RebeccasReads

The Tea Party & The Tyrant: Liberty v/s Tyranny

“The Tea Party & The Tyrant:L Liberty v/s Tyranny” by Felton (Toby) Williamson, Jr is a compilation of 33 articles and 79 illustrations.  As the author declares, the book has Thomas Paine content presented with a Dr. Seuss format.

In the foreword to the book, Williamson explains that the book “is an attempt to provide a different format that helps the reader to understand a complete meaning and the full implications of complicated text, all with a very enjoyable format.” (Foreword)  The articles in the book came from the commonsense21c.com website.  He took 33 posts and edited them, adding the illustrations to help the reader better understand and to provide enjoyment to the reader.

The content of “The Tea Party & The Tyrant: Liberty v/s Tyranny” has a very “on the soapbox” type feel to it.  While it is clear which “side” the author is on on the issues he does present some very thought-provoking points.  I think that those who agree with Williamson will definitely enjoy his writings.  Those who are on the opposite side of the fence may not feel the same way.  Williamson, however, is quite aware of this, and even says in the book that “The illustrations can be used to aggravate self-righteous ‘Progressives’ and wannabe Tyrants …” (Foreword).

In the politically charged climate in which we live, I could see some people getting quite fired up after reading “The Tea Party & The Tyrant: Liberty v/s Tyranny.”  I think that it will be quite controversial, but that appears to be Williamson’s point as the style in which he wrote the book is quite conducive to controversy.

The Tea Party & The Tyrant: Liberty v/s Tyranny
Felton (Toby) Williamson, Jr.
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781463560492
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (06/11)

Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread, and Treatment of Contagious Opinions

“Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread, and Treatment of Contagious Opinions” by John Cooker, MRI is a political humor book.  Throughout his research, Cooker has identified two “viruses” which he deems as highly contagious:  Democratitus and Democratosis.  These viruses are associated with the positions one holds on the conservative to liberal political spectrum.    

Cooker opens the book by telling the reader that:  “There’s an epidemic sweeping across America but no one’s taking it seriously.  The infected look like normal Americans, at first, familiar and approachable.  But then they open their mouths and foreign words leap out known only to inhabitants of their special Nation, a distinct code only they understand; left coaster, mama grizzly, Obamacare, drill baby drill, death panels, nanny state, treehugger, nukular, smoke and mirrors, Orwellian, refudiate; or PC, gay rights, luddite, inclusiveness, Neocon, global village, teabagger, glass ceiling, junk science, public option, I didn’t inhale.”  (p.9)  He then goes on to describe each “virus” and provide related examples and stories.

I think Cooker’s work is a very timely piece.  Currently I live in Wisconsin, which as of late has become quite the politically charged state with battles waging over diminishing the rights of unions.  Heated debates have taken place on the grounds of the state capitol between the deeply polarized sides.  I appreciated Cooker’s humorous take on the partisan arguing in our nation.  The way that he describes the different “viruses” is quite amusing and in most cases spot on.  I believe that “Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread, and Treatment of Contagious Opinions” is a great book to help diffuse a little of the current tension that exists in America today.

Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread, and Treatment of Contagious Opinions
John Cooker, MRI
Spin Doctor Press (2011)
ISBN 9780983572404
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (06/11)

The Ice Princess

The greatest contribution the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson made to the world was opening the doors for several other Scandinavian authors to enjoy similar international acclaim.  Larsson’s  “Millennium Trilogy” (consisting of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”, “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”) are still atop the best-seller’s list worldwide and have been made into a successful series of Swedish films (and soon to be American versions directed by David Fincher).
Along with fellow authors like Hakan Nesser and Henning Mankell, Camilla Lackberg has joined the fray.  Already dubbed “The Swedish Crime Queen”, Ms. Lackberg has turned her career as an economist into best-seller stardom all due to taking a course in creative writing that changed her life.  She has been publishing top-selling fiction in Sweden since 2005 and is now beginning to enjoy similar success in the U.S.  Her novel, "The Ice Princess", was originally released in her home country in 2008 and already has received international acclaim.
What makes her series of novels so popular --- they feature the unique pairing of authoress Erica Falck and her husband, Detective Patrik Hedstrom.  In "The Ice Princess", Ericka is drawn into the alleged suicide of a childhood friend named Alex.  Those who know Alex best insist this is not a suicide but cold-blooded murder (she was found in a bathtub full of blood).  Toxicology reports support that there may have been a poisoning involved and now everyone in Alex’s world is a suspect.
To further complicate matters, Erica has decided to base her next novel on the life of her old friend, Alex.  Having lost touch with her for many years, Erica has a good deal of ground to make up.  As her research begins --- initially speaking with family members, her husband, neighbors and friends --- Erica is able to piece a few things together.  First and foremost, Alex may have been having an affair with a mysterious lover.  Secondly, Alex was pregnant when she died --- and the child is NOT her husband’s.
Simultaneous to Ericka’s quest for the perfect expose/novel, Detective Patrik Hedstrom is heading up his own investigation as part of the local Police Department.  Unfortunately, Patrik has to battle with his head-strong boss who wants a slam-dunk conviction (and a good deal of the credit for having neatly solved the murder case).  When the wrong man is initially apprehended and imprisoned, Patrik must go toe-to-toe with his boss to release this suspect who Patrik knows with confidence is not the murderer.  Now, Patrik must race against his own team to secure enough clues and evidence to lead the way to the true killer.
It is when the paths of Erica and Patrik cross that the action of "The Ice Princess" truly picks up.  Separately, they have had slow and steady success in their respective cases.  Their combined resources, however, prove to be far more formidable.  The pair begins to delve into the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of the small Swedish town known as Fjallbacka --- and they are not at all prepared for what they will uncover.  Some secrets should remain hidden and darkness inhabits certain residents of this town that may be claiming more than just Alex as a victim of their evil deeds.
What Camilla Lackberg does best is using a great deal of ‘economy’ in her language and this allows for a quick read that permits the reader to instantly enter the world she has created and relate intimately with each of the characters she has depicted.  After devouring "The Ice Princess" I’m confident most readers will want to read more from Camilla Lackberg.  As more of her work becomes available stateside I can only hope that the word of mouth about this talented author takes flight!

The Ice Princess
Camilla Lackberg
Pegasus Books (2011)
ISBN 9781605980928
Reviewed by Ray Palen for RebeccasReads (6/011)

Shine in Kashmir

I came across the title “Shine in Kashmir” a few weeks back and decided to request it for review. I performed my usual research and I would say the clincher for my wanting to read “Shine in Kashmir” is because the author, D. Chris Castagna, has set this novel in India. I, myself, have done a fair amount of world-traveling but unfortunately I haven’t made it to India yet. I find that India intrigues me, for a variety of reasons, and I was curious to see what route Castagna’s story would take and how much of a part India, as a country, would play in it.

My copy arrived and after closely examining the cover artwork I began my journey through Castagna’s novel. In the story “Shine in Kashmir” we, the reader, follow Justin Conrad, a twenty-four year old American who has just finished his Fulbright Scholarship in Sri Lanka. For his travels Justin packs the basics he needs to survive plus his journal and his camera. His camera is probably one of his most important items since Justin realizes that words may not correctly convey what happened and memories do fade but a picture will always stay true to his actual encounters. Consequently when his trusty little Pentax broke and couldn’t be repaired by the date he planned to set out on his next travels Justin was understandably upset. Luckily he did happen to find an inexpensive Kodak marked “For Sale Only in India” to take its place. After getting the camera situation resolved and stocking up on reading material Justin leaves Delhi headed for Ladakh. What he discovers there is nothing short of miraculous and yet his adventures aren’t over. He winds up in Kashmir, the city that the book’s title is based on, and you would think that the story ends there but…it doesn’t. We actually follow Justin all the way to Peru which is where he finally finds that “certainty” he has been searching for all this time.

As far as my thoughts, I found “Shine in Kashmir” to be an interesting read. It certainly delved into a lot of the things that makes India unique to the rest of the world: tantra, Buddhist traditions, the Islam conflict and Hermetic ways of thinking just to name a few. Overall I found “Shine in Kashmir” to be a well-written book. Castagna has done a good job of making the plot interesting, the various characters and their dialogues are easy to follow, and the way the Indian culture, people and places are described makes it easy to see that the author has actually lived there.

Shine in Kashmir
D. Chris Castagna
Amerincan Publishing, LLC (2010)
ISBN 9780982681206
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (4/11)

The Bryant Family Chronicles: Death and Gold in Zara Zote

“The Bryant Family Chronicles: Death and Gold in Zara Zote” is the first book in a proposed mystery series.  The main characters in the book are the members of the Bryant family which consist of parents Rick and Danielle and their two children, Nikki and Shelli.  Rick has a technology company and his gadgets are used to try to solve not one, but two mysteries that the family finds themselves involved in.

Eddie Hughes’ “The Bryant Family Chronicles: Death and Gold in Zara Zote” takes place in Florida, more specifically, the Gulf Coast of Florida.  Having lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida (in Fort Myers) for four years, I was particularly looking forward to reading this novel.  I thoroughly enjoyed Hughes’ references to places that were quite familiar to me like Siesta Key and Sanibel Island.

Although the book is a thick four hundred and forty four pages, the novel proves to be a very fast and simple read.  It would be a good beach read as it is easy to put down and pick back up without losing your train of thought.  The storyline is creative and unique, although at times the conservations amongst the characters, most particularly between the parents and their children, seem to be a little forced and scripted, rendering an unrealistic feeling to parts of the book.

Overall, I think that Hughes has come up with a good concept and likeable characters and I am interested in seeing what the next book in the series, due out in the latter part of 2011, holds. 

The Bryant Family Chronicles: Death and Gold in Zara Zote
Eddie Hughes
Deep Sea Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780983427605
Reviewed by Kam Aurwas for RebeccasReads (6/11)

Dominion

“Hostile stares pelted her from every quarter; the missile fire lanced out from every diner she passed, but the assault bounced harmlessly off the young woman’s manufactured resolve.  Oblivious to the artillery, she kept her eyes planted firmly on the trio.  Their gear tattled much; a billboard wouldn’t have announced their status more loudly.  Dusty winter cloaks mantled cumbersome armor scarred with gouges.  Each soldier was decorated with an arsenal of weapons like ornaments on a Christmas tree.” (p.5)

As you can see from the opening passage of “Dominion,” Chestney has a very eloquent writing style.  I enjoyed the way he magically crafted his sentences to give the reader a true feel of the characters and settings.  He paints so vivid a picture that you almost feel like you are there with the characters in their world.  In turn, the characters in the novel are very well-developed and are an intriguing lot.

Although I view the intelligent and harmonious writing as mainly a positive attribute, there were some downfalls to this approach.  In some instances the pace and overall flow of the novel was disrupted by heavy descriptive passages.  There were areas where I found my mind drifting and wishing that the pace would pick up a bit.

Overall though, I think that Daryl Chestney is a very talented author as he definitely has a way with words.  If you enjoy eloquently crafted fantasy novels, then I think you will enjoy reading “Dominion.”  I anticipate that we will be seeing more of his work in the future!

Dominion
Daryl Chestney
Daryl Chestney (2009)
ISBN 9780984070701
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/11)

Law and Peace

The title of this book is a misnomer? With law and lawyers how can peace ever prevail…and more importantly how can lawyers live in a world of peace. I am reminded of the work “Utopia”  wherein it is remarked that there are no lawyers in Utopia…for lawyers are persons who take advantage of misfortune- and Utopia is the perfect society, the only society were law and peace prevails.

Having read “Law and Disorder” a couple of years back, I knew that the author Tim Kevan has the stuff in him to give you a punch…but what  “Law and Peace” provides is not merely a punch, but a real kick that will knock you over.

BabyBarista the protagonist whom we first met in “Law and Disorder” has learned the hard tricks of the trade…lying, cheating and all other underhand dealings to become a good lawyer. But BabyB is deep in financial trouble. He has to get out quick- come clean and save his neck…otherwise everything would be downhill. So does BabyB deal with it? Like a good lawyer he engages in shifty deals, blackmail and some share dealing techniques the types of which one might not even have heard in Wall Street.

What follows is a hilariously funny read which satires the legal profession to its maximum. Not since the days of A. P. Herbert and Laurance Polak has the humorous side of law been so much explored.  The demise of John Mortimer a couple of years back left a void in pure legal fiction….and now that vacuum has been filled. Welcome Tim Kevan, the John Mortimer of the 21st century.

Law and Peace
Tim Kevan
Tim Kevan
ISBN 9781408814215
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for Rebecca's Reads (6/11)

Trader of Secrets

Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (7/11)

This is another installment of Martini’s legal thrillers featuring defense attorney, Paul Madriani, his law partner Harry Hinds, and friend/lover/cohort Joselyn Cole.   As the story opens, Paul’s very faithful and very hulky private investigator Herman Diggs is lying in the hospital critically wounded from an encounter with a hit man with the handle of “Liquida.”  Leaving him to die, the assassin barely escaped with his own life.  Now he is on a vendetta to avenge Madriani, by hunting down and killing his daughter Sarah and then killing him.

This thriller has a history from a previous novel and unfortunately it doesn’t fully materialize with enough information for a new reader.  We learn that Liquida has killed Sarah’s friend, but not why.  We also learn that he is after Sarah who is under protection at her aunt and uncle’s farm in Ohio.  On an early morning run on the property, he stalks and attacks her,  but thanks to the efforts of her dog, she escapes, but not without making a visual identification.   She is then placed in an FBI safe house.

Paul, Harry and Joselyn are on a quest to end the assassin’s reign of terror and soon find them in the center of an international conspiracy.  Two US scientists are selling information on a combined NASA and the DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency) development venture to a ruthless arms merchant.  Not only are they threatening national political security but they are releasing dangerous plans for a weapon of mass destruction. This technology poses untold danger to the entire world.

What was a personal mission to pursue a killer becomes a hunt leading the three on an expedition from Washington to California, onto Thailand, Paris and Mexico.  No longer is this simply a pursuit to bring to an end Liquida’s vengeance on them, but to race against time to stop the “trader of secrets.”

Although I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, I had hoped that Martini would have revealed more about the back stories of each of the characters earlier in the novel.  The characters I presume have been fully developed in previous books and other than just occasional catch-up paragraphs, a new reader can’t get a good sense of who these people are and why they are in the position they are in. A lot of “why” questions remain unanswered. It makes it very difficult to connect to or have empathy toward anyone.  That does not mean to say one cannot recognize the good guys from the bad and hope for a good outcome for the obvious heroes, but the story would be all the more impacting on the reader if he had built an emotional connection with them.

************

Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for Rebecca's Reads (6/11)

Steve Martini’s “The Guardian of Lies” gave a new dimension to the series character- lawyer Paul Madriani. The local gritty defense attorney suddenly became an international lawyer. His international exploits continued with “The Rule of Nine”…and I believe it has reached its zenith with “Trader of Secrets”. The villain Liqueda is also back in fine form in this novel.

Till now, Liqueda was a professional rival…an evil guy who has to be brought to book by Paul Madriani, the lawyer. But what would happen if Liqueda begins to target Madriani’s near and dear ones. The fight becomes personal, and that’s what happens in “Trader of Secrets.” Following the tension filled moments of “The Rule of Nine”, Sarah Madriani is kept in safe custody away from prying eyes. But Liqueda is close by and soon Sarah falls into his clutches. Attorney Madriani, in the meanwhile is in Paris in search of a NASA Scientist whose name was found in Liqueda’s safe. But they learn he has  been killed and that some NASA secrets might have fallen into wrong hands. Now its upto Madriani to save his daughter and also his country. We know that Madriani would be successful- but how he powers his legalese to good use forms the background of this novel.

Though this is a solid, 100% guaranteed edge of the seat read…. I yearn for a traditional Madriani thriller- the old ones like “Undue Influence”, “Compelling Evidence” etc. scintillating and pulsating criminal legal action in its pristine form.

A grand international legal thriller- but not a courtroom thriller.

Trader of Secrets
Steve Martini
William Morrow, Harper Collins (2011)
ISBN 9780061930232

The Last Time I Saw Paris

Claire Stone is at the top of the social ladder.  Living the good life of the elite in Manhattan as the Germans were marching across Europe, she had it made.  That is until her past caught up with her.

Claire flees to France, to find a former lover and experience the wonder that is Paris.  She arrives just as the Germans attack France and she is thrust into an uncertain world, trying to make her way to Laurent.

What she discovers is not what she had expected but the kindness of a flower shop owner changes her life forever.  Over time she comes to call Paris home, even with the occupation.  However, life and love are not always an easy path and she must help the French Resistance in order to keep her new found life.

She falls in love with an Englishman who is helping the resistance and she is forced to go ever deeper into the SS regime.  She is willing to sacrifice everything she has, including her very life to save those she loves.

"The Last Time I saw Paris"  is gritty at times, heart-wrenching, and beautiful.  Lynn Sheene does a marvelous job of being descriptive without destroying the mood with too much.  The intrigue is perfectly balanced with the storyline and never crosses over to the fantastic.   Her character development is intriguing and I found lost in this moving story.

It has been a long time since I have read such a wonderful novel! 

The Last Time I Saw Paris
Lynn Sheene
Berkley Trade (2011)
ISBN 9780425240847
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for Rebecca's Reads (6/11)

Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child's True Potential

In the Introduction to “Smart Parenting for Smart Kids,” Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph. D. and Mark S. Lowenthal, PsyD tell us that “there’s a wrong way and a right way to use this book.  The wrong way is to view it as over two hundred pages of stuff you need to ‘fix’ or ‘improve’ about your child or a long list of even more things you ought to be doing, on top of everything else you’re doing, to be a good parent.  The right way to use this book is as a resource to support your current efforts to raise a happy, healthy, productive, and kind child.”  (p. 8)

When I was reading this book I was amazed at how much I saw my older son in it.  Right away in the opening of Chapter 1, which deals with perfectionism, I saw listings of particular traits which he possesses.  From here on out I knew that this was going to be a book that was going to be applicable to my family and one that I knew I was going to learn a lot from.  My expectations were definitely met as I continued to read.

One of the recommendations in the chapter on perfectionism is to not check over your child’s homework.  I am a parent who does check over my child’s homework and when I first read this I thought that this was something that I would never be able to stop doing.  As I read more though I understood the authors’ points and see how this could actually, in some ways, harm my child.  In the fall, I am going to make an effort to let my son do more on his own and learn that mistakes here and there are not the end of the world.

I highly recommend “Smart Parenting for Smart Kids” to any parent of a “bright” child.  I think that this book will greatly help you understand your child and, as the back cover states, to “make the most of their abilities and become capable, confident, and caring people.” 

Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child's True Potential
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph. D. and Mark S. Lowenthal, PsyD
Jossey-Bass (2011)
ISBN 9780470640050
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (06/11)

Iconic Poetry: Poem’s on Life’s Favorite Icons

Sara Lauritzen’s “Iconic Poetry: Poem’s on Life’s Favorite Icons” is a book of poetry encompassing a variety of different subjects.  A glance at the Contents section of the book delights the reader with such titles as “A Little Bird Told Me,” “Oodles and Oodles,” “Bling Bling,” Fairytale Wishes,” and “Old Gold on Brown Leather.”  After a quick perusal of the table of contents, I dug right in to find out what icon each poem was about.

The first poem in the book was one of my favorites.  The title is “Mamma Latte” and it incorporates one of the more famous coffee icons of our time, Starbucks.  Also recognized in the poetry collection are Ebay, Amazon, macaroni and cheese, and Coca Cola, among many other icons that any reader will be able to relate to.

I particularly enjoyed the Introduction section in which Lauritzen shares with the reader her inspiration for some of the poems in the book.  For instance, the poem “Dream Ride” was inspired by her boys’ discussions in the backseat of the car on the way to school.  They used to think about which sports cars they would have when they grew up.

I found this insight into the background of the poems to be interesting and thought that it added quite a bit to the book.  “Iconic Poetry: Poem’s on Life’s Favorite Icons” is a fun, playful book that has something for everyone.  If you are looking for a modern-day relatable book of poetry then definitely put this book on your reading list.

Iconic Poetry: Poem’s on Life’s Favorite Icons
Sara Lauritzen
Crownhart Books  (2011)
ISBN 9780983328605
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (06/11)

Diva

Susan Fleet’s “Diva” is set in post-Katrina New Orleans in 2006.  Belinda Scully, a flutist, and as the title accurately describes, a diva, is being stalked.  On October 12, 2006 her manager pulls her into New Orleans Police Detective Frank Renzi’s office claiming that someone tried to run Belinda down with a vehicle.  Belinda tries to brush it off but more and more things keep happening to her.

She has some secrets in her past that she has not made known and is also an extremely superstitious person.  She avoids the number thirteen like the plague.  She will not travel on the 13th, will not stay in a hotel room that has the number 13 in it, etc.  Will she come to terms with the fact that someone is stalking her?

Besides the more upscale music world, Fleet also takes the reader into the trenches as we see the crime and squalor that exists in New Orleans post-Katrina.  Another character in the book, Chantelle, is a 15 year old, who is homeless.  She gets picked up after a convenience store robbery and we get a glimpse of the terrible, intimidating conditions that she is living in.  In “Diva,” these two distinct worlds become intertwined.

This is the first of Fleet’s novels that I have read.  Apparently this is the second book in a series with the main character being New Orleans Police Detective Frank Renzi.  Renzi is a very likeable, well-developed character and an excellent person to center a series on.  In fact, all of Fleet’s characters are well-developed and intriguing in their own right.

Fleet’s “Diva” is a very engaging book and is full of action.  If you enjoy psychological suspense novels, or are interested in the music world, “Diva” would be a wonderful choice to add to your reading list.  I look forward to reading more Frank Renzi novels in the future.

Diva
Susan Fleet
Lulu Press (2011)
ISBN 9781257802807
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (07/11)

Believe: A Tale of Faye

“Long ago in a faraway land…
A baby was delivered, a prophecy planned.
The girl unaware of the journey she would take,
Of the love and the light she would spread for a realm’s sake.
One child’s prophecy and a kingdom come undone.
Half-human, half-elemental the blueprint did state.
The time was upon them; the girl had grown
And one by one they would appear and lead her home …” (p.1)

Alyson L. Giles’ fantasy novel “Believe:  A Tale of Faye” begins with Deliah, a half human/half elemental being dropped off as a baby on the doorstep of Sam.  Sam was destined to be Deliah’s father, and father her he did with the help of fairy guidance.  Tragically at the age of eleven, Deliah suffers a heartbreaking loss and from there is where her journey to her destiny truly begins.  Deliah is summoned to defeat the Dark King and fulfill a prophecy.  Will she succeed?

There were quite a few thought-provoking passages throughout “Believe:  A Tale of Faye.”  One in particular that sticks with me is an exchange between Ostephen and Deliah on their journey.  It is raining hard and as Deliah is struggling to protect herself from the downpour, Ostephen laughs at “her human side shining through.” (p.69)  He proceeds to tell her that fairies see rain as a gift and then joyfully plays and splashes in a puddle.  Deliah follows his lead and realizes how freeing it was to act in a childlike manner.  The book is full of moments like that one and, although a work of fiction, I think that there are great lessons to be learned

Giles’ book is a light, playful fantasy novel.  I think it will appeal not only to the younger audience but also to adults looking for a magical, inspirational read.  Giles next installment in the “Believe” series, “The Adventures of Spirkle” is in the works and I look forward to reading it.

Believe: A Tale of Faye
Alyson L. Giles
Strategic Book Group (2011)
ISBN 9781609118983
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (07/11)

Book of Redemption

This is a very fast read, once you can get past the slow drawn out beginning.  The author uses far too many clichés and the reader feels as though every metaphor from all the mystery books of the past have found a new home in this book.  She also tends to be far too wordy for a novel of this caliber.  However, as the story progresses, the author steps away from what she expects the reader to want and gives them a unique story about the death of a priest, a missing reporter, and the junior reporter trying to make sense out of it all.

Was this lone priest responsible for all the child abuse cases brought against the Catholic Church over the past several decades?  Has the church been a willing participant in this scandal?  As the story develops the reader is pulled into a dark and sinister pit along with the characters.  Evon Smith has a very interesting story and while a new writer developing her own style, she will inevitably come into her own and become a powerful story-teller.

"Book of Redemption"  has fantastic potential and could have been much more intriguing.  I did get drawn into the storyline and wanted the author to really dive into it.  She did a fine job of tying up loose ends and making the story believable but she did not flesh it out as much as it should have been.  The story begged for more and I believe it had the potential for many more chapters.

Book of Redemption
Evon Smith
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432763459
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (6/11)

Over the Edge

“Over the Edge” is a frightening novel with the main subject being Lyme’s Disease.  Living in an area where there are a lot of ticks and also personally knowing people affected by Lyme’s made this book all the more scary to me.  I knew that although this was a work of fiction there were a lot of true elements ringing through.  What made the story all the more interesting is that the author herself has personal experience with the disease.

The main character in the book is Janessa McNeil.  Her husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, is well-known in the research field for his work regarding Lyme’s Disease.  Dr. McNeil claims that chronic Lyme does not exist and that the disease can be cured simply by a round of antibiotics.  This causes doctors to stop treatment of those still suffering the effects of the disease and causes insurance companies not to pay claims after a period of time.  An unknown man infects Janessa with Lyme’s Disease as well as three tick co-infections in an attempt to have Dr. McNeil reverse his claims.  Throughout the novel, we watch as Janessa becomes sicker and her marriage crumbles.  Who did this to her and will they infect her daughter as well?

Once I started reading Brandilyn Collins “Over the Edge,” I literally could not put the book down.  The book is a true page turner, full of suspense and intrigue.  I was extremely impressed with Collin’s work and see that she has penned a number of other novels.  Although this is the first book I have read of hers it most certainly will not be the last.  I highly recommend “Over the Edge.” 

Over the Edge
Brandilyn Collins
B & H Publishing Group (2011)
ISBN 9781433671623
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/11)

F.N.G

This is an intimate and vivid, first-hand account of an infantryman serving in Vietnam. The author gives an autobiographical story of the real, daily, military grind with strong emotional feelings and raw details. A very clear picture of all the hardships, fears, and adventures is presented on the pages, throwing the reader straight into action-packed Vietnam. The horrors of combat and violence, experienced by the author, who was a rookie soldier at the time, are extraordinarily colorful and moving. The courage, shown both intentionally and subconsciously, is as much part of the daily routine as any other mundane activity. Realization of human potential, which has been never dreamed of, emerges out of the shadow. All the vibrant details bring the text to life, with the reader gaining more understanding and appreciation for what soldiers do and have to sacrifice. The experience of fighting in a war makes a tremendous impression on every soldier and has a lot of influence with it for the rest of that soldier’s life. This Vietnam War veteran’s account proves just how much weight is carried by an involvement in an event of such magnitude. It is impossible to forget what has been seen, felt, smelled, or heard during those times. The reader is guided through the darkness of war with the eyes of the one, who had been there himself and lived it.
 
Even though, this book is about Vietnam War, the everyday action described is reminiscent of any military involvement, pertaining to contemporary wars and conflicts. It is easy to forget sometimes, that the U.S. is currently fighting three wars, and any war is a brutal test for any soldier. One can never be fully prepared for war, having to constantly be on a look-out, tackling new challenges. Everyone who supports war needs to learn more about what war is really like, making them understand what it really means and what it takes out of people, who are on the battleground doing the fighting. Iraq and Afghanistan have become new Vietnams, and recent veterans have experienced plenty of similar events that the author has. With new generations not knowing much about Vietnam War, "F. N. G." by Don Bodey carries even more weight, shining some light onto an almost forgotten chapter of American history.

F.N.G
Donald Bodey
Modern History Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932690583
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (6/11)

A Tired Women’s Guide to Passionate Sex

This is not your typical self-help book that throws a bunch of ideas at you and then wishes you good luck.  Instead, you are given ideas that are explained along with insight from the patients of the author.  Before you are given the exercises to aid in your love life, the author gives the reader background on why they are having issues (just a hint…it's not always the woman).  These chapters are very important to getting to the underlying cause of the issues.  There are assignments to complete and these are not to be rushed through.  The reader and her partner must take the time to go through each exercise and work on it before moving on to the next.  That is not to say that the reader needs to master anything but each exercise builds a bit on the one before it - so don’t cheat!

"Tired Women’s Guide to Passionate Sex" is very easy to read and the quotes from the patients seem to speak to the reader.  Often they say precisely what the reader is thinking but couldn’t put it into words.  This book is for all women.  No matter how young or old we are; whether you have children or not; this book will help to improve your love life if you take the time to read it and implement the ideas.

A Tired Women’s Guide to Passionate Sex
Laurie B. Mintz
Adams Media (2009)
ISBN 9781605501079
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (6/11)

The Sandalwood Tree

As the British are scheduled to leave India for good and new borders are drawn to partition off land to create a Muslim Pakistan separate from a Hindu India, University of Chicago graduate student Martin Mitchell is awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to observe and report on the end of the British rule.  It is a heady time to be a historian assigned to follow the political impact firsthand.  Wife Evie, with toddler Billy in tow, naively joins him in this potentially dangerous and culturally dissimilar land in hopes of repairing a disintegrating marriage.

Martin, a World War 11 veteran, returned a damaged man, haunted by memories of his horrific experiences.  His lack of ability to put the past behind him makes it impossible for him to embrace the future.  He buries himself in his academic endeavors, pushing Evie further away. He is running away and she is running toward him.  Going to India is a new beginning.

The university settles in them in a century-old bungalow in Masoorla, a comparatively safe area to set up house.  It is unique in that it has an indoor kitchen, an anomaly in that area.  Evie attempts to clean it lamenting:  “I couldn’t fix our insides, so I fixed our outside.”  As she scrubs a way, she finds a loosened brick, and hidden within the wall finds a cache of letters dating back almost a century.  As she reads them she is drawn into the lives of Felicity Chadwick and Adela Winfield, childhood friends who escape the mores of Victorian England by creating an expatriate life in India.  She becomes obsessed with their past and sets out to fill in the blanks.  As she doggedly investigates their unconventional lives, she begins to learn a bit about herself.

I found myself lost in "The Sandalwood Tree," not wanting this book to end. I loved reading its interweaving stories of the post-war and Victorian times.  It is rich with images of India, complex in both its beauty and poverty.  The descriptions of colorful stalls and aromatic food in the bazaars are as invocative as the smell of the flowers and burning flesh of the elaborate funeral pyres.  Caste systems and religious divisions, survivors and victims of war, sexual orientation, and marriage rituals are all compassionately explored in both time periods illustrating the differences yet the sameness. 

The Sandalwood Tree
Elle Newmark
Atria Books (2011)
ISBN 9781416590590
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (05/11)

Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond

“…I would forever be at the mercy of my dreams.  It is a shame however that dreamers are generally looked down on by society and that there is only one word for two different kinds of dreamer.  There are the passive dreamers who sit on their backsides and do very little to follow those dreams and there are the active dreamers who devote their entire life to following their dreams and when they succeed we all benefit from their perseverance.”  (p.4)  Nemo James was a dreamer of the active variety.

Before reading “Just a Few Seconds: A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond,” I had no idea who Nemo James was.  At the completion of the book I felt that I had gotten a true sense of both Derek Newark (Nemo James’ real name) the man and of Nemo James the musician.  I also went to his website and listened to a few previews of his songs because, while you can envision what he may sound like in your head, hearing the actual music gives you the complete picture.

I found his story to be quite interesting.  While unique to me, I am certain that his life story is an all too familiar trail to most musicians trying to make it in the music industry.  His autobiography spans decades as he jumps from band to band and venue to venue.  The book is intelligently and eloquently written and I appreciated the look inside a musician’s life.  At times, “Just a Few Seconds: A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond” moved along a little too slowly for my liking, but my interest was regained quickly enough.

I enjoyed reading about Nemo James’ perseverance in “Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond.”  James has a second book due to be released in December 2011 called the “Croatian Diaries” which sounds to be an interesting follow-up book.

Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond
Nemo James
Derek Newark Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780956798602
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (05/11)

The Call

Derald Hamilton’s novel, “The Call,” is told through the eyes of the main character Ishmael O’Donnell.  O’Donnell grew up in a military family and moved around quite a bit when he was young.  He had a twin brother who had died when they were toddlers.  Upon his brother’s death, his brother’s spirit entered Ishmael’s body and continued to maintain residence there throughout Ishmael’s life.  Ishmael’s father was not the best role model in the world as he continually sought out other women during times of deployment, even fathering another woman’s child.  This dysfunctional upbringing greatly influenced all aspects of Ishmael’s life.

After exploring Ishmael’s younger years and watching him as he grows, the next part of the book explores Ishmael’s life after he decides to go to seminary.  Hamilton’s satirical account of the seminary community is particularly interesting and humorous.  The characters are very unique and not the types that you would expect in the seminary setting.  That is one thing that I love, when I am presented with the unexpected, as it always makes for an interesting read.  In a letter that accompanied the book for review, Hamilton said that he drew upon his personal experiences in seminary training when writing “The Call.”  It is neat to have an “insider’s view” into the seminary world.

“The Call” is definitely an entertaining book and while the cover and synopsis look and sound quite serious, the book actually has humor in it as well.  I enjoyed reading about the protagonist Ishmael’s life through Hamilton’s captivating writing.  If you are intrigued by the unexpected, then I recommend giving “The Call” a try.

The Call
Derald Hamilton
D Hamilton Books (2010)
ISBN 9780984619207
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (05/11)