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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
bluesky1775 has commented on (23) products
Why?: A courtroom drama of self-discovery
by
R. H. King Jr
bluesky1775
, October 30, 2014
Book Title: Why? Author: R. H. King Jr. Publisher: Walden Road Publishing ISBN: 9780990340003 Reviewed by Michele Tater of The Couch Tater Review “The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?" Pablo Picasso Why indeed. What causes a Professor to come to class with two guns and without warning, start shooting at his students. Surely, he must be insane to have committed such a crime or was he? Dan Jackson just wants answers just like the town does, but going to trial to is the only way he sees in finding them. Just another court room drama theme book right? Wrong so very wrong. Wait for the end, that holy crap what just happen conclusion. The reader with go from why? to What the f*** just happen? Think this might just be the normal book about a terrible crime and the justice system righting the wrong book, I was going to rate it a 4 out of 5. What changed my mind was the ending that I didn’t see coming---at all. I can not even hint at what it is because I don’t believe in giving spoils in my reviews. So guess what? Yes that is right....you will have to read the book. No cheating and only reading the ending either, trust me it is more dramatic when you read the entire book. Here is hoping Mr. King has some more amazing books in the making; I am planning on reading them.
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Closter's Branch
by
Robert L. Hay
bluesky1775
, October 23, 2014
Book Title: Colster’s Branch Author: Robert L. Hay Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing ISBN: 9781500467029 Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review “You should not see the desert simply as some faraway place of little rain. There are many forms of thirst." William Langewiesche What evil lurks in the desert that surrounds the tiny town of Closter’s Branch. What is happening to the children of the townsfolk, who or what is taking them. Even though the answers are right in front of Sheriff Abraham Stone, it only appears in his nightmares and strange visions. The law can not be based on dreams and mirages. He knows he needs proof and fast before more go missing. How? Oh, I will not tell, you know the drill, you have to read it yourself to find out. I took this book with me on a recent trip on a plane to Richmond, Virginia to first my oldest son and I was wishing that the flight was longer. I didn’t think that I would enjoy a story of terror set in a western time frame, but I was pleasantly surprise. I won’t have given it the time of day if I had know before hand the details, fortunately, I try not to read too much about a book before I read it for reviewing purposes. Written with the grit of the desert sands and the toughness of the old west itself. It is the first book of a planned series of books, so there is more to come...which I am looking forward to reading.
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Every Goose Thinks His Wife Is a Duck
by
Robert Sullivan
bluesky1775
, March 05, 2013
Book Title: Every Goose Thinks His Wife is a Duck Author: Robert Sullivan Publisher: The Irish Letter ISBN: 9781466493131 Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review “Walls for the wind, And a roof for the rain, And drinks beside the fire -- Laughter to cheer you And those you love near you, And all that your heart may desire!" Irish Blessing I am a quote junky. Anyone who has ever read my other book reviews know this. I start each review I write with, what I feel, a related quote. That being said, when I was given the opportunity to review this green gem of a book, I was ecstatic to say the lest. This book is filled with quotes, proverbs, adages, and sayings written by the Irish or other persons who wish they were. Who knew so many Irish were so humorous and witty even during of the worst times they could have experienced in Ireland. It is like a history lesson in the highs and lows of Irish living and how resilient a people were and still are. I was pleasantly surprised with some of the quotes from and/or about the musicians, authors and actors from Ireland. The author took painstaking time and energy to compile such a wonderful array that you do not have to be Irish to enjoy. From Irish Philosophy to Writer’s Block and so many other topics in between. Though it is a thin book, it is filled with great lore to be read over and over again. I know I will be reading this book off and on again through the rest of my years, and I hope it will be handed down to the next generation to enjoy the awesomeness of being Irish.
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Other People's Heroes
by
Blake M. Petit
bluesky1775
, March 26, 2012
Book Title: Other People's Heroes: The Heroes of Siegel City Author: Blake M. Petit Publisher: CreateSpace ISBN: 9781463599072 Reviewed By Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review I believe that interest in heroes is universal and eternal. ~Norman Spinrad Joshua Corwood is a “regular” guy in a world filled with super heroes (Capes) and villains (Masks). The only saving grace in his mundane life is the fact that he gets to write about these extraordinary people in a newspaper called Powerlines. He gets to interview them and get their back story to share to the world, well his small corner of the world. Joshua secretly wishes he was a superhero, someone who could save the innocent and be a hero to all. In his pursue of the next big story he discoveries the tale of the millennium. Could everything he knows and ultimately loves about the Capes be a sham? And if it is should he tell others or keep it to himself? The life as Siegel City knows it will be changed forever if the story gets out. Imagine a comic book story made into a book without pictures...this is the result. Not really heard of right, but it works so well here. I really enjoyed this method because it give the reader the opportunity to use their imagination to picture the characters and events. Each character, even the superheroes and villains, have depth and substance with very human-like personalities including their flaws. I loved the sense of humor sprinkled throughout the book along with the serious story line. A plot like no other keeps the reader engrossed and entertained with the pasting of each page. Recommended to readers of all ages especially lovers of comic books who are willing to see it in a different light and in a whole new way.
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The Leaf Catcher: The Traveling Box Trilogy
by
Dax M. Tucker
bluesky1775
, November 05, 2011
Book Title: The Leaf Catcher Author: Dax M. Tucker Publisher: Create Space ISBN: 9781463561406 Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review “One of the greatest lessons the fall of the leaf teaches is this: do your work well and then be ready to depart when God shall call.” ~Tryson Edwards Corliss is not a money wealthy man but he is wealthy in wisdom. Although he labors tending the gardens of the King for meager wages, he never complains about the work he does. How can this be? His son Maddox asks this question often. Is this how his life will end up too? Maddox really hopes not. Sensing his son's disappointment, Corliss begins to show the beauty of a simple life. He speaks of his family which includes Claire his wife and his daughter Hope, and how much joy and contentment he has in just living. Unfortunately his wife is a beauty and has caught the eye of Gavin the Prince. He is consumed with desire to have Claire as his own. How for will he go to accomplish this? Is Corliss's family really as strong as he may think they are? Will his son eventually understand his teaches before it is too late? Many may try to compare this author's poetic work with some of the greatest from the past, I have chose not to. I think this poet deserves to be recognized as a great on his own merit. I found this book to be a fairy tale for adults: good verses evil with a little magic mixed in. Written in a gentle tempo and tone, it felt like I had my own Zen master of words trying to bestow words of wisdom inside an enthralling story. It is truly a treasure chest with gems of life lessons to be discovers through out. One of which, is to have a mind enriched in wisdom than have a life enriched in material wealth. I would like to thank the author for the gift of himself that he has given to the world for, “the most precious gift that can be given is what we possess in the our own person.” I look forward to more gifts and treasures from this author, it will be worth the wait.
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The End Is Near
by
Harry Ramble
bluesky1775
, September 15, 2011
Book Title: The End is Near Author: Harry Ramble Publisher: Ebb Press, LLC ISBN: 9780981650227 Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review Hope is a necessity for normal life and the major weapon against the suicide impulse. ~ Karl A. Menninger Nathan Huffnagle, a man in his forties, is just a plain unhappy person. He has never married, has no kids, and has the most boring of jobs. Nathan becomes sick and tired of this so-called life he has made for himself. After his mother dies he returns home to take care of business. Not just the depressing business of settling his mom's affairs, but finishing his, literally. Nathan has decided to end it all, because of the crappy hand life has dealt him, but after a time in the neighborhood tavern, he decides to take someone with him on his little death trip. Really what is driving his man to go to such a final solution to his problems? Could something in his past that seems to haunt him all his life be the reason? Is it really found in the journal he wants to leave behind for all to read? Instead of this book being a “who done it” I would call it a “how come” novel. How come this man has made the decisions he has made? Written in the first person this book, I found, to be full of emotion and feeling. This is especially felt in describing the shocking and sickening details of the many events of bullying that the main character had to endure. The author uses directness and boldness to get across the seriousness of how being belittled through someones life can affect a person, as they become damaged adults. The bullied sometimes become at odds with the ghosts of their past, as Nathan did in this story. Mr. Ramble is ingenious in allowing the reader get inside Nathan's head�"to feel his pain and sadness; he took a complex situation and made it simpler to understand by expounding the details. I can not say enough on how truly great and eye opening this book was for me�"highly recommended!
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Cosmo's Reason
by
Losoya-Harthi, Julie
bluesky1775
, July 06, 2011
Book Title: Cosmo's Reason Author: Julie Losoya-Harthi Publisher: PublishAmerica Baltimore ISBN: 9781456006006 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness.” ~Robert Brault Witch meets good looking vampire and they live happily ever after. Not is this book they don't, which is a great thing for the reader. Reason Regan has had her share of relationships that ended in a sad, heartbreaking ways. She feels unlucky in love and that no one will love her being a plus sized witch. That all changes when Cosmo, a vampire, steps into the picture to be her protector against the evils that may do Reason harm. Their strong attraction is one that started a long time ago as their past lives have met. Oh and meanwhile there are rogue vampires wandering the small Ohio city of Findlay causing havoc. Just when the reader thinks that everything has gone to some sort of normalcy, more drama comes their way with more mysteries for them to solve. This book, in my opinion is a more “adult” version of a vampire love story. There are heated sex scenes that could make even a seasoned, sexual, experienced person blush. Characters are personable and engaging, which keeps the reader reading to find out what will happen to them next. Being a plus-sized, a one time divorced, animal loving gal, my favorite character is Reason. As the story goes on, she blossoms into a gutsy, fearless and ballsy broad, in the best of ways. What woman wouldn't want that kind of confidence! Cosmo, is the definition of a tall, dark and handsome man with the personality of a well-bred gentleman. Since this a debut book from this author, there are some novice oversights, that take time to develop. I don't feel, however, that these errors are so outrageous that it interferes in the reader enjoying this book. I feel that the author has formed a great foundation for her continuation of this story-line into a fantastic series. She is currently working on book number two, which I am look forward to reading too.
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The A-Men
by
John Trevillian
bluesky1775
, April 10, 2011
Book Title: The A-Men Author: John Trevillian Publisher: Matador, Troubador Publishing Ltd. ISBN: 9781848763432 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.” Robert Louis Stevenson In the future of our world, all hell has broken loose. The company that ran things and keep everything working harmoniously has left the planet. Although many Earth dwellers were able to leave before the change over to the survive of the fittest mentality, many were unable to. What is left on the planet are renegades of gangs, fight each other for superiority and tracts of the best parts of the cities that are available. To bring some control to this mess, a group of trained military like mavericks, are dropped down from their ship to in the chaos. Most being criminals or persons that just don't fit anywhere else. They do not realize the magnitude of the situation they are now a part of, many pay the price with their lives. The survivors band together and form their own “gang” with other members joining them if they can swear the oath. The members names are borrowed from a book of tales, which gives all who read it some hope in a world with very little hope. The best way to describe this book, in my opinion anyway, is a “guy” flick written by author with a vision like no one else. It has all the great elements of an action pack block buster movie; chaos, mayhem, explosions, death and destruction. There are turf wars and some colorful characters that can only exist in the end of world times. It has glimpses of scenes that have the Road Warrior movie feel it them, but most are taken right from the imagination of the author. But is does include a sensitive overtone especially when the book “forevermore” is mentioned; it is like a religious icon. Even with its guy geared content, I would recommend to girls too; hey what girl doesn't like a good guy flick anyway. Although, a thick book, it is easy to get engrossed in it and you are done before you know it. The reader will look forward to read the next book, “The A-Men Return”, which is already written and available.
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Sandman
by
Kingsley, Ian
bluesky1775
, February 02, 2011
Book Title: Sandman Author: Ian Kingsley Publisher: New Generation Publishing ISBN: 9781907756757 Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review “Until we accept the fact that life itself is founded in mystery, we shall learn nothing.” ~Henry Miller Paul Vincent, an architect, is married to Shasa, a stunning beautiful woman, and father is their fourteen year old daughter whom thankfully took after her mom in the looks department. As their dream home is having its finishing touch done, they decide to take a much needed time off at a beach hut at Mudeford Sandbank in Dorset, England. What could be better than toes in the sand, fresh sea air to inhale and hearing the breaking of waves. As they lazily enjoy their holiday, they are not aware of trouble brewing in a nearby area. The meeting of the “Sandman” aka Stevie Clark, and the Vincent’s on the beach is anything but friendly. Stevie seems to be unable to communicate without a knife in his hand. Could he be behind the recent unbelievable violent attack on an aspiring actress, Carol Davis? During a party hosted by the Vincent’s, Paul has to come face-to-face to the realization of what his wife’s constant flirting has resulted in. This momentous occurrence starts a series of events that has Paul questioning his marriage, Stevie accused of crimes that he insists he has not committed and a family forever changed. That is just a small taste of the story line in Ian Kingsley’s “Sandman”. I am giving only a sampling of it so not to ruin the main courses available for the reader to savor. This book is, a no-brainier really, a day at the beach or pool side read, but I think reading it in the dead of winter can give a reader reason for warmth. You are able to relate to the Vincent family and are able to sympathize with them as well. Although you may think you have this book all figured out, trust me you don’t, wait until the end.
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Self Help: Your Complete Book of Bad Advice for Every Situation in Life
by
Quentin Smeltzer
bluesky1775
, January 21, 2011
Book Title: Self Help--Your Complete Book Bad Advice For Every Situation in Life Author: Quentin Smeltzer Publisher: Outskirts Press ISBN: 9781432753146 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book “I went to a bookstore and asked that saleswoman, Where’s the self-help section? She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.” ~George Carlin If the “bad advice” in the title of this book is not warning enough, do not follow anything mentioned in this book. It’s like the stunts you see on TV where they tell you that they are done by professionals and not to be done by amateurs. The author is not a doctor of any kind and therefore can not really give you self help tips that he not is qualified to give. That beginning said, I think this book have value in what not to do in your life unless you want to loose your job, your family and any self esteem that you may have had. The book is broken down 44 chapters that are short, sweet and easy to read. These chapter advise you on to succeed in nothing really and how to be well at something your are not and probably won‘t be even after you read it. The writer’s views of the men vs. women paradigm are funny in a non-threatening way, at least for me, I happen to be in a marriage where we know how places, sort of speak. Some people may take offense to these points-of-view but I think they maybe in denial. Just kidding, see someone might take Mr. Smeltzer the wrong way, but if you are an open mined person with a good sense of humor you will enjoy this book. The author is self professed stand-up comedian that shows in his humorous way of writing. If anything is book will make you lol (laugh out loud) and have great aha moments, along with huh moments. I found it simple to read, not that the writer was simple or anything, it was just written in easy language. I do recommend “Self Help” to someone that is employed, in a great relationship and not easily swagged by what they read.
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The Blue Fairy and Other Tales of Transcendence
by
Ernest Dempsey
bluesky1775
, December 01, 2010
Book Title: The Blue Fairy and other tales of transcendence Author: Ernest Dempsey Publisher: Loving Healing Press ISBN: 9781932690927 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” ~Robert Benchley Even though life and death are intertwined as a everyday occurrence, most people and cultures have a fear of dying and what happens after we die. Although the death of his Aunt affected him at a very young age, the author Ernest Dempsey, has used that experience to examine the event of death from the perspective of the survivors. In his book “The Blue Fairy” Mr. Dempsey writes 25 short stories that includes several different example of the dying and grieving process. Each story gives the reader a glimpse into people’s lives when they have been touched by death and shows how they are able to handle it. The old says of “everyone handles grief differently” comes to life in these beautiful written tales. This is not a morbid or even a sad book, it is just a look into a subject few people want to talk about even when they are in the grieving process. I found that life lessons, not necessary death lessons, are found in each story. It showed how to look at death as a part of life and living. We must be prepare for aspects of the process we will not understand, for example a need for someone to die or how someone else death was in vain. As we are not all the same in life nor are we all going to leave this life the same way. The people we leave behind are the ones that will have to come to grips with their lost while you just cease to be a part of their lives. One of the stories, was about the concept of “death” even when a person is alive. They are living life just going through the motions and not breaking out of the rut they have made for themselves. Another story shows also how someone can be obsessed with death; when, why and how it will happen, that they too can not live a full life. Living with the idea that death may be just around that corner can scare many individuals, but it is the truth. In this book I feel readers can get a new prospective on “living” through the many looks of death. It is not a depressing book it is actually a book of hope that all who read it will chose to live life; really live life.
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Flashes and Specks
by
Pogodzinski, Mark
bluesky1775
, November 23, 2010
Book Title: Flashes and Specks Author: Mark Pogodzinski Publisher: No Frills Press IBSN: 9780578047119 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “Listen, my friend, there are two races of beings. The masses teeming and happy --common clay, if you like --eating, breeding, working, counting their pennies; people who just live; ordinary people; people you can't imagine dead. And then there are the others --the noble ones, the heroes. The ones you can quite well imagine lying shot, pale and tragic; one minute triumphant with a guard of honor, and the next being marched away between two gendarmes.” ~Jean Anouilh Just in time for the Christmas holiday season comes a story of comfort and joy, guess again. Even if the book “Flashes and Specks” takes place close to Christmas it is far from being a holiday classic. “Flashes and Specks” begins at the funeral breakfast for a troubled young man, Carter, who decided to try once more to end the anguish he was suffering. Carter was the cousin of Henry Kent, who is the main character of the book. Let me try and sum up the life as Henry knows it. When Carter was still alive they were comic book buffs. In reading them they found that characters, although you wanted them to stay the same, changed as their writers changed. In the present time he is a 8th grade Math teacher who hopes he is shaping young lives as he teaches his formulas and solutions. Henry’s wife has left him with no word as to why and even if she plans on coming back, he is hopeful she will. He has seen his father go through the same situation and his mother, after a time, returned home. He has a young son, Arthur, who takes random pictures of people and adds them to the “city” he has made out of milk cartons and a vast amount of imagination, in the basement of their home. Playing in the background of Henry’s life are the rumors of nuclear bombs and of World War III, as seen on news reports and heard of the radio. Even his teaching mentor is having delusions of having the exact date of the end of the world by using random numbers in a secret formula he has developed. This book will lure the reader into the psyche of a man who craves for a hero to fix things and make the villains go away. On the surface Henry seemingly lives a normal ordinary life, but underneath its really full of complex relationships and circumstances that are out of his control. The book is a fast read and I recommend it to adults who want to read a present day story that shows how life can get in the way of real life. But I would not recommend reading it during the holidays!
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Rendezvous Rock
by
Rickey Bray
bluesky1775
, November 11, 2010
Book Title: Rendezvous Rock Author: Rickey Bray Publisher: Robert D. Reed Publishers ISBN: 9781934759257 Reviewed By Michele Tater for Review The Book “For my part, I have ever believed, and do not know that there are witches.” ~Thomas Browne, Sr. Ah, young love and the promises they try to keep. The lovers to be are Susan, a beautiful green eyed, red haired, 15 year old, witch and Eric, a dark eyed, dark haired, handsome, 15 year old, Halfling. They meet on a camping trip that Eric and his uncle Ned have taken for some male bonding. As the time to leave draws near Susan makes an offer to Eric that seems to him too good to be true. Their bonding is forever and is sealed with a tryst and a braid of Susan’s hair placed on Eric’s ankle. However, Susan has put a condition on this relationship that forbids them from seeing each other for the next ten years and after this time they must meet right back to the rock that they made their vows to each other on. The book “Rendezvous Rock” follows them both during this ten year span, where both have changed and grown in many ways. There are witches, spawns and enchantresses that Eric has come to know and learn from in order to understand and appreciate the world he is now a part of without even knowing it. The most important realization is that of the Three Circles and how for the rest of his life, he must protect all within them with his life, if necessary. Do not judge the book by the author, Rickey Bray. He has spent time in jail, but it doesn’t show in the way he writes with the grace and pose of a seasoned writer. He has the gift of telling a tale of love, beauty and also drama and suspense. Mr. Bray keeps the reader engrossed in the lives of people with special gifts and talents that are used mostly for the good of the world. I highly recommend this book, it has everything a reader may crave in a good read. The characters are believable and draw you into their world with their vast belief systems and religious rites. It is a great read and I look forward to more books from Mr. Bray soon.
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Prison Earth - Not Guilty as Charged
by
Clifford M. Scovell
bluesky1775
, October 26, 2010
Title: Prison Earth Author: Clifford M. Scovell Publisher: Black Rose Writing ISBN: 9781935605058 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “Before you can break out of prison, you must realize you’re locked up.” ~Author Unknown Imagine that the planet Earth is use by Aliens from other far away universes as a prison for their worst offenders. The life forces of the criminals are extracted from their bodies are implanted in to an unborn human fetus. The individual life force can not die so they are transferred to other fetuses as their current body ages and dies; the persons good and bad characteristics are carry through each. Until the offenders sentence is complete and their life force is extracted back to the original alien form they were, their lives are consisted of living and dieing on planet Earth. Thoughts or actions are inserted into the minds of the prisoners, to make them do things they might not otherwise do. This process is to give them empathy for their former victims and make them better people for it. This the world that author Clifford M. Scovell, has developed in this book. There are several different alien species that have lived among the inhabitants of Earth but are confined by the physical limitations of your bodies. Their memories are also repressed by an elaborate monitoring system which become damage and allows some to start recalling past lives they are lived. Next comes a live and death scrabble to save the life of an convicted killer of not just one or two persons, but a whole planet. But did he do it or not. “Prison Earth” gives the reader an adventure to remember. It has the sci-fi aspects as wells as romance, mystery and intrigue all rolled in to one. I would just caution the reader that because the names of the aliens are very different it maybe hard to remember who is who. I found that if I wrote them down as I read it was easier. I would recommend this book to adults who are lovers of sci-fi, but like “human-like” story line built in.
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Dead of Knight
by
William R. Potter
bluesky1775
, October 05, 2010
Book Title: Dead of Knight Author: William R. Potter Publisher: RealTime Publishing ISBN: 9781849610261 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness.” ~Sam Peckinpah The murderer is known by many names. He is called Tyro, a apprentice title, until he has killed more then his name is Damian Knight, soldier of justice, that passes judgment on the guilty. In the bar where he plays video games he is known as Retro, the police call him the Birthday Boy, but soon everyone will hear his true name. Jack Staal is a detective with the Hanson Police and has vowed to bring the killer in. “Dead of Knight” is told from the murderer’s and the detective’s perspective, which allows the reader to get a sense of both characters’ personalities. Detective Staal is a veteran cop who is dealing with demons from a past case gone wrong and the killer is also trying to come to grips with a event from his past that has marked him for life. “Dead of Knight” is set in British Columbia in a fictional town called Hanson where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are enforcers of the law of the land. The book gives a “real” look at what it takes to solve crimes and that it is not done in an hour as seen on Television. DNA samples take weeks instead of minutes and the suspect is not caught in the last 15 minutes of the show. Suspect after suspect are questioned and ruled out, while the killer continues to murder. Although “Dead of Knight” in not a true murder mystery since you know the killer, the reasons for his actions are not clear until later. It is still a psychological trip with road block around every corner. It gives a chilling outcome of what can happen to someone who was a product of bullying. The characters are realistic and interesting. I recommend this book to mystery buffs that are old enough to read detailed content regarding killing, sex and drug use.
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Voice of Conscience
by
Behcet Kaya
bluesky1775
, September 29, 2010
Book Title: Voice of Conscience Author: Behcet Kaya Publisher: Authorhouse ISBN: 9781449014537 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book “The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience.” Mohandas Gandhi With the on going discussions of where to build a Mosaic in New York City near ground zero or not, a book comes along to give a reader some insight into the lives of a Muslim family in Atamkoy, Turkey. Although the first part of the book takes place in the year 1962, the descriptions of the rites and ceremonies may still take place in some remote parts of that country. With the abundant of Turkish words included in the text, they are recognized as being italicized and are given the English translates right after so a Turkish dictionary is not needed. “Voice of Conscience” is a story of a family preparing for the marriage of there only daughter Erin, whose mother died in childbirth. Ramzi Ozcomert, her father, has remarried a woman named Nermin Ozcomert and they have a son named Ramzi Ozcomert Jr. Even before the wedding week can begin a rift is make with Ramzi Ozcomert and Elder Korucu for not giving in to the request of the Elder that Erin should marry his grandson instead of her boyfriend Turkel. Tragedy strikes with a very heavy and violence plow on the family of Ramzi Ozcomert Jr., which changes his live forever. His taken on a journey of both through different lands as wells as different ideas and what his destiny may have to be. Within the Turkish culture it is instilled that vengeance is away of life and a death should be avenged at any cost. This becomes Ramzi’s mantra has he grown into a man of great means; wife, two daughters and a vast company. He soon finds that this way of thinking takes a toll on the mind as well as his heart. He must make the decision to uphold his traditional ways or let go of the rage that will consume him. “Voice of Conscience” gives a glimpse into the world of the Turkish Muslim as he becomes an American with more questions than answers regarding his religion, philosophy and challenges of his life. As this book is written in a easy understandable way, I would recommend this book to adult readers and even to young adult readers.
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The Fruit of the Fallen
by
Burnham, J. C.
bluesky1775
, September 11, 2010
Book Title: The Fruit of the Fallen Author: J. C. Burnham Publisher: Xlibris Corporation ISBN: 9781450018159 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “Human beings must be known to be love; but Divine beings must be loved to be known.” Blaise Pascal As a nun hands a baby to Dr. Jonathan Keats, she is fatally shot and Dr. Keats must run for his life as well as the baby’s. He is later framed for the murder of the nun and has to go into hiding. The infants name is Serenity D’Evele and her past is shrouded in mystery. When events occur, that are beyond Dr. Keats control, Serenity is given to Sister Sophia D’Evele who adopts the girl as her grandchild. After moving from country to country through most of her childhood, Serenity and her grandmother settle in California at a all girls school called Mount Sterling. Soon strange things start happening, a sighing of a demonic looking dog-like animal and the appearance of a tall blond hair man. One night Serenity is force to fight of the creature with some help from an unknown person. Her classmate Sarah starts to act differently too and seems to have burning hatred for Serenity. Serenity’s dreams also take a disturbing turn by become more vivid and having a man’s voice calling for her. She turns to her faith and her support group which consists of her best friend Ellen, her music teacher’s brother Talmadge and Father Abrienne. She will need all the help she can get, since she is possibly the key to a prophecy which may have apocalyptic consequences. The Fruit of the Fallen with its beautiful cover art and its intriguing story line is a truly great read. It consists of 22 chapters that are divided by drawings of grapes on a vine, which becomes relative later in the book. Even though there were several religious references, they are explained for easy understanding. There are flash backs so the reader must pay attention, as well as they should anyway. Serenity, as the main character, is a likable person who has no lack of innocence. The book is a mysterious and absorbing novel, which I think would appeal to the adult and the young adult reader. I high recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery with some faith testing added in.
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Swallow
by
Tonya Plank
bluesky1775
, August 27, 2010
Book Title: Swallow Author: Tonya Plank Publisher: Dark Swan Press ISBN: 9780615280998 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book “Gradually, I come to realize that people will readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit.” -Martha Gellhorn The above mentioned quote could describe the reason for the affection that plagues Sophie Hegel, the main character in the book “Swallow”, by Tonya Plank. Sophie is a small town girl who went to an ivy league law school, meets prince charming and moves to New York City. Everything in her life appears to be going smoothly, in her opinion, until her boyfriend Stephen pops the question of will you marry me. Since she is hiding her “Arizona” family from her “New York City” family, all will clash together with the upcoming wedding which causes her to panic. Everything in Sophia’s life becomes too hard to accept or believe without question, protest or anger, which she tend to stifle and not come to grips with. I think as we all get older, we start to inquire about our lives. We analyze our past and how it has impacted the decisions we have made. Sophie’s past including her upbringing and her dysfunctional family: divorced parents, jealous sister, reared its ugly head, or should I say fist, and made it hard to ignore anymore. She tries to deny the existence of or the truth of who she really is. With the love and support of her friends; gay arty friend Thom, fashion suave friend Frances, lawyer friend Sami, Sophie realizes that in life some shallow people will cross your path and that they will try to manipulate how you look at yourself. We all should not allow people to lead us astray and corrupt us into seeing ourselves in a bad light. With the all changing event of September 11th, Sophie is pushed to make decisions to save her from the fantasy life she thought she had. She begins to see things for what they are and what her goals really are. I think most of America took the time after 9/11 to revalue their lives as well. All the characters are beautifully woven and integrated in the story which gives the reader the opportunity to relate to them. Each character has an impact, either good, bad or both, on how the main character is shaped or is being molded. I recommend this book to adult women young and old who would like a good laugh, a good cry and a bunch of good feelings.
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One Deadly Sister: Woman-trouble Can Be Deadly
by
Rod Hoisington
bluesky1775
, August 20, 2010
Book Title: One Deadly Sister Author: Rod Hoisington Publisher: Entera Books ISBN: 9780615298528 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book The book “One Deadly Sister”, I felt is a murder mystery at its best. The author takes you on a who-done-it ride which includes the introduces of several characters, which can be likable as well as unlikable. These people all have their own dirty laundry and guilty pleasures that play out with every turn of the page. It is also a look at how a innocent man can be so mix-up in the lives of others that he is arrested for a crime he did not commit, or did he. Even though there are several characters in this story, they are skillfully developed and can be easy followed. The main character Ray seems to be the man with the worst luck ever. I felt bad that he has was being used as a pawn in everyone’s game where he had no game in anything. Even the police department, along with the state attorney, just wanted to nail Ray’s coffin and be done with it. Since I is have worked in several law firms in the past and have a Paralegal Degree , I was able to identify with Ray’s sister Sandy. She came across as one tough cookie that would not take stuff from anyone, including the law enforcement individuals who were handling her brothers case. There were also characters I loved to hate, for example, Loraine who thought she could wiggle her way out of anything, and believe me she tries a lot. I would recommend “One Deadly Sister” to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with many plot twists and of course some turns added for a good measure of suspense. Although I was trying to figure the who did it part, many things were not what they seemed. So you really have to read the book all the way through. No fair peeking to the end either, its well worth the wait. There is brief sexual content, mostly pg rated. It also has a great and realistic story line that will keep you guessing till the end.
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Ambrosia Weapons Underworld
by
Robin Sutton
bluesky1775
, August 15, 2010
Book Title: Ambrosia Weapons Underworld Author: Robin Sutton Publisher: The Robin’s Nest Books ISBN: 9780975509821 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book The book “Ambrosia” consists of 18 short chapters with bold typed words, which were easy on the eyes to read. Although the story line is an interesting one, the world of Atlantic still living, I feel the author was unable to capture the true sense of her characters and the plot itself. The text is written in a play-by-play style that describes the bare minimum details regarding the characters and the events that were taking place now or in the past. There was a lack of depth and substance with every turning page. In my opinion, there was no real emotions or any suspense where there should have been, which gave the reader little to get excited about. There was some, if barely any, character development to give the reader something to relate to and/or identify with. Paragraphs were made up of fragmented sentence with repetitive word use, especially names. Spelling errors can be found through out, with the word “staid” instead of “stayed” used several times. I myself am a poor speller, but I found it unnerving that someone could not let the author know of these errors. I found the flow of the book sometimes hard to follow since there were various flash back to the past that happen without warning to the reader. I have read a few self-publisher books in the past and found most needed very little if any correction and were a joy to read. This book, unfortunately, this is not one of them. I think this author needs a support team perhaps, to help her with her writing and be honest to her to a fault. I am hoping she is able to develop her writing more for her sequel to this book. It is a great story concept and with more meat on the bones of the authors writing it could have been a great book as well. I am not able to recommend this book to too many readers, but maybe the young reader who would like quick reading book without too many details.
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Water Landing
by
Jonathan Slusher
bluesky1775
, August 11, 2010
Book Title: Water Landing Author: Jonathan Slusher Publisher: Cow Chip Press Publisher’s Address: Carney’s Point, NJ ISBN: 9780578029825 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book “Water Landing” consists of 19 chapters with their own titles, and the text is double lined through-out which makes it easy on the eyes and quicker to read; I read it in one day. The author has written this book like the one character is sitting down having a causal conversation with someone he just meet. The reader is not given unnecessary details, but is given enough information to understand what is going on. The main character, Luke Kettle, is a 28 year ago man who seems, in my interpretation, to be going through a middle life crisis at a very young age. He feels his life will not get any better, especially since he has the worst luck with his love life. With one girlfriend out of his life, his friend who is a girl, but not yet his girlfriend has cancer. Since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago I could relate to his helplessness against the disease and the eternal hopefulness that she would get better. I am lucky that my mom is doing fine now. I found it interesting that his parent were from Germany and of course spoken German. My mom’s parents were from Austria and spoke German too, but I never learned, maybe I will in the future. Throughout the book there are descriptions of landmarks and/or parks in both the states of New Jersey and of California, which showed how these states are different and also how they are the same. Almost like how Luke has changed as he moved from one place to the next. In my opinion this book is about a young man’s journey in making amends with the future plans that will never happen, almost like morning for them. Even with the dwellings of the what ifs, Luke has to face facts that things are never going to be the same and neither is he. “Water Landing” is a look into the grieving process in a different perspective, which showed me that everyone really does have their own way of grieving. I would recommend this book to young adult and adults who would like a book that is a quick read and not skimpy with the story line and the depth of characters.
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No Mad
by
Sam Moffie
bluesky1775
, July 31, 2010
Book Title: No Mad Author: Sam Moffie Publisher: BookSurge ISBN: 1439204616 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book The book is divided into 7 mini-books and subdivided with long lines. There are also bold typed words found through out, which I am not sure what the significance of them are. Also there are lyrics of 70s music that seem to fit what is happening in the book. The reading of the Prologue is a must to understand the direction of the book. Unfortunately, the main character’s marriage will have be sacrificed in order for him to grow as a middle-aged man and become content with the life he has and can have. I think “no mad” is a how-to book on how to make a bad situation better without going to extremes. It follows an author on his quest to develop interviews for a non-fiction book, this after a drastic change in his family life. This character is likable and has a great love for his children which is very commendable since I am a mother of three. It made would to be close with my kids even if they are grown. His personality and sense of humor makes a reader connection easy. As he travels to different landmarks and destinations, you are given a brief history lesson on each, added interest and familiarity. There is even a section regarding the ethics of bathroom reading and another on the joys of winters, even though I think the winters in Angola, New York are worst. One of my favorite parts were the bumper stickers he read while driving, too funny. Another is the explanation of how Dino of the Flintstone had started the whole sniff and marking for all dog kind. I recommend this book to drinker of red wine, listeners of 70s music and lovers of dogs and family, plus anyone that needs a good laugh. Be prepared to read things that you never had before and probably wont again. It is for the adult audience since there are explicit sexual content and drug use. One last note: wherever you go, there you are---Jinx.
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The Moon, the Snow
by
Nan Weizenbaum
bluesky1775
, July 26, 2010
Book Title: “the moon, the snow” Author: Nan Weizenbaum ISBN: 978-1449961602 Publisher: CeateSpace Publish Date: January 27, 2010 Reviewed by Michele Tater for Reviewthebook.com (7/10) Although, in my opinion, the book started off as wordy and at times boring, in the end it was worth read. It was uniquely divided into subchapters using tree branches and chapters using pieces of fruit. The setting is in a Pacific Northwest town of Shanksford in the midst of the winter season. Since it is summer, one of the hottest, where I was reading this novel, it was given a refreshing feel as it was describing the snow falling and people dressing in layers. It also gave some hot and steamy accounts as well, which were not suited for the younger reader. There is also a bit of a history lesson about the town, which was carefully included and gave an insight of the region and how it was developed. Even though, I don’t think this was necessary to the story line, it did add interest. I was able to identify with the main character Aurora as I think many other women can. A lot of women of all ages and all walks of life, have given up everything of ourselves to devote all to the person they love and unfortunately when that person leaves we are lost. This abandonment can lead ourselves doing things that are completely out of character for us. Aurora started to give her body to every man she could. Most of the male characters were men of opportunity using Aurora for their appetites and not really caring for hers. One character that was not of the norm was Danny who seemed more down to earth, especially since he lived in a Teepee. He was the more sensitive friend that Aurora needed. Intermingled in the before mentioned players are other town folk that were sometimes mere mentions many of whom were experiencing life’s up and downs. Most live without T.V. s, radios, telephones or even electricity. They have to adapt to the environment even if it is rely on the strength of others. The finishing pages of this book are completely up expected and were never hinted at. It is a full circle of lives coming together as maybe the moon is a symbol of. I recommend this to only adult readers who are patient enough not to skip ahead to the end. I believe the author is trying to give insight to the fact that we are all interconnected and how we can effect each others lives.
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