BreeniBooks

Review: HOLD ME TIGHT: SEVEN CONVERSATIONS FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVE by Dr. Sue Johnson

2011-08-28T21:11:00.015-04:00

Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
Dr. Sue Johnson

In my opinion, reading's true rewards come when you see yourself reflected in the pages of a book: when that book enables you to unravel the many layers of your own psyche. Hold Me Tight is just that sort of book. It is based on Dr. Sue Johnson's APA-endorsed Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, or EFT.

EFT is based on the premise that romantic relationships are sought to fulfill the human need for attachment. Johnson likens this attachment to that of a parent and child. Essentially, our need for security never dies, and as we transition from adolescence to adulthood, we project that need onto our partners and spouses rather than our parents.

Johnson does an excellent job illustrating the basic need for attachment using case studies. The examples feature dialogues between couples as they are being treated, and it's hard not to relate to one of the participants in each scenario. Even the personality types who tend to retreat when faced with marital conflict are actually acting out their need to preserve this idea of security.

The world of psychology and couples' therapy is constantly evolving and there are as many different schools of thought as there are self-help books. Johnson's methods seem to be the most realistic. She breaks conflict down to the self-defeating patterns into which couples fall while guiding them into more productive ways of relating.

The problem with Hold Me Tight is EFT requires the participation of both partners. Most often, only one partner is actively seeking a solution and it can be difficult to persuade a significant other to read the book and participate in the exercises, just as it would be to convince that person to attend couples' therapy. Johnson does not offer any solutions for dealing with unresponsive partners.

However, just to be able to shed some light on our own subconscious motivations and how they affect our relationships is worth the time it takes to read the book. There are lots of prompts for reflection, and perhaps a relationship can be improved when at least one partner can delve into a deeper level of understanding. Hold Me Tight has the potential to serve as a tool to achieving this realization.

Review: RALPHINA, THE ROLY-POLY by Claudia Chandler

2011-03-27T17:19:00.005-04:00

Ralphina, The Roly-Poly
By Claudia Chandler

As a fan of Janet Halfmann, I have great appreciation for children's books that tell a story and teach science at the same time. Children love learning about the world around them, and books that highlight the creatures they encounter every day help them build an understanding of the world.

With this in mind, I was very excited when Claudia Chandler's Ralphina, the Roly-Poly arrived. I could tell right away from the cover illustration this was going to be a treasure of a book. I knew my boys would be just as excited to learn about the strange little bugs they had become so accustomed to uncovering in their outdoor exploration.

Ralphina is both written and illustrated by Chandler. The story begins with Ralphina devising a plan to get the attention of the little boy who lives in the home on her lot. She's looking for a playmate, but her mother explains that she's probably just too small for the boy to notice. Her idea is to make the tulips in the yard bloom so beautifully that the boy will have to come outside and pick one of the flowers for his mother. Through Ralphina's efforts, we learn how roly-polies aid the growth and development of plant life. We also learn about their protective instincts, anatomy, habitat, and genus. The positive storyline about friendship and problem-solving is followed by two pages of facts about the little insects.

Putting the educational value aside, my favorite part of the book is definitely the gorgeous illustrations. The colors are vivid and the pictures pop from the page. These are the types of drawings that one could imagine gracing nursery walls or children's museums. The font is a little flowery, however, which might make it difficult for early readers to decipher. As long as an adult is doing the reading, this doesn't pose an obstacle.

Ralphina, the Roly-Poly is a book that will remain on bookshelves for years, as children will still find the scientific value after they've outgrown the storyline. Claudia Chandler has created a well-rounded book parents and children alike will enjoy.

Review: SHADOW YOGA, CHAYA YOGA by Shandor Remete

2010-11-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Shadow Yoga, Chaya Yoga: The Principles of Hatha Yoga
By Shandor Remete

Shadow Yoga, Chaya Yoga is an introduction to Hatha Yoga. Unfortunately, to claim this book as an introduction to any yoga principle is misleading. Remete describes the facets considered imperative to becoming enlightened through Hatha Yoga, but he does it in such a convoluted jargon-laden way, the reader becomes lost and confused trying to piece each principle together.

I feel terrible that I haven't even been able to finish this book. I've tried several times, but each time I start reading I become so overloaded with terms that my mind becomes distracted and I lose interest. The parts that I was able to understand easily were based on my prior knowledge of yoga gleaned from other readings and a Religions course. He speaks of various positions and methods, but never elaborates or provides tutorials on performing them. The author focuses on theory, but not implementation.

What I was able to absorb is that Hatha Yoga is made up of many layers of accomplishment, and none can be achieved until its precursor is mastered. Remete tries to emphasize the need to take the practice in segments and master each segment before moving on.

Shadow Yoga is Remete's own personal derivation of Hatha Yoga, to which his father introduced him at age six. I played around a bit on his website, ShadowYoga.com, and following the videos allows the practitioner to put some of Remete's instruction into practice. However, piecing everything together in the order and depth the author encourages is still quite elusive based solely on the text. From what I can tell, the objective is to provide enough information that the reader signs up for some courses, but can never fully grasp the practice on their own.

I'll keep trying to unlock the potential this book has. I'm sure there is some beneficial information contained within its pages that will guide me in mastering Yoga techniques. However, for a novice or beginner, there are better books available.

This book review is part of the Eco-Libris 2010 Green Books Campaign. View other reviews of eco-friendly books at Eco-Libris.net.

Review: LITTLE BLACK ANT ON PARK STREET by Janet Halfmann

2010-08-22T17:47:00.003-04:00

Little Black Ant on Park Street
By Janet Halfmann
Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz

I love the colorful and educational installments in the Smithsonian's Backyard series of books. And so do my boys. Ever since reading Hermit Crab's Home, Janet Halfmann has been a favorite author in our family. We seek out her books based on her name and not the content. But naturally, a child's curiosity about the world around them will encourage them to explore the wildlife that exists right in their own backyard. (And bring specimens of that wildlife indoors behind Mom's back.) Little Black Ant on Park Street explores several days in the life of an ant, experienced through the perspective of one special little ant.

The book opens during the Summer, when the backyard anthill is filled with activity. Little Black Ant has spent weeks working in the darkness of the anthill, but today she gets to explore the sunlit lawn outside while searching for food. It takes no time at all for the ant to find a feast for her colony, and the reader is allowed a glimpse at the teamwork and careful strategy that go into delivering the food back to the anthill and disseminating the meal to her fellow ants.

Day after day Little Black Ant ventures out into the great outdoors in search of food while the reader learns the biological processes of ant survival. There is even a hint of danger when Little Black Ant finds herself in the clutches of blue jay. Which defenses will she use to escape?

While this book is probably best enjoyed by toddlers and younger children, the educational benefits can span all ages. Even I learned a thing or two while sharing this book with my boys. And it's making me almost not want to kill the ant that's crawling across my laptop as I type this. Almost.

Review: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE by Hilary Smith

2010-08-08T13:13:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bipolar But Were Too Freaked Out to Ask
By Hilary Smith

Thank goodness for authors like Hilary Smith. Her tongue-in-cheek guide to bipolar disorder could be one of the most useful tools available to those who encounter this stigmatized affliction. This is most likely due to the fact that Smith exists outside the medical community--she's a patient--and she's living with bipolar disorder herself. She's been there, she's done her research, and her narrative exudes sincerity.

Maybe it's just Smith's personality, but the book reads like she might have been on a manic episode when she wrote it. It's incredibly upbeat, flows without a hitch, and pokes fun at the circumstances surrounding a bipolar diagnosis without reserve. And that's the raw appeal of the book: that Smith is not going to eschew any important details. She's going to tell it exactly as she sees it as she relates her experiences.

Despite the casual and humorous nature of Welcome to the Jungle, it is organized without flaw, taking form in a comprehensive study of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Smith's candor makes the disorder seem bearable--fun, even--and can ground the reader in a way only a good friend can. It offers a degree of reassurance that's difficult to cultivate in the antiseptic realm of psychiatry and medical service. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, even hospitalization seem like trivial challenges in the light of Smith's perspective. She has a talent for making every experience into an exhilarating and meaningful adventure.

That being said, Smith still manages to highlight the serious and life-altering effects of bipolar disorder. She masters such taboo topics as suicide just as easily as she provides a thorough illumination of the insurance industry and the inevitable roadblocks that come with trying to obtain health insurance post diagnosis. The reader will come away with a great deal of knowledge while, at the same time, being entertained. Welcome to the Jungle is a complete package.

Review: LET GO NOW by Karen Casey

2010-07-26T12:50:00.005-04:00

Let Go Now: Embracing Detachment
By Karen Casey

Karen Casey has written twenty-three books, but I have to admit that I had never heard of her until a review book popped up unexpectedly in my mailbox. Let Go Now: Embracing Detachment is Casey's latest work, and it arrived at just the right time. I'm already on my second "refresher" reading just to keep in line.

Let Go Now focuses on how many of us form unhealthy attachments to those around us. We crave the attention and approval of loved ones so much that we go to great lengths to control their behavior to suit our own needs. Even a complete stranger who signals a notion of disapproval can shatter a weakened ego. It may sound extreme, narcissistic, and overbearing, but it is a sad reality for lots of us. It was a destructive reality for Casey which influenced her foray into drug and alcohol abuse.

Though she admits to being a work in progress, Casey has managed to overcome many of these destructive tendencies and shares her wisdom in 200 one-page essays elaborating on the basic principles of detaching from those around us. By detachment, Casey certainly does not mean withdrawing from our daily lives and interactions with those around us. She guides the reader into a practiced form of disengagement when conflict arises. It's an in-depth application of the concept "turn the other cheek."It's brilliant advice.

Casey calls her essays "meditations" and every ten are followed up with a reflection exercise to help the reader absorb the messages and put them into practice. Casey molded many of her principles around her rehab experiences, so they are very much God-centered and rely on faith in a higher power for reinforcement. However, Casey clearly notes that everyone's definition of God is different and for the reader to use their own interpretation of spirit. While atheists might find a little more difficulty in relating the wisdom to their own unique situations, it is still solid advice that is worth incorporating into daily life.

The main concept I took from the book is that everyone is in our lives for a reason, whether that be to teach us something, for them to play the part of the student, or to journey alongside us as a companion. Those people may disappear from our lives when their lesson has been completed. It lifts the spirit when one can stop and show silent appreciation for those who have challenged our resolve or hurt us in one way or another and Casey guides the way. She lets us know that the greatest gift we can give a loved one is their autonomy--to stop worrying about their lives and let them grow in the way their lives have been laid out for them.

Let Go Now is a book I would feel comfortable suggesting to just about anyone. Very few of us are able to focus solely on our own growth and let those around us take separate paths. For those of us who find ourselves investing in other people to the point of insanity, Casey helps lay out the boundaries that allow us to reclaim our lives and gradually end our codependency.

Review: AWAKENING CONSCIOUSNESS: A BOY'S GUIDE by Robin Marvel

2010-01-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

Awakening Consciousness: A Boy's Guide
By Robin Marvel
ISBN-10: 1932690913
ISBN-13: 978-1932690910
Paperback, 114 pages
June 10, 2009
Marvelous Spirit Press
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

Finding ways to guide children spiritually without imposing religious tenets upon them can be a struggle at times. For those of us who follow a more broadened spiritual path, there seems to be little in the way of instructional material. This makes the release of Robin Marvel's Awakening Consciousness: A Boy's Guide, all the more exciting!

Marvel's guidebook is written with the child in mind, delivering spiritual information in a way that is relevant to a young boy. Colorful stories, mostly Native American lore, complement each lesson. Children become immersed in each chapter with activities that explore each concept. Marvel includes space for drawing and reflection, as well as instructions for fun crafts. Topics covered include chakras, meditation, spirit guides, and dreams, among many others.

This workbook is a hit with both of my boys. It holds their attention well with the activities within each chapter. The part that pleases me the most was the focus on building a child's self-esteem and well-being, things that tend to come naturally with spiritual training. The text is clear and easy to read, the stories are relevant to a child's world, and the message is positive. The parent may wish to explore some topics further as the child expresses interest, being that the chapters really only touch briefly on each concept. Awakening Consciousness will likely serve as a springboard to exploring spirituality.

Review: Jewelry by LuShae

2010-01-30T20:05:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is coming up ladies, so why not direct him to Jewelry by LuShae for some ideas? Of course, I was naturally drawn to the shiny objects, but LuShae has some really gorgeous designs, and they're quite affordable. You can choose from a nice selection of necklaces, rings, and earrings.

While I had a great time perusing the site, and learned some very interesting information about the history of jewelry while I was browsing, I knew which piece I was choosing the instant I came across it. I had to try out this amazingly awesome skull and crossbones ring. This little beauty is made of Rhodium-bonded white gold with three round cubic zirconia for teeth. The skull is hollow, so you can see right through those eyes. Isn't he gorgeous? I placed my order, it shipped the same day, and arrived in just a few short days. I was impressed with the shipping time.

When my little beauty arrived, he was packaged in an attractive velvet-lined gift box and was everything I expected. Jewelry by LuShae touts the amazing Rhodium finish as the secret to their quality jewelry, so of course I had to test this out. Let it be known that I can be rough on jewelry. I've broken many a ring or necklace within a few days. The Rhodium finish is supposed to give it an added luster and protect the metal from scratches and tarnish. I put the ring on the same day, and have worn it for two weeks now, through hand-washings, lotions, cooking, cleaning, and showers. The ring still has a beautiful shine and shows absolutely no sign of wear. It still looks as if I had just pulled it out of the box. It definitely passed the Breeni stress test.

All of the jewelry on the site is easy on the wallet. This particular ring retails for $122, but LuShae has it on sale for $62.00. I feel confident buying from LuShae with their 100% satisfaction guarantee. They really do stand behind their products. Fellow bloggers should check out the $5000 sweepstakes. Final word: great service, great quality, great products.

Review: VICIOUS CIRCLE by Linda Robertson

2009-10-06T22:15:00.005-04:00

Vicious Circle
By Linda Robertson
ISBN-10: 1439154287
ISBN-13: 978-1439154281
Paperback, 384 pages
June 30, 2009
Juno Books
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

"Being a witch doesn't pay the bills..." Don't I know it. And it's as a Wiccan that I most enjoyed Linda Robertson's debut novel Vicious Circle. Robertson makes it easy to relate to her heroine Persephone Alcmedi, a traditional witch with a soft spot for waerewolves. While she's offering a safe place for waerewolves to kennel during the full moon, she's also taking on the responsibility of housing her feisty grandmother who has recently gotten ejected from a nursing home.

Tragically, a friend who used to kennel at Persephone's home is murdered. This leaves Lorrie's orphaned daughter, Beverley, of great concern to Seph, considering Lorrie was a single parent and her daughter is now in the care of Vivian Diamond, an esteemed but apathetic high priestess with the child rearing skills of Miss Hannigan. Of even more concern is the fact that Vivian apparently knows who killed Lorrie, and she insists on hiring Seph to avenge the waerewolf's death. In Robertson's world, waerewolves are treated as a sort of subspecies, and such a murder would brushed under the rug by authorities. Vivian knows that Persephone has broken the Witches' Rede for Lorrie in the past, and she wouldn't hesitate to use that information against her.

An even larger problem looms, however. The accused murderer, Goliath Kline, also happens to be a vampire with a nasty reputation. He does not take kindly to Persephone's investigation into his affairs and, as a result, another waere friend nearly loses her life. Persephone is desperately trying to save her friend while keeping herself alive in the midst of a vampire's ire.

Yes, it does has a bit of a Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood feel to it, but what doesn't these days? It would be easy to envision Goliath as Eric Northman or Vivian as Maryann Forrester, amongst plenty of other parallels. However, I was most intrigued by Persephone's internal conflict over how loosely she interprets the Witches' Rede. And her bad boy musician love interest is a far cry from Bill Compton. In fact, Johnny presents yet another conflict for Seph in that she's hesitant to let herself fall in love with someone so far removed from her idea of a respectable boyfriend. All told, Robertson combines an interesting mix of ritual and lore, contemporary affairs and mystery.

Guest Review: BABY SHARK'S JUGGLERS AT THE BORDER by Robert Fate

2009-09-10T09:26:00.006-04:00

Baby Shark's Jugglers at the Border

by Robert Fate

ISBN-10: 0979996058

ISBN-13: 978-0979996054

Paperback, 280 pages

Capital Crime Press

September 1, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

After a few entries in a series, authors often run the risk of getting a bit lazy. Character development becomes sparse, or the prose becomes clichéd. Robert Fate skillfully sidesteps such a problem in the latest entry in the Baby Shark series, Jugglers at the Border. This is the fourth installment in the series starring former pool shark turned detective Kristin Van Dijk, and it is just as strong as the previous novels.

Jugglers at the Border is a fun, fast-paced read. It starts with Kristen being tied up in a remote cabin. When a mysterious gunman kills her captors, she seizes the opportunity for an escape. She ends up killing the gunman when she becomes a target for him. With all of the excitement in the first few chapters, the reader is likely to believe that this case will be focus of the story. However, this is just an introduction.

The main case in Jugglers at the Border involves the murder of the estranged wife of Kristin’s partner, Otis. There is an interesting back story about Otis’s ex, Dixie. She was a stripper known as “The Dallas Firecracker.” Their marriage was a stormy one, and it cost Otis his career with the police department. Although they had been separated for years, Otis still cared about Dixie, and he agrees to work with the police on the case.

The case is a complex mix of twists and turns. Dixie’s murder is immediately linked to a recent bank robbery in which a police officer was killed. Kristin and Otis have to figure out exactly how she was involved in the plot. The investigation pairs Kristin and Otis with a by-the-book cop named Carl Lynch. At first, their investigative styles clash, but they develop a mutual respect over time. The investigation reveals a dark side to Dixie’s life and another mystery. The team discovers a safety deposit box key taped underneath her coffee table, but they can’t figure out where the box is stored. This represents a key element of the bigger mystery of Dixie’s role in the bank robberies. All of the mysteries converge in an exciting climax that ties everything together.

Robert Fate does a great job with the pacing of this novel. The suspense remains steady throughout the book. There are no slow sections; everything keeps moving toward the climax. Fate creates suspense in a number of ways. He focuses much of his energy on the plot; it is jam-packed with action. The reader doesn’t really have time to recover from one event before something else happens. It makes for a fast, exciting read experience.
Fate uses his characteristic retro style language. Everything about this novel looks and sounds like a hard-boiled detective novel of the mid-twentieth century. Only the modern copyright date reminds the reader that this book was written in 2009. The dialogue is snappy, and Fate uses a staccato rhythm throughout the book. The overall effect is surprisingly smooth.

Fate also does a bit more character development than usual in Jugglers at the Border. This time, he reveals more of Otis’s past and shows some of his emotions. For the most part, Otis has seemed like a tough former cop. In this book, his feelings regarding Dixie reveal a gentle side that hasn’t been evident in previous novels. Fate also reveals some confusion for Kristin in her relationship with her boyfriend, Lee. Their relationship has developed into something more serious than they had expected. Consequently, Kristin doesn’t know what she wants to do with the relationship and her life.

My biggest complaint about this novel is its title. I just don’t think the title suits the novel very well. It looks like Fate is trying too hard to be clever with the title. It’s too long, and doesn’t fit the action as well as some of the other entries in the series.

Overall, Jugglers at the Border is a fun thriller. The pacing is good, and the characters are likeable. Most importantly, it has a terrific plot that keeps the reader guessing. It feels like an old detective novel, but hopefully there will be more entries in the Baby Shark series.

Guest Review: THE GLENN MILLER CONSPIRACY by Hunton Downs

2009-07-08T19:55:00.002-04:00

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy

by Hunton Downs

ISBN-10: 0977913163

ISBN-13: 978-0977913169

Paperback, 267 pages

Creative Book Publishers International

April 15, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Conspiracy theories are always interesting to me. There’s just something intriguing about how some people don’t believe anything that they hear about a certain event, while other accept the story at face value. Until I picked up Hunton Downs new book, The Glenn Miller Conspiracy, I had absolutely no idea that there were conspiracy theories regarding Glenn Miller. In fact, I really didn’t know very much about Glenn Miller beyond his music. If you’re looking for an in-depth biography of Miller, this is not the book for you. I found myself looking up various details of Miller’s life. However, if you’ve always wondered about his death, you’ll enjoy The Glenn Miller Conspiracy.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy was interesting, but also a bit disappointing. For one thing, I was expecting more information about Miller’s life in this book. Downs focuses much of his energy in tearing down the myths surrounding his death. While it does make sense to tear down the myths, I would have preferred to have more details about why Miller was regarded as such a hero. Another flaw was the time spent recounting how Downs uncovered the truth. At times, he spends too much time explaining how he got to one small detail. There is also a lack of balance in the way Downs covers the conspiracy. He doesn’t explain the public story of Miller’s death at first. That story surfaces after he has begun his attack on the military’s version of events.

Despite its flaws, this is an interesting book. Hunton Downs is a good storyteller, and he even makes some of the less interesting aspects of his research sound intriguing. Downs also reveals some really interesting details about Miller. For example, I had no idea that Glenn Miller was involved in a series of wartime recordings designed to encourage the Germans to surrender. He recorded numerous messages to the Germans. This actually led to his being marked for death by the Nazis. In fact, these recordings may have ultimately led to his death.

For those who don’t know, the public story of Miller’s death claims that he was lost in a plane crash over the English Channel. Conspiracy theorists have never believed the military’s account. Hunton Downs and several other researchers have spent years trying to find the truth about Miller’s death. Apparently, Miller was on “a secret mission for Ike” when he died. Downs gradually reveals that Miller was a key part of the failed Operation Eclipse. When Downs focuses on the details of Operation Eclipse, he provides some of the most interesting stories in the book.

One thing that is never quite clear is exactly what happened to Miller. Downs does manage to prove that Miller was found outside a Paris brothel after the time in which he supposedly disappeared into the English Channel. It appears that he was kidnapped and tortured for information. Otto Skorzeny’s plan to use Miller to get to Eisenhower ultimately failed, but it did cost Miller his life. Miller died from injuries soon after he was discovered by US servicemen in Paris. In the years that followed, the military stood by their original statement that Miller’s disappeared over the English Channel.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy is an interesting, but somewhat disappointing book. Hunton Downs devotes so much time to describing his search for the truth that the reader is deprived of that “Eureka!” moment when all the pieces fall into place. The story itself is interesting, but it drifts along too much. Conspiracy theorists will not be disappointed, but diehard Glenn Miller fans may want to read another account of his life.

Guest Review: SIZE 2 FOR LIFE by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen

2009-06-15T20:38:00.004-04:00

Size 2 for Life

by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulson

ISBN-10: 098210474X

ISBN-13: 978-0982104743

Paperback, 222 pages

Stance Publications

January 16, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I first saw the title, Size 2 for Life, I was dubious. It sounds like another fad diet book, and the market is already crowded with such books. Although the title didn’t impress me, the content of the book did. Size 2 for Life is the work of Ashley Marriott and Dr. Marc L. Paulsen. Both authors are experts in the fitness field, and their lifetime commitment to fitness shows throughout the book.

Despite its title, Size 2 for Life actually focuses on healthy eating and exercise habits. The “size 2” mentioned in the title refers to a frame-adjusted size that ranges from 2 to a 6 depending on frame size. (Their method of determing frame size seems oddly simplistic, but it does make sense.) The authors start by breaking down many of the weight loss myths. They also attack many of the popular celebrity diets. I found some of the celebrity diets downright scary. The authors do a good job of attacking the so-called “supercharged” weight loss plans and shifting the focus to healthy eating.

Size 2 for Life has a helpful chapter of “do’s and don’ts.” This chapter puts a lot of good information in one place. The authors follow up with a more detailed guide to their weight loss plan. The language is positive and motivating. From there, they provide detailed examples for the exercise and diet components of the program. The program is broken into smaller segments, so it never seems overwhelming.

The exercise program is well written. This is the section where Marriott’s expertise really shows. The exercise portion features step by step photos for each of the resistance training exercises. This would be very helpful to exercise newbies. The exercise portion also includes numerous options for the aerobic component of the program as well as detailed instructions for stretching. The photos and detailed instructions make the exercise part of the program seem approachable and unintimidating.

There is an interesting 21 day program included in the plan. This is designed to build healthy habits. My biggest complaint about the program is how extreme it sounds. It seems like it would be very hard for a lot of people to follow. The exercise portion requires a rather large time commitment even for beginners. This seems like a huge leap for an overweight person who may not get much exercise on a regular basis. I think it would be very easy for someone to fall of the wagon and abandon the plan quickly. I realize that the 21 day program should build new habits, but I wonder how many people can actually stick with such an intense program for the full 3 weeks. I would prefer to see the recipes written a little better for the 21 day program. It might make the program more enticing.

Size 2 for Life presents practical exercise and nutrition information in an easy to use format. Overall, it is a sharp, informative book on weight loss. It has a few flaws, but it’s worth a look if you are interested in taking charge of your health.

Guest Review: MIRANDA'S BIG MISTAKE by Jill Mansell

2009-06-07T16:05:00.002-04:00

Miranda's Big Mistake

by Jill Mansell

ISBN-10: 140221832X

ISBN-1: 978-1402218323

Paperback, 496 pages

Sourcebooks

June 1, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

I loved Jill Mansell’s recent American release, An Offer You Can’t Refuse. So I was very excited about reviewing her latest novel, Miranda’s Big Mistake, but I was also a bit apprehensive. What if it wasn’t as funny as her previous work? What if it turned out to be a total dud? It turns out I didn’t need to worry a bit. Miranda’s Big Mistake is absolutely hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake tells the story of Miranda, a junior hairstylist at a trendy salon in London. She lives with a colorful elderly woman named Florence and helps her out around the house. Miranda also helps a homeless man near the salon. She shares her food with him everyday. This behavior reveals key elements of Miranda’s character. She is very kind (almost to a fault) and perhaps a bit naïve. This actually adds to Miranda’s charm. When Florence gives Miranda tickets to a charity party, Miranda meets Greg. He seems like nice guy, but he is hiding a dark secret. He has just left his pregnant wife, Chloe. She happens to work for Florence’s son, Bruce. Miranda has no clue about Greg’s situation. She falls in love with him and even becomes engaged to him. Meanwhile, Florence learns about Chloe’s situation and invites her to move in with her and Miranda. Chloe and Miranda quickly become friends. When Chloe realizes that Miranda’s boyfriend is her ex, they concoct a hilarious plan for revenge. Miranda and Chloe both move on without Greg in their lives. Both women eventually find their own happy ending, but their paths are filled with funny missteps along the way.

There is an interesting subplot involving Miranda and the homeless man near the salon. Sharing her food with him becomes a part of her daily routine. Miranda does begin to have vague suspicions about him, but she continues to help him. Her encounter with him in a park is absolutely priceless. I won’t ruin the surprise because it is definitely worth it. The relationship between Miranda and “Hungry and Homeless” forms a nice part of the book. He turns out to be very different from what Miranda expected.

Jill Mansell seems to have a knack for creating outrageous yet believable characters. Miranda is a colorful young woman, both literally and figuratively. Her penchant for unusual hair colors makes her stand out in any crowd, and her attitude toward life shows a slightly different perspective. Her landlady, Florence, also believes in living a colorful life. She has had three husbands. When the love of her life dropped dead on the steps of a Monte Carlo casino, she gave up on marriage and pursued a life of fun. The only thing that slows Florence down is her debilitating arthritis. In many ways, she and Miranda are kindred spirits. Miranda’s boss, Fenn Lomax, is equally entertaining. He is a handsome, heterosexual hairdresser to the stars. At the start of the novel, Fenn is a shallow playboy. As the story progresses, he matures and falls for an unlikely mate. All of these characters are quirky creatures, but they are very believable.

Some of the situations in Miranda’s Big Mistake seem extreme, but Mansell crafts the scenes with such skill that the reader willingly accepts the absurdity. My only real complaint about the novel is that some of the characters seem to conveniently disappear at times. I would have liked to see Florence’s relationship with Tom develop over time. It seems like the relationship develops suddenly. This is primarily due to her absence from several chapters. However, devoting much more time to Florence’s adventures would have made for a much longer book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake would be fabulous beach reading. It is laugh out loud funny, and it’s nearly impossible to not root for Miranda. Her hilarious actions are sometimes outrageous, but always enjoyable. The supporting characters are equally charming. It is also filled with sharp one-liners. I was sad to see this one end, even though I did like the ending. Jill Mansell has written another winner. She is rapidly becoming one of my favorite chick lit authors.

Guest Review: TRUE COLORS by Kristin Hannah

2009-05-14T20:20:00.003-04:00

True Colors

by Kristin Hannah

ISBN-10: 0312364105

ISBN-13: 978-0312364106

Hardcover, 400 pages

St. Martin's Press

February 3, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Kristin Hannah is among the best when it comes to grand, melodramatic sagas. Her latest novel, True Colors, is no exception. It features her usual combination of romance and tragedy. This time Hannah examines the bond between sisters and how men affect this bond.

True Colors follows the Grey sisters after the death of their mother. Eldest sister Winona is an overweight bookworm who feels out of place at her family’s horse ranch, Water’s Edge. Middle daughter Aurora assumes the role of family peacemaker. Youngest daughter Vivi Ann is the family’s golden child. It seems she can do no wrong in their father’s eyes, and she loves the family ranch. The sisters’ bond seems strong until Vivi Ann falls in love with Winona’s old friend (and secret crush) Luke Connelly. When Vivi Ann cheats on Luke with ranch hand Dallas Raintree, the bond between her and Winona begins to break. Things begin to improve after Vivi Ann and Dallas marry and start a family, but then he is charged with the murder of a local woman. Although she is the town’s best attorney, Winona refuses to take his case. This temporarily severs her bond with her sisters. Dallas is convicted of the murder. He loses numerous appeals and gives up hope of returning to his family. He divorces Vivi Ann while he is in prison. Vivi Ann blames Winona for Dallas’s imprisonment, and their bond appears to be severed. However, the sisters gradually rebuild their relationship over the years.

Things change when Vivi Ann’s son asks Winona to help clear his father’s name. Winona agrees to help, but it leads to a new rift between her and Vivi Ann. In her attempts to clear Dallas, Winona finds a new form of inner strength. She decides to stop seeking her father’s approval and simply live life on her own terms. She also forms a strong bond with her nephew, Noah. Ultimately, the bond between the Grey sisters proves to be stronger than any outside forces.

True Colors is heavy on the drama, but Kristin Hannah does balance things a bit with sharp dialogue. Winona has some rather witty lines, and Noah’s journal entries feature a combination of anger and humor. At times, the level of sadness is almost overwhelming. It seems as if Winona will never find happiness in her own life. Similarly, Vivi Ann drifts along in a downward spiral for several years after Dallas’s incarceration. Things don’t seem to get on an even keel for the sisters until the final third of the book.

As usual, Kristin Hannah creates compelling characters. Winona and Vivi Ann are particularly well-crafted. I do have a complaint about the development of Aurora. Her character is highly underdeveloped. Aurora goes through an acrimonious divorce somewhere in the middle of the novel, but her story never gets told. Passing references to the nasty divorce and her husband’s mistress appear throughout the second half of the book, but Hannah never reveals the details of Aurora’s life. Their father also seems to be an underdeveloped character. The source of his bitterness never becomes apparent. Part of his anger clearly stems from his wife’s death, but there are deeper issues involved as well.

The romance between Vivi Ann and Dallas is beautifully written. Hannah does know how to write a sweeping romance. Hannah portrays a much less passionate affair with Winona and Mark Michaelin. When their arc ends, it really doesn’t seem like much of a loss. Hannah also portrays young love between Noah and Mark’s daughter, Cissy. There is something very sweet and innocent about their relationship.

True Colors explores the bond between sisters. The Grey sisters face challenges to their relationship as men come and go from their lives. At times, the family seems to be split into warring factions, but the bond is never completely broken. The Grey sisters emerge from each event stronger than they were before. Fans of romance and melodrama won’t be disappointed by True Colors.

Guest Review: THE STRENGTH OF A SPARROW by Tim Anders

2009-04-30T21:01:00.003-04:00

The Strength of a Sparrow

by Tim Anders

ISBN-10: 1885624638

ISBN-13: 978-1885624635

Paperback, 326 pages

Alpine Publishing

February 25, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I see the words’ “based on a true story” on the cover of a book I’m somewhat skeptical. Why not take a true non-fiction approach? Tim “Dr. Hope” Anders’ The Strength of a Sparrow is based on a true story, but in this case, writing the story as a novel really works. I was pleasantly surprised. The book tells the story of the author’s parents. However, Anders removes himself from the story, so it really does feel like a novel.

The story begins with a couple on a first date. In many ways, it looks like a perfectly normal occurrence. They are just two New Yorkers dining in an Italian restaurant. The year is 1946, and the couple appears to be falling in love. As they go their separate ways, major differences start to appear between the couple. The man, Hughie Hewitt, is actually a priest. He also has a serious drinking problem. He returns to the rectory to drink and pray after the date ends. In contrast, Bouvette “Boo” Sherwood returns to her glamorous uptown apartment. She is a successful Broadway actress and producer.

The first date is an indicator of things to come. Boo and Hughie fall in love. They remain a couple even after Hughie reveals that he is a priest. Ironically, being with Boo seems to make Hughie a better priest. He stops drinking and brings much more passion to his work. Everyone notices that he is different man, but only a few people know the truth. They begin living together as husband and wife. They even take the surname “Anders”. The change in Hughie piques the curiosity of Monsignor Smith. Their relationship has never been friendly, and Monsignor Smith even hires a private investigator to follow Hughie. Eventually he learns the truth about where Hughie goes when he is not working.

In the meantime, Hughie and Boo have two children and a very happy secret life. Boo gives up her career and settles into motherhood. Their happy life comes to an abrupt end when Hughie has a heart attack. Monsignor Smith sees this as an opportunity break up the couple once and for all. He makes separate deals with Boo and Hughie. They accept his offers and move on with their separate lives.

After the breakup, Boo’s strength becomes even more apparent. She begins working multiple jobs to support her family. When her children are taken away because of her exhaustion, Boo fights to regain custody. I won’t ruin the ending, but I will point out that Boo’s strength is the driving force for the family. The character of Boo is so well-written that it is easy to forget that she is a real person.

The story takes a dark turn with Hughie’s heart attack, but there is a prevailing sense of hope throughout the book. The reader truly believes that everything will work out. It is also amazing to see how Hughie and Boo kept their life together a secret from so many people.

The Strength of a Sparrow has good writing and a fascinating story. It could have easily been a sappy romance or bitter attack on the Catholic Church. Fortunately, it never becomes either of these things. It actually offers a tale of hope and strength.

Guest Review: AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE by Jill Mansell

2009-04-08T21:17:00.003-04:00

An Offer You Can't Refuse

by Jill Mansell

ISBN-10: 1402218338

ISBN-13: 978-1402218330

Paperback, 416 pages

April 1, 2009

Sourcebooks Landmark

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

If you’re looking for a fun, fast read this season, Jill Mansell’s An Offer You Can’t Refuse definitely fits the bill. It’s a great piece of British chick lit. If you’re a fan of Helen Fielding or Sophie Kinsella, you’ll absolutely love this book. It is laugh out loud funny and romantic. Jill Mansell has created a delightful heroine in Lola Malone.

The story begins with 10 years earlier with seventeen-year-old Lola leaving her part-time job at Cod Almighty. When her boyfriend’s posh mother shows up, Lola suspects that something strange is about to happen. Her suspicions are confirmed when Adele Tennant offers her ₤10,000 to break up with Dougie. Lola turns her down, but reconsiders when she learns a secret about her stepfather. Lola actually manages to talk her into giving her ₤12,500. She breaks up with Dougie and moves to Majorca. Ten years later, Lola and Adele cross paths again. This time, Lola rescues her from a mugger. Lola doesn’t realize who she has helped until Adele’s new husband introduces them at a party. This moment brings Doug back into her life as well. While Doug is still angry about their breakup, Lola realizes that she still loves him. The rest of the novel follows Lola’s attempts to win Doug back. You can guess the ending, but the journey is hilarious.

Jill Mansell also has two fabulous subplots in An Offer You Can’t Refuse. The first subplot involves Doug’s older sister, Sally. Lola and Sally become friends and then neighbors when Sally moves into the flat across the hall. Sally is a funny, vibrant woman who has a terrible history with men. When Lola’s neighbor, Gabe, suddenly returns from Australia, he moves back into his flat with Sally. There is a mutual attraction, but their “Odd Couple” style relationship keeps them sparring for most of the book.

Sally also figures into the other subplot. Lola’s biological father finds her and enters her life for the first time. As Lola and her father, Nick, build a relationship, Sally develops a crush on him. Like Lola, Sally is definitely willing to make a fool of herself to impress her crush. Unfortunately, Sally’s attempts to get Nick’s attention result in a serious injury. (But it is a great bit of slapstick humor.) Ultimately, Sally does find love. It’s just not where she expected to find it.

Mansell does a great job of weaving her plots together. Everything blends very well. In fact the plot structure seems rather complex for this type of novel. My only small complaint is that Sally’s subplot occasionally overshadows Lola’s pursuit of Doug. This actually results more from character development than the plot itself. In some instances, Sally is just a scene-stealer. The characters play very well off each other, so the scene-stealing moments work beautifully.

I have to praise Jill Mansell’s ability to work pop culture references into this book. Lola is a bookstore manager, so Mansell does include some nice literary references. However, I was impressed by her ability to work in references to Doris Day and the movie Pillow Talk. I have to admit that I’m more than a bit biased about this particular movie since it is one of my favorites. This is one of the only modern books that I recall making positive references to Doris Day. (Most include a feminist rant.) When she threw in a few references to George Clooney, I thought I might have found my long-lost British twin.

I really loved this book. An Offer You Can’t Refuse is funny and fresh. It would be great beach reading or a nice escape on a dreary day. Jill Mansell creates interesting characters and charming plots. She should get ready to take her place on bestseller lists next to Helen Fielding and Sophie Kinsella. I can’t wait to read her next American release this summer.

Guest Review: THE BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD by David Nuffer

2009-03-30T19:34:00.004-04:00

The Best Friend I Ever Had
by David Nuffer

ISBN-10:1436370299

ISBN-13: 978-1436370295

Hardback, 172 pages

November 24, 2008

Xlibris Press

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Thousands of pages have been written about Ernest Hemingway. David Nuffer acknowledges this at the beginning of his new book, The Best Friend I Ever Had. What separates Nuffer’s work from other Hemingway biographies is its perspective. He tackles the subject of Hemingway’s life by interviewing his friends.

At first glance, Nuffer’s research method might seem a bit odd, but it is surprisingly charming. After becoming a fan of Ernest Hemingway’s writing, David Nuffer began researching his life by speaking with those who knew him well. He also began attending literary conferences and amassing a large collection of Hemingway-related items. Over time, Nuffer actually managed to meet a number of Hemingway’s intimates. The Best Friend I Ever Had is the result of Nuffer’s years of research.

Nuffer starts with an interesting story about “The Papastone”, a gift he received from Nita Houk. The tiny fossilized seashell is a treasured piece in his Hemingway collection. Nuffer uses the lucky piece as the starting point for his story about Nita and Walter Houk. Nita actually met Hemingway before she met Walter. She started working as Hemingway’s secretary and house sitter in 1949. After Nita met Walter Houk in 1950, the couple began spending a lot of time with the Hemingways. They became so close that Ernest Hemingway gave Nita away at their wedding ceremony and hosted the reception. Years later, David Nuffer forged a friendship with the couple that produced a number of insights into Hemingway’s life. Through the Houks, Nuffer learned about Hemingway’s trips to the Mayo Clinic and his shock treatments. One theory surrounding Hemingway’s suicide blames the memory loss that resulted from these treatments.

Ernest Hemingway was a fascinating man who surrounded himself with equally fascinating people. In Sun Valley, Idaho, one of those people was Tillie Arnold. Rumors have surfaced over the years about a possible affair with Hemingway. Tillie denies such a relationship. It is true that Hemingway loved and respected Tillie. Her memories of Hemingway show a smart, kind man who loved life but dealt with periods of melancholy, especially as he aged. Throughout her chapters in The Best Friend I Ever Had Tillie answers numerous criticisms about Hemingway’s treatment of women and frequently corrects the record on his behavior. She never knew the angry, drunken Hemingway that is portrayed in many biographies.

Nuffer also interviewed Hemingway’s second son, Patrick, for this book. His interview was not recorded, so Nuffer presents the information in a series of short answers. The result is a snapshot-like feel for the chapter. Normally, I probably wouldn’t like this style, but it really works here. It gives Patrick the opportunity to provide his memories without the usual fluff that fills most biographies. It definitely seems appropriate for a book about Ernest Hemingway.

The Best Friend I Ever Had is an interesting look at Ernest Hemingway. The author never met Hemingway, but he has done a masterful job of penetrating his inner circle. This book is clearly a labor of love. It feels like David Nuffer enjoyed every minute of researching and writing this book. The Best Friend I Ever Had offers a fresh perspective on Ernest Hemingway’s life. Hemingway fans will definitely want to read this one.

Guest Review: JACK WITH A TWIST by Brenda Janowitz

2009-03-28T13:25:00.007-04:00

Jack with a Twist

by Brenda Janowitz

ISBN-10: 0373895550

ISBN-13: 978-0373895557

Paperback, 384 pages

June 24, 2008

Red Dress Ink

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Funny and fabulous- that’s how I would describe Brenda Janowitz’s latest novel, Jack with a Twist. This is the sequel to her debut novel, Scot on the Rocks. It is definitely possible to enjoy Jack with a Twist with no prior knowledge of Janowitz’s earlier novel. She provides sufficient background information and creates a totally separate plot.

Jack with a Twist tells the story of Manhattan attorneys Brooke Miller and Jack Solomon and their wedding plans. Things are moving along nicely until Brooke meets designer Monique deVouvray. She thinks Monique will be designing the dress of her dreams but things change when Monique shows up at her office a few days later. Monique asks Brooke to represent her in the dissolution of her business partnership with her husband. There’s one major problem; Jack is her opposing counsel. To top things off, Jack will be working with a sexy new associate named Miranda. This is the biggest case of each one’s career, and neither will back down. At the same time, Brooke and Jack are planning their wedding. Their families do not get along which only adds to the tension on the home front. Brooke also starts to question Jack’s fidelity when he starts spending long hours with Miranda. At this point the plot becomes somewhat predictable, but Janowitz keeps things interesting with a great climax.

Janowitz has a very funny, witty style that works well for this type of book. She creates believable characters and includes just the right amount of absurdity. One of my favorite scenes takes place at Brooke’s bachelorette party. The image of her elderly relatives dancing on their chairs is hilarious and surprisingly believable. I know a few people who will definitely be doing that sort of thing well into their eighties. Some of the other scenes such as Brooke’s first professional meeting with Monique also seem very realistic. Every woman has had moments when she tries her best to look professional yet things still go awry. It the little details like this that make the novel work so well.

Janowitz also captures the stress of planning a wedding beautifully. The initial meeting between the Millers and the Solomons is laugh out loud funny. Jack’s sisters and their seemingly interchangeable husbands become a running joke that doesn’t get old. The battles between the families are very funny and very real. Sometimes the slights are subtle, such as the entrée choice at Brooke’s massive bridal shower. Other snubs are more blatant such as the battle over the wedding location. As someone who has worked in the wedding industry, I can vouch for the realism in these scenes. Weddings seem to involve a tremendous amount of stress, and most of it stems from the families.

One element doesn’t ring quite true for me. I never fully understood why Brooke suspected Jack of cheating. Her reactions to his working relationship with Miranda seemed a bit exaggerated. Miranda clearly enjoys flirting with Jack, but he doesn’t seem to be at all attracted to her. This makes Brooke’s suspicions seem misplaced. However, it can make sense as part of Brooke’s stress-induced meltdown. It just stands out because it’s the one thing that Brooke worries about without any real evidence.

Jack with a Twist is an enjoyable piece of chick lit. Brooke is a realistic and likeable heroine. Janowitz’s style is snappy and fun. She is clearly influenced by the Hepburn/Tracy film battles. (This really appeals to me, but I’m a fan, too.) Janowitz also provides a charming ending that could allow for a sequel. This is a great rainy day read. I can’t wait to see what Brenda Janowitz writes next.

Guest Review: MODERN MAGIC by Anne Cordwainer

2009-03-10T20:22:00.004-04:00

Modern Magic

by Anne Cordwainer

ISBN-10: 0615255639

ISBN-13: 978-0615255637

Paperback, 360 pages

February 15, 2009

Clotho Press

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

I’m not a big fan of fantasy novels. It’s just not my favorite genre (although I do have to admit an addiction to the Harry Potter series.) So, it may seem surprising that I even picked up Anne Cordwainer’s story cycle, Modern Magic. I may not be a huge fantasy fan, but I am a fan of good writing. Modern Magic is a well-constructed story cycle that held my attention from beginning to end.

John and Liz Prospero are part of a long line of sorcerers. John is one of the most powerful sorcerers in his family’s history, but Liz is a mundane. “Mundane” replaces “muggle” as the term for a non-magical person. Liz may not possess magic like her brother, but she still faces the challenges that result from their magical heritage. Modern Magic is written as a story cycle rather than a standard novel. The narration alternates between John and Liz. This is an effective storytelling device because it highlights the differences between the mundane and magical worlds and develops the characters.

John and Liz seem like polar opposites at first. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that they share a common link to the magical world, regardless of Liz’s mundane status. The Prospero family is known as magical renegade hunters. Basically, they are magical crime fighters. A “renegade” sorcerer is a sorcerer who has decided to use his magic for evil purposes. Fighting magical crime sounds very much like fighting normal crime; it’s just more dangerous.

A large part of the plot revolves around the magical justice system. Modern Magic is set in America at the start of the twenty-first century. Even in this modern setting, sorcerers rely on a family-based system of justice. When a renegade is caught, he is turned over to his family. They are responsible for all of his future actions. The system is antiquated and extremely difficult to manage in modern times. The Prosperos old family friend, Scott Narragon, has a plan to change the system. He wants to combine sorcery and modern justice to provide a universal system for fighting crime. His plan comes under fire from everyone, including John. For John, a universal system would make things easier, but it would also mean changing his attitude about his duty to his family. Although John finds the current system a burden in his own life, he refuses to shirk his duty. As magical crime increases, John begins to realize that a more modern justice system might be necessary.

There is quite a bit of violence in this book. It is an action-packed fantasy thriller, so that should definitely be expected. The exciting climax features yet another intersection of the magical and mundane worlds. Cordwainer throws in a terrific plot twist as the cycle draws to its climax. (I won’t ruin it, but it really is surprising.) Cordwainer does a great job of pacing this story cycle. The action never lags, but she takes plenty of time to develop the characters. That makes the action even more exciting because the reader cares about the characters. For example, John may a jerk at times, but I really wanted him to win because I understood his character.

Modern Magic could have easily been an American knock-off of Harry Potter. However, Anne Cordwainer has done a masterful job of creating her own magical world. A few similarities exist, but Modern Magic stands on its own as a solid entry in the fantasy genre. I’m not even a big fan of the genre, but it kept me interested and entertained from beginning to end.

Guest Review: THE MOON IN DEEP WINTER by Lee Polevoi

2009-03-07T14:00:00.008-05:00

The Moon in Deep Winter
By Lee Polevoi
ISBN-10: 0976951657
ISBN-13: 978-0976951650
Hardcover, 224 pages
November 10, 2008
Casagrande Press
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Tolstoy’s words describe the dysfunctional family in Lee Polevoi’s The Moon in Deep Winter perfectly. Each character seems to have his own set of problems. As an ensemble, they form a tangled web of love, hate, and intrigue.

Parker Sloane returns to his childhood home in New England after a third-world cash-smuggling plot goes awry. The family that he finds is even more disturbing than he remembers. His stepfather, Burke, lives in a paranoid fantasy world. Burke worked for the State Department during the Cold War, and he believes that the government is trying to stop him from telling his story. He even thinks the government has somehow convinced Parker to sabotage him. Burke’s paranoia becomes one of the running themes of the novel. As the story unfolds, Parker realizes that his family is descending into a world of madness. Several murder plots develop, and the biggest mystery becomes who will die first. The explosive ending answers most of the reader’s questions in an unusual way. (I won’t spoil the surprise.)

The Moon in Deep Winter reads like a Coen brothers’ script. It is filled with dark humor that grabs the reader. Some of the events are totally absurd, such as the way Burke greets Parker. The scene looks normal at first. Parker greets Burke’s mother, Eugenia, and she seems to recognize him. However, Eugenia then screams for Burke and begins beating Parker with her cane. Burke arrives with a gun and shoots at his stepson. The scene is absurd, but it works in the context of the story. Similar scenes appear throughout the novel. Another great scene involves Eugenia and Parker’s mother. Parker assumes that Eugenia has lost her mind when she complains about the funny taster of her soup. She claims she saw her daughter-in-law putting poison in it. It turns out she’s right; Parker learns the truth while sharing a late night drink with his mother. Such absurd scenes appear throughout the novel. Polevoi has a gift for making these scenes work in the context of the story.

This novel has a fascinating mix of characters. Each one is hiding something. Polevoi does not provide much background on some of the characters; that only makes them more intriguing. For example, there is definitely something wrong with Parker’s half-brother, Walt. Burke calls it “brain damage.” Clearly, brain damage isn’t the problem with Walt, but there is something disturbing about his behavior. There is also something strange about their sister, Rita. She seems to need to keep the family together at all costs. She is even willing to sacrifice her own happiness to do this. Polevoi has created a cast of complex characters, yet he leaves much of the definition of the characters up to the reader. At first, this seems like an odd choice. However, it works. It ties in with the lunar and winter imagery that run throughout the novel. The characters change like the moonlight on snow.

The Moon in Deep Winter is very funny. Polevoi makes great use of dark humor. This could easily be turned into a Coen brothers movie. The quirky humor keeps the reader guessing and laughing. There is a lot of violence as the novel draws to a conclusion. Some of it is still quite funny, but it is not for the faint of heart. It works well with the murderous plots in the family.
This is a well-written, funny novel. Lee Polevoi has created an intriguing group of characters and a fascinating plot. I couldn’t wait to see how the story would end. The Moon in Deep Winter is an enjoyable piece of literary fiction that should appeal to a wide range of readers.

Guest Review: ROCK BOTTOM by Michael Shilling

2009-02-09T21:07:00.004-05:00

Rock Bottom
By Michael Shilling
ISBN-10: 0316031925
ISBN-13: 978-0316031929
Paperback, 400 pages
January 9, 2009
Back Bay Books
Reviewed by Susan Helene Gottfried

I liked the premise of Michael Shilling's Rock Bottom so much that I wound up with multiple copies of it, from multiple sources. After all, any book about a rock band is right up my alley, and the idea of this particular novel intrigues: take a band who's made it but now it's all crashing down around their ears.

This is where I'm supposed to say that Rock Bottom failed to live up to expectations. And while I did get bogged down for awhile right before Adam gets beat up, I can't make that expected claim. I may not have loved this book as wholeheartedly as I have loved others, but that doesn't mean this isn't a strong book, one that's resonating with me well after I've finished it. You'd better believe I'll be adding this to my recommended reading list.

As I said, the premise of Rock Bottom is fascinating: it's the last day of Blood Orphans' tour. Their last show. They've brought themselves down, they've been brought down by the media. They've had the support of their record label, and now, they've been dropped. Only, they don't know it yet.

Or, rather, they don't want to admit it. They all know it on some subconscious level. It's this hidden knowledge that the book builds on: the way these four band mates (and their manager, a woman named Joey) come to terms with this huge shift in their lives. They look back, they wonder what's ahead, they wander through this last day, almost as if they are waiting. For their final show. For real life to return. For something; it's not always clear to us -- or them -- what they wait for. The sensation of waiting permeates the book.

One of my gripes with Rock Bottom, at least in the early going, was that I had trouble telling the four guys in the band from each other, particularly Shane and Adam (although at times, Bobby, too). Darlo? Not so much. The son of a pornographer, his obsession with sex and his relationship with his dad sets him off from the others immediately. I had to keep reminding myself that we started off in Bobby's point of view; he's the one with bad eczema on his hands. Shane was the one who smelled like peanut butter. And Adam? He was the other one. The one who didn't smell like peanut butter and whose hands were fine.

It's only when Adam gets beat up in the park that he begins to emerge as a clear character. I'm sure it's no coincidence that when he emerges to the reader, he's also emerging to himself. He's finding his way more surely than the others do; at book's end, his future seems the most clear.

But back to that part about Adam finding himself at the same time he comes alive to the reader. This is a book that teeters more toward literary fiction than it does toward commercial fiction. Literary fiction isn't all navel-gazing, as many of its opponents would have you believe. It's fiction that is often allegorical. It's supposed to make you think while lulling you with its beautiful writing. Rock Bottom certainly does that. In fact, the longer it's been since I closed the back cover, the more I'm thinking.

The only time this bend toward the literary bothered me was at the end of a chapter. In mainstream commercial fiction, the rule is that you stop a chapter on a high point, so the reader doesn't want to put a book down. In literary fiction, there is some attempt at an emotional twinge, a lovely image to tide you over until you next resume reading. Rock Bottom relies too often on these images. This is, after all, a book about a band who is crashing and burning. There's sex, there's drugs, there's peanut butter, there's music. Bring it on and bring it hard… don't bring the chapters to what seems like a close.

This is purely a taste thing. Maybe it's a backlash on my part. After all, once I had my MFA firmly in hand, I walked away from academia and literary fiction. I loathed reading it and I loathed writing it even more.

That's part of the pleasant surprise of Rock Bottom. This is the sort of literary fiction that makes the genre shine, at least for me. In commercial fiction, it would be hard to pull off a novel featuring five different narrators -- although I have seen it done. Here, Shilling does it with relative ease, despite my early confusion about who is who. I can easily make a case for that being part of the author's intent: as the five players in this novel figure out who they are as individuals, they become that much clearer to the reader. We stop seeing them as a band and begin seeing them as the individuals they are. I mean, do you know which Jonas Brother is which? They're a band; they don't have to be individuals. Not until they've put in 20 years and have to emerge this way for their legions of fans. That sort of fame isn't in the future of the four members of Blood Orphans.

There is much to praise in this novel. Darlo's story in particular haunts me, days after I closed the book. The scenes with the up-and-coming band ring true -- in fact, much of this book rings true, but it's the contrast between Blood Orphans and Tennessee that screams the loudest. Who's the king and who's the loser now? these scenes seem to ask. Can you take this ride and emerge as anything but a loser?

Michael Shilling would have you believe that you can't. Yet look at the future for Adam and Bobby. They are headed off in different directions, but both of them are poised on the verge of going back up. There's potential for Darlo, Shane, and Joey the manager, too. Their future is murkier, and that suits the book. It may be sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but that doesn't mean it's all crystal clear.

Especially because the question about where the peanut butter came from is never answered. I've spent a lot of time wondering about that peanut butter, Mr. Shilling. What do you say? What's the story there?

Guest Review: INSTANT REPLAY by Tony Verna

2009-02-09T20:57:00.004-05:00

Instant Replay: The Day that Changed Sports Forever
By Tony Verna
ISBN-10: 0977913147
ISBN-13: 978-0977913145
Paperback, 226 pages
September 30, 2008
Creative Book Publishers International
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Super Bowl Sunday seems like an appropriate time to learn more about the instant replay. (After all, it does appear in every game.) I don’t remember a time when the instant replay wasn’t a regular part of televised sports. So, like a lot of people, I have always taken its presence for granted. Tony Verna’s Instant Replay: The Day that Changed Sports Forever should change that perception of the instant replay.

For the record, the first instant replay occurred on December 7, 1963 during the annual Army-Navy football game. Director Tony Verna invented the technique to replay the previous action on the field. The story of how the replay was developed is interesting. The technology used for this innovation was clunky and surprisingly primitive to say the least. Verna was working as a director for CBS at the time of his invention. He was already known as one of the whiz kids of the business. The instant replay made news, but Verna‘s involvement was often overshadowed. Unfortunately, this achievement has only recently been attributed to him. This has led to some justified anger from Verna.

At times, Verna’s anger regarding the predominant misinformation seems to take over the book. In fact, the “Coda” at the end appears to be an outlet for his frustrations. Verna tries to make this section seem less like a rant by having his researcher interview him. Unfortunately, it stills comes across as a rant about Roone Arledge and his claims that he invented the instant replay. Verna’s anger is certainly justified. I didn’t know who invented the instant replay until I read this book, but Verna’s account is compelling. After reading his story, I hope Tony Verna can set the record straight about the invention of the instant replay.

Instant Replay is an interesting and informative book, but it has some serious flaws. One major flaw is its title. While Instant Replay is a catchy title, it doesn’t reflect the content of the book accurately. The invention of the instant replay is only a small part of story. The book actually tells the story of Tony Verna’s career in television. The instant replay invention occurs in the second chapter. It is a pivotal moment in the book, but definitively not the focus of the book.

Another key flaw is the editing. This is a fascinating story, but it needs a sharper focus. Verna meanders through his story. He throws in random anecdotes throughout. While this storytelling technique has its own brand of charm, it can also be distracting. Some of the anecdotes wander pretty far from the main story, so they make this a tough book to pick up and read for just a few pages. Sharper editing could have easily solved this problem. It could have also forced the removal of the “Coda”. This unnecessary chapter inadvertently makes Verna sound bitter. This type of behavior seems like it should be beneath him. Better editing could have also helped with the chapter length. The chapters in this book are extremely long. Breaking them up would make this much easier to read.

Instant Replay: The Day that Changed Sports Forever is a fascinating look at one man’s long, illustrious career in the television business. It is misnamed, but it is a great read for anyone interested in the history of television and sports. Instant Replay could actually be used as a guide for aspiring directors. Tony Verna offers an insider’s look at the world of television. Despite its flaws, Instant Replay is a highly entertaining book.

Review and Giveaway: BEING WRITTEN by William Conescu

2009-01-26T19:41:00.016-05:00

Being Written: A Novel
By William Conescu
ISBN-10: 0061451347
ISBN-13: 978-0061451348
Paperback, 224 pages
September 9, 2008
Harper Perennial
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

Trying to explain the premise of Being Written to friends and coworkers is to talk yourself in circles, and garner some strange sideways glances in the process. "Well, it's a book about a guy who's in the book and knows he's in the book, and he's trying to get a bigger part in the book..." Yeah, that was me, in my lame attempt to answer the age old question "whacha reading?" ten times over during the course of reviewing William Conescu's novel. It's not as complicated as it sounds...or is it?

When we meet Conescu's protagonist, Daniel, he's just heard the familiar scratching sound of a pencil in one corner of a bar--a sure indicator there's a book being written somewhere around him. He sniffs out the familiar sound, tracking it down to an intriguing woman who is obviously the focus of the author's running storyline. Having already served bit parts in previous novels, he's determined to play a bigger role for once. Since the mystery woman at the bar has the author's attention, it's up to Daniel to worm his way into her life for his big debut.

Mystery woman Delia is a tragically conflicted character, surrounded by a small clique of starving artists, all struggling with dreams of success pounded down by years of rejection. She initially takes Daniel into her bed as a form of revenge against her lover's lack of ambition. But at first, Daniel isn't sure whether his role will be a romantic one or if he will simply serve as a motivating force in each group member's professional endeavors. He's content either way, as long as he plays an integral part in the plot.

Being Written is a dark comedy, and Daniel's scheme to affect Delia's life in some profound way eventually takes a turn for the worse. His lying escalates along with his criminal activity, which he takes in stride because it's all for the part. As long as he can keep the author's attention, morality is an afterthought. He's a desperate man and he's got the author prodding him along, validating his aims.

For those with a distaste for cliffhangers, Being Written may not be a suitable choice. It's the type of story that leaves the conclusion up to the reader's imagination. However, Conescu builds such a degree of suspense in the closing pages, it's difficult to put the novel aside. Daniel has put so much stake on the idea that he's the key player in this novel that he will likely overlook the possibility that the ending he's picturing may not be what the author has in store for him. But the reader won't. The reader will want to scream at the pages for Daniel to wake up. And Daniel only hears the scratching of the pencil as it creates his destiny.

William Conescu's Being Written is a quick read, not terribly in-depth, but not at all shallow. It flows along at a nice even pace, diverting the reader's attention more to the possibility of what's to come rather than the actions taking place. It's definitely one for English professors to dissect and analyze, and is sure to prompt some interesting reading group conversation. Conescu's short story "Blind" makes an equally entertaining treat at the end of the book. Being Written has a bit of an existential feel to it, along with a unique character-driven plot. It's a fun read for literature enthusiasts.

Time to break out an old-school Breeni Books giveaway!

Your comment is your entry! Just tell me you want to read this for your chance to win an autographed copy of Being Written.

Open to US residents.

Deadline for entries is Sunday, February 8th. I'll draw a winner on Monday, February 9th.

I will email the winner for mailing information on February 9th. I must have a response by midnight EST Friday, February 13th or a new winner will be drawn.

Good luck!

Guest Review: LITTLE STORIES by Jeff Roberts

2009-01-25T19:57:00.004-05:00

Little Stories
By Jeff Roberts
ISBN-10: 1432727273
ISBN-13: 978-1432727277
Hardcover, 99 pages
Outskirts Press
August 14, 2008
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Jeff Roberts’s Little Stories is a little book with a lot of emotion. It really is a small book (only 99 pages), but Roberts fills his writing with enough emotion for several volumes. Little Stories consists of eleven short stories. The stories were written during Roberts’s undergraduate years at the University of Iowa. The topics covered include the loss of a beloved pet, a troubled marriage, a promising student on the brink of failure, and betrayal.

In the “Prologue”, Roberts mentions that he has included all of his short stories- even “the immature as well as the overcooked”. That information does explain some of the differences among the stories. Some of the stories, such as “Kisses” and “Cosette” feel deeply personal. At times, it seems as if the reader is somehow invading the narrator’s privacy. This is not a bad thing; rather it is a sign of the level of emotion that is present in the stories.

My favorite story has to be “Triptych”. In this story, Ethan shares a long bus ride with an elderly man named Ron. Ethan has plans to spend the weekend in St. Louis with friends after another fight with his wife. Ron is on his way home after a visit with his family in Wichita. Throughout the trip, Ron tells Ethan about his life and his marriage. He was married to his wife, Enola, for fifty-two years. Their happy life stands in stark contrast to Ethan’s tense situation. “Triptych” is a beautifully written study in contrasts. Even in old age, Ron has a peaceful life with his elderly dog. When Ethan goes home, a new tiff begins with his wife. The contrasts are striking and poignant. The portrayal of Ron’s life is especially touching.

A high level of emotion seems to be the unifying theme in this collection. Most of the stories tackle the basic human need for love and acceptance, so this is a fitting way to unify the collection. Roberts also includes bits of humor throughout his stories. Often the humor comes in ironic bursts, such as the exchange between a man and his girlfriend in “A Question of Perspective”. In this case the humor lightens a surprisingly dark mood.

My only real complaint about this book is the lack of depth in some of the characters. Roberts fails to define some of the secondary characters in most of the stories. In most cases, they are simply relegated to the background. For example, Ethan’s wife in “Triptych” only appears for a few moments. Her primary actions are snapping at her husband. As the reader, I didn’t feel like I knew enough about her to really judge her. Yet, Roberts does manage to portray Ron’s deceased wife, Enola, in some detail.

Little Stories is a quick and deceptively easy read. Jeff Roberts captures common human experiences with a deft touch. There is very little affectation here. Like a true Midwesterner, Jeff Roberts writes in a clear, concise style with beautiful simplicity. His stories feature strong emotions and elegant writing. Short story fans will definitely enjoy Little Stories.

Guest Review: THE ROCK STAR'S HOMECOMING by Linda Gould

2009-01-21T19:00:00.004-05:00

The Rock Star's Homecoming
By Linda Gould
ISBN-10: 0595462839
ISBN-13: 978-0595462834
Paperback, 260 pages
December 11, 2007
iUniverse
Reviewed by Susan Helene Gottfried

From the back cover copy, The Rock Star's Homecoming, written by Linda Gould, sounds like an intriguing book. Two years ago, a band named Sunburst was expelled from a small college. Now, the students have rallied to bring them home to perform at the Homecoming dance and ignite the student body once again.

However, the back cover copy is misleading. This isn't really a story of how Sunburst affects the campus again. It's a story of a group of college kids in the 1970s and their biases and attempts to manipulate each other to get what they want, be it a prestigious husband or to watch their roommate go down. The action begins well before Homecoming and finishes well after, to the point that the Homecoming events become nothing stronger than another link in an odd chain of events. They aren't the be-all, end-all that's promised.

If the actual story itself were stronger, this wouldn't be so problematic. Yet other than saying The Rock Star's Homecoming is a story about a group of college students, I really can't pinpoint a plot. Some want revenge, some want fame, some want to take the others down… although Imogene is mainly the point of view character, this isn't truly her story, a fact that adds to the confusion.

One of the major problems is that there are simply too many characters. Even the author recognizes this, finally lumping a group of them together under the term "nondescripts" as though they aren't worth being recognized in any way as individual people. It's a judgmental term, only one of many in this novel. The football players are highly desirable as husbands yet at the same time are conceited jerks, every last one of them. The beautiful women are sneered at, and they in turn sneer at the less-comely. The religious students become faceless fanatics. One group does nothing but sit around and eat popcorn and drink Coke -- and pad themselves with fat, as though weight gain is the worst thing that could happen to a girl in college, even though we're told time and again that no, the worst thing is leaving without a fiance and your future thus secure.

Even the much-lauded rock band is portrayed as nothing more than an unpleasant bunch, spoiled by a success we hear about but never really see, and surrounded by incompetents. Jake's wife comes off as a Yoko Ono, rendering her unable to be a character on her own right, which is sad. She could support an entire novel, herself. When the band finally leaves the pages, it is a relief. Spending time with them, the title characters, is painful.

Maybe the problem is that I didn't get this book the way I was expecting to. I can't relate to women whose primary motivation is to line up a husband. I can't relate to a group of people who allow themselves to be shuttled off across four states to engage in a very public break-up. The band has no control over their roadies, security, management, or anything else. To be personally out of control is one thing. To see this degree of disaster is painful and it makes me doubt the claims of success this band has achieved. Surely someone was at the helm of the rise to stardom, someone more than the singer's kid sister. A kid sister who just happens to be a star athlete, and who no one condemns when it's revealed she had an affair with a married man.

Add in inexplicable diary-like sections at the start of each chapter, often told by characters we see only briefly and who haven't totally earned their spot in the book, and at times, I felt more like a voyeur into someone's personal grudge than a reader of a novel.

Despite some tendencies to dump information, Ms. Gould is a fine writer. A more finely-tuned plot with fewer characters and less of an axe to grind would take her far.