Reader Views

Sumbitch: A Tale of Bigtime College Football and a Girl

Article first published as Book ReviewSumbitch: A Tale of Bigtime College Football and a Girl by Simon Plaster on Blogcritics.

In “Sumbitch” by Simon Plaster, the NCII has been created to solve the problem of the declining participation of colleges in the NCAA.  NCII stands for National Conference for Inmate Institutions.  There are two big pluses to this solution. The first one is that it will raise money to help pay for the inmate’s room and board. The second plus is that it will be much less expensive to promote.  On the other hand, there are people who will do anything to play football, even if it means committing a crime.  It is hard to imagine that someone would be desperate enough to do this knowing that they will end up locked up.  However, having the opportunity to play at the Big Penal Conference on a team like the Texas Chain Gang or the Oklahoma Wild Bunch proves to be exciting to many men.

As with all sports, politics and greed play a huge role in this story.  The NCII attracts a lot of attention, even from that of small town reporter Henryetta Herbert.  Hoping to get a story in the New York Times, Henryetta takes a break from writing real and fantasized obituaries to work on writing about this new organization.  One of the players is very endeared to her. Believing in his innocence Henryetta is determined to help prove his innocence and get him off death row. The problem with her involvement is that she doesn’t realize that he might not want to be proven not guilty at this time.

 “Sumbitch” made me laugh out loud.  Seeing how much drama has been involved with college football, it was fun to take a break from the real news and enjoy this satire.  The author Simon Plaster does a fantastic job of creating eccentric, entertaining characters.  The story is lively and fast paced, and the scenes are very creatively written.  I think that “Sumbitch” by Simon Plaster would be the perfect gift for someone who needs a football fix during the off season.


Sumbitch: A Tale of Bigtime College Football and a Girl
Simon Plaster
Mossik Press (2012)
ISBN 9780615606361
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/12)

Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence

Article first published as Book Review: Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence by Lisa Frederiksen on Blogcritics.

“Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence” by Lisa Frederiksen is a very important resource for professionals and persons involved with those with alcohol issues. The reader will be able to learn the difference between alcohol use, abuse and alcoholism. Three stages of drinking are discussed. Twenty-one myths about alcohol are presented and an appendix is included with additional information and resources. The material is presented in a very easy-to-understand manner that is backed up with referenced scientific evidence. By clearing up the myths regarding alcohol use and dependence, readers who are engaging in alcohol use might recognize patterns that could be leading them to dependence. Hope is also offered for those who are already alcoholics, but the treatment involved is much more extensive.

Persons who have to deal with those close to them who are abusing alcohol will receive a great deal of eye opening information that will give them a better understanding of their roles with these individuals. This also involves gaining an understanding of how difficult it is to deal with Second Hand Drinking (SHD). Learning about the three stages of drinking will help them identify which stage the drinker is at. The higher the stage, the more extensive the damage is to the body, especially the brain. This is why it is critical that this information be read as soon as possible.

Having a Master’s of Science degree in a counseling field that covers rehabilitation counseling, I was very impressed with “Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence.” By writing the material in such a concise manner and backing it up with resources, including a link to the author’s site, this book is the perfect tool for those who are in need of this information. This book should be required reading for those pursuing careers in substance abuse. I really liked that the author clears up the many myths that are circulating regarding drinking. Ignorance and misinformation about alcoholism is prevalent in our society and in the media. I once asked a recovering addict of drugs and alcohol at what point he felt a person was an alcoholic. He personally felt that a person didn’t have a problem with alcohol until they started waking up in their own urine. This man has a doctorate in Chemistry!

I am very happy to have had the opportunity to have read “Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence” by Lisa Frederiksen. I feel that it will have a huge impact on being able to deal with those who are users and abusers in both my professional life as a college counselor and in my personal life as a human being with friends who have issues.


Crossing the Line from Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence
Lisa Frederiksen
KLJ Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780981684468
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/12)

Twice Upon a Prequel…& Three Shorts

Article first published as eBook Review: Twice Upon a Prequel And Three Shorts by Derald W. Hamilton on Blogcritics.

“Twice Upon a Prequel…& Three Shorts” by Derald W. Hamilton opens with two prequels: The Astonishing Elmo Piggins and The Rebirth of Reginald Dexter.  Readers of “The Call” will remember Elmo Piggins, the preacher’s son who completed his undergraduate work in three years and Reginald Dexter, the older Unitarian Seminarian. The three shorts are: Taken Up Before the General, The War Comes Home and A Litter Bit of Wisdom.

Elmo’s story details his childhood and adolescence growing up as a pastor’s son. Pastor Elwood Piggins is obsessed by a discipline standard determined by the expectations of the church members and the men on the deacon board. Elmo fits this model outwardly as he observes the wild rebellious antics of his older sister and the resultant punishment which triggered her decision to leave home. After his graduations from high school, Elmo joins the Navy.

While at sea, Elmo experiences a spiritual awakening similar to the Apostle Paul’s on the Road to Damascus; a new beginning for Elmo, which led to his enrollment at Parkins Theological Seminary.

Reginald Dexter’s story is of a tenured psychology professor forced to retire, advised by his friend, a pastor, to take risks, begin a new life, and find fulfillment.

Derald W. Hamilton skillfully crafts the art of satire to draw attention to the inconsistencies of obsession for dogma in the church, rigidness in academia, and pomp and parade in the military. His pointed humor clearly gets the attention of the reader, identifies the problem, and plants a seed for change. His characterizations are flawless as he contrasts the graduate degreed pastor with the fiery charismatic preacher with power of delivery but no formal training.

Although I frequently got glimpses of myself and my unique and “miniscule” flaws, I felt on occasion that the author sacrificed his mission to the point of losing the segment of a potential audience that he may be hoping to change. Anyone offended by an unwarranted repletion of profanity may look at Hamilton’s approach as irreverent or to be a personal vendetta resulting from his own personal disillusionment.


Twice Upon a Prequel…& Three Shorts
Derald W. Hamilton
D Hamilton Books (2011)
ISBN 9780984619214
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/12)

Five Steps to Draw Closer to God

Article first published as Book Reivew: Five Steps to Draw Closer to God by Doranda Jacques on Blogcritics.

Doranda Jacques writes to encourage her readers to grow spiritually while they develop a deeper relationship with God in her book “Five Steps to Draw Closer to God.”

The book is made up of five chapters. Each chapter opens with a spectacular awe-inspiring color photo creating a sense of quiet and peace. This is followed with the introduction of practical key points which develop an important scriptural principle designed to nurture a unique concept of spiritual growth which will lead to a more meaningful understanding of the fullness of God’s love and purpose.

A summary of the key points of each chapter helps the reader assimilate the narrative as well as capsulizing the material for focus, application, and determining personal action steps. This is followed with a checklist to ensure that the steps are incorporated in daily practice and experience. Provision is made for recording personal notes. Selected scriptures are included to reinforce these truths. A thought-provoking prayer is provided for contemplation and reflection.

Additional features in the book include:

• Practical notes on being tested in the process of drawing closer to God
• Thoughts on evaluating yourself in the process
• A section for recording your personal reflections in journal form
• A clear presentation of the Gospel for those unsure of their relationship with God

The book is designed as a devotional study rather than a theological discourse, however, Doranda Jacques’ writing is Biblical based and are true to the scriptures. The format of Doranda Jacques’ “Five Steps to Draw Closer to God” provides for a concise, yet comprehensive, plan leading to a deeper relationship with God which can be adapted for inclusion with any existing plan of devotional reading or Bible study.


Five Steps to Draw Closer to God
Doranda Jacques
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781453816189
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/12)

Wicked Allure (eBook)

Article first published as eBook Review: Wicked Allure by Leslie C. Ferdinand on Blogcritics.

Tall, dark and sexy, Zachary Steele has a reputation for being a “faithless womanizer.” His history has proven this to be true.  When his exotically beautiful ex-girlfriend Madigan is coerced back into his life, by her mother, things get very complicated.  Zachary once pushed Madigan away because he was afraid of the depth of his feelings for her. Now that she is back in town and in business with him, he is very confused.  Incredibly drawn to her, he fears he did too much damage to be able to salvage their relationship.  Still, they find themselves unable to avoid the physical attraction that they still have for each other.

Sharing her exotic beauty with her two other sisters, Madigan has suffered a great deal throughout her whole life because of the damage caused by her two selfish manipulative parents.  Her sisters have also been affected by their obvious need to control them, and their lack of loving parenting skills.  Madigan’s mother uses the guise of reuniting with her daughter to get her to come back into their lives.  Having the majority of shares in Zachary’s business, her mom can pretty much do what she wants, or so she thinks. Hoping to gain some peace in her relationship with her mother, Madigan agrees to return. She is a bit surprised to learn that her mother wants her to be involved with “Wicked Allure.” Advertised to be a spa, “Wicked Allure” also offers special SPA services. SPA stands for Sensual Pleasure Anonymously.  The SPA services are offered to wealthy patrons with a taste for the exotic.

Working in a sexually charged environment makes things even more difficult for Madigan and Zachary.  It makes it impossible for them to avoid the needs that they have for each other.  It also brings some people into the picture who desire to create havoc for the both of them.  On the other hand, Madigan’s return to town gives her the opportunity to get closer to her sisters and hopefully right some of the wrongs from their pasts.  As she is working on this, there are some surprises that could directly affect her reunion with Zachary.  Now it is his turn to prove himself.

“Wicked Allure” offers the perfect blend of erotic romance and drama.  The sensual scenes that are played throughout the story are very well written and will definitely draw the reader into an incredible escape from their mundane world. The characters are both complex and sexy, and some of the bad ones are truly bad to the bone, which allows for an incredible amount of turmoil in the story.

I really enjoyed reading “Wicked Allure” by Leslie C. Ferdinand and feel that because it offers the perfect blend of sensuality and drama it has a lot more to offer than some of the typical erotic romances.


Wicked Allure (eBook)
Leslie C. Ferdinand
Smashwords (2012)
ISBN 9781475010800
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

Traces of Bliss

Article first published as Book Review: Traces of Bliss by Cecilia Velastegui on Blogcritics.

When Claire, a personal massage therapist, who devotedly caters to the seniors in the rich neighborhood of Los Feliz in Los Angeles, changes the oil she uses to a formula suggested by her grandmother, strange things began to happen. All of her clients, elderly and well-off, began to experience extremely vivid memories, really more like flashbacks, of their ancestors from centuries ago. While nobody knew quite what to make of this, and all of the caretakers for those elderly people were quite worried about their charges, Alma Ruiz, their less than reputable neighbor, saw the opportunity to become rich by impersonating a doctor of holistic medicine. Alma’s plan was deviously simple – she would make them believe that she can help them continue re-living those memories by staging sessions of memory retrievals. Such a plan of course required at least one accomplice, and Alma found an ideal one in the rather unscrupulous Soledad, the Filipina caregiver of Dr. Nunez. Everything seemed to be going according to their plans, but Alma was not counting on the ever watchful Octavio, the immensely intelligent and powerful gardener, who used to be a powerful shaman in Ecuador. He remained intent on protecting Claire and her clients, and did so in a very efficient and rather surprising manner.

“Traces of Bliss” by Cecilia Velástegui was quite unlike any other book I’ve ever read. Her ability to seamlessly weave the past and the present together in a fashion that defies description, coupled with a great sense of language and meticulous research, resulted in a story which at times read like historical fiction, bordering on fantasy, and at others was a very insightful view of class and race issues in the contemporary California. Some of the scenes from the past, as well as the ones from Octavio’s childhood, were almost dreamlike, and some of the ones happening in the seedier parts of contemporary Los Angeles or to its seedier characters were downright disturbingly harsh, yet brilliant. The incredible cast of characters was rich and drawn with lots of detail, and each one of them turned out to be more complex than what one would expect of them at a first glance. There is a heady mix of Moorish invasions, Basque Witch trials, duende, prehistoric caves, flamenco dancers and gypsies, cross-dressing military officers fighting for the Spanish crown in the 17th century, mermaids, missing teenagers, Sephardic Jews, poets, shamans, involuntary memories, magic mushrooms, violent husbands, crying babies, impersonators, gigolos, and more... and somehow it all makes sense in the end.

“Traces of Bliss” is a hauntingly beautiful book, which will certainly appeal to readers of intelligent fiction, particularly those who are truly interested in history and not opposed to some novel views. While happiness might not be found easily in this story, it definitely exists, and reminds us time and again what really and truly matters.


Traces of Bliss
Cecilia Velástegui
Libros Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780983745877
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/11)

The Longest Walk

Article first published as Book Review: The Longest Walk by Kirk Marty on Blogcritics.

Author Kirk Marty’s first novel, “The Longest Walk,” is an independently published book, but it reads like the work of a seasoned veteran. Marty’s highly creative and compelling tale offers a rich tapestry of the history, legend and lore that made baseball a beloved sporting pastime and an American icon. The author has a passion for the institution and he has clearly done his research. But it’s not the book’s meticulously told history, behind the scenes insights into minor league life and intriguing trivia that make this book stand out. Rather, it’s Marty’s ability to capture baseball’s mercurial magic and almost spiritual quality that makes “The Longest Walk” a special story. And the magic that Marty conjures is powerful stuff!

Kirk Marty’s writing acumen, knack for storytelling, and active imagination make wonderful creative collaborators. In some respects the storyline of “The Longest Walk” seems familiar. It is. But unexpected twists and deviations from the familiar very quickly begin to pique the reader’s interest and draw them into the uncharted waters of the author’s tale. The finely drawn characters populating the book make the reader eager to follow them throughout the story.

Without giving too much away, the book’s central character, Don Olgilvie, an alcoholic minor league coach with an intellectual bent, makes a deal with the devil to trade his life for the life of his unlikely best friend, the terminally ill seven-year-old son of one of his own players. Once the deal is done, the action on the book’s pages and on the field at the mysterious Limbotown ball park begins. To close the deal Olgilvie has to put together a team of dead Hall of Famers and beat an opposing team fielded by the colorful and charismatic Death Personified. An appealing side story is that of the coach’s new, dead love interest.

An intellectual attribute of the book on a higher level is the commentary it offers on the impact of the integration of the sport. Marty uses the assemblage of dead Hall of Famers, who are both multi-racial and multi-generational, to frame the issue. Collectively the team provides a microcosmical perspective on the perpetuation of race inequities in our society throughout the twentieth century.

Kirk Marty is the pen name for Kirk Grossman, an attorney and dedicated Dodger fan. “The Longest Walk” will lead many readers to wonder why we haven’t heard from Marty before now. Clever, fun and seriously relevant, “The Longest Walk” is an out-of-the-park, out of this world first novel.


The Longest Walk
Kirk Marty
Strategic Book Group (2011)
ISBN 9781609116613
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (2/12)

I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands: The Other Side of OCD

Article first published as Book Review: I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands: The Other Side of OCD by J.J. Keeler on Blogcritics.

I am sure most of us have jokingly said at some point in time that a certain behavior or pattern of ours or somebody else’s is due to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but I am also sure that most of us really know preciously little about the disorder affecting quite a few among us. If there’s one thing that I am certain of after having finished reading J.J. Keeler’s “I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands,” it is that I will certainly never joke about anything like that again.

While I hesitate to categorize her book as funny, that truly is the first thing that comes to mind. Her descriptions of life with OCD, as heart-wrenching as they are, are also incredibly funny, and never ceased to amaze me with the continuous display of intelligent humor and astonishingly sharp and poignant observations. J.J. Keeler accomplished something truly rare – she not only made me see OCD for what it is, but she made me feel like I was looking at it from the inside. I was not just a mildly curious observer, I felt immersed in the daily struggles of somebody coping with OCD. This was a true revelation to me, and a much needed reminder how little is generally known about such disorders and how easily they could be misunderstood.

I would highly recommend J.J. Keeler’s “I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands” to anybody who wishes to be better informed about OCD and most certainly to anybody who is struggling with the disorder. In addition to the truly brilliant descriptions of daily life with OCD, the author offers a lot of practical advice, written in a way that should help any fellow OCD sufferer realize that they are not alone in their battle with it. Although it is all written with a big dose of humor, it is also completely serious, pointing out that OCD is a real disorder and completely terrifying for those living with it or those sharing their life with a person afflicted by OCD.  A brave book by a gifted writer, this is a winner on every level.


I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands: The Other Side of OCD
J.J. Keeler
Paragon House (2012)
ISBN 9781557788924
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/12)

Buddy Check

Summer camp is one of the quintessential American summer traditions.  In this novel, Jenifer Brady follows the summer camp of a group of friends, seasoned campers, who volunteer at a Christian camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All of these camp counselors are high school seniors about to enter college, or, are already college students. Intertwined in her story are camp romances, arguments with the director of the camp, fear about the unknown, and happiness at being with friends for the summer again.

The first chapter of this book is very confusing and not placed in the correct order.  The information presented in the first chapter would have been better placed, if it was placed in the fourth or fifth chapter, where Kate and her friends’ adventure at camp really begin. The list of camp terminology at the beginning was very helpful and the definitions were very clear and concise.  A list of characters would have been helpful as well since there were many characters that were playing large roles, so it was a bit confusing to keep them all in order throughout the book.  The cover image of the book did not really portray what the story was about.  Gimp bracelets maybe could have captured more the spirit of the story, since it was something that was referred to repeatedly in the story. Another possible idea could be a group of girls and their counselor making gimp bracelets, especially since the title of the book is “Buddy Check.”

The tensions between the characters at the time are so much that the book was no longer compelling to read because there were too many negative emotions running through the story.  The romantic relationships that made up the storyline were interesting and added some spice to the novel, but Julie’s character and how fast she went through relationships seemed a bit out of place for a Christian novel and Christian counselors and camp.

The prayers that were included in the book helped to solidify the Christian theme and message.  Mark was mentioned a lot in this book, but it was mostly repetitive information; there was nothing new about Mark that was added each time he was mentioned.  Each time it was about how he was one of the greatest counselors and that Christian was his best friend and that it sucked to have such an amazing older sibling at camp because then no one would know your name.

This novel would be great for young adult Christians who are either in a confirmation or religious education class, but it might be too long for some students. “Buddy Check” would also be a good book for someone on a retreat to read and reflect on because there are some very interesting questions that could be asked after reading this book.  Overall, “Buddy Check” was an interesting read and I am looking forward to reading more of her novels.


Buddy Check
Jenifer Brady
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781452888033
Reviewed by Theresa La (age 17) for Reader Views (10/11)

The Parsifal Pursuit: A Winston Churchill Thriller

Article first published as Book Review:The Parsifal Pursuit: A Winston Churchill Thriller by Michael McMenamin & Patrick McMenamin on Blogcritics.

Father and son writing team, Michael and Patrick McMenamin collaborate in “The Parsifal Pursuit,” a new approach to the genre of historical fiction. This is the second in their series of Winston Churchill Thrillers. Mattie McGary, photo journalist, with the Hearst newspaper empire, and Bourke Cockran Jr., a New York law school professor and former counter intelligence agent, protagonists from the “DeValera Deception,” are found deeply involved on separate assignments in a Grail quest commissioned by Winston Churchill.

The year is 1931. A conspiracy is underway to assassinate Germany’s President Hindenburg. Their assignment is to find and recover a stolen ancient Christian artifact, the Spear of Destiny, which was used to pierce the side of Christ on the cross. Time is of the essence as Hitler and the Kaiser are in a race to recover the Spear for their own personal purposes.

Cochran’s specific assignment is to represent an heiress, victim of Nazi tactics in an extortion and protection racket. Germany is in a state of political struggle. Reactionary industrialists are backing Kaiser Wilhelm II, and racist radicals are promoting the Nazis and Adolf Hitler.

In the background another conflict is taking place in the search for the Spear in the Austrian Alps. Mattie’s life is endangered, as well as her romance with Cockran, when an unscrupulous, handsome guide recuses Mattie and determines to seduce her.

I appreciate the personal insight I gained into science of Eugenics, the dangers of injustice to individuals when government attempts to legislate the practices aimed at improving the genetic composition of its citizens. I gained a new perspective on the political feelings in Europe in the years leading up to World War II.

Michael McMenamin’s careful attention to historical accuracy while interjecting fictional segments into factual circumstances gives credibility to the background for the story. Patrick McMenamin’s creative imagination adds a flavor of excitement, adventure and romance to an important era in world history.

“The Parsifal Pursuit” is informative and entertaining – a new approach to the genre of historical fiction. The story is packed with suspense, adrenaline-producing drama, and fast-moving action right up to an unexpected, over the top, climatic conclusion.


The Parsifal Pursuit: A Winston Churchill Thriller
Michael McMenamin & Patrick McMenamin
Enigma Books (2011)
ISBN 9781936274239
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (2/12)