Reader Views

The Military Wives’ Cookbook: 200 Years of Traditions, Recipes, and Remembrances

As an Air Force spouse, Carolyn Quick Tillery is leaving a legacy for future military spouses and families by providing recipes passed down for generations and those that will be passed down as well. Some traditions never die. The first portion of the cookbook provides history of many military wives, including General Custer’s wife "Libbie." She also provides excerpts of letters and writings. Libbie Custer is quoted as saying: …My dish was the belle; it was invited to more dinners than anyone in the garrison. The book also has old photos as well as menus. Collecting all the items and recipes must have been a real joy for Tillery.

"Southern Chicken and Dumplings" have been a favorite of mine but I never did make the dish. I was thrilled to see a recipe in this cookbook and it was the first one that I tried. The flavor was simply wonderful and the dumplings were light. I also tried "Djaj m’ Kali" aka "Pickled Lemons." I’ve seen them before and even tasted them, however, I had no idea how they are made until now. I’ve tried them now and they are wonderful, even after just two weeks in the brine. I highly recommend you try this wonderful dish.

I’m eager to try more recipes in this book. Carolyn Quick Tillery presents a keeper; one that can be used over and over again. From what I can tell, all ingredients could probably be found in most pantries, as well as the local grocery stores. "The Military Wives’ Cookbook" is recommended as an addition to anyone’s library of cookbooks.

The Military Wives’ Cookbook
Carolyn Quick Tillery
Cumberland House (2008)
ISBN 9781581826722
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/08)

Lola Dances

I have to be very honest when I say I have never read a book about this subject, man-man relationships in a fictional format. As a psychologist I have read several books on the study of homosexual relationships, and memoirs of individuals. When I was given this book to review, I really had no idea what it was about.

Having said that, I will honestly say I was very intrigued and impressed with the way Mr. Banis described his characters, the environment and events that occurred. His ability to describe and go into the mind of his characters made you actually feel you were there. I felt sorry for Terry Murphy, anger at the mining camp members and often disgust for his older brother Brian. Yet at the same time, I can see all this happening with our society--ignorance of individuals, taking advantage of individuals who are different from the "main stream."

Terry Murphy was a young effeminate man; his goal was to be a dancer. Hopefully, this goal would get him out of poverty, injustices and provide him the love and attention he wanted and needed. His older brother Brian was your typical "macho" man-- loud, belligerent and selfish. His job was to protect his younger brother from those who might take advantage of him. Brian was very vocal on how he felt about "queers" and what people would do to him and his brother if they found out. It was nothing for him to verbally and physically abuse his younger brother. Eventually, this led to taking advantage of him sexually as well.

Terry was living a very secluded life. He didn’t go out unless he absolutely had to. He knew people were looking at him and making disparaging remarks. Yet at the same time, he was looking for something; he didn’t know what. But he knew in his heart he was "different" than the men in the camp.

A few times Terry is taken advantage of by men who want to exploit him and keep it a secret. Terry is stunned and confused the first time he is raped. He finds a protector, Tom. While Tom and Terry know there is a connection-- neither is experienced enough to know what it is. However, Terry’s brother decides it is time to move away and look for fortune elsewhere.

Terry’s adventures lead him to becoming Lola-- a vibrant, exciting female dancer that attracts all to her. Lola is known everywhere and Terry finds that his two roles of Terry and Lola present two different major feelings.

"Lola Dances" is an incredible story of one individual trying to find his path in life. Mr. Banis did an excellent job. As a psychologist, even though the book is fictional, it really gave me more insight into man-man relationships and the turmoil they often go through. I think it’s time everyone read a book like this and get their head out of the sand.

Lola Dances
Victor J. Banis
MLR Press (2008)
ISBN 9781934531426
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD for Reader Views (11/08)

21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People

Mr. Earley has given us what we want in this easy to read and understand book. We all have asked questions on why certain negative things happen in our lives as well as question God’s love for us. I know I certainly have.

Throughout these 21 chapters, Mr. Earley has given us hope and strengthened our faith by using scriptures and personal stories to help us understand the trials we go through. Through these scriptures he is helping us see that things happen for a reason-- maybe we have gotten away from our faith, or treated others badly and need to refocus on where we are headed in our lives.

"21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People" by Dave Earley is a great book to read that will comfort all and will be read over and over again.

21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People
Dave Earley
Barbour Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781602602199
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (11/08)

Bible Answers for Preschoolers

Barbour Publishing has published an excellent book on things preschoolers worry about on a daily basis--from anger, friends, love, patience and sharing, just to name a few.

Many times children are not attending church for one reason or another, but this book is written to answer their questions and help them learn about God. I read this book to my four-year-old granddaughter and she loved it. I thought it was a little over her head, however, she still continues to read it. She did have to ask me what several words meant.

The Bible verses are written in a way that young children see that the information is for them. I think that, like many books for preschoolers, "Bible Answers for Preschoolers" isn’t a book you can read all at once, but need to do a verse or two a day or a week, only because you might have some explaining to do for the child to understand.

Bible Answers for Preschoolers
Compilation
Barbour Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781597899420
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (11/08)

Explore the Virgin Islands, 7th edition

So descriptive I could almost lie back in my hammock, smell the sea air and hear the Audubon’s shearwater’s eerie howl. "Explore the Virgin Islands" takes you there, to all of the islands: St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, the British Virgin Islands, and Tortola. With charts, photos, sidebars and maps accompanying the vast amount of information packed between the pages, you will quite possibly not appear to be a tourist.

Regardless of your interest, there are locations, locations, locations in this guide. I became intrigued by the inhabitants of the Virgin Islands; the detailed account of the discovery and colonization is something not found in many books on travel.

Planning your next trip will be completed easily with the aid of "Explore the Virgin Islands" by Harry S. Pariser whether you plan on camping or luxuriating in a pristine resort. Be sure to tuck this gem from Manatee Press in your bag before you travel and have a wonderful time.
Explore the Virgin Islands, 7th edition
Harry S. Pariser
Manatee Press (2008)
ISBN 9781893643598
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08)

That’s Life: It’s Sexually Transmitted and Terminal

"That’s Life: It’s Sexually Transmitted and Terminal" is filled with fifty-one outlandish and mildly-exaggerated (only a bit, per the author), yet true tales. Like many husbands (mine included), Barry Friedman, MD, drove his wife crazy telling "those damned" stories over and over again. He will not in the least drive you crazy but will stir up many other emotions – mostly good belly laughs along with some snickers.

In over fifty-years as a physician specializing in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Friedman, has put those notes he has taken to good use. As you read: "No stool, No school," "The Sword is mightier than the Pen-is," and so many others, you will quickly come to realize that doctor’s do have a sense of humor and this doctor has chosen to share his with us.

"That’s Life: It’s Sexually Transmitted and Terminal" by Barry Friedman, MD, is so much more than a really good read. I will be passing my copy on to many who are facing surgery and other medical issues. What an uplifting and somewhat motivational read this will be, a sure smile on their face.

That’s Life: It’s Sexually Transmitted and Terminal
Barry Friedman, MD
Lulu Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781435754362
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08)

The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy: As told to Susan Griffin

"The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy" is an amazing story of wonderment! As Al Rivera delves into his life and explains in such a matter of fact way for us, he didn’t know. A small child who endures such vile treatment and has never experienced anything else but that treatment doesn’t know what should be, thus living and making his own fun is a world that should not be. I know the following is a trivial comparison but to those of us who have not gone through the issues Al has, something similar will come to mind. My sister once told me her 2-year-old didn’t like her McDonald’s Happy Meal burger with mustard on it so she did the special order thing every time. Being a mom of four, quite honestly I didn’t have but one response to that crap. How in the world would a toddler know there was even a choice other that what they were given. Life is way too short to make an issue each time you roll through the drive-thru.

A higher being was holding close the soul of Al Rivera as he was growing. He raised himself up into an honorable, successful man who learned many positive lessons from a life that began as something far from pleasant. Al’s great outlook on life is something each of us should inhale. After each chapter you will be given the lesson Al highlights during the previous chapter. My favorite is: "Lesson 10 Sometimes bad experiences bring out the best in us. Whenever you get into a situation, either from an accident like I had or from some kind of illegal activity, always try to turn it into a positive experience that affects not only you but also others around you. In doing so, you might end up making one of the happiest memories of your life." I am in awe of the fact that he could make a lesson out of the events that happen and honestly come away from each negative situation with something positive.

I drew courage in my own life during my reading of "The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy" by Al Rivera and wish that no child would ever have to endure such treatment. As each reader closes the book and wipes their eyes dry, please pass the book on to continue this life-changing read.

The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy: As told to Susan Griffin
Al Rivera
AuthorHouse (2008)
ISBN 9781438921204
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08)

The Lost Secret of Fairies: The Crystal Keeper Chronicles Book 1

"The Lost Secret of Fairies: The Crystal Keeper Chronicles Book 1" by Tiffany Turner is a great book about a young girl named Wanda, who becomes a protector, or Keeper, for the fairy clan. She has trouble protecting the fairies because she is stuck between the fairy place and the human world. The author’s style was beautiful; not only were her characters very well-developed, but she wrote with lovely and detailed description. I was interested in the book at first sight and wasn’t disappointed after reading it.

The first thing I noticed when I saw this book was the cover art. I loved the colors and the forms they made up. Just by looking at it, I could see mystery. Who were the three people standing in the picture? Where were they? Why was there a crow, of all things? Even after finding the answers to these questions, I still love sitting and looking at the picture.

The author’s beautiful and descriptive style matched the lovely cover art. Through the author’s writing, you can really can picture the scenes. For example, one of my favorites is the description of when Wanda came to a mysterious door. "It was nothing but a regular old door, with a polished surface. Except this door had no handle. It only seems like a door since it’s blocking the corridor. I tried rubbing my hands over the surface. Cool, smooth wood swam underneath my fingers as my nose wiggled from the fresh cut smell." I really enjoyed scenes like these; how I could picture the door and even imagine what it would smell and feel like.

The author described her characters just as well as she described the scenes of the book. I felt like I really got to know the characters. By the end, I even knew Wanda's cat’s personality! I knew pretty much enough about each of the characters to fill a page. From the beginning I realized just how much author Tiffany Turner talks about her characters. The very first sentence reads, "So, you want to know how I became keeper?" In the very next paragraph, you learn what Wanda looks like, what her favorite hobby is, and even more. Right away, my attention was grabbed and I wanted to learn more and more about the characters.

"The Lost Secret of Fairies: The Chrystal Keeper Chronicles Book 1" by Tiffany Turner is a very good book with gorgeous cover art, a great, descriptive style by the author, and very well-developed characters, I would recommend this book to my friends, and hope I can read the next in the series, very soon.

The Lost Secret of Fairies: The Crystal Keeper Chronicles Book 1
Tiffany Turner
Trafford Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781425146719
Reviewed by Avery Largent (age 9) for Reader Views (11/08)

Hungry for More

Was I dreaming? Some of my favorite things--reading, food, sex and Oprah all bound between the cover of a book. "Hungry for More" had me hooked within the first few pages. You should grab a smooth beverage, turn on the table lamp, curl up with a bit of Oprah, delectable food and some real heat, cooked up between one hot chef and a sexy mystical gypsy.

Of course the guy gets the girl; this is a romance novel after all, but you will become entranced from beginning to end with twists, turns, and multiple personalities. Beginning each chapter with a catchy food quote, you may need to have that bowl of chocolates nearby. (NOTE: dark chocolate goes very well with red wine)

Success-driven Chef James LaChance doesn’t really have any time for a relationship; he is too driven in the upscale restaurant business, so what is happening to him? Is he under the influence of the temptress Amy Burnes? Amy is a gypsy with a gift of being able to name a person’s one true love. To keep the power, she can never fall in love herself.

This coming weekend have a fine dinner out, curl up on the couch with this last book in the Burns sisters’ saga, "Hungry for More" by Diana Holquist, and enjoy the dilemma James and Amy find themselves in.

Hungry for More
Diana Holquist
Forever (2008)
ISBN 9780446197045
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08)

The Organ Grinder and the Monkey

"The Organ Grinder and the Monkey" is a complex story of three individuals whose lives, personalities and characters are molded by events of their childhood. Sam Moffie builds a plot around these three characters: Seymour Petrillo, Irving Hanhart, and Constance Powers.

Seymour grew up in Steubenville, Ohio. He spent a lot of time with his grandfather who imparted philosophical views on Seymour. His father was gay. The marriage broke up. Seymour spent weekends with his father and his father’s friends. A particularly distressing weekend visit to his father left Seymour emotionally traumatized. Moffie gives an insightful look at the blight of the ghetto, the death and decadence of decay and parallels this with Seymour’s downward spiral.

Irving’s mother was Jewish, his father Irish. They operated a bookstore in Brookline, Massachusetts, which was a meeting place for radicals. They were known as revolutionaries. Irving developed a sense that all the events around him were the results of a great conspiracy. A childhood incident caused him to establish his career goal early in life. He wanted to become a New York City policeman.

Constance grew up in Boardman, Ohio with her mother. She came from a wealthy family. The family went through the money on gambling, drinking, and other vices before Constance had the advantage of an inheritance.

Following high-school graduation all three of the protagonists enroll in Youngstown State University. Fraternity hazing, secondary roles in drama, part-time jobs, and constant put downs by classmates continue to shape their personalities, philosophies, and quirks.

In a casual campus encounter, Seymour, Irving, and Constance discover that they are all planning to head for New York City after receiving their college diplomas: Seymour to become a veterinarian, Irving to attend police academy, and Constance to become a Rockette.

In a unique way Moffie weaves together the lives of these three very different individuals in a complex story with psychological twists that touch the emotions, through humor, tragedy, and reality. Broken dreams, disappointment, dysfunctional personalities, and difficult circumstances continually confront the three protagonists.

The Organ Grinder and the Monkey
Sam Moffie
Xlibris (2008)
ISBN 9781436327756
Reviewed By Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/08)