Book Reviews | Source for Reviews of Books

Review of Novel: "Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Tracie Peterson has been a favorite author of mine for some time. So when I learned of another series coming out, to say I was excited is an understatement. The Civil War era, including the time before as well as after, has been an interesting period to revisit. While this is purely a work of fiction, it also gives us a look into possibly how some people may have been affected.

Two people following in obedience to their fathers find themselves in Texas or on the front lines in a battle that occurred at Vicksburg. Never could Hannah or William see any reason to establish a working relationship on the ranch let alone, entertaining thoughts of their future. However, Hannah Dandridge is in Texas after her father recently lost his second wife in the South. Her father moved for many reasons one of which was the hope of a better future for his three remaining children.

William is a Texan through and through; yet, he too in obedience found himself fighting for the North. By nature a peaceful man, loving his ranch and the state of Texas, he comes home with a wound that keeps him in constant pain only to find out his family's ranch has been given away. What happened to it and by whose authority was this done? He comes home to find a different family living in his home and an older gentleman seeking to grasp a firm hold, not just on the ranch, but on Hannah as well. Mr. Lockhart was in business as a lawyer with Hannah's father, but was there more to this partnership? Was the final requests of the father, Mr. Dandridge, really true or only the scheming of his partner Mr. Lockhart?

So many questions remained unanswered for the Dandridge children. Their future is very uncertain. Where will they live if the ranch is given back to William? How can a confession have changed more lives than anyone could have imagined? In a story of forgiveness, love, struggle, and intrigue set toward the end of the Civil War, we see these storylines and more presented in this fictional novel that will grip a reader from the first page to the last. There is a sequel to this story already published, Touching the Sky (June 2012) and Taming the Wind (September 2012). This novel, Chasing the Sun, is one of Tracie Peterson's masterpieces. Pick up a copy for yourself and go back in time via your imagination. You will be so glad you took the trip!

Other reviews can be located on my personal blog at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. You can follow me on twitter @lcjohnson1988. Other social media websites that you can find Lisa Johnson's reviews and contests are at Book Blogs, LibraryThing, Goodreads, and Shelfari. Simply go to these websites type in Lisa Johnson and it will take you to my profile and personal page. Thanks for reading and watch for more articles here in the future.

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Book Review: Awaken

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Fiction
Awaken
Timothy George
2012
MVP Publishing Group
257 pages

Awaken is a powerful story about heritage and restoration. Author Timothy George takes an innovative approach in this African-focused tale by combining mysticism and adventure while openly challenging what readers think they know about the continent's history.

After his father's death, Thomas Jet, an investment banker, meets Dr. Oble, an African psychic seer, when he attends his family reunion in South Carolina. Dr. Oble addresses Thomas as Jesse, the name of his late uncle. After his encounter with Dr. Oble, Thomas begins to have disturbing dreams, which leads him to reach out to the psychic. While in Virginia on business with his old Army buddy, Jack Regis, Thomas connects with Dr. Oble again to learn more about his family history. He tells Thomas about the oral history of many African tribes that was passed down through the generations. Thomas learns that he is a part of that tradition.

As a favor to Thomas, Jack, a former CIA agent, uses his connections to collect information about Dr. Oble. This act sets off a series of events that brings both Thomas and Jack to the attention of the CIA. The men later learn that a security firm called the International Bureau of Commerce (IBC), which is staffed by mercenaries, has also taken an interest in them.

When Dr. Oble summons Thomas for the final time, Thomas finds himself with other men Oble has recruited from across the country. During their awakening, the men learn that they are descendants of the leaders of seven African tribes. They are charged with regaining Africa's greatness after centuries of colonialism and corporate pillaging. An elusive artifact and lost treasure are the keys to "The Brotherhood" achieving its goal of restoring Africa to its former greatness.

This book offers action and suspense; it is also intellectually stimulating. George exposes the reader to obscure historical references like the remote viewing programs the United States government funded from the 1970s to the mid-1990s, and the trans-Atlantic expeditions of African King Abubakari Bakr II. The idea of descendants of African tribes accepting the call to rebuild the continent, which has been ravished for so many years, makes for an exciting storyline. I found myself not only cheering for the main characters, but also enlightened by George's descriptions of African culture. The ending leaves the reader wanting to know more about the exploits of Thomas and "The Brotherhood." I suspect (and hope) a sequel will be forthcoming.

Awakenis provocative and insightful. I highly recommend it.
Melissa Brown Levine
for
Independent Professional Book Reviewers

Melissa Brown Levine is a writer, book reviewer and manuscript consultant. She is the author of "I Need to
Make Promises: A Novella and Stories." Read an excerpt at http://www.melissabrownlevine.com.

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Review of Winds of Wyoming

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:07:00 +0000

Title: Winds of Wyoming
Author: Becky Lyles
Pages: 416
Publisher: Stonehouse Ink
Year: 2012

Note: I received a complimentary book from the author for an honest review.
Since I was a little girl, I have loved westerns. The western genre has captured the imagination and makes the heart yearn for the outdoors. A story set in the state of Wyoming with all kinds of twists and turns is especially enjoyable for a western fan like me. Here in this particular work of fiction we find a woman who wants to run from her past, start a new life and is afraid to be transparent.

Kate Neilson earned a marketing degree while incarcerated in a Pennsylvania prison. Shortly after her release, she moved west to fulfill her internship requirements at a Wyoming guest ranch. Kate has lost all she has known and what she believes to be unattainable in the future. Her parents and brother die in an accident. She then is shuttled through the system, enduring heartaches and ending up being followed by a man who only wants to hurt her more. As we progress through the novel, we meet many characters with each one having various past experiences that some allow to affect their present in a negative way.

At Whispering Pines Ranch, Kate has an opportunity to turn from her former life of crime when she encounters a neat elderly lady who befriends her from the first moment they meet. Dymple takes her faith in God to a place Kate has never seen or known. Laura, the ranch co-owner, is a lady who is struggling with being a widow, but loves her son and all that she and her husband have built. Then there are the Hughes, a father and daughter team who are very twisted in their thinking, making those at Whispering Ranch wish they would just go away.

In her novel, author Becky Lyles weaves a western fiction that keeps getting richer with every page turned. While some of the plot may seem obvious, don't be fooled because you might be surprised when you read the last page. Winds of Wyoming is an awesome novel with characters that any reader could identify with in one way or another. The novel reflects that God loves and forgives, and shows the dependence on Him that is needed for everyday living by the characters. That, in turn, reminds us all of our true need of Him for everyday life. Get your copy today, relax, and enjoy this great book. You won't believe how much time passes as you find yourself engrossed in the story!

Rating: Five stars

The Sequel to Winds of Wyoming...

Winds of Freedom: Winter storms blast across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate Neilson's soul. In the midst of her own anguish, she struggles to care for her elderly aunt and help her best friend, who finds herself trapped in a desperate situation, and encourage her husband, whose ranch and livelihood are threatened.

Go to http://heisforus.blogspot.com/2012/06/winds-of-wyoming.html to enter to win an autographed copy before it ends June 30, 2012!

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Convergence: A Novel of a Catastrophic Future

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Well thought out, systematically executed science fiction (or fact), this novel is humanity's frantic response to the effects of its own ignorance. Of the catastrophe, climate change is only one of the effects. What becomes clear is that when an "effect" arises, it then can and does "affect" other systems. It is kind of an anti-symbiosis wherein the damage caused by ever increasingly interdepending disasters fuels the fire for their own destruction.

This is not a spoiler. The narrative of Convergence ends with a note from an anthrohistorian in 2721, 700 years after the collapse. "A finite world can support only a finite population; therefore, population growth must eventually equal zero." In addition to the controversial partisanship stalemating problems such as climate change, economic inequality and unceasing warfare, overpopulation has become equally destructive. By the narrative's end, the author states the uncomfortable question bluntly. As much as we've done (or propose to do) about those economic, social and climate issues, should we also consider regulating human breeding? And if so, how can we prevent a Big Brother scenario if such considerations are made and implemented?
Paul Boerger's novel "Convergence" addresses this very issue by presenting a stark, dystopic future resulting from multiple problems all converging at a certain time: 2020. The novel makes the case that we are able to prevent our own destruction, genetically determined or not, but this requires keen awareness of ecology, evolution, conscience, economic equality and the relative morality in terms of the social and the individual good. Perhaps the most shocking or thought-provoking elements of the book is the warning about overpopulation. Although not outright liberal, this novel differs from works such as 1984, Brave New World, and Anthem in that it proposes that a lack of government reform on social and industrial practices (rather than an overabundance of state interference) are to blame for the impending catastrophe.

"Convergence" shifts back and forth between three essential time periods: pre-convergence (2020), post-convergence (2220) and the convergence itself (2021). The perhaps intentional irony is that pre-sight (not hindsight) is 2020, the very year global problems are beginning to converge. As each scientist reiterates, at any point in time during the novel, these problems were preventable. A virus breaks out, many small wars are being fought around the world (so many, that the total far exceeds the fighting in either of the World Wars), and the gap between the rich and poor has never been greater. Each problem leads to others and exacerbates them all. Thus, the convergence is not just a coalescence of world changing events, but an exponential chain reaction making each event more catastrophic.

The omniscient narrative shifts back and forth between the three years (2020, 2021 and 2220) with a series of updates or news reports, making the novel read like a non-linear (yet cogent) series of articles, damage control documents and journal entries. As the novel jumps from year to year, it also follows separate lives, some of whom also converge on each other, reinforcing one of the novel's central themes which is that "everything affects everything." And despite the constant shifting in perspective and time, the narrative flows quite smoothly, the complex convergence of catastrophic events coalesces like the analogous, yet paradoxical, perfect storm.

The novel ends with a short note from Boerger and an inclusion of the essay "Tragedy of the Commons," by Garret Hardin, which proposes regulation on human breeding. The article makes a very methodical argument on the ecological and evolutionary impacts of legislating such regulation. Without legislative regulations on breeding, only those who are selfless and intelligent enough to restrain from breeding will do so voluntarily. Ergo, by the rules of evolution, in time, those thoughtful restrainers will be weeded out, leaving only those who do not consider the social good. In other words, conscience will be weeded out evolutionarily. This is an even more stark outcome of the typical post-apocalyptic scenario because we not only would have lost a sense of humanity; we would also have lost the awareness of its value.

Reviewed by: Nicole Sorkin, Pacific Book Review

http://www.pacificbookreview.com

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Lucy Come Home - A Novel

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Title: Lucy Come Home
Author: Dave & Neta Jackson
Year: 2012
Pages: 424
Publisher: Castle Rock Creative, Inc.

Wow! The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this work of fiction by the Jacksons. Dave and Neta Jackson keep the readers spellbound throughout the book by using flashbacks with their main character named Lucy. Lucy was raised in a family who eked out a living working at migrant farms and living in migrant camps.

Lucy becomes very mature at a young age as she learns to care for her younger siblings, almost becoming like a second mother to them. As Lucy begins to enter her teenage years and her body changes, the adventure begins to take a dangerous turn. Bo is a young man who has a similar background though he has mainly worked in carnivals traveling all over. Starting as a friendship, they begin a journey through their growing up years with them sometimes being together and other times apart.

Within the pages of this fictional work, we see friendship, faith, God, and other themes running from beginning to end of the Lucy Come Home. There are times when we see what life was like for Lucy as she was growing up as well as when she falls in love. The time frame of the story begins with the Dust Bowl, and then on to the Depression as well as World War II and beyond.

While you read this book, you see the depth of love and friendship people have for each other. You might be reminded of all that could happen in a lifetime, and be thankful for the times you have with family. This is also a story of looking for one lost lamb in a sense, one who has a hard time understanding the love of God as well as the love of family.

Times were sure hard then, trying to put food on the table was a daily struggle for life for all families. Yet Lucy's family was blessed with another whose faith she remembered in her later years. A story like this tugs at your heart and reminds us what is most important in life, especially when one encounters life-changing events. Grab the book, a tall cool drink, a quiet place to curl up and get lost in a wonderful tale. Why not share the book with others when you're through?

My rating for this book is five stars.

Other reviews can be located or requested at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
Or follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988

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Mary Magdalene - A Wonderful Work of Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Title: Mary Magdalene

Author: Diana Wallis Taylor

Year: 2012

Pages: 304

Publisher: Revell

Mary Magdalene is somewhat of an enigma in the stories that are in New Testament. Sometimes when we use word stories we think the people, places, and events are figments of the imagination. However, as far as the Bible is concerned, these aren't; they were real people living in real time through life here on earth. Mary Magdalene lived during the life of Christ and ministered to Him. He delivered her from demons possessing her. We know that she was the first to see that the Lord had indeed risen from the dead, mistaking Him for the gardener.

In this work of fiction, Mary Magdalene is presented in a way that captures what life might have been like for this woman. Diana Wallis Taylor does a brilliant job of keeping Mary's character in the reality of the time when the real Mary lived. Diana weaves the customs of the times and the Jewish observances into her characters and setting. There are also Jewish customs depicted during that era, which include the teaching of the Torah, as well as pieces of the life of Christ.

While this is truly a work of fiction, it is easy for the reader to grasp the imagination of the author as to what life was like in the Middle East. We are given a possible way that Mary meets the Lord, what the disciples may have been like, and times the Word of God was recited. Some of the other characters in the story are real at one time, but how they may have interacted with others and the Lord is the result of the imagination of the writer. It is a captivating story of love of parents, children, husband, and the community. Nathan, who is Mary's husband in the story, is seeking an answer to help Mary as she is persecuted by the nightmares of the past. With each passing year, she gets worse until Nathan hears of a man from Nazareth.

Once you begin the story, you won't be able to put the book down as the writer takes the reader on an adventure into the past during the time of Christ. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is seen and how she may have interacted with her other children, how they may have thought as well as acted towards Jesus. I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as the writer worked hard not to "Americanize" the time or life of Christ or use our language today, but the language of Jews in that era.

My rating of this work is five stars.

Other reviews can be read on the blog located at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. You can follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988.

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Mockingjay - The Hunger Games Book 3

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:05:00 +0000

In the third and final volume of The Hunger Games, Katniss has once more escaped the warrior's arena with her co-tribute Peeta, for whom she has feelings but cannot quite put them into words, and yet she is now called on to lead the revolution as the Mockingjay.

In Book 1, Katniss and her co-tribute Peeta, are sent to The Hunger Games Arena as representatives of District 12 and they make it to the winner's platform and are thanked for their survival. Katniss and Peeta were to have settled down and lived a quiet life of safety and contentment.

However, as we later found out in Book 2, President Snow and Panem see Katniss and Peeta's victory differently. There are rumors of rebellion in the air and they seem to swirl around the pair of Hunger Games winners so rather than their quiet, safe life together, Katniss and Peeta are pulled into a world of more intrigue as President Snow and company try to determine if Katniss is, indeed, the leader of the revolution or just an innocent dupe. Indeed, the President makes a special trip to District 12 to see Katniss, whose home District also happens to be the poorest area that sends its tribute to Panem and The Hunger Games.
After planning the 75th Anniversary "Games," Katniss and Peeta have to savage their opponents again to attain victory again.

Book 3, opens with Peeta suffering from an apparent case of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) after two rounds of nearly constant battle and fear. All he wants is a little quiet and some understanding, however, Katniss becomes the Mockingjay - the real leader of the revolutionary movement.

It does make sense as Panem is very upset with the Katniss/Peeta team for surviving the trips to the arena and President Snow and his circle are equally as upset. The only welcome Katniss receives is from the revolution and being a natural leader she takes over as the Mockingjay. By worrying about Katniss and her partner, Panem and Snow have driven Katniss, now the ultimate warrior, into the arms of the revolution. It is a classic self-fulfilling prophecy.

In Book 3, we also find best-selling and award-winning author Suzanne Cole changing direction. Not only is she starting to wind things up to their conclusion, but she is broadening the characterization of all of the parties involved giving Katniss a larger-than-life persona and role and leaving her real love, Peeta, to suffer through bouts of PTSD alone. Another love interest appears but when one is finished, one realizes that Peeta is her soul-mate.

Peeta's soul-mate, on the other hand, is now almost a universal soldier, committed to the savagery and war. She has become the ultimate warrior and Panem feels her anger.

Author Collins used her considerable writing skill to make Katniss believable, as well as the situations in which she finds herself. Overall, Book 3 is a fitting lid for The Hunger Games. Collins is able to bring things to a successful conclusion that, as the old ads used to say, will "leave you at the edge of your seat." She does that and more in her crowning achievement in the Hunger Games.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Books

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Catching Fire - The Hunger Games Book 2

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:03:00 +0000

After rising out of the poorest District, 12, to win The Hunger Games, Katness Everdeen and her co-tribute Peeta, should have been able to expect lives of safety and contentment, but that is just not the case for the winner of The games. President Snow, leader of Panem and organizer of The games, makes an unscheduled visit to Katniss and Peeta. He is troubled by vague rumors of insurrection brewing in the background and he is also troubled by the apparent linkage of winners with the revolutionary rumors.

This is the world that Katniss and Peeta find themselves as they make a grand tour of all of the losing Districts, including the wealthy Capital. The intrigues continue as Katniss is drawn into planning the 75th Anniversary Hunger Games.

As the planning and story move on Katniss' life reveals itself as she becomes a more rounded individual. Her characterization is becoming broader and she is proving to be more than just a winning tribute. Behind the mask of the competitor, there beats the growing heart and mind of a developing character. That Katniss is growing is due to the carefully planned and well-executed writing of author Suzanne Collins. Katniss is coming to life as a person - a person that the Capital District may have good reason to fear.

Beneath the apparently calm surface of Panem - a country that corresponds roughly to the Old USA and to which the outer Districts owe tribute in the form of warriors for the yearly games - there's an undercurrent of revolution. Are Katniss and Peeta part of this movement or are they just being used by the revolutionaries who hope to overthrow Panem and bring themselves to power?

It's an intriguing question that President Snow is trying to answer with his visit. It is during this visit that Panem also becomes a fuller and richer place with traditions that one could have only guessed at during the Hunger Games (Book 1). In Book 1, Katniss and Peeta are fighting for their lives, while Book 2 brings more calm but also shows that there may be a fire in the background that President Snow and Panem have to deal with.

As all of this is happening, Katniss discovers herself and finds a relationship with an equal, one which helps to define her as an individual and round her character.
The Hunger Games trilogy's author Suzanne Collins deftly handles these background changes as Katniss matures and Panem wonders. It is well done and shows that Katniss is more than just a warrior. It also shows that - as the saying goes - "uneasy lies the power" as Panem tries to halt the revolution.

With Katniss help and planning the 75th Anniversary Hunger Games will truly be something and are something special. Katniss gains humanity as she battles to stay alive in Book 2. The author handles this deftly and builds a nuanced storyline that Hunger Games fans love.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Books

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The Hunger Games Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:02:00 +0000

In what was to be a war to the finish, 12 unnamed entities attack and try to destroy the United States, only to find themselves the losers in a world where Panem -- the former Washington, DC -- emerges the victor. It's a world where the victor has keep its territories subdued. To do so, it invents the "Hunger Games," by Susan Collins, where two of its finest are sent off to a fight-to-the-death contest. It's the ultimate "Fantasy Island" meets the Roman gladiatorial games where the fight is to the death with no quarter.

Into this world arrives Katness Everdeen, 16, from the Appalachian territory, who is making the ultimate sacrifice to save her sister and is partnered with Peeta. Let's look back a little before we move forward.
The key to the world in Susan Collins' "Hunger Games," used to be called "man's inhumanity to man." In this case, though, it's more like man's insanity to man. It is the ultimate reality show except that in this one there is no escape for 23 of the 24 participant.

It's a world where, unlike "Spartacus," who finds his humanity and humanity in the courage of his "brothers of the games," the competitors in the "Hunger Games" slowly lose their humanity and their inhibitions and devolve into mere participants in a TV show where no one is "voted off the island -- you're killed."
How Katness and Peeta, who retains her humanity and convinces Katness to do the same, while, also keeping from becoming victims is the hidden story around which the "Hunger Games" revolves.
The "Hunger Games" is a novel that works because it resonates with its audience very well. Notice that it is meant for readers 12 and older. This puts it about the time the Playstation really became the hot property of the Internet gaming world.

Players were ready to annihilate - no one ever liked being annihilated himself so they developed workarounds (spoilers) where players could gain unlimited supplies of ammunition or oxygen. Spoilers were also developed that gave players more weapons and more powerful weapons and that could also bring them back to life if they had the misfortune to caught in an ambush.
In a larger sense, the "Hunger Games" is a direct outgrowth of this thinking. It reflects an understanding of how to "settle" wars and scores by using weapons. In the "Hunger Games," the players become finely tuned hunting and killing machines who can track and find their enemies and who can split them with one arrow shot.

Unfortunately, since this is a novel when you've used up your quota of arrows, knives, blades and anything else with which you can hack and maim, you are usually the next to fall.
Katness becomes that type of killing machine but her partner Peeta helps her hold onto her humanity. That's what is lacking from the other players in this game. The territories and Panem reflect their times. They are short of food and other basic necessities so they need a gladiator-like distraction and the "Hunger Games" gives them that distraction. That they have forgotten why they are fighting them in the first place is place far down the list.

Like Collins' other work, this one has been well received. It will likely have several more aimed at us before the series peters out. We suspect Katness will have something to do with the final stand and the final "Hunger Game" because she is, after all, the ultimate warrior.
And, while we don't pretend to know what is on the publisher's mind or the author's mind, we can only think that somehow the "Hunger Games" will pass into history, just as Rome's gladiatorial contests did two millennia ago.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Books

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The Hunger Games Trilogy Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:01:00 +0000

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is one of those books that was originally written for a Young Adult audience but crossed over into the waiting hands of adults. There is something so powerful about a well told story that transcends the intended age group and draws in readers of all ages. It has often been said that some of the best books for adults are found between the covers of young adult fiction.

And so it proved with The Hunger Games. Released in 2008, the first book in an eventual trilogy was so beautifully written that it garnered praise from all corners of the literary globe. Critics, fellow authors and readers were taken by the journey of Katniss Evergreen and her role as a sacrificial warrior, manipulated by the state to perform in brutal gladiatorial style games between children that could have only one victor.

Collins managed to infuse this brutal dystopian future with moments of pure beauty that rival any in modern fiction. Written in first person, readers journeyed with Katniss as she is chosen, prepares for battle before the eyes of a viewing nation, sees the larger hands at work and finally realises her place in the world as she begins to fight for her life against other children bent on their own survival in the arena.

Despite a rather inconclusive ending that placed The Hunger Games as only a small part of a larger story arc, the book was embraced. The second book, Catching Fire, continued the story but invariably added little to Katniss' story as the setting again became the arena and survival the goal.

Mockingjay, the final book of the trilogy was released in August 2010 and for many was an unsatisfying conclusion to what could have been a truly memorable series. Collins places Katniss again in the hands of others and much of the story is told as she is manipulated into different situations and reacts accordingly.

The Hunger Games remains a book full of beauty and horror and a story that is worth telling. For the other two books in the series they are great lessons on writing and how to give your character focus amongst the events of plot.

Inger loves stories and loves to write. As a librarian in a previous life she also has an insatiable thirst for general knowledge. You can visit her latest websites which take a look at the best wooden castle toys and puppets for kids [http://www.puppetsforkids.org/].

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The Frailty of Dreams in Of Mice and Men

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:56:00 +0000

You're still young, so we're sure you still have plenty of dreams. That's not to say that we, your elders (hey - some of us are barely thirty!) have lost the ability to dream or no longer have any good ones. It's just that, after you've lived a number of years out there in the real world, you're certain to experience a good deal of disappointment. Even if some of our dreams have come true, others have idled or fallen by the wayside.

In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck shares the story of a couple of dreamers. George and Lennie start out with the highest hopes - they are on their way to find work and easy money in the land of opportunity (California, not Vegas - you're thinking of the land of opportunists). Although poor and just starting out, they haven't a care in the world and have not yet let the possibility of failure enter their minds. To be fair, Lennie doesn't let much of anything enter his mind.

Lennie is the epitome of hopefulness. For starters, he's a little, er, well... he's not at the top of his AP English Language class, we'll put it that way. Okay, so he's a little slow. But his dreams don't suffer for it. He has grand designs for a boatload full of puppies and rabbits, and for owning a ranch on which he can live and take care of all of them. George's dreams, on the other hand, revolve mostly around Lennie. Although he can sometimes act harshly toward him, all George really wants is to see his best bud happy. He is envious of his friend's childlike, boundless optimism, and it inspires him. George, too, longs for that ranch, but he almost wants it more for Lennie than he does for himself.

However, one thing after another goes wrong (like in that recurring dream you have in which you're taking the PSAT and you suddenly develop a case of bubble-filler's elbow, then pass out from heat exhaustion) and that ranch starts to seem further and further away.

Although they (well, George at least) start to realize that their dreams are steering dangerously off path, they stubbornly hold onto whatever thin sliver of hope they can muster. Even to the bitter end, Lennie is still looking off into the distance, envisioning all of his dreams coming true, even as an angry mob closes in on them.

So as you read this, O blissful dreamer, dream well and dream hard, but don't be afraid to let your dreams morph gradually into something different than what you initially expected as you go through your life. Because you don't want to be blindsided when your best friend fires a Luger into the back of your head.

Paul Thomson is an avid reader of English Literature. His areas of expertise include Of Mice and Men, AP English Language, and PSAT. In his spare time, he loves to participate in online literature forums and promote reading for youth.

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Deconstructing William Shakespeare's Heroines in Literature

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:55:00 +0000

The Bard was perhaps the most radical and experimenting writer of his age when he tried issues of homosexuality in the sonnets, but he was a conservative when it came to the "fairer sex". His heroines can be broadly classified under two categories - abiding and independent. I am using the term "heroine" strictly to denote the leading ladies, and not the supporting cast. As far as the leading female characters are concerned, most are the good girls with a natural abiding nature and hardly any ambition of their own. Those who have this spark fall under the category of 'independent' and are mostly termed as the "witch".

Let us start with the ladies of the negative category, so that we can slowly compare them with the heroines who followed the rules. The first name that comes to our mind is Lady Macbeth. If taken as a modern lady, she is ambitious, persuasive, and determined. Had she been the CEO of a company in these days, she would have given good competition to many male CEOs over the world. But she is a woman, known with the name of her husband. She cannot do anything actively, for she is the second sex. Even if she tried to gain the fate that she believed she and her husband deserved, the society - in the form of fate - abandons her and death becomes her ultimate fate.

The second lady whose portrayal we need to deconstruct is Katherina, from The Taming of the Shrew. She is the shrew, because she is intelligent. She has a mind of her own, and can make her own decisions, so she needs to be tamed. And the taming is such a harsh process that when we read or watch this play in these modern times, we feel that an almost inhuman cruelty was meted out to her. The pleasure in subduing a powerful woman is always there, and it was with the great Shakespeare as well.

The good girls, who got all the rewards, were no doubt the most abiding and naïve ones. When a Juliet loves with her whole innocence, she has to sacrifice her life to be accepted as a pure lady. She could not stand strong in the face of troubles or she would have been banned by fate as well. Similarly, ladies like Ophelia, Desdemona and Hermione had to sacrifice their lives or at least pretend to do so, in order to gain the status of a virtuous lady.

There are heroines like Rosalind, Viola and Portia who try to break free from the norm, but somehow fall short of being the powerful woman that they should have been. The common thing with these is that they all take the guise of a man, as if trying to go beyond their identity as a weak woman. But in the end, they do it for the sake of the common god, just as a good girl is expected to give up everything for the sake of the men in her life. Rosalind took the guise of Ganymede to save herself and her sister, Viola did it to save survive in the strange land of Illyria and Portia did it to save her husband's friend. The most daring deed was done by Portia, for she went ahead and challenged a group of men. But the temporary insult that she received in the hands of her own husband when Bassanio gave her their wedding ring for saving his friend Antonio's life is perhaps her punishment for challenging a men's world of law.

To conclude, I would like to bring up the example of the heroine of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native. She also took the guise of a man, but for her own sake - for her own amusement. And we all remember her tragic fate. She was ambitious, spirited and independent. But her ignominious end came by drowning herself out of shame and frustration. So, it is not just Shakespeare, but women from all times in literature have been shown as the model of virtue so that men could triumph over her and boast of their strength.

Simantini Sinha is an avid reader on various topics, and her interests lie in books, music, food and more. her articles are published in magazines and dailies.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE PEARL by John Steinbeck

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:53:00 +0000

John Steinbeck (1902-1968) is one of America's greatest writers and is a Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1962. I must confess, though, that this is the first time I read a book by him, all thanks to a fellow book lover and book blogger who kept on raving about how wonderful a writer John Steinbeck is. I bought my copy of this book for only Php17.00 from Booksale, but certainly this book is worth a thousand more than its price.

I did a little bit of research about John Steinbeck and learned that this author is known for the social criticisms inherent in most of his works, and was even branded to be subversive. These social criticisms are likewise central in The Pearl, where Steinbeck tells the story of a pearl diver named Kino and how his life is affected after finding the greatest pearl of all time. Reading The Pearl gives out a feeling of reading a parable or a fable, though I must say that the story is more than just a fable. It is a social commentary on the great chasm that divides the rich from the poor and the evils of greed. It portrays a touching story of how riches can change a man and how it can give and destroy peace. It tells about the true value of riches and where they can be found.

Kino, a pearl diver, is in constant search for that great pearl that can bring him, his wife and his little child the wealth that can save them from abject poverty. This great search was even more fired when Kino's baby who was bit by a scorpion was refused medical aid by known healers because they cannot pay the medical fees. When Kino finally found the Pearl, his life changed drastically and it seems that wealth and comfort are now within his reach. However, his life was also caught in line because more and more people have become interested in acquiring for themselves the Pearl. Add to that the very low valuation given by money changers on the pearl, because they wanted to short change and trick the seemingly naive young pearl diver. Kino and his family are then forced by circumstances to escape their place and go to the hinterlands in order to look for the best price for the Pearl.

What I love most about The Pearl are the various symbolisms and interpretations it connotes. It is a story worth discussing. The ending may not have surprised me that much, but I love how such conclusion affected the whole direction of the story. I love how The Pearl has made me think. After all, this is what good literature is all about - to make you think.

4 stars.

http://www.lynaireads.luigiandlynai.net

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Da Vinci Code Revisited, Part 2: The Espouse of Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:52:00 +0000

For Dan Brown, who caused the millions of those who read his novel Da Vinci Code, to raise eyebrows or chuckle, or pull the book closer for a better view, Jesus' espouse was Mary Magdalene.

For me, Jesus having a espouse was a potential possibility - He couldn't marry and He didn't marry. However, had He been given a chance to live longer beyond his age of 33, He could have married and had children.

For most traditional Christians, the mere thought of a espouse for Jesus is a heresy. How great it is that we don't live in Joan of Arc's bygone era of inquisitions anymore, where they used to burn heretics at stake.

That was in a certain past.

Could Jesus have married?

Well, you can raise some more eyebrows, chuckle, or better still, lean forward and perk up reading.

Today's generation is more open to possibilities.

Let's examine Jesus' Marriage, or, more correctly, the potential for it.

Jesus spoke of it in the Parable of the Marriage Feast: Everyone from the Master's choice of guests was invited, but refused to come; They were too busy. Somebody just bought a cow and somebody's getting married, too. Then, out of the master's frustration, he invited even the poor, the blind and the lame...they came, but those who came improperly dressed for the occasion were thrown out to the darkness outside - where there were gnashing of teeth.

Of course, you are very much familiar with this parable.

You're right about whom Jesus referred to as the Master who was getting married - Himself.

That's the Master getting married - Jesus getting married in his own story.

Yes, of course, a parable...

Here's another marriage instance in the scriptures where we can find the Lamb getting married, and who it is obviously referred to: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Rev 19:7)

Well meaning Christians know what or who the Lamb refers to. Behold the lamb who takes away the sins of the world - Jesus.

Sounds familiar?

It was spoken from the mouth of John the Baptist, referring to Jesus. For Catholics, it is part of a hymn, "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on your people..."

We don't know to whom the "wife of the Lamb who has made herself ready" refers to - could be anyone's guess, hypothetically.

If one is after the moral lesson, which is what the parables are supposed to teach us so as to be practically meaningful, you're right again - we'd better be prepared for the coming of the Lord for He comes when it's least expected... a good point to understand. But if we just focus on this point, we neglect another important one - the Lamb of God is getting married upon His Return.

Are there other instances in the Gospel that Jesus referred to Himself as the Bridegroom?

Check these out.... Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Matt. 9:15, Mark 2:19, Luke 5:34)

In The Parable of the Ten Virgins, (Matt 51-10) Jesus is the most awaited Bridegroom.

There are more than enough scriptural references for us to relax our raised eyebrows, and understand that the term "Bridegroom" as used in the Bible - is in reference to Jesus.

I don't agree with the idea in the novel that Jesus had an offspring - more so of one that survives today; but that there was that potential had the Lamb had the chance to marry.

Er Nuylan
http://www.thefirstchristmas.info

Er Nuylan is a teacher with varied interests - from simply walking a dog to History and Literature, Sciences, Philosophy, Religion and Spirituality, but claims expertise to none - the average Joe in the average neighborhood.

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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:34:00 +0000

The circus came to town and excitement was in the air in many small towns across America. It was the 1930's in Jacob's memory. Even when Jacob was living in a home for the aged in his nineties, the circus was still traveling to a town nearby. That year was no exception. He remembered vividly how he had been a part of the circus. The other retirement home residents were excited too, remembering from their childhood days. For Jacob, it was different. He was really there.

When the Great Depression had struck and then suddenly his parents died in a car accident, his class days as a veterinary medical student were over. There was no money to pay for his expenses and he needed to find work just to survive. He was now flat broke. He joined the hobos on a freight train and headed out of town. He didn't know where he would end up. Well dressed but penniless, he soon discovered that he was on a circus train.

The train was part of the Benzini Brothers circus. They were known as the Most Spectacular Show on Earth if only by their own estimation. He was able to get hired on for a menial job until it became known that he was just shy of his degree in veterinary science. Suddenly, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. While there, he saw this most beautiful girl on a horse and was taken in by her. Marlena was an equestrian circus star but was married to the animal trainer. Jacob Jankowski is invited to join Marlena and her husband August for dinner in their private railway car. There is nothing that would have stopped him. He was excited to go and had a fine time.

The circus lifestyle was exciting to a twenty three year old in the company of a pretty circus star and an interesting trainer. They were the privileged set with the circus and had the best food and drink available just like the owners had. Jacob was now in good company. His budding romantic relationship with Marlena was done quietly and August didn't seem to suspect their interest.

Uncle Al, who owns the circus, doesn't always run the business well. He does some cruel things to keep the circus solvent. Occasionally, he would have some workers thrown off the train at night. He'd feed his dead animals to the lions. Sometimes he wouldn't pay his workers. When other circuses went out of business, he would buy parts of their operations for little money and then not have enough for his regular payroll. He did pick up some interesting additions. One purchase brought a huge elephant named Rosie to the menagerie. Al was delighted that now he not only had a vet with a Cornell education but his own elephant too.

Rosie was a smart animal but stubborn. The animal trainer was mean to the elephant but Jacob could get her to do a lot with his kindness. Marlena was also good with animals and recognized the abuse her husband was giving Rosie. August became suspicious one day of their relationship and beats up Jacob and abuses Marlena. Then she leaves him and goes to live in a hotel when she is not performing. Al tells Jacob that Malena and her husband need to get back together for the sake of the circus's survival and he was holding Jacob responsible. He told Jacob that if they didn't reunite, he would throw his roommate Walter off the train as well as Camel, another friend. They would be red lighted.

Jacob continues to visit her in her hotel room and it wasn't long before they were sleeping together. They then declare their love for one another. When Marlena returns to perform her act, she refuses to let August near her. Al is disappointed and becomes angry. He needs them to get back together. His circus depends on it.

One night, Jacob carried a knife between his teeth and jumped on top of the train. He was going to go along the top of the moving train to Augusts' train and then try to kill him. Jacob couldn't go through with it. He returned to his train and discovered that his friend and roommate had been red lighted. Probably he would have been thrown off, too if he had been home when the men came to do the dirty deed.

When the story is nearly over, some of the "red lighted" circus hands come back. They are now seeking revenge upon the owner. They release the animals and cause a stampede during a live performance. There is panic in the aisles; August is killed by Rosie the elephant. August split his head when the stake was pulled out of the ground. Jacob witnesses the incident and can't save August. Uncle Al is also found dead. The circus is then shutdown.

Marlena and Jacob leave, taking Rosie and some of the other animals with them. They begin their life together. Jacob and Marlena married and had 5 children. Seven years were at the Ringling Bros. circus and then Jacob got a job as a vet for the Chicago zoo.

At the end of the story, Jacob is at the retirement home, waiting for his family to pick him up and take him to the circus. He finds out no one is coming for him after all. He can't go to the circus. Then, Jacob goes to the circus, on his own. He meets Charlie the circus manager and asks if he can help by selling tickets. Charlie agrees to even let him come with the circus if he wants. Jacob accepts the offer and believes he has finally come home.

John Sprague is an American currently working in the mideast. He enjoys writing and working on his websites in his free time. He has a new site at http://www.marketingkindreds.com. His website has photos of the mideast and marketing articles that you may be interested in viewing. There are also website analysis tools and articles on genealogy and DNA.

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The Killing Circle by Andrew Pyper

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Don't be put off by the title of this book, as it is written by a very good young Canadian author who has become much respected for his work both in Europe as well as America.

This is a compulsive read about a journalist named Patrick Rush who is also a single father and a failed novelist. Patrick decides to join a creative writing circle in Toronto. At the same time there is a murderer loose in the city who attacks his victims at random, leaving cryptic notes beside the bodies for the police investigators.

The circle meets each week for four weeks under their organizer, Conrad White, a strange but influential man who does not teach writing, but rather, facilitates it; the idea being to get the seven members to think and maybe write about their own lives, or a variation thereof. Each week the members will read out loud their new additions to their ever growing work.

It may be more than a coincidence that one of the circle named Angela starts to write a story about a child abductor named Sandman. Could the murderer who is at large in the city be the Sandman? Each time the circle meets, the more Patrick finds fiction blending with reality and he begins to believe that maybe he is being stalked by the Sandman. It isn't until his son, Sam, is snatched, that he realizes that he has to become much more involved in the murky lives of some of the seven members, if he is to find out about this mysterious character.

As the characters' secrets are exposed, so the twists and turns of this well written novel begin to make sense. It naturally becomes a page-turner as Pyper cleverly controls the tension. Without giving away the ending, suffice it to say that we have an individual in Patrick who for lack of a life story cannot write a good novel, but somehow ends up involved in a fascinating story that literally takes over his life.

This is a writer to watch for if you enjoy a good mystery/thriller. This book I would not classify as a thriller, but an excellent mystery; a fact which pleases me as we do not have to plough through the endless Hollywood style gruesome details of the victims.

It is exciting to find a really good Canadian mystery writer with a style that is readable and compelling, who does not rely on any silly grammatical antics to sell his work.

This book review has been written by Jeremy Moray who is the owner of the website http://www.jeremysbookreviews.com a site that has over 150 reviews of books from different genres. This site will be added to as I read more books that I enjoy.

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My Review of The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Amir and Hassan grow up together in Afghanistan. They are from totally different backgrounds. It doesn't matter to this boy but once in a while, Amir will talk down to his friend who is a Hazara. Then he catches himself and feels bad about it. They are like family and grew up together. Amir is the privileged son of a well to do Pashtun business person. Amir is educated and can read. Hassan, whose father is a servant, is illiterate and has a harelip too. One thing that they have in common is, neither of them has a mother at home and they both are excellent kite runners.

In Afghanistan, kite running is a very competitive sport. Hassan is a very good runner and helps his friend many times, since he has the gift of being able to calculate in his head exactly where the kite will land. He doesn't need to keep his eyes glued to the kite like most need to do. He is Amir's trusted assistant and friend and very clever at the game. Amir, knowing where the kite will land is a valuable asset and helps them to successfully win races and beat out other competitors. This lucky day, Amir and Hassan had won the local tournament by working together. Baba who rarely gave his son praise, gave much praise to Amir that day. He couldn't stop bragging about him for a change.

Meanwhile, Hassan goes to fetch the cut kite that is their main prize. Unfortunately, Hassan runs into the local bully who was always picking on the two younger boys. Assef didn't like Hassan mainly because he was a Hazara. Their tribe and religion was considered inferior to the proud Pashtun's. Of course, he didn't like Amir either because he hung around with the Hazara boy.

That day, Assef and two of his friends caught Hassan as he was about to retrive the trophy kite. Hassan refused to turn the kite over to him so Assef attacked the younger boy. He was assaulted and raped by the mean bully who was also a pervert. Wondering where his friend was, Amir ran into the rubble of Kabul to find him. He searched everywhere. When he hears the voice of Assef, he hides in fear. He is a witness to the assalt of his friend but he is too scared to do anything. Amir felt ashamed.

Amir's father loved both the boys although he usually puts down his son for not being brave. Amir also fears his father's blame is because his mother died giving birth to him. Rahim Khan, his father's friend, better understood how Amir acted and tries to compensate and make him feel good about himself. He supports his interests in writing which had been another source of his father's disappointment. Right then, he was receiving the praise from his dad. This was something that he always had hoped for, but on the inside, he was feeling really bad right now for other reasons. He had seen a horrible act being done to his best friend and he did nothing. He was frozen. Assef, the notoriously mean and violent older boy who had sadistic tendencies, had violated his friend. He also remembered a day in the past when Assef was going to hurt him. Hassan stood up for him that day with his trusty sling shot and threatened to shoot Assef's eye out if he touched his friend. Assef backed off that day but promised to get his revenge.

For some time after, Amir couldn't look his friend in the eye and Hassan doesn't mention the incident. Amir feels ashamed and unsure of himself and also can't understand why Hassan said nothing. Amir begins to wonder if Hassan may know that he knows just what had happened. Amir starts to avoid him. He is also annoyed that his Baba pays so much attention to Hassan. He secretly decides Hassan needs to go away and he then works up a plan.

Amir frames his friend as a thief and Hassan confesses to the false charge. His father still forgave the boy and didn't want him to have to go away. Hassan and his father named Ali, leave the property anyway. Baba had previously told Hassan and his father that there would always be a place for them there. Once Hassan leaves, Amir no longer is reminded of his being a coward but the guilt remains.

In a few years, the Russians come to Afghanistan and Amir and his father go to Peshawar and eventually to California and freedom. Amir always remembers what he did back there. They miss their nice home in Kabul but they surround themselves with other Afghan people who have also gone to America. Their housing is now a rundown apartment building. His father works at a filling station and they supplement their income with sales at the Sunday flea market where they see other countrymen. Amir takes classes at a community college to build up his writing skills. One Sunday he meets a girl there and eventually it develops into a romance.

Soraya and her family are kind to Amir and his father. Amir's father is then diagnosed with a terminal illness and goes down fast. Nearly on his deathbed, he tells his son that he will ask Soraya's father for permission for his son to take her hand in marriage. This is how it is done back home in Afghanistan. Amir is delighted that his father is able to do this for him before he dies. Soraya's father accepts the arrangement and the two of them marry. Not long after, Baba dies. Still later, Amir and Soraya discover that they can not have children.

Amir then becomes a successful author. Years later, Amir receives a phone call from Rahim Khan, who is also near the end of his life. His one dying wish is that Amir will come to see him one last time in his native land. He tells Amir that he will tell him how he can be good again. Amir goes, not knowing exactly what he meant by that.

Rahim Khan fills him in on all the things that have happened back in Afghanistan and about Ali and Hassan. Ali was killed and Hassan had a wife and son. The son is named Sohrab. Rahim returned to his father's house to care for it and invited Ali and Hassan back. The Taliban made him leave and took over the house. Hassan refused to give up the house and both he and his wife were killed. The son was the only one who survived besides Khan.

Rahim then tells him that Ali was not Hassan's real father but Baba was. Hassan was your half brother. He thought he should know. Amir felt terrible. Then Khan tells him the real reason he called him to come back there.He wanted Amir to go to Kabul and rescue Hassan's son, from an orphanage. Amir's head was spinning by this time. Khan assured him that since Sohrab was his blood relative, he needed to do the right thing. He also told Amir that he knew what happened to Hassan and this was his chance to make things right and feel good again. He knew it bothered Amir all these years. Amir went reluctantly although he knew it was the right thing to do.

Amir returns to Taliban Kabul with a travel guide. Farid and Amir search all the orphanages looking for Sohrab. They finally find where he had been. He discovers that a Taliban official had taken him from the home. Amir had to go to a soccer match to look for a man who took the boy. The guide Farid had managed to get an appointment at the official's home and said they had business to discuss.

Amir came wearing a fake beard and a pair of sunglasses. Amir met with the official who recognized him even in his disguise. The official is Assef from his childhood. Assef asks about Hassan, Ali and Baba. Sohrab is being held captive at his house dressed like a little girl and Amir wondered if he was being assaulted by the man. Amir asked him to set the boy free and he would take him out of there. Assef agreed to let him go provided Amir could beat him as they would fight over the child. Amir fought hard but was losing at it. Sohrab used his slingshot that his dad had taught him to use. The rock knocked out Assef's left eye. Amir and the boy escaped and drove away with Farid.

Sohrab and Amir head to America. He promises the boy that he will never have to go to an orphanage again, following a long adjustment period, Sohrab refused to speak or even look at his new mother. He was finally coming around. They had had a terrible time. Sohrab had been emotionally hurt deep inside and it took a long time before he felt good about himself again.

Amir had spent a great deal of time talking about his father and one day, he started to respond to them. He finally had a chance to be renewed and whole again. During their kite running in America, Sohrab began to interact with him. Amir takes the kite one day and looks at Sohrab and says "For you, a thousand times over." This is a phrase that Hassan had said many years before and more recently to his own son. Almost a smile came to the boys face. Now there was hope. Amir now had a son and he felt good again.

John Sprague hails from Hampden Maine. He is presently in Iraq working as a contractor. They say it is safe over here now but only time will tell. In my free time, I do a lot of reading and enjoy writing. Please let me know what you think of my writing and if you enjoy any of my work. Let me know if I can be of help to you. Please email me or visit my picture website at http://johnsprague.ws.

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A Review of Maudiegirl And The Von Bloss Kitchen by Carl Muller

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Maudiegirl Esther Kimball's first husband, Campbell, died on the voyage to Ceylon. Her second, Kimball, succumbed to malaria. She then married Cecilprins and became his tower of strength. This is how Carl Muller describes - for want of a better word - the heroine of Maudiegirl And The Von Bloss Kitchen.

The book continues the story the author began in the award-winning The Jam Fruit Tree, a tale of Burgher life in Sri Lanka. If "heroine" was a slightly inappropriate description of Maudiegirl, then "story" is certainly not a description of this book's plot. Simply put, the book presents a picture of life within the Burgher community, an island within an island. It illustrates, but does not lead. Read it for an experience, not a journey.

Nominally Dutch, but Sinhalese-speaking, Asian born but with European aspirations, the Burghers are a wholly integrated race apart. The names survive - Van Der Poorten, Caspars etc - but the identity is merely confused. Whose isn't?

Most of this Burgher family's life revolves around food and sex, not always in that order. Sustenance and procreation occupy most of the time, with recreation - usually in the form of sex - taking up the rest. Maudiegirl is the pillar of the household, probably of the community. She brings people together, solves problems, disposes wisdom and occasional rebuke via her cooking. She has a recipe for every occasion. Her meals can cure ills, solve problems, offer advice, and her cooking skills are recognised throughout the Von Bloss family, even the community. The cooking's unfamiliar and complex mix of influences, European, Asian, Dutch, English, Sri Lankan, Indian and American, reflect the community in which they live and its place in the world.

A woman who can't conceive eat too much fish. Need something stronger. Stewed eel works wonders. Only wonder what. Dunnyboy expose himself in public. Big thing. Worries sisters. Eat pork pie. Daughter need baby. Need hammering. Make plum pudding (dried fruit only, butter a pan, boil or steam for four hours). Problem solved.

Carl Muller's style is pithy, occasionally playful, often funny, always earthy, sometimes vaguely embarrassing. He sails metaphorically close to winds and occasionally obfuscates via the inclusion of unexplained, un-translated Sinhalese words and phrases. He makes no excuse for this, and invites the interested reader to find a Sinhalese speaker to help translate this world language and explain, and thereby intensify the experience and promote communication between races and cultures. So there!

Maudiegirl And The Von Bloss Kitchen, this part novel, part cookbook, thus records the day-to-day, reflects life and opens a window onto a perhaps unique culture that is in no way special. There is no plot, no obvious sequence of events, only everyday life as it predictably and unpredictably unfolds. It is also a superb cookbook, recording the recipes of an expert cook. And refreshingly, whatever she cooks and in whatever style, no-one ever seems to dislike anything, pick at their food, question its authenticity, count its calories or even mention omega-3. It's the food of a living culture.

Philip Spires
Author of Mission and A Fool's Knot, African novels set in Kenya
http://www.philipspires.co.uk
Migwani is a small town in Kitui District, eastern Kenya. My books examine how social and economic change impact on the lives of ordinary people. They portray characters whose identity is bound up with their home area, but whose futures are determined by the globaised world in which they live.

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Bestselling Books For Business And Entrepreneurship

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:21:00 +0000

David Brooks writes the novel called The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement. In this novel, you will discover ways in which emotions and character are shaped and affected by all of the various factors in life. Brooks merges the scientific facts of the brain and biology with the intersection of social effects in order to perform a kind of map quest into your mind. Reading this book will help you discover the ways in which these things affect how you love others, live, eat, and make the choices that you make, as well as how you interact with others around you. Also, the book will help you figure out ways to form your moral decisions as well as your wisdom and overall character. With this kind of rich understanding, you will be able to have the tools that are essential to starting your own business.

Another book that is great if you are thinking of starting a new business is by Jim Collins who writes a novel called Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't. This is a novel that explores the behaviors of a variety of other companies who made daring moves by embracing a spirit of change. This book is a good one if you are thinking to start a company or if you have already started a business and are at the helm and want to start some changes that will help you make that move that will take your business to a whole other level. You can not only see examples of what to do, but Collins includes tips through examples of businesses that failed, too, so you will have a comprehensive picture of what tactics will work best.

How To Be The Luckiest Person Alive! By James Altucher is another novel that can help you with your business as it focuses on helping you create luck, and figure out how to have the health, the success and the happiness and dreams that you succeed. You will be able to learn techniques and tips that will help you get lucky in the places where it counts, but not in a fashion of disarray, but rather one that will behoove you in your business ventures.

Patrick Lencioni writes The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, is a book that provides useful information that is easy to read and follow by following a story that happened in Silicon Valley and the way it chose an unlikely leader to lead the company. It shows how the unit of staff failed to connect and how the unlikely boss decided to pull everyone together and create a workplace with a special dynamic that helped fuel the success of the team. Finally, Alexander Osterwalder writes Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers, a book that strives to help you abandon old models and embrace new visions that will take your business to new heights and wonderful heights. For books that help you reach your potential and take your business to new heights, you will benefit from these books.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for PoloMercantil

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Review - The Skinny On Time Management

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:20:00 +0000

The Skinny On Time Management: How to Maximize Your 24-Hour Gift, Jim Randel, 2010, ISBN 9780984139392

Here is another in a series of books that attempts to boil down a large subject area into an easy-to-read format. Intended for busy people who want just the bullet points, this book looks at how to best manage your time.

Write out a time journal for an entire week to see just how you are spending your time. You may think that you are being efficient and productive, but seeing it on paper may change your mind. Can changes be made in your schedule, with more time given to more productive activities? You need to set goals for yourself, whether long-term or short-term. Then you will know how to get from where you are to where you want to be. If your goal is important enough to you, then some other thing you are doing may have to be dropped totally. Choices were never meant to be easy.

The book then covers many ways to maximize your time. Fight the urge to procrastinate. Touch a piece of paper, or email, only once; either respond to it, get rid of it or put it in your file to be worked on later. Are there gaps in your day, like when you are sitting in a waiting room, when you could be working on your Blackberry? Are you a "morning person" or a "night owl?" Work on your hardest and most unpleasant tasks when you are most alert and awake. Learn to plan your day, but don't go overboard with the planning. Prioritize your tasks; which ones come first, and which ones can wait. Break a huge task into smaller, more manageable pieces. Can you batch several appointments, for instance, and get them done in one day? Doing crossword puzzles is a good way to improve your memory. Learn how to focus when you are on a task, and not let distractions get in your way. De-cluttering your office, and your email inbox, will always help. The act of writing a daily To Do list helps focus your mind on what you need to do that day.

Instead of reading a bunch of books on how to manage your time, read this book. It can be read in an hour or so, and does an excellent job of telling the busy person just what they need to know. It is a gem of a book.

Paul Lappen is a freelance book reviewer whose blog, http://www.deadtreesreview.blogspot.com, emphasizes small press and self-published books.

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The Leadership Book of Numbers (Volume 1) - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:19:00 +0000

How is leadership related to service excellence? Some might consider that a rather easy question, but I'm constantly amazed at how many leaders, and even some very large industries, just don't get the connection.

In The Leadership Book of Numbers (Volume 1) Theo Gilbert-Jamison and Vivian Bright provide a very simple roadmap to help leaders connect the dots. The book contains an extensive series of short lists along with tips and techniques that will help them become more effective leaders while helping their organization in the quest for service excellence.

The authors emphasize a point that is often overlooked, to the detriment of many organizations; there must be a vision and mission as well as a clear statement of values. The leader must clearly and effectively communicate these to the organization; everyone must understand them if the organization is truly striving for excellence.

Although they don't describe their studies in any detail, Gilbert-Jamison and Bright have developed six principles of service excellence from their studies. While high levels of customer service are often not expected of any but large or very high-end companies, that doesn't have to be the case. Any company can provide excellent service to the customer and these six principles provide a solid foundation for success.

The authors understand the importance of employees in the service equation and dedicate several of their lists to methods for leaders to engage employees in excellence. Employees must know the expectations of their leadership and understand how they help meet those expectations. Employee engagement happens when leaders engage with the employees.

The Leadership Book of Numbers (Volume 1) is a short easy read but also provides leaders with a useful quick reference guide to basic leadership principles. It's a quick read but also a lasting compendium that leaders will want to refer to again and again.

Bob Mason is a speaker, trainer, and author of "Planning to Excel: Strategic Planning That Works." After 30 years of leadership experience he founded RLM Planning and Leadership to transform leadership by developing great leaders. Bob works with organizations that want to excel by training managers to lead and creating great strategic plans to keep leaders focused. See what he can do for you at http://www.planleadexcel.com.

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Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:18:00 +0000

What makes some brands inspirational, while others struggle? The answer - Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands. Lovemarks, for those of you who are not familiar with Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi is a book that came out in 2004. Roberts was the inventor and promoter of lovemarks and became quite the fire-starter, when in 2006 he blew new life into JC Penney contract to the tune of $430 million.

We can talk about brands all we want. Back in the day it used to be that the manufacturers held all the cards. Then the retailers became the big power brokers, but now, no question about it, it's the consumer. The consumer has had the power for years. That's nothing new. Consumers are highly intelligent, they will not be manipulated. They know what they like. No company today can hide behind their brand. These days, brands have to be authentic and true. If your corporation is not socially responsible, ethically responsible or environmentally responsible (green), you are going to be challenged. Period.

If the America is the land of entrepreneurship, innovation and ideas where did all the love go? How can we even think about love? Isn't the business world all driven by numbers? Apparently it is, or should I say it was. We took a lot of well-known brands that made us this country great and exported them. Among them are McDonald's, Starbucks, Hollywood and Disney. Is there anything that we haven't exported? GULP!

When asked what is the difference between a great brand and one that's merely good? Roberts said "I love the concept of it. Great brands are ones you can really trust like Tide. You can always count on Tide. It will never let you down." The way advertising works has really changed. It's changed so much you can't even recognize it. It's all about the attention economy now. The Attention Economy is a marketplace where consumers agree to receive services in exchange for their attention. Examples include personalized news, personalized search, alerts and recommendations to buy. It's about consumers having choice - they get to choose where their attention is 'spent.'

Another key ingredient in the attention game is relevancy. What I mean by this is as long as the consumer sees relevant content they are going to stick around. And that creates more opportunities to sell. In the attention economy consumers want something new, and personalization is everything. When a company does their research, and crafts a personal message - it must be one that is detailed and sincere at directed at the consumer. After all we are the ones who are buying it.

Whatever happened to finding the "sweet spots," you know what I'm talking about... it's the place where marketers develop meaningful connections with interested consumers? If the true purpose of social media is to use new technology to facilitate the exchange of ideas, promote new products and foster brand, then who has actually mastered this? Finding these sweet spots takes time, but this type of investment can pay long-term dividends in trust and increased sales.

For many successful companies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer just a boardroom buzzword, but the key to a business that is thriving. CSR has also helped with major PR problems, think about BP's oil spill. It's great to know that companies are finally being held accountable. It's about time.

It can be easy to deny or ignore the value of ethical responsibility in business, but more and more often, signs of the value stakeholders place on ethical business are being revealed. Businesses have been hit hard by the weak economy, but many companies on have managed to outperform other companies on the S&P 500. Deere & Co. has been in business since 1837, and currently operates in three areas: agriculture and turf, construction and forestry, and credit. It's winning financially when it comes to outperforming the competition.

Environmentally responsible (or green) companies include ones that have an actual environmental footprint, a management of that footprint (including policies and strategies) and a reputation among environmental experts. The best example of this is Dell. Michael Dell, the chairman and CEO believes "The efficiencies we can all achieve through the use of greener products, solutions, services and programs should be an integral part of every corporate culture." It's no wonder the energy efficiency of its products, has helped customers save more $5 billion in energy costs since 2006.

So it's time to get back to basics and stand out from the crowd, get noticed, zig when others zag, Kevin Roberts is glad he did. Isn't it about time you followed suit?

Kathy Batz
kathy@globalinternetsuccess.com
http://globalinternetsuccess.com

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Book Review for "White Tiger"

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Book Review for: White Tiger
Chronicles of Kassouk, Book 1
Written by: Vijaya Schartz
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-936000-31-9
Ebook Format
5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Schartz has created a world rich in futuristic mythology with "White Tiger," Book One in the Chronicles of Kassouk. Tora is a human soldier whose loyalty to the Emperor is without question. As she follows Field Marshall Killion to war, she meets a man called Dragomir who challenges all that she knows to be true about the world.

The novel is set on the plant of Kassouk. The plant's natural climate is Arctic. Humans settled there after leaving a decimated Earth. They know the planet as New Earth.

The Godds have also come to Kassouk, but it's obvious they are an alien race. There are no female Godds so they mate with human females called Valshas. Their children are known as mutants. The Godds provide for the humans, but they also have enemies - the Reptoids. When the Reptoids shoot down the weather satellite that controls the weather, the climate on Kassouk becomes frigid. The Godds prepare to leave, but only after harvesting their female mutant children's eggs.

Tora, daughter of a great general, realizes there is change in the air when the satellite is shot down. The Reptoids and Zerkers pursue the humans of Kassouk, and so Tora takes her company White Tiger, and follows Field Marshall Killion's army into battle.

Along the way, she meets Dragomir, a man who ignites the more passionate, baser emotions in her. Dragomir confesses to be a mutant, but harbors secrets. He warns Tora of a human traitor and leaves after the couple share a forbidden night of passion.

Can Tora find the traitor to the human race and rekindle the love she shared with Dragomir.

Schartz's writing is crisp, original, and filled with creativity. The plot is smooth, action-packed, and moves fast.

"White Tiger" uses a good economy of words to explain the rich mythology and exotic locales of Kassouk without weighing down the reader.

The novel has a strong supporting cast that quickly endears itself to the reader. Driana is a loyal friend, Leah is a clever and beautiful mutant, Phaleg is the fierce Reptoid leader, and Khor and Kasil are the heartless Godds.

Dragomir is honest and loyal, brave in the face of adversity. His only weakness is his love for Tora. Tora is also loyal to her beliefs and exhibits a courage to be admired.

The love scenes are sensual and tasteful. From the first page to the last, "White Tiger" will take the reader for a breathless ride filled with action, adventure, myths, and love.

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

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Prince William and Kate Royal Wedding Books Review

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Have you up to speed with the great excitement in London? Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married! After their engagement in October, the couple has finally decided to exchange "I do's" on April 29, 2011. This royal wedding is going to be the most celebrated event in London that at this point in time a number of William and Kate books have already been published to narrate their romantic story.

Certainly, it is only fitting for both to finally tie the knot after eight long years in the relationship. They are two people in love who stood the test of time while getting to know each other fully and better. Their relationship was in a hiatus in 2007 but this only proved how strong their bond is and was found back in each other's arms shortly.

The most famous book written about the couple is William & Kate: The Love Story: A Celebration of the Wedding of the Century. Written by the royal journalist Robert Jobson, is an full insider account on the latest scoop and events leading to their most awaited day. The book narrates about Prince William and his soon-to-be bride and future Queen Consort, Kate Middleton. Both 28, William and Kate first met at the University of Scotland. This William and Kate book is filled with plenty of photographs on the couple, interesting tales or anecdotes and analysis about their relationship.

Another book dedicated for the couple is the William & Kate: A Royal Love Story. It is a factual publication on hardcover that tells the story of their fairy tale love affair. It is written by The Sun's Royal correspondent, James Clench with 150 never-seen photos and narrations about Will and Kate. The book called William's Princess: The Love Story that will Change the Royal Family Forever is another heart-warming and inspiring revelation of the young couple's early beginnings. It dates back to the time when Prince William was pursuing his career at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Suddenly, rumors broke that William will get married after the Queen's 80th birthday when he ended his army training. He was to become future King of England and he must have a Queen! This hardcover is written by the award-winning journalist, Robert Jobson who exposed the marriage between Prince Charles and Camilla to the public in 2005. You can collect all these books today at a very affordable price. These Will and Kate books are timeless collections that are worth keeping. Also available is the book focused on Kate's life is Kate: Kate Middleton: Princess in Waiting and also another one called William & Kate: A Royal Souvenir.

Collect all Will and Kate books as a momento of the royal wedding of the decade. Visit the William and Kate Royal Weddinglens where you can also get the latest news and check out the latest royal souvenirs.

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Barefoot Books Review - The Animal Boogie

noreply@blogger.com (BooksRev) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:40:00 +0000

The Animal Boogie is now famous, maybe even infamous as a bestseller at independent publishers Barefoot Books.

So what makes The Animal Boogie so popular?

It is so addictive!

Even as I write this I can hear myself humming the tune and jiggling my foot. It is an instant addictive hit!

It Is Such Family Fun

Barefoot recommend this book for children aged 3 to 7. This is not true. My daughter had this when she was 2 and still loves it at 6 ½. On top of that 3 generations have been up and doing the 'boogie, oogie, woogie', including a 70+ great grandmother!

Be warned though that once played it will stick with you for a very long time. Be prepared to play it in the car on long journeys to pass the time. It certainly beats arguments and the eventual boredom of I spy. The miles just fly by.

Great for Parties and Groups

Whether you are planning a party or are involved in a group or nursery, the Animal Boogie is perfect material. It has a musical score for the brave at the back and everyone can get involved doing their own actions for each animals. Stamp like an elephant and slither like a snake using whatever part of the body you want.

If you have a group that has instruments you can get those out as well, or make your own. Again an extra plus to this interactive sing along

Colourful, vibrant and all inclusive

The book is filled with full colour illustrations that are bright and beautiful. Each animal is accompanied by a different child. Each child is from a different ethnic background or culture. The publishers have really thought about this as well as there is also a girl in a wheelchair. You really can boogie and have fun whatever your race, creed or physical situation. There is something for everyone.

The Animal Boogie is really one of the most fun books I have come across. No one is left out and everyone can join in with their own brand of boogie.

Find out more about The Animal Boogie and Barefoot Books and read an extended review at http://www.my-barefootbooks.com

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