Reader Views

Mr. Hancock’s Signature

“Mr. Hancock’s Signature” is the story of two dead brothers, and civic planner Ian Washington, who bring restoration to a flatlands community in Monteray County. The story is filled with unexpected, strange events and peculiar people. A golem, water sprites, and a ghost train add to heighten the level of fear in a community steeped with a heritage of superstitions, myths, folklore, and stories of magic.

Brian Wheeler is a wordsmith extraordinaire. Whether describing the “leaves rustling a mournful melody through the trees” of the cemetery or “a faint trickle turned into the thumping sound of heavy rain on a shingled roof,” Brian paints word pictures of the flatlands of a fictitious community in Monteray county.

Brian’s characters take on a life of their own through dialog. He uses a natural flow of conversation to introduce background material and insight into the setting, as well as certain traits of the characters. Wheeler skillfully creates dialog to further enhance the strength of the narrative. He incorporates the use of specific speech patterns and accents to establish the time and locale of his story while interjecting natural physical actions during a conversation. “Like I told you, Gerald” - Mr. Drumming pulled at his suspenders - “I had to make a promise….”

I found myself involved in Ian’s struggle. As a teenager Ian witnessed an eerie experience in a cemetery, an experience that haunted him. Years later he returns to Monteray County. Through his position with the county Ian has an opportunity to ensure the proper burial of the “man from the cemetery,” Mr. Hancock, when his corpse inexplicably appears at the railway station, then disappears from the funeral parlor’s basement to be mysteriously dragged to several historical locations in the community. Ian, a colorful preacher, and the funeral proprietor seek to resolve the unusual dilemma of Mr. Hancock.

Brian skillfully uses the cycle of conflict, tension, and momentary relief to keep the reader caught up in a complex plot to the final dramatic conclusion. Throughout the narrative Wheeler purposefully weaves in questions of a spirit world inhabiting the community that leaves the reader with unanswered questions as to their personal feeling regarding the realm of the unknown, glancing sideways to catch faces and movement out of the corner of the eye or to listen for whisperings in the darkness.

“Mr. Hancock’s Signature” is a book for the reader who enjoys intrigue, fantasy, and the unexplained. I was personally intrigued by Brian Wheeler’s writing style, compelling plot, and memorable characters. I eagerly await the next novel in this series. Compelling and haunting.

Mr. Hancock’s Signature
Brian S. Wheeler
Xlibris Corporation (2008)
ISBN 9781436318587
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/08)

Lord Above

In “Lord Above” author Charles Keech asks the question, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?” The book is a compilation of Scripture, including the apocrypha, topical observations, and thought-provoking questions that help the reader contemplate the laws of God, the only God, the God of Moses and the God of David.

These practical and anointed words become a guide for the reader seeking God with an ear to listening for His instructions, His admonitions, and His promises. Keech leads the reader into worship through the well-chosen Psalms, exaltations, and paeans of praise.

The question, “What doth the Lord thy God require of thee?” is countered with an assemblage of verses calling attention to each of the commandments given to Moses. The message is strong and clearly admonishes the reader to take heed to the danger of pride. In a logical sequence Keech calls attention to scriptures that warn of judgment to come and the destruction the wicked will experience as the result of sin.

This warning introduces the message of God’s mercy. I was filled with a sense of gratitude as I was reminded of God’s provision, salvation, healing, and peace. I found the selections on prayer not only a call to prayer but a pattern for prayer. These well-chosen verses are great for contemplation, reflection, and meditation as you prepare your heart for a time of listening for and to God.

Prophetic in his message Keech chose the story of Noah to challenge the reader to humility. He then introduced spiritual parallels using the eye, the nose, the mouth, the brain, the ear, and touch to demonstrate God’s amazing creation, to establish the existence of God and to suggest ways the senses can be used as expressions of worship. He goes on to show how God used creation, history, the weather, temperature, water, and land restoration to declare the His existence and how man cannot survive without nature.

The final selections call the reader to recognize the freedom of choice and offers an invitation to all, to the gentile, to respond to the question asked in the introduction, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?”

“Lord Above” provides a powerful selection of solid scripture verses, with minimal commentary. These selections direct attention to the message God has for man. Although I would have liked some transitional remarks between topics, the strength of the book is in the verses selected and the progression in which they are presented for consideration. These selections can have a life-changing impact on the reader.

The book can be adapted for use as a Bible study guide for individual or group use. It is ideal for personal or family devotions. “Lord Above” provides for those who want to know more of the foundational teachings of the Old Testament -- an excellent resource guide.

Lord Above
Charles Keech
Infinity Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780741445827
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (05/08)

Orphan Ahwak

“Orphan Ahwak” is an enjoyable adventure story about a young girl named Aneze. When all the men in her hometown are killed by warriors, and the women are all kidnapped, Aneze runs away and meets a kind old man who begins teaching her how to be a hunter like her father had been. Once she learns the skills necessary for a hunter, she goes off on her own and finds many exciting adventures.

Author Raquel Rivera writes with such good description of the characters that you can really relate to them. Even though the plot is exciting, the characters are another reason that keeps the reader turning the pages. My favorite character is Aneze because she is so bold, kind, and would make a very trustworthy friend. Aneze shows she is very brave and has the heart of a hero even if she has just suffered so much, and during the whole book she shows no signs of losing her head or mourning forevermore in her losses. Aneze holds her responsibility, however hard it is and keeps moving forward to stay alive.

The old man Aneze first finds home with is a very good character, too; he made a great friend for her the beginning and he builds back Aneze’s strength. Aneze’s friend Ketch and Ketch’s family provide the family and home that Aneze was searching for. Even if Ketch and his family were nervous at first to Aneze’s arrival, they quickly bond to her. Ketch makes almost a brother, as well as a friend, and Uncle and Aunt fill in as her mother and father, even though she does not forget her old parents or her hometown.

Aneze faces many life-threatening challenges, but unlike most books her biggest challenge is her first. When her town is attacked and she runs away, this is the hardest thing that Aneze has to face. One complaint I had with the book is that the end of the story gave Aneze very little challenge. I think it would have been more interesting if Raquel Rivera had made the ending harder on Aneze.

“Orphan Ahwak” shows real things a hunter may have had to do back in that time. At times, it is almost like a guidebook. Occasionally, however, it gets so involved it is almost cruel to animals. For example, the old man sometimes talks absentmindedly about killing various creatures, including his own lead dog. Aneze also does not appear to feel upset or show any sign of comfort to the reader, though, perhaps, this is just because her father is a hunter and she may have heard these kinds of things back at home. The book is very well written, though it may be frightening to younger children searching for a good read.

I would recommend “Orphan Ahwak” to my friends, just as long as they were prepared for the parts that are hard for animal lovers. The book was a very good book one and definitely one of my favorites. I believe it is good for children over nine and even adults. I think that Raquel Rivera will one day be a best-selling author, and “Orphan Ahwak” is a great entertainment.

Orphan Ahwak
Raquel Rivera
Orca Book Pubishers (2007)
ISBN 9781551436531
Reviewed by Avery Largent (age 9) for Reader Views (4/08)

The Little Elephant with the Big Earache (Dr. Hippo)

“The Little Elephant with the Big Earache” begins when all of Eddie the elephant’s cousins arrive on Wednesday to help celebrate his birthday. They run down to the river and start building mud castles for the Mud Castle Contest on Saturday. Wednesday evening, however, Eddie wakes up in the middle of the night because his ear is hurting him. His mom gives him some medicine and says that they will see the doctor in the morning. After a visit to the Dr. Hippocrates, the doctor determines that it is an early ear infection and that they are just going to monitor it. By Saturday Eddie feels better just in time to enjoy his party!

Cayden: “His ears hurt!”
Max: “Hurt! Hurt!”

Max: Pointing to the picture of Eddie crying: “Cry!”
Cayden: “He looks sad because he is sick Max.”

Cayden: “Why would they sit on the porch in the middle of the night?”

Cayden: “Why doesn’t he like to go to the doctor? I like to go to the doctor!”
Max: “Like!”

Cayden: “Why is he wearing his blanket as a cape? Maybe he doesn’t want it to fall in the road on the way out to the car.”

Cayden: “My favorite part was when the doctor looked in his ears to see what was wrong.”

Cayden: “I also liked the pictures of when they were building those mud castles, especially the elephant one!”

The Little Elephant with the Big Earache (Dr. Hippo)
Charlotte Cowan
The Hippocratic Press (2004)
ISBN 9780975351604
Reviewed by Cayden (age 3-1/2) and Max (age 20-months) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (4/08)

Maximum Performance Basketball: In-Season Workout Book for Players 7th Grade-12th Grade

“Maximum Performance Basketball: In-Season Workout Book for Players 7th Grade-12th Grade,” by James E. Brown, is a book for any basketball player that wants to improve their skills. The author is a former pro-European basketball player, and he has coached a number of teams throughout the U.S.A. and Europe. This book helps with passing, dribbling, shooting, post moves, and even helps with time management. There are clear illustrations and numbered steps on how to execute each move perfectly, and good pictures showing how to do the drills. It also has a really good exercise workout schedule on a weekly calendar.

This book is an in-season workout book so it’s better to have it with you on the court than for a quiet-time read. I would bring this book along with me to my practices, so I could read the drills then perform them. You should bring it every time you practice. It is easy to understand and even though it’s simple, it still gives you a great workout.

I would recommend this book to any student athlete because it doesn’t just help to improve your skills; it shows you how to manage your time, and balance homework and basketball evenly. You will find individual moves, workout schedules, and a list of students that excelled beyond the rest and reached their ultimate goals of getting scholarships, and even making it to the N.B.A. I liked this book and will use it myself, and I recommend Maximum Performance Basketball: In-Season Workout Book for Players 7th Grade-12th Grade” to any aspiring basketball player.

Maximum Performance Basketball: In-Season Workout Book for Players 7th Grade-12th Grade
James E. Brown
James E. Brown Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9780980119909
Reviewed by Mazuba Shunamon-S. (age 14) for Reader Views (4/08)

How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming

“How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate,” by Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch, was both interesting and informative. I didn’t know anything about Global Warming, or how scientists know about it, but this book explained it to me. It also told me ways that I could participate in helping scientists get more data, which I thought was fascinating. I didn’t know that there was anything that I could do to help. One of the ways that the book said that children could help was to record and chart when the first birds began to appear and when the first buds began to blossom.

The pictures were clear and sharp, and they featured extraordinary and beautiful views, as well of pictures of the some children who helped the scientists to collect their data. The type was large and easy-to-read. The book laid its facts out in a simple, easy-to-understand way that young children could understand, and there were definitions for most of the words, making everything even clearer still. While it could be for any age group, I thought that it was best suited for six-to-twelve-year-olds, although children and adults of any age would be able to understand and enjoy it.

The combination of pictures and information helped balance the book so that it was not too much like a textbook. Throughout the book, the authors show pictures and write articles about children who helped scientists collect data. In addition, readers learned facts about Global Warming and how scientists know about it. I thought that this was a very good balance between scientists and non-scientists, something that I do not find in many science books.

There are also photographs in the book that compare “now and then” -- for instance, what the Athabasca Glacier looked like in 1917 compared to what it looked like in 2005. The difference was astounding! I wasn’t aware of the changes that Global Warming has provoked, and this book explained it to me. However, it wasn’t a discouraging book. It told the facts, and then told you what you could do to help, not dwelling unnecessarily on gloomy or dispiriting things.

I would recommend “How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate” to my friends because I thought that it did a good job separating fact from fiction, and also because it showed real-life situations where children were able to help scientists.

How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming
Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch
Dawn Publications (2008)
ISBN 9781584691037
Reviewed by Maya Landers (age 10) for Reader Views (4/08)

The Blue Star: A Novel

“The Blue Star” follows “Jim the Boy.” Jim is now a teenager growing up at the start of World War II. Jim has just broken up with his girlfriend, Norma. She was too boring for him. Both Norma and Jim’s moms are not happy about the breakup because Jim had already told Norma that he loved her, so they assumed that there would be a marriage to follow. Jim’s heart has already moved on to Chrissie Steppe. She is the daughter of Injun Joe. Chrissie is beautiful. Unfortunately, she has a boyfriend, Bucky Bucklaw. He is in the Navy.

Jim develops a friendship with Chrissie. He admits that he loves her. He discovers the complicated reasons of why she is not able to be with him. Still he does not give up hope. His affection for her is very apparent to everybody else in their school. As Jim gets to know Chrissie better, he learns about his uncle’s former relationship with her mother. Jim and Chrissie’s family history is extremely intertwined.

“The Blue Star” paints a vivid picture of life during the early years of World War II. In his descriptions of the times, Tony Earley creates a very real picture of how life was at that time. People were dealing with family members going away to war. There was also a great deal of poverty. Jim’s relationship with his family is very special. He is very close to three uncles since his father died when he was young.

Jim’s relationship with the women in his life was entertaining to read about. He is close to his mother; however, she still wants him to be with his ex-girlfriend. His ex-girlfriend is still in love with him and has to learn to move beyond that. Chrissie seems to be in love with him, but can’t do anything about it. Jim’s feelings for her are very sweet. He has the normal teenage boy hormonal issues, yet at his heart, he also truly cares for her.

I really enjoyed “The Blue Star.” It is a classically, timeless story. People of all ages will enjoy this story.

The Blue Star: A Novel
Tony Earley
Little, Brown and Company (2008)
ISBN 9780316199070
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Learnt

With the use of cultural dialect, Edward Baldwin creates an intriguing story about children who come from an environment where no one wants to bother with them, much less educators. With the typical stereotypes these children are branded as “bad,” “no ambition,” and “will not amount to anything.”

The inspiring story revolves around Kenny Houston who lives with his single mother who cares nothing about him. Her life revolves around drinking, partying and many men. Kenny has been left to fend for himself, as well as his little sister, after their father dies suddenly. No one talks about this and Kenny keeps his pain and anger inside which leads him to become a problem child in school and in his little area of the world.

The second character to come into play is Tony Avery, a black man who is a first-year teacher in a school that is for those who cannot adapt to regular school, Lincoln High. It is full of misfits for students and the teachers could care less as long as they collect a paycheck. Mr. Avery tries to make a difference in the school by showing the students he does care and has made enemies as an English instructor because he talks “their talk.”

As a former teacher, I really enjoyed the theme of “Learnt.” I know how we can forget those that really need our help and yet we don’t give it because of how they dress, where they come from and most of all because of “the attitude.” No wonder we have such a high dropout rate in schools from kids who are in the lower income bracket and have no family to support them. One of the aspects I really liked was the way it was written, in “chocklish,” a combination of cultural dialect and Standard English. As many major reviewers have said “This is a must for all those who work in the school systems.”

Learnt
Edward M. Baldwin
Jazlo & Lossi Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780979407444
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (4/08)

It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!

A Jacksonville, Florida former councilman Rodney Hurst Sr. is a grandfather, father of two sons and has been a loving husband for over forty-one years. The inspiration for his book began when he was eleven-years-old and was introduced to his first youth group.

Joining a youth group at the age of eleven would be uneventful to an average child, but for Rodney; it was the beginning of an adventure. Who would have thought that this would be the beginning of a long road? This road caused him pain, sorrow and depression, but yet gave him the greatest joy of his life, freedom. In a time of “White only” restaurants, “White and Colored” restrooms, Rodney grew to become a notable activist for the struggles of his people. From his first sit-in at the “Woolworths Department Store,” to his election as Councilman for the city of Jacksonville, Florida; the book does a wonderful job of tracing Rodney’s plight. Tracing his exploits every step of the way, it kept you glued to the pages.

With all the adventure of a war novel, the book takes you to all the places history was made. It takes you to the front lines, the battles and the victories of the marches and the sit-ins. With such good attention to actual events and the truth of what took place, this book makes you one with the protestors. You become a part of the movement and feel what they were feeling.

I enjoyed “It was never about a hot dog and a Coke” and thought it was well-written and very nicely presented. The quality of the print, the front and back cover art and the reprints of historic pictures; all made for an interesting read. This historic 191-page book is a fast and informative read and I gave it my well-deserved A, and recommend it to the general audience.

It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!
Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
WingSpan Press (2008)
ISBN 9781595941954
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (4/08)

Repair Your Life: A Program for Recovery from Incest & Childhood Sexual Abuse

“Repair Your Life” offers victims of incest and childhood sexual abuse the tools to help them overcome the shame and trauma that they encountered as children. It teaches you how to become the person that you were meant to be. So many survivors of abuse get trapped in non-ending cycles of being in unhealthy relationships, having addictions and making poor choices. Often the children of these survivors become victims.

Ms. McKinnon has developed a six-stage program called REPAIR. It stands for: Recognition, Entry, Process, Awareness, Insight, Rhythm, and Post-Recovery. She dedicates a chapter to each stage and offers some writing exercises to go along with them. By going through this process you will be able to transform yourself from a victim into a survivor. She teaches you to be aware of how the abuse is affecting you as an adult. She tells her own personal story. I felt very grateful that she shared so much of herself because no one reading this book will be able to tell her, “But you don’t understand.” She clearly does and by overcoming her abuse, she sets an example to the rest of the world. Incest and childhood sexual abuse survivors can be whole, healthy and happy.

“Repair Your Life” has a holistic approach to recovery. Going beyond the six stages for recovery, Ms. McKinnon also discusses how to be healthy and whole -- things that victims are not taught. This includes learning how to set boundaries, and take care of your health. She reminds us that we are special and that we need to honor our bodies with healthy care.

The whole book really impressed me; however, there were two things that really had a personal effect on me. The first thing was her discussion of shame. Incest survivors tend to get trapped in feelings of guilt and shame. She makes it clear that the abuse was not their fault and that the blame should be placed where it belongs which is on the abuser’s shoulders, even if they were victims themselves. It is amazing how much damage carrying around a lifetime of shame can do to someone’s soul. The other thing that stood out to me was that she said that predators look for obedient children. So many people that I know that have been abused have had other predators seek them out. This makes the victim feel like they are marked with something that tells the world that they deserved to be molested. I have heard this expressed many times. When Ms. McKinnon mentions that predators look for obedient children, it answered that question for me. They look for children that look like they will do what they are told. That makes much sense, and it lets the survivor know that they didn’t have something “written on their back” identifying them as deserving to be abused.

“Repair Your Life” is a must read for all survivors of sexual abuse. It should also be read by friends and family members close to the survivor. Counselors will also greatly benefit from the book. “Repair Your Life” will give you tools and resources to help you on your journey of recovery.

Repair Your Life: A Program for Recovery from Incest & Childhood Sexual Abuse
Marjorie McKinnon
Loving Healing Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932690521
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Business Defined

The author’s approach in “Business Defined” was interesting and thought-provoking. This book could easily be used as a textbook in a Business Class, read by a person currently in business or by someone who is thinking about going into business. I have been in business for close to twenty years, and after reading this, I realized that I have several areas that I need to revisit in my approach to business.

The author, James Lemoine, realized several years ago when he was teaching a seminar to leaders that they all had different interpretations of what leadership was, many of them conflicting with each other. Over the following years, he also noticed that leadership was not the only definition that was not understood, but many others. Through this book, he defines business terms and practices in easily applicable ways. He best describes the book’s content as -- “’Business Defined’ is a study of the very core of the business world, the Philosophy of Business. In the traditional sense, this is not a business book. This is not necessarily a tome that explains how to make a fortune in investing, or how to design an advertising campaign that drives sales, or even how to close big deals and earn rapid promotions. The point of this book is not to teach the reader how to succeed in the business world. This book’s goal is to illustrate what these everyday concepts really mean, how they’re misunderstood, and how they can be applied in the most intelligent and profit-generating manner.”

Each chapter in the book begins and ends with a definition of a concept that is thoroughly examined in the chapter. These concepts include: business, communication, compensation, ethics, forecasting and quality of life to name just a few. The author not only breaks down each concept but also looks at it from different perspectives. In the chapter on human resources he not only looks at the human resource manager’s position but also at what the interviewee should be presenting in the interview. He clearly understands what it takes to run a company at an optimal level. The human factor is a huge part of this as he explains in his definition of “qual·i·ty of life [kwŏl’ĭ-tē əv līf] –noun. From a business standpoint, the personal factors important to employees, especially those regarding availability of time away from work, all of which should be managed by employers to maximize both employee productivity and time away from work.”

I also found several great concepts throughout the book that I highlighted to refer back to. I have listed a few of my favorites here: “Managers love to lead the creation of plans, but only leaders love to manage plans.” “Customers aren’t only the people who buy products from you. They’re the people who could buy anything from you, even if you just want them to buy an idea or a belief.” “However, any level of service less than ‘fantastic’ and better than ‘bad’ has absolutely no impact on customer retention.”

Overall, I found “Business Defined” to be very well-written, informative and easy-to-read. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the business community, students, or people who are thinking about going into business. Lemoine presents a concise look at important terms, yet gives detailed information about how an actual business works and how a successful business can be accomplished.

Business Defined
James Lemoine
Harbinger Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780615198897
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (4/08)

The January Girl

Thandy Malone appears to have everything going for her. She is a young black woman that has just become a president at an investment company. She appears to have it all, success, money and beauty. While it appears that she was born with a golden spoon, her past holds some very sad secrets. Escaping from an abusive home, she ran off with a man that became a drug dealer. She had a child to him, and when he got caught, she lost everything. Being a strong survivor, Thandy turned herself into a success, while still keeping her past a secret. Not even her daughter knew that her father was in prison.

Ten years ago, Thandy got involved with a wealthy, married surgeon. At the time, it appeared he would leave his wife. Well that never happened and when Thandy finds out that he is cheating on her as well, she dumps him. She moves to Chicago to take on her new career. She discovers that her situation was more complicated than she realized. Her lover, Jack is devastated. It takes her leaving him for him to realize how much she meant to him.

Jack’s wife, Etienne, is an alcoholic. Years of Jack’s inattentiveness caused her to turn to alcoholism for solace. She finally finds strength within herself to stand up for herself and her children. In “The January Girl,” both women have to come to terms with their pasts so that they can clean up their futures. They discover the true depths of their inner strength. Unfortunately, for both of them, having to deal with betrayal is a huge part of their growth.

“The January Girl” is so real. It will really hit home for you when you find yourself relating to those moments in your life, when you find yourself doing something that you promised yourself you would never do, like trying to save your relationship with an unfaithful man. I really loved the depth of Thandy’s character. I don’t think that getting involved with a married man is the best choice; however, she was able to learn and grow from the experience. It made me feel really good that it took Jack the pain of losing her, to wake up to what he had.

I highly recommend “The January Girl.” I would love to see a future book with the rest of Etienne’s story in it. This is a perfect selection for a woman’s readers group.

The January Girl
Goldie Taylor
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446179560
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

If I Only Had a Brain Injury

In 1998, Laura Bruno was in a car accident that left her with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). She was 24-years-old at the time and working on her graduate school fellowship. The damage caused to her brain forced her to put her education and career on hold, while focusing on her recovery. “If I Only Had a Brain Injury” tells Laura’s story of learning to overcome her disability. Along the way, she discovered that what she learned to help herself can also help others who are dealing with illnesses that affect their sense of self. These illnesses include: chronic fatigue, brain cancer, fibromyalgia, vertigo, candida overgrowth, concussion, Lyme disease, migraines and other “Medical Mystery.” Six years after her accident, her husband was stricken with a mysterious disabling illness that turned out to be Lyme Disease.

Laura compares her story to Dorothy’s in “The Wizard of Oz,” because Dorothy’s journey begins when she has a concussion and continues on as she tries to find her way home. Her experience in having a TBI and her background in life coaching, medical intuition, Reiki and writing provide her with the tools to write a heartfelt, yet informative guide to healing and recovery. “If I Only Had a Brain Injury” inspires both individuals who are experiencing illness and their care providers to look for the positives in their healing experience.

There is a wealth of information provided in this book in a manner that is interesting and easy to understand. In addition to telling her story, Laura also offers healing hints, appendices with essays and interviews with people who are involved in the healing process. She also offers networking and contact information. This also includes book recommendations and websites. I couldn’t find anything lacking.

As both someone with fibromyalgia and a person that works with individuals with disabilities, I found that I gained a lot of insight into both my illness and those of people that I work with on a daily basis. The day after I read this book, a woman came into my classroom with a TBI. It was wonderful to have just learned about the issues that she is dealing with. I felt that I could be more empathetic to her situation and having that understanding also gave me a better idea of how I can help meet her needs in my program. The effects of her TBI are different from most of my students with TBI, and more similar to the author’s. If I had not had this information, I might have assumed that I was dealing more with a mental health issue. Her speech was very clear, yet her words were mixed up. I am so grateful that I read this book first.

I highly recommend “If I Only Had a Brain Injury” to individuals who are experiencing illnesses that affect their sense of self and to their care providers. Everything that they could possibly need to help them take positive action towards their recovery is contained within these pages.

If I Only Had a Brain Injury
Laura Bruno, M.A.
Xlibris Corporation (2008)
ISBN 9781436322461
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Coinage of Commitment

Wayne and Nancy come from very different socio-economic backgrounds. Nancy was raised by privileged and wealthy parents. She never had to experience feelings of want. Wayne was raised by depression-era parents. He has had to work hard to obtain his goals. They meet while attending college in the 1960s. Wayne is attending college near Nancy’s Ivy League university. When they first meet, they are instantly attracted to each other. Although they hail from very different backgrounds, they realize that they do share something in common: their hopes and dreams about love. Both Nancy and Wayne share a common goal of being in a loving relationship that extends beyond what is typical in most relationships. They each developed these ideas long before they met.

It is their desire to have a happy, loving relationship that allows them to work through their class and religious differences. As with most relationships, they have a lot to work through in the beginning. When fate throws them a curveball, their lives are forever changed. Friends and family members have to help them both deal with drastic changes that occur for both of them. Their future is not what they expected it to be.

“Coinage of Commitment” is a beautiful romantic tale that also provides the reader with lots of food for thought. Wayne and Nancy both have created some beautiful idealistic views of what love should be. When I read about their thoughts on love, mentally I also reviewed my own. Through this book, Costelloe teaches us that it is important and worthwhile to wait for that special loving relationship that will have the most meaning for us. It is also worth taking a chance for true love. A relationship that evolves at this level will allow each partner to evolve together and to continue to evolve as individuals. He also shows us that it is also important to recognize when you have that a special love in your relationship and the importance of maintaining yourself as a person of integrity to fully appreciate the value of what you have.

Coinage of Commitment
R. Costelloe
Saga Books (2007)
ISBN 9781894936835
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Every Man Sees You Naked

As soon as I got my hands on “Every Man Sees You Naked” my world stopped. I put everything down to focus on this book. It was definitely well worth my time. David M. Matthews really tells it like it is. He takes us into the minds of men. I learned a lot. Rather than saying that men’s minds are simpler, I will be nice and say that they are less complex than I thought. Matthews says that he got the idea for this book from the many conversations that he has had with women. He writes with humor, which helps soften the blow of his brutal honesty. I was very impressed with his ability to understand the minds of women. The way that he explains how men’s minds work as compared to women’s showed me that he has a good understanding of how we think.

Even if I was in the perfect relationship (relationship, what relationship?), I would still love reading this book to gain more insight into my partner. The humor that Matthews infuses into his writing also makes it a very fun book to read. He doesn’t hold back with his words, so the reader should be prepared for some graphic details. In addition to gaining insight into how a man thinks or doesn’t think, he also offers some great advice on techniques for spicing up the relationship. This is definitely excellent reading material for someone who wants to make positive changes in her relationship.

Matthews answered some rhetorical questions that I had in my mind in regards to issues in previous relationships. One was, “Why would a man want to be intimate with me, if he doesn’t treat me with respect?” Well, I learned, in a man’s mind, respect doesn’t play into sex issues. They don’t need to have respect for a woman to have fun with her. I also gained some insight into men and women just being friends. In my own life, I have noticed that there are guys that say that they are okay with just being friends, but then they get all bent out of shape when I start a relationship with someone other then them, or if the friendship doesn’t extend into the friends-with-privileges level. Matthews taught me that guys really don’t want to just be friends with women. They always want more. I will definitely keep this in mind for future friends!

“Every Man Sees You Naked,” is a must read for all women. It should be required reading in high school. Actually not high school, because then the moral majority would have to hold book burnings, but definitely for college. Every woman needs to read this book. If she can read it before she gets into her first relationship, she will have a much easier time. But it’s never too late, at least not for a divorced, almost-middle-aged woman like myself. Mr. Matthews please keep writing.

Every Man Sees You Naked
David M. Matthews
Wheatmark (2008)
ISBN 9781604940282
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (/08)

Embrace the Rain: A Novel

“Embrace the Rain” begins a year after the devastation of hurricane Katrina. The story takes place in a small coastal town in Mississippi. High School cheerleader Alison and football player Matt are dating. Matt comes from a wealthy family whose business is now heavily involved in the rebuilding of the area. Matt has a brother, Sean, who is homosexual and living in San Francisco. Matt’s father has difficulties with accepting his son’s homosexuality. He puts a lot of pressure on Matt to be his idea of the perfect son. Nobody realizes that Matt is in an emotional crisis that began when he had to be rescued from his bedroom during Katrina. He is keeping his problems a secret, so he has nobody to turn to. As the situation worsens, he feels that there is no way out.

When the father of the Santos family uproots them from California and moves them to the area for work, his wife and children have to deal with the cultural change. They were used to living among the people of their Mexican-American culture. Now they are living in a predominately white and black area. The whites and blacks have had their own issues to overcome with each other. The Santos’ do not feel well received or accepted.

Mr. Santos has gone to work for Matt’s father. When his handsome son Javier meets Alison, Matt’s girlfriend, they are both attracted to each other. Matt and Javier clash. When Alison breaks up with Matt, he hits bottom. Even though they haven’t done anything wrong, Javier and Alison take the brunt of the blame on what happens next.

Sean finds himself getting involved in the family crisis. Initially, he is rejected and disrespected by his father. He leaves to go back to his life and new love interest in San Francisco. Because he is a person of integrity, when the crisis reaches its highest peak, he steps in again. His mother accepts his help. This time he is able to introduce her to his life and she can see what an incredible son she has.

“Embrace the Rain,” teaches that crisis can be overcome if we learn from the lessons that are being taught while we are going through the experience. Several people in this story had to learn how to handle and overcome the feelings of guilt that they felt for not stepping in and doing something to help a teenager when he needed it. Parents and friends learned lessons about needing to try to do what is best for their loved ones, and not waiting until it is too late. There was also a strong theme about the importance of accepting other people from different cultures.

“Embrace the Rain” is an excellent novel that will impart some valuable lessons to the reader. It will be enjoyed by both young adults and adults.

Embrace the Rain: A Novel
Michael Holloway Perronne
Chances Press (2008)
ISBN 9780981718613
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

Your Own Big Bed

“Your Own Big Bed” is a wonderful book chronicling events in every young child’s life from being born, to being carried, to walking, to sleeping in a crib and finally to sleeping in a big bed of their very own. Alongside these events taking place in the child’s life, the book also shows the same milestones being achieved by baby animals like ducklings, tigers and foals.

Cayden: “Max, I think this book is for you! You just got your own big boy bed!”
Max: “Big bed!”
Max: “No crib.”

Cayden: “Look at the baby alligator! Are the animals going to get bigger?”

Cayden: After we read the part about the kangaroo riding in her mother’s pouch: “It is also called a pocket mom.”

Cayden: In disbelief after learning that mother tigers carry their cubs around in their mouths: “In her mouth? No they don’t. Do they mom?”

Cayden: At the illustration of the father marking the child’s height on the door frame as he grows bigger: “My daddy does that downstairs!”

Cayden: “That puppy is sleeping in a doghouse so she doesn’t get wet in the middle of the night in case it rains.”

Cayden: “Look Max there is a boy sleeping in a big boy bed like you and I do!”
Max: “Big boy!”

Parent’s comments:

Max just transitioned into a “big boy bed” a couple of days ago so our first reading of this book came at a perfect time. Both of my children could completely relate to the story and we had a lot of fun with the book. Max even seemed to think the child in the book was him because every time there was a picture of the boy he pointed to it and said “Me.”

It was also a great learning experience for them to watch the animals grow up and to see that even though they may do different things, like fly or sleep in baskets, there are still a lot of similarities between how they grow and how we grow. “Your Own Big Bed” is a very sweet book and even though inside the cover it says for “Ages 4 up” I think that younger children would enjoy it as well, especially those who have just made the transition to a toddler or regular bed.

Your Own Big Bed
Rita M. Bergstein
Viking Juvenile (2008)
ISBN 9780670060795
Reviewed by Cayden (age 3-1/2), Max (age 19-months) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (4/08)

Narrow Lives

Tyler R. Tichelaar’s novel “Narrow Lives” is a collection of short stories, all of them connected by one character – Lysander Blackmore. While Lysander might not appear much in some of them – and in others he’s already dead, he has greatly influenced the lives of all characters who tell us their stories. Their lives – for various reasons – have not been lived fully; hindered by various character flaws or simply by lack of confidence.

All of the stories, seven in total, are written as first-person narratives. They are united by the central figure of Lysander Blackmore, but they are also connected and very much defined by their locale, the town of Marquette. Marquette provides the perfect backdrop for the everyday humanity and the struggles we all face daily.

It would be difficult to decide which of the stories touched me most deeply, since I connected with every single one of them. It did not matter whether the narrator was young or old, male or female, rich or poor – all of their stories resonated with me. They also all made me vow that I will not be stopped in my endeavors and that I will try to live my life as fully as possible – each and every day. Reading about other people’s regrets, misgivings and misfortunes made me all the more determined not to falter.

Tyler R. Tichelaar’s writing is rich and powerful. Even the shorter stories pack a powerful punch. The longest of them, Scofield’s story, which takes up nearly half of the book, is a novel in itself. Well-rounded, believable characters and life situations which sound familiar, yet fresh, guarantee reader’s enjoyment of this charming collection of stories. The very helpful “Principal Characters” section helps the reader keep all of the numerous individuals straight, something that would probably be impossible without that handy section.

“Narrow Lives” is a great book about human nature and the influence some people have over others, this book would probably be even more enjoyable for the readers who are familiar with the U.P. of Michigan. If you aren’t one of those, it might make you want to go there and explore. And if you just decide to do some armchair travelling, this is a good book to do just that.

Narrow Lives
Tyler R. Tichelaar
Marquette Fiction (2008)
ISBN 9780979179037
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/08)

Reaching Out from the Inside

“Reaching Out from the Inside” is a fictional story of a woman’s spiritual growth through some very rough issues. Mare is a married high school teacher with a son that is still a toddler. She has a relatively good marriage with her husband, but still finds herself having to work through some rough patches in their relationship. Having the same goal of wanting to stay together, forever, helps them through those difficult moments. The relationship issues in the story are very realistic and I think that most couples will find themselves being able to relate to the feelings that they are experiencing. Mare and her husband go through some moments when the intimacy fades and they feel more like friends than lovers. Some of this is triggered by a crisis that Mare is experiencing with her brother.

Mare’s brother has been accused molesting some of the local boys whom he had close contact with. Mare is devastated. She has to work through her feelings about this, especially since she has some doubts about his innocence. I found her thought processing to be realistic and thought provoking. She doesn’t stop loving him, but she has to resolve the difficult feelings she experiences, plus she has to help her parents get through this and deal with the local people’s intrusion into her personal family matters.

As Mare’s life is headed down this path, she also has to deal with friends that are having their own personal issues. Some of them are in crisis because of poor personal choices that they have made. Others are being thrown into crisis because of poor choices that their mates are making. Mare has to realize how much she can handle of the difficulties in her own life, in addition to how much she can help others. She also discovers that in some ways, conflicts can be viewed as gifts to us because they teach us to grow within ourselves and to become stronger. She learns that it is very easy to judge others about their behaviors when we have no idea what they might be dealing with in their lives. Realizing these things helps her to become a more compassionate person.

Part of what is helping Mare evolve as a person is her dreams. They range from surrealistic to very real. Each one has a special message for her to help her understand her feelings and to help her grow. She encounters a friend who helps her gain a better understanding of what she needs to learn. The dream sequences add so much to Mare’s development. I appreciated that the author used a special symbol to mark when Mare is in her dream states. This cut down on confusion and helped the flow of the story.

“Reaching Out from the Inside” is a really interesting novel. Being able to peek into Mare’s life and watch her spiritual growth helped provide me with many thought-provoking and introspective moments. So in addition to having a great story to read, I also have a book that helps me with my own spiritual journey. I actually looked forward to going to bed at night to see what I was going to dream! This is definitely a must read for all.

Reaching Out from the Inside
Michele Lewis
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595454259
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/08)

The Perfect Menopause: 7 Steps to the Best Time of Your Life

Dr. Hess’ book “The Perfect Menopause” carries an intriguing subtitle – “7 Steps to the Best Time of Your Life.” Speaking to women around me, I have to admit I’ve never heard the words ‘menopause,’ ‘perfect’ and ‘best time’ mentioned together, in one sentence. Needless to say, I was curious and more than just a little skeptical…

Dr. Hess approaches the subject of menopause with a holistic and very much no-nonsense approach. It became immediately obvious to me that he has done extremely extensive research and that he evidently keeps informed about the current research and the numerous updates in the field of menopause management and treatments. While clearly expert, his writing never becomes too technical for an average reader and he never sounds condescending, which is something I’ve noticed in certain other books from the medical field. Dr. Hess sounds like somebody one would love to meet and have for a healthcare provider.

While guiding women through the sometimes very confusing data on menopause, possible treatments, treatment goals, symptoms management and general improvement in all of the related areas, Dr. Hess shows extreme respect for other people working in the field of menopause research and treatment, whether they are medical experts or simply women who have experienced it and decided to share their insight with others. While cautioning the reader to be diligent when deciding for certain treatments, Dr. Hess does not discount simple remedies, herbs, exercise and other, possibly less traditional ways of managing one’s symptoms. He also clarifies the immensely confusing issue of hormonal treatments, clarifies the results of past studies and offers the readers a comprehensive overview of hormonal treatment options.

I have no doubt that “The Perfect Menopause” should be present on the bookshelves of women in any stage of menopause, whether we are just entering it or are well in the midst of it. It should prove to be invaluable in gathering information as well as facilitating the future discussions with your health provider. Written in a clear and very upbeat voice, this is a great companion on the voyage through a certain unavoidable life stage. And with it, the journey should be considerably more pleasant.

The Perfect Menopause: 7 Steps to the Best Time of Your Life
Dr. Henry M. Hess, MD, PhD with Tiffany Farrell
Westfall Park Publishing Group (2008)
ISBN 9781604029352
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/08)