RebeccasReads

Sundays at Tiffany’s

James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet
Little, Brown and Company (2008)
ISBN 9780316014779
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (5/08)

If you are reading at least six books a year of any author, and that one fresh title each six months or so, I tell you, you are bound to be tired. Most authors are home in their own neat territory of style and suspense. How would you feel if you are forced to read a new legal thriller by Grisham, every two months or a horror thriller from Stephen King each fortnight? It’s going to become tiresome. But tiresome is a word which you do not associate with James Patterson. I read “7th Heaven” in February, “Sail” a couple of weeks back, and now this one, “Sundays at Tiffany’s.” But the style, the writing nature, even the print format is so different it is difficult to believe that all were penned by the same author. “7th Heaven” is a murder-suspense story, “Sail” is an adventure thriller, while “Sundays at Tiffany’s” is a feel-good romantic thriller, and each book is as different as chalk, salt and scissors.
                                                       
Imaginary friends of children and their mysterious relationship is the topic of Patterson’s new work. But what would happen if these friends are anything but imaginary and the child is really seeing them, talking with them, confiding in them? Michael is one such imaginary friend, and Jane Margaux adored him. But soon after she turned nine, the friend left her, though his thoughts still remained. Twenty-one years later Margaux is a sensational playwright and her drama about a little girl and her imaginary friend is a huge success… soon to be a major motion picture. But on the personal front, Jane is still lonely and when Michael returns to her life, things seem back to normal. But is Jane truly seeing and feeling Michael, or is he still a figment of her imagination?

The author toys with the reader until the very end, and without being a spoilsport let me say one thing: I felt really, really good and wonderful after reading “Sundays at Tiffany’s.”  And wouldn’t you agree that Brad Pitt would be a perfect Michael? Is Hollywood listening?

The Sky Has Fallen: The Connection between Abuse and Societal Dysfunction throughout the World

 

Ann Meyer
Morrighan House Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780979273223
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Ann Meyer brings us along on a trip through her life, with her family, their addictions and their struggles. We learn about her husband’s addictions and how he brought the children into his addiction as well. In the first chapter, we learn how her husband was a serious marijuana smoker, which he said he was doing to keep from drinking alcohol.  They have a son, who is asthmatic. As the son gets a little older, he begins drinking and smoking marijuana as well. This worries Ann terribly because from the time he was little, he’d had trouble breathing.  When Ann tries to figure out how her son is getting the alcohol into the house and into his room, she realizes there can only be one answer. The person who has been providing her son with alcohol is his father. She catches them numerous times smoking marijuana together, and she does not approve. She seeks help for her son, but instead ends up talking to a doctor herself. He doesn’t provide much assistance, so she stops going. Ann has no idea that her daughter is also involved in this drinking and smoking escapade.

One day her daughter tells her that she must see someone. She must talk to someone. She seems very anxious, so Ann makes an appointment with a doctor to get her daughter the help that she needs. After only one session, her daughter stops going, as she is not comfortable with some of the things that the doctor has said to her. All her daughter really wanted to do was confess to someone, what was going on with her father and her brother in the house. How when Ann would leave the house, her husband would have a drinking and smoking party and then as soon as they would hear her come home, they would split up and act like nothing was happening. It was killing her daughter to know that her brother was doing these things with his deadly form of asthma. She also was told by her father, that if she ever told her mother what they were doing, he would never have anything to do with her again. She felt unloved to begin with because she felt as though her father didn’t want her; he just wanted a boy and he got a son.

This is a story that relates to a lot of people’s lives. Some come forward with their terrible ordeals and some are too afraid. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, as it is a truly heroic, yet sad story. I feel as though Ann Meyer pours her heart out in this, but she was also teaching us that it is better to say something before its too late. Ann felt as though she was losing her family, especially her children and so she decided it was time to do something, anything. She explains what can happen when any kinds of drugs are used or smoked in a home.  She talks about physical and mental abuse and how it all may relate to drugs. She writes how unfair law enforcement can be at a time when we really need to count on them. She tells us how the system doesn’t really work when people need help, but instead they sometimes try to ruin our lives. If you like self-help books, this book by Ann Meyer would be a great one to read. It might help someone else who is struggling with the same issues or maybe worse issues than Ann and her family. She is heroic, strong-willed and a very special person. I commend her on how she handled situations thrown at her. I am glad she has found that safe place. I was honored to read her story in “The Sky Has Fallen.”

Memoirs of a Stalker

Darren Willing
Willing Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780981523903
Reviewed by Karrie Grobben for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“Memoirs of a Stalker” is the debut novel of author Darren Willing and it is what the title professes it to be: a real-life, autobiographical account of a stalker. Darren Willing was an average young man with delusions of grandeur, feeling he was entitled to whatever he wanted even when what (or whom) he desired was not his to have. Even after having been labeled a stalker, the tone throughout the story is conceited, sometimes irritatingly so. (Memorably, the author talks seriously about his confidence that he could be a CIA agent or an NBA player, given the opportunity.) Yet the story can’t help but stir a strange fascination.

We hear about these kinds of crimes, but how often do we get the opportunity to get a glimpse into a stalker’s head? How would he explain himself?  In “Memoirs of a Stalker,” you find out. 

Having enrolled in dental school following college, Darren finds himself struggling with social interactions, constantly battling against others’ dislike of his seemingly overbearing personality. He and the woman he planned to marry break up when she does not provide ‘the solace’ he required. Other students can’t stand the arrogant way he dominates class discussion and his lack of personal boundaries. Women don’t return his calls and in response, Darren just calls more often (sometimes resorting to seeking out e-mail addresses). Professors complain about his lack of attendance and attitude. One long-time friend becomes so frustrated with the author that he pushes him down a flight of stairs. The seriousness and strangeness of Willing’s behavior slowly escalates until finally, he glimpses ‘C.’

‘C’ would later be referred to, in newspaper headlines and on the news, as Darren’s victim. His invasive and unrelenting pursuit of a much younger woman is disturbing, but not incomprehensible. As his obsession with her takes on out-of-control proportions, something desperately sad is revealed in this grasping behavior. He seems genuinely confused and upset by his inability to get what he wants. The reader can’t help feeling compassion for Darren as he slowly realizes and accepts that he will never be able to be with ‘C.’ He is not, despite the way he appears even in print, a bad person.

Don’t be put off by the title. “Memoirs of a Stalker” is one worth reading, if for no other reason than for the fact that it does make you feel what it is to be Darren Willing. 

A Deadly Calling (A Mitch and Al Mystery)

 

Glenn Ickler
Pemberton Mysteries (2007)
ISBN 9781563153938
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“A Deadly Calling” is a good novel.  In it we meet Warren Mitchell, or Mitch. He is an investigative reporter for a newspaper whose style is daring, delicious and somewhat strange. His friend Alan Jeffrey is the photographer for the paper.  Mitch dates Alan’s wife’s sister, who lives in another part of the country and expects Mitch to stay faithful while she spends a lot of time with her boss. 

Mitch and Alan are assigned to go out and report on people in the heat of the day; they are supposed to try and find out how many people can literally take the heat without passing out. When they arrive on site, they see square dancers and callers, those people who call the dances, getting off of buses.  They decide to find out what they can from the group, for example, why would they want to dance in that kind of heat?

While they are investigating, a death occurs which leads to all kinds of other crazy proceedings. Mitch meets a couple of gals that are associated with this particular square dance group. He gets close to them, thinking he can make friends with them, and maybe more.  All the while he is thinking about his girlfriend Martha. Mitch gets really involved in this case and wants to solve it.

I found this novel to be sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but very interesting. It’s a book that can’t be put down after a few pages. “A Deadly Calling” would be a good read for young adults and adults. It is like a murder mystery, thriller, romance all wrapped up in one. It has a lot of promise to it and I would look forward to reading any of Glenn Ickler’s future novels.

Judgment Day

Sheldon Siegel
MacAdam Cage Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781596922907
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (5/08)

If you are looking forward to reading a Sheldon Siegel thriller each year, you are going to be disappointed. Siegel is not your regular off-the block lawyer-author who religiously delivers a legal thriller each year, come rain, sleet or shine…. A Siegel thriller is bound to hit the market once every three years or so, and whenever a Siegel novel is out, I make it a point to religiously read it. And after a four-year hiatus, when I got my hands on the new Mike Daley thriller “Judgment Day” by Sheldon Siegel, my joy knew no bounds.  The novel was well worth the wait.

Mike Daley is the series protagonist of this lawyer and author. A former priest, former corporate lawyer, and former husband to the female protagonist in the series, lawyer Rosie Fernandez, the criminal lawyer has had a tumultuous life -- both personal and professional. Marriage with Rosie never worked out, but as a professional team, there is nothing to stop them. Rosie is back on her feet after a life threatening cancer problem (“Final Verdict”) and now both of them are hard at work in trying to prove a client’s innocence. The only problem is that the client has already been found guilty and is now facing an execution date. Now better believe this one, the two lawyers are fighting for a client who himself is a lawyer (a mob lawyer by name Nathan Fineman) who is accused of murdering three persons, one of whom was a lawyer.  With lawyers, lawyers everywhere, is it no wonder why Shakespeare once remarked “the first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”

Fineman solidly proclaims his innocence and his defense is that he has been a victim of a police frame-up. Daley would have been the first to use this line of defense…but he has a problem: the policeman who reached the scene of the crime first was Daley’s father, now deceased. A professional success for Daley would mean a reputation failure for Daley’s father. And when judgment day finally approaches, Daley finds that the day is not only crucial for Daley the lawyer, but also for Mike Daley the son.

The courtroom drama, as always, is simply crackling; the expertise with which Siegel describes the justice system, in all its procedural grandeur, convinces us that the author must have been one heck of a lawyer himself. And without being a spoilsport, let me say it, the ending is, mildly put, stunning. “Judgment Day” is highly enjoyable, a book worth buying and reading.

Easy Entertaining for Beginners: You Can Throw a Fabulous Party, from Holiday Fiesta to a Romantic Evening for Two

Patricia Mendez
Maple Heights Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979956409
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Women (and, of course, some men too!) wait and hope for an exciting cookbook to be made that will peak our interest and help us to become better entertainers. I have found one. It was written by Patricia Mendez, and in my opinion, is the best cookbook to come along in a long time. I was amazed by some of the easy recipes that Patricia has put into this cookbook. They are so easy and not at all time-consuming. She has recipes for all kinds of different occasions such as: Romantic Dinners for Two, Dinner for the In-Laws and even for Guys Night Out. Wonder what they are? You need to buy this book and you will be very pleased! Love hot chicken wings? This book has a scrumptious recipe for Hot Wings. Like brownies? This book has some delectable recipes for them.

There is another big surprise inside the book. Patricia has included some colorful pictures of some of the foods already prepared so that we can take a look at the end result. If only we could taste it too! My daughter of thirteen tried a recipe from the book as soon as I finished reading it, and it came out delicious! I will not divulge which one it was. You need to try them all for yourself!

I recommend this cookbook for people of all ages. It’s great for people who love to cook, and also for people who are not certain they can cook, because the recipes are very easy to read and to follow. If you are a beginner, you will soon be able to cook these fantastic foods. The layout of the entire book is absolutely stunning. It is very eye-catching and I just love the front cover. I suggest you go out and buy one, for if not, you are passing up on a great deal. The price is just right for what you can get out of this cookbook. I personally wanted to thank Patricia Mendez for putting this book together, because I’m not really not a great cook, but I made a few of the recipes in this book and my girls were amazed! They actually thought I snuck and bought the food at the store! So next time you are looking for something to help you entertain, pick up a copy of Patricia Mendez’s “Easy Entertaining for Beginners.” You won’t be sorry you did. I look forward to another wonderful cookbook from Patricia Mendez.

Choosing Honor: An American Woman’s Search for God, Family and Country in an Age of Corruption

Mary T. Ficalora
Avail Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979935909
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Opinions. I believe that is what this book is really about. This is a story of one woman’s opinion, however good or bad, however much you agree or disagree. The great thing about Mary T. Ficalora is that she has also left us with places to look for proof of what she is discussing. Not too many authors are willing to do that. They state their opinions however strong they are, but they hardly show proof to support those opinions. I liked that about this book.

I can honestly say, in some of the chapters of this book, I could not follow everything that Mary was trying to tell us. I understood a large portion of it; however, I didn’t really form an opinion of my own on some of the things that she talked about. Because I wasn’t sure exactly WHAT she was talking about.  I did agree on some things. The most interesting thing that came to light was when she talked about the War in Iraq.  I believe that our men and women do not deserve to be on the forefront of the war, fighting for who knows what anymore. I know that our troops are there to protect us from terrorists entering our country and destroying a lot of things and a lot of people, but I just don't know if I agree with our young people being there.

Religious beliefs and what we were taught about them seemed to be the main topic. I am not sure that I agree with all that Mary said about different religions, but some of her thoughts were very similar to mine. I also believe that different religions worship the same Messiah, which to me would be Jesus Christ and God. God is called different names in different religions, but I think his meaning to them is the same in some and different in others. I share her opinion about the churches and what we are taught when we are young. She says that what we are taught might not always be the truth. I think that above all this book is a very interesting read. Mary brings a lot of things to mind, that a lot of people have thought about and never really got any answers too. She talks about family and jobs and life. She talks about the President, schools and money. It is definitely one of those books that make you think. It is very hard to explain, in one review, all of Mary’s points she is trying to make, so I suggest that you buy a copy and read it. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, I just wonder what Mary is asking us, to try and fight the system? As we all know, the system is so very hard to fight. I agree that we should all pull together and do something, but what that something is, I have no clue.

This is truly a book for thought. I would recommend “Choosing Honor” for young adults and adults. Take your time reading it. A lot of the book makes very good sense. I commend Mary on being brave enough to speak out for her beliefs. I try to teach my children the same. I try and teach them to stick up for themselves no matter what. The world is a scary and very ugly place sometimes. We all have to deal with it in our own way; this book helps us to see what other people think of the world as well.

Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Lulu.com (2008)
ISBN 9781435712423
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man” is Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.’s third published poetry collection.  Gilleland is a 63-year-old resident of Shreveport, Louisiana.  For almost thirty years he taught microbiology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, retiring in 2004.  He now enjoys writing full-time.

The book is made up of four sections:  Rhyming Poems and Storoems (Story-Poems), Two Limericks, Acrostic Poems, and Free-Verse Poems.  His collection of eighty-one poems covers the full gamut of topics ranging from “Halloween” to “Darfur 2007.”

I have to admit when I first saw the cover of the book I wasn’t too intrigued.  However, the old adage holds true to not judge a book by its cover.  Once I started reading the book I was hooked.  Gilleland’s writing is very readable and thought-provoking.  I think one of my favorite poems in the book was the very first one.  It is entitled “Let Her Be a Weed” and it is about a father and mother watching their little girl picking flowers out in their yard.  The father surmises that one day she will be a flower, but the mother says that instead of a flower she will be a weed. Among other things, “weeds are tough and sturdy.  They meet all life’s challenges head-on.”  In contrast, flowers are weak and “need constant care, lacking power.”  As a mother I can definitely relate to this poem.

The tone of some of the poems and storoems included in the book is rather sad.  I am an animal lover and two of the more heart-wrenching storoems to me were about the author’s dogs and were entitled, “My Old Friend Rusty” which deals with watching his dog age and “Putting Pepper Down” which deals with having to put a pet to sleep.    

There really is no particular order to the writings in the book.  The one selection you are reading could be humorous and then the next one could be about a more serious subject such as “The City of New Orleans-2005.”  I kind of enjoyed this because you never knew what was going to be coming next.  “Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man” definitely has something for everyone and, if you enjoy stimulating writing, then I highly recommend this collection!

Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel

Phyllis Zimbler Miller
BookSurge Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781419686290
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel” begins in May of 1970, right after the Kent State shootings by the National Guard.  Four very different women and their husbands begin their journey down to Fort Knox, Kentucky where their husbands will be attending nine weeks of Army Officer’s Basic Training.

The book alternates telling the story from each woman’s point of view.  First, we have Sharon, a Jewish woman from the North who is anti-war.  Second, there is Kim who is a Southerner with a husband who keeps close tabs on her and has jealousy issues.  Thirdly, we have Donna who is of Puerto Rican ancestry and grew up in a military family.  Lastly, there is Wendy who is an African-American from the South.

The characters in this novel come from very different backgrounds and are the epitome of these differences in 1970, only six years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, so it was very intriguing to see how they would react in certain social situations with one another.  I was curious whether or not they would be able to change their way of thinking and become more accepting of those who differed from themselves.  I found it interesting when the author had them experience new things and form relationships outside of their comfort zone.

The only linking factor among the four main characters is that they are all officers’ wives.  Take away this commonality and take into account the time period and you have four very distinctive individuals with varying belief systems.  For instance, as a white Southern Baptist, Kim has issues with people of different backgrounds.  In one exchange between Kim and her husband, she mentions that when she went with Sharon to the PX there was a black man who held the door for them.  Sharon said it was because he was being polite but Kim thought he was gawking at them.  Kim’s husband perceives this happened not only because of Sharon’s being Jewish, and says, “That’s Northerner’s thinking.  They just don’t know what we know, living with them the way we do.”

Another thing about the book I liked was that at the beginning of each chapter there was a quote from Mary Preston Gross’ 1970’s “Mrs. Lieutenant” which taught proper etiquette for an officer’s wife.  It was interesting to read some of the standard protocol for certain situations and events. 

The author, Phyllis Zimbler Miller, writes from experience as she was a former “Mrs. Lieutenant” herself during the 1970s.  Even though this book is fictional it is based in fact and I felt I learned a lot about military life and, overall, about the tension among people who were of different backgrounds during this era. I recommend “Mrs. Lieutenant” for any military family or for anyone who enjoys fiction written about the Vietnam War time period.

How to Be a Creative Genius (in five minutes or less)

Gary Unger
Sherian Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780979567629
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan  for RebeccasReads (5/08)

In the foreword of this light-hearted book, the reader is told that “creativity is intelligence having fun” and Gary Unger definitely teaches just that! At just 114 pages, “How to Be a Creative Genius (in five minutes or less)” makes us laugh out loud at others and ourselves as we learn some valuable lessons.

This book isn’t at all what one would expect. It reminds me of a case of reverse psychology. Unger uses sarcasm and a keen wit to force the reader to think about what makes creativity, which can then be used to be a success.

We’re told to “always aspire to be someone other than who you are” and to “be so demanding that others have to treat you special.” Not exactly Confucius, but profound words nonetheless!

Unger divides his book into specific chapters, each one with a goal in mind. We first learn what constitutes a genius mentality. We are told to “simply act like a genius,” along with a sprinkling of additional tips and tricks. Other genius traits Unger shares include dress, health, excuses and more.

At the very beginning of the book, Unger explains how to use his insights to change the way you view life and yourself. It’s not as easy as it looks at first glance. His words will indeed force you to think about how to come across as a person to be noticed by others.
A fast-paced book, you can probably finish it in one or two sittings, but I’d recommend you take your time and really think about what Unger is saying. You might be surprised at what could be learned from his humor and sarcasm in “How to Be a Creative Genius (in five minutes or less).”

Lady and the Vamp (Immortality Bites, Book 3)

Michelle Rowen
Forever (2008)
ISBN 9780446618632
Reviewed by Melissa LaMunyon  for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Michael Quinn has a problem. Most problems really aren’t all that significant in the grand scheme of things, considering that most people won’t care about whatever their current problem is a year from now, much less at the end of their mortal life. But now that Quinn is a vampire, and his problem is that he is an immortal bloodsucking fiend--he thinks that qualifies as a problem with a capitol P.

Or is it a capitol J? Because the only person in the way of Quinn regaining his mortality and becoming human again is a cute, and now deadly, blond from his past: Janie Parker. In Quinn’s mortal past, Janie was the annoying kid sister of his best friend. Now, Janie Parker is all grown up and still being annoying. If only she weren’t so cute, maybe Quinn could overcome this obstacle...

Oh, and as if things weren’t bad enough--Quinn used to be a Vampire Hunter, one of the best in the business. Yeah, and now he is a vampire, one of the scourge that he had dedicated his life to destroying. The irony is not lost on him either. He’d laugh, if he weren’t so depressed.

Now both Quinn and Janie are after an ancient, powerful relic: The Eye. Hidden for centuries, The Eye is reputed to have the power to grant its holder any wish. Quinn wants The Eye in order to wish himself human again so he can re-dedicate his life to good. Because, vampires are evil, right?

Janie is between a rock and hard place…if the proverbial rock is her demonic boss who is holding her sister ransom and the hard place is her old childhood crush, Michael Quinn. Unless she finds The Eye and gives it to her boss, for whatever nefarious purposes, both she and her baby sister are done for. Janie doesn’t care all that much about herself, but she can’t let anyone hurt her sister.

However, Janie and Quinn are about to find out that the stakes have been raised and the rules of the game they’re playing have changed without them knowing. Because they aren’t the only ones after The Eye…and it might be more than their lives are worth to keep The Eye from being used for unspeakable evil.

A fun twist on the paperback romance, I enjoyed “Lady and the Vamp.” Michelle Rowen’s fans should be thrilled that Quinn is back and hotter than ever. Typical characters and a predictable plot aside, the amusing writing style and character additions--Quinn’s psychic werewolf friend is great fun--“Lady and the Vamp” was a fresh twist on a timeless format. I wish that things had been a bit steamier between Janie and Quinn and that Janie had kicked a bit more butt, but all in all it was a fun read.

The Midlife Bible: A Woman's Survival Guide

Michael P. Goodman, M.D.
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9781931741828
Reviewed by Allison King for RebeccasReads (5/08)

As I began reading “The Midlife Bible: A Woman’s Survival Guide,” I felt as though Dr. Goodman was reading my mind. Menopause had always been a ‘hushed’ topic that you didn’t discuss as I was growing up. Dr. Goodman discusses alternatives to normal drug options for menopause and other health issues that arise in midlife for women. As a woman about to go through ‘the change’ myself, it scares me that I might not be aware of all of the options for health issues that may arise. This book has given me a step forward in being more informed and confident when going in to a doctor’s office.

Dr. Goodman writes in a simple language that makes it easy to understand the abundance of information he gives out in this book. He covers many health topics that a ‘midlife’ woman might go through from the different phrases of menopause to sexuality, bone density and insomnia. He talks about not only the drug options available to assist in getting through different medical conditions, but notes how much a change of lifestyle (food and exercise) can be beneficial too. I liked how Dr. Goodman was very open to referencing and referring to other doctor’s theories, books and websites to go to for more information on specific topics.

I would recommend this book for all women and even men to read to get a better understanding of how this midlife event can change the lives of everyone around you. Dr. Goodman has even written a book for men on the topic called “MEN-opause: The Book for MEN.”

“The Midlife Bible: A Woman’s Survival Guide” has given me hope that there are doctors still out there that are willing to listen to their patients and give alternative treatment options. The author ‘gets it’ that not all women (or men) are alike and should not be given a standard treatment, but look at options that may be best for that individual person. As a woman in the society we live in now, we need to be informed and prepared to put our foot down when it comes to our own health decisions.

Two Guys Read Moby-Dick

Steve Chandler and Terrance N. Hill
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2006)
ISBN 9781931741637
Reviewed by Robin Witte for RebeccasReads (5/08)

The title “Two Guys Read Moby-Dick” exemplifies the content of this book by Steve Chandler and Terrence N. Hill.  This is written by two men who obviously love to write and are very good at conveying ideas and humor in a laid-back medium, email.  The reader is briefly introduced to each writer and Terry states that “this didn't start out to be a book.” These two men set out to read Moby-Dick and talk about it along a set time period.  The ensuing dialogue reveals that while they discuss what they have read, their impressions of Moby-Dick, and the life of Herman Melville, they managed to talk about a lot more.  Terry and Steve discuss their pasts, baseball, their friendship, and everything in between.  The reader, through the course of this work, gets to know and understand each man and their unique personalities.

This work is not a critical evaluation of Moby-Dick.  Steve and Terry clearly state that this electronic letter writing is an exercise for their enjoyment so that they can read a novel that they lied about reading in high school.  Their responses to Melville’s masterpiece are mixed throughout this book as ideas and opinions are revised by each writer over the course of months.  It is clear that Terry and Steve have been friends for a number of years and that long distances that separate them have not stifled a deep friendship and sharing between the two. They have private jokes that they share and the reader is included through the use of italicized comments to clarify what they are writing about.  Steve and Terry maintain a constant dialogue over the course of months and throughout travelling to other countries.

The final opinion is not clearly stated and it is a little ambiguous as to whether these men found it worthwhile to read Moby-Dick, but that conclusion is in keeping with the style of this book and does not detract from the reading experience.  I did find some of the conversations to be very male-oriented in regards to the subject matter; baseball and other sports were continually being brought up. It did occur to me that I might get a lot more out of this book if I were a “guy,” but it did not detract too much from my reading experience.  There were many times that I could not stop myself from laughing out loud at Steve and Terry’s comments in “Two Guys Read Moby-Dick” and their wit was worth the wade through topics that bored me.  This fresh approach to writing as a form of conversation was a nice change from critical commentary that takes itself way too seriously.

Who Stole My Church?: What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century

Gordon MacDonald
Thomas Nelson, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780785226017
Reviewed by Leslie Storey for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Author Gordon MacDonald has been a pastor and author for 40+ years and is a former president of World Relief and currently serves as chairman.  He also serves as editor-at-large for Leadership Journal.  He has written several other books including “A Resilient Life,” “The Life God Blesses,” “Renewing Your Spiritual Passion,” “Rebuilding Your Broken World,” the best-seller “Ordering Your Private World,” and “When Men Think Private Thoughts.”

While “Who Stole My Church?” is a non-fiction book, the author has fictionalized the subject making it much easier to read.  This story is based on his experience as a pastor and the characters are those that you might find in your church sitting next to you each Sunday.   
                   
This book addresses the ever-changing world and what churches (and really any organization) need to take into consideration in order to survive with the technological savvy younger generation without alienating the older generation. It can be tricky to convince those that are set in their ways that change is a good thing. The author is also able to pull in scripture to illustrate his points as well as ask questions of the older generation about things that they did that moved the church to make changes which may have met with resistance from their parents, but in the end was a good change to make and was accepted by their parents and the older generations at that time. 
 
Not all of the characters in the author’s story embrace change and some rebel against it.   However, many learn through the lessons taught by the pastor and by meeting the younger members of the church what inspires this generation and what motivates them to spread the word of God.  This is what any church needs to do for continual growth and success, make sure it meets the needs of its congregation. 

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, and found myself relating the premise of the book not only to churches but really any organization.  The dynamics are very interesting and I fall somewhere in the middle, liking some tradition but realizing we have to appeal to the younger generations to draw them into the church if we want to ensure that their spiritual needs are being met.

“Who Stole My Church?” is recommended for anyone that wants to understand how to deal with change within a church and how to put the appropriate spin on that change so that everyone wins in the end.

Made in America, Sold in the Nam: A Continuing Legacy of Pain

Rick Ritter and Paul Richards, editors
Loving Healing Press (2007)
ISBN 9781932690248
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

If you’ve read “My Tour in Hell,” the first book in this series by David Powell, then you’ll want to move on to this edition. This is book two in the Reflections of History series and it is absolutely magnificent. “Made in America” is a well written, true account novel of the men who fought and survived the Vietnam War. We hear poems and stories from them. We get to live their tragic, fearful and sometimes desperate lives with them as if we are there.

Some of the poems written in this novel are terribly sad, and sometimes really an eye-opening experience. There are stories in this book that will make us sit down and reanalyze our own lives. These men went through a great tragedy, not only while they were in Nam; they also share with us the great suffering that occurred once they went home. Things changed for many of the soldiers while they were away. Some lost friends, loved ones, marriages, children, and some lost their sanity.

As stated in the memoriam at the beginning of the book, Paul Richards, a Vietnam Vet who was killed shortly after the release of this book, survived his time in Nam only to be killed by a car while changing a flat tire on a foggy morning. I am sure that his loved ones and friends miss him, and I am grateful that he was able to share his stories with us before he passed. He was just one of millions who served their country only to be taken away too soon from this world.

The editors of this book did a terrific job. The reason for writing this book should speak for itself. We are fortunate that these men shared their experiences with us and that Paul Richards and Rick Ritter were able to bring it to us with these writings. “Made in America: Sold in Nam” is an adult book, mostly because of some explicit descriptions of the war. I am positive that you will enjoy every minute of this book as I have. I look forward to reading book three soon.

Stewards of the Flame

Sylvia Engdahl
BookSurge (2007)
ISBN 9781419675065
Reviewed by Robin Witte for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Sylvia Engdahl is an acclaimed writer of juvenile fiction who terminated a long hiatus from writing to publish the masterpiece “Stewards of the Flame.”  This science fiction novel follows a starship captain, Jesse Sanders, as he is stranded on a planet run by a dictatorial medical establishment that takes health to the extreme.  Jesse becomes imprisoned in a hospital were medical personnel force treatment on him for alcoholism after he gets a little intoxicated at a local bar while on leave from his ship.  Jesse manages to escape the grueling treatment of this hospital with help from some new-found friends.  These friends however, have a lot of secrets and the reader sees Jesse transform as he begins to understand an underground movement on this planet that involves parapsychological and the freedom to die.

Engdahl does a fantastic and thorough job of researching the theory behind this novel and the detail that is revealed in paranormal states and higher consciousness is truly astounding.  The explanations and dialogue lean heavily towards scientific theory and tend to be a little dry at times with the plot taking a backseat to the descriptions of how these characters can manipulate their own minds.  This novel is concise enough to be an academic thesis on paranormal states and the training that reaching these states requires.  Engdahl does provide enough of a futuristic love story between Jesse and one of his new friends to keep the reader interested in what will happen next and we do see that there is a lot more mystery surrounding what a mysterious organization means to do on this planet.  Jesse is a revealed to be someone more than a stranded stranger on a planet and becomes someone with the possibilities of being a savior.

This novel is a unique look into a world that has too many similarities to our own world and does a fantastic job of making the reader think about how much power our government should really have over our health and medical decisions.  Engdahl has taken an idea that is rarely written about and managed to create a suspenseful and thought provoking novel that seems so plausible that it sends chills up my spine. I highly recommend this science fiction masterpiece to individuals that enjoy fully delving into the realm of other possibilities and want to fully realize Engdahl’s perceptions into the human mind.  “Stewards of the Flame” is truly a masterpiece of parapsychological science fiction and manages to entertain the reader as it informs.

101 Ways To Be A Long Distance Super Dad… or Mom, Too!

George Newman
Robert D. Reed (2006)
ISBN 9780939894024
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Do you ever wonder how mothers, fathers and children of divorce make it in today’s world? Do the parents communicate well with the children? Do they fight over the children? Does one parent keep the other from talking to the children?

I know a lot of divorced parents and most of them share custody of their children. There are very few children who go through the tragedy of a father or mother not wanting to, or not making an effort to see them.  Here is one example of a couple that was married for fifteen years.  The father decided to be with another woman.  Though not long distance, he did leave his wife and children for this other woman. In his mind, he only cheated on his wife, not the children; he refused to believe that his adulterous relationship had any effect on them whatsoever. Though the mother was willing to let the father come to the house and see the children, the girlfriend would not let him see the children at all. The sad part is that the father lived and worked only ten minutes away from his children. He didn’t try to show his children that he loved them no matter what happened between him and his wife. This is a sad case and doesn’t always happen in marriages but it does happen.

I believe that this book, “101 Ways To Be A Long Distance Super Dad… or Mom Too!” gives us great tips on how to communicate with our children if we are divorced, and if one of us has moved away to another state, etc. This book explains how to find out about children’s interests and likes so that if the relationship were long distance, it would be easier to keep the children interested in a phone conversation. Plus, it will also let the kids know that we are interested enough in them to take the time to find out what they like and dislike. Your relationship with your child is the most important, or should be the most important thing in your life. Let’s not forget that today we have computers, which makes communication a lot easier. We learn in this book that we can keep in touch with the children by email and fax. We can also play games online with our children if we are long distance from them. These little things can make a child very happy. They just want time and love from you, no matter where you are.

George Newman has put together a great book for us, so that times like these can be easier and fun for our children and us. He lets us know that no matter how far we are from our kids, we can reassure them, that we can love and care for them. They don’t have to be a statistic whose parents never bother to see them after a divorce.  I, for one, thank George Newman for this book.  I know a lot of parents who have enjoyed it. I give it a “thumbs up” and hope that he brings us more books like “101 Ways To Be A Long Distance Super Dad… or Mom Too!” in the future.

Coils of the Serpent

Raymond Clark Lutz
Infinity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780741442284
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (5/08)

It’s been a bone of contention for many, many years. On the one side, churches have denounced the ideas of evolution as they proclaim the Bible’s explanation of how man came to inhabit the Earth as the absolute truth.  The other side is flanked by scientific thought, saying the idea of a divine Creator has no merit in a world where proof is needed.

Now, along comes Raymond Clark Lutz, who has merged the two theories into “Coils of the Serpent.” Although a work of fiction, Lutz has studied both ideas and utilizes actual writings to weave the plot of this fascinating tale.  The story revolves around three friends who met though a book group. They begin discussing the differences between the two theories and cannot seem to come to a meeting of minds, per se, on the topic. One day, a stranger appears and challenges them to find proof of DNA in God’s Word.

Thus begins a startling quest to discover once and for all how man was created. The plan is thwarted by a group of fundamental Christians who run a camp for troubled youth. One of the three friends is clearly a believer in Creationism and is perplexed by his angry feelings as the others try to sway his beliefs. Although having agreed not to discuss their research with outsiders, he takes his questions to his minister, who then talks to the Bishop about them. Unbeknownst to any of them, the Bishop is behind the youth camp and has some fairly shady dealings with the government.

As the story unfolds, the intrigue builds. It soon becomes a  hard book to put down.
Written in short, punchy chapters, Lutz draws the reader into the book and doesn’t let go. Before you know it, you are so enthralled with his ideas you will continue to read long past when you should have taken a break.

Even though this is a fascinating study of Creationism and Evolution, it’s not a book you can read quickly. Lutz takes the time to explain the concepts of DNA and the fall of man. The reader would do well to think about what Lutz is saying in order to understand the plot.

I found this book particularly intriguing. While studying for my degree in social sciences, my anthropology instructor once said that, someday, a connection would be found between these exact same theories. Armed with that belief, I dove into this book with enthusiasm.  Whether or not I agree with Lutz’s take on the ideas, I truly enjoyed the way this story played out. I especially liked watching the three friends as they worked to resolve their differences, while at the same time, attempting to maintain the camaraderie that is being threatened by their opposing viewpoints.

Due to the technical explanations Lutz provides, “Coils of the Serpent” did take longer to read than most, but it is well worth the time. Readers on both sides of the fence will find something to like about this tale.

101 Quick-Thinking Games and Riddles for Children (SmartFun Activity Books)

Allison Bartl
Hunter House (2008)
ISBN 9780897934978
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“101 Quick-Thinking Games and Riddles for Children” is a collection of games and riddles designed to “encourage concentration, reasoning, patience, an understanding of numbers, the use of logic, and working with letters and words.  They enhance memory skills.  They help to develop social abilities and teamwork.” (p.1)  The activities in the book are designed for teachers of children age six through ten.

From a quick glance in the corner of each activity’s page you can tell whether or not this activity will work for you by the icons pictured there.  There are icons telling the size of the group needed, whether or not props or space are required, if there is physical contact involved or if it is an outdoor activity.  The icons are very beneficial in that you do not have to take the time to read through each description in order to find out if the game is something that would be applicable to your situation.

The first part of the book has 101 games and then the second part of the book has 65 riddles.  The games start out fairly simple with one called “Quick Lineup” in which children are split into two groups.  Each child writes down a number on a piece of paper and then everyone in each group lines up in numerical order.  The first group that completes the task is the winner. 

The games become increasingly more challenging and end with an activity called “Mystery Letter” in which one child goes outside the room and the remaining children decide on a “secret letter.”  When the child comes back into the room he asks the other children up to ten questions which the children answer using the letter somewhere in the word.  The guessing child attempts to find the connections and guess the letter. 

The author, Allison Bartl, is the author of many books for children, some of which are of similar format to this one.  She is an experienced elementary-school teacher so she definitely has the background necessary to create fun, educational activities for this age group.  Though most of the activities are geared toward children in a classroom setting the majority of the activities can be modified so that parents can utilize these ideas at home with their children.  “101 Quick-Thinking Games and Riddles for Children” contains a lot of creative, fresh ideas and I think that any teacher, parent, or group leader would find numerous activities inside that they would be able to use!

101 Pep-Up Games for Children: Refreshing, Recharging, Refocusing (SmartFun Activity Books)

Allison Bartl
Hunter House (2008)
ISBN 9780897934954
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

“101 Pep-Up Games for Children” is a collection of different activities designed to replenish children’s energy.  The book is geared towards elementary school teachers and group leaders with the games inside being designed for children ages 6 through 10. 

A page is devoted to each of the 101 activities but you are able to tell from a quick glance at the icons in the right hand corner of each page whether this activity is going to be appropriate for your age group or situation.  The icons tell you what size group is needed, whether you need props, music, and/or space, if there is physical contact and if the activity involves going outdoors. 

The activities in the beginning of the book start out simple with a game called “All Right.”  Ironically right before I picked up this book to start reading it my own children were playing their own version of this game which is similar to “Follow the Leader.”  Basically in “All Right” there is one child who calls out directions and before following them the children yell out “All right!” After three instructions then a different child gets to be the leader. 

Toward the end of the book there are more advanced activities for older children such as a game called “Syllable Shuffle.”  In “Syllable Shuffle” everyone sits with their chairs in a circle leaving one chair empty.  The child designated to be the leader sits to the left of the empty chair and tells the group to think of some very long animal names.  For instance, if the word is orangutan there are 4 syllables.  The person coming up with the word would say “o” and then move over one chair, the next person would say “rang” and then move to the next chair, etc.  When the word is complete then another child names a word and they start again.

I found “101 Pep-Up Games for Children” to be a very useful and fun book!  Although it is primarily written for teachers I think that any parent would benefit from utilizing some of the ideas in the book.  It is a great help to those like myself who have run out of new ideas. Granted some of the activities in the book we have already come up with on our own, but there are still lots of fresh, new games that will keep us busy for a long time!