RebeccasReads

No Blue Sky: An American Traveler’s Glimpse of China

 “No Blue Sky” is a travel journal in a published book format based on the author’s first-time vacation trip with her husband to China. Mrs. Burkett provides a narrative of her adventures on Chinese soil – sightseeing, eating, and learning. Daily activities and pre-flight preparations are described in great detail, sometimes entailing lots of unnecessary specifics. The reader is drawn into the story, eager to hear more from this travel blog. There are many travel tips, some of which are common-sense, but I suppose it is better to cover all the basics than leave something out. I was especially blown away by the amount of detail given to using a squatting toilet – pretty hilarious! Since this book is tailored to Americans, who have never been and have not heard much about China, such details go along with the theme.

While reading, I found myself a bit annoyed with certain passages discussing the physical characteristics and descriptions of the Chinese population, which included stereotypical facial features, for example (flat nose, etc). I would think supplying some pictures would suffice, instead of making broad generalizations. In addition, the author provides hand-drawn pictures of faces that looked very “abstract” (I suppose such drawings are a major plus for a personal travel log, but should not appear in a published manuscript). I would rather see photographs embedded in or close to the text, making it more of a guidebook and giving a reader images to enjoy. There is a collection of some photographs at the end of the book, which could do the trick.

I learned some useful and interesting facts about China’s cultural and natural wonders. Having been interested in visiting China before, I am even more excited to do so after reading Mrs. Burkett’s journal. The author’s prose flows smoothly and logically with interesting side notes. Overall, the book would be interesting to those looking for someone’s personal experience with a leisurely trip to China and would like to learn from the author, while preparing for their own trip. The entries in the book belong more on the pages of a personal page of a travel blogging website though than in print.


No Blue Sky: An American Traveler’s Glimpse of China
Glenda R. Burkett
Author House (2011)
ISBN 9781456758974
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (1/12)

My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count

A few years ago when I was still a “newbie” writer I remember doing some “suggested” reading so that I would have a better understanding of  the “Industry.” My first mistake was listening to this person’s “helpful” advice; my second was actually following through with it. When you’re just starting out as a writer; working on getting your books out and published the last thing you really want or need to hear is all the over-the-top and dramatically negative comments about how difficult this industry is. I mean really…don’t we already know that? If it were easy, I daresay there would be a lot more books lining library shelves.

Anyway, I remember coming upon this three or four page rant written by a woman with a very high opinion of herself; a self-decided expert in the “Industry” who was providing tips on what people should and shouldn’t write. One of her suggestions was: “Don’t write your own biography; everyone does it and unless you’re someone interesting like Mick Jagger no one really cares.” I wasn’t writing a biography but I did file those words away for future reference because…I guess I could see her point.

However, after reading “My Top 40 at 40” I will most definitely need to forget this woman’s haughty suggestion because “My Top 40 at 40” is one of the most interesting books I’ve read so far this year. I will admit it helps that author Kari Loya has led an interesting life. Loya has been unafraid to live life to the fullest and he writes his story with just the right amount of humor and sarcasm to make the experiences he chooses to share fun to read. Finding a book that makes me smile much less laugh out loud doesn’t happen very often but when I’m lucky enough to happen across one of these rare finds I definitely keep and treasure the book.

In summary, “My Top 40 at 40” was an amazingly fun read. This memoir / biography is well-written and an easy read for all as it is a compilation of very short stories. Great as a gift, a great pick me up on a bad day, a great coffee table conversation starter or...great bathroom reading material for all your dinner party guests. Just make sure it doesn’t walk out the door with them when they say good night…


My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count
Kari Loya
XK Productions, LLC
ISBN 9780984763702
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps

Having recently finished reading my copy of “Naga Queen,” written by Pauline Hayton, and having enjoyed that historical novel immensely; when I was subsequently asked if I would be interested in reviewing her book “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” I happily, and immediately, accepted.

Unlike the author’s previous book that I had read “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is not a work of historical fiction. Instead it is a written accounting of Hayton’s experiences as she trekked through Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) attempting to make the same journey that her father had during his World War II tour of duty.

Having become a lot closer with her father during the writing of her books and having recently fought cancer and escaped its cold clutches Hayton decided to personally visit the lands she had heard so much about. With her husband Peter by her side, and a wonderful film crew to help her capture this trip on film for her grandchildren, Hayton explored remote regions rarely seen by outsiders; traveled the famous Ledo Road and followed in her father’s footsteps as closely as the various governments would allow. Unfortunately Hayton wasn’t allowed to completely follow her initial itinerary but she did see enough to gain a better perspective of her father’s World War II experiences and there were definitely some sad and somber moments. On the one hand it was wonderful to see, photograph, and travel on the still intact roads and bridges built during his time; on the other hand it was sobering to travel to cities and monuments where thousands had laid down their lives for both sides.

In summary, I would say that “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” is an interesting and well-written book. I also thought that the photographs Hayton included throughout the book were a nice touch. Truthfully I didn’t find “Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps” quite as interesting as “Naga Queen” but I do think that’s mainly because it seemed to be written more as a personal journal than a manuscript. Knowing that Hayton brought a film crew with her on this trip, and knowing that she was trying to preserve her experiences so that her children and grandchildren would know her father better also seems to point to this conclusion.

Myanmar: In My Father’s Footsteps
Pauline Hayton
Pauline Hayton (2011)
ASIN: B005H0JDPG
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (8/11)

SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with Her Captain

After always working on other ships and playing second fiddle, it was time for Patrick and Victoria to set out on their very own ship.  Instead of playing the role of first mate, Patrick would finally be the Captain.  Victoria was experienced as a chef and that, among other roles, would be her position on their own boat.

The two newlyweds also hired on a couple of inexperienced crew members to assist them.  This combination of people makes for an interesting mix.  What makes the book all the more interesting though are the personalities of their clients matched up with the personalities of the crew.  There are some quite unique people who make their way on board the ship.

Allman prefaces “SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with Her Captain” with the following disclaimer: “Although these stories have all happened to Patrick and me over the past twelve years in yachting, I fictionalized other characters and yachts to protect the extremely guilty.”  I love the element of mystery that is added to the book with this simple statement as you never know what is really true and what isn’t.

My favorite part of the book was the inclusion of the 33 recipes sprinkled in throughout the story.  I have already made the Applesauce Cinnamon Muffins in the book and my family loved them.  The inclusion of toasted walnuts and raisins in the recipe proved to be a huge hit.  There are so many simple, yet delicious sounding recipes that I have bookmarked which I can’t wait to try.

"SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with Her Captain" is an excellent, captivating and humorous story.  I recommend it to foodies who enjoy a great adventure.

SEAsoned: A Chef’s Journey with Her Captain
Victoria Allman
NorLightsPress  (2011)
ISBN 9781935254379
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

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)

The Dawn of Silva

In Olivia Wilde’s novel, “The Dawn of Silva,” Alex and Shari are casting for a movie.  Alex is dead set on having Ashlyn be the lead role in the film.  There is a problem though and that is that she cannot be found.  So, Shari sets out on a mission to track down the elusive Ashlyn to offer her the role.  This search leads Shari out of New York City and deep into the Cascade Mountains.  Not only does the journey take her out of her comfort zone but it also opens her up to new relationships and new experiences.

When I first saw the title and cover art of “The Dawn of Silva,” I expected a fantasy type novel as from outward appearances these two indicators pointed in that direction.  However, after reading the synopsis I saw that I was incorrect and that the book leans more toward romance and contemporary fiction.  As I enjoy all of those genres anyway this had no effect on me, but I think that in a bookstore setting this may potentially cause some confusion.

While I was reading Wilde’s novel I found that at times it lacks a smooth flow.  Some areas seem forced and disjointed, but the story itself does contain interesting characters.  The main players fit into their stereotypical roles quite well, most particularly that of Shari.  In the opening scenes of the novel she exhibits the typical caffeinated, high energy personality that one would expect when dealing with a person in her role.  This is most seen when she is interacting with her assistant in preparation for her journey.  As the novel progresses though, new experiences cause quite a few changes.

I enjoyed watching the transformations of the characters in the book and the relationships that were established.  The ending of “The Dawn of Silva” left an opening for a follow-up novel which I believe is in the works.  It will be interesting to see how the relationships of the characters progress in the future books in the series.

The Dawn of Silva
Olivia Wilde
Xlibris (2011)
ISBN 9781462892471
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

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)

Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World

When I first set eyes on Bill Raney’s “Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World,” I found the cover to be very intriguing.  This would definitely be a book that would grab my attention in a book store setting. After reading the book, I was pleased to find that the expectations that I had from viewing the cover were met by the contents within.

“1967 was the summer of love in a summer of death.  As napalm rained down on the people of Vietnam and the first of the runaways began trickling into San Francisco, with flowers in their hair, JoAnne with her dachshund, her husband and their ten-month-old son, Eric Xerxes Raney, trickled out of San Francisco, wondering if they would ever return.  JoAnne had just sold her little movie theatre and after all its debts were paid off, perhaps ten thousand dollars remained, which we decided to blow on a Volkswagen camper-van and a trip to Europe.”  (p.ix)

What follows is a series of letters from father to son and excerpts from Zerky’s mother’s diary chronicling events from the destinations.  I really enjoyed the format of the book and reading about the family’s travels.  There were also many photographs throughout the memoir, which greatly added to the story.  Another positive attribute related to the format of the book was the inclusion of numerous maps showing exactly where they were in their travels.  It is always nice to have visuals included relating to the people and places that are being discussed.

There is also a music CD, “Waltzing around the World,” which is a nice accompaniment to the book.  My favorite song on the CD was “Zerky’s Waltz” which I must say is quite the catchy little tune.  “Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World” is a unique and powerful memoir.  The story is very well put together and I enjoyed reading of the family’s adventures. 

Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World
Bill Raney and JoAnne Walker Raney
Nickelodeon Press (2011)
ISBN 9780982138410
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

Carless in Chicago

This is a guide on how to live without a car specific to Chicago without sacrificing anything and even winning at the end. One day, the author got fed up with all the stress and troubles that come with driving a car in a large metropolitan area like Chicago – traffic jams, trouble finding parking, losing side-view mirrors, with the list going on. However, it is hard to imagine that there are other options available, since so many Americans are attached to cars, which become an essential part of daily life and routine. Another aspect is the actual cost of having a car. Most people react to fluctuations in the gas prices almost immediately, noticing the burden of price increases on their wallets. Few people sit down and figure out the total cost of owning a car. The national average is around $7,000 a year, which includes car payments, insurance, maintenance, parking, and gas. $7,000 is a considerable sum to be spent just for transportation, mostly to and from work with weekend trips to a supermarket and mall, and occasional vacation trips. And for many Americans living in small towns, there are not many options, since public transportation is close to non-existent. When living in a large city, there are plenty of options, and the car can be left altogether.

After calculating all the costs of ownership and evaluating all the troubles that come with a car, the author decided to get rid of his beloved vehicle and start a new life. After transitioning into living without a car, the author realized how easy and convenient it is to use public transportation, especially the diverse and extensive network in Chicago. Many people never look into using public transportation effectively, dismissing it altogether, or having some strange prejudices against it. However, when one starts using all the trains and buses wisely, in addition to participating in car-sharing programs, the need for a personal auto can be eliminated.

This book makes the transition much easier by presenting all you ever need to know about getting around Chicago without a car. Both locals and visitors can benefit greatly by reading the book. It is fascinating sometimes, how much can be lost while driving around. So many things go unnoticed. While walking, biking, and using public transport brings these elements out of the shadows. In addition, it is worth mentioning all the health benefits of leading a more active lifestyle, not just sitting in a car for hours.

Overall, the guide is full of useful information, which is compact enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a purse. I would definitely recommend this book to any visitors coming to Chicago along with their sightseeing guides, in addition to locals, who wish to transition into a life independent of personal cars.

Carless in Chicago
Jason Rothstein
Lake Claremont Press (2010)
ISBN 9781893121485
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads.com (12/10)