While promoting contentment from within, Shadonna Richards provides us a book full of empowering messages to “find inner-peace, relaxation and happiness as you journey through the pages...” Each message is poignant, thought-provoking, and most of all, reflective.  For example: “Happiness is a choice we make.  It is not dependent on anything outside of yourself but acts independently. Choose to be content with who you are and all that you’ve become while you journey to becoming more”.

Most pages have a space after the message to journal your thoughts which I highly recommend you do.  Because of the impact of each message has, I suggest using one each morning to set the tone of the remainder of the day. Five or 10 minutes of contemplation on the message may be exactly what would prevent you from acting on impulse, lashing out, or feeling sad.

Richards’ study of great thinkers, along with her psychology background, gives her the ability to master a creation, “Think & Be Happy,” so we can maintain happiness in our lives.  Happiness is the core to health, kindness, joy and fulfillment. This book would be a wonderful gift to give a friend or family member.

Think & Be Happy: 301 Empowering Thoughts To Lift Your Spirit
Shadonna Richards
Infinity Publishing (2009)
ISBN 978-0741457035
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (9/09)

Yvonne Blackwood’s “Into Africa: The Return” is a heartwarming story of a courageous woman who dared to step outside her comfort zone to discover her roots and give back to the land of her ancestors. “Into Africa: The Return” is the second book describing the author’s journey, and I do have to admit it piqued my interest enough that I know I will look for the first one as well.

Born in Jamaica and living in Canada, the author remembered all too well her Grandfather declaring himself to be an Ashanti, a statement that set her on the path to Africa much later in life. Having first visited Ghana in 1997, woefully unprepared for such a trip, she obviously fell under its spell. Therefore it should come as no surprise that she ventured back five years later, this time with two of her American cousins tagging along. Ghana has changed quite a bit in that short period of time, both on the global and on a personal level, with some people so dear to the author gone and new friends – and possibly more – entering her life this time around. In addition to that, she sponsored a young Ghanaian girl, and this second trip gave her a chance to meet her young protégée, Frieda.

I found the parts describing Africa’s sights, sounds, smells and tastes truly delightful. They were colorful, entertaining and made me want to jump in the middle of each of those scenes, even the dreaded canopy walk. On the other hand I felt a slight disconnect in the parts that dealt with the author’s feelings. While several opinions were expressed, I oftentimes felt she held back a large portion of her observations and innermost feelings, be it from a desire to keep them private, possibly protect somebody or simply because they were too difficult to deal with. This goes double for the descriptions of several characters in the book – I’d much rather know what made them tick than what color pants they wore on any given day.

Overall I found “Into Africa: The Return” by Yvonne Blackwood a slightly bittersweet and entirely wonderful book, one that will hopefully inspire many more people to look for their roots and try to understand the lands of their ancestors as well as get more closely connected with them. I would love to hear the rest of the story and find out what happened to Pastor Ray, Frieda and all of the wonderful people Yvonne Blackwood introduced to us in this
book.

Into Africa: The Return
Yvonne Blackwood
Trafford Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781426902659
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (8/09)

Injuries resulting from an explosion in an IED attack ripped the wheel out of the hands of Thomas Green’s control changed his life forever. Green was driving a military truck on a mission while on assignment to Iraq in April 2004. “Sometimes We Fall as Boys but Rise as Men” is Thomas Green’s personal story. It is the story of an Iraqi War veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart, an Operation Freedom Campaign Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

Green joined the U. S. Army in 2001 and was deployed to Iraq in February 2004. His service in Iraq and thirteen months of treatment in the Walter Reed Medical Center gave Thomas a new perspective on war, the impact, and the psychological effects on young men who experience the trauma and reality of serving their country on the battlefield to become victims of life-threatening and debilitating injury.

Thomas takes the reader back to his childhood and the major obstacles he faced while growing up. He tells of living in the limelight of his older sisters, from elementary school through middle school, and high school. He tells of stepping out in faith, attaining goals, of his success in high school athletics, and of receiving a football scholarship from Bacone College in Musgogee, Oklahoma. His mother continually reminded Thomas, “No matter how many times you fall you can still get up.” Whatever happened to him, Thomas remembered this advice and stood up again on his own two feet.

While at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Thomas was surrounded by other injured soldiers; he recognized the importance of uplifting and inspiring others. Sharing their stories with fellow sufferers helped get them through trying times. Green felt that God wanted him to share his testimony of overcoming adversity, telling how God got him through the ordeal of suffering the pain of combat injuries and how this changed his life forever.

Thomas tells of the difficulties he encountered while working through the maze of bureaucratic agencies, unending paperwork, the hardship of recovery, experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and of family hardship and disappointment.

“Sometimes We Fall as Boys but Rise as Men” is written with candor and integrity, rich in detail, demonstrating action and giving meaning to the context, while engaging the reader intimately in the story. Thomas Green III shows promise of becoming an award-winning writer.

Sometimes We Fall as Boys but Rise as Men
Thomas Green III
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440178801
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

In the world today we as individuals have no clue as to who to believe when it comes to healthcare, what radicals and conservatives are doing, and who to believe when it comes to talk-show hosts. There are so many out there that have opinions on everything and everyday a new spokesperson is showing up.

Jacques Ferraris has written a very intriguing and thought-provoking book that retaliates against some of the biggest television commentaries. He relates in the beginning of the book that he wrote this book due to “the profound disgust that I feel for all those extreme right, ultra-conservative radio to TV commentators.”  However, he does go on to say that he does believe in freedom of the press.

One of the themes I constantly read about during the book is “what happened in believing in fairness, justice, equal rights, compassion and freedom of religion?” Let’s face it- we don’t live in a perfect world with perfect people. We all make mistakes. However, I do think that we are a society that wants our needs and expectations met immediately and we don’t care who we push out of the way to get it.

So why do we listen to these commentators on a daily basis- do we feel justified in our anger and pointing fingers? As a whole, we love to blame others for what is going wrong in our world and there is a lot going wrong.  Yet, these stations pay big money to their commentators to rile up society as a whole and they do a good job of it. Just because we might not totally agree with everything they say does that give them the right to blast our intelligence or say we are leftists, socialist or communists? Do we have the right to blast them?

Ferraris covers many topics in his book ranging from solar power, war on drugs, education, welfare abuses and too many more to mention here. I will say that while reading this I thought the author made some great points. However, his approach to addressing this might turn some readers off.  Yet at the same time he is very passionate on where he stands and I only wish that we all could be as passionate. As one reads this book, I think it is important to not forget we elected Obama.

“Greens” by Jacques P. Ferraris is a book individuals should read if they are unhappy with the world today. Check out the facts from both sides and make your own decision.

Greens
Jacques P. Ferraris
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781449009267
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (11/09)

“Effective Green Techniques 1.0.1” by Gail Hill Williams, Christian Coughlin, Ron Everett, Andrew Wetmore, and Shaun G. Williams is a short, how-to guide full of tips to help make a greener planet.  Divided into 7 “modules,” the book follows a clear format.  The modules include ways to “go green” in the home and garden, with health and personal care, with family and friends, with food, with clothing and wardrobe, in career and business, and in travel and transportation.  Following each module, is a top 10 list of tips covered in it.  There is a fill-in-the-blanks section for the reader to complete about how he will use the information to improve in each of these areas of his life and what seven people he can inform about what he has learned.  There follows a journaling section for observations made based upon reading the module and any thoughts he would like to jot down and pursue later about making a safer environment.

The intentions of the authors are worthy.  The subject matter is timely.  However, the authors’ approach to writing this book did not engage me or make me more likely to “green” my environment, though I know that I should place more value in it.  The modules were not structured well, and the authors skipped around from one idea to another in a sometimes choppy manner.  Also, they leave you with a lot of unanswered questions.  For example, when suggesting that one buy organic and all natural skin care products, the author says, “BUT BE CAUTIOUS- just because these products are made from the above-mentioned ingredients does not mean they are less harmful than the other chemically-manufactured skin care products.  DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE INVESTING IN ANY NEW HEALTH REGIME!”   (They really did use caps.)  I know the author’s intent was to give basic information (hence, the 1.0.1 in the title), but how exactly am I supposed to research all of my natural skin care products?  Shouldn’t the book give me more practical advice?

The book could also benefit from another edit.  There are several grammatical errors, missing words, and punctuation mistakes.   I did like the top ten lists of tips for “greening” our own personal environments.  I do think the tips are mostly helpful, but perhaps the lists could have stood alone in providing the information I needed from “Effective Green Techniques 1.0.1.”

Effective Going Green Techniques 1.0.1
Gail Hill Williams, Christian Coughlin, Ron Everett, Andrew Wetmore, Shaun G. Williams
Alegre Communications (2009)
ISBN 9780615304427
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (12/09)

“Musical Chairs” by Jen Knox is a personal memoir written by a young woman who grew up in the 1990s amidst several difficult circumstances, with the thread of familial mental problems woven throughout.  These mental problems, most notable in her grandmother, formed a possible explanation for Ms. Knox’s later panic attacks.   The book is divided into three parts, chronicling three prominent chapters of her life.  In the first part she focuses on her life as a “Runaway.”  After living with her dad following her parent’s divorce, she comes to resent his restrictions and flees the home.  Living for a short time with a boyfriend of questionable influence, she turns to alcohol to cope with the challenges of life.  After a run-in with her boyfriend’s father, she flees to the home of her best friend.  The effects of alcohol and one poor decision after another lead her to choose her next difficult path.

In part two she recalls her life as a “Dancer,” the life she initially chose to pay the bills.  A continued downward spiral into heavy drinking and poor company lead to abuse that forced her to reevaluate her life.
 
Part three is the realization that “Education” is a means to improving her life state, but before she achieves her dreams she takes many twists and turns, meeting a woman that doesn’t always have her best interests at heart.  Throughout her life, though, she keeps turning back to her family who provide her with the love and support she needs even when she is unable to right her course in life.

The story is not “happy” reading, but it is honest with clear recollections of a life full of challenges.  Ms. Knox makes no apologies for her, at times, poor choices.  She plainly tells the reader what she chose and how it impacted her life.  The story is also a story of hope, that despite the choices one has made in the past, there is always the opportunity to make things better.

Ms. Knox spent much of her life running away, searching for what would make her happy.  Later, as an adult, she developed panic attacks.  With the gift of time she came to realize that, “It ended up being those that I ran from who taught me the only story I could really understand is my own.”  The read of “Musical Chairs” by Jen Knox is easy and leaves you rooting for her success. 

Musical Chairs
Jen Knox
All Things That Matter Press (2009)
ISBN 9780984259427
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (11/09)

“Fragile” takes us into the lives of three individuals who have based their lives on choices that they now regret having made.  Amelia Geist has spent her whole life missing her first love Tris. Tris left her during a misunderstanding with her family when they were very young, fifty years ago.  She spent her life honoring her vow to never love another man.  Tris feels trapped in a marriage to a woman whom he no longer loves.  Nearing retirement, he reflects back on what could have been if he hadn’t left Amelia.  Meanwhile, Holly is wasting her life by abusing her body with alcohol and an abusive man.  Her daughters suffer from this.

Holly’s life becomes linked to Tris and Amelia when she takes Amelia on as a walk-in client at the hair salon where she works.   Little does she know how her life will change after this meeting occurs.  When a tragedy happens, Holly finds a way to reconnect Tris to Amelia.  However, it is done in an unusual manner.  Holly also encounters her own wake-up call to get her life back in order.

“Fragile” is a beautifully written novel.  It is unusually written in how the stories blend in to each other.  I felt that this style of writing was very appropriate for the story; however, I also had to be careful and make sure that I stayed focused when I was reading so that I knew exactly whom I was reading about.  This technique of writing was uniquely refreshing.  The author also does a beautiful job of bringing both the scenes and intense emotions experienced in them to life.

After reading “Fragile” I found myself feeling very contemplative.  The character's lives were drastically affected by decisions that they made early on.  Two of them spent a lifetime of regret for having made those choices.  It was sad that it had to be that way, but it was also sad that once that choice had been made, they really didn’t allow themselves to move on.  This was especially true in the case of Amelia.  Holly, the youngest of the three, was able to wake up and see that she had choices to make for herself.  By reading this story, I thought about how many of us tie up our opportunities for a happy future based on our past decisions. I see this so many times.  Reading “Fragile” was a wake-up call to me to keep myself aware that this can happen.

The spiritual component of the story added beauty to the book.  I believe that readers will really enjoy reading this book and find meaning in it to be applied to their own lives.  “Fragile” by Chris Katsaropoulos is highly recommended.

Fragile
Chris Katsaropoulos
Luminis Books (2009)
ISBN 9781935462279
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/09)

At a quick glance of the book’s cover, any parent or parent-to-be would be impressed with the award-winning label of “Mom’s Choice Awards - Honoring Excellence” alone, but a simple turn of the book to the back cover boasts an even more impressive list of credentials of the author, including her Family Fun Magazine’s “Mom of the Month” award.

This book is not a typical, run-of-the-mill style parenting book that covers a certain number of years. This particular book covers everything from the pre-natal months through toddler years, with even a touch of early school years. Much of what the book covers could, technically, even be brought through the raising of your teenage child as it deals with issues such as handling anger and sibling rivalry; something that we parents all know continue well past the toddler times!

An excellent “Resource” area in the back of the book allows one to copy and utilize work sheets, hints and tips, and even small notes that could be copied and placed on the fridge for daily viewing. One of my favorites is the weekly “Behavior Chart,” keeping track of how your little one uses such manners as saying “please” and “thank you,” along with other simple manners that can often be forgotten. With this quick chart hanging on one’s fridge, your little one could easily and proudly display the times they remember their manners!

Another portion of the “Resource” area I enjoyed was the listing of introduction of solid foods. This detailed, yet not overwhelming, listing of foods and when they generally are introduced to a child allows a parent to feel comfortable and somewhat guided that what they are doing is or isn’t “in the norm.” This particular listing itself I found to be an amazing help to me when a friend, whom I had given the book to after reading it myself for the review, called me to thank me - telling me “the ‘Introducing Solids’ listing was so helpful! It's been over 10 years since I’ve done this and while I thought it was all second nature I found myself quickly second guessing ‘is it ok to feed him Cheerios yet?’ and this list quickly put my mind at ease!” I realized that this is often a question of both new and “repeat” parents who may have simply forgotten what stage happens when.Other issues handled without too much information, yet enough to make one feel comfortable and well informed, include potty training, handling night terrors, setting limits and even financial issues that are often a hidden fear that is not talked about by your peers. Speech, preparing for the infant, introducing the “new baby” to siblings and so much more are presented in an easy to read, understand and comprehend style without spending hours on end trying to decipher “professional language,” written in layman’s terms and fairly direct with answers and suggestions.
 
This book would be a wonderful gift to any expectant parent and something I would highly recommend to anyone whoever has even the slightest tinge of “am I doing this right.” Let’s face it - that covers any parent I’ve ever met, self included!

Well written, Suzy Martyn uses her experience as a mother, teacher, daycare provider and professional parenting consultant to bring across concise and important issues raised as a parent or expectant parent from the very beginning of the book. Listings of other helpful books, websites and, again an excellent “Resource” area of printable items make this book an amazing piece of work considering the size of the book. Most books take literally hundreds upon hundreds of pages to get across the points that Suzy Martyn seems to be able to quickly and concisely get across to the reader without needing to be too wordy or take up too much of their time.

“Enjoy the Ride” by Suzy Martyn is a must in the library of any parent or parent-to-be and, I'm certain, one that will be pulled out often as the child grows through the years. For $12.95 it’s an amazingly well-priced, well-deserved, and well-needed addition to help one in becoming the best parent one can be!

Enjoy the Ride
Suzy Martyn
Mother’s Friend Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780578009513
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/09)

Rarely do you read a book with so much intrigue, spirit and insightfulness of a family history. The intimate family pictures, while not plentiful, was a huge factor in bringing the human aspect to this amazing story of an Italian family in war-torn times.

To see the characters, their depth, their will to survive and their determination to “become someone” or “something” in this world was simply breathtaking. There aren’t words deep enough to describe the family portrayed in “Promises to Keep” and the character of the man himself whom the story follows, Domenico Forte.  To see what he gives up as a man, as a father and as a husband, all in order to give his family the best he can and better than he ever had, simply portrays this man that is, for lack of better words, “filled with pride and strength.”  

The storyline itself is one that is amazing, but add to that the depth of the main characters and you have simply one of the most amazing stories of family history ever written. It’s not a book about someone “famous” – it’s a book about someone “real.”  This could have been your own ancestors’ story, traveling to the great land of freedom known as America, trying to make for a better world for themselves and those they love.

You will cry at the sorrow, you will laugh at the joy and you will most of all gain a new-found respect for those days gone by when being an immigrant was something that would later make your ancestors proud - knowing you were a man or woman of character and strength above and beyond what ANY of us today could imagine.

An amazing author with an amazing story to tell in “Promises to Keep”- Thomas F. Dwyer did it well!

Promises to Keep: The Untold Story of a Family Trapped in War-Torn Italy
Thomas F. Dwyer
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9780595529001
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/09)

What could be more alluring than the call of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil after coming off a divorce and what seems like enough of the bad side of life to last you forever? Feeling a chance to escape and get a little work done, documentary film maker Daisy Gardner sees the offer to go to Rio for “work” as a sign from above that it’s time to get away.  Asked to do a “Part II Series” to an original documentary called “Coming Together,” the man who hires her wants to share his passion for the country he has fallen so in love with; Daisy is quick to share his intense caring about every aspect of this beautiful place.

What she thinks is a simple job ahead ends up becoming a lot more than “just work” when she meets her, somewhat pompous cameraman Luis. Feeling he’s completely unapproachable and a bit on the arrogant side, she still can’t seem to control the attraction she has to him. Luis feels much like Daisy does, that she’s not exactly the “approachable” type, yet the attraction is not only there but suddenly intense enough it cannot be ignored.  Add to the story a touch of instant love when she meets Clay, a slum-born infant whose path in life is anything but bright, and you have a storyline that encompasses passion, desire and even a little intrigue.

When Daisy takes the job in Rio, the last thing she’s expecting or even looking for is a man to complicate her life but it doesn’t take long before she finds Luis has the same attraction she has and the two become engulfed in an intriguing situation that involves the Brazilian orphanages, of which she has found and fallen in love with the children in their care. As she becomes a part of a their plight, she takes her mission to Washington, D.C. to bring help to these hopeless children left to a life of dismay with little room for dreams. Her caring, though, is quickly met with resistance as suddenly orphanages are being raided by Federal Brazilian police and she has no idea why.

“Coming Together” by Joyce Norman and Joy Collins is a wonderful web of romance, intrigue, child-like innocence and motherly adoration create a story bound to hold your attention and your heart. As your find yourself engrossed in the various storylines throughout the main story itself you too will find a “vacation in Rio,” even if through the talented writing of these two authors, is just what you've been needing for your own “escape” in life!

Coming Together: A novel of love and intrique in Rio
Joyce Norman and Joy Collins
Chalet Publishers (2009)
ISBN 9780984083626
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/09)

This is probably one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. Unique is not a bad thing, simply something you have to adjust to and realize you are no longer reading “inside the box” material!

A book of friendship and how far two young men will go for each other’s friendship; you quickly form an opinion on both “Grundish” and “Askew.” Don’t worry; these opinions will change, many times.

These punkish, bad-to-the-bone style young men seem to find what they need in each other to keep afloat. When one goes down, the other is there to toss the life jacket.  A vow of “kill me if I’m ever arrested and going to be put away” becomes a promise made by one friend with certainty that it will never happen…or will it?

A true story of friendship, one that most any of us will never truly find in a friend at any point of our life, tells a lot about those “bad kids” we all know. Perhaps it also tells a lot about those “goody two-shoes kid” we all think we would want our kids to be also. When your back is against the wall, do you want a friend that will take the hit for you or run? These two know the answer and live the life.

Hard hitting, sometimes raunchy, risqué, and gritty... you won’t find cookies and milk at the end of this storybook friendship or prince charming saving the day. You find reality, which sometimes bites, but is always very raw and real.

This book could easily be the sleeper of the year if given the chance... it will open your eyes, change your mind, change your outlook and bring you to question what true friendship is or if you could honestly be one.  “Grunge and Askew” by Lance Carbuncle is an excellent read and I’m seeing an audience of 20-somethings falling in love with this grunge style of writing.

Grundish and Askew
Lance Carbuncle
Vicious Galoot Books (2009)
ISBN 9780982280003
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/09)

When George Patton is diagnosed with cancer, his family is devastated.  This family man has been a rock to all of them – a fantastic father and husband, and someone that the community and police department look up to.  But, when they realize that the cancer has metastasized to the point of no return they realize it is time to accept the fact that they are going to watch him suffer a painful death.  That is when his daughter, Cindy, takes matters into her own hands.  After heading home to grab his service revolver, she heads to the hospital to help her father leave this world in a peaceful, painless way.  Or did she?

Cindy Patton is represented by David Davidorff, a well-respected lawyer who has to try and find out why George Patton’s daughter really took her father’s life.  What was the motive?  And is there any way he can convince a jury to let this girl go after she shot him in the hospital after surgery, even though his life was going to end soon anyway?

It is clearly obvious that Mr. Petrucelli is a former litigator himself.  The writing is not only clear and concise; he truly brings the courtroom to life, along with all the characters in this wonderful book.  I truly felt connected to the family and to what was going through their minds in regards to their life and how it was crumbling around them.  ‘Truly inspirational’ describes “A Love that Kills” by Robert Petrucelli.

A Love that Kills
Robert Petrucelli
Nacoma Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780615293875
Reviewed by Tracee Gleichner for Reader Views (11/09)

Yoga has become a popular way for many people to try to alleviate the stress they endure in their daily lives.  “Yoga in No Time at All” provides a detailed guide to help readers learn some yoga poses while explaining the benefits each specific pose offers.  The author states the estimated time each pose should take to complete (most are relatively short) as well as the difficulty level on a scale from one to five.  He also includes detailed descriptions of each exercise, including which muscles are being worked and what benefits can be expected (such as increased flexibility, improved balance, or simply relaxation).  Thankfully, there is a glossary at the end of the book because the names of some of the targeted muscles were not familiar to me.

The pictures in the book are helpful but it would probably be beneficial to learn a few yoga basics from a trained instructor before attempting to do it on your own.  It can be difficult to tell if you are doing the pose correctly or to the proper degree.  The exercises seem to assume that everyone is of average height based on some of the surfaces used, such as a bathroom countertop or a desk.  I would prefer a system that measures the proper height a surface should be based on how much movement of the muscle is required.  Being fairly short made such poses difficult because putting my foot that high left my other leg too extended.

This book is appropriate for adults and teenagers; however, younger children can also participate in some of the activities.  I like how the author stresses multitasking - doing yoga while also doing other necessary tasks such as brushing teeth, talking on the phone, or driving to and from work.  He also points out that yoga can be done anywhere and anytime.  Additional benefits are that it does not require expensive equipment or a huge time investment.

“Yoga in No Time at All” by Joel DiGirolamo is a good choice for anyone looking for simple ways to improve their health and well-being.  Yoga can not only relieve stress, but also provides improved posture, muscle strength, flexibility and balance for people of all ages.

Yoga in No Time at All
Joel DiGirolamo
PranaPower (2009)
ISBN 9780977088461
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (11/09)

Having just returned from my first trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, reading “Southern Boy” gave me such wonderful insights into the magical area. Although still somewhat devastated from the hurricane- you can still tell how beautiful it is. The author not only includes recollections of wonderful times during his life, he also includes pictures and descriptions of the people in this area.

Author Jagoe takes us on a journey of simpler times through his own life. Southerners are friendly, help neighbors out and work together to get through the depression. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be like that again?

Can you imagine a time when there weren’t ice boxes, but big blocks of ice that would melt more the farther you lived from the ice plant? How about cars with no roll-up windows? People would sit on their porches sipping mint juleps and watching their neighbors walk by.

If you have never been to the Mississippi coast, I would recommend you read this book first. There is so much history and beauty in this historical town.

The author’s writing is just like having a conversation with him. You can imagine everything he describes as it is in such detail. He also is very positive about his life on the gulf coast and life in general. It is great to read a book like “Southern Boy” by Armiger Jagoe that actually leaves you with the thought “Ahh- those were the times.”

Southern Boy: Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the 1920-30s
Armiger Jagoe
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440144547
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (11/09)

Julius M. Scott’s “Explore the Book of Revelation” is a chapter-by-chapter exposition of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as revealed to John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos.  Scott shows how the book of Revelation reveals Christ’s identity and God’s plan for the end of the world as we know it today. His book is an excellent resource for the exegesis of the apostle John’s Apocalypse. It is a good introductory study and guide for all Bible scholars and researchers, a well-rounded handbook for the study of the book of Revelation.

Scott discusses in some detail the main themes of Revelation, for example: The message to the seven churches, God’s throne room, the opening of the seven seals, the seven part judgment, the temple of God and the altar, the great conflict between God and Satan, the birth and life of Jesus, his death and resurrection, the new heaven and the new earth, and the New Jerusalem. He talks about the poetic approach, the symbolic language which the apostle John used, and the imagery through which he revealed a victorious Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Scott does not attempt to fix the date for the time of the Last Judgment and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. He does point out many of the events that we can watch for which are revealed through the study of the book of Revelation.

Scott’s writing will be helpful to scholars. He uses an easy to understand layman’s language which provides a wealth of insight and information, easily adaptable for individual or small group Bible study, for incorporating in church Bible classes, or as curriculum or recommended reading for Bible School and Seminary study.

Because the book of Revelation is often misunderstood with conflicting opinions and a divergence of interpretations there will be those who will disagree with some of Scott’s conclusions; however, all will acknowledge that it brings “the message of infinite love, power, and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is written to bring encouragement, inspiration, and practical teaching on Christian living to all who read and study its’ contents.

It is Scott’s prayer that his readers will get to know God better and learn to trust him more completely through the reading of “Explore the Book of Revelation.”

Explore the Book of Revelation
Julius M. Scott
Infinity Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780741456465
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

“21 Bizarre Short Stories” by Jose Cepeda Garcia certainly lives up to its title.  The author creates 21 stories that fall into five categories: Soul, Space, Others, Legend, and Dreams.  Each story is succinct with good character development.  Quickly the reader gets an understanding for the uniqueness of the characters.  They are placed in situations that often seem to be of this world, when, in fact, otherworldly things happen to them.  There are sleepwalking employees, philandering husbands, a gang of youth, and religious figures.   The stories range from a page-and-a-half to fourteen pages.
         
The author both frightened me and humored me.  “The Suitcase,” a story of a meat-eating Chihuahua that desires more and more, kept me up past my bedtime as I processed its content, while “Martha’s Smile,” a story of infidelity, and “Half and Half,” a story of a perilous marriage, were humorous in a wicked sort of way.
       
Other stories left me completely baffled, but referring back to the title, “21 Bizarre Short Stories,” I suppose that was an intended outcome.  I had several, “Huh?” moments, but the avid science-fiction reader will appreciate the moments spent pondering Mr. Garcia’s motivations.  The world is full of bizarre people and events, and while I might try to hide from them, others are drawn into a fascination of that part of the world.  The “Space” section left me the most confused, while the “Legend” section was my favorite.
       
This book was translated into English.  I did find several grammatical errors throughout that were distracting at times.  For example, there were missing words, commas, or incorrect word choices.  Some of the sentences were rather long.  Another editing would be beneficial in correcting these issues so as not to divert the reader from the stories themselves.
         
“21 Bizarre Short Stories” by Jose Cepeda Garcia is a quick read for the science-fiction/fantasy fan.  It blends the everyday with fantasy, reaching a frightening, humorous, or enlightening ending.  Be brave.  Be open.  And immerse yourself in Mr. Garcia’s mind for an interesting ride.  And don’t read before bed!  Your mind will be too busy to sleep!

21 Bizarre Short Stories
Jose Cepeda Garcia
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432722210
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (11/09)

“Short White Coat” by James A. Feinstein, MD, is a collection of wonderfully heart-warming stories about real life experiences of a third year medical student and the time he spent in the trial-by-fire environment dealing with real patients in different clinic and hospital settings. Ranging from frankly scary to truly uplifting, each of the stories teaches a lesson about listening, learning and growing. Written in a fluid, easy-to-read style, those stories are approachable and easy to relate to.

James Feinstein’s clinical year took him from internal medicine through ob-gyn, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery to emergency medicine. In each of the new settings he encountered new challenges and worked alongside a variety of very different personalities, and all of those experiences must have been very helpful in shaping his own view of the profession he eventually joined as a practicing pediatrician. Occasionally funny, oftentimes sad, always very personal and displaying touching honesty and vulnerability, those stories are eye-opening for a variety of reasons. Dr. Feinstein does not white-wash the reality of the medical profession or the training for it. He speaks frankly about the grueling pace the overworked hospital staff has to keep up with, the frequently infuriating limitations of the system, the different lessons the patients themselves taught him about how to handle them with the proper respect and allow them to keep their dignity, the dangers of assumptions and quick conclusions, but also about the joy of seeing somebody get well and observing a good doctor making a real difference in somebody’s life. Dr. Feinstein describes doctors with hearts, those who know the healing power of touch and a warm word, as well as a few of those we all encounter all too often and wish we would have not; that is the superstars who are great technically, yet lousy human beings, and those who have no respect for patients and whose words cause more hurt than their actions would cure.

“Short White Coat” by James A. Feinstein, MD, should be required reading for everybody thinking of medical school as well as everybody working in the medical field. In addition to those, I believe that anybody close to those people as well as any patient would greatly profit from reading this wonderful collection of stories. Since that covers most anybody, particularly in the so-called “developed” world, let me simply say that I do believe reading “Short White Coat” would be a good idea for anybody who wants to understand more about doctors and doctoring. Judging by this book, Dr. Feinstein understands what makes a good doctor, and I sincerely hope more of his colleagues take his lessons to heart as well.

Short White Coat: Lessons from Patients on Becoming a Doctor
James A. Feinstein, MD
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440175138
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/09)

Hank Teeple, the hero of Anthony Pour’s latest novel, “The Undercover Gentleman,” is no gentleman.  That much becomes clear in the early chapters of the book.  Instead, he is the product of a vicious, rough and tumble existence as a CIA agent and he is very good at what he does.  So good in fact, that he is destined for bigger and better things in the organization.  Then things fall apart.

The story begins innocently enough when, as a young man, Teeple’s heart is broken by a beautiful girl who lived on a neighboring ranch.  She marries his rival, who goes on to become one of the richest and most powerful men in America, and disappears from his life.  Fast forward thirty years and Teeple finds himself monitoring a brash young operative who has managed to gain access to a dusty, old warehouse in Malaysia which is suspected of housing nuclear material.  It is a routine operation that ends very badly.  When it is time to extract the agent he is found staked out on the floor with his eyes taped open and left to die a horrible death.  Clearly someone had betrayed the operation, but that does not matter.  Teeple is the agent in charge and therefore, is recalled to Washington, DC to be summarily dismissed from the CIA.  But he has one last ace up his sleeve - a mentor well placed in the organization who arranges for him to redeem himself while working outside the agency.  This is when the story gets really interesting.

As might be expected from a spy novel, the storyline is fast moving and complicated and there is a rich cast of characters that range from devious and self-serving Washington bureaucrats to murderous and duplicitous agents from the Middle and Far East.  All these elements are skillfully woven together to tell a fascinating story that avoids enmeshing the reader in the details.  On the other hand, “The Undercover Gentleman” contains an element not usually found in spy novels; a gentle and heartwarming love story with a surprise ending that is not revealed until the end of the book.

It is tempting to compare “The Undercover Gentleman” with Ian Fleming’s James Bond series of novels and to measure Hank Teeple against the impossible standards set by Agent 007.  That would be a mistake.  Bond has traditionally been an elegant, sophisticated character capable at times of performing impossible acts.  Teeple, on the other hand, is much more human; clever and courageous, yet vulnerable and prone to occasional mistakes.  He is one of us, which is why I can relate to him and prefer him over James Bond.

People buy books for a variety of reasons.  Some buy books for education or self improvement, or perhaps to learn something about themselves.  Others simply want to know what the latest best seller is all about.  “The Undercover Gentleman” by Anthony Pour is the ideal companion for that next long business trip or vacation; or perhaps to help while away a few quiet hours in a favorite hiding place.  It’s a great book and I heartily recommend it!

The Undercover Gentleman
Anthony Pour
Marlborough Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780615275956
Reviewed by Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (11/09)

Author Ron L. Zheng has shared with readers his experiences that he has encountered in his life through the use of Tanka poetry and black and white photos. Tanka poetry is usually written in a formal format, and similar to Haiku, but it has more syllables and uses metaphors, simile and personification.

As the author leaves his favorite place of Los Angeles, he experiences fleeting moments of happiness and lost love. He needs to leave yet he knows he will be leaving an important part of his life behind, never to return.

The black and white photos are excellent additions to his thoughts as you look at some that are out of focus or fleeting as if driving by in a fast car. This is an excellent example of when things do not go the way we want or a change happens and we do a quick check in our mind and hearts of where we have been in life and where we are going. “Leaving My Found Eden: A Poetography Collection” by Ron L. Zheng is a book to read slowly, enjoy the poems and reflect on one’s own life.

Leaving My Found Eden: A Poetography Collection
Ron L. Zheng
Literary Road Press (2009)
ISBN 9781934037478
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (12/09)

Like the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Kay Quinn warns of wolves in sheep’s clothing in the pulpit. These false prophets are wearing masks of deception. Kay maintains that these men and women are hidden behind a spirit of greed and that they prey on the hurting and fallen. She describes how they cast a curse of an addictive dependent mindset on these unsuspecting followers, putting them into bondage.

Kay’s writing is straightforward, often using jarring statements to create a shock effect to get the readers attention as she attacks traditions of the church, the need to study the Bible chronologically and the compromised stand of most church goers today.

Going directly to the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel accounts, Quinn raises thought-provoking questions that need to be addressed in light of today’s religious climate. She describes church members as being Pharisaical, hypnotized by pastors and bishops who build mega church edifices which reflect the prosperity message and convey a country club atmosphere while draining their congregants of their funds, based on sowing seeds of faith through tithing and sacrificial giving.

Quinn relates her own experience as a member of a well-known mega church, with a well-known and highly-respected church leader. She tells of how her prophetic message was acknowledged verbally to her privately and within minutes had been completely reversed during the public worship service.  This experience sent her to the scriptures, to study independently and get to the uncompromised truth of the Word of God.

The experience cited above is duplicated in other inconsistencies among those in church leadership, seminars, and other roles of ministry. Quinn points out specific incidents of Marriage Seminar leaders on the brink of divorce, and of physical abuse within Pastoral marriage relationships, as well as scandalous behavior, and sexual and physical abuse.  She goes on to alert the reader of the blind acceptance of their followers.

In her effort to be honest, Quinn becomes overtly frank and offensively blunt. She has chosen this approach in her effort to bring home the message of the condition of the organized church today. This will have an impact on the extent of her readership. In my opinion this is self-defeating; however, the element of truth within her exposure makes the book worthy of attention and consideration.

“How Much Does GOD Co$t?” by Kay Quinn is an effort to alert Christians everywhere of the need to re-establish standards appropriate to the obedience of God. This truth is one that should meet no argument.

How Much Does GOD Co$t?
Kay Quinn
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781449039974
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)