Reader Views

Once Blind: The Life of John Newton

“Once Blind” isn’t the typical book you will read about Sir John Newton. Ms. Strom gives us interesting information on his life growing up, failures and successes that had an impact on his life.

John Newton came from a family where his mother pampered him, led him to believing in God and good deeds; while his father, a sea-going captain, pushed him away, and thought he was a sissy.  John became very wild, instigating trouble wherever he went. John wanted to go to sea with his father to show him he could be a good sailor and the son he always wanted. At age 11 he got that chance, but it didn’t go the way he thought it would; he was constantly in trouble, being chastised by his father and hated by other sailors.

As John got older, he was given the opportunity to be captain of a ship – a slave ship. At this time in history slaves were treated no better than the lowest animals on earth. But John thought he would have a better chance of getting all his slaves to ports to sell if he treated them better. Each day he would allow the slaves to come on deck, eat good food, get exercise and fresh air. His crew thought he was crazy, but he did in fact get all slaves to port without any losses.

“Once Blind: The Life of John Newton” is an amazing story that most will never know about, how a dishonest, boisterous man became a man of God and someone who helped put a stop to slave trade. In the end John became a preacher in an independent church and tried to make-up for his early beginnings. Everyone should read this book.

Once Blind: The Life of John Newton
Kay Marshall Strom
Authentic Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781934068274
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (7/08)

The Accidental Warden

Brook Carey’s “The Accidental Warden” is an absolutely fascinating insider’s view into the mysteries and the reality of the women’s prison, the system and the challenges she faced back in 1975 when she was selected to serve as the CIW Warden. She had no previous experience in the correctional facilities and received no formal training. Actually, as she describes it herself, her training consisted of being handed a bunch of keys and a paperback copy of the book dealing with Charles Manson. What she did have, however, were excellent organizational and administrative skills, compassion, thirst for knowledge and courage.

If you are like me, your “knowledge” of the prisons is based on Hollywood; and you probably think all prisons are the same. Brook Carey dispels any of such preconceived notions, both by telling the story of what a real women’s prison looks like, how much more limited their resources were – at least back in 1975 – compared to the facilities housing male inmates; and what unique challenges faced a warden dealing with a female prison population. Ranging from silly, such as the population’s preference for rather sleazy, if low-quality underwear, to the trials of dealing with the fans of the “Manson girls” incarcerated there and the riot happening just before Christmas, Carey was ill-prepared for any of those challenges and had absolutely minimal, if any support from her “bosses,” including the Governor of California who had to consent to her appointment.

While riveting in their stark honesty, many of the segments in the book sound flat. The readability of this book would have been greatly enhanced with the use of a good copy-editor. The rather unconventional use of punctuation, especially when dealing with the dialogue, does not enhance the reading experience either. Ms. Carey’s insistence in determining and naming the race of nearly every person she mentions in her accounts is slightly unsettling, since she categorically states over and over that she is not a racist. Omitting that would not harm the stories told in any way – it really does not matter if the resident complaining about the food was African-American, Caucasian or a Martian.

As fascinating as I found this unique book, it saddens me that it was written more than 30-years after Brook Carey’s courageous entry into the rather disheartening administration of the correctional facility. The reader has no way of knowing which of her planned or proposed changes were actually implemented and whether the system has changed for the better at all. While I find “The Accidental Warden” a brave book even after those three decades, I believe it could have made significantly bigger impact if written and published much sooner.

The Accidental Warden
Brook Carey
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595481668
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (7/08) 

River of No Return

Jeffrey Buckner Ford has written an amazing book on the inside of his family’s life from the beginning of his dad’s start to fame to the downfall of the family. While most of us think that the rich and famous have no problems, Buck Ford shows us that is not true.

Tennessee Ernie Ford started his career as a radio announcer in Knoxville, Tennessee. As Buck recalls, his father always said he didn’t go looking for fame; he just fell into the business. In 1942 he married Betty Ford and had planned on a quiet, simple life. Into the marriage came Buck and Brion Ford, who thought their family was the greatest. Although the boys did not always seem to fit up to their dad’s standards, they still loved him greatly.

During the course of the marriage, Betty Ford became very friendly with the bottle; this gave her the courage to say the things she felt she should say without any apologies. Over the years her drinking would increase, she would abuse prescription pills and verbally lash out at anyone who stood in her way. Her behavior was never addressed in private or public. The relationship with her husband turned sour. After many suicide attempts and embarrassing behavior in public, it took its final toll.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was a kind gentleman; he had a style of his own and everyone wanted a piece of the action. Little did he know that his advisors were steering him in the wrong direction. After several failed businesses and selling his property, it finally got the best of him. After his wife died, he married Beverly Wood Smith, three months and ten days after burying Betty Ford. She was not what she portrayed to be. She immediately took over all Ernie Ford’s business projects and left his sons without any knowledge of what she was doing. When Tennessee Ernie Ford died, she didn’t even let them know where he would be buried.

“River of No Return” by Jeffrey Buckner Ford is a very interesting story if you like to know the personal background of the Ford family. It covers the ups and down’s of a stars life. I personally thought it was well-written, easy-to-read and a page-turner. However, I would like to remember Tennessee Ernie Ford as the icon he was.

River of No Return
Jeffrey Buckner Ford
Cumberland House Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781581826531
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (7/08)

No One Knows What It’s Like To Be The Cab Man

Ron Meyer shares glimpses into his life as a cab driver in a rural community in New Jersey. In his memoir “No One Knows What It’s Like To Be The Cab Man” Ron relates stories in ridiculous, rollicking, irreverent street language and humor.

His clientele ranges from the rich and famous, to rednecks, drunks, loose women, senior citizens, and medical transports.  Many of these customers have left him with stories, which are sometimes heart-warming, often mind-boggling and hard-to-believe, but true.

Ron has an uncanny sense of human needs, human desires, and their weaknesses. Ron’s writing reveals his compassionate, philosophic side. He lectures the drunks, gives advice to young lovers who find themselves in confrontations. He also gives his observations and sound advice on good business practices.

Ron reveals some strong opinions on alcoholism, abusive behavior, and driving under the influence of alcohol.  Ron says it this way: “Many of my customers discuss politics. Many have differing ideologies.  I respect an intelligent and passionate debate.”

Many of Ron’s regulars and ir-regulars became friends. He especially enjoyed the regular trips taking Jerry Only and members of the legendary punk rock band “The Misfits” to the airport on their way to concerts.

Often self-deprecating, Ron’s embellished descriptions of the disrespectful, arrogant and stupid are hilarious; especially, when you find yourself laughing at yourself as seen through Ron’s eyes. Clever illustrations, two short plays and a unique “road kill” game reveal yet another aspect of Ron’s inimitable, weird sense of humor.

I found it hard to determine the audience Ron is writing for.  He has a serious side, writes with shades of deep-seated anger, and yet has the ability to see the humor in any situation.  Get ready for a non-stop, side-splitting laughter session as you race through the pages of Ron Meyer’s life in the taxi business in “No One Knows What It’s Like To Be The Cab Man.”

No One Knows What It’s Like To Be The Cab Man
Ron Meyer
Ron Meyer Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781605853512
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/08)

The Ones That Got Away: A Dating Memoir

“The Ones That Got Away: A Dating Memoir” tells the story of M. Hill’s crushes and dating experiences which began in her early teens and takes you to the present where she is approaching her mid-forties.  Much of her experience takes place in central New Jersey, where I was raised.  It was fun to read about her experiences at some of my old hangouts.  I think I even had a crush on one of her boyfriends when we both worked at Great Adventure.  After reading about him, I am glad that she was the one that he wanted and not me.  Ms. Hill has a knack for relating many of her experiences in a humorous manner, yet you know at the time they probably weren’t so funny.  Most of us who have been single for any period of time will find ourselves relating to the angst. 

Some of the most entertaining dating experiences in this book are about blind dates.  I found myself cringing and laughing at the same time.  I myself have met some real winners this way.  I had a 5’6” fifty-something man complain to me about how women lie about their age and their weight.  I sat there thinking, “Buddy, there is no way you are 5’10” and 45.”  Plus he was wearing a visor in a restaurant to cover up his receding hairline.  It was at seven o’clock, at night.

In regards to being a heartbreaker or having her heartbroken, Ms. Hill has been on both sides of the coin. This is where I really found myself relating to her.  I shared similar experiences of being in relationships that I didn’t want to be in, waiting for the perfect time to end them, which rarely arose. It is horrible to have to jump in and break someone’s heart when their life is already a mess.  But sometimes, you just have to. On the other hand, in the long run, you are freeing them up so that they can find someone else.

Then there are those moments in a relationship, when you are the one that is head over heels over someone and you know that your feelings aren’t being reciprocated.  That is such a horrible feeling.  You think you are still in love, but you are coming to the realization that you are not loved in return.  As a matter of fact, you struggle to hold on to something that is about to end.  That is a painful place to be.  The author and I have both been there.  We can also commiserate with having mothers that don’t understand why there are times when we just want to be single and alone.

It has taken me over forty years to come to the realization that Ms. Hill has found on her own, “…I realized I would never again spend time with the wrong person just so as not to be alone.”  This is a powerful, healing realization. Of course, sometimes we don’t find out right away that we are with the wrong person.  There will definitely be some pain involved at some point, but not the pain of painfully trying to make something work, that just isn’t going to.

I really appreciate Ms. Hill’s willingness to share her life story with us.  She didn’t try to present herself as a perfect person, just a real one.  All in all, “The Ones that Got Away: A Dating Memoir” is a wonderful book to read.   It is a must read for single women and I also highly recommend it to married women, especially the ones who think that their relationships are dull.  It will really make them appreciate what they have. 

The Ones that Got Away: A Dating Memoir
M. Hill
HoneyBee Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780981750002
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/08)

Confessions of a ’Sixties Priest: But Probably Not What You’re Thinking!

James M. O’Brien continues his memoirs in “Confessions of a ‘Sixties Priest.” Ordained to the priesthood in 196l, after completing his seminary training at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Father James O’Brien’s first assignment was at St. Patrick’s Church in Rockford, Illinois.

Eager to make an impact, blind to his own ambition, O’Brien eagerly assumed his role as the youngest priest in the parish. He also served in the role as teacher of religion at Boylan Central High School. His success with promoting and publishing the parish bulletin led to assignment as staff writer for The Observer, the weekly newspaper for the Catholic diocese of Rockford which included twelve counties in northwestern Illinois.

The regular column in The Observer gave O’Brien the chance to express topics on liturgy, the church, the Bible or any of his current liberal causes. Six months later he was appointed as Assistant Managing Editor of the paper.

This was an era when the Catholic Church was on the threshold of liberalization of Vatican II and the civil rights movement was gaining momentum under the leadership of Martin Luther King.  John F. Kennedy, America’s first Catholic president had taken office. Rock and roll energized the music scene. The anti-war effort and anti-poverty programs were being birthed regularly. A cultural revolution was taking place throughout every sector of our society.  O’Brien soon became intricately involved in many of these causes.

O’Brien’s journey took a new twist when after a year he was relieved of his journalistic endeavors, transferred to St. Joseph’s Rectory. His assignment included teaching classes at Aquin High School in Freeport, Illinois.

In June of 1966 O’Brien was given opportunity to take a year of year of graduate work at Northwestern University in the field of Communications with a special reference in television. During this time, he also served a residency at the St. John Brebeuf church in Niles, Illinois.

Confessions of a ‘Sixties Priest
James M. O’Brien
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595496150
Reviewed for Reader Views by Richard R. Blake (7/08)

An Almost Fatal Miracle: Realizing Reality

Civil trial attorney and world traveler, Roger Daniel Rizzo, had a life-changing experience after a near fatal motorcycle accident covered in his memoir, “An Almost Fatal Miracle.”  On June 30, 1995 after a night of drinking with his fellow colleagues, he makes the mistake of accepting a ride with one of them on the back of his motorcycle.  Neither was wearing a helmet or protective gear.  This ride ended in them veering off the road and crashing down a ravine.  Roger’s body was battered and crushed leaving him with life-threatening brain injuries.  He was in a coma for over five months.  Once he awoke, he did not remember the crash or anything that transpired after.  He soon discovers that his wife was appointed his legal conservator while he was in a coma.  This meant she was in control of him and his finances.  However, emotionally she wanted nothing to do with him.  She even told him he could not move back into the house with her.  After several months, he was able to liquidate this appointment.  Shortly afterwards, she filed for divorce.  This was a sad moment in the story, and showed that we need those we love to stand behind us no matter what.  Mr. Rizzo went through numerous operations and months of rehabilitation before he started to feel somewhat normal again.  During this time, he began reflecting on his purpose in life and why God spared him.  He began volunteering for many organizations including the Salvation Army as well as nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities spreading the “good news” as well as telling his remarkable story.  Throughout the memoir, he gives his theological opinions on various biblical scriptures as well as universal themes. 

I was disappointed in “An Almost Fatal Miracle.” I was expecting more about his life and recovery rather than him devoting the majority of the book to his philosophical ideals on why we exist, what we need to be doing with our lives, and what life after death means.  What I did get out of Mr. Rizzo’s life-shattering experience was that we should not wait until death comes knocking at our door to live our life to the fullest.  Anyone interested in philosophy and theology would probably enjoy this book.

An Almost Fatal Miracle
Roger Daniel Rizzo
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595439621
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)

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)