Reader Views

Buddy Check

Summer camp is one of the quintessential American summer traditions.  In this novel, Jenifer Brady follows the summer camp of a group of friends, seasoned campers, who volunteer at a Christian camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All of these camp counselors are high school seniors about to enter college, or, are already college students. Intertwined in her story are camp romances, arguments with the director of the camp, fear about the unknown, and happiness at being with friends for the summer again.

The first chapter of this book is very confusing and not placed in the correct order.  The information presented in the first chapter would have been better placed, if it was placed in the fourth or fifth chapter, where Kate and her friends’ adventure at camp really begin. The list of camp terminology at the beginning was very helpful and the definitions were very clear and concise.  A list of characters would have been helpful as well since there were many characters that were playing large roles, so it was a bit confusing to keep them all in order throughout the book.  The cover image of the book did not really portray what the story was about.  Gimp bracelets maybe could have captured more the spirit of the story, since it was something that was referred to repeatedly in the story. Another possible idea could be a group of girls and their counselor making gimp bracelets, especially since the title of the book is “Buddy Check.”

The tensions between the characters at the time are so much that the book was no longer compelling to read because there were too many negative emotions running through the story.  The romantic relationships that made up the storyline were interesting and added some spice to the novel, but Julie’s character and how fast she went through relationships seemed a bit out of place for a Christian novel and Christian counselors and camp.

The prayers that were included in the book helped to solidify the Christian theme and message.  Mark was mentioned a lot in this book, but it was mostly repetitive information; there was nothing new about Mark that was added each time he was mentioned.  Each time it was about how he was one of the greatest counselors and that Christian was his best friend and that it sucked to have such an amazing older sibling at camp because then no one would know your name.

This novel would be great for young adult Christians who are either in a confirmation or religious education class, but it might be too long for some students. “Buddy Check” would also be a good book for someone on a retreat to read and reflect on because there are some very interesting questions that could be asked after reading this book.  Overall, “Buddy Check” was an interesting read and I am looking forward to reading more of her novels.


Buddy Check
Jenifer Brady
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781452888033
Reviewed by Theresa La (age 17) for Reader Views (10/11)

Living Behind the Beauty Shop: An Adventuresome Novel

“Living Behind the Beauty Shop” starts with a Foreword and a Preface that remind you this book is more than just a novel, it is a philosophical book that guides you toward understanding consciousness, humanity, and diversity. I like that. As I read the book, I kept reminding myself of the words set out at the beginning by the editor, Yvonne Perry, and author H.T. Manogue. Manogue says, “As you get into the story you may tune these mystical vibrations to your frequency or you may choose not to. Either way, you can enjoy the world of the Russell family and relate to it in some form of genius.” This was a great way to start a book that stretches your imagination and pushes you to think beyond what you think you already know.

This book tells the story of the Russell’s, an extended family in Nashville. Warren and Claire run Perception Farms, an innovative approach to homelessness through a community setting. Their daughter Cindy and her partner Margie decide to have a baby and ask long-time friend Alan to be the father. Their son is Mase, the main character in the story who chooses to be born with Down Syndrome and provides a connection to the parallel universe of Ofu.

The story of Ofu is woven in and out of the narrative in a gentle way, so as not to bog down the reader with too much heavy consciousness material, but gets the point across very understandably. Mase uses poetry and art to express himself about Ofu to his family and Manogue includes original art and poetry in the book in a thoughtful way. The author is as much a poet and thinker as he is a novelist. He combines all parts with equal importance.

As someone who works in the non-profit sector with artists with disabilities, I appreciate Manogue’s concepts and ideas. His thoughts on people with Down Syndrome choosing their earthly form as it connects them to the otherworld is a great turnabout on the way people normally think about people with disabilities. I attended a Homeless Resource Fair recently and imagined what it would have been like if a place like Perception Farms existed and all of these people had the chance to show their strengths in a community setting of that sort.

“Living Behind the Beauty Shop” is not your typical novel. But why should it be? We all need to move beyond the typical and let our dreams take us to what is waiting for us, if only we could let ourselves be free.


Living Behind the Beauty Shop: An Adventuresome Novel
H.T. Manogue
Shortsleeves (2010)
ISBN 9780977813049
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (11/11)

Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God

There are not enough words to describe the incredible insight and thoughts that Jacqueline Rainey has shared in "Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God." Many readers may find, through her writing and her approach, it seems she was in their minds.

The format of this book is alternating poems (I like to call them words of wisdom) and stories in which she covers topics such as throw-away children; prostitution; drug abuse; losing one’s self to drugs and alcohol. In addition, Rainey addresses loss of spirituality and loss of being in touch with God. I loved the way she approached these various topics; inner thoughts that one might feel given any of these circumstances.

Many readers will be able to relate to these inner thoughts. As a person in recovery, my favorite story was “I Use To Be.” Many of the thoughts expressed were things I learned in recovery and I still use today. Many of us who are in recovery are often mad at God because we think He let us down; yet we never gave up hope and some of us got out of that lifestyle and found ourselves again.

Even though some of Rainey's poems and stories relate to specific high-risk behaviors, most everyone can relate. As humans, we question who we are, why we present abnormal behaviors or lifestyles and sometimes beg God to help us each day.

As a psychologist, I am thrilled “Through Whose Eyes” was written because it will help so many that are lost in their journey of life. Rainey's wisdom is non-judgmental and does not give advice; it is a reflection of living life on life’s terms.


Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God
Jacqueline Rainey
Strategic Book Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781612048550
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)

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)

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense

Gerard D. Webster has masterfully crafted a sequel to his award winning novel “In-sight.” In “The Soul Reader” Ward McNulty and Carrie Hope reopen the investigation into the murder of Ward’s father and the suspicious deaths of three of six principals involved in a money-laundering scheme known as the North Beach Project in Jacksonville, Florida. The story picks up a year after the events of “In-Sight.”

Ward and ex-homicide detective Anton Gross join forces to reopen the investigation after Carrie signs an attractive six figure, book contract with a highly successful national publisher. Ward and Carrie become possible targets of a notorious assassin, reputed as being the most dangerous in the Western Hemisphere, Culebra. The investigation soon involves the DEA, Interpol, the FAA, as well as other local and national government agencies, covering three continents.

Webster has included all the elements of a well-paced suspense novel, including distinctive three-dimensional characters, intrigue, mystery, romance, and mounting suspense. Webster has done his research well. His accounts reflect a detailed awareness of the local of color of cities in Florida, California, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy which add authenticity to his writing, and to my personal enjoyment of his novel.

Webster’s writing is so gripping, I experienced vicariously the same adrenaline rush that Ward did when he was caught between an ambush and a police roadblock on a narrow winding road just outside of Medallion, Colombia, South America, or when face to face with Culebra the vile assassin. Unexpected plot twists with life-threatening consequences add to the fast-paced, non-stop action which leads to an amazing surprise ending.  Detailed dialog updating previous action sometimes slows down the narrative which gave me a feeling of unnecessary repetition. However, this also gives the reader a chance to match wits with the protagonists.

I was especially interested in the segments that took place in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, South America. My sister served as a Bible translator for twenty years in these mountains. She is no stranger to the impact of the drug traffickers, the guerrilla terrorists, and communism on the political instability of the country.

Various tenants and practices of the Catholic faith are skillfully woven in to the “woof and warp” of the novel. Webster’s protagonists subscribe to an inner faith, high ethical standards, and a concern for spiritual pursuits. Ward is portrayed as having a unique spiritual gift enabling him to recognizing truth when seeing directly into a man’s soul.

Anyone reading Webster’s first novel,” In-Sight,” will want to read this exciting sequel.  “The Soul Reader” establishes a fan base for Gerald D. Webster that will ensure his continued success as a highly celebrated suspense author. I am looking forward to more from Gerard D. Webster.

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense
Gerard D. Webster
WestBow Press (2011)
ISBN 9781449720520
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/11)

Behind the Wall

“Behind the Wall” by Elizabeth Ann Kuhn was a rarely touching and courageous book, and one that touched me deeply. Having been raised as a Catholic, I clearly remember a visit to a nunnery with my parents. I must have been seven or eight-years-old and I was greatly impressed by two things – the Mother Superior gave us some really fancy chocolate candy and they had this absolutely wonderful library. On the drive home I told my parents that I was also going to be a nun when I grew up, but when my dad told me that nuns have to work hard and spend a lot of time in silence and prayer, my enthusiasm quickly vanished. Yet, I have never completely forgotten the incredible serenity and the feeling of peace I felt during our brief visit.

Unlike myself Ms. Kuhn, or Sister Alfred, as she was known while being a nun, felt a true vocation and she followed her heart to the home of one of the strictest and most restrictive orders in the Catholic church, the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, also known as the Trappistines, a non-speaking and extremely hard working order of nuns. Young and frail, she overcame all the hurdles to finally get accepted into the order, and she believed she found her peace and her place in the world. “Behind the Wall” offers the reader an incredibly precious and unusual glimpse into a life that, to this day, is a complete mystery to most of us. Ms. Kuhn entered the monastery in 1958, and spent seven years behind its walls, before she was brutally thrust back into the world, much against her own wishes. As she states in the Addendum, many things have changed since 1965, yet her disappointment with some of the decisions by her superiors still feels very vivid and fresh. I have to admire her resolve in trying to be charitable and understanding, and I think she's done an excellent job on not dwelling on the negative, but stressing that no matter what, she’s still a deeply spiritual as well as religious person.

I have enjoyed “Behind the Wall” enormously. The tiniest details of the monastic existence came to life in everything Ms. Kuhn wrote about. Her writing had the incredibly endearing, child-like quality to it, and I mean that in the best possible sense. It was far from being childish or immature; it just had this bright-eyed, incredibly enthusiastic approach that is most often seen in children, those who have not been told yet that things are often difficult and something even impossible to achieve. Her memories must have been very difficult to share with the world, and she’s done it with grace and elegance.

I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is open to new experiences and new points of view. “Behind the Wall” is a book unlike any I’ve ever read.

Behind the Wall
Elizabeth Ann Kuhn
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781452065632
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/11)

Zor: Philosophy, Spirituality, and Science

In his young adulthood, Jonathan ‘John’ Brewster had dreams about doing something to make a difference in the world.  When he let what he felt were family obligations get in the way of those dreams, he fell into mediocrity.  Initially, John considers his life successful. He is a father of two young men, still married to his college sweetheart and successfully running a family business that has been around for many generations.  When John encounters a Haitian dwarf named Zor, he has no idea how much his life is about to be changed.

Zor, an avatar, opens John’s eyes to the reality of how mundane his life has become.   Even though the family business is successful, he still feels a need to stop off at Jake’s bar every evening, for a couple of hours, before going home. While he and his wife are still married, they do not have much of a relationship.  During their first meeting, Zor makes some simple recommendations to John that will help him find the magic that he felt with his wife when they were young.  The main suggestion that he receives is to start focusing on the positive with her.  When John’s marriage is quickly revitalized, he is compelled to continue his conversations with Zor.

Initially, their discussions focus on being positive, because negative ch’i attracts negative ch’i.  Over a period of several months, John’s interactions with Zor take him into deeper philosophies.  Zor teaches John that there is a synergistic connection between philosophy, science and religion.  John’s reality changes as he applies these ideas to his life.  This doesn’t mean that all of his discussions with Zor run smoothly, or that his life is running perfectly; it just helps him find a new way to deal with events as they occur.  John’s life is changed for the better which helps his relationships and puts him back on track for desiring to make a difference.  Zor’s teachings have shown him that it is not too late.

I enjoyed reading “Zor” so much that I read it in a single sitting.  I am not sure if I would recommend this because of the tremendous amount of information that is imparted in these pages.  My brain feels so expanded!  The author has a talent for teaching the reader about deeper philosophies in a way that is easier to understand, and for myself, this gave me a greater desire to want to explore these ideas more.  I checked out his website and saw that there are links listed that can help me to do so.

I think that “Zor” is the perfect read for both individuals, especially those who like to journal their thoughts, and for reader’s groups.  This book will definitely stimulate some interesting discussions.  I believe that everyone who reads this book will definitely have their lives affected by it in a positive way, and hope that they use the knowledge gained to make positive changes.

Zor: Philosophy, Spirituality, and Science
J.B.
CreateSpace (2010)
ISBN 9781452895406
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/11)

Uncertainty to Confidence

The author, Karissa Thomas, who is also a life coach, discusses the reasons for which we have disconnected ourselves from our Source.  Our Source is the place where we should go to find answers regarding how best to live our lives. By disconnecting, we lose a very important connection, and we fall out of the flow.  She also goes over the reasons why we might allow this to happen.   Sometimes relationships get in our way, or we allow people to manipulate us into being what we are not.  Many times it is because we are not being honest with ourselves, simply because we cannot handle the repercussions of what the truth really is.
          
Ms. Thomas provides keys to help overcome these obstacles and in turn allow us to step back into the flow and reconnect with our Source.  One of the key points, as mentioned above, is that we need to be honest with ourselves about what is causing us to separate ourselves from something so important.  By being honest with ourselves, we have to face our fears and deal with them.  I see that this incredibly vital for achieving self-fulfillment, however, it is also one of the hardest things that we have to do.  By using the keys, provided, we have the tools to help get through this process.  This will allow us to live the fulfilling life that we are truly meant to be living.  By gaining an understanding of why each of us is here, we become empowered.  By becoming empowered, we are able to live confident lives.

Personally, I found “Uncertainty to Confidence” to be very motivating and inspiring.  As I read the chapters, I felt like I was taking stock in my own life, and areas where I need building up.  For each person who reads this book, certain areas will resonate with them more than for others.   Because I have been working on myself for a long time, I enjoyed learning about ways that I could touch up my life.  For someone, who is going through a rough time, or newly discovering who they are, they will be able to go more in depth into their issues and gain a great deal of insight on what is going on.  I highly recommend this book as a gift to someone special, including yourself.

Uncertainty to Confidence
Karissa Thomas
New You Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780615345383
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/10)

Neither Coming Nor Going

When Renee Wind, a Zen Buddhist practitioner approaches Dan Fehr with accusations against their highly respected teacher of Zen Buddhism, Daito Matsui, Dan has a serious dilemma on his hands.  He has studied under Daito Matsui for a long time, and has never seen him act disrespectfully to any of the other female followers. On the other hand, when Renee tells him that she has been touched inappropriately, he doesn’t want to dismiss her claims.  Dan decides that they need to confront their teacher and ask for an explanation.

When they discover that he has been missing for two weeks, they both go in search of him.  As they travel down the California coast together, Dan and Renee realize that they are interested in each other.  This complicates the situation, because both people have some issues to work out regarding past experiences.  If they can work through these together, then they will both become stronger individuals.  For Renee, it is highly important that Dan totally believes her.  However, this is difficult for Dan because of his faith in his teacher, and while he is very attracted to Renee, he cannot always read her moods very well.
          
As they journey together, they also have some very deep conversations regarding their pasts, their Buddhist’s practice, and what they hope for the future.  Ultimately, at this time, to be together, one of them has to give up something important.  If they choose not to, then they have to move off on their own.  This is a really tough situation, and being able to put to practice what they are studying seems to be the biggest test.

As I began reading this novel, I found myself totally engrossed in the story.  Currently, I have seen many real life situations where a spiritual or religious leader has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior.  This story really brings the issue to life, because, as in most cases, the leader is someone who seems incapable of such acts.  For Dan to have a problem believing the accusation is totally realistic, and his dilemma of how to handle the situation also seemed very true to life.  It gave me a lot of food for thought, especially when it comes to judging people who are trying to handle these issues.  I don’t think situations like this are ever very simple.

In addition to enjoying the storyline, the author also intersperses a great deal of Buddhist philosophies into the storyline.  As the characters were learning, or discussing these beliefs, I got to follow along and learn a lot.  It was also interesting to see how they could apply what they were learning to their everyday life situations, and the more serious issues that had arisen.  “Neither Coming Nor Going” will definitely give you material for thought-provoking discussions.

Neither Coming Nor Going
Richard Diedrichs
CreateSpace (2010)
ISBN 9781452891750
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/10)

Quest for Light: Adventure of the Magi

Byron Anderson’s “Quest for Light” takes the reader on a geographical and spiritual journey from the palace of Balthazar, the High Priest of Asdin in Persia to the humble house of a carpenter in Bethlehem.

The personal backgrounds of Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchoir are introduced through a combination of stories, antidotes, and incidents which include the dogma and myths that make up the Zoroaster’s system of belief. The book is based on both historical accounts of the period and on information drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures. Anderson’s character development and dialog drive the plot forward.

I personally found the details of preparation and plotting the routes of caravan travel, examining the scrolls and charts available at the time, and the information on anticipated dangers to be absorbing reading. Anderson’s work is creative and obviously well researched.

Anderson brings a fresh and unique perspective to the events and circumstances of Christ’s birth. Although the story is a fictional account of an historical event, the message is relative because of the current interest in the turmoil and unrest in Israel and the modern Middle East.

The format of this large print edition is user friendly. The easy to read font, white space, and quality binding add to the readability and enjoyment of the book. Anderson’s writing is insightful, thought provoking, and relevant. His style is fluent, expressive, and moving.

“Quest for Light” provides a balance of descriptive narrative, action, dialog and travelogue. The book presents an account of the Magi’s spiritual struggle, personal turmoil, and vexing adventure as they crossed Persia in search of the one true Messiah. Readers will be attracted to the Persian theme. Much of the Persian history central to the story occurred in areas that now encompass Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Muslim countries.

A colorful cast of characters are used to introduce the events and issues that influenced the Magi along their journey. Anderson takes us beyond Christmas card theology to discover God’s intrusion into their lives of the Magi and His purpose behind their story. It is Anderson’s intention that the spiritual message of “Quest for Light” and the role of the Magi in the nativity will appeal to a broad continuum of Christian readers.

“Quest for Light” will change the way you think about Israel and the countries of the Middle East. The book’s message is reliable and consistent with Christian teaching and the message of the first Christmas.  This account of the Magi’s journey and their witness is an ideal suggestion for Christmas gift giving.

Quest for Light: Adventure of the Magi
Byron Anderson
Lighthouse Christian Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780977376636
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/10)