Reader Views

The Moonhawker

Article first published as Book Review: The Moonhawker by George A. Fox on Blogcritics.

A new book by George A. Fox, “The Moonhawker,” is definitely a top-of-the-line action mystery that comes fully loaded to provide an edge-of-your-seat reading experience. Fox tells the thrilling tale of complex and unpredictable protagonist Atticus Gunner who is hurled from the pages almost as soon as you open the book. From that point on, the story unfolds at breakneck speed, with the reader hard pressed to keep up. But despite the book’s length and pace, most readers will be left wanting more.

“The Moonhawker” is hard to summarize. It’s easier to tell someone what it’s got, than what it’s about. And what the story has is more than meets the eye. Fox understands the thriller genre and all its sub-genres. He has created a classic “every man” protagonist possessed of both good and evil, with the capability to use both to overcome any obstacles which the story’s villain-driven plot presents. And Fox has made certain that an abundance of villains populate the pages. Intriguingly, these are not the villains one would expect to find in a small island fishing and summer community off the shores of Lake Michigan. So, in addition to his current island responsibilities as school administrator and part-time cop, (or is he much more than just the local law?), Atticus must also face these unforeseen nemeses.

But Atticus Gunner is up to the challenge. Although Fox skillfully renders him as a real person with genuine flaws and weaknesses, he seems believably larger than life. As daunting and insurmountable as many of the obstacles he faces appear to be, and as unimaginable and suspenseful they might be, we believe Atticus will succeed - because, we want him to.

Fox has concocted his story with traditional thriller-action ingredients, including adventure, heart-stopping action, suspense, stress, exhilaration, mystery, and romance. But the key ingredient is a secret. Indeed, at times the reader might wonder if everyone on the island has at least one secret. The literary device of creating reader engagement through speculation adds yet another enjoyable element to the story.

George A. Fox had a long career in public school teaching and administration. He began the manuscript for what would become the “The Moonhawker” many years ago, during his time in school administration at a small island school community in Northern Lake Michigan. It was fifteen years after his retirement that he dug out the old manuscript, reworked it, and transformed it into this book.  The quintessential thriller-action novel, “The Moonhawker” will be a challenge to top for Fox. But I hope he is up for that challenge. I know Atticus Gunner would be.


The Moonhawker
George A. Fox
iUniverse (2011)
ISBN 9781462046485
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (2/12)

Seouled Out

Article first published as Book Review: Seouled Out by Andrew Henderson-Henderson on Blogcritics.

Andrew Henderson-Henderson is unique to say the least. His literary style in "Seouled Out" is refreshingly different and extremely funny. The book is a tickler from the intro to the last leaf of this 357-page volume. As a law school graduate, the author admits to being a failure. He admits to flunking the Bar Exam right at the beginning of the book. The reason he tells the reader this little truth about himself is so that the reader will be aware of the loathsome feelings he has for lawyers and law school. He goes on to explain that he was such a success at law school that he had to take a teaching position in South Korea.  His escapades getting the job, traveling to the job and what happens when he gets there are a mix of comedy and tragedy. The horrors of international travel are brought out in vivid detail in his commentary.

Upon his arrival at his designated work area, he is confronted with many challenges - some of which are confusing, to say the least, while others are just plain ridiculous. One of the biggest challenges Andrew Henderson-Henderson has is the language barrier. But as in most countries of the world, he managed to learn the swear words first. His experience with Korea is such a dismal one that he picks up and moves on to Bangkok, Thailand.  What he does there and his escapades in that country are nothing short of hilarious. With the number of bar girls running around it’s a wonder he manages to retain his composure and keep it in his pants; good thing, too, because to hear his narrative one would think they all had HIV. He winds up stuck in Bangkok with promises of money that is owed him but never shows up and so he becomes a street vagrant till his father comes through with money for him to fly home to Idaho.

“Seouled Out” by Andrew Henderson-Henderson is funny and tragic at the same time. There are periods of great sadness along with great humor when you think about everything that happens to this poor guy.  The events that the author describes should not happen to anyone. I gave “Seouled Out” a very solid B on my scale and if it were not for the pages falling out of the book I would have rated it higher. The writing is good and the editing up to par but the quality of the binding leaves a lot to be desired. There is some foul language in the book so I do recommend the book to all adults that appreciate a good funny story.


Seouled Out
Andrew Henderson-Henderson
Lulu Press (2011)
ISBN 9781257868049
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (2/12)

Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness – Body, Mind & Spirit

Article first published as Book Review: Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness by Katina I. Makris on Blogcritics.

When a healer and a health care columnist spends several years completely baffled and in absolute torment, chances are that her mysterious flu-like illness is something that is truly difficult to diagnose. It took Ms. Makris five years to receive a correct diagnosis, and a long time to even partially recover from it. Her journey is described beautifully in “Out of the Woods,” which encompasses both her memoirs and an eye-opening “Nuts and Bolts” section on signs, symptoms, and available treatments for Lyme disease.

There were many valuable lessons to be learned from this beautifully written book. Some were rather obvious ones about cherishing what we have, since it could so easily be gone the very next moment, the importance of having a good support system and the need to work with one’s doctor(s). Then there were those that should be obvious, but many times are not, like the importance of being persistent in trying to get your point across to the doctor when one does not feel that the real issue is being addressed. Nobody knows us better than we know ourselves, and nobody else can say with more certainty whether something is working for us or not. Perhaps the most important issue was the holistic view of treatments – it is vitally important that all facets of the issue are addressed adequately, since good results simply can not be achieved without proper balance. Many of us would do well to read – and reread – the section on importance of real, true rest to the healing process. It might sound limiting and difficult to achieve, but Ms. Makris illustrated really well how essential it was to her effort to get well again. And let’s not forget the “there are no coincidences” factor – if one even remotely believes that, one would be hard pressed to find a more fitting story to exemplify it.

I wish this book would have been published years ago, when several people close to me were diagnosed with Lyme disease. They were lucky to have at least received the correct diagnosis rather early, yet their recovery was difficult and very lengthy in each of the three cases that I know of. I am certain that quite a lot of the information from the Part Two of this book would have been a great help to them, and I am simply grateful that the book is available to anybody who needs it now.

“Out of the Woods” by Katina I. Makris should be required reading not only for patients struggling with the Lyme disease, or those who suspect that Lyme might be the cause of their problems, but also anybody who has been struggling with any debilitating chronic disease, as well as for those who provide care for such patients, regardless of whether they do it in a professional or amateur capacity. Ms. Makris’ descriptions of her struggles with even the simplest tasks were frighteningly eye-opening to me, and I can only hope they will make me more understanding and more tolerant in the future. Moreover, I greatly enjoyed Ms. Makris’ writing and her vivid descriptions of things, people, and events in her world. She made it come to life in full color.


Out of the Woods: Healing from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illness – Body, Mind & Spirit
Katina I. Makris, CCH, CIH
Elite Books (2011)
ISBN 9781600700712
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (2/12)

The Island of the Seven Kings: Book I

Article first published as Book Review: The Island of the Seven Kings: Book I by Ken Stephenson on Blogcritics.

“The Island of the Seven Kings” takes us to a beautiful land.  A high god and seven servant gods beneath him are worshipped by the people.  This island also has a main ruler known as the Great Father and seven kings below him who are in charge of the cities located here.  The people of this place are relatively peaceful, and follow the rules of the city in which they reside.  Especially unique to this land are the dragons.  While they are still young and unable to produce fire, specially selected individuals are trained to ride them.  They develop a special bond with them until they have to release them when they start producing fire. This is to protect the rider.

When visitors come to the island by ship, the peace is disturbed. Even though they initially pretend to be friendly, they are really interested in gathering information so that they can invade the cities.  At the arrival of the strangers, several of the best dragon riders team up to demonstrate their abilities with the dragons. They form a group called the “Sky Raiders.”  Pretending to be a military unit that has been in existence for a while, they practice incredible maneuvers over the arriving ships.  This definitely captures the attention and concern of the invaders.

One of the team members secretly has a plan in which he thinks he can work with the dragons so that they can stay with their riders past their period of maturation.  It is heartbreaking to have to leave these wonderful creatures after having years of being bonded with them.  While all this is happening, several of the main characters are also dealing with affairs of the heart and coming into their own as couples.  As usual, complications arise that affect their progress.  This adds a great deal of depth to the unfolding drama.

“The Island of the Seven Kings” tells a wonderful story.  I felt that it was the perfect mixture of fantasy, romance and suspense.  The author does an excellent job bringing both the human and the dragon characters to life.  Everything is described in vivid detail. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of errors with grammar and punctuation that could easily be resolved with proper editing.  Fixing these issues would really make it a perfect story.  I am happy to see that this is the first book in a series and think that readers will find themselves waiting for more books to be released so that they can revisit this incredible place.


The Island of the Seven Kings: Book I
Ken Stephenson
AuthorHouse (2012)
ISBN 9781468543704
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness

Article first published as Cookbook Review: 5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness by Camila V. Saulsbury on Blogcritics.
Eating healthy has been a push in this country, not only by activists but also First Lady Michele Obama. Her influence has been in the limelight while raising consciousness in many communities and cultures. “5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking” follows in the footsteps by providing healthy recipes. The Introduction says “This book offers simple, delicious recipes that use ingredients with a proven track record in enhancing health or offering protection from diseases. The positive health benefits of the foods used in the recipes have been well established and confirmed in trials across the world over a period of years.” After reading this excerpt, I was ready to start testing.
For the purpose of the review, we are asked to test three recipes. The first recipe I tested was “Broccoli Carrot Slaw with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds.” The dressing was made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, agave nectar, Dijon mustard and salt. This was tossed into a combination of shredded broccoli stems, shredded carrots, chopped green onions and dried cranberries. It is suggested to chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The sunflower seeds are sprinkled on top just before eating. Served with a crusty roll, this made a great lunch. It’s simple to make and nutritious as well.
The second recipe I tested was “Pineapple Mint Chicken.” The cubed chicken breasts were sprinkled with a combination of ground cardamom, lemon zest, salt and pepper. The next step was to cook the onions in the skillet and when done adding the chicken until white all over. The pineapple, pineapple juice and broth were added and simmered until the chicken was cooked. Before serving, the dish was sprinkled with fresh mint. I served this dish with brown rice. What a delightful dinner dish! The sauce was slightly sweet from the pineapple and the chicken pieces were tender. The cardamom added a distinct flavor that was very pleasant. I’ll be making this dish again.
The third recipe I tested was “Asparagus Penne with Goat Cheese.” I used gluten-free penne as a substitute with great results when I added to it softened red onion, asparagus pieces, hot pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, crumbled goat cheese and gradated Romano cheese. The dish was pungent from the lemon juice, yet delicate with goat cheese. The dish was wonderful; very tasty and palatable. I added a side green salad making a light dinner on a hot day.
Scatted throughout “5 Easy Steps of Healthy Cooking” are blocks with “Healthy Know-How” and “Health Note.” Many of the recipes have text as well as tips and “nutrients per serving” charts. The beginning of the book gives common nutrition terms, explains nutrient analysis, and suggests ingredients for healthy cooking.
I commend Camilla V. Saulsbury in taking the time and making the effort to compile this cookbook. With focus on healthier eating, I recommend it to anyone that wants to make changes in their diet to include natural, chemical-free foods. Wellness is the key to longevity and it comes from pure, clean food; this cookbook, “5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness,” will give you the direction.


5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness
Camila V. Saulsbury
Robert Rose Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780778802969
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (4/12)

Why Do We All Love Dr. Seuss?: Discovering the Mystery and Magic of an Icon

Article first published as Book Review: Why Do We All Love Dr. Seuss?: Discovering the Mystery and Magic of an Icon by Lois Einhorn, Ph.D. on Blogcritics.

“Why Do We All Love Dr. Seuss?” by Lois Einhorn, Ph.D., provides an interesting and inspiring perspective to the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss! Dr. Einhorn offers her powerful insight into the magical words of Dr. Seuss. I was impressed with the connections she was able to make. Of course, it all seems obvious once she sheds light on those connections, but I know personally I would have missed out on many Dr. Seuss life lessons had I not read this book.

Some of the topics Dr. Einhorn includes are natural order, interconnectedness, balance, gratitude, respect, action, play and so much more. The chapter about the universe being one circle reminded me of how life is harmonious and whole. Dr. Einhorn says, “A circle has no borders, boundaries, or blocks, no corners, confines, or crevices… In an open circle everyone belongs.” That is powerful for adults and children alike. What comfort that must bring to young children just discovering the world.

Another chapter that spoke to me was chapter 11, “Gratefulness.” This chapter inspired me and reminded me to be truly grateful for my life, including my troubles. Sometimes simplicity carries great power and this chapter’s simple reminder served its purpose.

This book is sprinkled with thought-provoking quotes by interesting people, adding to the tidbits of wisdom throughout this book. My next read will be some of the old Dr. Seuss favorites so I can relive childhood joys with new insight. I will keep Lois Einhorn’s “Why Do We All Love Dr. Seuss?” as a reference for when I need to be reminded of how wonderfully whole our world is!


Why Do We All Love Dr. Seuss?: Discovering the Mystery and Magic of an Icon
Lois Einhorn, Ph.D.
Robert Reed Publishers (2012)
ISBN 9781934759585
Reviewed by Christine Watson for Reader Views (4/12)

With Every Good-bye

“With Every Good-bye” by Terri Watrous Berry is a story of a young woman, Marti, who is trying to finally grow up. She is married and has two children, but her husband has recently left her and she is having an extremely hard time dealing with the situation. She grew up well loved and protected, and her early married life seemed to be equally as safe. When it came crashing down, Marti was not well prepared for the harsh reality, retreating behind the walls of her home in the vain hope of staying invisible and thus protected. A well-meant invitation for a night out with her friend, Paula, made her realize that there were other things and other people out there, and she started to explore her newly found freedom and independence. That was quickly threatened by her mother and her soon to be ex-husband, and she was forced to make some really hard decisions, culminating in shocking consequences.

Terri Watrous Berry wrote a book that really made me think about the family dynamics, importance of standing up for oneself and need of finding one’s path in life. Reading about the run-ins that Marti had with her mother, Beatrice, and of all of her attempts to please her mother, was a bittersweet experience. I feel certain that mothers and daughters everywhere will find a lot to relate to in this segment of the story, and they will hopefully learn how important it is to let grown children make their own choices and live their own lives the way they want to. Although very often attempts to block such independence are made with the best intent in mind, the results tend to be disastrous for everybody involved.

I found the characters in the book very well developed, believable and easy to relate to, and although I did not find them likeable I did care about what happened to them. The flow of the narrative was smooth and appropriately paced, the storyline engaging and relevant, and overall I truly enjoyed reading “With Every Good-bye.” The choices Marti made were certainly not those I would have made, but somehow that made the story even more irresistible. I do wish the book had a different ending, but then, I am an incurable optimist and a closet romantic, but I am well aware that life rarely plays out that way. This is a book that should be well received by a wide circle of readers, since it is so realistic and so heartbreakingly down-to-earth. It should be required reading for all mothers and all daughters, who could learn so much from the mistakes Marti and Beatrice made in their relationship.

To purchase book please contact author at: tgwberry@yahoo.com


With Every Good-bye
Terri Watrous Berry
Morris Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780615544298
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (2/12)

Tales of Deserts and Demons

“Tales of Deserts and Demons” by Faiz Kermani is three fantasy stories. “The Demon and the Three Beggars” was my favorite.  It was about three disfigured beggars.  One was purple from head to toe, one had half the face of a monkey, and the last one had a snout instead of a nose. When three friends were once again kicked out of the town that they had been visiting, they wandered into the cave of a demon who said that he would kill them unless they told him their stories about how they were disfigured. Will they live to see another sunset or will they die in the cave?

Even though the title “Tales of Deserts and Demons” sounds scary, it is really more funny and clever than scary.  I would not classify this as a scary book, but many of the characters are demons or creatures.  All the stories had elements of trickery and just rewards.  I think even my mom might like this book!

I would recommend “Tales of Deserts and Demons” by Faiz Kermani to people who like short stories.  It is nice to pick up a good book and finish an entire good story in way less than an hour.  The entire book is less than 80 pages – but a very enjoyable 80 pages!


Tales of Deserts and Demons
Faiz Kermani
Faiz Kermani/Lulu (2012)
ISBN 9781105499937
Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 10) for Reader Views (4/12)

A Pocket Full of Voices

Article first published as Book Review: A Pocket Full of Voices by Alfred M. Albers on Blogcritics.

In author Alfred M. Albers’ newest novel, “A Pocket Full of Voices,” his appealing and adventurous main character, John Michaels, is at it again. For those not familiar with Albers’ series, Michaels is a semi-retired, world-renowned, American magician with a penchant for playing an off-the-record “private investigator” when friends are in need. This time, the tale is about a very old, dear friend from the entertainment business, veteran ventriloquist Gary Eagan.  The book begins with the seemingly implausible arrest of Eagan for his alleged involvement in a scam that has resulted in numerous thefts of money and valuable items from the rooms of visiting celebrities to the East coast gambling mecca of Mount Hope City. All of the thefts occurred while the celebrities and their entourages were attending Eagan’s popular, long standing show at the high profile Placid Hotel and Casino. When Eagan’s attorney asks him who he can contact as a character witness, the call goes out to John Michaels. And with that, the story explodes.

A constant sense of urgency propels the story forward at breakneck speed. Gary Eagan is released on bail and permitted to perform his daily shows, but all the while, he’s preoccupied by the possibility that his innocence might not be provable. “Little to go on,” an initial absence of seemingly any logical explanation, and a rapidly looming trial date, establish the need for speed. And the faster the story moves, the more unexpected and surprising become the plot’s changes in direction, detours and dead ends. But methodically and meticulously, Michaels begins to fit together the pieces of this intriguing mystery. His effectiveness as an under-the-radar sleuth can be directly traced to his magician’s mind – nothing’s impossible if you think it through and plan it properly.

Albers has a passion for magic. He has studied the art of the craft for over thirty-five years. He has been a part-time professional magician since 1981. He has taught, mentored and shared his knowledge with others. The result is a close, intimate relationship with his character, John Michaels. At times, Michaels is more than Albers’ alter-ego; they often seem one and the same. Albers builds similar bonds with the rest of his core cast of characters. As a result, the reader accepts them as real people with whom they too have a relationship. But this sense that the reader is given that they are not separate from the story, they are participating in it, starts with the character John Michaels. Given Michaels’ persona and presence, one easily can understand his appeal to readers.

The pace of the story never wanes. Even near the end, which I initially regarded as anti-climactic, I ultimately realized that Albers was performing one more writer’s slight-of-hand. He had convinced me that I dare not fail to read every last word lest I miss one more significant detail. In many ways, “A Pocket Full of Voices” by Alfred M. Albers is the quintessential mystery novel. You can put it down for a bit if you must, but you won’t be a happy reader if you do so. This book was conceived to be read non-stop, just like the story happens. If you can keep up with them, Albers and Michaels will become your favorite PI/ magicians.


A Pocket Full of Voices
Alfred M. Albers
Infinity Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780741469205
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (3/12)

Are You in A Pickle?: Lessons Learned Along The Way: Students’ Performance And Achievement Gaps

Article first published as Book Review: Are You in A Pickle?: Lessons Learned Along The Way: Students' Performance And Achievement Gaps by Patricia L. Pickles, Ph.D. on Blogcritics.

Educators serving in many different roles will find this book engaging and useful.  Dr. Patricia L. Pickles has been around the “education block” and offers helpful insights that allow educators to learn from her vast experience.  I found “Are You in A Pickle?” to be helpful in my role as a new private school owner.

Early on in the book, Dr. Pickles shares a few life lessons learned.  While all of them were interesting, I found one to be particularly powerful.  She says “To prepare students for today’s workforce, learning must be relevant.” This is very true because the needs of our society are constantly evolving, and education will also need to evolve to remain relevant.  This one life lesson is the main reason I left public education and started my own school.

Dr. Pickles provides valuable data that shows the reality of education and offers suggestions and advice for improving our current status.  In the book, there is a table showing the kindergarten readiness for different socioeconomic groups, and the importance of learning in the early years.  Dr. Pickles also asks some great thought-provoking questions in the book.  One in particular that struck me was “At the elementary level, are multiple intelligences embraced to determine and identify the unique gifts in young people?”  What are we doing for our students that will help them not only learn the skills necessary for the future, but to support them in strengthening their personal talents and gifts?

Dr. Pickles said, “A manager ensures that things are done right, but a leader does the right thing.”  As a school owner and leader, I found this statement to be one of the most powerful in the book.  She goes on to talk a little about a variety of great leaders in our country and world, and I was incredibly inspired to improve my own leadership skills.

Throughout the book, Dr. Patricia L. Pickles gives heartfelt insight along with facts to make “Are You in A Pickle?” a must read for educators in general, and school leaders in particular.  I plan to keep this book handy as a reference when I need a pick-me-up.


Are You in A Pickle?: Lessons Learned Along The Way: Students’ Performance And Achievement Gaps
Patricia L. Pickles, Ph.D.
AuthorHouse (2012)
ISBN 9781456796587
Reviewed by Christine Watson for Reader Views (3/12)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart

Article first published as Book Review: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I've Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic's Mood Chart by Derek Thompson on Blogcritics.

Except for being personally diagnosed, every aspect of my life is touched by people with bipolar disorder. From friends, to family, to my students, it seems like this disorder is more common than most people would think.  Many years ago, before it was well known, a close friend’s mother was diagnosed with it. Her symptoms were severe. When my friend’s sister and nine-year-old son also received the diagnosis, I tried to learn as much as I could about it from her. One thing that always stayed with me was that she said, “Imagine that the rest of the world is crazy and you are the only normal one.” This was what she felt her family members were experiencing.  I always tried to keep this in mind when working with my students who are bipolar.   Reading Derek Thompson’s memoir, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart,” about dealing with this disorder was truly a blessing for me because I feel it will help me deal more effectively with my students who have this diagnosis.  The more I can understand about what it is like to experience this, the more effective support that I can provide to them.  Providing the proper support can help have a huge impact on them completing their educational goals.

Organized in blog entries, Derek tells his personal story by organizing the symptoms into sections rather than chronologically.  I felt this idea was incredibly creative and seemed to help the book flow better. I would have expected it to seem disjointed, but since each entry stands alone, it was actually very helpful to do this in this manner.  Organized as a mood chart, he breaks the book down into three sections with differing levels of severity which are reflected by colors of the rainbow. The first section covers depressed, then normal and finally elevated (manic).

I really admired the author for writing in a manner than included a great deal of both insight and humor.  Readers will find themselves captivated by his experiences and the fact that he is able to maintain a sense of humor about all that has happened to him.   The amount of personal information that he shares is also extremely helpful because I felt that by sharing everything, even the embarrassing experiences will help others relate to him, and in turn gain a greater understanding of the experience of being bipolar.

I also think that “Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart” will help remove some of the stigma associated with being bipolar. Obviously, it isn’t an easy mental health condition to have to live with; however, reading Derek’s story will help people who don’t have it understand that the ones who do are human beings who deserve compassion and respect for having to ride the rollercoaster that they are on.  I highly recommend this book for people who are diagnosed with it, and for those who deal with those who have it, including both professionals and loved ones.  Derek Thompson’s memoir has had a huge impact on my life, and I really appreciate his willingness to put it all out there.


Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I’ve Lost My Damn Mind: A Manic’s Mood Chart
Derek Thompson
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781467935234
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!

Article first published as Book Review: Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt! by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D on Blogcritics.

Kenneth J. Thurber’s “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” is one of those books that truly make you think. It matters little whether you are an aspiring inventor, an old hand in this field, or simply a curious individual with an insatiable desire to learn, there will be plenty to astonish and amaze you in “Do Not Invent Buggy Whips.”

While I certainly found the theory of invention and reinvention captivating, particularly since this book was written in a clear, concise and easy to follow manner, I got even more involved while reading parts 3 and 4, which deal with application of concepts and examples of product strategies respectively. There were a lot of rather nostalgic moments involved, since some of the ideas that already need to be reinvented were such important discoveries or new products in my own past. I had to laugh time again about the way I first misread the title itself as well. Being somebody who is always dealing with a computer, my first thought on seeing the word “buggy” was something with a lot of bugs, the computer type ones... Granted, the whips threw me off immediately there, but it still took me a moment to associate the word buggy with a horse drawn vehicle, which just shows you how quickly things, including language, change and need to be updated and reinvented.

The word “reinvented” brings us to the main premise of the book, namely the need for the inventions to be relevant and the simple truth that many of the formerly great and valuable inventions simply aren’t that any longer. Kenneth J. Thurber describes a clear path of how such a process should be designed, put in place and implemented to disrupt the status quo on the market and bring in considerable success along the way. While he never promises to make the reader rich, and I certainly found that to be a wonderful departure from the style of all too many so called self-help books, he creates an easy to follow and quite reasonable outline of how one should approach this type of invention/reinvention and which factors one should pay particular attention to.

“Do Not Invent Buggy Whips” by Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D., is a book that should find a permanent place on the bookshelves of those who always strive to better products – and ideas, and who are not afraid of hard work and some animosity along the way. Mr. Thurber’s models and ideas certainly could help a wide range of entrepreneurs, not only the inventors, therefore I would recommend this book to anybody in any kind of a business who wants to remain relevant and successful.


Do Not Invent Buggy Whips: Create! Reinvent! Position! Disrupt!
Kenneth J. Thurber, Ph.D.
Digital Systems Press (2012)
ISBN 9780983342434
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/12)

How Maji Gets Mongo Off the Couch!

Max’s comments:

“This book is about two dogs.  One is named Maji and one is named Mongo.  Maji likes to run around outside and play.  Mongo likes to sit on the couch and watch shows.

Maji goes to Mongo’s house and asks him to play.  Mongo goes out to play and likes it.  That is good because going outside to play is good for you.

My favorite part was when they built a fort with the big rectangle rocks.  That was a cool fort and they got really strong lifting all of those rocks and stacking them.  I think they got big muscles from that.  I liked the part when Maji was like a tornado running to all of the things in the playground too!

I didn’t think it was a good idea when the dog jumped in front of the truck to save the turtle!  It is not good to jump in front of a truck.  He could have gotten run over!

‘How Maji Gets Mongo Off the Couch!’ is a good book to tell kids to go outside and play.  Playing outside is fun.  It is bad to sit in front of a TV for a long time.  That is not very healthy to do that.  I think kids that do that should read this book so they can see how much fun you can have outside.”


How Maji Gets Mongo Off the Couch!
Dr. J. Renae Norton
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2012)
ISBN 9781934759608
Reviewed by Max Aures (age 5.5) and Mom for Reader Views (3/12)

The Dog that Managed Hedge Funds

Article first published as Book Review: The Dog that Managed Hedge Funds by Nancy Parsons on Blogcritics.

Sheila Thibedeau has a most unusual career. In addition to being a professional dog walker, she is also an animal communicator.  The latter part of her duties earns her a great deal of derision and not much respect from acquaintances, friends or family. However, in general, her clients find her to be extremely helpful in dealing with their pets.  Sheila works for both sides. She is contacted by pet owners to telepathically communicate with their pets so that they can find out what is going on, and learn how to help them.  Her clients include horses, cats, rabbits, pigs and dogs.

Imagine her surprise when she discovers that one of the dogs she is contacted to help was formerly a human being who died in prison after bilking his clients out of their money while being a hedge fund manager.  Harrison is a gruff, irascible character.  Dying in prison, he is surprised to wake up in the body of an arthritic old dog.  When Sheila contacts him, at the request of his adopter, he is extremely rude and uncooperative.  As time passes, they begin to develop a friendship of sorts, and Harrison begins offering Sheila financial advice.  Being a dog walker/animal communicator is not a lucrative career choice.  Using Sheila as a mental escape from the doldrums of living in a boring household, Harrison tries to convince Sheila to take his financial advice in areas of both investments and gambling.  Sheila slowly begins to adapt to the idea of taking his financial advice but is reluctant to get involved with gambling, even when she is encouraged to use some of the insider information that she gains from her animal clients, especially in the areas of shows and races.

Time will tell if Harrison was sent back to right some wrongs by helping Sheila with his knowledge, or if he is still a shyster.  Meanwhile, Sheila continues to work on making her business grow, and developing a special non-professional relationship with a handsome young banker.

“The Dog that Managed Hedge Funds” takes a humorous look at the special human/animal connection that many of us believe that we share with our four-legged friends.  The author, Nancy Parsons, has created some wonderful, eccentric human and non-human characters that really make this story shine.  Catching myself laughing out loud, many times, I found this novel to be the perfect escape to treat myself to at the end of a very stressful day.


The Dog that Managed Hedge Funds
Nancy Parsons
Foursquare Books (2012)
ISBN 9780978539535
ASIN B007EV0LSE
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works

Article first published as Book Review: Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works by C.O.B. on Blogcritics.

“Words & Graphics” is an extremely simple title for a complex collection of writings which includes poems, dialogues, short stories, statements and plays.  There are also artistic images that contribute greatly to this novel.  Some of the writings make brief and blunt statements; others are more in-depth and incredibly descriptive considering that they don’t take up many pages. The author also includes H.O.T.Ds - “Highlights of the Day.”  These are interspersed throughout the book and they focus on brutally honest and, at times, disturbing observances made by an employee regarding his day at work.  I really enjoyed reading these because sometimes I feel the same way.

Every important aspect of life is included in these writings. This includes parenting, religion, love, loss, and death.  Nothing is simple or joyful, yet the complexity of the writings left me with some very intense feelings. I also appreciated that the short stories and the screenplay left me wanting more. While this might sound negative, it is actually positive because I wanted to be able to sink myself further into what the characters were experiencing.  I admire the author for being able to draw me in and quickly connect me to the characters in the stories.  The artistic works also added a visual connection to the writings. They can also be enjoyed on their own.  Each one is unique and also made me pause to ponder them.

The author notes that it took ten years to create “Words & Graphics.”  I totally enjoyed every page and highly recommend it.  Readers will enjoy the uniqueness of how the works are presented and appreciate having the opportunity to get their hands on something different.  This book would also make an excellent gift for the person who has everything!


Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works
C.O.B.
Grey Line Press (20122)
ISBN 9780983002826
ASIN: B007K1EF9E
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

We’re Eating What?: A Memoir, Recipes, and How-To-Guide from America's Longest-Running Gourmet Group

Article first published as Book Review: We're Eating What?: A Memoir, Recipes, and How-To-Guide from America's Longest-Running Gourmet Group by Shirley Law Jacobus on Blogcritics.

When I picked up Shirley Law Jacobus’ “We’re Eating What?,” I immediately got really intrigued by its subtitle. “A Memoir, Recipes, and How-To-Guide from America’s Longest-Running Gourmet Group” sounded quite ambitious, and definitely interesting. Being quite a foodie myself, and not ashamed of admitting it, I am always curious about the path other people have taken in their discoveries of new culinary delights.

The story Shirley Law Jacobus wove in this book is a fascinating and deeply personal one, dealing with so much more than just the gourmet aspects of the group that was founded nearly 40 years ago. The reader gets to know a diverse cast of characters, most of which remained a constant for the entire time the group has been in existence, and follow them through life’s ups and downs, personal triumphs and tragedies, and all manner of changes. In addition to those stories, the reader is treated to description of dinners, some way more delicious than others, as well as many recipes guaranteed to inspire and rouse curiosity. If this book truly awakens a strong desire to experience something similar, Shirley Law Jacobus also includes a well-thought-out and helpful how-to guide on what to consider if one wishes to establish a similar dining group. Her many decades of experience clearly shine through in that part; I am certain that such a how-to section could prevent a lot of potential problems for any similar group.

The parts that I enjoyed the most were the ones dealing with the actual food, its sourcing and challenges in preparing it – and sometimes eating the less successful results. Possibly the most fascinating part for me was the description of the culinary landscape and the most common foods in the U.S. back in the 1970s, which was vastly different from what we ate in Europe during that same period of time. Such cultural tidbits always intrigue me, and “We’re Eating What?” was jam-packed with them. At the same time I had to chuckle out loud a few times at things such as a “German wienerschnitzel,” imaging the faces of the Viennese if they ever stumbled upon this reference.

While I truly appreciate the memoir portion of this story, particularly in view of courage it had to take to describe all of the tragedies that happened to the author herself as well as the other group members, I simply did not find it particularly interesting, and a lot of those minutiae slowed down the flow of the narrative and made it somewhat tedious to read. I would have preferred more recipes and fewer references to weddings, visits to the emergency room or merits of different types of hair goop.

Overall I found “We’re Eating What?” by Shirley Law Jacobus an enjoyable book, and I would recommend it to anybody who is curious about the culinary adventures in the U.S.


We’re Eating What?: A Memoir, Recipes, and How-To-Guide from America's Longest-Running Gourmet Group
Shirley Law Jacobus
PublishAmerica (2011)
ISBN 9781456075187
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/12)

Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot: Poem Jokes You Will Like a Lot

“Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot” by L.W. Lewis is a collection of 89 short, funny and rhyming poems.  The poems are about things like being mean, sisters and brothers, silly names and leopard spots.  One of my favorite poems was “Rover.” It is about Rover who won’t do anything that a normal dog does, but it turns out that Rover is really a cat.  Another favorite was “Why Johnny Missed Church.”  It is about Johnny and all the animals that followed him to church.

Almost every poem has a drawing.  The drawings aren’t very detailed, but they are colorful and cute.

I wish that the author had picked a different title for this book.  Most of the poems aren’t crude or vulgar like the title might make you think.  There are a few poems about boogers and calling people brats, but most of them were silly in a nice kind of a way.  I don’t think that very many parents will buy the book because of the title, and that is too bad.

I would recommend this book to people who like silly poetry or who like to read rhyming things out loud.  “Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot” might inspire some kids to make up silly poems of their own.


Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot: Poem Jokes You Will Like a Lot
L.W. Lewis
Red Pumpkin Press (2011)
ISBN 9780971157224
Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 9) for Reader Views (3/12)

Spy Family: Book 1

“Spy Family: Book 1” by James Rahfaldt is about when thirteen-year-old twins Elizabeth and James took a vacation with their parents from Illinois to Italy to see the sights.  But, as they were going through airport immigration in Italy, Luke, the dad, was taken into a room and handcuffed to the table with no explanation.  Finally, CIA agent Tom Howard entered the room.  Luke had met Tom once years before in Washington, DC when Luke and his family had been touring the White House. Tom took him aside and asked him to go to a dinner and talk to a man named Silvano.  Luke and his wife Bianca went to the dinner and that was that.

But, now in Italy, Luke learned that the man named Silvano was a counterfeiting crime boss.  At that dinner long ago, Silvano invited the Wards to meet again for dinner someday.  Now the CIA was eager to contact Silvano and the Ward family was their key.  Tom asked Luke to serve his country and use that long ago dinner invitation to contact Silvano.  It all sounded so simple.

I’ll tell you it wasn’t that simple!  It was hair-raising, action-packed and exciting.  It was one of the best books I’ve read.  There were a bunch of characters and I felt like I got to know them all.  I suggest that readers don’t get to like the bad guys too much.  The plot was well developed and very suspenseful. 

The book is only 180-pages long but the type is small and the margins are narrow, so the book took longer than I expected to read.  The book has some violence so people that don’t like that sort of thing might not like the book.  But, I savored every word.  I will recommend “Spy Family: Book 1” by James Rahfaldt to everyone I know.


Spy Family: Book 1
James Rahfaldt
Matcole Properties (2011)
ISBN 9780984927807
Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 10) for Reader Views (3/12)

Perplexity of Iran

Article first published as Book Review: Perplexity of Iran by Sohrab ChamanAra on Blogcritics.

Iran is one of the world’s oldest, continuous civilizations. Iran’s potential to negatively impact the U.S. and its allies came to the fore after World War II. Today, there is a wide-spread perception among Americans that Iran is the last vestige of the so-called Axis of Evil. While there is little doubt that the U.S. could readily defeat Iran militarily, the perplexing question remains: “What then?” In his new book, “Perplexity of Iran,” Kurdish Iranian-American Sohrab ChamanAra offers his own thoughtful and heartfelt answer.

Sohrab ChamanAra is a citizen historian, not a scholar. The 68 pages of content are straightforward and easy to follow - more of a lengthy essay than a book. And ChamanAra prominently clarifies from the beginning that the “information in this book is most often copied from Wikipedia…as this Internet Encyclopedia is the best English translation of the facts…accepted by all Muslim scholars.” He has done good job of paring down this scholarly writing. He is quietly passionate about what he writes and his motivation appears to be a genuine respect for humanity and a desire for world peace.

“Perplexity of Iran” begins by providing the reader with a relevant topline historical perspective on the strategic positioning of the Iran, within both its own geographical region and in relationship to the West. The author then moves to significant insights into the cultural and social relationships between specific groups within the country. ChamanAra refutes the perception of a relationship of violent conflict between the Shia and the Sunni, at the same time, confirming long-standing hatred between Wahhabi and Shia. He also explains the notion of a “proxy” war going on within the region between these two factions in which “…American troops could regard as bystanders.” ChamanAra wraps up his analysis of the information he presents by offering what he believes is the only true solution to the perplexity of Iran.

For the average westerner, especially Americans, the leadership and actions of the Iranian government and of certain radicals within the country, incites anger and hatred. “Perplexity of Iran” by Sohrab ChamanAra provides notable insights and explanations of the misconceptions - which fuel those emotions - about the social fabric of the country and of its people, particularly the admiration and high regard the average Iranian (certainly not the government) has for America. “Perplexity of Iran” might be considered by some to be too simplistic in its approaches. But it is, at the least, a thought-provoking, easy-to-follow primer, offering the personal thoughts of an upstanding Iranian-American, on a difficult and complex problem affecting us all. And it might just compel the average American to reconsider his or her own thinking on the matter.


Perplexity of Iran
Sohrab ChamanAra
Xlibris (2012)
ISBN 9781469168562
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (4/12)

The Second Tour, 2nd Edition

Article first published as Book Review: The Second Tour, 2nd Edition by Terry P. Rizzuti on Blogcritics.

Some readers will find “The Second Tour,” by author Terry P. Rizzuti, to be a grim and grueling read. It is a mirror image of what was one of the most gruesome wars ever fought. For me, this book is also one of the most moving and meticulously crafted novels about that war, or any war, that I’ve read. The central character, and the story’s narrator, is an intelligent, entry-level Marine named Rootie. The name and his intimate knowledge of the Vietnam experience strongly suggest that the book is as much a memoir as a novel. It is perhaps this blurring of reality and fiction that accounted for much of the book’s powerful hold on me.

“The Second Tour” tells two tales. The first is that of what is brought and lost to Vietnam. The other is a story of reconnecting to one’s former life – or any kind of life – after returning to what was your home. The author uses a style to tell his story that creates a patchwork quilt of short chapters and vignettes that are not in chronological order, and which include numerous tangents and diversions. At times this approach can make the reader feel as if they are attempting to follow disjointed ramblings that are leading them nowhere.

In fact, what Rizzuti does in “The Second Tour” is lead us on a brilliantly conceived path to understanding the complex and traumatic impact that the war had on ordinary combat troops who had no way out of the brutalizing experience that was Vietnam. It is a path that guides the reader through the despair of living without hope, dissociation, and the beginnings of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. All along the way, Rootie, the narrator, provides matter-of-fact descriptions of disturbing, yet mesmerizing, acts of violence and immoralities: “…The next morning there were sixteen dead gooks and one wounded. Raven made it seventeen dead gooks. Did him a favor really…Corporal Beardly got his third purple heart that night. Not because he was wounded but because he had purposefully jabbed his left arm several times with a C-ration can opener. Nobody said anything ‘cause we were all too happy to see him get to go home.”

“The Second Tour” foretells in many ways the problems that would continue to plague our soldiers in the “new” kind of wars that would come after Vietnam. And if the reader makes a commitment to stick with it, Terry Rizzuti’s powerful book will unlock their comprehension of the plight of our soldiers, not only in combat, but also in completing their “second tour” upon coming home. That second tour is long, in many ways far more daunting than the first, and it is one that is having an alarming impact on our soldiers and our society as a whole. “The Second Tour” is a difficult read, but a read we owe to our soldiers and ourselves to undertake. It is truly a remarkable debut novel.


The Second Tour, 2nd Edition
Terry P. Rizzuti
Spinetinglers (2011)
ISBN 9781906755218
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (4/12)