Reader Views

Perplexity of Iran

Article first published as Book Review: Perplexity of Iran by Sohrab ChamanAra on Blogcritics.

Iran is one of the world’s oldest, continuous civilizations. Iran’s potential to negatively impact the U.S. and its allies came to the fore after World War II. Today, there is a wide-spread perception among Americans that Iran is the last vestige of the so-called Axis of Evil. While there is little doubt that the U.S. could readily defeat Iran militarily, the perplexing question remains: “What then?” In his new book, “Perplexity of Iran,” Kurdish Iranian-American Sohrab ChamanAra offers his own thoughtful and heartfelt answer.

Sohrab ChamanAra is a citizen historian, not a scholar. The 68 pages of content are straightforward and easy to follow - more of a lengthy essay than a book. And ChamanAra prominently clarifies from the beginning that the “information in this book is most often copied from Wikipedia…as this Internet Encyclopedia is the best English translation of the facts…accepted by all Muslim scholars.” He has done good job of paring down this scholarly writing. He is quietly passionate about what he writes and his motivation appears to be a genuine respect for humanity and a desire for world peace.

“Perplexity of Iran” begins by providing the reader with a relevant topline historical perspective on the strategic positioning of the Iran, within both its own geographical region and in relationship to the West. The author then moves to significant insights into the cultural and social relationships between specific groups within the country. ChamanAra refutes the perception of a relationship of violent conflict between the Shia and the Sunni, at the same time, confirming long-standing hatred between Wahhabi and Shia. He also explains the notion of a “proxy” war going on within the region between these two factions in which “…American troops could regard as bystanders.” ChamanAra wraps up his analysis of the information he presents by offering what he believes is the only true solution to the perplexity of Iran.

For the average westerner, especially Americans, the leadership and actions of the Iranian government and of certain radicals within the country, incites anger and hatred. “Perplexity of Iran” by Sohrab ChamanAra provides notable insights and explanations of the misconceptions - which fuel those emotions - about the social fabric of the country and of its people, particularly the admiration and high regard the average Iranian (certainly not the government) has for America. “Perplexity of Iran” might be considered by some to be too simplistic in its approaches. But it is, at the least, a thought-provoking, easy-to-follow primer, offering the personal thoughts of an upstanding Iranian-American, on a difficult and complex problem affecting us all. And it might just compel the average American to reconsider his or her own thinking on the matter.


Perplexity of Iran
Sohrab ChamanAra
Xlibris (2012)
ISBN 9781469168562
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (4/12)

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)

The Art of the Roman Catacombs: Themes of Deliverance in the Age of Persecution

Article first published as Book Review: The Art of the Roman Catacombs: Themes of Deliverance in the Age of Persecution by Gregory S. Athnos on Blogcritics.

One would think that by reading a book about the art which adorns the Roman catacombs, one would purely concentrate on analyzing the style and technique of the ancient artists.  However, author Gregory S. Athnos presents his thoughts on the subject from a unique and fascinating angle.  “The Art of the Roman Catacombs: Themes of Deliverance in the Age of Persecution” is not your typical Sunday school lecture.

“The Art of the Roman Catacombs” is an amazing journey into the subterranean world of early Christian tomb frescos.  While Athnos does make distinction between the rudimentary plaster scratchings and the sarcophagi carvings, he focuses mostly on the main themes of the artwork and how they differ from our current day Christian emphasis.  Specifically, we tend to center our minds on the sacrifice – the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – when practicing Christianity.  Athnos shows through example after surprising example that early Christians didn’t include crosses or any references to sacrifice or death in their art.  Instead, they emphasize the resurrection and the newfound power over death.  The messages they left were of hope, of deliverance, and of eternal life.

I found the first appendix at the end of the book to be especially interesting.  Athnos uses recorded astrological events, historical data, and seasonal information to pinpoint Jesus’ birthday…and it’s not what you think.  I grew up believing what he explains although I only had the ‘shepherds couldn’t have been out in the fields at night in December’ reasoning.’  Athnos not only presents this appendix with ample information to back up his theory but can even utilize the catacomb art to further justify it.  I was simply blown away.

Athnos writes with an authoritative tone, speaking with intelligence and eloquence.  His style is straightforward and organized which gives the book a sense of direction and flow.  He also succeeds in imparting his enthusiasm on the subject to his readers.  Overall, I found his novel way of interpreting the tomb art to be absolutely captivating.  I think this would be a fantastic book for not only Bible historians but for small group Bible studies.  Further, tourists looking to tour the catacombs would enjoy reading the book before visiting; I know I would have loved to have this before my travels there.  It truly gives a fresh perspective on traditional Christianity.

“The Art of the Roman Catacombs” represents a thirst for greater knowledge, empathy for those early Christians living during the Age of Persecution, and a hope that those reading will have a better understanding of what the emphasis was in the religion’s beginnings.


The Art of the Roman Catacombs: Themes of Deliverance in the Age of Persecution
Gregory S. Athnos
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432774493
Reviewed by Vicki Liston for Reader Views (12/11)

SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat

Doug DePew relives an important part of his youth as he chronicles the two years he served with the Security Alert Team (SAT) and the Backup Alert Force (BAF) from 1986-1988, in his memoir “SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat.” DePew served in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (Pershing) as a U. S. Army 11 B Infantryman at the Waldheide Nuclear Weapons Storage Area.

Because of the secret nature of the assignment and the level of secrecy and high security clearance around the live Pershing II nuclear program, twenty years had to elapse before any details could be told publically. DePew has been careful not to step over allowed parameters throughout his narration.  I would have preferred insight into other areas of his assignment than to the often repetitious details and emphasis on partying. Although the dialog depicts the realism of the time and circumstances, it is filled with enough graphic reiteration to become distracting and distasteful.

I became involved in DePew’s descriptions of Site Security School and other training missions as well as use of scenic word pictures as he related his opportunity to visit various European countries during his tour of duty in Germany. However, I was disappointed in that I did not feel the book met up to the level the back cover promoted (History/Military/Nuclear Warfare).

DePew is an engaging writer. His narrative in “SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat” is fast-moving, filled with quick wit, genuinely honest and candid. Early reviews indicate that veterans who served in the towers of the Waldheide Nuclear Weapons Storage Area during these tension filled final years of the cold war have been deeply moved by DePew’s writing.


SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat
Doug DePew
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432771324
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/11)

Discovery of the Grand Unified Theory: The Greatest Discovery of 21st Century Opening the Door to a New World- Essential Reading for All Human Beings, Young and Old

Article first published as Book Review Discovery of the Grand Unified Theory: The Greatest Discovery of 21st by Arkay Nair on Blogcritics

In his new book, “Discovery of the Grand Unified Theory,” chemist and devotee of the pursuit of the Grand Unified Theory, Arkay Nair proclaims that he has discovered the definitive model of the Grand Unified Theory. He further asserts that “All the great scientists of the last century (most notably Albert Einstein) missed out on it because they were traveling on the wrong path searching for it.”

This book is only twenty-nine pages long. The author intends that it serve as a preface for an expanded model on his theory and its potential impact on the world. Take note that this reviewer is admittedly a layman physicist. Grand Unified Theory (GUT) models are very complex. Even the definition of GUT in the Yahoo! Kids Dictionary is complicated, stating that it is “A theory of elementary forces that unites the weak, strong, electromagnetic, and gravitational interactions into one field theory and views the known interactions as low-energy manifestations of a single unified interaction.” No “GUTs for Dummies” has been published!

The book is actually a paper that presents the author’s theory in five discourses, each composed of a short Abstract, expanded Discourse, and reinforcing Summary. The first two discourses challenge current scientific thinking. The third and fourth discourses elaborate on these contrarian ideas, and the fifth introduces Nair’s model and invites readers to react. The author strongly urges reader to read the book straight through, uninterrupted and in the order in which the content is presented. He is equally emphatic about the importance of reading the twenty-nine pages again before noting questions. If the reader still has questions after the second reading, Nair invites them to send their questions to him.

Nair’s hope is that everyone, young and old, reads his book, gains a greater understanding of how his version of the Grand Unified Theory can help solve problems like global warming and energy shortages, and contemplate and incorporate their own version of his theory into their personal philosophy. To his credit, he has effectively dealt with the complexity of this subject in an approachable and straightforward style which seemingly should make this subject more accessible to more readers. Given the numerous new terminology related to his model proposed by the author, a glossary would have been helpful for quick reference.

One issue of some importance to me related to the book is that information about the author was incomplete. For example, his bio indicated that “I worked as a chemist for a few years before emigrating to the United States…I received an MBA from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire in 1985 and spent the next twenty-five years in business.” No specific business sector or industry is mentioned. In the Epilogue, it is stated that the author submitted his paper to the American Physical Society (the second largest professional society for physicists in the world), that refused to publish the paper. No further elaboration is offered.

Overall, I found the book to be engaging and interesting. Arkay Nair’s passion for the pursuit of the true Grand Unified Theory model permeates the twenty-nine pages of his “Discovery of the Grand Unified Theory.” He has the spirit of an explorer. To be sure, this complicated scientific matter will simply be too daunting for some readers to engage. But this citizen scientist enjoyed this introductory exploration.


Discovery of the Grand Unified Theory: The Greatest Discovery of 21st Century Opening the Door to a New World- Essential Reading for All Human Beings, Young and Old
Arkay Nair
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781463487317
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (12/11)

The Human Hologram: Living Your Life in Harmony with the Unified Field

I found it incredibly refreshing to read “The Human Hologram.”  By demonstrating how modern science and ancient wisdom are connected, Dr. Robin Kelly presents a convincing argument to explain his theory that we are living in a holographic universe.    To support his theory, he provides us with Ten Guiding Principles of the Human Hologram.  The Fourth Principle, “Modern scientific and mathematical theory lends support to the theory that our universe is holographic. It follows that we, as part of the universe, must also be holographic. Modern Science acknowledges that pure information is fundamental to our universe.”  What this means to us, as both humans and holograms, is that we are actually able to play an active role in co-creating our future. In doing so, by combining our knowledge of modern science and the ideals of ancient wisdom, we can connect to a unifying field of consciousness that will enable us to transform our health and our environment.

In explaining how he arrived at this idea, Dr. Kelly heavily expounds upon scientific processes.  Having personally read many books that put a lot of emphasis on metaphysical ideas while throwing some scientific jargon in, I was pleased to see that Dr. Kelly utilizes his obviously extensive knowledge of natural physical laws and constants to show how “The Human Hologram” can be a reality.

While “The Human Hologram” presents a lot of complex ideas, Dr. Kelly presents it in a way that I was able to follow, even though my last science class was fifteen years ago! I felt that this book was beautifully written and I loved how the author showed that both eastern and western medicine can be connected. Utilizing a great deal of explanations, diagrams, case studies, compassion and a touch of humor, I totally enjoyed reading this book, and was excited to see that scientists are heading us in a direction where as individuals we will be encouraged to play a more active role in taking responsibility for our health and transforming our lives.    

The Human Hologram: Living Your Life in Harmony with the Unified Field
Dr. Robin Kelly
Energy Psychology Press (2011)
ISBN 9781604150629
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/11)

Why China Will Never Rule the World: Travels in the Two Chinas

Troy Parfitt introduces an analysis of China’s culture, history, government, and citizens exploring them within a cultural context in a time relationship exploring the past, the present, and the future in his book “Why China Will Never Rule the World: Travels in Two Chinas.”

I enjoyed Troy’s descriptions of the often lush, sometime arid, flora and fauna of China’s ever-changing landscape. Whether traveling by train, bus, or following a “scenic walking tour” (suggested in one of his tour books), his descriptions paint picturesque, colorful, and detailed word pictures. In contrast, at times I was disturbed by the exposure to the blind acceptance of the Chinese citizenry to the dismal drab reality of existing circumstances as their destiny.

My perceptions of China’s culture and history have been formed through early exposure to missionary biographies, high school curriculum, anti-Communist propaganda, and a number of home visits by Chinese students in our home.

It should come as no surprise to the reader that Troy’s own bias, personal philosophy and sometimes cynical outlook come through loud and clear in his writing. His conclusion that China’s modernization is largely superficial will meet with criticism and controversy by many. His investigative observations, however, bring out in the open the lack of progress in areas of human rights, educational reform, or freedom of expression in the political arena. I want to think that I will be more objective in my personal understanding and analysis of future news reports regarding China. As an aside, I found it interesting to consider the impact of foreign aggression and of the Opium Wars on China’s anti-foreign sentiment.

Although intimidating at first (over 400 pages), I found Troy’s writing compelling as well as enlightening. I enjoyed his subtle humor and his entertaining and informative writing style. It is rare to find an author who combines such insight into current affairs and travel. I found the book to be an important learning experience. Troy’s impressions, observations, and intimate anecdotes, are engaging, well formulated, and superbly articulated.

The background information, historical anecdotes, travel narrative, and geographical descriptions added immensely to my enjoyment of “Why China Will Never Rule the World.”

Why China Will Never Rule the World: Travels in the Two Chinas
Troy Parfitt
Western Hemisphere Press (2011)
ISBN 9780986803505
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/11)

Target Sitting

The last seven years of Cathy Travis’s twenty-five years of service working on Capitol Hill were incredibly stressful due to being a “target sitter” for terrorists.  Prior to the 911 attacks security on the “Campus” was always a concern because the Capital Building would be a prime choice for terrorists to attack to gain maximum worldwide exposure.  Concerns about how these attacks could occur were thought of and discussed however; it wasn’t until 911 that reality struck so close to home.  Literally.

Knowing that one of the three planes involved in 911 had been headed for the place where Cathy worked hit her very hard.  While appreciating that the heroes on the plane saved her life by diverting it, she still had to deal with the fact that she was inside the intended target.  Additional crises worldwide and within our nation after this time, further increased her stress levels.  At the recommendation of a counselor from Human Resources, Cathy put the power of her pen to use in two ways. The first way was to seek release by writing out her feelings about the events that were occurring following this tragedy.  The second way was to share her story with the world.

By reading “Target Sitting” the reader’s eyes are opened to the daily stresses of working in a building that is constantly under threat of attack.  By hitting both a national symbol and our leaders, the United States would definitely be brought down a couple of notches.  Learning about how the system is set up to make sure that our government has a back-up plan for leadership is reassuring.  However, I also found it disconcerting to learn about glitches within the actual security of the building. Like the author, I hope that these issues have been corrected. She had a first-hand experience of seeing how bad communication was when she reported seeing a man who resembled a known terrorist within the area of the capital.  Her concerns were not immediately followed up upon and dismissed. This is not reassuring at all.

Having to endure the memories of evacuating during 911, the anthrax attacks, false alarms at the capital (namely by planes who fly into the No Fly Zone) and other attacks that occurred worldwide takes a toll on one’s health and soul.  By sharing her story, I am hoping that the author will receive some healing from knowing that she is helping others to wake up to the reality of what is happening both within and outside of our country. It is scary.

Written in a casual journal-like style, I truly felt like I was reading the private journal of a friend.  The only thing missing was the handwriting.  As I read through Cathy’s experiences, I relived many of my own thoughts and feelings about what was happening at the time.  She also opened my eyes to some things that I did not realize had happened. I suspect part of this was due to her proximity to national leadership. I also think that part of this was due to my mentally blocking what was happening at the time.  Having family members personally involved with 911 and some in the military at the time, I don’t think I let myself fully let everything sink in.  Sitting and looking back, Cathy gave me what I needed to fill in a lot of blanks.  This book is highly recommended for all Americans. It will definitely make you think.

Target Sitting
Cathy Travis
Kindle Digital Publishing (2011)
ASIN: B00599S9GY
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/11)

Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of Contagious Opinions

Mr. John Cooker has written "Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of Contagious Opinions" to explain the serious diseases that have inflicted the American people; diseases that until now, had never been discovered. Cooker has been able to identify and classify them and has discovered a remarkable cure for them. The FDA has not approved this miraculous cure but the author swears that it worked in seventy-five percent of the cases. These highly contagious viruses, Democratitus and Democratosis, have spread to epidemic proportions lately and Mr. Cooker’s book explains the reasons why.

His presentation is an acute infliction of humor, aimed at the most basic of American beliefs, Democracy. From contaminated buildings to conspiracy theories and everything in between, the author finds these viruses almost everywhere and in everyone. They have no barriers and can be found in Liberals and Conservatives alike. They lie dormant in places like the Capital till something awakens them.

Later in the book Mr. Cooker includes an “Allergy Test” that the reader can take to find out if they have the virus. In the two-part test are some interesting questions that ask your reaction to different things and your feelings on such things as “Ivy League colleges, Sushi, Unions and the NRA," just to name a few.

 Your Democracy" continues to fester, sprouting insights like the history of the viruses and an aggressive prognosis of treatment. The treatment explained sounds much like that of the AA program; it has twelve steps. Some of the other cures have to do with rituals and old methods from history such as dueling.

I had fun reading this humorous 264-page report on such wide spread, but yet not well known, viruses. It kept me reading and I found it hard to put down at night. Well written, it is a general audience, G-rated book that will appeal to everyone. I gave it a well-deserved B and decided that I’d better take the cure because I too, am infected.

Cure Your Democracy: The Infection, Spread and Treatment of Contagious Opinions
John Cooker, MRI
Spin Doctor Press (2011)
ISBN 9780983572404
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (7/11)

The Elite Idolaters: A Real Michigan FOIA Case

David E. Bloch asks the question, “Does a person who is accused of suspected child abuse by a public school official in a Child Protective Services Referral Report, that they send to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) for investigation, have a legal right to know the information in that report?”

“The Elite Idolaters” is Bloch’s first person account of how his request for such information was denied by Davison Community School officials; he filed a lawsuit in the 7th Circuit Court of Genesee County and acted as his own attorney, “In Pro Per,” throughout the litigation. He presents the case facts, analyzes the legal proceedings, including the court transcripts. The book is made up of court documents, quotations, and Bloch’s opinions and conclusions.

After the denial by the 7th Circuit Court, he files an appeal with the State Court of Appeals. He includes his complete court of appeals brief which is based on logic, statue law, and case law. This is an impressive, comprehensive brief including arguments, index of authorities, with applicable statues, and sources. He also includes discussion regarding document disclosure issues. The complexities of the case revolve around the terminology and wording used within the statutes. Bloch presents his case based on the F.O.I.A Flow Chart Approach. The chart provided within the context of the narrative helps the reader visualize the sequence of the process.

I was impressed with the way Block wove quotations relating the law into the body of his material with applicable quotations from Goethe, Nietzsche, Shakespeare, Emerson, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others. He compares reason, science, and conviction in relation to the law. His case is well presented; the documented material is comprehensive and convincing.

In the final chapters I was left confused. In his conclusions and analysis Block exposes a vindictive spirit as he examines the psychology motivating the judges and school officials.  However, that said, “The Elite Idolaters” is a clarion call to alert the reader of the importance of understanding the F.O.I.A. laws and the misuse through misinterpretation, omission, and bias in judgments being handed down by the courts, and the danger to freedom that this represents.

“The Elite Idolaters” may have limited readership because of the nature of the detailed legal information included. Bloch calls on the Michigan voter to recognize their civic duty to examine the facts presented and to decide if these public officials acted with integrity; or if they acted dishonestly and betrayed that public trust.

The Elite Idolaters: A Real Michigan FOIA Case
David E. Bloch
Self-published (2011)
ISBN 9780982435212
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/11)