existed there, her role
and how they did not speak out in her presence yet how Alex came to her and
why. Alex suffered from memory loss and headaches and the shadow deep inside
his brain would foretell his future but will it remain there or will it destroy
him and exactly what is it that was implanted and why? Was this what they
wanted to destroy him for? As you read Chapter 52 titled the Confession and you
hear the rest of the story about his arrival here, how his parents managed to
adopted him in a unique manner and the reports of fatalities from Laboratory Z.
As Raiff finds Dancer but why? Dr. Chu was the man who made sure that Alex was
healthy and a gift, a miracle given to them when she could not have any
children. The scary part is what the doctor reveals from his blood tests and
the abnormalities that he found that most parents would shudder and shake if
the results were the same for their child yet Alex somehow beat all odds. She
explains his manner of speech and the indecipherable language he created and
the jibberish he spoke at night but at night they would hear him mumbling in
his native language of the world where he came from.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Each chapter heading helps to foretell what the reader is
about to experience along with the characters as we meet the Drone things in
chapter 62 and we watch as Alex, Samantha and Raiff fight them off. Alex
finally gets to know Raiff, his job as Guardian and his role in saving his life
plus dealing with the drones who are like soldiers ready for war. As we hear
the voices of Donati and the link to Laboratory Z and why all the paperwork was
destroyed and no copies remained in the original report. As the report that is
delivered and talked about by Donati talks about wormholes as he speaks to
people who are officially not there just numbers and places in different
directions. Wormholes the authors relates are a postulated method, within the
general “theory of relativity, of moving form one point in space to another
without crossing the space between.” As the author elaborate and describe this
on pages 246-248. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter the Bishop
Ranch, see the bracelet that Alex took from his father’s wrist and learn how
killed his parents and why. As we get to know the Professor who explains the
ability to create a wormhole and how it changes the very nature of the journey
as Alex learns who caused the fire and the explosion that originated in the
particle accelerator. Someone from the other side ! Thinking about his mother’s
words tucked inside the statue, Meng PO for safekeeping providing proof in the
form of Dr. Chu’s lab results which are hidden in his pocket. Claiming Alex is
human yet not completely human and looking at Raiff he realizes he is from
another planet and is human because as is revealed because,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“ your people seeded Earth millions of years ago to create
another version of the human race,” but why? But, the startling part is why Ash
Man and Shadow killed his parents angering him when told they were not his
parents and the result you just won’t believe. As all the forces come together
and Donati reveals more to Alex and Samantha he learns the reason why he was
brought to earth but since this is a confidential area I won’t reveal it to
readers because it might place Alex in more danger. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">An ending quite violent, quite terrifying as Alex and
Samantha fight for their lives against as you hear the ash man’s voice and his
final words telling Alex just who and what he is but will he survive? Some will
die others might live but who will be the final survivor and will his life ever
be normal again. Does he have the means to defeat them that might remain
unsolved? Were his parents dead or alive? Was this a veil or mist to hide him
from the truth to get him to return to wherever they wanted him to be? This is
Alex’s story and the rising world just might be committed to destroy everything
but will they? Only authors Jon Land and Heather Graham know what’s next for
Alex, Samantha and any remaining wormholes when they decide to pen the sequel.
What happens when you learn that you are not the person you thought you were?
What happens when the harsh truth and realities face you head on? Read the
Rising and enter the pages of this novel at your own risk and beware of THE RISING!
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ Magazine </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-49249885883039666292017-01-25T17:18:00.000-05:002017-01-25T17:18:23.009-05:00SILENT SOURCE
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Silent Source: James Marshall Smith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Sometimes death comes when you
least expect it and the source or reason remains an enigma or puzzle to those
trying to come up with the cause. Within this novel we will visual and see the
carnage and desecration of many people who died a painful and gruesome death at
the hand of an unknown killer and substance that might remain unknown unless
one man can uncover it. Dr. Damon Keane is a well known sleuth scientist who
will stop at nothing to uncover and detect the truth about these deaths that no
one else will or has the expertise to do. The Atlanta PD is stymied and stumped
and when the Mayor of Atlanta requests the help of Dr. Damon Keane things will
take on a new turn and the killer or the catalyst will hopefully be stopped. A
death the causes the victim’s organs to shut down completely, one that forces
the victim to give up everything in their stomach. Faces are bloated and
distorted and some are even dismembered. The thought of what the crime scene
photos show would sicken anyone even someone that is hardened to death. As the
forensic expert and detective Keane realizes that he is up against someone
unknown but when he comes across the first two deaths and then a priest is just
seconds away from being third, the police are hospital officials have no clue
but one is offered a startling revelation by the priest who worked with the
dying Father Shannon: When you noted the color of his rosary beads they turned
blood red. Just who is this phantom that seems to be eluding everyone? When he
asks for the tox screen results and other lab work he thinks it might be some
type of rat poisoning but it’s not. Is it alpha radiation or some type of gamma
radiation but why doesn’t it come up in the results of the tests taken? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As Keane gets closer someone is
blocking his way and creating obstacles that no one sees until something
happens that changes it all. A source reveals something about the investigative
officer and then the heat is on to find Felix Thornton the man behind the
radiation attacks but even he does not escape from predators. Escaping the
police, the security at the airport and winding up in Russia he thinks he is
home free and wants to obtain certain radioactive materials that would set off
a Geiger counter as soon as you come into the same room and not from a close
distance. But, when dealing with these people he makes a fatal mistake and will
he survive what he has done to others as Keane and his assistant work their way
into the area where he was last scene hoping to escape undetected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
With Jessie Wiley at his side Keane
just might find a way to stop what Thornton has started which is to eliminate
as many people in Atlanta that are not white. He feels that anyone who is not
white does not deserve to live in his air space or anyone else’s air space.
With the help of a Russian named Osken, Thornton manages to obtain help to ship
his radioactive canister undetected to a location in the United States but not
before doing several things to make him no longer welcome in Osken’s family’s
home. As Thornton takes out those that attacked him for trying to have his way
with someone’s wife, things turn even more out of control as Keane tries to
stop the death toll from rising as he travels to London’s Hyde Park, finds
clues in Piedmont Park, in Siberia where there is a huge black market business
in nuclear materials and the backwoods of Georgia. No matter how fast Keane
travels or tries to catch up with this man he is always behind him. Thornton
has a major terrorist attack planned and he will take down an entire city in a
storm of nuclear death the magnitude of more than an earthquake of 10 on the
Richter scale. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
With the Detective on the case
removed and with the help of Dr. Rutledge the team of Keane and Wiley might be
able to stop what this person has set in motion. Hate for what someone took
away from him. Revenge and retribution on those who killed someone close to him
and now he would take down Atlanta. An African American who ran a newspaper
stand, a retired dentist, who lived near Piedmont Park who was also black. A
parish priest included the neighborhood on the west side of the park and a John
Doe found in the middle of the park but this victim was white. Tremors, cranial
nerve palsies, seizures and bouts of hallucinations and much more as this sick
and diabolical killer keeps escaping. Suzanne Fowler works for the APD and has
the ability for provide answers so what is she holding back? Detective Selsby
is on the case but why is he discounting everything that Keane requests and explains?
With the aid of Jessie and his personal security and valet and more Mr. J, can
Keane outsmart someone so clever and dangerous before he too falls prey to what
he has planned? A young child named Ronnie Davenport another victim hoping that
he will pull threw. Police questioning him, gamma radiation at the helm and one
man that will stop at nothing to take down Georgia and anyone that stands in
his way. The author brilliantly includes research into the Chelyabinsk region
of Russian where the hiding of the massive weapons operations from
high-altitude American spy planes have been noted. He elaborates about the U2
flights with pilots like Francis Gary Powers and the entire chapter 29 explains
it all. Added in we learn more about the radiation substances that Thornton
wanted to buy and the end result Cesium 137. “ I kill because I hate. I kill
again because it feels so good the first time and even better the next. And I
‘m not just another killer….I’ve been called to a higher duty. That raises me
above the others.” Will he prevail or will Keane and Wiley plus a special team
from Atlanta be able to race the clock and stop what he and someone else plan?
The ending allows readers to know that this is not over and that someone is
still out there that wants to destroy Keane and the little bit of happiness he
might have just found. With his daughter finally responding to him and Andy,
his son as a monk finally spending time will they live to return to school and
the monastery? Only author James Marshall Smith knows for sure when he pens the
next chapter in the life of Dr. Damon Keane. Using his expertise and
experiences working for the CDC and serving or consulting on nuclear and
radiological threats and countermeasures for the International Atomic Energy
Agency in Vienna and may other organizations, the author uses his knowledge
giving readers a first hand view of nuclear and radiation warfare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ending that is explosive and a story
that could be ripped right out of the headlines. This is one thought provoking
and excellent debut novel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ
magazine </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Questions for the interview:<br />
When creating this novel how much of your real life experience did you put into
creating the major plot line of radiation poisoning? When describing the
victims did you take it from real cases or from your work with the CDC?<br />
Tell us about Damon Keane and why the Mayor insisted that he consult on the
cases and what appeared at first to be rat poisoning but was not? Why did he
discount his refusals and assume he would investigate and in what role?<br />
When things started to get under what he thought was his control why did law
enforcement seem to resent him and not want him to consult? Tell us about the
Atlanta Police dept and why they wanted to handle the case on their own?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What was the target group of this
killer and what was this killer’s method of murder? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When the priest died what odd thing
happened and why? Why does Keane think that something strange is happening and
why asking for specific tests to be done what happens when they don’t show what
he is looking for and how do the officials he imposed on to do these tests
react?<br />
Tell us about his ex-wife and his two children</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tell us about Krystal and her
relationship to her father Felix?<br />
Who is Jessie Wiley and why does he enlist her help in this case? Tell us about
Kay Lynn Fergusson and victim still drifting in and out of consciousness in the
hospital. Why is Piedmont Park a significant clue and what happens when Jessie
asks how much time Kay Lynn spent there and why?<br />
Who was Matilda Thornton and recount her murder? Tell us more about her
husband. Tell us about Detective Selsby and why he resented Keane?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Explain gamma and alpha radiation
and their differences. How can too much of either or any radiation cause cancer,
other illnesses and death? What are radioactive isotopes and what role do they
play in this novel?<br />
Tell us about Felix Thornton and why he was fired from his job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tell us more about Father O’Shannon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Why was Thornton so hard to capture
and what happens when they have him in their sites?<br />
What link does he have to Russia and what does he hope to gain by going there? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Who is Osken and how does he come
into play with Thornton and why do they create an unusual alliance? But, when
Thornton tries to come on to one of his relatives what happens and why? Why
does he think he can do anything he wants?<br />
What does Keane find in the dense forest that allows him to know that something
is going to happen or has happened?<br />
What is cobalt 60 and what happens when he goes to a lab and the person in
charge realizes that some isotopes are missing? What damage could that do and
why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Why is Keane estranged from Andy
and what happens when he learns what he has decided to do after high school?<br />
What happens when he faces the killer and has to use everything he has to
escape?<br />
What are Keane’s strong points and why does the Mayor rely on him so much yet
obstacles are placed in his way every step of the way?<br />
When he demands that the chief gets on the phone why does he find himself getting
so frustrated?<br />
When creating the plot did you create the main story line first or create the
characters and decide where they fit in?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How did you create your villain?<br />
When creating your villain what makes this one so unique?<br />
When creating Keane and Wiley is there a chance they will become more involved?<br />
When reading this novel and reading some of the violent scenes how did you
create them and why so graphic?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I could picture what was happening
to Keane and Wiley and the other characters that were tortured: How did you
create these scenes? Are they from real cases and real pictures or did you
create them from what you pictured in your mind?<br />
What would you say is the main reason you chose this topic and what do you hope
readers and law enforcement will learn from reading this novel?<br />
What is next for Keane and Wiley as we can tell from the ending there is more
danger to come?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Where can we learn more about you
and your work? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-41595716587241304912017-01-25T17:17:00.000-05:002017-01-25T17:17:09.750-05:00IN THIS LIFE: MY REVIEW
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
A Life for a Life: Lynda McDaniel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Stereotyping people is wrong and
even misdiagnosing a student or older person because they appear to you on the
surface to be mentally challenged or slow is not always the case. When the book
opens we meet ABT a young man who befriended the other voice heard throughout
this novel. Her name is Della and she too has a difficult past as this young
man finds himself sitting outside of her store everyday a murder is committed
in the woods not far away as Della and her dog Jake take some time to chill out
and relax as she finds the body of a young girl and from this point on their
two lives not only intertwine but will change forever. What happens when a
murder, a tragedy turns into something positive for two mismatched people? Living
in a small town everyone gossips and knows practically everything about
everyone else. This town is no different. When Della alerts the sheriff about
the death of someone named “L” he dismisses her and claims it appears to be a
suicide based on a note that she found on the victim. But, something does not
ring true and Della begin a former reporter and very inquisitive won’t give up
until she finds out who this young girl was and allows her the dignity of being
properly laid to rest. A Life for A Life is a heartwarming story of how a
serious tragedy gave two people a new start in life. With a sheriff named Bower
who discounts much of what he hears about most things she turns to ABIT or
Vester Jr. his real name to help her decipher the clues, find clues and even
learn that he too has a strong value in life as we learn in the prologue when
they decide to collaborate and write a book about that spring day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
ABIT’s father is abusive and cruel
and although at times he shakes off the insults and physical abuse he seems to
muddle through. Thinking he is worth not much and no longer allowed to do the
one thing that matters to him, attend school, he trudges along each day sitting
outside the Coburn story that his father once owned and hopes to see Della, get
into some conversation and feel wanted. But, things take an unusual turn
because Della is consumed with the murder and with the help of her friend Cleva
who alleviates her stress when things get hard; they aim to learn the harsh
truth about many of the people and a killer that just might be hiding in plain
sight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Della and Abit formed an alliance
and since she needed help in her store she asked him to stock, watch the store
and even created a Rolling Country Store that he and a man named Duane would
run together. Since he was not old enough to drive they traveled together
bringing food and other supplies to people that needed them. Laurel Falls, N.C.
is the setting and the dialogue at times represents it so that readers get a
flavor of the community and the people. Della was married to a man named Alex
and the author shares their past together and when he shows up things starts to
drastically change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Finding out the name of the murder
victim and meeting her family was the start of honing in on why she might have
been killed. But, learning about an organization named Green Treatise whose
members hated the government, did not want to pay taxes and resented anything
about the government unleashed a whole group of suspects and some surprised
Della and Alex when they decided to attend one of their meetings. Someone was
calling Della threatening her to back off and to make sure she got the message
they torched her store. With the help of ABIT things got under control since
his powers of observation helped save the day. But, this fight was not over and
a funeral for the dead girl was planned and the suspects were all present but
who chose to gain from her death?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Someone received a phone call to
come to that clearing and said he was needed there. He thought that it was some
kind of joke or prank by the Green Treatise. Maybe an initiation, of some guys
from the government who were trying to “broker a deal.” This is the man that
Della saw at the sight in the clearing where the girl was killed. He touched
her to see if she was alive but she was dead cold. As he stated if the sheriff
bothered to look into things he would find his fingerprints at the scene but
then something changes and someone is arrested for the murder but is he guilty.
Working for the forest service and having feelings for Della, Gregg becomes a
suspect and Della and Abit along with Alex went on a crusade to prove him
innocent. This is a story told from two different voices and two different
perspectives yet in the end they intertwine and blend together. Della not
accepted by everyone in Laurel Falls with a somewhat checkered past and wanting
to start over again yet at times floundering. Wondering why Alex was willing to
help her solve the murder yet at times doubts and concerns popped into her
mind. Abit has been labeled at mentally slow or challenged but as you get to
know him and understand him better you will realize that he has an innate
ability to sense situations, care for people and just wants his father to
finally be proud of him but he feels he will amount to nothing hence living
down to his own expectations by sitting outside Della’s store in his own chair,
an nobody better take it, and laments, listens to gossip and hopes to spend
time with Della. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
A story told in two voices and yet
there a many more that are heard as Della and Alex start to bond yet one simple
misunderstanding might alter it all. While Della found a suicide note at the
crime scene, Cassie who is Gregg’s assistant found another one and there lies
where the mystery takes on a new tone. As Della looks at both notes she
realizes that something is off. Enlisting the help of a former forger named
Nigel who now works for the Treasury Department with his help she uncovers a
major clue that forces Bower to realize that this might not be a suicide and
that someone other than Gregg might have committed the murder but will he
follow up on it or is there something else we don’t know? Evidence found in
Gregg’s truck was it planted? Who wanted everyone to think he was guilty? Why
didn’t the sheriff want to look further? With the Rollin Store doing well and
Abit and Duane working together Della determined to find the real killer. When
Alex disappears for a while Della becomes suspicious but when he returns with
Abit you won’t believe what you see and how Abit’s transformation changes it
all. Labeled, thought to be slow as the novel progresses you learn how much he
yearns to go back to school, make himself and his father proud of him and why
doing this job and working for Della has changed his life and hers too. With
the killer on the lose they have to sort it out before Just who was scamming
and stealing for older people? Who was pretending to house people in need but
in reality taking what they owned and using it for herself to profit feeding
them oatmeal and pretending to give them a clean and safe place to live? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Just who wanted Lucy dead and why
and was coming after Della? Warnings not heeded and more lives on the line will
they stop this person or will another body be found? An ending that will create
some surprises and twists and a former Washington, D.C. reporter named Della
who had investigative reporting in her blood and just might prove to be more
than just the owner of a the Coburn Store and Rollin Store but maybe Ellicott
City’s new sleuth. Characters whose voices are definitely defined and a plot
that keeps readers wondering until the very end. A LIFE FOR A LIFE: How far
will you go to save yours? What happens in a small town when a murder saves not
only life but opens new doors for even more? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ
magazine </div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-48053529026649221282016-06-23T13:16:00.001-04:002016-06-23T13:16:56.880-04:00BooksChatter: ℚ Hidden Truths & Lies: Faces Behind the Stones [4] - Fran Lewis<a href="https://bookschatter.blogspot.com/2016/06/Q-A-hidden-truths-lies.html?showComment=1466702198337&m=1#c3451738746719109710">BooksChatter: ℚ Hidden Truths & Lies: Faces Behind the Stones [4] - Fran Lewis</a>Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-49878013352415724762013-01-21T15:53:00.004-05:002013-01-21T15:53:58.252-05:00THE MOON AND BEYOND
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Moon and Beyond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John E. Siers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Piloting the maiden voyage of an aircraft headed for new
horizons would be any pilot’s dream. Creating a ship or vehicle that defies
gravity to some might be impossible but to others just months away. Major Lorna
Greenwood divorces her military career in lieu of joining The Deep Space
Research Institute. Scientists, engineers and computer geniuses comprise some
of the elite staff. High security checks, in-depth background information
obtained on many working there including Lorna, prevent the information and
research from getting into the wrong hands. Lorna Greenwood disenchanted with
the U.S. government, loyal to only herself and one man named Ian Stevens, she
would now join 5 other people and begin testing a new aircraft that would take
them and many others to colonize the moon. As the author explains the
procedures needed to test the aircraft he also explains the way it works,
defines many terms as readers become familiar with more than just what the
characters need to know to begin their journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine being able to interface or have discussions with an
artificial brain that is housed in a high level and high tech computer named
“Iron Mike.” Your questions answered, your responses heard and this computer or
Mike as it is called will present you with the information needed as long as no
unauthorized person is present or within earshot. As Ian or Mike explains the
design to Lorna she has many unanswered questions and meets with the three
engineers who designed this craft to discuss her operational concerns. But,
before I continue the author relates and would like readers to know that there
are others who do not agree with what the Deep Space Research Institute is
doing. There are some who would like to know more but upon investigating have
found nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next we learn about a State Senator named Blackthorne who
seems to have his own private agenda in mind. Defining the word Naturist, which
refers to a conglomerate of many environmental causes the author, elaborates on
the work done, the movement and how they hope to move forward in Chapter 2.
But, the concern is what is going on behind the closed doors of Deep Space
Research and the only way they will know is if the plant a mole on their staff.
Blackthorne raised concerns about the DSRI and learned he would pay a heavy
price is he continued. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MIC 77 is what most would call the most powerful computer
system and the DSRI has one but it seems to be lying dormant as if it does not
exist. The author explains the technology in detail as we meet the team that
NCSA has in place and their connection to the Senator and one man named Mr.
Malcolm. As this organization run by Mr. Malcolm hacks into the computer system
of DSRI they learn a hard lesson. Able to access their emails, website, network
and research data someone found out and burned them right in cyberspace. Just
what can’t they see? What are they up to and where do they want to go are just
some of the questions that this organization is trying to find out but with the
computer technology and skill of one man named Charlie Bender they would
hopefully never find out. Both sides able to hack into the systems of the other
and yet only one succeeded undetected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, we find Lorna and one young man testing out the new
ship, learning how to remain afloat and trying to prevent the side effects from
lingering. The author then introduces Carla who is to join this elite group but
Charlie is not quite sure about Lorna and now needs to focus on her. The author
then reveals the real reason behind Lorna’s military career, why she left, the
orders she countermanded and did not follow and Charlie’s reaction as the real
mission is revealed. How are they going to take all of the brilliant and
independent thinkers working on this project and turn them into the Free
Democratic State Of Luna? How about in 6 months time? As Ian, Charlie and Lorna
discuss the structure of how their new government would be created the author
reveals that the only way they can operate would be in a militaristic
environment, status, ranks, uniforms and Charlie in command. The author then
introduces Thomas Perry whose job to teach history just became history for him
as the Principal of the School chastises him for educating the students, daring
to give poor grades to those who do not meet his standards and teaches
information about war. You have to hear the conversation between them as he
learns his fate and why. The end result will make you shudder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carla has now become an integral part of the Alpha
Management Group as she learns her new duties and roles the reader to get to
know more about her and her organizational skills yet Charlie is still
apprehensive about her. Is he right? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A sovereign nation living on the moon as the author and Ian
takes Carla and introduces her to Iron Mike, allows her to understand how he
operates, his knowledge and then reveals more about each member of the team to
her. Added in Lorna confesses her feelings for Carla, Carla’s father is Thomas
Perry who has decided to visit her and the members of the team discuss the
project, their objectives and the reasons why they need to move fast, get
everyone on the moon and the ramifications of what will or would happen if the
United States Government learns what they are doing and tries to stop them.
Just what will happen when the truth comes out? Added in what about the one
person who is trying to find out more and present the other side with
information? What happens to him if he fails? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Exodus is next as they prepare to colonize the moon and
more people are to follow to live in this military environment where everyone
does their part and no one questions why. Things change and one man hacks into
the computer system, his identity revealed, the government alerted and the need
to leave their present location vital. As the author and Ian reveal along with
Mike what they are truly planning, the lengths to which they will go to
complete their project, those to be involved, the way the environment will be
set up and the government they hope to establish. As they ready themselves to
move to the next phase and hopefully land on the moon we learn about more of
Mike’s capabilities, Carla’s concerns and just how many people are involved. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine what happens when the NY Times is alerted and the
truth comes out that a small group of people that are engineers, researchers
and computer experts landed on the moon after working under the guise of the
Deep Space Research Institute creating a small Lunar City. When Mr. Malcolm
learns he was right and the ISA reveals what it knows the end result was
Federal Agents from several agencies went to the DSRI with warrants for
arrests, an international hunt is on for those missing and the end still
remains to be seen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
News stories created for the public to read, no mention of
his agency or him and sources revealed that hundreds are living on the moon as
the Editor in Chief of the Times tells all, the President becomes involved and Blackthorne
comes back into the picture hoping the President will take action stating these
people have made them all look life fools and the President wants to retaliate
as Chapter Ten relates the First Battle of Luna and then their fourteen are
killed and funerals are planned and the damage is great and one of their
leaders gone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battles ensued,
casualties many and their provisions low as they needed more skilled people
possibly turning to Korea and the need for funds primary but where would they
come from and who would support this Lunar Free State. Different countries
involved, threat or supposed nuclear attack and the Lunar State Strikes back.
Will they try to eliminate them? Are they really a threat to the earth? What is
China’s role and Japan’s? Do they want their technology? Will they nuke them
first? Just what will their final fate be as author John E. Siers takes us to
the moon, shows us how a group of people can colonize and uninhabited land,
work together, unify their resources and prove their loyalty to one another at
the risk of being considered traitors to our country, leaving their families
and exploring new frontiers. The Chinese Connection, the next battle to be
fought and the end result you will have to learn for yourself. Who survives?
Who survives the nuclear blast? What happens to those on the Moon? What happens
to many cities will shock the reader as those that went to the Moon and Beyond
new frontiers have yet to be explored but not before the new President and Ian
Stevens come to terms with their differences. What ‘s next? Find out when you
read book II: in the Saga of the Luna Free State. Can they survive a nuclear
war? What happens to those on the moon? What is the fate of the world? Only
author John E Siers knows what is in store for everyone and you will too when
you read this book, take a seat on the next flight and join in the journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fran Lewis: reviewer </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-78004527300865153922013-01-21T15:53:00.001-05:002013-01-21T15:53:25.871-05:00THE PEOPLE IN BETWEEN
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
People In Between: Gregory S. Lamb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As
the story opens you hear the voice of one young girl as she hopes to find her
young sister. Running through the streets dodging the exploding bombs and the
sounds of automatic rifles that filled the air, Hanife Yilmaz hopes to find her
mother, father and younger sister before it was too late. Looking for her
mother, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she went in search of
finding her<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but when the harsh
reality set in what she found caused her to cry in horror, freeze in place and
realize what she has lost forever. That was March 1964 as the author brings us
to 2001 where we meet the two children born to this brave young woman who lost
her battle in life during childbirth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Kiraz
Nora Johensson and her twin brother Nils never knew their mother because she
died after giving birth to them. As Nora receives a call from her brother after
so much time has passed between them she reunites with him to assist a friend
in his gallery and hopefully reconnect with her brother. Hearing their banter,
discussion and their short but brief conversation about their past, present and
hopes for their futures Nora agrees to the post in the gallery that her brother
brokered for her. Cyprus is the setting of this story and the author’s
description makes the reader want to visit this enchanting place. The
landscape, the history and the picturesque descriptions of so many places
allows the reader to feel apart of the journey. Nora accepts the position to
care for the gallery and meets Aydin Kostas a Cypriot. The author allows the
reader to learn more about Nora’s father a Lieutenant Colonel, USAF who was on
a fast track to become a General But, circumstances changed, his plane was shot
down, his crewmate captured by the North Vietnamese and he spent the next two
weeks evading capture. Fortunately for him he connected with a Special
Operations Group and after Vietnam he was among the first U-2 pilots to arrive
on Cyprus. But, her brother made some comments about their father and although
he visits him in the home where he lives the answer to his comment, “What he
didn’t do,” still remains to be revealed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
history of this country is quite compelling as internal conflicts created
fighting between two communities on this island causing the United Nations to
have to send in peacekeeping forces in 1964 flashing back to where our story
begins and why the young girl in the prologue lost her family and why. These
forces are still in Cyprus today. Ten years later Greek Cypriots enacted a
military coup with the help of military junta in Greece. However, Turkey used
this coup to invade the northern part of the island where the Turkish forces
stayed until after the cease-fire. The end result was in the partition of this
Island. As a result the violence between these communities and the Turkish
invasion that followed caused the unfortunate displacement of hundreds of
thousands of people living in Cyprus. In 1975 the state of Northern Cyprus now
became The Turkish Federated State of Northern Cyprus. The name was changed to
its present one on November 15, 1983. The only country that recognized The
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkey. Many Turkish settlers were given
permission to live there illegally. Some chose to live and were given
permission to live on Greek Cypriot land and property to slant the island’s
population or demographics in favor of the Turkish Cypriots. In 2002 the UN
Secretary General started new negotiations in order to unify the island and in
2004 both sides agreed on a plan for the island to be unified. Cyprus became a
member of the European Union in 2004. Our story continues three years prior to
this event in 2001 where Nora and her brother reconnect and begin to visit the
many places her mother frequented when she met their father three decades
before. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As
Nora becomes more assimilated in the life of those living on this beautiful
island she learns more about the tragic history, coup, the deaths and the
dividing line or Green line that separates and divides the island. A line that marks
where the clock stopped in 1974 and a line that divides this beautiful Island
of Cyprus. The line stretches from 112 miles from east to west across the
island where Greek-Cypriots people have not been allowed to pass or cross.
There are some who come there to look to the other side hoping that someday the
barbed wires will be lifted and removed so that what is left is not The People that
Live In Between. Imagine what would happen if these people as Nora learns more
about the island, the history of the family she visited, her brother’s hopes
for his future would some day hear the words: You are free to go home to where
you were born!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Nora’s
time in Cyprus is about to end as her new friendship with a young man named
Aydin has begun to bloom. But, there are some secrets not attributed to the
island that many do not want revealed and if they were would change the course
of many of the events that follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Added in the knowledge of the human trafficking that is prevalent on one
side of the island and the huge houses that are quite elaborate built by the
Russians on the other trying to show the world what they have built. Nora and
Nils listen to their father’s account about their mother, meeting her and take
a final trip with him as he returns to America and passes away. Finding her way
back to Aydin but not before commanding a position as the Press and Cultural Attaché
to Cyprus, Nora finally make the decision her father knew she would to marry
this amazing young man. But, Nils has many things in his past that he finally
admits as he and Yosette, his wife begin their journey together once again.
More dissention, more strife a referendum up to finally unite the people of
Cyprus and what happens next allows the reader to know that not everything will
change. Hoping to find her aunt the young child that disappeared at the start
of the book, with the help of someone they meet in Cyprus will Nora get the
answers she hopes to find about her family?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As
Nora and Aydin’s time in Cyprus comes to an end, a new chapter in lives begins.
Things are not always what they seem, the times still volatile and the search
for answers yet to come. As you learn the final request of one man and you find
out the hidden truths about another will these revelations tear them apart or
bring them closer? When the final chapter is written and the author’s name
revealed someone should definitely put this novel on the NYTIMES bestseller
list. The history, the scenery vividly described, the story of an island, the
people struggling to unite and the final outcome for some many call THE PEOPLE
IN BETWEEN. Author Gregory S. Lamb reminds us of this beautiful and amazing
place called Cyprus and will tempt the reader and tantalize you with the many
descriptions of the places visited by each character and the hope that someday
the Green Line will be lifted. Here’s to Freedom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Fran
Lewis: Reviewer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Η
ελπίδα για την Ελευθερία or Özgürlük için umut</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Bu
kitap Yunan kahve beş altın kupa gets</span></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-11618659446757729292013-01-02T15:41:00.003-05:002013-01-02T15:41:40.795-05:00Goodbye Emily
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Goodbye Emily</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Michael Murphy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Three young men created their own
history in 1969 when they decided to attend a monumental and historical event
called Woodstock. The memories precious, the songs, music and experiences a
once in a lifetime occurrence where so many gathered to sings, search and hope
for peace and enlighten the word to the many social, environmental and
political causes of the times. Creative and freedom of expression has often
been stifled but this event was so remarkable so amazing that those that
attended would never forget what they saw and experienced. Meet Sparky, Buck
and Josh, three close friends yet somehow strangers now who will take you back
in time along with author Michael Murphy to a time when smoking joints, marijuana,
drinking, living free and just enjoying life was more than just a pastime it
was a way of life. Goodbye Emily is a novel that reminds us of how precious
friendships are and how going back in time, remembering someone that was dear
to us will help us deal with the life we forgot we still have in the present. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
There is much more to this novel
than just going to Woodstock and remembering the past. It is about a woman
named Emily that meant more than the world to a Professor named Walt, his
feelings of loss, despair and sadness associated with losing a spouse and not
really knowing or having a real direction to move on. With a daughter that
cares for him, encourages him to get out and do more than just smoke, drink and
waste away his life, Walt needs to reassess not only his health which is in
dire need or repair, his diet, his mental attitude but his personal goals in
life. A trip to the doctor or ER proved to be quite enlightening and the end
result made him realize he needed to make some changes or it might cost him his
life. Deciding to make that list of life’s stresses suggested by the doctor, he
decides to see an old friend, settle their differences and find out the answer
to one question that has been bothering him for too long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one friendship was renewed another
would remain unsettled until two old friends decide to find out what happened
to the third member team or in this case their band. Josh is the third friend
and like my mom he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which brings along with it a
death sentence to the patient. Slowly and methodically this illness wears away
at the brain if its intended victim showing absolutely no mercy. But, when
family and friends like Buck and Walt come to see Josh at the assisted living
where he now lives, it does make a difference and the sight of familiar faces,
although they might not always recognize you does make a difference. Walt and
Buck find different meaning in seeing Josh and what Walt realizes opens his own
eyes to what he must do for himself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Woodstock Music and Art Fair was
amazing and for those that saw the billboards they were titled: “An Aquarian
Exposition: 3 Days of Peace and Music,” from August 15-18, 1969. Imagine the
crowds, the scents in the air, and the music of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan,
Joni Mitchell and many more. So, what would happen if these three friends
decided to do it all over again? But, first the author takes us back to when
Emily and Walt meet and allows the reader to experience their time at
Woodstock, their romance and their life together. Then a special teenage girl
comes into his life wanting to jam or play guitar with him and things change
for Walt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Added in the job that he
loved so much and was fired from has been reoffered to him again with many more
responsibilities and salary. Just what he will do still remains to be seen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Heather is a special teen and her mom;
Meagan seems to have the right personality to deal with Walt. Living next door
to someone does not make you their friend when you isolate yourself from the
world and much more. As Walt has exactly 24 hours to show his daughter that he
can fend for himself, eat properly hoping she will take the job she was offered
and not worry about him. So, off to try the treadmill and his first effort at
exercising as the author takes the reader back in time to Woodstock and Emily
once again. The music, the artists, the drugs, the smoking and the love all
embraced them both. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Three steps ahead yet one immovable
as Walt, Buck and Heather manage to rekindle some of Josh’s memories with their
music. Dealing with Alzheimer’s I know it has no cure but long memories can
often come to light and for a short time the person just might have a great
memory from their past. Not withstanding what the doctor at the facility said
and not wanting to give up Walt decides to convince Buck to revisit Woodstock
and find a way to bring Josh too. Just how they are going to pull this off you
just won’t believe and will he convince his daughter that he has changed his
ways, get rid of the bourbon first. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Reliving a special experience with
Emily, the knowledge that she might be involved with someone else, the
altercation with her friend Crystal and the hope of a future together as the
present comes back into focus. Then, the memories, the shrine in his home and
finally coming face to face with some realities as he finally agrees to take
Emily’s ashes off the mantle and scatter them in Bethel at the site of the
festival where it all began. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Taking Josh for an outing and
trying to help him remember proved great for him but not for both Sparky and
Buck as Josh’s mother refused to understand the good in their intentions. The
end result was more than just a confrontation and Walt/Sparky would not give
up. Everyone needs to feel useful, productive and treated as if they understand
and not the way she was treating Josh. So, how will they get him out to join
them on their road trip? What will the final outcome be? As we relive Josh’s
past, his dealings with drugs, acid and his journey back to the present where
his neighbor’s condition begins to mirror his own. Then learning more about
Emily, the note she left and his initial disappointment. The author flashes
back to the past in his dreams and then often when he reflects in the present
doing it in such a way making the events in the past and the present blend so
evenly together and easy to follow. As once again we hear Emily’s voice when
Walt refuses to give up and goes in search of finding her. Meeting her family
and learning why she left and did not wait for his return endears her even more
to him as we hear his voice in the present with his scheme to kidnap Josh and
take him along with Cloe and Buck to Woodstock and finally say Goodbye to Emily
but not before we find out what happens when they break Josh out, get help from
someone within the facility and the group in a van that is definitely right up
there with those from the 60’s takes a road trip that no one including the
reader will ever forget. But, not everything is cut and dry or even black and
white when Buck and Walt get Josh into the van the police on their tail, an APB
out for their arrest if they do not return Josh to the home within two hours
what happens will definitely bring more than just smiles to your face and help
you understanding the true meaning of friendship. But sometimes those that
appear to be your friends are not and the final result was not what he
expected. Accused of kidnapping and arrested Sparky just wanted to do something
for Josh and the end result of his efforts have yet to be decided but the trip
in itself is really quite comical, fun and the Buck Naked Band: Can you hear
the music of the sixties? Can you hear them play? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
An ending that will bring tears to
your eyes and a smile on your face as Sparky, Buck, Cloe, Lady, Josh and even
more make their way one more time to relive those special three days. What
happens and if they really succeed? What will the final note be in Josh’s life?
A farewell so fitting you won’t believe the ending. Goodbye Emily: Peace Out !</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fran Lewis: Reviewer : Five Golden
Songs from the 60’s and One Gold Peace Sign. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-38297598547637024232012-10-29T03:14:00.000-04:002012-10-29T03:14:25.645-04:00The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:20.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
Persecution of Mildred Dunlap:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Author:
Paulette Mahurin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">When the
world allows people to live as they please maybe we might have chance to stop
all the hatred, prejudice and injustices that are inflicted upon those that
some feel are different or do not conform to the mores of their society. Same
sex marriage is not something new to us today and same sex relationships are
not just a thing of the preset. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap begins with
the arrest and imprisonment of a noted writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. Noted
for writing The Picture of Dorian Gray, essays, short fiction and comedies this
outstanding writer’s work was negated when he met Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas
the third son of the Marquis of Queensbury. Wilde’s novel the Picture of Dorian
Gray was one that he was acquainted. Becoming lovers and totally enamored with
each other they were together all the time until Wilde was arrested four years
later for “gross indecency.” Attitudes back then in 1891 and even now have not
changed in many respects. In April of 1895, Oscar sued Bosie’s father for libel
as the Marquis had accused him of being homosexual and homosexuality. His
arrest and conviction as our story relates included two years of hard labor.
But, that was just the beginning as his wife too his children to Switzerland
and as you might say disowned him by going back to her maiden name, Holland.
This is where our story begins as we our main characters Mildred and Edra. The
Persecution of Mildred Dunlap brings this issue to light and many more.
Character assassinations by many of the townspeople, criticism and critical
analysis of what they think a person’s life should be and how they should mold
it to their way of thinking enables the reader to know just how narrow and close-minded
the people of Red River Pass, Nevada are. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As we meet
both Mildred and Edra we learn that they too have a close relationship that
would be more than just frowned upon by people like Josie Perdue and the ladies
Mildred encounters when she goes into town for medicine for a sick horse. Life
is hard enough during this time period but to be forced to fit in and conform
to what others think you should do makes it even harder for both Mildred and
Edra to deal with life. Her masculine appearance, her strange demeanor and lack
of femininity seemed to turn people off. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The author
allows the reader to hear the thoughts of Josie first hand which she readily
expresses to anyone that will stop and listen as well as doing her own
appraisal of Mildred’s appearance and Mildred. But, the prejudice spreads as
far as the sheriff’s office and even though Mildred is a kind woman he
appearance turns off many and the words spoken, if she heard them, would
definitely do more than just hurt her feelings. Status, class, sexual
preferences, even how many live their lives and observe their religions are
just some of the issues brought to light in this novel. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Gus Spivey’s
story is the hub of information where notices and telegrams are posted keeping
people informed. As Mildred places her order she hears voices rising and
realizes that Josie is announcing to everyone that Homosexuality has been
declared illegal. When people decide what you are allowed or not allowed to do
that infringes on the meaning of democracy and freedom. But, while riding home
Mildred formulates a plan in her mind that has yet to be revealed to the
reader. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Meet Charley
Spivey and Emma his wife was gravely ill. As Charley watched Emma slip away
Mildred decided to try and ally all thoughts about her and pretend to be
interested in this disheveled and ungroomed man. As the story moves on we learn
more about the relationship between Edra and Mildred, what happened to Edra as
a child the bond and love that formed between them at an early age. With the
guidance and understanding of her father, Max, Mildred’s secret would stay
hidden. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
characters blend in a very unique way, as Mildred’s plan seems to be working
creating the illusion she hopes it will to take the heat off of her
relationship with Edra. Added in we still here the gossip of so many of the townspeople
regarding Oscar Wilde and his arrest. What I really love are the quotes at the
start of each chapter. Oscar Wilde’s words are so profound and set the tone for
each chapter that the reader knows what to expect from the characters by
reading his words and his thoughts. Annalee proves that right when she
continues her diatribe about Oscar Wilde and expands on her opinion. Next, she
expounds on the relationship between Charley and Mildred letting you know that
she is not only prejudice, narrow minded and just plain rude. So, why not voice
her thoughts to the town’s biggest gossip, Josie and join forces. Why is it
that the outer covering of a person is all anyone sees and the fact that
Mildred helps so many in so many selfless ways, does not really count to any of
these snobby and although rich, classless women. When Josie blames Emma,
Charley’s late wife for bringing so many others misery causing the town to come
down and help Charley, why does she resent it and why make the coldhearted
comment she does on page 64 which you will have to read the book for yourself
to find out just what she says and more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">But, Edra is
upset when Mildred goes out with Charley and her reaction is quite telling and
the end result eye opening. Loyal, trustworthy and kind Ben Thorndike keeps
their secret and delivers the news about what others are saying about Mildred.
When the women do their own assassination attack in words about Mildred, just
why does Charley come to her defense? Why does he see the inner beauty in her and
others do not? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">This book
deals with so many issues not just prevalent in 1895 but in the present too.
Although Oscar Wilde went on trial and was convicted, Mildred Dunlap faced her
own persecution and trial everyday just trying to deal with life, the words and
gossip of others, the critical analysis because of her appearance and imagine
if the truth came out, what kind of swords or daggers would they send flying at
her?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
characters in this novel are vividly described and so well defined you can
almost picture them in your mind and create a mental image of how they look,
act and speak. Gus, the owner of the general store tries to mediate, is honest
and tries not to take sides to be biased. Josie Perdue is single minded,
hurtful, highly critical of others and totally opinionated valuing only hers
alone. She is truly mean, coldhearted and yet she manages to have an audience
to listen to her rants and raves. Vying for attention and having to be the
focal point of every conversation she manipulates her friends, wants to control
their lives and never really cares about how her words affect others. Edra our
other main character, lives on the farm, prefers as we learn Mildred’s company
alone, and vies to live her life just with her. Mildred might have a masculine
outer appearance but her every word, and kindness negates her physical
appearance. She might not be what most would say feminine, or ladylike but her
heart and kind ways make up for it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As Gus and
Charley have dinner more about the community is brought to light as we learn
about hate for Negroes, their feelings about Jews and the religious that feel
everyone is beneath them. But, Gus has a secret that I will not share with you
but when you learn it you will understand why he does not attend Church and
much more. The prejudice that rears its head in this book is widespread not
only there but also around the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">As Josie has
made it her vocation in life to destroy Mildred two friends make sure that she
just might learn her lesson and more. What happens at the end and how all of
this turns out you will have to learn for yourself. But, when one woman’s
rumors, lies and statements cause a tragic ending in one family, then the
action taken will surprise the reader and the end result will teach two women
the meaning of trust, loyalty, friendship and understanding. When the truth
behind Josie’s hate for Mildred is revealed the reasons lie deep within her
stemming from the past. Will she ever learn her lesson? Will anyone finally
stop her from speaking? Wait until you read the dramatic ending! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">An ending
that will bring tears to your eyes and maybe even some hope to the people that
remain in Red River Pass, Nevada. Never judge a person or book by its outer
cover before you read the pages in between. You just might like what you find
out. Author Paulette Mahurin’s characters and story remind us of why there is
so much hate in the world and why so many need the lessons taught within the
pages of this outstanding book. Friendships are formed when you least expect
them to be. Let’s give this book: FIVE CHARLIES </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Fran Lewis:
reviewer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
http://www.santapaulaarc.org/)Proceeds go to this organization: Animal rescue Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-40743734133878244852012-09-21T17:44:00.001-04:002012-09-21T17:44:21.583-04:00Reis's pieces
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Reis’s Pieces: Karen Winters Schwartz </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lives intersect like the parts of a Venn Diagrams where we
place the commonalities within the loop in the center. Brian and Reis: two
educated men- different yet the same. Compartmentalizing their lives into neat
sections almost like the bookshelves in a library neatly ordered, numbers and
labeled allowing the reader to know exactly what lies beneath the cover of each
book and temping them to want to know more. Brian, whose life revolves around
working at his law firm, friends he socializes with relationships and daily
routines, little if any time to deviate from his preplanned schedule. Reis
Welling creates a different kind of persona or routine. Fearful of change,
skeptical if not paranoid about people and their motives for approaching him,
he hesitates to leave the cocoon of his private world filled with books,
plants, leaving work at a set time, weekly dinner and walk in the park. See how
all of these similarities fit into the center of the diagram? No let’s add
Kelly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As Kelly was walking her dog in the park she stopped cold
when she saw a grown man climbing a tree. Curious about him she stops, stares,
smiles and manages to engage him in a brief but telling conversation. Kelly is
a researcher for a computer company. Reis works in a library. Reis love botany
plants and used to teach. Their two worlds are about to blend or collide into
one more commonality placed in the diagram. But, first author Karen Winters
Schwartz allows the reader inside the mind of each character as we learn Reis
has many mental issues to deal with as we join him for his meeting with his
psychiatrist. Suspicious of everyone even the doctor, we learn that he fears
change, hates confrontation yet does not hesitate to express himself when
angered. We learn something about his early childhood, his relationship with
his parents and his love of plants explaining why his parents created a shrine
in the attic for him to preserve his treasures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Kelly Adams is a loner too in many respects but seeking
friendships in odd ways. The brunt of bullying and ridicule as a teen and young
child she became enveloped in a world too filled with loneliness, suspicions
and isolation until she met Phil= a friendship and job and then Brian. So, why
was she so enamored or fascinated by Reis when they met at the library where he
works and possibly a new friendship and alliance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Enter Dr. Benson who belongs on Reis’s side of the Venn
diagram in his area delineating what makes him unique in his own way. Once
again concerned about time, structure and focusing and his attention to detail
as we get to know Reis better. Each scene filled with pictures of farms,
outside forests, and the beauty of nature, Reis so love with plants, trees and
forest can he see the sun shining through or the realities of the world.
Reminding me of Adrian Monk as he straightens a picture frame in the Dr’s office
and relies on the secretary to keep the Doctor on time. As we hear Reis’s
conversation with Dr. Benson we get to know more about his inner most thoughts,
personality and fears. As he relates his 2 encounters with Kelly he states,
“Maybe she was not sent there.” Adding he thinks is spying on him, information,
and anger welling up. The doctor tried to ally his fears but Reis became
slightly enraged. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Telling him, about their encounter thinking she’s a spy and
then explaining he still hears voices directing him. Medications! More meds,
resentment. Another place in the diagram, his parents, why the alienation, no
acceptance. As the author takes us inside his childhood home for a brief visit
and a trip with his father we learn more about Reis. Hiking is one passion that
both father and son enjoy doing together. Organized to a fault, deciding where
to go, which mountain to climb and the purpose of the trip sends a message to
the reader like father almost like son. Add this to the center of the diagram
as we now have Reis, Brian, Kelly and his father but we still need to find out
what might bring them all together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Entering the forest, uniting with nature and becoming one
with the souls of living things he sees, the crisp air and the sounds is what
Reis yearns and lives for. Yet, his father enjoys the outdoors but views it in
a way quite different than Reis. The similarities are there, as they both love
the forest, the walks, the trees and being outdoors. But, when comparing it to
the city they both present different challenges that sustain and ignite his
father and give him the drive to continue. Challenges and victories are looked
at much differently by both of these men. Both contemplate the ecology of the
forest, their hopes for the future as the author draws us back to the present
where things change in a flash for Reis when he meets and falls in love with
Ellen Sachs. A simple encounter, a hike in the woods and things heat up.
Families met and time spent together and tenure might be in the near future for
Reis. But, let’s not forget Kelly who is still prominent in his life as a
friend who comes to draw him out and talk in the library. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some things change as he reveals to Ellen he might get tenure
and her whole demeanor changes. Why would she resent his successes? Why is he
able to share more with Kelly? What happens to his perfect world? We begin to
see where Reis is coming apart and the many pieces of his life that were once
blended are falling apart like the ends of a frayed rope about to separate into
tiny unusable pieces. From thinking his car was stolen, to realities about
Ellen, to his life seeming useless and his hopes fading away we hear the voice
of Dr. Benson suggest he up his meds, question his trip with Kelly trying to
hide his illness. What would happen if Kelly knew he was schizophrenic? Would
she leave? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Reis’s world falls back and forth from the past to the
present. His realities change and his dreams might still be the same yet he
struggles with his emotions, his truths and his job. Tenure announced. A
hike/walk with Kelly and their lives once again intersect. Yet, Kelly has Brian
but is he enough? We revisit his life with Ellen as he gets tenure, she begins
to sound resentful and his perfect world seems fragile, her feelings about
commitment the same and the end result remains to be seen as we move ahead to
Kelly. But, his behavior is strange and at times uncontrollable. As we learn
more about his time with Ellen and his father’s stroke that causes and takes a
toll on him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The plot moves back and forth between his life with Ellen and
Kelly. Both seem to be separate but yet intersecting at some point as his realm
of reality changes, his mind snaps, the truths come out and his ability to deal
with many situations involving change, stress or even daily life seems to be
faltering and diminishing right before the reader’s eyes and his too. But, the
reader can see clearly the signs of paranoia, fear and depression but what
about Reis? From his time with Dr. Rabin convincing him he took his meds, to
confessing in the present to Dr. Benson he stopped, Reis’s world was definitely
going to pieces and his behaviors warranted concern but how much he could fool
everyone and how far would he go? Reis’s paranoia increased thinking Ellen and
her friend Bob wanted to poison him. Fear of sleeping, taking pills, life in
general and more when Ellen realized she needed to do something to change her
life too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Evolving into what he was before would never happen. Learning
how to deal with his mental illness his choice but would he? Trying to end his
life twice would bring things to light for not only Kelly when she learns about
his illness but Reis too as he tries to hide from himself and not deal with the
harsh reality of being schizophrenic. Meds that he refuses to take, outbursts
that are violent, voices that control his actions and thoughts and what finally
happens and the end result you will learn when you read Reis’s pieces yourself.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Life can change for someone in the flick of a moment. Reis
decides to leave the world he knows and encounters someone that enlightens him
to the true meaning of survival. Just what he learns and where he winds up you
will not believe. Will he ever reconcile himself with his illness? Will he ever
feel whole? Reis’s pieces: Find out where they all fit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Author Karen Winters Schwartz’s research into this mental
illness allows the reader to truly understand what happens in the mind of
someone that is schizophrenic and the amazing breakthroughs made to help him or
her. Brian, Reis, Kelly and Ellen: all intersecting in the center of the
diagram yet each having their own separate sections and goals. This is a must
read for everyone. Misunderstandings, misconceptions and distrust can lead to
bad results when people do not understand that a person is ill and needs help.
Find out what happens when Reis searches for his place in this world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fran Lewis: reviewer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-37740916191426956252012-09-19T17:32:00.001-04:002012-09-19T17:32:06.788-04:00Here Comes Pixie Pie
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here Comes Pixie Pie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barbara Bloom</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barabara Bloom is an author whose name</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will surely learn as her claim to fame</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comes shining through for all children you see</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you learn about her latest release from me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here Comes Pixie Pie is the title you how true</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Filled with fun adventures and cute pictures just for you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ma simply loves her as much as apple pie you know</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pixie is fun, loves pink and wants to attend a rodeo show</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her birthday is coming up and she has to decide what to do</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go to the rodeo or spend the day at the zoo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deciding between the zoo and rodeo was not hard for her at
all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Receiving a bicycle built for two and riding it with a
friend would be a ball</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, who would she ask and what would she wear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How would they travel and get to the fair</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alexia is her choice and was excited to go and have fun</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riding around, playing the water balloon game and enjoying
the sun</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ferris wheels are real high and up they went to the sky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hoping that they could reach up and touch the blue sky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if you want to learn more about their adventure and more</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read Here Comes Pixie Pie and join in the fun galore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story is geared to children that are in grades K-2 and
teaches friendship, kindness and one little girl named Pixie that is really
quite special. The illustrations are colorful and you can feel the excitement
in the faces of each character as you go along with Pixie and Alexia to the
rodeo. Author Barbara Bloom can create more adventures for Pixie, Alexia and
more friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she states in the beginning of the book: This book was
written for children around the world to enjoy and let’s not forget their
parents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fran Lewis: reviewer This book gets FIVE PINK STARS </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-40295809496249012212012-09-13T18:59:00.001-04:002012-09-13T18:59:44.349-04:00FIVE GOLDEN ANGELS
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Heavenly Gems for Earthly Jams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Reverends Faith and David McDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
How do you define the help and love
you receive from God? How do you define the work of a reverend and learn to ask
for assistance when needed? How do you learn many lessons in life and embrace
the love of God, understand his message and become a better person and lead a
more productive life? As I read each of the amazing essays filled with honesty,
humor, special messages and important insights for the reader, you take a
seasonal journey through the many stories that authors Reverends Faith and David
McDonald share in his thought-provoking book that will make you smile, think,
and embrace God and his love for all of us. Heavenly Gems for Earthly Jams will
take the reader on a journey through the many seasons we encounter and learn
how to focus and deal with some of the most difficult spots we as humans get
ourselves into, the ways we try to worm out of a mess and find joy within the
pages of this book and much more. This is my review of Heavenly Gems for
Earthly Jams by Reverends David and Faith McDonald. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The authors tell readers about
Whole Heart Abundance Ministries( W.H.A.M.) and their work with them and
receiving the word of God. In His Presence clarifies tit more and then
Invisible Lines which will illuminate the reader’s understanding of social
lines, learning lines, need lines, efficiency lines and much more. For further
clarification you need to read the chapter. Next, “Three Stooges in Inner
Space,” where the authors present a great dialogue among the Three Stooges: You
have to love it. Imagine standing in a healing line and listen to these three
discuss someone that came for help and needed to be healed. It’s hysterical yet
sends a definite message: Point: If you ‘re not getting things done- who’s
running things: GOD or the Three Stooges? You decide!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Winter has arrived and Christmas
shopping is next on the author’s story list as they explain shopping for
Christmas presents and your right to choose those you want to send gifts and
those you should not. The explanations are simple, the thought expressed
definitely correct as you should not buy presents because you have to or if you
cannot afford them Don’t give gifts out of guilt or out of pride. Buy the
person what they want or need and not want you think they want or need. The
rest read page 69. Don’t make gift giving like Pulling Teeth! We more stories
about W.H.A.M., Jack and the Beanstalk, Black Friday and “Are We Shopping for
Gifts of Good Deals? “ the Perfect gift given is in perfect love is always the
best deal.” My birthday video that my two nieces sent me for my birthday
yesterday was more precious than anything anyone could have given me or bought.
Read this story and understand the true meaning of the words giving and gift.
They continue with stories about Santa, Blue Christmas, and include several
original poems. “Are You A Smart Woman,” is great and I think after reading it
you can figure out the answer for yourself. Moving ahead to Spring and the
change of season with their favorite movie The Wizard of Oz, “Genie In a
Bottle,” which brings back everyone’s memories about I Dream of Jeanie and when
Major Nelson found the bottle and opened it. Allowing the genie to pop out and
grant him whatever he wanted. But, God is not in a genie’s bottle and his job
is not to grant you all of your wishes. But, he is walking on that beach line
and he is carrying someone precious in his arms and that someone is YOU! I
loved Ten Things God Wants You to Remember. This you have to read but I will
whet your appetites and give you some hints as to why this short story is
really special. “ I believe in you,” he says and “I will never fail you.” There
is much more for you to learn and read. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Finally, Hot As Hell! Yes, you read
it right! Dealing with daily stress, pressure and life can really heat things
up for anyone at times. You need to deal with these three difficult factors of
life and learn how to find you way. God: “What in the world are you doing to
me?” One question we often ask or yell out loud or scream in the street or
sticking your head out of the window and yelling these words. Find out the
answer to dealing with life in general when you read this short story. I love
Hope Happens When as the next essay I want to share with you in my review. Hope
Happens when: I believe in promises again in God and humanity.” Hope happens
when:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quit allowing hopeless
people to dictate my frame of mind.” Next, let’s listen in as Billy and God
have a really interesting conversation </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
There are many times that we find
ourselves in a serious quandary over how we should handle certain situations.
So, why is it when asked if we need help we shy away or turn it down. Some feel
uncomfortable to accept help while others refuse to admit even to themselves
that they could use assistance. Do we feel inadequate? Are you offended when
asked if you need help? Those that ask to help you should be trained and
equipped to handle the situation that requires their assistance. Ministers are
asked for help and gladly give it upon request. As Reverend Faith McDonald
states, “ Ministers can only do that which we are equipped, allowed and
empowered to do.” Believe it or not the requester can handle most requests for
help if they take the time and put the effort into it. But, some prefer to
flounder, wander and drift in many directions and before finding where they are
really supposed to go. In the second story this message is explained, as many
need to find direction, many must learn that if “God is moving you in a new
direction, then GO! Remember it is God who created his own GPS to help guide us
and get us on the right path. (God Positioning Saints.) But, what about if God
decided to show up in Mayberry leading Barney, Goober, Ernest T and Otis into
having what they might consider a philosophical discussion or the rest of us a
comedy of words. Imagine if Otis saw God dressed in a cop’s uniform. Now, that
might be what he thinks he saw but then who knows the reality that Otis sees.
Ernest T things that this might be possible and Barney chimes in with his own
thoughts as Goober feels that God would not wear a regular uniform but that of
a state patrol officer. Well, after careful deliberation and discussion they
come to their own conclusion. Just whom they think God is? Read it to learn the
answer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Betrayals come easy to some. There
are those that endear themselves to you, ingratiate themselves into our lives
and then take it all away for some reason that gives them pleasure. Read
“Judas,” Kiss”, but make sure you go not get too close or allow that person to
plant one on you. Judas: You know his final outcome don’t let it be yours! <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
“Stranger that Fiction takes two
young boys on a journey they will never forge. Fearless is next when our author
relates the true meaning of the word, the reasons she was named Faith and what
fear does to a person and how she learnt to cast it off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Each story, essay or teaching poses
a questions we all face in our lives, teaches us a lesson or explains “our
relationships or lack of,” with God. Failures come and successes too, but how
you work through them, embrace the victories knowing God himself, gave these
victories to you, is just part of what the authors want to impart to all
readers. Each offering in each chapter is unique, presents a situation that the
author’s have lived, a proverb explained or an encounter they’ve shared adding
in a real life experience and a strong touch of humor and you have the Heavenly
Gems for Earthy Jams filled with just the right recipe for a five star book of
priceless gems to read when you need to understand life’s mishaps and how to
deal with them and work them out with God’s help. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Finding a place in this world for
yourself and not feeling isolated or alone is what some feel each and every
day. Read, “Where’s My Space,” to understand how to deal with this and more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The authors tell the reader about
W.H.A.M and their work with them and receiving the word of God. In His Presence
clarifies it more and then Invisible Lines takes the reader inside the world of
what we need each day to survive: Need Lines, Social Lines, Efficiency Lines
and even Initiation Lines. Next, imagine seeing the Three Stooges in a healing
line trying to help those in need of help! Picture Moe, Curly and Larry trying
to help someone that needs help! This is hysterical. But, there is a definite
message: If you’re not getting things done: Who’s running things: God or the
Three Stooges? Think about it before you answer!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The season of winter is next and
Christmas shopping is on everyone’s mind including the authors. So, you want to
give presents and you are not sure what to do. Never buy a present or give one
out of pride or guilt. Never buy someone something that you want him or her to
have or think they need. Buy presents for a person that they need or you know
they might want. Don’t buy what you cannot afford and if you cannot afford to
buy gifts then don’t. The nest story dealing with this same issue is: “ Are We
Shopping for Gifts of Good Deals?” The perfect gift given in perfect love is
always the best deal! The video my two nieces made for me yesterday for my
birthday just priceless and the best gift I have ever received. The rest read
it. Read Blue Christmas, the many different original poems the authors include,
“Are You a Smart Woman?” which asks this question of not just woman but men
too! The answer you can figure out for yourself after reading it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving ahead to spring and the Wizard
of Oz, “ Genie In A Bottle,” which reminds us and brings back memories of that
beach where Major Nelson found Jeannie and all his wishes came true. God walked
on that beach line too and he carried someone precious in his arms and that
someone dear reader is YOU! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Finally, Ten Things God Wants You
to Remember, which includes: I believe in you and I will never fail you. Hot as
Hell tells how we need to deal with our daily stresses in life and when things
get really tough. Ending with Hope is What Happens when: I quit allowing
hopeless people to dictate my frame of mind. Or God is for me not against me.
There is much more. What would this book be without a conversation between a
young boy named Billy and God. Listen to the conversation and learn the most
important lesson: Just open side the eyes of your faith and of your heart and
you shall see me. GOD!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Finally: their websites,
information about W.H.A.M. and final thoughts. Lessons that are invaluable that
can be used in discussion groups, religious classes, character education and
parents with children at home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Let’s give this book: FIVE HEAVENLY
GOLDEN ANGEL GEMS <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-50925675043564107712012-09-07T07:49:00.000-04:002012-09-07T07:49:10.981-04:00Laments: my review
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Laments </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Michael Embry </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Regrets often happen too late and sometimes our actions do
not speak louder than words that often create situations that will come back
and haunt us forever. Michael Embry presents a collection of short stories that
will teach every reader many lessons in life and hopefully awaken you to the
harsh realities of what happens when greed, lack of thought, regrets that are
too late and rationalizing our wrong doings and lack of forethought will change
the course of your life and others. Laments a book that will definitely give
everyone much pause for thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Story One: A Brother’s Lament:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Families often go through difficult situations and when
financial aid or help is needed some try to assist while others do not. Jack
and Arnie were brothers. Arnie for some reason could not get a job nor keep
one. Jack, being his brother, bailed him out when things got really tough.
Arnie appreciated the help but when you hear this story and you learn what
happens you might wonder if he didn’t have too many excuses not to forge ahead
with this goal and get a job. As Jack bailed him out with 1000 dollars his
friend Burl asked him to place a bet on the horses. But, Arnie did not think of
the consequences involved of placing bets with money that his brother gave him
to pay his bills and expecting it back from a friend that used him for his own
financial purposes. When the debt was not paid and the bets were placed Burl
made excuse after excuse to not pay him back. But, Arnie, in his own way, not
really thinking, maybe somewhat too naïve pressed the issue and then made the
biggest mistake of his life by going along with a scheme to get money that
would change everything. Would you rob a bank to get money to pay your debts?
Would you go along with a friend who never plans anything out and never really
considers the end result?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When his brother gets him a job as a roofer, why does he
forge ahead with Burl’s plan? When things get out of hand you won’t believe the
end result and who winds up losing the most and how? Sometimes being in the
wrong place at the wrong time can be costly. Sometimes listening to the wrong
person can cost you more. Author Michael Embry presents the reader with a moral
issue as to how this all might play out. When things went haywire one man left
and the other went back to learn the truth about what really happened. Would
you rob a bank to pay your bills? What would you do if you were Arnie once you
learn the outcome of what he will be lamenting about for the rest of his life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Coach’s Lament</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Some people are not cut out to work with kids while others
are more understanding. Tommy is the captain of the basketball team and works
really hard to do his best at every practice. So, why does the coach literally
do a number on him during every practice that makes him rethink whether he wants
to be on the team anymore? Running the practices like an army drill camp or
boot camp can definitely dissuade anyone from wanting to continue working with
that coach. Each time Tommy does his best and each time he thinks he is
succeeding the coach not only criticizes him but puts him down in front of the
rest of the team and claims if he cannot do better how will his teammates
respect him. Even the assistant coach feels the strain and questions how Tommy
is being treated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Tommy decides to handle the situation head on and approaches
the coach and asks to speak with him. But, this man shows his own bravado and
depends he speaks in front of the team which proves to be a mistake for Tommy.
With his mother on his side and definitely understanding the problem Tommy
decides to quit the team and avoid the stress. What the end result is you will
have to learn for yourself as Tommy and his mother decide to move to another
town and live near her parents. What happens when the coach tracks him down and
the end result will let the reader know that sometimes your treatment of others
comes back to haunt you when you least expect it. Does the coach learn a lesson
when Tommy’s decision is final? Will he ever understand that playing basketball
is not army drills? Read story two: A Coach’s Lament and find out what this man
will be thinking about for a long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Dad’s Lament opens with a father telling his son that he
should not allow another child to pick on him and he should stand his ground.
There are many kids that would prefer backing away from a fight and others who
will handle the situation head on. Doug is a really level headed 16 year old
teen that would prefer not fighting but his father seems to feel that giving it
back to the teen that is picking on him is the only way to prove he’s not a
wimp. Asking for help and hoping his parents can come up with a better solution
he learns that what you hope for is not what you always get. His father seems
to brow beat him and comes down on him and the end result will not be what
anyone expects or wants. As Doug goes to the park and sits on a swing and
laments in his own way to solve the problem is mother approaches his father
with other solutions that he would not consider. When things heat up in his own
mind the solution will change not only his life but that of the bully too? Read
this story and find out what happens when a teen has nowhere to turn and the
end result is a Father who will do more than just lament over the bad choices
made.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The stories in this book teach many lessons that adults and
parents can learn. Money is something that can cause people to do things that
are not smart. Bullying in school is wrong and handling a fight with a fight
equally as wrong and parents need to listen to their kids when they ask for
help. Coaches need to know that playing on a team can be competitive but
basically kids should be having fun. When the element of fun turns into the
element of disgrace and fear find out what one wise young man does. An ending
that will certainly bring chills down your spine and a father that will never
be the same. Pressuring young children/teens into using their hands inside of
their minds and intelligence to deal with a bullying can sometimes being
catastrophic results.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Drinker’s Lament is next as we meet a group of friends that
are drinking in a local bar and concerned over one friend named Dylan that had
too much. Leaving the bar he gets into his car and speeds down the freeway not
really focused. Traveling at a high speed another car comes around and he winds
up flipped over and the car bursts into flames. The following morning Dylan
goes to check on his friend Marty to learn that he died in a crash the night
before. Not really focused on what happened and hoping to learn more he
questions his friends and they await Marty’s parents. But, what happens next
will surprise you as Dylan handles the situation, learns more about the
accident and someone notices his car and what they realize you will have to
learn for yourself. Dylan’s lesson in life might be short lived and those that
might discover the truth will have to decide how to deal with it. Will they
figure it out? Read A Drinker’s Lament and find out that will be thinking about
what and why?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When someone expresses grief for or about something they
lament. In the first story the brother will lament what happens to someone he
cared about and was always there for him. In this last story when they realize
the truth many will deplore or lament the senseless act that caused a young
man’s death and in the Dad’s lament the father laments his grievous act towards
his son and the sorrow he expresses and regret will linger on with him forever.
The next story is a Father’s Lament. Not everyone is cut out to do every job.
But, Jake is 22 and seems to be floundering and his father comes down hard and
wants him to become responsible and a man. Thinking about his many options and
not really finding anything he decides to join the military. The branch of
choice the National Guard and that is where the rest of the story begins.
Training camp goes well and then his unit is called up. His father is concerned
about the bills, Jake helping his family with their expenses and never realizes
the gravity of his decision. Jake is sent overseas and what happens will definitely
make a father think about what he asked his son to do and the choices that some
young men make at their own expense. Just what will be this man’s final lament
find out when you read this story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Friend’s Lament is truly a heartbreaking story that will
give readers much pause for thought as we meet Esther and Lorraine two best
friends. Lorraine lives alone in a neighborhood that Esther thinks is
dangerous. Geraldine, Lorraine’s daughter agrees and together they try and
convince her to move. But, no one realizes that she is happy there and her life
with her late husband was there and all of the memories too. When Esther
decides to present Lorraine with something she hopes will keep her safe she
never expects the outcome that will teach many a long and hard lesson. What
happens next will definitely bring tears to your eyes and the end result might
not be what it seems or appears to be. One woman just wants to live her life
where she wants another thought she was being a friend. Find out the end result
when you read this story and decide who should be lamenting and why.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Grandpa’s Lament follows and the story focuses on smoking
and a young child who emulates him. The next is a Husband’s Lament focusing on
a family who seems to go out of their way ignoring each other and not really
caring about the needs of anyone but themselves. The father seems preoccupied
with his job, the mother with her new focus on losing weight and her children
into their own things. When the father requests his son turn down the music or
else find out what the response is and find out what happens when parents do
not pay attention to their children or each other. The next story focuses on
teenage pregnancy and what happens when one young teen tries to talk to her
mother who seems unyielding in many respects. Wanting to make her parents
understand that she would like to be allowed to take birth control pills,
Becky’s argument for the most part is on deaf ears. With a father who seems to
understand her and a mother who rarely listens except to her own side, the end
result is definitely not uncommon but with one twist. Some girls in order to please
a boyfriend give in to their wishes and demands. Becky is not different and she
and she alone suffers more than just the consequences of her actions. When her
parents learn the truth what happens will definitely not endear you one of them
and harden you to the cold facts that some parents need to lift the barriers
and really listen to their children when they speak. This is a story that should
teach parents and teens some very important lessons. As the book closes with A
Sister’s Lament. Hannah and Mildred are sisters and live together. Mildred
seems self-centered and Hannah lets her know it. What happens between them is
not uncommon as they bicker, yell and scream and one sister goes about her
business and the other eats a sandwich. The end result of this simple act will
surprise the reader and the final outcome will leave one sister thinking about
her last words before learning the truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Each story is unique unto itself and each teaches a simple
lesson in life yet one that many never realize needs to be learned. Read
Laments and hopefully you will come away with the lessons imparted by the
author and learn from the mistakes of those that lived them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Fran Lewis: Reviewer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-74365711409763980462012-09-07T07:48:00.001-04:002012-09-07T07:48:24.304-04:00Journey to Heaven and Back
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">My Journey
to Heaven and Back</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Rebecca D.
Myers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">There’s a
bright light shining so greatly you cannot take your eyes away from it. The
beauty of the light and the world that you have entered are so peaceful, serene
and perfect you want to stay but you are not sure if you are ready. Love
envelops you, security hugs your inner core and soul and the experience is one
that will remain in your mind forever. To live in a world filled with pain and
agony is difficult. Deciding to return and turn away from the light after
finding peace and serenity courageous, heartfelt and praiseworthy and much
more. The power of love, God, hope, life and determination are far stronger
than that of evil, discord and hate. The power of one man’s thoughts, love and
connection to his wife allowed her to see that path that she needed to take to
guide back to where she belonged. Rebecca D. Myers shares in her first book her
true story of what happens when eternity is right in front of you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and wants to grab and make take away
your sorrows and pain and you are gripped by the “jaws of death,” but find your
way back to life. Wikipedia defines Near death experiences as:” </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A <b>near-death experience</b> (<b>NDE</b>) refers
to a broad range of personal experiences associated with impending </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death"><span style="color: #00379e; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">death</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">, encompassing multiple possible sensations
including detachment from the body; feelings of levitation; extreme fear; total
serenity, security, or warmth; the experience of absolute dissolution; and the
presence of a light.” The person is reported to be clinically dead or close to
dying but not dead. The experience itself as described by our author involved
emotions, vivid images of even seeing people work on you as you watch from a
vantage point above the action. You feel peaceful, loved, fearful, guilt and
some feel despair. She described the light, the darkness, seeing someone from
her past that was gone, deceased loved one, unfamiliar entities and in some
cases the person does a review or you might say summary of their lives to
decide which way to go or turn. One thing is for sure it is a life changing
experience that will remain with the person forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Rebecca
Myers relates her life to the reader and explains that we often make choices in
life that come back and haunt us and some that if we had listened would have
change the course of our lives and taken us in a different direction. But, the
pull of some people, the drive to make us feel whole or accepted sometimes
comes from someone that just wants to control and dominate our every move as
Paul, her first husband did in more ways than one. My Journey to Heaven And
Back is not only by her near death experience and the horrors she encountered
being married to a man that was an abuser but it is a beautiful love story
told. Gene and Rebecca are so special to each other after 27 years of marriage.
This part of the story must be told and embraced by every reader. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Rebecca’s
life was not an easy one and the road to every success had many obstacles.
Imagine being abandoned at the age of four along with two of her siblings.
Imagine not being able to get water from a faucet because you were too small
and could not reach it. From the young age of four she had to learn many
lessons that most would not. Each time she handled different situations and
different encounters that took her to ER’s, doctors and inside the OR too many
times. When she finally met Paul the red flags went up but for some reason she
did not stop and adhere the warning she married him anyway. You are correct in
stating that the way a man treats his mother he will treat his wife and Paul
abused his mother. Need I say anymore. The man did not stop at just Rebecca his
wrath spilled over to his two children two and even when she was pregnant with
her second he did everything to make sure she would lose the child. But, the
child won this time and so did she. Yet, all the love in the world did not
create a warm relationship between her and her son after his father died. A man
who tried to kidnap him, abused and beat him and turned his back on his mother
and sister, how can you side with him even in death? At seven she got hit by a
truck, then she cheated death when she almost drowned, the strange infection
she got when her daughter was an infant, and her descriptions of the beatings
and abuse alone make her one courageous woman that survived against all odds.
The other encounters I am going to let you read for yourself as the final one
came as a result of foot surgery. Sometimes we meet someone in life and are
blessed and know from the moment we meet that person that he is our soul mate
our one true love and will always have our hearts. To embrace, adore and appreciate
some like that is special and the love that lasts and is between these two
people gold. This is the love that she expresses and shares with Gene and the
love she has for her daughter Tiffany. Just what happened to her is quite
remarkable and amazing. How she wound up in the hospital, what happened during
her stay and how Gene saved her life you have to read for yourself and take the
journey along with Rebecca from death to life. A simple mistake, the wrong
form, a change of a surgical team and one woman in a sense wins from all of the
mistakes and changes made. How fortunate she did not give in the DNR form. How
fortunate the surgery was delayed. How fortunate the staff was alerted and did
not wait to revive her? How fortunate that Gene came back and never went home
for the night. As the story is told and the end result revealed we hear Gene’s
pleas for her return as he prays to God and hopes that he will answer his
prayers and that Rebecca is listening. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Memories are
special some good some bad. Revisiting the past is often to help us gain
perspective in the present or future. Sometimes the past haunts us and the
memories never fad but we hope in time they will and some do. The life we lived
before at times comes full circle in the present and we have to remind
ourselves of God’s blessings and embrace and live our lives in a positive way
and hold on to the good and not the bad. Never let it consume your present or
even make you want to turn to that bright light when there is so much in the
present you still need to accomplish. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">This is one
heartfelt book that everyone should read. Abuse of any kind is wrong and how
she finally fought back more than just courageous. To Gene you are truly a
great man, kind in spirit and heart. Rebecca I can tell you appreciate you life
with him and smile everyday and write that second book and send it to me. Great
first book and amazing story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Fran Lewis:
reviewer </span></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-1890873495307237912012-09-05T15:57:00.001-04:002012-09-05T15:57:52.075-04:00One Man's Journey
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Have What???</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One Man’s Journey Through Breast Cancer</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Richard M. Wiener</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Richard Wiener presents an
extraordinary account of his journey with one of the most dreaded diseases
anyone can ever get. Rich, poor, black, white, Asian, Indian, some illness
never discriminate and will strike when the iron or tumor you might say is hot.
Rich is truly remarkable and very proactive when dealing with life and his
health. After losing his wife to this illness he was quick to jump on the
bandwagon to find out just what it was that was lurking beneath the skin of his
left breast. Could it be a cyst or was it a tumor? Rather than contemplate the
answer and sit on his hands thinking it would disappear all by itself he
describes from the very first page how February 12, 2012 would be one day he
would never forget. You might say this day would either save his life or take
it away. Doctor’s visit, surgeon’s visit, opinions states and biopsies taken
and the end result of the verdict: BREAST CANCER! These words would devastate
anyone and the thought that it was cancerous some would feel, but not Rich, it
was a death sentence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As Rich describes his hospital
stay, the side effects from all the meds and then beginning chemo we hear the
voice of a man who wants to live, will survive and has a positive attitude that
is totally inspirational. Finally, at home and trying to adapt to the drain in
his chest, the limitations it imposed he managed to deal with the pain, the
drain and much more. On March 20<sup>th</sup> he started his first treatment
and the description although graphic and quite vivid helps anyone that might
have to deal with this illness and the same treatment to understand what it
entails from someone that lived it. Week One was hard and his appetite, some
pain attributed to the chemo and other side affects are described. Week two he
realized that he could now eat and his appetite was improving. Thursday, April
12, would be a landmark day for him. Blood work, hoping all would go well, so
that he could get the next set of treatments and April 19<sup>th</sup> Week 3.
Feeling good which is great, hoping to eat something and with the help of his
daughter-in-law things went smoothly including the chicken dinners from a
friend and the frozen pizzas from another. Second round, side effects discussed
and keeping a diary of the events for the nurse and for himself. Questions recorded
for the doctor and the nurse, bloods checked again and seeing the oncologist he
learns that his white blood cell count was high normal, which was great to ward
off infections. Questions that he asked dealt with headaches, steroid meds that
also addressed nausea, and how to add these meds to his daily routine and
learning to deal with joint pain and much more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
For those that want to understand
the definition of a Chemo Cocktail, the meds included plus the glorious side
effects just read page 40 and be totally enlightened. One thing he did have was
a healthy supply of Crystal Light lemonade or water with Propel. As the author
states stating hydrated was vital so tons of Jell-O and chicken broth too. Included
before the final week of treatment begins are amazing family photos, which
include his beautiful wife Lynn, his amazing daughter and daughter-in-law and
his son and grandson. For himself and I am sure for them he not only kept it
together but was and still is determined to see it all the way through and
survive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Throughout the book you hear the
author’s voice as he relates his journey in his own words in the first person.
From the moment he heard to the present you understand the stress, the emotional
upheaval and the fear when you hear that dreaded word Cancer. But, Rich is an
inspiration for everyone and during week five he does explain the exhaustion he
feels, the difficulties he faced walking up the step and the beginning of
another round of treatment. Yet, through it all you never hear him whine,
complain, feel sorry for himself or ever give up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Lunch with a friend, energy level
low, dinner great and hopefully able to watch some television Rich knew that
only good times he hoped would follow. Okay: you are entitled to some
complaints since they were related to food and your taste buds as he tries to
decide what’s for dinner and it all seemed to taste the same. April gone, May
just ahead and hopefully he would feel like going out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Week 7 and the journey continued as
Rich and his doctor discuss the BRCA test which he would take after all of the
treatments were over and hopefully would come back negative. Rich continues
with his daily routines, how he feels and the many setbacks he has and the new
found energy he gets to go shopping, the discomfort in his knees and ankles,
and the fact that he headaches are finally gone. Week eight he has a reaction
that is affecting his taste. Imagine how great he felt when he sent to the
health club, worked out and has breakfast. Normal days are not that easy to
come by and he certainly relished the ones he had. Now, I know he was feeling
better as he decided it was time to get a pedicure. Now, you are talking Rich!
But, the elation was short lived. His cleaning girls on the way and he was
hoping to be on the way of the house and to the mall to a movie, dinner with a
friend and then more pills the next day for the last round of chemo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
But, not everything ran smoothly
and he has a setback that causes him to spend some time in the ER and the
hospital. The reasons for his stay you have to learn for yourself and the
problems entailed are explained in Chapter 18 for the reader to understand.
But, the end result was more serious and a stay in ICU. More information, more
pills, more dietary restrictions and you won’t believe where his cell phone
wound up. That you have to read and find out for yourself as sometimes-funny
things happen and in the middle of everything just might make you smile. The
author’s journey is still going on and he will be taking certain drugs for five
years and he is living his life because nothing will get it down and nothing
will take away the precious gift that God gave us all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So, Rich: plan that celebration of
life party and invite all of your family and friends. You are truly amazing and
this book is one that everyone needs to read. For those men out there that
think it cannot happen to you: think again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fran Lewis: reviewer </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-19177765789855710582012-08-30T08:15:00.001-04:002012-08-30T08:15:12.135-04:00Ka Boom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiCiRFr9QLGynYRazUEPB5O-CGbHd3fOrUpZ6rIOApLZ_ZvqG-JxExfw5sazor5PUqYZ5PAfwxjzRzEFmuCiXkCB7Zp1OY3-Q54XxFHSIPnsdWyTVA9wu2CZPVuOVz8-5t-lqIjtyYLKq/s1600/WOI_Banner_for_Ka-Boom_by_Alyce_Joy_small-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiCiRFr9QLGynYRazUEPB5O-CGbHd3fOrUpZ6rIOApLZ_ZvqG-JxExfw5sazor5PUqYZ5PAfwxjzRzEFmuCiXkCB7Zp1OY3-Q54XxFHSIPnsdWyTVA9wu2CZPVuOVz8-5t-lqIjtyYLKq/s320/WOI_Banner_for_Ka-Boom_by_Alyce_Joy_small-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img height="234" src="file://localhost/Users/franlewis/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image002.png" width="402" /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img height="177" src="file://localhost/Users/franlewis/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image004.png" width="127" /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ka-Boom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author: Alyce Joyce</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you believe in fairies? What
would you do if one turned up in your room? What about if this fairy just
happened to by accident blow up your favorite dollhouse? What if this fairy was
all dressed in green wearing army boots and covered from head to toe in dirt?
What if this fairy got zonked, clonked and banged on the head and had no idea
why she was there but remembered who sent her? Taylor is seven years old and is
used to getting her own way. Seeing this site in front of her not only made her
mad but a little afraid. Imagine ruining her new pink Capri pants and thinking
she was hearing things but in reality she was not. So, what would you do if
this happened to you? If you are Taylor you might start by trying to boss this
poor little four- inch fairy around even though she is really not dangerous.
But, what if she was sorry for all the damage she has done? What if she escaped
from the pages of a book because a Queen named Splaminda sent her here? The
Queen is smart and she realizes that our fairy that likes to be called Sprout
has issues or problems and maybe with the right help and a little maturity she
just might turn out great. Sprout really means well but in between well just
wait and see what happens when Taylor learns just how Sprout can help her, joins
her on many new adventures and finds herself best friends with she hopes not a
fibbin fairy who she thinks is bad at first. But, is she?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sprout is a little confused at
first or as she says, “Discombobulated.” Would you be if you got clunked and
zonked on the head? Taylor is not sure about her at first and thinks she needs
to do something to let her know that she is in charge and this is her room that
she has invaded. Sprout on the other hand explains that she has been stuck in
this book that she finally got out of for as she states a gazillion years. But,
Taylor needs more to trust her. So, just why did Queen Splaminda send her here
from Spritesville? She cannot seem to remember that but she knows she has a job
to do. Sprout is not an ordinary fairy she wears a disc around her neck that is
sort of like a mood ring, which changes words or feelings as things happen in
the story. Starting with Zonked and then changing to Boiling. You figure out
why!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But, Sprout just wanted to be
Taylor’s friends and when she apologizes Taylor feels bad and then watch what
happens next. Would you want to be four inches tall and join this fairy on some
cool adventures? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author introduces some really cool
vocabulary words for kids like lollapalooza and cumbersome, imperative,
pathetic and many more added to a glossary of Sprout’s favorite words at the
end of the book. Just think how cool that will be when you go to school and the
teacher asks for words that mean the same as these and you come up with gallant
for courageous or even humongous for huge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But, a miracle happens and her
memory comes back and the disc now says Hopeful and she magically repairs
herself by taking away the dirt, fixing her clothes and looking quite cute.
Then we learn that she wears the army boots because poor Sprout has a thing or
fetish for shoes meaning fad and I guess the Queen thinks these boots will have
to do for now rather than Sprout buying tons more shoes. But, imagine a fairy
that can make you four inches tall, teach you how to ride a butterfly and help
a snail in trouble and even meet an Earthworm. But, when the mean Bratts
brothers come along will they escape before they do some damage? Hoping to go
into the tunnel of Miss Chipsie Chipmunk before anyone is harmed. Would you
want to meet Sir Leapsalot Frog? But, Taylor is afraid of the tunnel but Sprout
promises to protect her? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But, when Taylor meets Miss Chipsie
she complains rather than say hello about her size and how dangerous it is to
be so small and babbling on and on about Sprout and that no one has to be afraid
because she will protect them. Being afraid can do that to anyone when you
don’t know what to expect you sometimes ramble on until you convince yourself
you are not afraid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, just
where is Sir Leapsalot Frog? But when things calm down they really don’t as the
earth begins the shake and what happens next you won’t believe. DANGER is what
Sprout’s necklace says. Just who is after them and who found them? Why do they
have to whisper? Oh Dear: it’s the Brattz! Its Doozer and Loozer looking to
make someone pay but who? But, even though they might have managed to escape
poor Miss Chipsie is still upset. Why would they call her stupid and why were
they being so mean to such a nice chipmunk? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Her adventures are far from over as
they encounter many obstacles along the way. Would they confront the Brattz for
pushing the tile down the steep incline with Snilly Snail, Taylor, Sprout and
Miss Chipsie inside? But, were they out of danger? Then, Taylor meets Sir Leap.
Sir Leap was quite big, green and had a twinkle in his eye when he met Taylor.
Taylor seemed to always greet someone with a confrontational attitude that
others needed to deal with before getting to really know her. But, Taylor was
hoping to ride on his back. But, did she? Would she be afraid? But, when a fish
hawk endangers them Sprout comes to the rescue after all she is magical in her
own way? Can you discompopulate a rotten old bird? But, the necklace remember
deals with Sprout’s feelings and this time it says PRIDE. These are great
character education words that teacher can use to reinforce kindness and
character lessons. Pride, Hope, Relax and more. So, why was Sprout sent to meet
Taylor: believe it or not to teach her something that adults need to learn when
dealing with kids and kids need to learn when they might have to wait their
turn: PATIENCE. Just what is a Behavioral Custodian’s job: what other words
would she have to teach Taylor: Patience, Tolerant of other people and much
more. Will she succeed? Can’t tell you the rest you have to read it for
yourself. Learn the lessons that Taylor learns. Understand the meaning of the
words on the necklace the character words that will help her to be a better
person and take the journey with her and enjoy the adventures. Look at the
pictures or illustrations that are in this book and maybe you will find
yourself within the pages of Ka-Boom as you join the Queen, Taylor and Sprout
on their adventures as we find out if Sprout remains with Taylor or goes back
inside the book. Did she change Taylor’s attitude and help her understand that
hurting others is mean, bullying is rude and tolerance is important? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pictures created and illustrated by
Diane Lucas are so lifelike and realistic you see the emotions on the faces of
the characters, the fear in their eyes when in danger, the fun they have on
their adventures and the inviting look that says: COME JOIN US!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Will she remain in the dollhouse?
What will be her next assignment for the Queen? Will Taylor join her in her
next adventure? Find out when you read KA-BOOM! But, watch out for a little
sprite with flaming red hair, green dress, army boots and special magic. Do you
believe in fairies? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fran Lewis: reviewer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s give this book: FIVE SPROUTS
AND FIVE SPECIAL PAIR OF SHOES FOR HER <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img height="435" src="file://localhost/Users/franlewis/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image006.png" width="434" /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-19299435035841797802012-08-29T03:41:00.001-04:002012-08-29T03:41:47.248-04:00Laments: My review
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Laments </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Michael Embry </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Regrets often happen too late and sometimes our actions do
not speak louder than words that often create situations that will come back
and haunt us forever. Michael Embry presents a collection of short stories that
will teach every reader many lessons in life and hopefully awaken you to the
harsh realities of what happens when greed, lack of thought, regrets that are
too late and rationalizing our wrong doings and lack of forethought will change
the course of your life and others. Laments a book that will definitely give
everyone much pause for thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Story One: A Brother’s Lament:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Families often go through difficult situations and when
financial aid or help is needed some try to assist while others do not. Jack
and Arnie were brothers. Arnie for some reason could not get a job nor keep
one. Jack, being his brother, bailed him out when things got really tough.
Arnie appreciated the help but when you hear this story and you learn what
happens you might wonder if he didn’t have too many excuses not to forge ahead
with this goal and get a job. As Jack bailed him out with 1000 dollars his
friend Burl asked him to place a bet on the horses. But, Arnie did not think of
the consequences involved of placing bets with money that his brother gave him
to pay his bills and expecting it back from a friend that used him for his own
financial purposes. When the debt was not paid and the bets were placed Burl
made excuse after excuse to not pay him back. But, Arnie, in his own way, not
really thinking, maybe somewhat too naïve pressed the issue and then made the
biggest mistake of his life by going along with a scheme to get money that
would change everything. Would you rob a bank to get money to pay your debts?
Would you go along with a friend who never plans anything out and never really
considers the end result?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When his brother gets him a job as a roofer, why does he
forge ahead with Burl’s plan? When things get out of hand you won’t believe the
end result and who winds up losing the most and how? Sometimes being in the
wrong place at the wrong time can be costly. Sometimes listening to the wrong person
can cost you more. Author Michael Embry presents the reader with a moral issue
as to how this all might play out. When things went haywire one man left and
the other went back to learn the truth about what really happened. Would you
rob a bank to pay your bills? What would you do if you were Arnie once you
learn the outcome of what he will be lamenting about for the rest of his life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Coach’s Lament</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Some people are not cut out to work with kids while others
are more understanding. Tommy is the captain of the basketball team and works
really hard to do his best at every practice. So, why does the coach literally
do a number on him during every practice that makes him rethink whether he
wants to be on the team anymore? Running the practices like an army drill camp
or boot camp can definitely dissuade anyone from wanting to continue working
with that coach. Each time Tommy does his best and each time he thinks he is
succeeding the coach not only criticizes him but puts him down in front of the
rest of the team and claims if he cannot do better how will his teammates
respect him. Even the assistant coach feels the strain and questions how Tommy
is being treated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Tommy decides to handle the situation head on and approaches
the coach and asks to speak with him. But, this man shows his own bravado and
depends he speaks in front of the team which proves to be a mistake for Tommy.
With his mother on his side and definitely understanding the problem Tommy
decides to quit the team and avoid the stress. What the end result is you will
have to learn for yourself as Tommy and his mother decide to move to another
town and live near her parents. What happens when the coach tracks him down and
the end result will let the reader know that sometimes your treatment of others
comes back to haunt you when you least expect it. Does the coach learn a lesson
when Tommy’s decision is final? Will he ever understand that playing basketball
is not army drills? Read story two: A Coach’s Lament and find out what this man
will be thinking about for a long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Dad’s Lament opens with a father telling his son that he
should not allow another child to pick on him and he should stand his ground.
There are many kids that would prefer backing away from a fight and others who
will handle the situation head on. Doug is a really level headed 16 year old
teen that would prefer not fighting but his father seems to feel that giving it
back to the teen that is picking on him is the only way to prove he’s not a
wimp. Asking for help and hoping his parents can come up with a better solution
he learns that what you hope for is not what you always get. His father seems
to brow beat him and comes down on him and the end result will not be what
anyone expects or wants. As Doug goes to the park and sits on a swing and
laments in his own way to solve the problem is mother approaches his father
with other solutions that he would not consider. When things heat up in his own
mind the solution will change not only his life but that of the bully too? Read
this story and find out what happens when a teen has nowhere to turn and the
end result is a Father who will do more than just lament over the bad choices
made.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The stories in this book teach many lessons that adults and
parents can learn. Money is something that can cause people to do things that
are not smart. Bullying in school is wrong and handling a fight with a fight
equally as wrong and parents need to listen to their kids when they ask for
help. Coaches need to know that playing on a team can be competitive but
basically kids should be having fun. When the element of fun turns into the
element of disgrace and fear find out what one wise young man does. An ending
that will certainly bring chills down your spine and a father that will never
be the same. Pressuring young children/teens into using their hands inside of
their minds and intelligence to deal with a bullying can sometimes being
catastrophic results.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Drinker’s Lament is next as we meet a group of friends that
are drinking in a local bar and concerned over one friend named Dylan that had
too much. Leaving the bar he gets into his car and speeds down the freeway not
really focused. Traveling at a high speed another car comes around and he winds
up flipped over and the car bursts into flames. The following morning Dylan
goes to check on his friend Marty to learn that he died in a crash the night
before. Not really focused on what happened and hoping to learn more he
questions his friends and they await Marty’s parents. But, what happens next
will surprise you as Dylan handles the situation, learns more about the
accident and someone notices his car and what they realize you will have to
learn for yourself. Dylan’s lesson in life might be short lived and those that
might discover the truth will have to decide how to deal with it. Will they
figure it out? Read A Drinker’s Lament and find out that will be thinking about
what and why?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When someone expresses grief for or about something they
lament. In the first story the brother will lament what happens to someone he
cared about and was always there for him. In this last story when they realize
the truth many will deplore or lament the senseless act that caused a young man’s
death and in the Dad’s lament the father laments his grievous act towards his
son and the sorrow he expresses and regret will linger on with him forever. The
next story is a Father’s Lament. Not everyone is cut out to do every job. But,
Jake is 22 and seems to be floundering and his father comes down hard and wants
him to become responsible and a man. Thinking about his many options and not
really finding anything he decides to join the military. The branch of choice
the National Guard and that is where the rest of the story begins. Training
camp goes well and then his unit is called up. His father is concerned about
the bills, Jake helping his family with their expenses and never realizes the
gravity of his decision. Jake is sent overseas and what happens will definitely
make a father think about what he asked his son to do and the choices that some
young men make at their own expense. Just what will be this man’s final lament
find out when you read this story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Friend’s Lament is truly a heartbreaking story that will
give readers much pause for thought as we meet Esther and Lorraine two best
friends. Lorraine lives alone in a neighborhood that Esther thinks is
dangerous. Geraldine, Lorraine’s daughter agrees and together they try and
convince her to move. But, no one realizes that she is happy there and her life
with her late husband was there and all of the memories too. When Esther
decides to present Lorraine with something she hopes will keep her safe she
never expects the outcome that will teach many a long and hard lesson. What
happens next will definitely bring tears to your eyes and the end result might
not be what it seems or appears to be. One woman just wants to live her life
where she wants another thought she was being a friend. Find out the end result
when you read this story and decide who should be lamenting and why.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A Grandpa’s Lament follows and the story focuses on smoking
and a young child who emulates him. The next is a Husband’s Lament focusing on
a family who seems to go out of their way ignoring each other and not really
caring about the needs of anyone but themselves. The father seems preoccupied
with his job, the mother with her new focus on losing weight and her children
into their own things. When the father requests his son turn down the music or
else find out what the response is and find out what happens when parents do
not pay attention to their children or each other. The next story focuses on
teenage pregnancy and what happens when one young teen tries to talk to her
mother who seems unyielding in many respects. Wanting to make her parents understand
that she would like to be allowed to take birth control pills, Becky’s argument
for the most part is on deaf ears. With a father who seems to understand her
and a mother who rarely listens except to her own side, the end result is
definitely not uncommon but with one twist. Some girls in order to please a
boyfriend give in to their wishes and demands. Becky is not different and she
and she alone suffers more than just the consequences of her actions. When her
parents learn the truth what happens will definitely not endear you one of them
and harden you to the cold facts that some parents need to lift the barriers
and really listen to their children when they speak. This is a story that
should teach parents and teens some very important lessons. As the book closes
with A Sister’s Lament. Hannah and Mildred are sisters and live together.
Mildred seems self-centered and Hannah lets her know it. What happens between
them is not uncommon as they bicker, yell and scream and one sister goes about
her business and the other eats a sandwich. The end result of this simple act
will surprise the reader and the final outcome will leave one sister thinking
about her last words before learning the truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Each story is unique unto itself and each teaches a simple lesson
in life yet one that many never realize needs to be learned. Read Laments and
hopefully you will come away with the lessons imparted by the author and learn
from the mistakes of those that lived them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Fran Lewis: Reviewer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-78882732840947996932012-08-20T19:06:00.001-04:002012-08-20T19:06:41.134-04:00Resurrect and Restore: My Review
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Resurrect
and Restore: Paul A Zecos </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Before
presenting my review let me state the following: I am presenting the thoughts,
views and information related in this book by the author. I will not present my
views or agree or disagree with the author’s viewpoint of message.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> My
review:</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Definitions
are often subjective when left to the individual to interpret the meaning of a
specific concept or word. The author begins by discussing the word Choice and
helping the reading decide how to discern between choosing Life and Death or
Eternal Life. “The difference between living forever vs. surviving to
exhaustion and death is immense.” Elaborating by explaining the differences
between living eternally in joy by the “Spirit of God-Love vs. “Living and
Dying.” Struggling with your fears, loneliness and suffering to death as
animals is one choice you have to decide about. Choosing your life and your
children’s life to be eternal or end in death is another choice. How does
someone live forever? Only those living, as the author states, “ In God’s
Kingdom of Love,” will live forever. The author continues with numerous
definitions of love and incorporates powerful meanings of the word adding
strong descriptive words, nouns and verbs to illuminate the reader and truly
clarify the meaning of this powerful four letter word: LOVE. Within these
definitions he adds the meanings of these words to help us decide and
understand ways in which God’s love will restore the spirit and help guide each
one of us to revelations of spirit and our souls in order understand the message
he is trying to convey. The author defines Love in many different contexts.
First by stating, “ Love is Righteous and saves others.” He continues by
stating it is “Eternal and resurrects, frees and liberates others.” Love is
Kind and Enlightens. Love is merciful and forgives. He includes words equating
love as compassionate, faithful and many more definitions ending with love is
Just leading to a final statement defining that these are the ways God Loves
You.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">There
are seven great righteous religions of the world each having he states Love’s
expression by the seven spirits of God. Each one expressing their form of love
and each Spirit of love and faith focuses on a particular expression of love.
Every example or thought related is presented in a specific sequence required
because of the degree of “sacrifice required to get from one stage to the
other.” “Justice to wisdom, to forgiveness, to Holiness, to Grace, to
Enlightenment to Righteousness. The seven religions, each one corresponding to
each of the stages. He continues with much more about this in the chapter and
concludes with what occurs because of the great and unnecessary suffering
caused by humans and that the Holy Spirit always has the last word. At the end
of each chapter the author leads the reader into what he wants us to learn or
present next by asking you a question related to the next chapter.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Defining
God’s Kingdom on earth and stating these Lands of God must be Independent from
the current National government is paramount to the author. He continues to
explain by elaborating that without the formation or establishment of a
“sovereign, independent, kingdom of love on earth, through independent,
demilitarized, disarmed, anti violent, sovereign lands for those who
voluntarily chose to live by love and mercy is the only way the we will
succeed. In other words you’d choose to live by love and mercy and not by what
most do money, power, force, judgments by appearance and justice as most do in
this world. The book and the author’s thought provoking and quite compelling
ways to rethink the way you and others view God, life, eternity and our
government on how we live is discussed in this book and only you the reader can
decide whether you agree or disagree with the author after reading the entire
book.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Throughout
the book the author focuses on the importance of making personal choices and
the consequences we face when making the wrong ones. The many ways the World is
Wrong is elaborated on in Chapter 6, The Constitution for the Lands of God in Chapter
7 where author Paul A. Zecos states the purpose of the Land of God is not to
“Preach about love as is needed in this world and as religious institutions do,
but to live by love with others that love, as is most needed.” Quite
compelling. Chapter 8 defines love and states if frees and liberates. In
Chapter 9 when Suffering becomes Intolerable, Being Truly Free, who needs God’s
Kingdom on Earth and elaborating his plan and explaining about an “Independent
Demilitarized, Disarmed land for the Kingdom of God is what is needed.” He
continues to discuss our concerns with our jobs, our material worth and much
more. Explaining the wars, or battles within him and whom he is at war with and
why in Chapter 13 and in 14 stating he does care if you disagree with him and
why. Discussing his viewpoint about corporations, celebrities and idols and his
feelings about the notoriety they receive. Continuing by explaining there
should be two separate governments: The Church and the Secular States and he
defines each one. There is much more presented including Biblical
references and a discussion about Prayer and the right and the correct answers
defining the value of both sides of a conflict in Chapter 20. The religious
aspects, the information related and supported by the “Theory of
Dimensionality,” and the information imparted in chapters 19-21 I will leave to
the reader to decide what you have learned and formulate your own thoughts and
opinions. He even continues with a discussion about education and what is truth
and fiction and his perception of how people view him. The final section is
about the author where he presents his compelling, quite introspective plan and
open letter for how we can resurrect and Restore. The messages are directed to
politicians, and will direct interest from Christian Politicians and many
social leaders too. He defines his feelings about educators, a letter to the
United Nations Security Council is presented, his practical and current
solutions and why nothing will occur until the separation happens. Ending with
the 7 spirits of the Holy Spirit taught at each level and how to learn them.
His philosophy, change and reactions to change and powerful statements about
many religious groups are quite controversial and this reviewer will let you come
to your own conclusions and form your own opinions. I will say that some of the
statements might foster some interesting discussions and debates. Form
religious viewpoints, to the government, education and much more author Paul A.
Zecos asks each person, individual to asses themselves, their views on God,
eternity, life and accomplishing what you want in life by turning negatives
into positives and realizes that the method is the same whether the focus is on
one person or individual, a relationship with a spouse, child, business partner
and more. He states in order to achieve what you want you must decide on what
you truly believe. Use those beliefs as your mission, which you and you alone
can turn into objectives and long-term goals. The final phase of the book is
directed to the CEO’s of corporations, court orders, our President and
politicians concluding with an open letter to many officials. Finally, he asks
in Chapter 25 one question that I will leave to you the reader to answer.
Resurrect and Restore: You decide how you can achieve what you believe in and
what you have learned from reading this book.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #626262; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Fran
Lewis</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-1164889778006517852012-08-19T18:50:00.001-04:002012-08-19T18:50:28.170-04:00Blood Bound My review
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Blood Bound</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Karina Gioertz</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
A young voice was silenced. A life
ended. Those in charge either ignored the muffled cries or turned a blind eye.
Tommy McCarthy spent time in a cell that would give most people the feeling of
being hemmed or closed in and a fear that they would never be released from the
confines of this small cell. Lawyers are supposed to defend their clients.
Lawyers advise their clients on the proper way to address the judge, their
demeanor and dress in court and the respect they are supposed to show to
everyone in charge. Tommy adhered to the plan created. Tommy kept silent until
the judge passed sentence and the final decision was announced. Cries, yells,
screams and hopes died as the sound of the metal door was bolted shut and he
was now living in a cage filled with a bed, metal toilet and a radiator that
leaked. The night scared him and he realized another person shared his cell.
This frightened him even more. Richard Praier- just who is he? Why did everyone
die when placed in a cell with this man? Tommy’s body was found the next
morning. Who silenced his voice? Why? Questioned by the Warden Praier seemed
unfazed and smug. Confident in his actions and feeling in control of his
thoughts and words Praier never reacted to the rants and raves of the warden
but not so in control when placed in solitary for a week. Even the guards in
charge of him had an uneasy feeling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Scott McCarthy just arrived home.
Parking and securing his bike he hoped to be welcome back by his family. That
welcome or hello was short lived. Home for his cousin’s funeral Scott appears
to be an outcast in this family but why has yet to be revealed. What is the
real story behind the hatred in this family? Why shun Scott? Concern for
Tommy’s mother neutralized their anger and abated the arguments for now. Learning
more about Tommy’s arrest Scott notes many inconsistencies about his behavior.
Not believing that Tommy would carry a gun, rob anyone or kill them sets off
red flags for him and he is determined to learn the truth. What really happened
in that cell? Who killed him? Was he set up? Why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As storm clouds soared through the
already darkened sky Tommy McCarthy was released to his final resting place.
Scott, although not really welcomes spent time with his aunt Tommy’s mother to
learn more. As he and his cousins discuss what they know and piece some of the
information the accountant shared with Scott it becomes apparent that the
entire story has not been revealed. The police arrest Tommy and looked no
further. What about the lawyer?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Tommy, Ryan, Ben and Scott: Family:
Bound by Blood: What happened? No one thought the outcome of the trial was
wrong? As the family gathers together after the funeral Scott is introduced to
Natasha, Ryan’s fiancé and the conversation gets heated. Before leaving his
aunt’s home Scott will find out the truth at all costs. How was he strangled to
death on a radiator pipe in his prison cell? Why did the guards miss his
corridor that night? What really happened? Why did his family give up?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Going to the prison was his first
option and after meeting with a prisoner named Lawrence he is convinced it was
not a suicide but a set up. Flashbacks into Scott’s past enlighten the reader
about him and his past with his family. Brought into the brotherhood of the
family why an outcast now? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
What Scott begins to learn at the
prison alarms him as he realizes that many things that look real are often just
created or staged to make people believe what you want them to believe. Who
wanted Tommy dead? Who set off this chain of events? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
From the author of Country Girls,
Karina Gioertz comes a novel that will bring cold chills down your spine. A
novel whose events could have been ripped right out of the pages of the
headlines of the news. Just what really happens behind prison doors? Blood
Bound: Read my review to learn more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The family meets to discuss their
take on what might have happened to Tommy and something triggers in Scott’s
mind and what he does next is short of attempted murder if you really think
about it. Cornering the prison guard responsible for handing Tommy over to the
man referred to as No Prayer who set in motion all that happened to him, teaching
him more than just a simple lesson he would never forget we learn about the
corruption within the prison system and the injustices done to many prisoners
at the hands of those supposedly protecting them. Money is often the root of
their actions as we learn the end result not always what some would like or
expect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The information mounts up as Scott
and Ryan visit Sal’s auto shop the place of the robbery and Ryan finds a folder
filled with interesting information. Links to the present and employees in
their bar might help clarify the reasons for the murder but not all. Just who
really killed Brad Horton the man Tommy went to prison for killing? How is the
bartender at their pub linked? Who is Hilary McCleen and what is her link to
Brad? Just why does everyone think Scott was involved? What do the mechanics
working for Sal know? Just who is the one that really manipulated everyone? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When all of the horrors fit
together and the final pieces are placed into this intricate puzzle more lives
will be placed in danger, a link to Scott’s past will be revealed more family
members will suffer and decisions will have to be made. What did the mob have
to do with the pub? What part did the accountant play? What about their father
or Uncle Teddy might have had something to do with Tommy? What did Tommy know
and see that no one wanted repeated? Just who ordered the hit? Who knew about
it and made sure it happened? The end you won’t believe and the reasons you
have to read for yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
One letter would tell it all.
Deceits, lies, betrayals, hate, jealously and greed all play a prominent role
in what happened to Tommy. Just who and why he was killed will definitely make
one family take a closer look at the definition of Blood Ties or Blood Bound.
What does Scott learn that gets someone else killed? What is the real motive
behind the murders? How does the mob fit in and what did Scott do that was
hidden for many years? Shunned, hated, rejected and a secret that would change
it all. Blood Bound: Find Out where the ties fell apart and the blood seeped
through leaving just the plasma that we need to survive and the blood that
binds us: Will they ever be able to repair what was done? Blood Bound: You
decide the definition but definitely read this outstanding novel that will give
you much pause for thought as author Karina Gioertz takes the reader inside the
mind of a diabolical killer and the prison system to learn what happens when
greed wins out and some things get out of control. Will there be justice for
Tommy? What about Praier? That remains secret as I am Blood Bound not to tell.
A voice silenced then heard: You figure out how? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fran Lewis: Reviewer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Let’s dedicate this review to all
those who have been wrongly accused. This book gets: FIVE TOMMYS </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-62455276706029145452012-08-17T17:11:00.001-04:002012-08-17T17:11:24.303-04:00Internal Security
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cochin;
panose-1:2 0 6 3 2 0 0 2 0 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cochin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cochin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
color:#262626;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Title:
Internal Security</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Author: David Darracott</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ISBN: 9781475059007</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Publisher: Lighting Rod
Books</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How dangerous can it be to deliver
furniture? Hector Mendez learns the hard way about just how dangerous it can
be? An extra 200 dollars in his pocket would go a long way. Trust is often
overrated when you are blindsided. Money becomes paramount and all too often we
do not see the inner truth behind a person’s real motive until it is too late.
Taking the job and bringing the truck to the destination requested by the man
who hired him, Hector arrived at the Tropical Fiesta Hotel as requested and
found his way to the dock to unload the furniture. But, the events that happen
whether in slow motion or fast will shake up the world, awaken their
complacency and let everyone know that terrorism can occur and an attack on our
soil equal if not worse than 9/11 can happen at any time. When Hector tries to
expedite matters and opens the back of the truck with the required key what
happens will create a chain reaction of carnage, fear, destruction and violence
that will do more than just annihilate people and crumble the hotel. Internal
Security by author David Darracott don’t miss my review and definitely read the
book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The news often brings out reporters
who provide the public with fluff, flare and the mundane as the author so aptly
states. Defining it as “pseudo news,” to fill the airwaves and entertain the
listener. Tom Darden works for a third rate news network and learns about the
explosion. Hoping to rise above his station in the news business he chances
using his press credentials to get him closer to the scene. At first glance he
thinks it might be just an ordinary explosion with a closer look and more
discerning eye he realizes the there is much more to this than the eye can see.
The author graphically describes the burned bodies, charred tree stumps, melted
street signs, the stench of burned plastic, woo, cloth and the chemicals that
permeate in the hot, stick and balmy air that create an odor that will take
more than your breath away. Pieces of torn clothing stained in blood as well as
stained suntan oil provide the backdrop for a canvas if painted by an artist
would bring to light a scene that many would not want to see. Rethinking about
his decision to come face to face with this scene Tom begins to think about his
true motives for doing this and is brought out of his reverie when stopped by
the police and questioned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Josiah Baines has a vision that he wants to
present to a group called the Wise Men. A vision that will enhance pockets of
the wealthy and deplete those who are not. A vision that will take away many
civil liberties we all enjoy but require the American people to allow
themselves to be controlled or brought under control as many races were.
Subjugation, enslavement what exactly was his motive and his plan? Peyton
Marshal a former Admiral and advocate of this plan and a powerful Senate
Committee Chairman died after this meeting. Peyton thought to have a heart
attack and the committee member an accident. Why did they die and why did the
Wise Men turn down the plan? But, what happens next will surprise the reader as
Dr. Josiah Baines is approached by someone we will call the Great Man, given
the resources necessary and the authority to implement his Master Plan to
create a better security plan for our country. Just what this Master Plan is
has yet to be revealed? Why would it cost the American Taxpayer? Why is the
government willing to go along with this? But, when he presents the truth to
his editor instead of realizing that he created a great story he sends him to
Iraq to cover the war and what happens there will really enlighten the reader.
When he witnesses a murder and bombing, takes pictures of the incident instead
of appreciating his efforts he’s questioned by the military, treated as an
outcast and the photos he took are stolen as someone left the camera minus the
memory stick. But, Tom is resourceful and what he does let’s you know that he
will stop at nothing to get what he wants and his story out there. Tortured,
mistreated by those he’s supposed to trust he never gives up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What would happen if the government decided to turn
the United States into a police state filled with detention and concentration
camps, detainees, inhumane treatment and liberties denied? As Tom investigates
more finds himself embroiled in this plot just how will this all end and will
those at the top of our government win or will his story break this wide open?
Militia groups to arrest innocent people that come up on their computers as
terrorists. As Tom and a man named Arvin Webber seek the answers there are
others that claim they are doing this to enhance the Internal Security of our
country and mend the breach of security the claim exists. Just how high up does
this go and what happens to those involved and to Tom? You won’t believe the
ending and you have to read this book. One man who risked it all for his
beliefs and his country. Internal Security: What’s your definition?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fran Lewis: reviewer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1821336355684119413.post-61577685161822042452012-08-14T17:54:00.002-04:002012-08-14T17:54:53.426-04:00I am flying my review
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
h1
{mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:3.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
page-break-after:avoid;
mso-outline-level:1;
font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
mso-font-kerning:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;
mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
mso-font-kerning:16.0pt;
font-weight:bold;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:.9in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">i
am flying</span></i></h1>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
James F. Ross</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fran Lewis: Reviewer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
August 14, 2012</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The canvas of an artist’s
painting often reflects his feelings, emotions and life if he chooses to create
the important moments he has lived through his artistry. Each picture, each
stroke of his brush that he paints will depict an important moment that will
live forever. The lens of a camera often provides the ability to record a
sunset, a single rose a favorite place as the shutter is pressed and the
picture is taken with a camera that has seen many years. Martin Connor has
reached the final sunset or twilight of his life and what he remembers and will
leave to the world has been stacked and packed within the tight confines of
boxes he has placed in his lonely room. Married for many years to his precious
Marie he recounts the many special moments that they spent together. But,
living in a community barren of family and few friends, Martin Connor
contemplates his life and his next step.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Living in this home or community
he is subject to the rules imposed by others, the frustrations he faces each
day and the loneliness he feels in his heart. An administrator who is
dictatorial and commanding a social worker who needs retraining and the few
possessions that he owns Martin Connor has only one choice that will set things
straight and give him the feeling and ability to soar or fly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Throughout this novelette you
hear the voice of this man, read his words as he shares his journal that only
you the reader and Martin can read and comprehend to understand the final
moments of this man’s life. Planning his exit would take energy, fortitude and
the help of two others. Trying to convince the administrator to forgo giving
him his meds is ingenious. With his plan in place and convincing everyone he
overdosed on aspirin and the way he managed to do it, Martin Connor was one man
who no one could get one over and who was determined to execute his plan and
final day his own way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
While he explained to his friend
Brenda who lived in the room opposite him what he wanted done with his boxes,
where to send the contents when he was gone, he managed to take one more ride
to visit the one person he cherished the most. Did you ever decide to plan your
exit from this world? If you were diagnosed with a terminal illness would you
decide to give up or would you fight to live longer? What if you put your
thoughts and ideas in a journal and yet only you could read them and only you
could fulfill your thoughts and words?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Living alone and feeling that
life has no more journeys and paths the author relates quite graphically,
vividly and clearly the feelings that many people have when they realize they
have nowhere to go, no one to care for them and nothing else they want to do.
But, Martin Connor is special and his departure would be unique and definitely
well defined and planned out as he enlists the help of a past student to take
one last ride. With his camera at hand he enters Dann Memorial Park for the
last time. A place that was special to him as a child where he played and near
where his family lived. The Bench: a reminder of his wife Marie. Something so
ordinary yet so precious in his thoughts and mind as he hopes to spend one
final hour there sitting and watching the world go by and hoping for a jelly
doughnut. The memories he shares with the reader relate to his life with his
wife Marie whose mother would visit his mother as they played as children
together. The Bench: held some special memories as he remembers sitting there
holding Marie’s hand on their Bench Date watching the sunset. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I came back,”</i> he says. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Our last date. Until now, courage eluded my
desire to come here and sit with you one more time.”</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A story told from the heart in
the first person by the character himself you feel the pain in his heart, the
love he felt for his wife and the freedom he wants to take his final journey
the only way he can. Author James F. Ross takes the reader along with Martin
Connor, Brenda and one special man named Bobby on the lasting journey that will
be so memorable and heartwarming yet heartbreaking it will remind everyone what
happens to those who are forgotten and put aside in homes where they feel all
alone and just one person who really does not matter to those who run the
facility. Everyone has dreams and no one should deflate those of another
person. As Martin returns to the home and Bobby to his wife they both realize
the precious things in their lives, what will be left behind the wonderful
thing he did for this man’s family that will keep him in their hearts and minds
forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As he returns to the home and
falls asleep from a fever what he does will surprise the reader and make you
realize how precious life is, how we need to care for the elderly in the right
way and the honesty and determination of one way to find his own way to
Freedom: I am Flying: just what that means and how this title fits so perfectly
you need to read this for yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Just how does someone get their
final piece of mind? Just how does someone say farewell when there is no one to
say goodbye too? Read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">i am flying</i> to
find out. This is definitely a book that will give you much pause for thought,
make you understand how people feel when diagnosed with a terminal illness and
understand that those running facilities need to show more compassion,
understanding and love to those that have been placed in their care.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Fran Lewis: Reviewer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Let’s give this book: FIVE
BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS </div>
Just reviewedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02864915198476782627noreply@blogger.com0