RebeccasReads

The Joy of Selling: Breakthrough Ideas That Lead to Success in Sales

Steve Chandler

Robert D. Reed Publishers (2003)

ISBN 9781931741262

Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (4/08)

 

Oh, the joys of selling. How many of us wish that we could be great at selling? Some of us are good and some of us are just really, really bad. In my opinion, selling is nothing more than a sort of art. It’s like trying to win someone’s attention and then keeping that attention. It’s like forming a scenario for that person and then seeing what they like most about it. Selling is like appealing to someone’s nature and then keeping them interested for a long time to come.

 

In his book, “The Joy of Selling,” Steve Chandler teaches us the best ways to become a great salesperson. He brings to life the best ways for us to attract customers, hook them and to keep them happy. He also will show you ways you can lose customers as well. He shows you how to have high expectations for yourself and how that will work for you. There are so many ways that a salesperson can go about selling. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you reach that place where you feel comfortable, then it gets a whole lot easier. The main thing to remember is that selling and buying inspires the world. In this book, Steve Chandler appeals to the adult group, and maybe the younger generation just starting out in life, if selling is what they decide to do.

 

In today’s world, selling is very important. It brings more money to places, sometimes power as well. Some folks think that in the selling world, it takes a few phone calls, and maybe one or two visits to prospective customers, to get and keep those customers. But in the real world, you must spend time and energy on customers if you hope to succeed in peaking their interest in your products and pricing. For example, a person with plenty of enthusiasm, versus someone who is not so enthusiastic, will sell more and keep more customers in the long run. After you get established with regular customers, Steve shows us how to troubleshoot and help them if they have questions about your products or prices. Our main goal is to come to an agreement in order to make the customers come back to you again and again. If there is someone else out there who can offer a customer more for a better price, you better believe that customer will move onto some other company. You need to keep communications open at all times with your customers. Find out what makes them happy and what doesn’t. Then work with them however you can.

 

You can make a lot of money in sales. The amount of money you can make depends on how much of yourself you put into the selling. Remember that time is money. So if selling is what you decide to do and you are really great at it, just remember the most important thing is to keep open communication between yourself and customer, talking things over, and never quit. The more time you put into your work, the happier you can make everyone! Anyone who is a salesperson or is thinking about becoming a salesperson should read “The Joy of Selling.” It has a lot of wonderful tips and ideas for the perfect seller.

Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ

Deen Kemsley

Sweetwater Books (2008)
ISBN 9781599551142
Reviewed by Elizabeth E. Gibson-Evans for RebeccasReads (5/08)

The theme of this book, “Trust in the Lord,” by Deen Kemsley, is the journey to know Christ; it is the journey to know the deepest, best element of ourselves. If we embrace this divine element within us by genuinely believing in Christ, we experience the wonder of being born of God, and we discover that Christ’s power to heal is deeper than our deepest pain.

As Christ transforms us, He instills in us the genuine concern for others and the desire to serve and sacrifice without regard for worldly praise or reward. If Christ were merely an effective teacher, He couldn’t evoke such enduring praise -- this is a witness of the literal Son of God.

We may not always receive specific answers to the questions we pose, but if we listen carefully we will receive a deeper answer -- Christ is in the Eternity overhead; Christ is in the eyes and faces of our young children; Christ is in the tears and joy of these whom He transforms; and Christ is deep within our hearts. “God is there, He hears our prayers, and He loves us.”

Often it’s in the common bond of Christ that we most clearly perceive our common eternal inheritance. “As we step out of the mire and temptations of this world and begin to ascend the mount of the Lord unto the tabernacle of Eternity that is within our hearts, we will find the true Holy of Holies -- Jesus Christ Himself. No matter how far we may have strayed from Him over time. We will learn He has always been there on the look out waiting for us to return.

“Trust in the Lord” takes you through a true spiritual journey of what it means to truly depend on the Lord our Savior as He Himself trusted in His own Holy Father during His walk as one of us. You learn the way to handle loneliness. Discover answers to the many tough questions we all have or have had. But, most importantly you learn true faith and that no matter what “He hears us and He loves us!”

The Pale Surface of Things

Janey Bennett
Hopeace Press (2007)
ISBN 9780973400724
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (4/08)

Douglas Watkins’ youth was changed drastically by the death of his father. Rumor had it the man had committed suicide, yet his mother held to the story that his father was plagued with a weak heart.

His mother went to work to support her son, who escaped into a quiet world of his own. He found release through running and became a star on the school track team. In the eighth grade, he met Denise Hanson and her father took a liking to him and started coming to his track meets.

When Douglas’ mother died, Mr. Hanson offered their home and began grooming him to work in the family business and paid for his continuing education.  However, there was a price for this generosity – he was to marry Denise. But first, he wanted to pursue his dream of discovering a grand archeological find rumored to exist in Crete.

Dimitrios Papadakis had one goal in his life. Ever since he was a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a priest like his grandfather. Although his parents weren’t particularly fond of the idea, they did support his decision.

His grandfather told him stories of the old country and before he died, asked him to return to Vraho in Crete to uncover the mural that had been painted over when the German army invaded the village. It was located in the church there, the same church where his grandfather was a priest.  Dimitrios finally convinced the church to assign him to Vraho and he began the painstaking task of revealing the art that had been hidden for decades.

Two different men from two different worlds, yet their paths were destined to cross. Indeed, as they begin to help each other, they become close friends and learn some important lessons of life from one another.

“The Pale Surface of Things” is Janey Bennett’s first novel. To write it, she embarked on a study of classical Greek, Byzantine icon painting, archaeology and Minoan culture and art. Her obvious grasp of these subjects and others helps makes this book come alive for the reader.

It’s not often that I find a book that I would consider reading a second time. “The Pale Surface of Things” is one such book. Bennett’s soft-spoken language in the book is nearly poetic and her command of the subject demonstrates a richness that few authors are able to achieve.  The people both main characters meet along the way only add to the charm Bennett brings to the written pages of this monumental story.

“The Pale Surface of Things” is a superb novel by a truly gifted author.

Giving My Heart: Love in a Military Family

Lisa H. Farber-Silk
Modern History Press (2007)
ISBN 9781932690446
Reviewed by Sylvia Del Toro for RebeccasReads (4/08)

Having been part of military life in my married years I can relate to many of the inferences that are made, as well as the heart-wrenching losses that the family endures during challenging times.

Military life is hard enough without having to endure the painful loss of your partner. I don’t necessarily mean physically, like death, but emotionally. Death may be better to some people because of the emotional stress that PTSD causes. PTSD, if not handled properly and professionally, will escalate to a whole new level.

My ex-husband was in the military and part of the whole Desert Storm thing. It was difficult for him to readjust to normal life after what he saw and had to do. He did two short tours; the second tour was harder than the first. He had many sleepless nights and times of emotional outbursts and anger. He never talked about it and eventually broke up our marriage.

I have had a few family members, a couple of acquaintances, and a couple of friends that died in Iraq and a couple that came back. It is not the same for them and they, too, have had a hard time adjusting. However now, we know more about PTSD and how we can work with them.

The author is very descriptive and touches the heart of the reader in “Giving My Heart.”  She brings the book to life and you almost feel as if you are there living it through her eyes.

Logan’s Hill: The Blood Brothers of the Night

John M. Scanlan
Bookmasters, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780975540527
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (4/08)

In my younger days, it seems as though things were not as complicated as they are today. I wish that I had lived in a small town like Circleville. Everyone knows everybody and so it seems, people look out for one another. That’s the kind of childhood I would have wanted, except I would not want to endure the things that these kids in Logan’s Hill come up against. Sadly, it happens everyday.

The novel begins with some kids initiating their friends into a boys’ club called Blood Brothers of the Night. Remember blood brothers? Where you would prick your finger and make it bleed and then rub it on the other person’s bleeding thumb? Back then it was sort of safe, now I would be worried about catching something deadly sharing blood with someone else! Anyway, as the story goes on about the young men, we learn about Kevin Kiley and his two adult friends he calls Goons. Why? I haven’t a clue, as I am not sure it was even explained in the story. Maybe it was, maybe I just missed it. That would be because I couldn’t wait until the end to find out what happens. Kevin and his goons are on the run from New York City where they killed a policeman. They come upon a small town (Circleville) in which they need to get gas. Thus begins the coming together of everyone in this once quiet town. Something about a black bag being left in the gas station bathroom, a boy named Alex who just wants so badly to keep the bag, and Kevin and Goons who badly need to get this bag back. The Blood Brothers are definitely in danger. What do they do about it? The story just comes full circle, as the criminals meet the brotherhood and the ending is just so wonderful. The author kept it simple. That was what I liked the best.

I would recommend “Logan’s Hill: The Blood Brothers of the Night” to teens and adults. It is written with both mystery and fascination. The story kept me reading on and eagerly awaiting the end to see what happens. I was pleasantly pleased with the story and the author. Marines can definitely read and write!

Salmon Run

S.W. Capps
Inkwater Press (2007)
ISBN 9781592993055
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/08)

Woodrow Salmon was a man that had it all.  He held a high position at Titan Toys, had a beautiful, rich wife, and two perfect twin daughters.  His life was turned upside down following a simple family outing to the beach, which once you cracked the surface was not so simple after all.  Woodrow’s wife Claire had put a hit out on her husband.  After repeatedly encouraging Woodrow to go into the water to swim, Woodrow finally heeded to her wishes and went to cool off in the ocean.  Little did he know that lurking under the water was a man who was poised and ready to kill.  When attacked Woodrow was rescued by a giant wave which separated him from the hit man.  Thinking it was just a creature of the sea that had attacked him, Woodrow tried to make his way to shore but realized that he had lost his swimming trunks in the struggle.  As the beach was jam packed with people he tried calling his wife from the shallow water but she did not respond to him. A jellyfish forced him to run ashore where he was subsequently arrested for a string of charges including indecent exposure.

Not knowing that his wife had put a hit out on him, he tried calling to her once again as he was being taken away and was ignored.  His phone call from the police station also went unanswered.  When he got out of jail he found that his wife had gotten a restraining order and had cleared out the accounts.  To make matters worse, after reporting to work he found out that he had been fired.  Further events cause him to go on the run and change his identity in order to survive.  The remainder of the book follows Woodrow as he tries to keep one step ahead of those pursuing him.

“Salmon Run” is full of twists and turns and is a true page turner!  You can’t help to feel for poor Woodrow who seems to have the worst luck on the planet.  Following him as he tries to escape is definitely an adventure worth reading.  The characters whom he meets along the way are very memorable and well constructed.  Although the book is 350-pages long it flies by and is a very easy read. 

“Salmon Run” is S.W. Capps’ first novel and it is a very impressive debut.  Capps has a true talent for reeling the reader in and keeping them hooked until the final page is read.  The “About the Author” section on the back cover states that he is working on his second novel and I definitely will be looking for that book once it is released.  I am confident that anyone who enjoys reading suspense novels will enjoy “Salmon Run” and I highly recommend it.

The Black Stone

Linda Cargill
Cheops Books (2008)
ISBN 9780979890406
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (4/08)

I am really struggling with the events that take place in “The Black Stone.” I have an opinion, which is totally mine, that may or may not be the opinion of any other. “The Black Stone” was one of those novels that brought you back and forth in time, I guess in order to explain the story itself. We went all the way back to the Cleopatra days along with Julius Caesar. The author was trying to bring forth the point of origin of “The Black Stone,” however; the time it took to read about that part of the time in history, was too lengthy. I think that part of the story could have been written with less explanation, but still bring us to understand where the “The Black Stone” really came from. Everyone in the world has their own opinion on the happenings of 9/11. I am not sure that the author realized how much she brings back the memories of 9/11 in her story. Some people would probably welcome the story in the novel as a reminder of the events of that day, but myself, I did not like reliving those events. The author bringing Osama Bin Laden into the mix brought back some very haunting memories and had me wondering what Osama has been up to these days. It reminded me of how dangerous of a man he really is.

The storyline was a good one, but as I said the explanations were very lengthy. I was disappointed in the outcome of the character Madeline’s family. I think that a different ending would have been better. As you travel along with Madeline and her endeavors, it is a very good and a very interesting part of the novel. What becomes of Madeline is wonderful, very nice, I was pleased.

I believe that the author, Linda Cargill, had a vision of a novel that she wanted to write, which included in her mind, terrorist times and tribulations. Maybe she felt as though she needed to get her thoughts on paper. I would only recommend this book to adults, as children would only become frightened in reading about the reality of what can happen in this world. Some of you may enjoy this novel, may really get all the points and plots. You have to read it to find out. I, however, have a problem with looking into the minds of terrorists and Osama Bin Laden. I think the author’s efforts in “The Black Stone” are good and she should not take offense to any one person’s judgment. Maybe the novel was just not for me. In closing, I actually did enjoy a large part of the story. I wish the author good luck in future writings.

The Procrastinator’s Bible for Financial Success: Nine Essential Steps for Planning, Budgeting and Investing

Frank J. Eberhart
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595411986
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“The Procrastinator’s Bible for Financial Success” is a compact 137-page book that is overflowing with financial information.  In Eberhart’s introduction he tells us that in today’s world investors need as much help as they can get and I readily agree.  To anyone who has ever been stressed by all of the options available when making a financial decision this book is for you!

In the opening pages, Eberhart assures us that no matter where we are in life it isn’t too late to start our planning.  This is good news to me since there are some items that I have been putting off doing mostly because I was unsure of how to go about doing them.  The book is composed of “Nine Essential Steps for Planning, Budgeting, and Investing” and covers common financial decisions that most everyone will be making sometime during their life.  I found that many of the areas that I was confused about were included and most of the questions that I had were answered in this guide. 

In meticulous detail, Eberhart explores topics such as estate planning, budgeting, life insurance, investments, mutual funds, and bonds.  Each section explains your options to you and defines commonly-used terms relating to that financial area.  For instance, in the “Trust, Wills, Probate, and Executor Duties” section, the details of what an executor actually does are outlined for us.  I had known of the term ‘executor’ before but I guess I never had realized the number of things that this individual is truly responsible for.  It is quite a list!  Also, in this same chapter different types of trusts like “grantor-retained income trusts,” “fixed annuity trusts,” and “a revocable and amendable living trust” are thoroughly explained in a clear manner in order to allow us to make the decision as to which is the proper route to take for our own individual needs.

Many of the sections contain workbook sheets for you to fill in your own personal information.  For instance, there is a “Budget Worksheet” to help you detail out your monthly and yearly expenses and see how they compare to your income.  There is also a “Retirement Budget” section to assist you to planning for what expenses you will have after you are no longer employed.

Once you finish reading “The Procrastinator’s Bible for Financial Success” you will have a very good understanding of common financial terms and options so that you are able to make educated decisions for your financial future.  I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the plethora of confusing terms out there in the financial world.  This book would make a wonderful addition to any home reference library.  I know that I will be turning to it when I stop procrastinating and get around to making some of the decisions that I have put on the backburner.

Even if you have a financial advisor it is important for you to understand terminology and options available to you.   Even though you would like to think the advisor has your best interests in mind they still are in the business of sales and the extra knowledge you will gain from reading “The Procrastinator’s Bible for Financial Success” will go along way in assisting you in making the right decision.

Dirty Money: A Parker Novel

Richard Stark
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446178587
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Dirty Money” is the follow-up novel to “Nobody Runs Forever.” “Nobody Runs Forever” is a story about three men who stole the assets of a bank in transit, but the police made it so difficult for them to escape, that they had to hide the money in a unused country church. In this follow-up novel, the three men are trying to get back to where they hid the money, but they are not together. Parker is with his girlfriend, Claire, who doesn’t seem to question anything that Parker does or wants to do. Nick is on the run and also headed back for the money, and McWhitney, now owner of a bar, meets up with and is willing to work with Parker on getting the money back.  Parker and McWhitney have not seen or heard from Nick. He was nabbed by the police but has now escaped. So the two team up to do what they can to get the money and split it. Also on their trail is a bounty hunter named Sandra, who is willing to let Parker and McWhitney get away with the money if they deal her in on Nick’s share. What happens to them along the way is sometimes crazy but also very frightening.

This novel was written very well. It keeps the reader intrigued.  The threesome of Parker, McWhitney and Sandra are quite interesting. I suspected that Sandra wasn’t on the up and up with the others all along, I believed that she was going to turn them in at the end, but you have to read to the end to get a surprise. This novel reveals things that happen in everyday life with bank robbers and all other types of crimes. The author, Richard Stark, really brings to light, what can happen with a crime of this nature. His writing is magnificent. I would definitely read another follow-up to this story as well. “Dirty Money” would probably be good for teen to adult readers. I definitely recommend this Parker Novel for anyone who likes suspense. It was worth the read.

Hermetica: Myths, Legends, Poems

Paul Kiritsis
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595449569
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Hermetica” is a captivating literary collection of myths, legends and poems.  In the preface to the book, the author, Paul Kiritsis explains to us the differences among three different classes of folklore.  First, there are myths which often take place far, far in the past and are generally accepted as true.  Second, we have legends which “are set in a remembered or historical time and presented as undisputed truth, often being more secular than religious.” (p. xiv) Lastly, there are folktales which are fictional stories. 

Kiritsis gives us a history lesson on the origin of folklore which started in Ancient Egypt.  He then describes to us one of the greatest myths of all time, and also the first love story, which is about Osiris and Isis.  Throughout this literary collection Kiritsis seeks to expand on this ancient myth with his own renditions of the events that occurred. 

The title of the book, “Hermetica,” was derived “not only from the fact that it was influenced by Hermetic literature but also because it concerns itself with alchemy, primarily the alchemy of love.” (p. xvii) The book is divided into two different sections which are poems and verse drama.  The poetry section consists of six different subsections:  alchemica, astrologica, mythologica, philosophica, musica, and erotica.  The second section, containing verse drama, is composed of seven different short stories including the author’s prequel to the known myth of Osiris and Isis. 

Kiritsis is a very creative and talented writer.  He obviously is wonderfully educated in the subjects he writes of and this definitely shines through in his stories.  Not unlike ancient oral and written literature, Kiritsis’ stories also have lessons to teach.  His words will whisk you back to a time long ago and keep you there until the last page is turned. 

Although I enjoyed both parts of the book I would have to say that I enjoyed the second part with the myths and legends the most.  Once I started reading that section it was hard for me to put the book down until I saw how everything played out.  I think anyone who enjoys poetry, myths, legends or just a general escape from books set in modern day, would enjoy this unique literary collection – “Hermetica: Myths, Legends, Poems.”

Things I Know Now That I Wish I’d Known Then: 150 Tips for Living Smarter

George Newman
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2006)
ISBN 9781931741668
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Things I Know Now That I Wish I’d Known Then: 150 Tips for Living Smarter” is filled with practical advice to help you live a better life.  In the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book Newman informs the readers that this book is a compilation of lessons learned from his own personal mistakes.  He is sharing the knowledge that he has acquired throughout the years in hopes of steering others down the correct paths.

The book is divided into nine different sections:  Dollars and Sense, Traveling Smart, Relationships, Life Skills, Your Health, Business, Time Savers, Buying Houses and Investments, and People Skills.  Within each section there are multitudes of tips with one to two pages explaining each tip in detail. 

A lot of Newman’s advice will help you stretch your hard-earned dollar.  He recommends that when you are purchasing big ticket items to ask for a cash discount.  Instead of buying a new car every three years he proposes buying one every ten years and just maintaining your existing one well.  Rather than taking your banking business to a large nationwide bank, shop around and you will find that a lot of the smaller banks will have lower fees. 

Other tips are included to save you time.  If you have an option, instead of traveling during peak rush hour times, travel during off times.  Instead of leaving a voice mail message for someone to call you back just leave a message saying what you would have said if the person would have been available to answer the phone.

Some of the advice I found to be obnoxious.  One tip in particular that I didn’t care for was how to obtain those “Hard-To-Get Appointments.”  In this section Newman gives advice on what to do if you have to wait months to get a doctor’s appointment.  He says to take whatever appointment you are offered no matter how far out it is and then ask that your name be placed on the waiting list to be called if there are any earlier cancellations.  This advice is fine but then he proceeds to tell readers that you should then continue to call the doctor’s office once a day to check if there are any openings.   He says that you will “have a good chance of getting someone’s cancelled appointment, if for no other reason than the office staff realizes they won’t have to answer your daily calls any more.”   In my opinion, that is just being annoying and a waste of the receptionist’s time causing delays for everyone else.    

“Things I Know Now That I Wish I’d Known Then: 150 Tips for Living Smarter” would be ideal for someone who is struggling financially or someone who feels the need for more practicality, sensibility or common sense in their lives.  The advice is basic and presented in a very easy-to-read format.  While I found a lot of the tips given to be advice that most practical people would already know, I definitely could think of a lot of people who would benefit from this book! 

The Story That Must Be Told: True Tales of Transformation

Edited by Irene Watson and Victor R. Volkman
Loving Healing Press (2007)
ISBN 9781932690385
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for RebeccasReads (4/08)

Try to imagine a round table with 19 chairs circling it. In these chairs sits a colorful menagerie of people from various faith traditions, with assorted backgrounds, having distinctive problem-solving tactics. Now picture yourself listening to each person tell their story of grief, fear, woe or worry, one after the other, and how they coped with these grievous circumstances. You will begin to notice a common theme: trouble comes in many shapes and sizes, and people struggle, more or less successfully, to become the champion over their problems. This is the value of the small paperback “The Story That Must Be Told: True Tales of Transformation,” edited by Irene Watson and Victor R. Volkman.

In this short piece Watson and Volkman have pulled together 21 short stories written by the 19 people who lived them. Each narrative will strike the reader in different ways, because the authors approach their target from diverse angles. Some writers address their unique problem from the angle of faith, shamanism, yoga, or other religious experiences, while others through revelatory moments in counseling, a stroke, or a happenstance meeting with a car salesman. A few of the accounts deal with death, grief and disability. Several expound the tale of their previous addictions. Certain writers rehearse their involvement in crime and the socially/emotionally disintegrating consequences. But the theme is the same: people have troubles, whether self-inflicted, other-caused, or disease-based, and they have dealt with those troubles, more or less effectively.

Besides the occasional editorial oversight, “The Story That Must Be Told: True Tales of Transformation” is nicely put together, with the stories grouped under 10 headings. There are some real jewels in these personal recountings, and the reader will find herself surrounded by real-life people, living through real-life situations and succeeding. I would imagine that counselors, pastors, prison chaplains and others in the helping professions would be able to use some of these stories to great advantage with those who come to them for help.

Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister’s Memoir

Heather Summerhayes Cariou
McArthur & Company Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781552786789
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (4/08)

Pam Summerhayes was four-years-old when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). She had health problems since shortly after birth, but in the 1950s testing was ambiguous and it wasn’t the norm to suspect a devastating illness in one so young. The focus was more on polio than CF.

With diagnosis came attempts at survival, even though that was rare. Many children died by the time they reached age ten or eleven. In Pam’s case, the doctors told her parents not to hold any hope. She would survive perhaps a few months.

Yet, Pam had a will to not let her disease get the best of her. Determination showed itself right away, even in her honesty with strangers. “I have sixtyfive roses,” she told people.
She fought strongly and bravely, living until just past her twenty-sixth birthday. As she struggled for her final breaths, she told her older sister Heather to write their story. The result is the book “Sixtyfive Roses,” a memoir of a life growing up in a family facing the eventual loss of not only their daughter, but a son as well (Pam’s younger brother Jeff was also diagnosed with CF).

Heather Summerhayes Cariou did indeed write their story. She tells the reader what they dealt with on a daily basis as they struggled to keep Pam alive, how her parents founded the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the brave face they put on for those outside the family.

She also tells about the deep love she shared with Pam, the fun they had growing up together and the pain she felt watching CF ravage her little sister.

Heather tells her story with an honesty and brutality that is rarely found in a book of this type. And she goes beyond the love to the hatred she often felt toward her parents, and even Pam, as she fought for a place in a family that was typically too busy dealing with the disease itself to notice she also needed attention.

I particularly appreciated Heather’s candid approach to a subject that is often difficult for many to express in words. She doesn’t pull any punches as she tells about how each individual in the family dealt with CF. “Sixtyfive Roses” is a book that should be read by anyone facing a similar situation. It would be especially important for families faced with the eventual loss of a child, not only for what to expect, but to understand how it affects their other children.

This book would also be an excellent read for the sibling who is struggling to find his or her place in a world where support from the parents is often rare because they are so busy dealing with the sick child in the family. In that type of situation, it’s often encouraging just to know “you’re not alone” in your feelings, doubts and fears.

I rarely find a book I can describe as one of the best I’ve read. “Sixtyfive Roses” is one of those books. It’s more about life and survival than it is about death and I would recommend this book to anyone who asks for a suggestion on what they should read.
It’s an absolutely marvelous read.

Dolphins Under My Bed

Sandra Clayton
Wheatmark (2008)
ISBN 9781587368165
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Dolphins Under My Bed” was just one of those autobiographies that keeps you reading, no matter if you are bored with it or not, because you really want, need, to get to the end to see what happens to the two lovely people in the story.  This novel, as it was written by Sandra Clayton, tells us about an awesome journey, troublesome times within the journey, but more than anything, the freedom and peace that was found at the finish of the journey.  Sandra Clayton starts from the beginning; from the time she and David, her husband, discuss taking this long journey on a nice big boat, to warmer climates, so that their health may improve. David has lots of allergies and the thought is that if they journey to warmer waters and better climate that his health will improve. David suggests to Sandra that they give up their home and everything they know, to retire to a life of sailing.  At first Sandra is questioning David’s suggestion and wondering if they could ever do it. She hates sailing or so she thinks she does.

As we travel along with the Clayton’s they let us in on the places that they see, the people that they meet. Some of the places are beautiful and some are just sort of plain and just there. But they seem to enjoy every stop that they make. They meet people of different cultures.  We learn of the different foods that they find in the various supermarkets along the way. Surprisingly, there rarely come across any mean spirited people. Sandra is a little bit fluent in some of the languages; therefore, she does her best to communicate.  Keeping the boat equipped and cleaned is something that Sandra and David get used too; at first it is a real tough time for them. But as the story goes on, you see that they get accustomed to everything that needs to be done to put their sailboat in port and to keep the boat running.  I really adore and admire these two people for the accomplishments that they make during their sailing journey.

I think that “Dolphins Under My Bed” would be great for any age readers. I think that it shows us, that when we set our minds to do something, it can be done. Some things can make us better if we see it through and that’s what the Clayton’s teach us. I was somewhat disappointed with the title of the story. There was only one mention of what Sandra thought was dolphins under the boat. Turns out the singing she heard and the calls were whales. They did mention that dolphins and whales were moving about together, which was sort of rare they said. I was looking forward to hearing about more ocean animals as they went on their journey, but nothing was ever mentioned again about their run-in with any other ocean creatures. I was really hoping that there would be more talk of dolphins, as I have loved them all my life. The story itself was great and I wish the Claytons all the luck in the world. Maybe Sandra can write us another book about what happened when they got to the end of their journey. Or maybe when they got their, it was really the beginning of the journey of the rest of their lives.

Slip of the Knife: A Novel (Paddy Meehan Book #3)

Denise Mina

Little, Brown and Company (2008)

ISBN 9780316015585

Reviewed by Melissa LaMunyon for RebeccasReads (4/08)

As a journalist, Paddy Meehan had accompanied the police many times throughout her career on their “death trips,” when they tell the family of a recent murder victim the news. So, when Paddy hears the knock on the door of her recently-purchased flat, she knows that someone close to her is dead.

Her first thoughts are that it’s her five-year-old son, Pete, who is visiting his dad, or her sister, Mary Anne, who is a nun at a nearby convent. When she discovers that the victim is Terry Hewitt, an old friend, colleague and lover with whom she had a falling out with six-months ago, Paddy can’t figure out why the police came to tell her the news.

The puzzles increase when Paddy finds out that Terry was executed and the police are whispering rumors of an IRA hit. Terry seems to have wanted Paddy involved, however, because, despite their falling out, he leaves Paddy his belongings, including a house and a box of notes; notes that Paddy presumes hold the details of a story that Terry was following and that perhaps lead to his death.

While Paddy becomes embroiled in a new mystery, an old mystery is about to be released from prison. Callum Ogilvy was jailed at age 10 for the death of a toddler nine years ago. Forced to murder the child, Callum is a sought-after news story in Scotland; and Paddy is trying to help keep Callum away from the press. Both mysteries, new and old, collide in away that threaten the people Paddy loves most.

“Slip of the Knife” is the third book in Denise Mina’s acclaimed crime thriller series. If you are a new reader to the series, like I was, I would strongly recommend starting with the first Paddy Meehan book, “Field of Blood.”

Considering, however, that I was jumping blindly into the third book of a five-book crime series, I really enjoyed “Slip of the Knife.” Despite being incredibly confused as Mina drew heavily on convoluted plot lines established in the first two books, the sheer brazen fabulousness that is Paddy Meehan drew me headlong into the story.

            

Paddy is a strong, independent woman who does what she wants, and considering that she lives in Scotland, is very unusual. Paddy has established a successful career as a journalist in a culture that frowns on things like career-oriented women and children being born out of wedlock. I loved the scene where Paddy tells her son’s teacher that she isn’t married and the teacher starts to frown, while fingering her gold crucifix.

The same way I could relate to Paddy’s mother issues as personified by a container of split pea soup; I felt the growing horror and fear right along with Paddy as she discovers that Terry’s death might lead to her son being hurt. Mina writes a smooth, sharply funny story woven around Paddy’s courage and love for her family.  “Slip of the Knife” is a tightly written crime thriller that fans of the series are sure to enjoy.

Sexcapades

HoneyB
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446582285
Reviewed by Sylvia Del Toro for RebeccasReads (4/08)

The main point of view I believe the author was trying to make was that one never knows what kind of life one is leading, despite what the outward appearance may be. Wow! The characters were so out there. I never expected the outcomes of each character. Each character struggled with their individual demons. Sex was definitely an issue no matter how “great” they thought they were. They were insecure and felt that the only way that they could control their partner was through sex. Even then they couldn’t. I believe we all can understand and even apply parts of it in our own personal lives -- not to the whole degree, but to use sex as part of control. How many times have we said to our partners, “I have a headache,” or “You got to be kidding!,” or “If you do this, I'll give you some!” Those are all control; sex for something in exchange. In “Sexcapades,” the control was applying sex to make them feel better temporarily to disguise the past.

Fragments of a Forgotten People

Henry Fast
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9781931741866
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (2/08)

“Fragments of a Forgotten People” is an incredible memoir written by Henry Fast about his and his mother Rena’s experiences during World War II. Henry and Rena Fast lived in an apartment in Bochnia, Poland. After two army officers boarding with them told them that the enemy was nearing and that they should gather their belongings and go, they packed what they could and set out on a journey far longer and more painful than they ever expected. Their original intention was to travel to Rena’s brother’s house in Brzesko anticipating that he would take them in. Upon arriving in Brzesko they were received rather coldly by his brother’s family who was also planning on evacuating. Henry’s Uncle Roman was leaving to report for duty and his Aunt Dora and cousin Zenek were going to flee East with family friends. You would think that family would be more than willing to assist each other in times like these but that was not the case. They were incredibly rude to Rena and Henry, took advantage of them, and refused to let them ride in the wagon or share their food. The way that they treated them was terribly cruel and finally they abandoned them altogether. Things did not get much better for Henry and Rena as they moved from place to place, severely lacking nourishment and proper clothing. They tried to stay with another brother of Rena’s and received the same unwelcoming reception as they had with Henry’s other uncle. It is horrifying the way that these people acted toward one another during these events. Although there were some people that helped each other out, they were few and far between. After all of the running, like the fate of many during this time period, they were arrested and the deportation process began. “Fragments of a Forgotten People” is a very well-written story chronicling a family’s hardships during that terrible period of war. Watching Henry and his mother struggle to survive with little assistance from other family members is heartbreaking. I was shocked at the things that were done to them by their own family! The photographs and the maps in the center of the book are very helpful in fully grasping the story that Henry has to tell. I think that anyone with any inkling of interest in memoirs or history will be intrigued by this book. “Fragments of a Forgotten People” is very eye-opening and is a book that you better not start reading unless you have the time to finish it because it is not possible to put it down!

Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense

Marshall McNott

Robert D. Reed Publishers (2008)

ISBN 9781931741996

Reviewed by Elizabeth E. Gibson-Evans for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense,” written by Marshall McNott, who spent nearly 40 years as the Director of several nonprofit organizations, uses his knowledge and experience to enlighten and open up the world of Nonprofit Organizations from the inside out.

He not only explains what nonprofit is all about, he teaches you differences in what creates and drives them, as well as about funding these organizations.. He teaches the many kinds of organizations, the reason they start or were started, such as what the organization desired and expected to accomplish.

Included is a foreword written by Dave Clark, Anchorman KCAL/KCBS-TV, CBS Studio City Broadcast Center in CA, in which Mr. Clark tells a bit about Marshall McNott’s start in nonprofit, which surprisingly with all his knowledge shared in this work, you find he started his career as a musician. Then, by a divine calling, he surged into nonprofit with a drive and flare.  He explains through “Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense” how to begin and establish a nonprofit organization, the reasons and goals to begin one, along with funding and fund-raising ideas.

He discusses methods of organization, achieving the goals and stabilizing them. He is enlightening on CEOs/the board, how they get along and work together, as well as reasons for giving, why and how. I believe my favorite phrase in this book says a lot -- “Helping another by enabling that person to become self-sufficient — through a gift or loan, or help in gaining a skill or finding employment.” It is in the beginning, though throughout my reading, I personally could not shake that thought and learned a lot regarding nonprofit organizations.

I appreciate the author’s candidness and easy transition to keep you interested and wanting to learn more. He gets right to his point in a manner you remember. “Nonprofit Nonsense & Common Sense” is highly recommended to anyone beginning or already involved in nonprofit, very useful tool.

Quip City: Incisive Quotes & Intriguing Quirks about America and its Cities

Howard Baldwin

Robert D. Reed Publishers (2004)

ISBN 9781931741347

Reviewed by Sylvia Del Toro for RebeccasReads (4/08)

“Quip City” was entertaining and fun to read.  It gave a lot of ideas that and insights to many parts of our country. I was amazed at all the little details.

It gave me a sense of knowing the country in a whole different way.  Reading “Quip City” makes me want to travel and visit all the “quirky” sights.

Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace

Catherine Johnson
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595706822
Reviewed by Melissa LaMunyon for RebeccasReads (4/08)

In “Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace,” Catherine Johnson writes about the affluent Pierson family living in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area in the mid-1990s. The Piersons have built a real-estate empire which is now run by their three grown children. The family appears to be healthy, loving, active and well-respected within their community.

Tragedy struck the Pierson family, however, when the youngest son, Paul, loses his wife to ovarian cancer. A dark period for the entire family, Paul seemed to lose himself in his grief and despair. A year later, when Paul falls in love with and marries Pamela Schaeffer, the whole family believes that the darkness is behind them. Despite a few troubling incidents, the Piersons are determined to put aside any doubts about Pamela’s sincerity and love for Paul and welcome her to the family with open arms.

Narrated in first person by Kay, the Pierson’s only daughter, “Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace” chronicles the family’s journey as they realize that Pamela Schaeffer is not who she seems to be. Rather than representing healing and a fresh start for Paul, Pamela slowly reveals herself to be a calculating gold-digger who becomes intent on destroying the entire Pierson family.

Written for adult fans of drama and suspense, Johnson is successful in creating a sense of horror as the reader watches the Pierson family, despite their innate goodness and considerable wealth and power, be torn apart by the malicious intent of one woman. Woven throughout the novel is a chilling story of how the governmental systems of power, which are put in place to protect people, are used to torment and abuse those who have done nothing wrong.

As compelling as the storyline is, Johnson’s writing is choppy and leaves much to be desired. I also thought that the dialogue was stiff and unbelievable. It was as though I was reading a script, as opposed to hearing the characters speak in my head. I felt as though I was watching the story unfold from behind a soundproof window. While there was obviously something very interesting happening behind the glass, I found myself only mildly curious; because, as much as I wanted too, I couldn’t emotionally engage with the characters.

I believed that the character development was extremely uneven. In the beginning, Kay, the narrator, comes across as a frumpy, meek pastor’s wife, determined to turn the other cheek and forgive Pamela’s outrageous behavior. It was confusing when through the book, Kay is smoking, cursing, angry and Pamela’s biggest critic.

Johnson tries to portray Paul, Pamela’s husband and main victim, as the tragic, put upon hero, but it was difficult to feel any sympathy for him. I know that I was supposed to feel sorry for him, because his first wife died, but I have to admit that it was a challenge. As Paul fails to stand up to Pamela’s growing manipulation, and gives in her greed time and time again, often at his family’s cost, he starts to seem pathetic. Yes, Pamela is revealed to be a monster—but it was hard at times to not think that Paul asked for these problems.

I would recommend that Johnson go through “Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace
” and completely re-write the dialogue and descriptive scenes. I thought that the dialogue was stiff and unnatural. Also, far too often the reader is told what the characters are feeling, rather using action to show what is happening.

All that being said, however, I had a difficult time putting down “Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace.” It was an engrossing read, major flaws aside, and I thought the ending was perfect; satisfying and thought-provoking. I am looking forward to Johnson’s next novel, which I might even consider buying on a slow, summer afternoon.