Reader Views

Introducing...

"Introducing..." consists of several short stories focusing on twins Jake and Jade who live on a ranch in Montana. Jake was injured by a bull in 2000 and as a result has been left mute. He also now suffers from seizures. Many of the stories focus on the difficulties he now faces and his efforts to keep active and involved in running the ranch. Also highlighted is the special "twin bond" they share and how Jade eventually learns that she must let Jake go so he can make it on his own.

This is a very inspirational story. Despite many health-related setbacks, Jake continued to persevere to be successful. The unconditional love and support from his family and friends was heartwarming. Jake was treated as any other individual, which teaches an important lesson. Everyone has value and can contribute to society. This book will help those who spend time around people with disabilities. It can also teach young people that everyone has his own talents and those who are different still deserve to be respected.

My favorite story was the one entitled "Construction." The author skillfully demonstrates the contrasts of a project under construction. She reminds the reader that the beginning phases of a project involve breaking up or tearing down what currently exists. However, at its completion, something beautiful arises to replace the ugliness that had been. This is an excellent comparison to the recovery of an individual who has experienced a traumatic event and has risen up to overcome its obstacles.

I did have some slight difficulties with this story. Although it is set in modern times (the years 2000-2008); for some reason the descriptions and lifestyle made me think it was set in the early 1900s. Also, more editing should be done. There were several spelling errors and uses of the wrong word (especially there and their). Lastly, the author, at times, goes overboard on the use of alliteration.

"Introducing..." will appeal to both males and females. It can help teach people about the effects of seizures and other head injuries and promote an understanding of the difficulties people who experience these conditions face. It will leave the reader feeling inspired and thankful for the blessings that are present in his or her own life.

Introducing...
Neebeeshaabookway
Xlibris Corporation (2007)
ISBN 9781425761035
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (9/08)

Invasion of the Bible Thumpers: Tales of the North Woods and Other Places

Jammed tight from cover-to-cover with loggers, lumberjacks, crew workers and big-butt waitresses, is “Invasion of the Bible Thumpers,” by Skookum Maguire. A story it has about life and country-folk, that will almost get you dirty and able to smell the rain and pine just by opening the book.  Nine short stories of lives that are lived, dreams that fall apart, and antics that will kill you, they are fun to read and learn from. The voice of Maguire is stout and rich in quality that is also a treat. Each story was deep, and engulfing yet when the last page of the book was done, the short stories came together as a joined unit. Nothing is given freely; the characters have a common thread of grit, dirt and crudeness to them. The harsh reality is what is lived, and they would die to keep it that way. Each story is incredible and endearing in its own way, but the theme: live your life, you won’t get another, screams like a hard-core rock-star. The life that is hard-lived is the life of quality, yet it is not a life that is given, but one that must be fought for.

Enjoyable, down-to-earth and honest, the “Invasion of the Bible Thumpers” is one that once picked up, dived in to and pages are turned, the reader will not want to abandon it part way. The stories that stayed with me were: A Time for Mourning, Newspapers and Invasion of the Bible Thumpers. Maguire does an exceptional job of portraying the loggers, construction workers, and down-to-earth Oregonians and I should know since I am a true Northwesterner myself, with grandparents on both sides being loggers and farmers of this sweet, wet land.

The one thing that was difficult was that the rest of the stories (besides the three mentioned above) really did not stand out significantly. I enjoyed them, but Maguire’s characters became too similar, too generic. A book of short stories to me is about variety, diversity, switching-it-up and the ability to go deep fast and keep the reader there too. The three stories I mentioned above were like that for me, but the rest seemed weak, and I did not develop that deep interest in the people whom the story was about. Almost like I was reading a story about an extra in a movie and the action was really somewhere off to the right or left. The book was good, and the stories that I enjoyed I really enjoyed, the others were just nothing extra-ordinary. I would recommend “Invasion of the Bible Thumpers,” especially to people I know from the grand 'ol Pacific Northwest just based on the stories that I did like. So over all, it was good, not great.

Invasion of the Bible Thumpers
Skookum Maguire
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595448142
Reviewed by Bethany L. Canfield for Reader Views (6/08)

Politics Noir: Dark Tales from the Corridors of Power

“Politics is a blood sport the public follows 24/7,” Gary Phillips states in the introduction of “Politics Noir.”  During an election season such as this one, politics can be dirty, disgusting, and frustrating.  While he could not possibly have predicted the drawn-out nature of the Democratic Primary, Phillips picked a perfect year to solicit stories about the darker side of politics. 

There are a wide variety of stories contained in “Politics Noir.”  In his introduction, Phillips maintains that he gave the other authors no direction other than the title of the book, and they all knew where to go from there.  The stories are primarily focused in the United States, or around U.S. politics, with a single story representing ‘politics noir’ in Ireland.  The stories run the gamut from presidential scandals and presidential races to small town elections and the politics of race on a very local level. 

My appreciation of the stories varied somewhat, more due to my interest in some themes over others than to any deficiency in the writing.  Perhaps my favorite story was “Collateral Damage” by Robert Greer.  This was the story of two presidential candidates, locked in a race for their party’s nomination.  The candidates are Hannah Rossmore Stenton, wife of a deceased Senator who had been corrupt and womanizing in life, and Broderick Losomma, son of a white father and black mother.  Clearly, this is a blatant retooling of the 2008 Democratic nomination race, which I found interesting since the current race is still going on, as of the writing of this review.  I also quite enjoyed the story-telling style of Michele Martinez in her story, “Ambition.” 

By and large, the stories in “Politics Noir,” in addition to simply chronicling corruption and vice, do so in a traditional ‘noir’ style, reminiscent of early 20th century crime fiction.  Like so much pulp literature, there was a good deal of sex, violence, and foul language of which readers should be aware before picking this book up.  Overall, I think those that will be most interested in this book are those who are fans of noir literature and those who are very interested in, but cynical about, politics.

Politics Noir
Edited by Gary Phillips
Verso (2008)
ISBN 9781844671618
Reviewed by Jen Cardwell for Reader Views (5/08)

Last Call

Blair Oliver has given us all an opportunity to see that sometimes what we see isn’t really so. We come into relationships, jobs and social situations with rose-colored glasses on and it isn’t until a crisis happens that we really see what is going on.

Through several short stories, Oliver has shown that we as individuals are really “noble savages” that believe all is good in the world and no one would ever intentionally hurt us. Through nine stories, issues such as not discussing what is happening in relationships, moving into a house you really don’t want to live in, or being sociable to people you really don’t care about involves all of us at one time or another. Why do we feel the need to please everyone but ourselves? Each story is entertaining but at the same time makes one think about their life – are we living a lie?

The reader felt right at home with all the characters in these stories. I could imagine being in their house or their relationship from the way Oliver described every nook and cranny. What I liked best about “Last Call” is that it made me re-think my priorities.

Last Call
Blair Oliver
World Audience, Inc. (2007)
ISBN 9781934209745
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (5/08)

Stories at the Edge of Time

I’ll be the first to admit that short stories usually cannot hold my attention for very long. More often than not I’ll read one or two in a collection; then decide that they are all the same anyhow and I’ll give up. Well, this was not the case with Alan Robbins’ collection of science-fiction short stories “Stories at the Edge of Time.” The nineteen stories held my attention throughout the entire collection and I enjoyed them immensely.

The stories are diverse and extremely engaging. Most of them seem to deal with time, be it the passage of time, the relativity of it or some other aspect of it. They are all fresh and very different from each other, yet linked by superb writing and boundless imagination. It would be a tough call to decide which of the stories could be my favorite. Part of me would be in favor of “Sudden Insight,” the story of a mathematician on the brink of a huge discovery – which never happens. Or maybe it could be “The Dead Got It Good,” of the “suave detective and hard-nosed dame” genre that I’ve always enjoyed so much in the vintage detective novels. But wait, we cannot forget “The Time Phone!” Would it not be nice to be able to telephone into the future? Or would it be? Then we have “Uncle Jack Eats a Mummy,” a very insightful story about immortality. If this one does not make you stop and think, you are probably beyond help. While all of those stories I’ve just named, as well as all the rest of them, enchanted me, amused me and made me wonder, I would probably pick “The Edge of Time” if I truly had to pick one only. As an avid reader I love the premise of stories and reading being able to change our fate – and that’s exactly what happens in “The Edge of Time.”

So – pick “Stories at the Edge of Time” and immerse yourself in it – I am pretty certain that your universe will experience a little shift as well.

Stories at the Edge of Time
Alan Robbins
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595471072
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (3/08)

Uncensored Emotions

“Uncensored Emotions” contains a collection of poetry written by Jordana Ryan. I found her poems to be very intense. Ms. Ryan’s words cut straight to your heart. In her introduction, she writes that her poetry is a reflection of “the thoughts, feelings, and lives,” of the people who have touched her life. Having worked with the misfortunate, such as criminals and the mentally ill, has given her a wealth of resources from which to draw inspiration for these poems. She obviously has a gift for understanding the plight of the people with whom she has worked. This is reflected in her words. She understands what these people are experiencing.

The poetry in “Uncensored Emotions” is not something that you read for lightness and joy, it is too dark. It is something that you read when you need to know that there is someone else out there who understands what you have been through. Ms. Ryan’s words reflect that she understands the pain of the hardships that people experience. These hardships include: betrayal, abuse, broken relationships, and the disappointment that is felt when God doesn’t seem to be answering your prayers. When you read her poetry, you suspect that she personally experienced everything that she is writing about. You hope that it isn’t true, but her talented writing skills make you think that it could be.

This would be a great quick read for a reader’s group. I think that the poems could offer a wealth of material for discussion. There are some typos in some of the poetry that could be fixed for better reading. I heartily recommend “Uncensored Emotions.”

Uncensored Emotions
Jordana Ryan
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

Meant to Be

“Meant to Be” is composed of an excellent selection of five short stories written by three authors. All of the stories are about poignant, heartfelt connections. Each one deals with what could be real situations. This includes overcoming the loss of a loved one and moving on; learning to want people that accept you for who you are; unexpected pregnancies; and overcoming familiar issues so that you can free your heart to love.

I was really amazed how each author was able to write such complete short stories. In each story, the couples were dealing with personal growth and learning how to be better people. Overcoming the obstacles that were presented to them, taught them to be stronger and in the end, they all had to learn to open their hearts up to love.

For readers that enjoy short stories, they will not be disappointed with “Meant to Be.” I think that everyone who reads this book will be impressed that each story is a winner in its own right. That was a really pleasant surprise for me. Usually when I read short stories, I will find a couple that I really like and then the others just acceptable. Not the case with “Meant to Be” -- each story was excellent.

I highly recommend “Meant to Be.” If you have a really tight schedule and not much time to read, you will appreciate the completeness of the short stories. You can take a break and read one, without having to worry about forgetting the story line in between the times that you can read. For myself, I was spoiled and read them all in one sitting. Enjoy!

Meant to Be
Jordana Ryan, Marilyn Parrish, J.R. Mitchell
Amira Press (2007)
ISBN 9781934475164
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

Don Rumsfeld & Dick Cheney in Hell

Fred Stopsky
FreshWave Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780979651601
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (7/07)

Readers beware - this book comes with a warning, “This book is dangerous to the emotional and intellectual health of Bush supporters.” And that is where the story starts, stays and ends. “Don Rumsfeld & Dick Cheney in Hell” is a very well-written, laugh-out-loud satirical look at the Bush Administration.

The story starts with Don Rumsfeld waking up in hell. He finds out from his representative of the Devil, Ken Lay, he will be listening to testimony from several people to determine if he belongs in Hell. The groups include both liberal and conservative viewpoints such as Michael Moore interviewing Condi Rice and Oprah Winfrey. The different groups include Nancy Pelosi, Rudy Giuliani, Henry Kissinger, George Clooney, Bruce Willis, Howard Stern and many more. As you can imagine, they have very expressive views on the Bush Administration. The author does a good job in capturing and expressing the viewpoints of each of the characters in an informative and very funny way. About halfway through, Dick Cheney comes to hell for his trial. Both Rumsfeld and Cheney come together towards the end of the book for a hearing with the Devil. The finale includes George Bush providing testimony for his two friends.

I thought that the author did an excellent job in presenting the Constitutional violations (through ex-presidents – Truman, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln) and presented a solid case on the Weapons for Mass Destruction. The book did get a little long in areas and could have been done without a few of the chapters. I especially enjoyed the television Law and Order Unit investigation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and I loved Barney’s (President Bush’s dog) response to Jay Leno’s question about how he would clean up the terrorist situation. Barney’s response was “Speaking as a dog, if you want to keep things clean, have plenty of litter boxes scattered around. I know George sometimes gets upset if I poop on the ground and he steps in it. It really bothers him.” Yes, Barney makes more sense than some of the politicians I have heard.

Overall this was a very funny and well-written book. I would highly recommend “Don Rumsfeld & Dick Cheney in Hell” to people who have had it with the Bush Administration, liberals and as a gift for relatives that you would like to annoy who are Bush supporters.

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Dead Boys

Richard Lange
Little, Brown and Company (2007)
ISBN 9780316017367
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/07)

“Dead Boys,” written by Richard Lange, is a collection of twelve, realistic, gritty stories that take place in southern California. In each story, the main character deals with hard-core personal issues. How he chooses to deal with each situation has a tremendous impact on his life and his happiness. The stories are very realistic and are heartfelt by the reader.

Read complete review at Reader Views

How Best to Avoid Dying

Owen Egerton
Dalton Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780974070377
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher of Reader Views (7/07)

Owen Egerton has compiled a book of small stories in “How Best to Avoid Dying.” I have to say that I had mixed feelings as I read through some of the stories. It is very difficult to describe my feelings about them as they had the strangest affect on me. I was very disturbed by many of them, but something about them compelled me to read on. I don’t think a book has ever had quite that affect on me before. The author is an excellent writer and definitely knows how to draw a reader in.

Read complete review at Reader Views