RebeccasReads

The God Complex

"The God Complex," while fiction, is a testament that each person must be the advocate for their own healthcare.  The reader is taken through the agony that plagues Steve Benson as he searches for a diagnosis of his multiple symptoms that elude Western doctors.

There is some non-fiction entwined in the story, as we read the journal entries from the author, as he explains the nearly debilitating problems that have no explanation.  The reader’s heart goes out to both the author and the character as doctor after doctor either prescribe a multitude of medications or say its psychosomatic.

Eventually, Steve ends up in Boston’s Chinatown following Eastern medicine practices and discovering he does in fact have a true ailment and begins to receive treatments only to slip back into the symptoms.  When a dead body is found in Europe and identified as Steve, his brother Paul travels to tie up the loose ends and try to determine how Steve wound up at the bottom of a bridge.  As Paul begins to sort through the items in Steve’s apartment he learns more about his brother’s plight than he knew existed.

The intrigue that follows and the information revealed leave the reader gripped in a story that crosses continents, and mixes Eastern and Western medical practices.  "The God Complex" is fascinating and makes the reader question if everything we’ve been told by the medical community is truly accurate or could there be much simpler answers to many of our ailments.

The only part of the story that disappointed me was the fast ending, I felt the ending was rushed and not fleshed out enough.  However, there are few, if any loose ends, and that makes for a great read.


The God Complex
Chris Titus
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781453717028
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (1/12)

The Mind of the Historian: Causation in Philosophy of History

The compelling title - “The Mind of Historian”, grabbed my interest right away. Writing history is a fascinating and extremely tough job, requiring to juggle the often blurry facts with appropriate analysis and creative commentary, refraining from inventing history as much as possible. Nevertheless, there are a multitude of influences affecting the writing of history like the atmosphere of the time and place, when the story is retold or written. It is crucial to understand the author and where he is coming from in order to correctly judge his work. Besides these points, the main goal of Dr. Parsa’s book is look into the search for the causes behind historical events. Finding the causality between events is the prime role of a historian, being able to logically connect, relate, and understand the past. The interrelationships between events and people have to be presented and united in a way, which explains their progression from the start to the finish.

The question of causation is a philosophical one. What is causation in the first place? What is the most applicable definition? Philosophers, scientists, and historians have been pondering and offering their opinions on the subject for thousands of years. People like Aristotle, Isaac Newton, and David Hume, just to name a few, all presented certain theories. The truth lies somewhere amidst the clash between the scientific method, social science, and philosophy.

Besides introducing the reader to causation in the Western philosophy, the main focus of the book is causation in Islamic history, which is supported by the case study of a work, “Zayn al-Akhbar”, by 11th century Persian historian, Gardizi. In addition, there is another chapter devoted to analysis of twelve other historians writing between 9th and 13th centuries in the Islamic world. Dr. Parsa aims to dig deep into these historians’ minds, who represent a broad spectrum of the overall historian community, not just in the Islamic world.

"The Mind of the Historian" is based on a dissertation, which gives it some dryness in certain parts. However, considering the subject matter, it reads fairly smoothly. It is a must have for those interested in Perso-Islamic historiography and a curious read for someone wishing to learn more about what is behind historical writing.


The Mind of the Historian: Causation in Philosophy of History
Ali Parsa
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769222
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (1/12)

To Kill the Duke

Having recently finished reading the fictional story “To Kill the Duke” by author Sam Moffie I can safely say this book truly gave me a “unique” look back in time to the 1950s as well as an “interesting” perspective of Joseph Stalin. While I wasn’t riveted to my seat and biting my fingernails as I read; my attention was definitely captivated.

“To Kill the Duke” is set in the fifties; right smack in the middle of the Cold War. On the one hand we have the story of Ivan Viznapu – a loyal communist who yearns to make films rather than struggle through the hardships of his current life in mother Russia. On the other hand we have Dick Powell – an actor, who became a producer and then finally a film director who works for none other than the incredibly wealthy yet amazingly eccentric Howard Hughes. What do these two lives set thousands of miles apart actually have to do with one another? The answer to that question can be summed up in one name: John Wayne.

Apparently Hughes wasn’t the only over-the-top eccentric personality of his time. It seems that Stalin was right up there with him – at least according to the tale found within the pages of “To Kill the Duke.” Hughes planned to star Wayne in a movie he was making while Stalin was determined to kill him and thereby make a statement to the world. However, I’m going to let you read the rest of story for yourself rather than relay the crazy antics of the “elite” Russian spy squad or the sometimes disturbing idiosyncrasies of billionaire Howard Hughes.

For the most part I found “To Kill the Duke” to be an entertaining read although, at times, I did have trouble with the character of Hughes. Having seen the movie “The Aviator” which focused on the life of Howard Hughes there were passages and references that seemed to mirror scenes I had previously seen in “The Aviator.” I’m chalking these similarities up to the fact that Hughes was so rich and so eccentric that everyone knew everything about him; both private and business.

In closing, definitely a fun read although not really intended for the below eighteen crowd…


To Kill the Duke
Sam Moffie
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781461147060
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Hitler’s Silver Box

Dr. Bruce Starkman is the Chief ER Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.  His being was once thoroughly consumed by his career, but Bruce’s life changes drastically after his Uncle Max’s mysterious death.  So many things about his uncle’s death just do not add up causing Bruce to become suspicious about the circumstances.  As he digs deeper he finds many intriguing elements in his uncle’s past, most particularly surrounding the time his uncle spent in Theresienstadt concentration camp about fifty years ago.  Once Bruce realizes the significance of his uncle’s secret he determines that he needs to follow the clues that his uncle left in order to stop an impending Nazi resurgence.

I was immediately drawn in by the cover of “Hitler’s Silver Box.”  The cover image and the title are one that would definitely stand out in a book store setting.  I would certainly pick up the book to learn more about it.

As I read Malnak’s novel I became thoroughly absorbed in the events taking place.  Malnak writes in a very captivating manner.  I was pleased to find out that the contents of the book matched the expectations that I had formed from the cover.  I found it hard to find a place to stop as I found that I wanted to read more and more to see what happened next.  The novel is fast moving and certainly will hold your attention.  The characters in “Hitler’s Silver Box” are quite intriguing and well developed.  I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in reading of events of the Holocaust or to anyone looking for a gripping, fast-paced novel.


Hitler’s Silver Box
Allen Malnak
Two Harbors (2011)
ISBN 9781937293369
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Ruth

“Friday 14th December 1956 had arrived at last.  Fed up with boarding school, Ruth’s final day couldn’t come soon enough.  She longed for the familiar lush, green landscapes of Papua with myriad flowering trees and vibrant, cascading orchids.  And, of course, seeing Tommy.  She hoped he’d missed her as much as she had missed him, and wondered if he had changed over the last year.  Ruth knew she had changed.”  (p.1)

So begins Marlene S. Lewis’ novel, “Ruth.”  When we first meet the title character, Ruth, she is on her long journey home from school.  The different settings for the novel I am not very familiar with (Sydney, New South Wales, etc.) so keeping track of the landscape was a little challenging for me.  After hours and hours of travel, she boards a small plane to take her on the final stretch of her journey to her home.  The plane ride though, is anything but routine, and has a terrifying conclusion.

Once that harrowing experience is in her past she finds out that there is more in store for her at home.  Her mother is acting differently and she is unsure what is going on.  Then there is also her relationship with the mixed-race Tommy to think about.  Ruth’s life would never be the same again after that journey home for Christmas.

I enjoyed the roller coaster ride that was Ruth’s life.    At first when incident after incident began happening to Ruth, I thought that the book was going to be a little far-fetched.  However, as I kept reading, I found that it actually worked well and made for a good read. The protagonist certainly ends up going through a lot and Lewis did a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged in her life.  The characters in the book were all very well developed and the storyline flowed smoothly from start to finish.  “Ruth” is a worthwhile read.


Ruth
Marlene S. Lewis
Matador (2012)
ISBN 9781848766235
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (1/12)

Nothing Left to Lose

“…She slit open the envelope with her finger and pulled out the single type-written page, her eyes blurring over the words, we regret to inform, but gritting her teeth, forcing herself to read the rest, sure that he was dead.

And then stunned that he was not.

She stared, uncomprehending, at the words, missing in action, and felt herself suddenly suspended somewhere in the awful barren space bounded by grief on the one side and hope on the other.”  (p. 24-25)

The telegram that Anne had received from the Department of Defense was regarding her son Josh, a Marine overseas in Vietnam.

As a mother myself, I found that I was completely engulfed in the mother Anne’s emotions.  I could imagine how much hurt and pain she felt upon receiving this news and in trying to comprehend it.  At least she had the hope, the hope that her son may still be alive, but what a frightening, life changing experience this would be.  The emotional tugs of this book do not end here and continue to ring throughout the entire novel.

“Nothing Left to Lose” is the captivating story of the effects of war on families.  It shows the emotional costs and provides insight into the sacrifices and hardships that these individuals face.  The book not only has characters that went to war, but also contains elements of the anti-war movement.  Johnson does a wonderful job with character development and drawing the reader in on a personal level.  The book is well-written and one that you will find difficult to tear yourself away from once you start reading. 


Nothing Left to Lose
Allan G. Johnson
Plain View Press (2011)
ISBN 9781935514947
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (11/11)

Water to my Soul: The Story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney

In the “Author’s Note” section of the book, author Pamela Bauer Mueller gives the reader a brief history of South Carolina and then tells the reader that, “Through the efforts of animated, indomitable Eliza Lucas, South Carolina was provided with the dye of the indigo plant.  This single act brought wealth to the south shortly before the American Revolution.  Eliza Lucas Pinckney was a child prodigy turned celebrity.  Her remarkable success in the eighteenth- century colonial world is a noteworthy achievement that required skill, luck, and a strong personality.” (p.9)

“Water to My Soul” is labeled as a “historical novel.”  It is based on factual history, but has elements of fiction in it.  Mueller pieced together Eliza’s story through old letters, journals, papers, books, and other documents.  Unfortunately, there are no existing known photographs of Eliza so we can’t get a visual of what she looks like.

In the opening pages, Mueller lays out for the reader what is fact and what isn’t.  She even gives a list of the characters that are fictional.  I appreciated this as when I am reading a book of this nature I always wonder what parts are real and what aren’t.  I am thankful that Mueller eliminated this uncertainty right off the bat.

I found the book to be an interesting, readable work.  The concept for the book was original and Eliza’s story was not one that I was previously familiar with.  It was incredible how one single act had such a huge impact on Eliza’s life and the lives of the other people in the colonies.  Mueller did an excellent job giving the reader the feel of colonial Charles Town and the way of life during that time period.  I truly felt as if I were transported back to that era.   If you are looking for a book that is both educational and entertaining and you enjoy historical novels, then I recommend Mueller’s “Water to My Soul.”


Water to my Soul: The Story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney
Pamela Bauer Mueller
Pinata Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780980916317
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (02/12)  

The Silk Box

I just finished reading my copy of “The Silk Box” by author Shirley Mihoko Hairston and I must say it was a much better read then I expected it to be when I initially requested it. From the very beginning “The Silk Box” was an easy story to “get in to” and I immediately began to empathize with “Mi-Chan” Mihoko Namura, one of the book’s main characters. In reading Hairston’s dedication to her mother, Mihoko “Mi-Chan” Drake as well as to her father, Charles “Sonny” Drake I couldn’t help but notice that these were also the names of “The Silk Box’s” title characters. Being intrigued by this aspect I wondered how much of the tale I was about to embark on would be fictional and how much would be fact…

The premise of “The Silk Box” is this: Mi-Chan (Mihoko Namura) is a young Japanese girl who has just returned by train to the city of Hiroshima on the infamous morning of August 6, 1945. Mi-Chan is a docile and obedient child, yet for some reason on that particular morning rather than disembarking at Hiroshima station as she should have, she opted to stay on the train as it continued its journey to the military base. Mi-Chan was not alone as she traveled from home to school but, her best friend and companion, Junko was the feeling ill and decided to get off the train so she could rest at school rather than accompanying Mi-Chan any further.

A short while later the train stopped at Hirohito Station; and it is here that Mi-Chan finally stepped off the train; a decision that ultimately saved her life. It was a beautiful day, although exceptionally hot, and Mi-Chan began her walk to the bay. The stillness of the day was broken only by the sound of a propeller plane and as Mi-Chan looked skyward she was surprised to see that it was American. Moments later her life was irrevocably and forever altered.

“The Silk Box” continues and we follow along through Mi-Chan’s life; we learn about some of the horrors that the atomic bomb survivors lived through and we meet “Sonny” (Charles Drake, Jr.) who turns out to be the love of Mi-Chan’s life. Unfortunately life itself is never simple and these star-crossed lovers will wait years before they are finally able to be together.

I will not share any more of the tale found within “The Silk Box” as it is the author’s to share with you however, should you decide to read it, you will not be disappointed. Hairston writes with poignancy and eloquence and even though parts of the story were shocking and horrific they were always represented with dignity and class.


The Silk Box
Shirley Mihoko Hairston
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2012)
ISBN 9781432762841
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Soldiers’ Letters Home: A Family’s Saga 1863-1919

In the Preface to “Soldiers’ Letters Home: A Family’s Saga 1863-1919,” Eugene Arundel Miller writes that “Among the family keepsakes preserved and passed along to me were collections of letters and photographs from three family members who had served in the armed forces of the United States.  The letters home from Judson Elliot Miller (Civil War), Arundel Miller Hull (Spanish-American War), and Glenn Eugene Miller (World War I) are not startlingly dramatic but they provide a non-glamorized insight of the experiences of three soldiers in three different wars.”

Miller tells each of the three different men’s stories throughout the three parts of the book utilizing these letters and photographs.  Additional text detailing the background and historical facts are mixed in making the book quite a cohesive compilation.  I especially liked the inclusion of a photograph of each soldier so that there was a face to put with the name of each letter writer.

I really enjoyed this look at the soldiers’ correspondences with loved ones back home.  It was a neat glimpse into how these individuals felt about things and how they viewed the events that were happening.  Although the letters were adjusted for clarity (which I appreciated after seeing the sample handwriting of the original) these are the actual letters written.  It is wonderful that these letters had been saved and preserved for so long and then shared with others through this work.  I recommend “Soldiers’ Letters Home: A Family’s Saga 1863-1919” to those interested in history or those who want a more personal, non-textbook view of the events that took place during these three wars.


Soldiers’ Letters Home: A Family’s Saga 1863-1919
Eugene Arundel Miller
Antelope Press (2011)
ISBN 9780972851121
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (12/2011)

Emeralds Never Fade

World War II is looming, but two German boys only know their shared love of playing the piano. Soon, forces beyond their control or understanding, separate them as Germany becomes an unsafe place for Jews. Leo Bergner’s parents see themselves as German, not just Jews, and refuse to believe Hitler will go as far as the rumor mill suggests. After family begs them to see the writing on the wall, Leo’s parents ultimately send him to safety in Palestine.

Bruno’s parents force him to quit teaching the Jewish pupil, and he ends up joining Hitler’s troops. Thanks to a bum foot, he is spared getting his hands too dirty in the war, but he gains valuable knowledge while working in an administrative capacity at a concentration camp. Knowledge he later uses to his advantage.

The story continues to unfold. Leo ends up fighting the Germans in the British army while Bruno escapes to Argentina just before the Allied Forces close in. Leo feels the burden of his past, of his lost loved ones, even when he marries and moves into a career in banking. Bruno uses information gathered during the war to survive.
 
Leo ultimately uncovers a bank conspiracy involving stolen Jewish possessions. His family’s lost emerald heirloom, stolen during the war, brings the two men back together in an explosion of emotions and fate.

The author intricately weaves together the stories of Leo and Bruno throughout the novel. Each man is affected by the war, but uses different means to cope and move on. From the moment Bruno steals the emerald, we know their fates are intertwined. With each page turn, we eagerly anticipate how the two stories will collide. The author leaves us guessing until the very end.

Although the novel is a thrilling page-turner, it is still steeped in emotion. Both men are victims of circumstance. I found Leo’s letters from his mom particularly touching, and Bruno grew up under the thumb of selfishness and judgment. Neither man’s character is clear cut, both are just men held strongly in the often cruel hands of fate. You will enjoy this rich story, and its well-crafted characters, from beginning to end. An amazing cover seals the deal.

Emeralds Never Fade
Stephen Maitland-Lewis
Glyd-Evans Press (2011)
ISBN 9780983259633
Reviewed by Tia Bach for RebeccasReads (11/11)

The Golden Spark

“The floor rolled sharply and Meagan fell hard against a wall.  A tide of cold water sloshed over her feet.  All around in the darkness were piercing screams of horses and the thudding concussion of hooves.  The floor rolled the other way and Meagan felt herself sliding.  She leaned to stay against the wall, but there was nothing to hold.”  (p.3)

So begins “The Golden Spark,” John Royce’s second book in “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy.  Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book in the series, “Eclipsed by Shadow” as the author provides a special note to those who haven’t in the beginning of the book.  He gives a brief summary and then reprints the last chapter of the first book so that those who are unfamiliar with the tale can get caught up.  I found this to be a nice touch.

Another helpful addition is the seven page glossary at the end of the novel.  Being that the story is set in time periods long ago there are many unfamiliar terms used throughout the book.  The glossary is extremely helpful in deciphering the meaning of these words that are not used often today.

“The Golden Spark” is a tale that will appeal to young readers of fantasy and particularly readers interested in horsemanship.  The story is magical and enchanting and the writing moves along at a nice pace as we follow Meagan on her journey through history.  I think that it could easily be turned into a movie.  I look forward to the continuation of Meagan’s story in Book 3.

The Golden Spark
John Royce
Micron Press (2011)
ISBN 9780972412162
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (11/11)

Middle Time

Mysteries in English written by Indians are few and far between. Though Indians enjoy the courtroom antics of John Grisham or the techno wonders of Michael Crichton, we have a hard time accepting such works written by our fellow countrymen...or women.

As an aficionado of legal thrillers, I have been on the lookout for legal thrillers written by my countrymen. I thus found out thrillers written by Parameswaran Nair, Dr. L. Prakash and those written by lawyer Aditya Sudarshan. While Parameswaran Nair regaled in Perry Mason pastiches; it was Grisham who inspired Dr. Prakash in his novels. However, a historical legal thriller like the ones popularized by Bruce Alexander or Steven Saylor written by Indian authors never caught my attention… till date. I have been enamored by the works of Lindsey Davis whose protagonist was Marcus Didius Falco, a real life Roman lawyer of the 1st century AD; and by that of  Steven Saylor whose protagonist is the famed Roman lawyer and orator Cicero. I was intrigued on reading about “Middle Time” and I simply had to read this book…simply because it was the first historical legal thriller from India. I had not much expectations from this book and I thought that it would be a simple pastiche of the Saylor- Lindsey Davis novels.

But I was proved wrong in all respects. The author has created a novel that stands on its own right by all respects. I would call it even remotely inspired by any of the historical mysteries out there. For one thing, instead of placing the entire novel in history itself- the author does something creative and takes the protagonist Lawyer Maya (and along with her the reader) back to the past. Maya is a part and parcel of history and that of the present. Past and present are interwoven in this finely written novel. Maya is enquiring into the mysterious death of her client Thulsi when she catches hold of a very old book. The said book transports Maya back into time to 16th Century AD India. It’s a period of religious bigotry, a time of turbulence, a time of fear…a fear of death. Here Maya meets Achale (who is sort of an alter-ego of Maya). Achale is investigating into the mysterious death of a woman named Thulasi. And the death of Thulasi seems to be connected with the death of Thulsi 500 years down the lane.  What follows is suspenseful narration at its pristine best, culminating in a finish that’s just exhilarating.

I sort of felt like I am reading the courtroom version of “Back To The Future” series. That feel good exhilarating feeling that one gets after seeing the said movie is felt throughout this book. Maya is a gusty heroine, and the blurb informs us that Maya will soon be back in the novel “Brahma's Time.” I sure would be reading the said novel; and I wonder if Maya’s adventure would take us to the future of India????

Middle Time
Priya Vasudevan
Niyogi Books (2011)
ISBN  9788189738709
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (10/11)

Finding Faith

“Faith Covington has never seen her parents cry, not in all her thirteen years on this planet.  Instinctively, she turned away.  But there was no easy way out.  When she looked to her left, then to her right, she saw only the cause of their misery.  Shanties made of scrap lumber and cardboard boxes, bits of plastic and canvas tarpaulins extended along the banks of New York’s mighty Hudson River for as far as she could see.”  (p. 1)  Times were tough in the year of 1934.  Unemployment numbers skyrocketed and Thomas Covington, Faith’s father, was one of those who lost his job as an accountant.

Faith’s life as she knew it, attending a private school and etiquette classes, was about to be turned on its head.  Faith and her mother went to go live with Aunt Eva in the Pocono Mountains while her father continued to search for work.  On the way there, Faith’s mother reveals that Aunt Eva is an Indian and that Faith is part Indian.

This revelation and the experience living at Aunt Eva’s is an incredible learning experience for Faith.  She learns much about the Indian culture and way of life.  She also experiences the prevalent racism which begins almost right after she exits the train and continues throughout the novel.

The author’s writing is both full of adventure and also very educational.  I enjoyed the descriptive passages in the novel, particularly those when the characters were in the forest.  I could vividly picture the setting in my mind.  C.E. Edmonson’s book is intended for young readers and I think that this piece of historical fiction would be well-received by this audience.

Finding Faith
C. E. Edmonson
WinePress Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781414148673
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (07/11)

Dina’s Lost Tribe

I found “Dina’s Lost Tribe” by author Brigitte Goldstein to be an excellent read. Goldstein writes with an impeccable style and her fictional novel is both captivating and enthralling. Goldstein seamlessly weaves together historical fact with well thought out and plausible fiction and truthfully, the end result is a superb story.

The premise of “Dina’s Lost Tribe” is this: Professor Henner Marcus receives a letter with an urgent request for help from his niece Nina who disappeared without a trace five years earlier. Due to the letter’s tone, Henner is fearful for his niece’s safety. He puts his personal and academic affairs in order and immediately sets out to find her. Following the letter’s postmark, as well as Nina’s covert ramblings, Henner winds up almost five thousand miles away from his Chicago home in a small town located in France close to the Pyrenees Mountains. Once settled in France, Henner follows Nina’s instructions to the letter and impatiently wait for her to find him. While he isn’t happy with Nina’s cloak and dagger requests; he is concerned for her safety and will do nothing to jeopardize it.

Nina, a historian of some repute, has searched all of her life for the city of her birth; the city of Valladine. Unable to locate this town on any map, and having no concrete evidence that Valladine even exists, Nina finds herself compelled to explore the Pyrenees Mountains in an attempt to satisfy the insatiable hunger and curiosity that this name stirs up inside her.

Rather than give too much of the plot away I will just end by saying there are two separate stories to be found within the pages of “Dina’s Lost Tribe.” Even though these lives are set centuries apart; Nina’s life in the present seems, at times, to mirror a life that happened seven hundred years ago.

In closing, “Dina’s Lost Tribe” was a riveting read. Both past and present stories were written will skill and a seemingly immense knowledge of history, religious history, religious rites and geography. “Dina’s Lost Tribe” definitely merits a five-star rating and I would say it’s a “must read” for anyone who enjoys fiction, historical fiction or simply being able to sit down and read a “good” book.

Dina’s Lost Tribe
Brigitte Goldstein
iUniverse (2010)
ISBN 9781450251075
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (9/11)

Empire for Liberty

“Empire for Liberty” is the second book in Terri Sedmak’s “The Liberty & Property Legends” series of books.  I had reviewed the first book in the series, “Heartland: On the Side of Angels” about a month ago so the story and characters were still fresh in my mind.  With that being said, while some series books read well as stand alones, I believe that “Empire for Liberty” would be best enjoyed after thoroughly becoming acquainted with the characters in the initial book “Heartland: On the Side of Angels.”

This second installment picks up in the year 1885 and the scene begins in the State Penitentiary in Colorado.  Prisoner Five One Three, serving a life sentence, is in poor health. Cliff, the Laramie County Sheriff, enters the solitary confinement cell in an attempt to see if the prisoner will give him the information he needs. Trying to extract this information proves to be quite difficult.

Cliff himself though is surrounded by controversy as there are rumors circulating that he and Cam Faraday, the prosecutor, have teamed up to hide evidence.  Young journalist Emmaline Roberts is given the task of investigating these claims which proves to have harrowing consequences.

“Empire for Liberty” is written in the same style as the first installment, “Heartland: On the Side of Angels.”  Each chapter is told through a different character’s eyes which provides more depth to the story.  The characters are once again developed well and are people you will want to read more about.  If you are looking for an intriguing historical fiction family saga, read first “Heartland: On the Side of Angels” and then move on to this next book, “Empire for Liberty.”    

Empire for Liberty
Terri Sedmak
Vivid Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781921787638
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (09/11)

Henry Ford’s Moving Picture Show

“Henry Ford’s Moving Picture Show: An Investigator’s Guide to the Films Produced by the Ford Motor Company” is truly an intriguing book.  Before reading this book, I did not even know that the Ford Motor Company was involved in producing films, but apparently they had produced quite a few of them.  The subjects covered weren’t just about vehicles either, they covered a wide range of topics such as “Lumbering in the North Woods,” “Dairy Industry,” “Mardi Gras,” and “Ring Making.”

It all began in 1914 when Henry Ford had his Advertising Department set up a Motion Picture Department.  The first film they made was entitled “How Henry Ford Makes One Thousand Cars a Day.”  Ford used film to make worker safety and training movies as well as educate about the automobile manufacturing process.  Then, the “Ford Animated Weekly,” a news piece focusing on daily events, was produced and shown in movie houses throughout the country.  Two years after beginning to make film, Ford decided to focus more on historic and educational pieces and subsequently the “Ford Educational Weekly” and then the “Ford Educational Library” were developed.

Stewart’s well-organized book catalogues the Ford Motor Company’s films from the years 1914-1920 with the film number, the length, whether it is captioned, and a description of what the film is about.  I can barely begin to imagine the time it took to compile such a comprehensive guide which will be of great service to anyone who is looking for specific footage.  Stewart has performed the groundwork which will save tremendous amounts of time and, I believe, will allow these films to be far more utilized in the future.  

Henry Ford’s Moving Picture Show
Phillip W. Stewart
PMS Press (2011)
ISBN 9780981744469
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (09/11)

Leonidas of Sparta: A Peerless Peer

“Leonidas of Sparta:  A Peerless Peer” by Helena P. Schrader is the second installment in a biographical trilogy centering on Leonidas and Gorgo.  This second book continues where “A Boy of Agoge” left off.  While the first novel focused on Leonidas’ years as a child in a public school in Sparta, this next installment focuses on his time as an ordinary citizen. 

I had not read the first novel in the trilogy but was able to jump right in with the second one.  To be honest, I was not familiar with Leonidas prior to reading this book.  I am sure that at some point throughout my education I had learned something about him, but those lessons have since been forgotten.  Schrader states that the part of Leonidas’ life that is often most portrayed are his final days, and that no “serious biography” has ever been written about him.  She says that because there isn’t much known about his earlier years that it is difficult for historians to attempt a written biography.  However, Schrader draws upon the facts available to her and attempts to reasonably reconstruct Leonidas’ life.

I found the story to be interesting and to read very much like a non-fiction biographical book.  I enjoyed the “Historical Notes” section at the conclusion on the novel as it provided more insight into the customs and culture portrayed in the book.  I also appreciated the glossary of Greek terms and learned quite a few new things from its inclusion.

“Leonidas of Sparta:  A Peerless Peer” is an intellectually written work and if you have an interest in a historical novel that reads like non-fiction I would recommend Schrader’s book, most particularly if you have an interest in learning the ways of the Spartans.  I look forward to the third and final book in the trilogy which focuses on the years of Leonidas’ reign and death.

Leonidas of Sparta: A Peerless Peer
Helena P. Schrader
Wheatmark (2011)
ISBN 9781604946024
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (09/11)

Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure

This is a fantastic story of love.  One that I did not know if I would be able to enjoy. However, as Julian Smith tells the story of a little known explorer and intermingles it with his own story, it’s hard not to fall in love with "Crossing the Heart of Africa.”

Ewart Grogan was an explorer in the 1800’s, who did everything from becoming the youngest member of the British Alpine Climbing Club, to attending Cambridge and ultimately crossing Africa – South to North.  He fell in love with a young woman of means and in order to win the respect and approval of her step Father, he begins his journey across Africa.

The author, Julian Smith, also crosses Africa.  He does this not by foot by motorbikes, trucks, busses and any other transportation he can find.  He is not crossing for respect and approval but to perhaps prove something to himself before he settles down and marries his fiancée, who is waiting back in the states for him.

Throughout the intertwined story, the reader is transported to both the Africa that existed in Grogan’s time; wild and unpredictable.  Then the reader sees the same locations as they are today; war-torn, poor and disease ridden.  It is both beautiful and sad at the same time.

The love story between both Ewart and Gertrude is touching but the story of Julian and Laura is current and real.  Their story is very raw and the author does not try to hide any flaws which endear their love to the reader.

"Crossing the Heart of Africa" grabs the reader and doesn’t let go.  The addition of photos and sketches adds to the amazing story.

Whether the reader has any desire to visit Africa or not is irrelevant as the story is so fascinating and engrossing that they will feel like they have been there right along Ewart and Julian!

Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure
Julian Smith
Harper Perennial (2010)
ISBN 9780061873478
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (08/11)

Naga Queen

I just finished reading “Naga Queen” which is a fictional biography about Ursula Graham Bower. Some non-fiction facts about Ursula Graham Bower: she was a fiercely independent woman who became one of the pioneer anthropologists in the Naga Hills from 1937 – 1946 and, as if that wasn’t unprecedented enough for a woman in that day and age, she also became a guerrilla fighter in Burma against the Japanese from 1942 – 1945. Needless to say, Ursula was an amazingly complex and interesting woman and Pauline Hayton, the author of “Naga Queen” definitely did her justice with this manuscript.

We begin our journey through “Naga Queen” with Ursula who, having recently finished her schooling; feeling let down and unfulfilled, travels to India to visit her best friend Alexa in Assam. Ursula’s parents have approved this trip thinking that their daughter will find herself a suitable military husband while she’s there. Unfortunately for her parents, the only thing that Ursula desires is a life filled with excitement and adventure; finding herself chained in a suffocating marriage is certainly the last thing on her mind.

Ursula is given a one-time opportunity to travel into the inner depths of India’s jungles where she meets the Zemi Nagas. She falls in love with the untamed spirit of the Zemi, the wildness of the countryside and, with her heart breaking as she leaves; she vows to find a way to permanently return to the place that feels like her long lost home.

Needless to say, being as strong-willed as she was, Ursula found a way to do just that and while I won’t give away any more of Hayton’s story I will state that Ursula’s actions during World War II did result with her receiving the “Order of the British Empire Medal” and her fame earned her the nickname “The Naga Queen.”

In summary, I found “Naga Queen” to be a completely riveting read. Hayton’s writing style is impeccable and, even though this is a fictional biography, the reader will be hard pressed to figure out what is truth and what is myth. Throughout history it seems all heroes/heroines become larger than life: both because of their deeds and because of the storytelling prowess of those who recount their exploits. In this regard Hayton has gone over and above; she has skillfully woven Ursula’s amazing life into a rich tapestry that was truly a pleasure to read.

Naga Queen
Pauline Hayton
Hayton Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780983586302
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (8/11)

Innocent War

In the opening pages of Susan Violante’s “Innocent War,” Violante tells that reader that, “I wrote a book to get to know my father, and in the process I got to know myself.  This didn’t come without hardship, loneliness, disappointment, and frustration as I set myself to break the circle of silence between parents and their sons and daughters.  I was clear in my quest.  I convinced my father to tape his accounts so that I could transcribe them and leave his legacy to his grandchildren.  My goal of getting to know my dad was achieved at the very moment I got the tapes.  Little did I know that listening to them would bring so many other quests and dreams.”  (p. xiii)

When Violante sat down and listened to the tapes she realized that she couldn’t just keep the story in her family; her father Nino’s story was so powerful that she needed to share it with the world.  So, this is how “Innocent War,” Book 1 in the “Behind an Immigrant’s Past Series” came to fruition and I, for one, am glad that she shared his adventures.

The story is told through a young boy’s point of view and is a book that once you pick up you will be unable to put down.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nino and his family’s life throughout WWII.  It was a neat perspective to look at the situations from a child’s point of view and I learned a lot relating to the history of the time period. 

Other than some editing issues, “Innocent War” is an excellent work that I would highly recommend.  Violante successfully takes an era out of a history book and brings it to life in a way that is interesting and at the same time educational.  I could see “Innocent War” being part of a high school/college history class curriculum.  It would supplement a textbook nicely by bringing real faces and stories to the events of that time period.  I greatly look forward to reading the next installment in the “Behind an Immigrant’s Past Series.”  I am truly enjoying Nino’s story and can’t wait to see where he and his family go from here.

Innocent War
Susan Violante
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770471
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (7/11)