Reader Views

Silent Screams from the Hamptons

Christa Jan Ryan opens her memoir “Silent Screams from the Hamptons” with an Introduction stating that “this book is about the Disease of The Family of Origin” and how we intentionally carry over our patterns of hurts, hang-ups, and habits into the next generation.”   Throughout the book, Ms. Ryan hopes to change this cycle through the power of willingness, love, and forgiveness.  She did not grow up in a typical “Leave It To Beaver” family environment.  Her parents struggled with their addictions to alcohol and drugs while she was growing up.  She was the youngest of six children with her triplet sisters being born with Cerebral Palsy.  Christa and her older siblings carried the burden of caring for their mother and sisters.  These family episodes, as well as being raped when she was twelve by a teacher, led Christa to make the wrong choices in her life leading to one chaos after another.  This included marrying her husband Jacob who was also a product of a dysfunctional family.  Both Christa and Jacob turned to drugs and alcohol while trying to maintain their landscaping business which included rich and famous clients in the Hamptons.  Gardening and landscape design was a passion of Christa’s since she was a little girl.  As an adult, she found solace in this, from her abusive husband.  Once she had her two sons and with God’s guidance, she decided that she needed to break free from this cycle of abuse and seek help.     

“Silent Screams from the Hamptons” was a remarkable story of breaking free of addiction and domestic violence.  Ms. Ryan was a brave woman to not want her children to grow up as she did.  She was determined to break the cycle of disease and torment.  I found it heartwarming at the end when she said that her husband, Jacob, is still battling his addictions, but that she prays for his deliverance and hopes that he will soon be the father he needs to be.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who comes from a family of addictive personalities to see how she comes full circle with her strength and the grace of God.  “In him, we can do all things.”

Silent Screams from the Hamptons
Christa Jan Ryan
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9781934759059
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)

One Time in Paris

Wade Stevenson was an aggressive and adventurous young man. He did not let anything stop him on his quest to explore the world and all it had to offer. His own father could not diminish his spirits or his desires, even when he accused him of being “a loser.” Wade knew that one day he would achieve his goal and with that in mind, his journey began.

He was a lover of women and as such had a few close calls that almost led to sex, but it wasn’t in the cards back then. Once he had a crush on his college German teacher and when she didn’t acknowledge his eye contact, he walked out and quit school. Coming back home and again being subjected to his fathers ridicule. He wanted out, he wanted out so bad he would do anything to do it. Dreaming of the day he would get on a boat and head to France to fulfill his life-long dream. But that was not going to happen because his father had him committed. Thinking there was something seriously wrong with his son, Wade’s father had him put in an asylum for months, till he was cured. That just pushed him over the edge and when he was released to go home, he escaped. He got a job on a freighter and then eventually made his way toward his dream, France.

Arriving in France and not being too well versed in the native tongue, he found himself thrown out of a cab and left on his own. Fortunately for him, he meets a beautiful American girl, Cynthia, whom he had met many years ago. They become reacquainted and she moves in with him. Cynthia had already been in Paris for a while studying the flute. She spoke fluent French and was a great one to have around when out and about. As friends, Cynthia did not look to Wade as a sexual partner and whenever he tried to get close to her, she would always manage to stop him. This was very frustrating to a young and highly sexual Wade and as many times as he would make an attempt, that’s how many times she would shun his advances. Till that one faithful, rainy day in autumn.  (I’m not giving away what happened; I highly suggest you buy the book!)

“One Time in Paris” is a “tell all” memoir that is intimate, dramatic, and poignant. I gave it my A rating and thought it a well-written story and a very good read.

One Time in Paris
Wade Stevenson 
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595486588
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (6/08)

Riding Through It: A Memoir

Carol McKibben chronicles her life in her memoir “Riding Through It.”  When she was eight-years-old, she was teased and tormented by her classmates being called “fatty.”  She was soon diagnosed with a thyroid condition which was controlled by medication. Even though she grew up to be a beautiful woman (her mother always told her that she needed to keep her looks as they will get her where she wants to go in the world), she lacked self esteem and was not taught the meaning of true love. 

She grew up in a household where there was no love and affection between her parents.  She, in turn, looked for love in others through various sexual encounters starting at an early age.  (One instance that I found disturbing was when her father set her up on a date with a college freshman when she was twelve-years-old.  When I was twelve, I wasn’t even thinking about boys.)  Throughout her young years, she found herself drawn to controlling and selfish men.  When she met and married her college boyfriend, Adam, things began to spiral downward.  He was an alcoholic and abused her both physically and mentally.  She ends up divorcing him, and then marrying him again. 

After finally waking up and realizing that this is not the life she wants, she leaves him for the last time.  Feeling like he has lost control over her, Adam starts using their son, Garrett, as a pawn between them with devastating circumstances.   In the end, she finally finds love with her current husband, Mark (just so you know, he was 19 & she was 30 when they first got together).

From the summary and the cover, I thought that there was going to be more about how horses helped her get through the tough times. However, there was no mention of horses until the Epilogue which I found disappointing.  On the other hand, this book was definitely a lesson in how society turned their backs on alcoholism and domestic violence back then.  Growing up with an alcoholic grandfather, I remember what it was like, and some of the stories my Mom used to tell me about her childhood.  To this day, my grandmother regrets staying with him, but that’s what you did.   Even though I found myself talking out loud having “What Are You Thinking?” moments, I can understand what Ms. McKibben must have been going through.   “Riding Through It” should be required reading for those who have been through similar circumstances.  

Riding Through It
Carol McKibben
Outskirts Press (2007)
ISBN 9781598009415
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)

Unintended Consequences: A Memoir

Byron Church provides an easy-read account of his life of ups and downs in Colorado. At the time the Church’s were living in Colorado, it was the hot spot for treatment of tuberculosis.

Mr. Church talks of his first real estate ventures that didn’t work out and how he made some enemies in the community he lived. But he had dreams and knew if he socialized with the right people and marketed his properties the right way he would make it.

In “Unintended Consequences: A Memoir” he talks about his time as a teacher at the extension center at the University of Colorado. Not qualified to be a teacher, he nonetheless accepted the assignment and found he learned so much from his students.  During this time, he also began writing practical-advice articles for journals.

“Unintended Consequences: A Memoir” is interesting book that shows all of us that with determination and a good plan we can reach our goals.

Unintended Consequences: A Memoir
Byron M. Church
American Literary Press (2007)
ISBN 9781934696040
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (6/08)

Angel in Black: Remembering Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Mr. Gillispie has given us a view of Dale Earnhardt that many do not see. His ability to show both sides of Dale is riveting, easy-to-read and makes one thankful he came into our lives.

Several famous drivers have given their impression of what it was like to be around Dale on and off the track. Even though he was one of the best and toughest drivers around, he also was a man who gave back to his community by visiting sick children in hospitals and providing funds and seeds for farmers whose land was going under due to disasters.

“Angel in Black” begins when Dale was younger and racing was his only goal in life. His father taught him the trade and during middle school Dale quit school and began training full time.  At the age of twenty-nine, Dale won his first race, but his dad wouldn’t be there to see it as he had died of a heart attack.

Angel in Black
Tom Gillispie
Cumberland House Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781581826388
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (6/08)

Storm Over Morocco: Finding God in the Midst of Fanatics

Frank Romano tells the story of his youth and his attempts to find himself in “Storm Over Morocco.”  For quite a while I wondered why exactly he chose to write this book and tell this story, what precisely he was trying to say or accomplish.  I have finally decided that telling this story is his attempt to cleanse his soul and lift his burdens, along the lines of Jeannette Walls or Julie Gregory writing memoirs of their childhood and their messed up parents.

Although this book is the story of Romano’s disastrous trip to Morocco, I felt he could have quite easily written about his messed up childhood, since, and I don’t mean to get into too much pop psychology, he clearly had one.  Romano’s entire trip seemed to be characterized by dramatic swings between desperately needing love and affection and being completely distrustful and paranoid about everyone he encountered.  I became repeatedly distracted from the story he was actually telling to wonder about the story he wasn’t telling, about how he came to be both so needy and so distrustful. 

Romano writes well, and definitely infuses his words with his feelings.  The first five chapters or so, even before he left on his journey, were written with such intensity that I was only able to read a chapter or two at a time.  It took me a while to truly get into this book, but by the end I was caught up in the story. 

Although I did eventually get caught up in the story, it was hard for me to truly enjoy it.  As I stated earlier, what I would really have liked to have read is the story of Romano’s childhood in order to figure out how he ended up as he did.  In addition, I was too busy yelling at the book, “No!  Don’t do THAT!  That’s a terrible idea!  Listen to your friends!,” etc.  I don’t do well with people who do really dumb things, which Romano did in spades in his trip.  However, I did like the book for its semi-insider’s view of Moroccan culture in the 1970s.  If you’re the kind of person who can watch people do stupid things in books or in movies without yelling at them, then “Storm Over Morocco” could be very interesting.

Storm Over Morocco
Frank Romano
World Audience (2007)
ISBN 9781934209431
Reviewed by Jen Cardwell for Reader Views (6/08)

The Bittersweet Journey of This Samoan Boy

“The Bittersweet Journey of This Samoan Boy” is about one family’s journey to improve their life, while at the same time trying to maintain their cultural identity. Samoan’s are a very proud people; they do not have a lot of material things, but they do have love for the family, a good work ethic and a very strong tie with their traditions.

Mika Tufuga-Valai’s family worked on a plantation most of their lives. Every child had a responsibility to the family. They lived in poverty, but so did everyone else in their community. Since they didn’t have any experience with other villages they maintained a simple and primitive life. When it came time for the kids to go to school, Mika’s father decided that he wanted better for his children. The family left their homeland and went to Laie in Hawaii.

The remainder of Mika’s story revolves around trying to fit in with other kids in school and social settings, not speaking the language and not having the same customs. Through many trials and tribulations, Mika learns that there is racism and prejudice, which he hadn’t encountered before. He always had to prove himself through fighting, stealing and standing up to bullies. Through his great faith and mentoring of a football coach he makes it through high school and into the world of adulthood.

Mika’s story is one of strength, family honor and wonderful accounts of the Samoan culture. The reader did not realize that many of the Samoans are Latter Day Saints. “The Bittersweet Journey of This Samoan Boy” is a wonderful, captivating read.

The Bittersweet Journey of This Samoan Boy
Mika Tufuga-Valai
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9781432718558
Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (5/08)

It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!

A Jacksonville, Florida former councilman Rodney Hurst Sr. is a grandfather, father of two sons and has been a loving husband for over forty-one years. The inspiration for his book began when he was eleven-years-old and was introduced to his first youth group.

Joining a youth group at the age of eleven would be uneventful to an average child, but for Rodney; it was the beginning of an adventure. Who would have thought that this would be the beginning of a long road? This road caused him pain, sorrow and depression, but yet gave him the greatest joy of his life, freedom. In a time of “White only” restaurants, “White and Colored” restrooms, Rodney grew to become a notable activist for the struggles of his people. From his first sit-in at the “Woolworths Department Store,” to his election as Councilman for the city of Jacksonville, Florida; the book does a wonderful job of tracing Rodney’s plight. Tracing his exploits every step of the way, it kept you glued to the pages.

With all the adventure of a war novel, the book takes you to all the places history was made. It takes you to the front lines, the battles and the victories of the marches and the sit-ins. With such good attention to actual events and the truth of what took place, this book makes you one with the protestors. You become a part of the movement and feel what they were feeling.

I enjoyed “It was never about a hot dog and a Coke” and thought it was well-written and very nicely presented. The quality of the print, the front and back cover art and the reprints of historic pictures; all made for an interesting read. This historic 191-page book is a fast and informative read and I gave it my well-deserved A, and recommend it to the general audience.

It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!
Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
WingSpan Press (2008)
ISBN 9781595941954
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (4/08)

Stolen Fields: A Story of Eminent Domain and the Death of the American Dream

“Stolen Fields” is a story of the American Dream gone wrong. It is a story of hatred, bitterness, ambition, and greed. It is also a story of “What If” and “If only.” What if eminent domain had not taken the Cole property? If only Grandfather Cole had been able to build his prosperous ventures?

Jean tells of growing up as a descendant of the strong-willed and vibrant Cole family. In the first few chapters she gives the reader a glimpse into the historic heritage and of the hard working Coles and the economic success of the fertile farm on Neville Island near Pittsburg. The Cole farm on Neville Island was known as “The Market Basket of Pittsburgh.”

Jean Boggio consistently and fairly shared two sides of a story. I felt bonded to the family as I listened as Jean shared lighthearted gossip through the stories handed down from one generation to the next, fairly reporting on two completely different perspectives of the perceived facts.

During the years of 1918 and 1919 toward the end of WWI, the United States government came up with a plan to rival the German Krupps Works that provided munitions for the German juggernaut. Neville Island was selected to be the site for the project. The government officials invoked the process of eminent domain to seize the property for public use. The project had only begun when the Armistice was signed. The government no longer needed the land. It was put it up for public auction.

The Cole family, distraught by loss of the home that had been in the family for over a hundred years, held out in an attempt to negotiate a fair market price. After a great deal of harassment and the fear of arson they were forced to accept the government-determined price.

Family accounts, newspaper research, and historical sources, as well as her own memories provided Jean Boggio with the material for this remarkable account of the Cole’s of Neville Island and the impact of eminent domain on the dreams of her parents, their children, and ultimately on the generations that follow. Although there were feelings of hatred, and bitterness by members of the Cole family, theirs is a journey that resonates with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and promise.

This is more than a leisurely nostalgic stroll down memory lane. Jean’s vivid descriptions draw the reader into the experience of being a part of her childhood at the Sandy Lake farm. She has the amazing ability to turn everyday circumstances and events into entertaining, often humorous, stories that resound with simplicity, warmth, and reality. Jean uses flashbacks depicting scenes from her childhood. She reveals details of her relationships with her sister, her parents, her grandparents, Aunt Gladys, Uncle Robert, Uncle Ned, and her cousins. These colorful characters provide dramatic word pictures bringing an excitement to the otherwise routine life for the Cole’s from Neville Island. Family photos are included throughout the book to illustrate the events. These pictures add another dimension and a sense of relationship to the Cole family.

I especially enjoyed Jean’s openness in relating college relationships and her early experiences in New York City. As an aspiring actress she was sympathetic to the beatnik culture. I appreciated her positive writing even in light of romances gone awry, family relationships gone amok and personal goals unattained. Jean gained a broad range of work experiences in corporate offices, in the field of education, and ultimately in the medical field as a nurse.

Strong writing, thorough research, and an objective look into the avarice that often accompanies the process of eminent domain make “Stolen Fields” a significant contribution to the history and future restructuring of a process often misunderstood and abused.

As a memoir writer Jean Boggio is a gifted storyteller. Her vivid descriptions and characterizations insure that the enjoyment of her writing will linger long after reading the final chapter. “Stolen Fields” is a rich and entertaining reading experience.

Stolen Fields: A Story of Eminent Domain and the Death of the American Dream
Jean Boggio
Colerith Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979933042
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (4/08)

Stand To…: A Journey to Manhood

After someone has endured the harshness and horrifying fear of combat, they’re left with memories. Some can only seem to deal with those memories through medications, others by suppressing them and being haunted by the ghosts in their dreams. E. Franklin Evans has confronted his memories head on by rehearsing many of them in his book “Stand To…: A Journey to Manhood.” This short book is his story, told in a manner that can be as easily grasped by a teenager as by an older adult.

Though Evans could probably have recounted loads of hair-raising aspects of his tale, he has chosen to focus less on combat and more on the men he led and served with. The people one meets through Evans’ account are in various ways humorously captivating, as well as believably human, whether it’s the brand new Platoon Sergeant who picks up the radio receiver the wrong way and speaks into the back of it, to the Kit Carson scout who finds Evans’ lost wedding band and returns it without asking for any reward. And, into this human mix is camaraderie between soldiers that grows and thrives.

The closest Evans gets to rehearsing his combat experience in detail is his recounting the highly stressful period he spent at the Ben Het Special Forces camp, A-244. This becomes the literary climax of his book. From the daily bombardment, to the nearly devastating, frightful siege on the camp by the North Vietnamese Army in February and March 1969, through the tense time when “friendly” Strike Force units held the American soldiers of camp A-244 hostage until their demands were met, the reader will keep turning the pages to find out how it all ends.

Evans has given the non-military world a readable account of the life-shaping episode of his time in Vietnam. He has even added a fairly helpful glossary at the end of the book to aid the reader in some of the unfamiliar Army lingo. If a reader wants to have a first-hand glimpse into infantry life in Vietnam, they will not be disappointed in reading “Stand To..: A Journey to Manhood.”

Stand To…: A Journey to Manhood
E. Franklin Evans
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595450534
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (4/08)