KAYE TROUT'S BOOK REVIEWS

P IS FOR PERIL by Sue Grafton

2008-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

G. P. Putnam’s Sons
New York
Genre: Fiction/Mystery
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 0399147195, $26.95, 352 pp.

If you’re familiar with the fictional mystery genre, then the name Sue Grafton is not new to you, nor her alphabetical Kinsey Millhone series. You might say Kinsey is a grown-up Nancy Drew with a Private Investigator’s license. In P is for Peril, Kinsey is hired to find a missing doctor...sounds very simple and straight forward. However, it doesn’t take long before the author has you pulled into multiple mysteries and everyone is a suspect with a good motive.

As far as writing style, Ms Grafton’s style has a formula feel to it, i.e, bring in a new character or house and she immediately describes he/she/it in extensive detail, and detail seems to be her forte. I personally could do without so much detail. Who cares what particular items Kinsey purchased at the grocery store or how she placed her umbrella or hung her coat. But, that’s just my taste.

Kaye Trout - September 3, 2008

POWER TOOLS by Binyamin Klempner, MSW, Life Coach

2008-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Powerful Thoughts and Questions for Personal Excellence
BookSurge Publishing,
North Charleston, SC
www.booksurge.com
Genre: Self-Help/Inspirational
Rating: Good
ISBN: 1439202311, $15.99, 266 pp., Dimensions-6.5x5.5

Quoting from the back cover:

"Do you have a vision of the life you want, but feel you might need some help in realizing that vision? Are you having trouble achieving your personal, family, and professional goals?

"Think of this book as your personal life coach, here to help you take full advantage of the skills and knowledge that you already possess.

"Through thought-provoking stories and practical exercises, you and the author will work together to help you define, reach, and master your goals.

"Your life is a journey and you have the ability to set its direction. A lesson in spirituality in action, this book is designed to provide you with tools you can use to build the life your want."

The majority of the books I receive to review are "self-help" books...the authors tell us how we can improve ourselves and our lives. I read them all with hopes of finding something new and innovative (sure could use some improvement), and when I do, I’ll let you know.

Power Tools doesn’t have anything new or innovative for self-help readers, but how it is presented is appealing. Its size is unique, small and thick; colorful cover and quality paper; the print is dark and easy to read; each page is a different topic; it includes many AA principles–a definite plus; and the manner in which Klempner conveys his help is more appealing than some self-help gurus. Power Tools is an inspirational little book...an excellent bedtime or sitting-on-the-john read.

Isn’t it nice to know that there are so many people out there wanting to help us live better lives and make a few bucks along the way. Some become very successful, such as Dan Millman. Dan taught at my Gymnastic Studio in San Francisco while he was writing his Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

Kaye Trout - September 2, 2008

THE SUPERVISION SOLUTION: MANAGE PERFORMANCE-NOT PEOPLE by John Roulet

2008-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Javelin Publishing
www.javelinpublishing.com
Genre: Educational
Rating: Average
ISBN: 9780981683768, $22.95, 160 pp.

Quoting from the Press Release:

"The effective management of people is a critical issue with which business leaders struggle on a daily basis. The popular view of leadership is to try to understand the personalities, interests and attitudes of those being lead. Through this understanding will come better relationships and in turn, better outcomes for the company.

"‘Wrong,’ says John Roulet.... According to Roulet, the current management paradigm is severely flawed in many respects. Its greatest flaw, however, is in the mistaken premise that business leaders manage people. Great leadership is not about managing people, it is about managing performance...."

Everything about this book–the hardcover, pages, dust jacket, editing, organization, and Javelin Publishing’s promotion material–is top quality, including all the hype and positive comments on the back cover. I read this book from cover to cover and thought: ‘This is just common sense with a lot of fancy words.’ It is not dynamic or innovative. Possibly an elementary school might include it in a Management 101 class. I certainly would not recommend spending $22.95 for the information in this book.

Kaye Trout - September 2, 2008

LIFE IS TOO SHORT: CHOICES IN LIFE SECOND EDITION by David W. Dorris

2008-09-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Llumina Press
www.llumina.com
Genre: Self Help
ISBN: 9781605940458, $9.95, 132 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"All of us go through life once. Life is not a rehearsal. Life is a series of choices that lead us to our destiny. We make choices about all our actions in life, such as how we treat others, how we communicate to others and how we help or hurt others. We choose the kind of jobs that we want to do, where we want to live, and the kind of families that we want to have.

"Life can be deceiving and we’re not always sure what to believe about the kind of world that we think this is. A lot of things don’t make any sense. We don’t always know what we want out of life or who we really are. Few, if any of us, ever reach our full potential intellect.

"Life may not be as easy as we think. It’s a tough world and life isn’t that easy for all of us. Life is hard work, and we should be prepared for what life deals out. The more that we educate ourselves and understand the mysteries about life on Earth, the easier our lives can be. All of us are looking for the brass ring, and we may wish to know many things to get the best out of our lives.

"To be successful and happy, we have to make the right choices. Every day and every minute we have choices to make, even if they’re not to make any choices and to do nothing. Most of our choices care be very difficult. Our choices can affect our friends, our families, our co-workers, and anybody else that comes into our lives. If we make the wrong choices, our lives become harder to live. Our lives can be full of problems. We know that our futures are going to be full of choices, and at this very moment we are going to start making the right ones."

This little book has been written from a good heart with hopes to inspire. David W. Dorris has done a good job at getting down to basics and everyday problems. He writes in a straight-forward, simplistic style as he tells us how he preceives the world and what we should do. Life Is Too Short is well edited and for the price of $9.95, you might give it a try.

Kaye Trout - September 1, 2008

SLICE OF LIFE - OUR WAYS AND DAYS by Gene Hull

2008-08-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Fiction Publishing, Inc.
Fort Pierce, Florida
Genre: Fictional Short Stories
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 9780981495651, $14.95, 215 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"SLICE OF LIFE, a surprising potpourri of literary short stories, is rooted in intriguing characters and plot twists cleverly and believable crafted.

"You’ll meet Leonardo, naive young musician, confronted and confused by a charming older woman in a San Francisco jazz club.... Alison and her two sisters, on a New Hampshire reunion hike, attacked by a roving black bear.... A bickering senior couple who get lost while driving at night on a Florida back road.... Warren Duphiney, a shy photographer captivated by a beautiful young woman who is running in the park.... Jess Carter attempting a daring rescue of a TV newswoman trapped in a Pennsylvania coal mine. Lyle Baker, a young veteran who returns unexpectedly to his North Texas hometown five years after the war.... and many more personalities caught up in the drama of OUR WAYS AND DAYS."

Some think the popularity of the short story has seen its day, but I tend to disagree. A short story is the perfect bedtime read, and Gene Hull has done an excellent job of providing us with some entertaining stories. This collection is well crafted, well edited and creative. Slice of Life is Gene’s third book, and he just keeps getting better and better. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Enjoy!

Kaye Trout - August 6, 2008

THE SCROLL - WAKE UP CALL PROPHECIES by Bob R. Short

2008-08-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Xulon Press
www.xulonpress.com
Genre: Religious
ISBN: 9780965140812, $29.95, 288 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Bob Short has predicted his second book of astonishing end time prophecies. His first book, the Wake Up Call Prophecies, published in 1996 has happened as prophesied (see Section-3). Authoritative and cutting edge prophecies in The Scroll are incredible, even shocking, and could be life saving. Understanding the future with skyrocketing catastrophic events makes this book a must read for all nation’s Christians, citizens, clergy, and their Military."

Mr. Short is quite the dedicated person, and his book is the result of this dedication. He has traveled far and wide in his religious adventure and includes photos of himself and religious sites throughout the book. The Scroll is well organized, well edited, and it is clearly evident that Mr. Short is an educated man.

Prior to the Table of Contents he includes a "Non Christian Warming: Prophecy, however, is for Believers - Not for unbelievers!" and then provides us with the prayer which will make us newborn Christians. So you see...there is still hope.

Kaye Trout - August 4, 2008

A SOUTH FLORIDA CULINARY ADVENTURE by Alice Shapiro

2008-07-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Eloquent Books,
New York, New York
Genre: Cookbook
ISBN: 9781934925553, $12.95, 68 pp.

Hodge podge!

Sorry to say the only thing I found of interest in this book was the front cover. Please, don’t waste your hard earn money on this collection of trivia.

Kaye Trout - July 31, 2008

YOU, MY LOVE - A DIARY IN VERSE by Richard Atwood

2008-07-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

iUniverse, Inc.
Lincoln, NE
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 9780595465191, $11.95, 103 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"You are into me like flame and fire as no other desire could know such gentle fury...like an undefined thirst incalculably uncontrolled, or passion spent in seeking a wild and wondrous rose."

You, My Love is the diary, in verse, of a young man’s love for an older, married woman. If you, too, have had an overwhelming love for a beautiful woman, you may possibly understand and enjoy Richard Atwood’s rich, poetic verses. How wonderful that love can inspire...even through the pain.

Kaye Trout - July 3, 2008

DOGS: FUNNY SIDE UP! by Nola Lee Kelsey

2008-06-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Nola Lee Kelsey’s Funniest Canine Chronicles from Dogtown to Bangkok
Dog’s Eye View Media
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Genre: Satirical Short Stories
Rating: Exceptional
ISBN: 9780980232325, $14.00, 264 pp.

Delightful! Worldly insightful!

Quoting from the back cover:

"Welcome to a ‘dog-gone’ hysterical perspective born out of a life that has literally gone to the dogs. From Nat Geo’s Dogtown to the temples of Northern Thailand, Kelsey’s biting satire offers an outrageously fresh perspective on the world of animal rescue and a life spent among man’s best friends."

My favorite chapter is titled, So Ya Wanna Start a Sanctuary. Allow me to share the opening paragraphs with you:

"Many of us dream of starting our own animal sanctuaries. In my world you hear this fantasy so often you’d think shelters would be as common as pigeons in Balboa Park or Republicans in denial.

"After two decades of working at, and volunteering for, every ilk of animal rescue, in addition to attending seminars on founding sanctuaries, and driving past many more, I fancy myself quite knowledgeable on the basics of sanctuary operations. This is precisely why I don’t start one."

If you have any interest in animals, you’ll like this book. If you’re involved with animal rescue organizations, you’ll love this book. Nola Lee Kelsey, a consummate writer who knows her stuff, has a quick mind and sharp wit, and it’s not all about dogs.

Kaye Trout - June 25, 2008

EVIL, ANGER, AND GOD - A Biblical Pastoral Study by Milton Crum

2008-06-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

WingSpan Press
Livermore, CA
www.wingspanpress.com
Genre: Religious
ISBN: 9781595942425, $12.95, 156 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"The Book in a Nutshell - Evil in Scripture denotes both suffering and behavior that causes it. Anger often follows suffering. Anger at people is condemned, but anger at God is accepted because biblical faith portrays God as inflicting evil. This faith calls for an understanding of language about God acting and a biblical theodicy revealing God’s goodness; both are provided. Portrayals of God as inflicting evil do not deny that, factually, humans inflict it, so the witness about human sin is included. Final chapters offer biblical deliverances from evil.

The author, after military service and business experience, served as a parish priest, a campus chaplain, and as a professor at the Virginia Theological Seminary where he taught a course on Evil, Anger, and God."

After trying to read this book, it is my feeling that it was not written for the average lay person. So, who might enjoy and understand this book?...possibly theological students, priests and other religious ministers. If you can understand the quote from the back cover, possibly this book may appeal to you too.

Kaye Trout - June 19, 2008

HEALING YOUR INNER CORE by John Boswell

2008-06-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

How to Rewrite Your Life Script and Change Your Destiny
Parra Grande Press
Santa Barbara, CA
Genre: Self Help/Mind and Body
ISBN: 9780981554105, $14.95, 130 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Is it really possible to change your programming, your life and your destiny? Yes, it is.

"Healing Your Inner Core presents a new approach to repairing and restoring the wounded self. If you sincerely desire to heal your inner core and change your life, this book is for you.

"John Boswell is an entrepreneur living in California. As a young man he realized that his life wasn’t working and that he needed to fundamentally change. After an extraordinary journey, he succeeded. This is the story of that trip and a description of the powerful techniques he adopted to accomplish something extremely unusual.

"Healing Your Inner Core is one of the best books on the Healing Journey I’ve seen–succinct and to the point as the author lived the process himself. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the therapist’s door, or whether your life script might need some rewriting as well, then this is the book for you. To some extent, Boswell gives us a brilliant description of just what can happen when we decide to open them up, once and for all. James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy."

John Boswell has taken his time, energy, and knowledge to share with readers his personal struggle to overcome a dysfunctional childhood. Does his book contain anything new or unique that we haven’t read before in other self-help books?...I don’t think so. The process seems to be pretty standard: recognition that one has a significant problem; making a commitment to change; honesty with oneself; and seeking help...from whatever source works.

As the author is not a psychiatrist or psychologist with client case histories, John relates personal stories about his friends, which I found questionable. Quoting from page 115:

"Now that we’ve defined the tools to rewrite life script, let’s put them to use. Remember my friend Russ, whose father abandoned him emotionally? He’s in real danger of passing that script forward as a result of emotionally abandoning his own son. If Russ were willing, he could learn how to stop reciprocating his father’s abandonment, develop a real relationship with his son, and put an end to the transmission of this unfortunate and very damaging script.

"It’s clear that Russ needs to be re-parented. He has a big gap in his script because of his dad’s inability to father him. Assume that Russ visits a counselor who understands these principles. Russ complains about his lack of relationship with his son. How can he be helped?..."

The parts that bothered me in these two paragraphs were: "If Russ were willing..." and "It’s clear that Russ needs to be re-parented." Really? Some people are raised by loving parents but still have problematic family relationships, and the reverse is also true. I don’t think there is one ‘clear’ answer to the source or solution of another person’s problems...life is complicated...and so it goes. What do you think?

Kaye Trout - June 9, 2008

FASHION FIGHTER - Cheeks-A-Saurus-Rex-A-Maxamus by Deborah O'Dowd

2008-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

iUniverse, Inc.
Www.iuniverse.com
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 0595442676, $11.95, 148 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Seven-year-old Kylie ‘Cheeks’ Acosta is the youngest of three girls, and there is another baby on the way. Cheeks gave herself another nickname when, at four years old, she dressed up in as many clothes as she could fit and announced she was ‘Fashion Fighter’, a sort of clothing superhero. But Cheeks doesn’t want to be called Fashion Fighter anymore; she has more important issues on her mind.

"A smart and curious second-grader, Cheeks meets her biological father, whom she calls R-Daddy, for the first time. She discovers that he lost his legs in the war in Iraq. When she hears about soldiers and innocent children dying, Cheeks feels sad, frustrated, and anxious to do something about it.

"Rallying her fellow students, Cheeks starts a campaign to educate people about the war. She discovers that not everyone agrees with her, which helps Cheeks make sense of her own growing beliefs about the world around her. But the war is only one of Cheeks’ concerns–she has to fight another battle of her own right close to home. Readers will be rooting for Cheeks as she valiantly stands up for what she knows in her heart to be right."

The cover and title of this juvenile fiction novel might convey the impression that Fashion Fighter is a light, simplistic, cartoon-like read. Surprisingly, that is not the case, and Deborah O’Dowd does an exceptional job of writing about family dynamics, child abuse, the horrors of war, and terrorism through the eyes and mind of a seven-year-old little girl. This novel is a contemporary story about real problems, real fears and real solutions designed to entertain and educate young readers. It is unique, well written, well edited, and an inspiration.

Deborah has taught high school English for over sixteen years and is also the author of Poetry Made Easy. Keep up the good fight!

Kaye Trout - June 7, 2008

THE AQUARIANS - AN ANCIENT MAYAN PROPHECY - A MODERN PHENOMENON by Eric Rankin

2008-06-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

iUniverse, Inc.
Bloomington, IN
www.iuniverse.com
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: Good
ISBN: 0595443024, $14.95, 206 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"According to the ancient Mayan Calendar, time as we know it will stop on December 21st, 2012. But what does this actually mean?

"Rebecca Larson, senior dolphin behaviorist at SeaWorld, San Diego, has a theory. She believes that the cooperative way dolphins live is the very reason they have thrived on earth for millions of years. What’s more, she see the end of the Mayan calendar as a moment when humans may truly begin to integrate these same peaceful behaviors.

"Dr. Troy Wallace, a pioneer in the study of dolphin echolocation, is convinced that he is on the verge of an incredible scientific breakthrough. Recent research suggests that dolphins may send three-dimensional sonograms to each other, and Dr. Wallace hopes to be the first to decode and view these images.

"As handsome as he is shallow, Souther California television celebrity Ryan Ericson finds himself on a path that intersects with the lives of Dr. Wallace and Rebecca. Together, they are thrust into a mystery of coincidence and discovery connecting the Mayan Calendar end-date, dolphins and the very fate of humanity.

"What The DaVinci Code did to shed light on the mysteries of the Holy Grail, The Aquarians does for the ancient Mayan Calendar. I cannot imagine a more timely or enlightening novel. - Dr. Jim Turrell, Founder of the Center for Spiritual Discovery."

The theme of The Aquarians is most contemporary, and I’m certain there will be many more books written about ‘the end of time’ the closer we get to 2012. The subject matter makes for an informative, interesting read, though the storyline is not unique. Through his novel Eric Rankin shares his knowledge, experience and understanding of dolphins and the Mayan culture. He does an excellent job of weaving the multiple facets together to a full-circle conclusion. His style of writing is straight forward, educated, and the book is well edited.

Kaye Trout - June 4, 2008

MILLIE'S HONOR by Neal L. Powers

2008-06-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

iUniverse, Inc.
iuniverse.com
Genre: Fiction
Rating: Exceptional
ISBN: 0595472249, $15.95, 222 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Things change when Millie comes to Raleigh County in 1957. She teaches students to think for themselves, and soon everyone know her slogan: ‘Grammar matters. It proves you’re educated!’

"Because of one teacher, teenagers learn to think critically about civil rights, the death of 13 year-old Donny Weber, the assassination of JFK and Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr., and Vietnam.

"Millie leaves a legacy. And Raleigh honors her memory in a most unusual way."

Millie’s Honor is an eclectic mix of history, mystery, drama, romance and suspense. Neal Powers tells a most interesting, unpredictable, true-to-life story about three boys, Vietnam, and the mysterious death of Donny Weber. Neal is a consummate writer with a delightful style, and his novel is well written and well edited. Allow me to share a sample of his writing with you.

"Half a million years ago, give or take a hundred thousand years, an icy mass the size of Antarctica ground past Chicago on its way south. At its southernmost reach, its gleaming face carved a line on the earth we now call the Missouri River. Spanning all the way to New York, the eastern shoulder of the Laurentide Ice Sheet also gouged out the Ohio River Valley. Desperate for a path ti the ocean, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers joined forces to cut the Mississippi River. It wasn’t trickle-down; it was cataclysmic. What sometimes begins as innocently as a snowflake can become a force to change the landscape. It is not unlike the affairs of men."

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed and price isn’t bad.

Kaye Trout - June 3, 2008

CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY? MAX GETS IT! by Candi Sparks

2008-05-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Booksurge Publishing
Genre: Juvenile/Educational
ISBN: 9780978944513, $11.99, 32 pp.

Quoting from the foreword:

"Sooner or later every child realizes the importance of money and asks, ‘Can I have some money?’ Max Gets it! is the narrative of wonderfully curious 10-year old Maximillion, who desperately wants the latest video game. His parent let him earn an allowance by doing extra chores, with the understanding that he can buy the game with it. They empower him with the financial freedom and responsibility of making his own choices. Financially, Max gets it!..."

This little story with its delightful illustrations by Bill Graf is designed to entertain while educating a very young child in how to develop good money habits. It is well designed, edited and colorful. It may, however, be too simplistic for a 10-year old capable of playing video games and overpriced for its size and message.

Kaye Trout - June 1, 2008

BROKEN BULBS by Eddie Wright

2008-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

‘86 Newman
New Jersey, USA
stores.lulu.com/eddiewright
Genre: Fictional Novella
Rating: Unique
ISBN: None, $9.00, 144 pp.

Quoting from the book:

"Frank Fisher is nothing. He wants to be something. When a mysterious young woman named Bonnie offers assistance by injecting seeds of inspiration directly into his brain, Frank finds himself involved in a twisting mystery full of addiction, desperation and self-discovery. Broken Bulbs, a novella by Eddie Wright, tells the story of the lengths one young man will go in the pursuit of ‘somethingness.’"

This is not a cheerful or inspirational story and reads like it was written my a drug addict from an addict’s perspective...sad but interesting...possibly inspiring to other addicts. For its brevity, it is strangely complex and fascinating. The real inspiration here is the gifted writer, Eddie Wright, and his unique style of writing.

Here’s a random sample passage; you decide.

"But the throbbing was deafening, the pain was sharp and the blood flowed. So I stuffed my mouth with toilet paper, gauze, old t-shirts, anything that could sop the mess. But nothing could stop the throb. It was like the beat of a dance song that you can’t stand at the wedding reception of two people that you hate, and it was the soundtrack to my life.

"It was so loud that I barely heard the pounding on the front door.

"When I opened, the mailman glared at me with eyes so angry that they made my feet sweat. He held a giant pile of mail like an oversized stuffed animal that he won at the boardwalk.

"I had just stuffed my mouth with fresh toilet paper and it was already saturated with blood. The look on his face told me that he found this disconcerting."

And in conclusion: "you. are. not. nothing." - bonnie

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of Broken Bulbs, in paperback or as a download, go to www.stores.lulu.com/eddiewright.

Kaye Trout - May 22, 2008

A FLOWER GROWS IN STONE: The Diary of a Life in Progress by Anisah Hassan

2008-05-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Llumina Press
www.llumina.com
Genre: Memoir/Personal Development
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9781595269546, $14.95, 188 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"A Flower Grows in Stone is Anisah Hassan’s personal testament to the suffering and plight of people living with Stiff-Person/Moersch Woltman Syndrome. The ravages of the condition must be brought into the public view, given the misconceptions and lack of knowledge surround the disorder.

"The author offers her first-hand account in the form of a narrative, with personal impressions, anecdotes, experiences, and reflections. In trying to demystify SPS, the author endeavors to provide inspiration and hope. The human experience is a universal, not a singular phenomenon, from which no individual is immune. Therefore, Anisah also reaches out to victims of Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, accidents, and anyone enduring isolation occasioned by illness. This introspective journey is a tool to give a voice to those suffering from SPS and other neurologic conditions."

Anisah’s life-in-progress story, indeed, reads like a diary. Occasionally her writing drifts from her purported purpose of informing readers about her rare neurological condition toward just being a personal memoir with family photos. Her writing style is sweet, flowery, educated, and somewhat affected. She most certainly has an upbeat spirit and desire to inspire. Did she accomplish what she set out to do?...yes, to some degree; however, I felt she lost her focus somewhere along the way.

Kaye Trout - May 21, 2008

CONTENT RICH: WRITING YOUR WAY TO WEALTH ON THE WEB by Jon Wuebben

2008-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Complete SEO Copywriting Guide for Search Engine Rankings and Sales Conversion
Encore Publishing
Fallbrook, CA
www.encorepublishers.com
Genre: Business/How To
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9780979762901, $19.95, 270 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Grow your online presence, acquire new customers and sell more products and services–for a fraction of what you currently spend on advertising and web development fees! Leverage the combined power of search engine optimized (SEO) site, landing page, blog, article, email, newsletter, PPC ad and press release copywriting to give your business an edge vs. competitors. Gain valuable insight into the future of online content and information on how to write copy for videos, pod casts and social media sites so you can position your business to take full advantage!"

If you’re a copywriter, or aspiring writer of any kind, and have an interest in the online website market, this may be just the book for you. Beyond all the promotional, financial-reward hype, Content Rich may provide you with some useful tips and guidance. Jon Wuebben is an enthusiastic writer and covers his subject in great detail, plus providing lots of encouragement that his book will show you how to: "Generate $50-$100K or more in additional revenue this year by assembling a comprehensive plan to grow your online content and by writing better converting copy!"

Please...forgive my cynical outlook but with such a book as this, it is my belief that it is the author, Jon Wuebben, who will be reaping the "additional revenue"... when you purchase his book. Life is about choice, this ones yours, and so it goes.

Kaye Trout - May 16, 2008

HOTEL - UNTOLD STORIES by Rene D. Egle

2008-05-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

Llumina Press
www.llumina.com
Genre: Career Memoir/Travel Log
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9781595269188, $22.95, 560 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Andre Schwarz is a hotel manager of an international five-star hotel. He began his career in a small luxury hotel in Germany, a career that would eventually lead him from Europe to Asia and to the Middle East. In this book, he recounts some of the most memorable experiences of his career. We follow Andre from his humble beginnings as a waiter in a small luxury hotel to his first managerial position in a five-star hotel in London. He describes in explicit detail many exciting experiences that in a five-star hotel are nothing more than everyday occurrences.

"Some of his anecdotes are funny and others are shocking, but they all have one thing in common: they are true. While the stories, experiences, and anecdotes are true, the names of hotels, people, and places have been changed to protect the innocent."

As you can see by the number of pages, this is quite a lengthy memoir, and through it all, Rene Egle manages to hold your interest while relating his very unique career and travel adventures. Considering Rene knew very little English when he started work at the London hotel, he has come along way in his mastery of the English language.

If you enjoy career memoirs and travel logs, you will most likely enjoy Rene Egle’s Hotel - Untold Stories.

Kaye Trout - May 16, 2008

U-1706 by Rene D. Egle

2008-05-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Llumina Press
www.llumina.com
Genre: Sci-Fi/Historical Fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 9781595266989, $23.95, 465 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"November 1944: Germany is losing World War II. In a last, desperate attempt to turn the tide, German High Command sends a U-boat loaded with the latest in weapons technology and uranium to meet with the Japanese in the Philippine Sea. U-1706 also carries highly sensitive documents.

"November 2004: High in the mountains of the Black Forest at the Freiberg Institute, two young scientists make a revolutionary breakthrough during a routine experiment. Instead of a test cube, they transport an entire submarine from the past to the future.

"Stranded in the 21st century, U-1706 with all its crew is soon sighted in Southeast Asia, drawing the attention of American Intelligence. The two German scientists must race U.S. operatives to find the boat and make contact, to prevent the worst."

If you like Sci-Fi and suspenseful submarine stories, you will most certainly enjoy this novel. Rene Egle is a consummate writer who uses his smooth flowing, delightful style to weave this multi-faceted adventure to a satisfactory conclusion. U-1706 is well written and well edited and considering the depth, complexity and intrigue, it is definitely worth the price.

Kaye Trout - May 14, 2008

BUZZ BRADLEY & THE INVISIBLE FORT by Jeff Howe

2008-05-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Llumina Press
www.llumina.com
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Rating: Average
ISBN: 9781595269683, $8.95, 64 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"Stinky Gallagher, the school bully, destroyed Buzz’s tree fort last year. With summer break upon him, Buzz is determined to outsmart Stinky. Buzz comes up with the perfect plan–an invisible fort. Can Buzz convince his best friends, Stuart and JJ, that it can and will work, or do they think Buzz is just plain crazy?"

This is a short story about a young boy, his family, friends, school and the local bullies. Buzz uses his imagination to fool the bullies, and therein lies the message...I think. Included in this book are five illustrations by Leasa Nanney and Steven Simpson.

I do not receive many juvenile fiction books to review and am not an expert in this field. I cannot say that I was impressed by the writing style or illustrations, but the story is well written and well edited. However, I do not think this little book is worth spending $8.95.

Kaye Trout - May 12, 2008

MRS. LIEUTENANT - A Sharon Gold Novel by Phyllis Zembler Miller

2008-05-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

BookSurge Publishing
www.booksurge.com
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 9781419686290, $17.99, 494 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"In the spring of 1970 - right after the Kent State National Guard shootings and President Nixon’s two-month incursion into Cambodia - four newly married young women come together at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, when their husbands go on active duty as officers in the U.S. Army.

"Different as these four women are, they have one thing in common: Their overwhelming fear that, right after these nine weeks of training, their husbands could be shipped out to Vietnam - and they could become war widows.

"Sharon is a Northern Jewish anti-war protester who fell in love with an ROTC cadet; Kim is a Southern Baptist whose husband is intensely jealous; Donna is a Puerto Rican who grew up in an enlisted man’s family; and Wendy is a Southern black who parents have sheltered her from the brutal reality of racism in America."

My impression, as I read, was that these four women had more than the fear of becoming war widows in common...they were just plain fearful. After marrying their husbands, they each had made a decision to leave the safety and security of their home to become an officer’s wife. They were moving into unknown territory.

Mrs. Lieutenant is written in the third person plus dialogue; each chapter opens with an historical fact ("President Nixon announces he is sending U.S. troops into Cambodia...April 30, 1970) and a guideline for Mrs. Lieutenant ("If the wife is well informed as to what is expected of her, the probability is greater that the officer will have an easier and more successful career.") One aspect of Miller’s writing style has a "Dick and Jane" feel about it, i.e. Kim places, Jim leaned, Roberts swats, Kim pulls, Sharon sighs. Otherwise, it reads smoothly, once you’re familiar with who’s who. It is well written and well edited, and I believe will appeal primarily to women interested in other women’s historical experiences and to readers in general interested in the Vietnam period.

Kaye Trout - May 10, 2008

MYTHRADIES BOUTIQUE by James Scott DeLane

2008-05-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Wings ePress Books
Richmond, KY 40475
www.wings-press.com
Genre: Fiction Fantasy
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1597057487, $17.95, 280 pp.

How best to describe Mythradies Boutique?...a contemporary conceptualization of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince seasoned by Sinbad the Sailor...
adventure, romance, and truth all woven together with bright threads of humor.

Our protagonist, Griffin Grimesly, in search of himself, shares his "offbeat and colorful observations of his quirky world and the odd characters he meets." And like the Little Prince, there is truth and lessons to be learned.

James Scott DeLane is a unique, talented writer with an exceptional imagination and colorful writing style. He’ll keep you guessing, entertained, and delighted until the very end. My one constructive criticism is: have this novel professionally edited as there are more than a few errors.

James Scott DeLane’s writing, despite the errors, is a breath of fresh air, a sparkle...ambrosia for the tired mind.

Kaye Trout - May 6, 2008

THE LAST DEER HUNT, A Yooper Mystery by Jerry Sarasin

2008-04-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Outskirts Press, Parker, CO
www.outskirtspress.com
Genre: Fictional - Mystery - Light Romance
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 97891432717414, $14.95, 422 pp.

The Last Deer Hunt is a classic mystery story about a protagonist named Hank Duval, his family and friends in the town of Fairhaven, Michigan, the unearthed body of Ronald Pettiford, and Hank’s love, Maggie. Hank has recurring nightmares from his youth which lead him to believe that he is Pettiford’s murderer. His buddies from the Omega gang tell him bad Vic Pollo, now dead, was the murderer...but something just isn’t right.

Jerry Sarasin is a Yooper from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He tells a good story which keeps you guessing while he brings Fairhaven and its people to life.
The novel is well written and generally well edited. There are a few minor editing errors, but that is true for most any mainstream novel. His writing style is pretty straight forward and flows smoothly...not dynamic or unique, but he gets the job done. I can certainly recommend The Last Deer Hunt to mystery buffs.

Kaye Trout - April 28, 2008

IT WAS NEVER ABOUT A HOT DOG AND A COKE by Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.

2008-04-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

A personal account of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations in
Jacksonville, Florida and Ax Handle Saturday.
By Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
WingSpan Publishing
PO Box 2085, Livermore, CA 94551
www.wingspanpress.com
Genre: Historical memoir
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 9781595941954, $14.95, 204 pp.

Quoting from the back cover:

"On August 27, 1960, more than 200 whites with ax handles and baseball bats attacked members of the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP in downtown Jacksonville who were sitting in at white lunch counters protesting racism and segregation. Referred to as Ax Handle Saturday, It was never about a hot dog and a Coke chronicles the racial and political climate of Jacksonville, Florida in the late fifties, the events leading up to that infamous day, and the aftermath."

This informative memoir is about a dangerous time. The events are a part of our history, and through Rodney’s story we learn more about the people and groups involved and the courage it took to sit. The book is well-written and well-edited. Thanks, Rodney, for taking the time.

Kaye Trout - April 5, 2008