Reader Views

Southern Boy: Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the 1920-30s

Having just returned from my first trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, reading “Southern Boy” gave me such wonderful insights into the magical area. Although still somewhat devastated from the hurricane- you can still tell how beautiful it is. The author not only includes recollections of wonderful times during his life, he also includes pictures and descriptions of the people in this area.

Author Jagoe takes us on a journey of simpler times through his own life. Southerners are friendly, help neighbors out and work together to get through the depression. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be like that again?

Can you imagine a time when there weren’t ice boxes, but big blocks of ice that would melt more the farther you lived from the ice plant? How about cars with no roll-up windows? People would sit on their porches sipping mint juleps and watching their neighbors walk by.

If you have never been to the Mississippi coast, I would recommend you read this book first. There is so much history and beauty in this historical town.

The author’s writing is just like having a conversation with him. You can imagine everything he describes as it is in such detail. He also is very positive about his life on the gulf coast and life in general. It is great to read a book like “Southern Boy” by Armiger Jagoe that actually leaves you with the thought “Ahh- those were the times.”

Southern Boy: Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the 1920-30s
Armiger Jagoe
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440144547
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (11/09)

Short White Coat: Lessons from Patients on Becoming a Doctor

“Short White Coat” by James A. Feinstein, MD, is a collection of wonderfully heart-warming stories about real life experiences of a third year medical student and the time he spent in the trial-by-fire environment dealing with real patients in different clinic and hospital settings. Ranging from frankly scary to truly uplifting, each of the stories teaches a lesson about listening, learning and growing. Written in a fluid, easy-to-read style, those stories are approachable and easy to relate to.

James Feinstein’s clinical year took him from internal medicine through ob-gyn, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery to emergency medicine. In each of the new settings he encountered new challenges and worked alongside a variety of very different personalities, and all of those experiences must have been very helpful in shaping his own view of the profession he eventually joined as a practicing pediatrician. Occasionally funny, oftentimes sad, always very personal and displaying touching honesty and vulnerability, those stories are eye-opening for a variety of reasons. Dr. Feinstein does not white-wash the reality of the medical profession or the training for it. He speaks frankly about the grueling pace the overworked hospital staff has to keep up with, the frequently infuriating limitations of the system, the different lessons the patients themselves taught him about how to handle them with the proper respect and allow them to keep their dignity, the dangers of assumptions and quick conclusions, but also about the joy of seeing somebody get well and observing a good doctor making a real difference in somebody’s life. Dr. Feinstein describes doctors with hearts, those who know the healing power of touch and a warm word, as well as a few of those we all encounter all too often and wish we would have not; that is the superstars who are great technically, yet lousy human beings, and those who have no respect for patients and whose words cause more hurt than their actions would cure.

“Short White Coat” by James A. Feinstein, MD, should be required reading for everybody thinking of medical school as well as everybody working in the medical field. In addition to those, I believe that anybody close to those people as well as any patient would greatly profit from reading this wonderful collection of stories. Since that covers most anybody, particularly in the so-called “developed” world, let me simply say that I do believe reading “Short White Coat” would be a good idea for anybody who wants to understand more about doctors and doctoring. Judging by this book, Dr. Feinstein understands what makes a good doctor, and I sincerely hope more of his colleagues take his lessons to heart as well.

Short White Coat: Lessons from Patients on Becoming a Doctor
James A. Feinstein, MD
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440175138
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/09)

Grace Notes: A Story of Music, Trials and Unexpected Blessings

“Grace Notes” tells the story of the author Sang-Eun Lee Bukaty’s life.  She began her journey in Korea during the war.  Being born into a prestigious family, she still experienced many hardships when she had to flee her home, with her family, to survive.  Upon returning home and settling down again, she knew that she was different from the rest of her family.  She had to deal with being ostracized by them because she did not have their book smarts.  Being a top student and getting accepted at a prestigious school was critical for the social standing of both the child and the parents.  Sang-Eun did not feel like she fit into the mold that was decided for her.  She was also devastated when her beloved father passed away while she was still very young.

When she discovered a love for music, she found her true calling.  This brought her a great deal of respect.  But it also meant that she had to learn how to deal with the stresses involved with the intense training and performances.  Deciding that the United States offered some exceptional opportunities for her to be educated, she made the journey over to attend college.  Being unofficially adopted by an American couple, she was introduced to the American way of life.  At times she found it fascinating; other times once again, she did not feel like she was a part of it.  Through her music she continued to express herself.

When she met her first husband, who was also Korean, she felt comfortable because they shared their culture; however, she was not totally at peace with him because of his controlling ways and lack of Christian faith.  She pulled away from her music.  She did have three beautiful daughters with him that helped give her life meaning and strengthen her faith.  Reaching within herself for strength and a desire to have her daughters grow up in a happy home, she divorced her husband.  In time she found a great love to share her life with.

“Grace Notes” by Sang-Eun Lee Bukaty is a beautiful, contemplative reflection of one woman’s journey through life.  In both her homeland and in her newfound land Sang-Eun experiences feeling different from others.  She has some incredible people enter her life as teachers.  Not all of the lessons learned from these people were easy.  Her faith in Christ, and her love for her family, carries her a long way through her experiences.  I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy biographies, women’s reader groups, and to families of immigrants.  So much wisdom will be gained by seeing life through Sang-Eun’s eyes.

Grace Notes
Sang-Eun Lee Bukaty
Triple One Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780578015460
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/09)

Buckley's Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher

If you've ever had the great honor to share your life with a pet, "Buckley's Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher" will not come as any surprise to you, but it will certainly make you shake your head in agreement and cause you to smile often, particularly when you'll reach some parts which will greatly remind you of your pet's habits. Animals could - and do! - teach us so much, if only we stop for long enough and truly listen to them.

Buckley was a small cat with a huge personality and an even bigger heart. She entered Ms. King's life with a whisper, as the "office cat" in the veterinary hospital which was managed by Ms. King at the time. An extremely affectionate tortoiseshell cat, she became a constant companion who was very much missed when Ms. King decided to explore other career paths and left the hospital. After a couple of not immediately successful attempts to assimilate into Ms. King's household, Buckley finally came home for good. Amber, the "original" cat sharing Ms. King's home, had to adapt to the new situation, and she learned to share "her human" with another cat quite quickly. Sadly, Buckley was diagnosed with a heart condition after two years of her arrival into the new home, and the second half of the book deals with the treatments, challenges and final acceptance of the situation. The many moments of pure joy were always tainted with sadness over the inevitable final outcome of this situation, and Ms. King managed to capture the process of ultimate acceptance in incredible vivid detail.

Warm, intelligent and wise, this is a beautiful book that will touch the hearts of animal lovers, particularly those who are grieving over the loss of their companions or who are living with the knowledge that their companions will not be able to share their lives with them for much longer. It shall also prove useful to anybody who might be thinking of adopting an older and possibly not so healthy animal, showing very clearly why that might be a particularly good choice. The detailed information on Buckley's diagnosis and treatment course, with clearly described challenges and rewards, might very well make some pet owners reconsider the path they are taking and make them realize that oftentimes we would do better to follow our instincts more and feel less obliged to blindly accept the mainstream information. And more than anything, "Buckley's Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher" by Ingrid King should make you realize again how much we should and do learn from the animals who graciously share their love and life with us.

Buckley's Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher
Ingrid King
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440166242
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (10/09)

Summer of 1977: A North American Bicycling Odyssey

This is the story of Doug Freedline’s courageous bicycle trip across Canada and the United States. Having attempted this same adventure back in 1974 and failing to complete it, Doug was adamant about facing his demons and proving to himself and everyone that he could do it this time! This time things would be different, he had a friend of his that was going to accompany him and his friend was as eager as he was to do it.

Doug and his good buddy Ed ventured out from their home town in Pennsylvania and headed straight to the Canadian border. They made it into Canada and now were well on their way to the coast. The Ontario highway that they were on was a treacherous road. They soon found out how dangerous it can be when Doug’s friend Ed was blown off the road by a big truck. It caused him to fall off the shoulder of the road and he was pretty badly scraped up.

As they continued through Canada and were going through Manitoba, they were privileged to be exposed to some Canadian hospitality. A nice family invited them to dinner and for the first time since the beginning of their journey; they had a nice, wholesome, sit-down meal.

Once they were through British Columbia they headed south and crossed over into the good ole USA. Stopping at a visitor’s center in Washington, they encountered a woman that read them the law about bicycles and highways and told them they wouldn’t get past the first weigh station.
As luck would have it, they managed to travel a good distance down the highway before a State Trooper stopped them and made them toss their bikes over the fence and off the highway. He told them what roads to take and was nice enough not to give them a ticket.

Leaving Brookings, Oregon they were astonished to see a car weaving down the road headed right at them. Clinging to the hood was a screaming teenager and as the car came closer, it straightened out and kept going. It was nothing out of the ordinary; after all, they were in California. Now they only had 400 miles to go till they arrived in San Francisco. That’s where Ed’s Aunt lived and they would be taking a few days off when they got there. Once in San Francisco, Ed’s bike gets stolen and he tells Doug that he is no longer going to continue the trip back with him. He tells Doug that he has decided to stay a few days and was not about to go back on a bike. So then Doug has no choice but to strike out on his own for the rest of the trip back home.

Leaving California, Doug has some memorable moments in Arizona. His ride down the winding mountain road with the forceful wind pushing at him, made him go much faster than he should have. Then there were the two-foot high ant hills that the Fire Ants had made. He had to watch out for them when he made camp. But the most frightening thing was in New Mexico when he went against his own rule of not accepting a ride and jumped in a pickup truck with a stranger.

The adventure continues through many more states and for many more days. If I did my job then you will be curious enough to want to buy the book and find out if Doug ever made it back home.

This very fast-moving book is 577 pages of exciting reading -- not your typical cross-country travel journal that’s for sure. I gave it an A because it is a very good, general audience book that the whole family can enjoy. "Summer of 1977: A North American Bicycling Odyssey" by Doug Freedline is well written and the story will keep you glued to the pages.

Summer of 1977: A North American Bicycling Odyssey
Doug Freedline
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440100208
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (10/09)

Feisty Lydia: Memoirs of a German War Bride

Each time I read personal accounts of those who were affected by war, destruction and loss of their families my heart breaks. But Lydia Weber defied all odds and stood up for her rights and those of others during this tumultuous time.

Author Edna Thayer gives readers a highlight of Lydia’s life through various stories told by Lydia or her close friends.  One can tell through the author’s words that Lydia had an impact on all she met that left a long-lasting impression.

When Lydia was 14-years-old, the German government required all girls to live with families that were selected by the government to develop their skills in cooking, cleaning and keeping house. On the same note, boys were to live and work on farms. It was during this time that Hitler was well received by the Germans; no one had a clue about what was to come. When war did come, Lydia wrote to many soldiers to help boost their morale. Given that Lydia was a natural born flirt she told the soldiers she would be waiting for them when they came home.

In 1945 Lydia met her husband, John Ross, an American soldier who was stationed in Germany.  She initially met him when she was applying for a job-but he would not accept non-married women. Leaving rejected, Lydia knew she would marry that soldier.  However, little did Lydia know she was pregnant or that John would marry her? John was returned to the US where he would have to deal with red tape to get his wife and baby there. Thinking he had put money aside, he realized that his mother had used it all for her own pleasures.  Lydia traveled to the US on a troop ship and was anxious about what she would encounter once in the states. What she found was no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom, so she decided to try to get a loan to get a house of their own.

The remainder of “Feisty Lydia: Memoirs of a German War Bride” by Edna Thayer describes the fun, determination and working years of Lydia in America. There are personal stories from friends, family and co-workers. Through each vignette you can see that regardless of the obstacles Lydia encountered she overcame them through her determination. Lydia truly is a person that should inspire all readers to realize that regardless of obstacles in their life, they can achieve their goals. Readers need to remember that regardless of their problems, there are individuals in our world that survived worse.

Feisty Lydia: Memoirs of a German War Bride
Edna Thayer
Minnesota Heritage Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780979494086
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (10/09)

The Upside of Fear: How One Man Broke the Cycle of Prison, Poverty, and Addiction

Mr. Weldon Long tells a story about an armed robber that made good; how he started out on a life of crime and what his life was like, to how he is now and how he saved himself.  Weldon starts out with his earliest days of getting into trouble.  First, his encounter with the local cops as a young boy then all the way to the big time. His story is told in intricate detail from the beginning to the big time crimes and the Feds chasing him. Weldon had been labeled “a bad seed” by the local police and “Wanted” by the Feds. He worked his way up the crime ladder from petty little things (such as car theft) when he was still a juvenile, to the big time of armed robbery and attempted murder as an adult. He was sent to prison time after time, getting worse with every trip back.  He tells it like it is about his struggles with alcoholism and the fight for survival in a world full of drugs and booze.

Then, the turning point comes when he meets the love of his life -- this woman that stuck with him through his incarceration and finally his release from prison -- an angel of mercy that gave him the will to beat the odds and fight to get where he is today. Once they got together, he turned his life around and became the man he wanted to be. He began to have a real life, a real home, a real job and most of all, a real family. It was his dream and he began to live it, but not without paying his dues.

“The Upside of Fear” by Weldon Long is a very frank and dramatic book. It is not intended for a young audience and would not be that interesting to them anyway. The subject is dear to many in our society that have been there and done that; those are the ones that need to read this true story. It is an inspiration and a very motivating account of one man beating the odds and turning his life around. I gave “The Upside of Fear” a high rating of A because of the way Mr. Long presented it; the way it was written, it kept my attention.

The Upside of Fear
Weldon Long
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320004
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (8/09)

Everything Will Be All Right

“Everything Will Be All Right,” Douglas Wallace’s memoir, has given me a whole new perception of the reality and emotional scars of alcoholism, abuse, and violence resulting from life in the streets, with the accompanying cycle of generational poverty. Born into poverty in the rural South, the Wallace family moved from one small town in the backwoods of upstate Tennessee to another, as their alcoholic father drifted from job to job. In 1955 Doug’s father uprooted his family to move to an industrial neighborhood in Granite City, Illinois in hopes of increased employment opportunities.

The familiar patterns of frequent job changes and rental evictions did not change. The family soon moved back to Tennessee and ultimately settled in East Nashville. Wallace, the third born of the eight Wallace children, reveals the lessons he learned and the social dynamics which are determined from the environment, the streets of East Memphis, the deplorable conditions of the massive government housing projects, and the danger and risk of showing fear. Wallace stated it this way, “I acted like a tough street kid, but inside I was a scared person desperately wanting out of the environment.” He told of his disappointment when his older brother was forced to drop out of high school to help support the family because of the devastating poverty and a despicable alcoholic father, who couldn’t hold a job to support his family.

At the age of twelve on the way home from a visit with his brother to a local church “revival,” Doug had a religious experience that impacted his life. From that point forward he often heard and responded to an inner voice assuring him, “Everything Will Be All Right.” Early in his childhood he purposed with determination to become an attorney. He never lost this vision.  Doug candidly recounts the struggles he faced as he persevered in following his dream to fruition.

Wallace’s writing conveys the close-knit bonding of deep family ties and of his loyalty to a caring mother. His suffered the discomfort, difficulty, determination, and personal sacrifice to adjust to the expected norms of a middle-class society. This embarrassment was yet another hurdle Doug had to overcome in the discovery and formation of his personal identity. He served in the Army in Viet Nam. Later he took a full-time job and college night classes. These challenges were only a part of Wallace’s journey to fulfilling his dream of becoming a licensed attorney.

Doug chose to write his story of growing up in poverty in an effort to call attention to the unimaginable hardships for the generationally impoverished. It is his hope that his story will influence his readers to overcome the seeming insurmountable obstacles they face with the same resolute will, unrelenting drive, and indomitable faith that empowered him.

“Everything Will Be All Right” turns circumstances to vision, vision to purpose, purpose to perseverance, and perseverance to accomplishment. Douglas Wallace’s story is disturbing and unforgettable with an inspiring message of hope for any one struggling to raise themselves above their circumstances.

Everything Will Be All Right
Douglas Wallace
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320042
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/09)

Precious Memories

Phyllis Myers Miller relates her experiences of growing up in a family of seven children. She has captured hundreds of unforgettable favorite family moments in this delightful memoir, "Precious Memories." Using a combination of prose and poetry Myers gives the reader a behind-the-scenes glimpse into an almost-forgotten era of Americana.

A unique highlight of the book is the amazing selection of candid camera shots and colorful family portraits that tell a story which goes beyond what even well-chosen word pictures can express. The genuine heartfelt smiles and eyes that sparkle with mischief reveal the delight and joy that are the results of the sense of family closeness, loyalty, love, and respect instilled by their struggle for survival as sharecroppers in Missouri.

The book is made up of three parts. Part one is dedicated to deceased family members, brothers Don and Emmett, and Mom and Dad Myers. An ode is included in honor of each of them. Additional background material, drawn from incidents from their lives, reveals the impact they have made on the other family members.

Part two recounts the adventures of the surviving siblings (the rest of the clan). Tributes are included to: Suzy, Bill, Geri, and Hank, as well as: Mr. Wonderful, Jerry Miller, the author’s spouse.

In part three Myers includes more family background and stories of their early childhood years in Missouri and later in Iowa. Here Phyllis includes her own personal most embarrassing moments. She tells of her first crush, masquerading as an angel, her hatred of snakes, how a goat ate her hair in the night, and of her disobedience in a challenging lesson in bareback riding.

Although written for the family, "Precious Memories" is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone growing up in the Midwest in the mid 1900s. The pages are packed with moving stories that will trigger nostalgia and personal memories. It is the authors’ hope that these readers will pass the book along to younger readers who will learn of the value of family bonding and love which grow through the experiences of hardship and sacrifice.

Miller’s writing is ingenuous, sometimes tragic, often provocative, told in good-natured humor. By the time I finished reading the book I felt I had become an extended member of the Myers family. "Precious Memories" by Phyllis Myers Miller is a captivating invitation to a stroll down memory lane.

Precious Memories
Phyllis Myers Miller
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781438994475
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/09)

The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, and What I Learned

"The Novice" tells the true story of Stephen Schettini’s spiritual journey. He was born into a middle-class Catholic family. Yearning for something different he sets off on a journey that changes the whole course of his life. Deciding to travel to India, he becomes enmeshed in the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Along the way, he also has experiences in which he becomes heavily involved in drugs. Health problems and the drug use pull him away from his path, but they also teach him some valuable lessons. A wake-up call from a concerned friend sets him back on his way.

While involved with the Buddhist traditions, his journeys take him through various countries, and into exotic places. He also encounters some incredible teachers, namely the Dalai Lama. As he is involved with his training to become a Buddhist monk, Stephen continues to hold on to his own ideas and think for himself. His unwillingness to relinquish his individual thoughts don’t always make him popular with others, however, he stays true to himself.

After several years, Stephen begins to realize that it is time for a change and he returns to his homeland. It appears that Buddhism is like many other religions. The teachings of Buddha, as with Jesus, are valuable, however, the politics behind the religion can be dissuading. Learning to be true to his self by living with integrity and to be "real," Stephen’s life journey has taught him how to live. By writing this book, he teaches others about what is important. As with the Buddhist tradition, materialism is not important. Becoming bound to acquiring things is not the way. Happiness does not come from ownership.

"The Novice" is a memoir that everyone can learn from. While the majority of us will never set out on a path like Stephen did, being able to read his story lets the reader learn about his life lessons as an arm-chair traveler. His experiences and descriptions of the places that he has been and the hardships that he has endured are incredible. Pictures are interspersed throughout the book to help illustrate his story. I really appreciate his willingness to share what he experienced. Having been raised in a very strict Catholic upbringing, and having dabbled with other belief systems, I also have come to many of the realizations that he has about what is really involved in being content and happy. His book, however, summed up my thoughts in a way that had much more of an impact on my meandering ideas. I highly recommend this memoir, "The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, and What I Learned" by Stephen Schettini.

The Novice:
Stephen Schettini
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320059
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/09)