Reader Views

The Drug DUI Handbook

Article first published as Book Review: The Drug DUI Handbook by David N. Jolly on Blogcritics.

Mr. Jolly has written a very comprehensive overview of how the drug DUI process works. It is easy to read and understand. Mr. Jolly is an expert in the field and is a Washington State DUI defense attorney. In addition he has written several other books on the DUI and Drug DUI process.

" The Drug DUI Handbook" covers topics from field sobriety tests and DUI-drug investigations to how they determine results for a variety of popular drugs. One of the interesting sections included the 12-step DRE  (Drug Recognition Experts) protocol. The 12 steps include: breathalyzer; interviewing the arresting officer; preliminary examination and First Pulse. I was really amazed at the thoroughness of this assessment. Some of the drugs that are examined include: simulants; depressants; hallucinogens and narcotics. Another interesting point about the DRE is that it is done behind the scenes and most individuals who have been arrested never see this. This assessment can last up to 45-minutes, depending on the type of drug ingested.

One section I thought he should have expanded more on was investigating individuals over the age 60.  Many of these individuals have medical problems, take medication and because of their age cannot complete the tasks required successfully. Another concern was the author citing lengthy references within the text; it was very distracting when reading. My suggestion would put footnotes and add the footnotes in the back of the book.

“The Drug DUI Handbook”is an excellent resource for those working in the field, or families that have been impacted by a drug DUI. It provides valuable information to use when consulting with legal counsel and education awareness in a Substance Abuse Program. This is one reference when teaching my Advanced Addiction Counseling college class.


The Drug DUI Handbook
David N. Jolly
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432777647
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/12)

A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change

Article first published as Book Review: A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change by Harold L. Lamma II on Blogcritics.

If there has ever been a book that I knew absolutely nothing about by reading the back cover, it’s this one.  Author Harold L. Lamma II gives nothing away with the two obscure sentences meant to entice his readers on to purchase his new release,  “A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change.”  Once you begin reading, though, Lamma’s intent is very clear.

“A Master @ Life!” is a pointed discussion of Lamma’s spiritual beliefs and an imploring appeal for his readers to follow suit.  He begins by urging them to take responsibility for their actions and if they don’t like where their lives have taken them, to make some big changes!  He utilizes various scriptural references but, for the most part, paraphrases Biblical text and incorporates it into his chapters.  He also shares examples of his own negative life experiences and how following these guidelines has helped him overcome some very difficult personal obstacles.  Once taking responsibility is covered, he goes on to such subjects as making decisions, watching how you think, looking to God, incorporating a ‘can do’ attitude in all things, and having a purpose and direction in life.  Further, he says that by living this way, one can find abundant living.

Lamma presents his opinions with passion and confidence from the first page of the introduction on through the last page and his ending remarks.  He successfully incorporates a warm, genuine tone in his writing style, one that conveys sympathy and concern for his readers.  I felt like I was reading a long letter from an old friend instead of a generic how-book on personal growth and spiritual living.  With this in mind, I think “A Master @ Life!” would be a good read for either the individual or a small group study – perhaps a Bible study, for example.  While “A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change” can be quickly read in an afternoon, I believe author Harold L. Lamma II’s intent is for the reader to slowly incorporate each chapter into their lives with deliberate actions and an intent to change for the better.


A Master @ Life!: Dare to Imagine, Dare to Change
Harold L. Lamma II
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770716
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (1/12)

Blue Fall (The Tournament Series)

Article first published as Book Review: Blue Fall (The Tournament Series) by B. B. Griffith on Blogcritics.

“Blue Fall” contains all the elements of mystery, thriller, and suspense genres building to an action-packed unexpected conclusion, leaving the reader begging for more. Author B. B. Griffith has created a storyline which skillfully intertwines four subplots, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

The novel is set in contemporary times in the midst of a world weary of war.  “The Tournament” a secret group of incredibly affluent, and influential individuals implements a scheme for creating a modern day equivalent of the heroic contests of the past where individual champions were sent into battle to settle disputes between warring nations.  The organization’s plan calls for a competition where players are selected to represent member countries using a “diode” technology which makes it possible for team members to be brought back to life after “dying.”  Although originally designed as a sport, the conflict takes on a sinister side, as ruthless team captains turn the competition into coldblooded combat. (This is not a book for the squeamish reader.)

The organization’s secrecy is put in jeopardy when a disgruntled insurance adjuster inadvertently becomes involved in exposing the plan.

Although I felt the storyline became bogged down on occasion, the action soon built to a forceful crescendo leading to a powerful unexpected conclusion.

“Blue Fall” is the first in “The Tournament” series. B. B. Griffith has amazing insight into human nature. This has helped him to develop strong characters, incorporating them into a powerful plot, using believable technology, creating intentional enjoyable escape reading. Griffith has created a daunting plot of misdirected motivation with coldblooded results. The fast-paced action, well-scripted dialog, and universal appeal of the story line make “Blue Fall” a potential big screen movie success.


Blue Fall (The Tournament Series)
B. B. Griffith
Griffith Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780982481745
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/12)

Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance

Article first published as Book Review: Keep Dancing: Life May Not Be the Party We Hoped For, But... by Rosie Giesie on Blogcritics.

Author Rosie Giesie has been through more than most people should have to endure in one lifetime.  Having to bury three children and dealing with kidney failure and a transplant might be too much for many people.  Somehow though, Rosie and her loving husband, Gene, kept their heads up, their hearts light, and their feet moving.  In her new book, “Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance,” she tells us how she managed through the roughest of times.

“Keep Dancing” is part autobiography and part collective memories from friends and family members.  Giesie begins by giving her own background in life and moves on to her marriage and the eventual birth of three boys.  It doesn’t take too long before a genetic kidney disorder is discovered and two of the boys have passed from complications. The third remains healthy and free of kidney problems but he contracts AIDS and dies at the age of 33.  Giesie and her husband, now empty nesters in the worst possible way, must come to terms with the lingering guilt, the ‘what ifs,’ and the ‘whys’ of their unthinkable situation.  But they learn to dance though it all.  The book ends with several story submissions from various family members and friends, remembering the last son to die, remembering the boys as they were in life, and remembering Giesie’s example of faith and strength.

“Keep Dancing” reminds us that despite (or in spite of) overwhelming obstacles that may make us feel like we simply cannot go on, it’s still possible to glean happiness out of life.  Touching and emotional, Giesie takes you to the brink of heartache and back again with positive perspective and a profound drive.  Those dealing with personal tragedy – especially the loss of a child - in their lives will find a sympathetic tone and style in Giesie.  While containing some minor editing issues, the book moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader interested throughout.  “Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance” is an easy afternoon read.


Keep Dancing: Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance
Rosie Giesie
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432771799
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (1/12)

Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment

In this book there is a person named Queen Vernita.  She goes to a place called the Islands of Enchantment.  In this place she has a different person come and visit her every month for a whole year.  Every time someone visits they learn something every day of the week.

My favorite part was when David came to visit her and they learned about sharks.  I learned that there are 440 species of sharks in the ocean.  I learned that the great white shark gets to be 12 to 16 feet long.  I also like learning about eels.  They can get to be 10 feet long.  They can weigh 100 pounds! That is a big eel!

“Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment” is good if you want to learn about things in the ocean.  I learned a lot of new things by reading it.  I liked how they had something new to learn every day of the week.


Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment
Dawn Menge
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432773120
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 7) for Reader Views (1/12)

Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1

“Journey to Virginland” tells the tales of Dog.  As Dog moves about The Republic of Virginland which is in Dreamland, he makes observations about the people.  These observations involve a great deal of reflection and introspection on the culture, philosophy and politics of the people. As Dog makes his irreverent observations, he also makes a great deal of sense.  While some people, well actually many people, might be offended by his irreverence, especially in regards to religion, I found much of what Dog ponders happens to be true and it greatly reflects on the hypocrisy that we see, yet choose to ignore, in our own world.  This is especially true in how women are both regarded and treated in different cultures.  Or perhaps this is what stood out most to me, because I am a woman.
          
While Dog is living his dream, various historical events are mused over and his thoughts are shared with us. Once again, so many truths are revealed, especially in regards to the hypocrisy allowed by people in regards to religion and politics.  As Dog is on a journey of self-discovery, his actions do not always make him popular with others, yet he remains fairly true to himself.  His behavior might not always be appropriate, but in the end his self-reflections are pretty accurate. Above all, he admits he is just a dog.
          
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read a novel that is completely different than anything that I have ever read before.  Full of satire and dry wit, I appreciated the author’s creation of Dog.  Occasionally, I would find myself getting lost in the meaning behind what was being portrayed, and I would either have to put the book down for the night, or go back and reread a section.  “Journey to Virginland” is definitely not meant to be read when one is tired! On the other hand, when not tired, I found the novel to be very fast paced, and I would find myself having difficulty finding a stopping place when I had to put the book down.  I highly recommend this novel to readers who like thought-provoking, humorous fiction, and that are easily offended religious fanatics.


Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1
Armen Melikian
Two Harbors Press (2011)
ISBN 9781935097518
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah

This story is about two “een” wizard friends who go on a journey to the future and the past along with the Kazah Stone. These friends are Kendra Kandlestar an “een” wizard and Oki the mouse. Before they left uncle Griffinskitch gave her the Kazah Stone. It is a purple ring with a few cracks in it. Uncle Griffinskitch told Kendra and Oki to go back in time and change The Land of Een back to normal. But then something weird was going on, Kendra saw her mother when she was younger! When she saw her young mother, her name was changed to Gayla Griffinskitch. Things get a little crazy when Gayla finds out who Kendra really is in the future!

My favorite part of “Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah” is the illustrations. My favorite character is Oki the mouse. He is a talking mouse and that just makes me laugh. This book is enjoyable for kids age 8 and up that love fiction books and magic. My favorite author and illustrator is Lee Edward Fodi. I hope you enjoy this amazing fiction book!


Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah
Lee Edward Fodi
Brown Books Publishing Group (2011)
ISBN 9781612540184
Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 9) for Reader Views (1/12)

A Chronicle of Endylmyr: The Witches of Endylmyr

“A Chronicle of Endylmyr: The Witches of Endylmyr” tells the story of The Eastern Khan who sets out to possess all known magical relics so that he may control the entire world. He already has obtained some of these artifacts, but knows that he must possess them all for the magic to work completely. So, he sends his most powerful legions to various communities, including Endylmyr to find them – killing anyone or anything that gets in their way.  Those under attack soon form an alliance as they begin to realize that they do, in fact, have some of the artifacts that possess magic.  Former mercenary Gylfalin, along with his cousin Pendaran – who has a magical falcon for a companion, form the allies of various parts of the world to battle against Khan.  They know that hope for victory lies with magic that no one really knows how to use. As Khan’s legions move closer in on them, Angmere, a wizard historian, finds a clue in an ancient tome that foretells the tale of three witches that could be the key to their victory and defeat of Khan. One of the scholar’s daughters, Gwynyr, unites with two other women in their group, Hellwydd and Hilst, to form the trio described by Angmere’s scribe as the Endylmyr witches, in a last attempt to save their people.

“A Chronicle of Endylmyr: The Witches of Endylmyr” is a very interesting story and has a great premise.  I felt the book was a bit long and it started to lose my interest in places – mostly because the book starts out strong and then in the middle it is a bit drawn out, but then it picks up towards the end.  For those who enjoy fantasy novels, this one will be a good.  The characters are well formed and there is plenty of action.  The magical aspect of the storyline is intriguing and not over the top.  Before you know it, you will feel transformed to Endylmyr and a part of the story.


A Chronicle of Endylmyr: The Witches of Endylmyr
Charles Hall
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432750282
Reviewed byTracey Rock for Reader Views (2/11)

Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C

Article first published as Book Review: Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C by Meg Stafford on Blogcritics.

When Meg Stafford discovered that she had breast cancer, she began sharing her experiences with friends through her “Breasty Business Updates.”  These emails allowed her to journal her feelings about what was happening to her, and it also gave her friends an avenue in which they could provide her with support.   These updates eventually evolved into “Topic of Cancer.”

Keeping an incredibly positive attitude, Meg educates us on what happens once a diagnosis of cancer is made. She shares her feelings, her medical experiences and how her family was also affected.  Following her two-year journey, we learn the ins and outs of cancer treatment.  For the most part, Meg’s experiences with medical personnel were extremely positive. I suspect that her positive attitude helped with this.  Her treatments with radiation and chemo were not easy. Neither was the experience of having her physical identity shift because of the hair loss and the loss of her breast.  The reconstructive surgery was very involved and time consuming.  She also had to deal with an unrelated medical problem with her hand which also resulted in more surgery.  Instead of focusing on the negative, Meg focuses on the positive.  I felt like I was celebrating with her as she got her hair back, and at the completion of each treatment.

Having had two cancer scares this year, one involving the breast, my gratitude towards having negative test results increased exponentially.  While Meg maintained an upbeat attitude about what she was going through, I don’t think I could have been as strong as she was.  I was able to develop a much greater respect for the experiences that my friends, who have survived breast cancer, have gone through.  What strong women they all are.  While Meg educates us with her story, she also teaches an incredibly valuable lesson in that we should not stop celebrating life, no matter what we are hit with.  Her exuberance for maintaining a fitness routine, and trying not to miss work was incredible.  Those of us who are not ill should take this as a message to appreciate what we have now, while we have it.

“Topic of Cancer” is a must read for people who have or are experiencing breast cancer, and for those who are close to them.  I would also highly recommend this book for women’s reader groups. I can’t imagine anything more valuable for a group to read. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to read Meg Stafford’s story.


Topic of Cancer: Riding the Waves of the Big C
Meg Stafford
Virginia Martin Press (2011)
ISBN 9781936214365
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

A Haunting Beauty: Vietnam Through the Eyes of an Artist

Article first published as Book Review: A Haunting Beauty: Vietnam Through the Eyes of an Artist by James John Magner on Blogcritics.

“A Haunting Beauty,” a new Vietnam memoir by author and artist James John Magner, offers a different perspective on this war than I have encountered in numerous other books on this subject. This would seem clearly to be the result of Magner’s two conflicting viewpoints as both artist and soldier. But in the book’s Preface the author explains that “Art has always been an integral part of my life…I spent the first six years in a tough Irish neighborhood in Chicago where I had to fight just to get across the street. That became an integral part of me as well.” That dichotomy continued at the University of Arizona from which Magner graduated with a degree in art and received a commission through ROTC. For Lt. Magner, the officer, Vietnam was where the action was, for the passionate artist it was an exotic place full of imagery and humanity, an artistic treasure.

“A Haunting Beauty” is full of stories and Magner is a gifted storyteller. They are graphic, sometimes jolting, frequently funny and occasionally sad. The book is populated by a diverse and intriguing cast of characters that are each described in strongly engaging word portraits. One such is First Sergeant Naipo Mokuwahna, the Legend. “Captain Tiller, looking down again, (told me) ‘He’s full –blooded Hawaiian. He learned his jungle warfare in the Pacific fighting the Japs during World War Two. He had a couple of Silver Stars by the time you were born and picked up more medals in Korea. And this is his second tour in Nam. He taught hand-to-hand combat in ranger school. He’s black belt in everything.’ He looked at me in earnest. ‘You can learn a lot from him, but don’t let him take over…And Magner, no heads on stakes.’”

The young officer learned quickly that his primary job was trying to keep everyone alive. Even in relating this aspect of his experience, Magner relies on his artist sensitivities to create an impressionist-style picture of the frequent firefight circus that became a way of life. Often, keeping his men alive meant keeping them safe from themselves. “Suddenly there was a blast of gunfire, a lot of rounds, all American. They ‘got somebody’ who tried to sneak up on them. We all had the same sickening questions at the same time: What about the guy sent to guide them in? Who was looking for him? Didn’t anyone tell the troops? ... It was too tragic, and yes, too ironic to comprehend.”

Magner writes with a keen intellect and a straight-forward but moving writing style. His journal-like, short chapters draw the reader into the day-to-day occurrences of his life in combat. His powerful, sometimes surreal descriptions of full-scale and hand-to-hand combat, rivet the reader to the page and sometimes leaves them feeling as if they had actually been there in that jungle instead of inside Magner’s mind. Magner can write and what he writes crafts crystal clear, vivid imagery.

It has been forty-five years since James John Magner served in Vietnam. In a recent interview with BurkeConnection.com Magner said it wasn’t a deliberate decision. “But I’m glad I did, because as details fade, the whole picture and perspective become clearer. As you get older you get a better sense of what it was about.” In “A Haunting Beauty,” John James Magner does indeed, like his art on the book’s cover, offer a different tone and a different impression of the Vietnam War. This is a beautiful read about a subject that has been dominated in its documentation by its horror. Now, readers can share another sense of what it was all about.


A Haunting Beauty: Vietnam Through the Eyes of an Artist
James John Magner
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781461057543
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)