February 2016 Review Issue
Pardon
Me While I Close The Door
Marjan Sierhuis
Marjan Sierhuis, Publisher
978-0-994-0653-0-8 $l5CAD
www.marjansierhuis.ca
In the Spring of 2014, author Marjan Sierhuis read Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, an account of how the twenty-six-year-old embarked upon a life-changing hike of some eleven hundred miles. Inspired to undertake her own (albeit shorter) odyssey, Sierhuis kept a journal of her experience which evolved into Pardon Me While I Close The Door, a different urban walk of self-exploration.
The walk reflects a middle-aged woman's life journey and choices and the changes she experiences upon the death of her parents, and it captures a vivid personal odyssey that ultimately revolves around the acceptance of loss and how to move on.
The door closes upon a chapter of pain and confusion even though the walk itself is only some thirteen kilometers and undertaken in an urban setting. Lacking the usual life-threatening rural obstacles, readers might wonder what an urban sojourn could mean to an effort to change one's familiar surroundings in order to gain perspective; but Pardon Me While I Close The Door demonstrates that a rural experience or a long journey are not prerequisites for growth and enlightenment.
The sojourn allows time for Marjan to explore memories of her family and life, to process them under different conditions than her everyday familiar world could allow, and to invite a kind of closure that wasn't possible when immersed in familiar routines.
Her memoir thus offers many touching moments that readers will find poignant, candid, and heart-felt: "Marjan, I hope you are not with me the day I die,” he said, “because you will try and save me.” Looking at him in silence, I didn’t know what to say. I felt there could be some truth in his words. And perhaps if I did speak, it wouldn’t be what he wanted to hear and I would regret it for the rest of my life."
The author's process of accepting her parents' deaths didn't begin with her walk, but it synthesized and completed a process that had actually started before her parents died: "Close friends and colleagues empathized as I rambled on endlessly about my father. I read voraciously—every book I could find on death, dying, and bereavement. I started journalling. When I wasn’t working twelve-hour shifts, I walked through forests, provincial parks, along lakes and riverbeds, trying to find a spiritual connection to my father. I tried to hang on and let go at the same time."
Pardon Me While I Close The Door also explores the movement from friendship to lover as the author forms and then re-examines different connections in her life.
The result is a memoir that intimately follows the process of how the stormy present becomes a gentler past, both in death and in romance, and shows how a walk out of one's world can serve as a catalyst for closure and change.
Pardon Me While I Close The DoorReturn to Index
The
Rose Temple
S. Mitchell Weitzman with Lucia Weitzman
Solomon Berl
9780996117708 $24.95
www.solomon-berlmedia.com
http://therosetemple.com
The Rose Temple: A Child Holocaust Survivor's Vision of Faith, Hope and Our Collective Future blends history and memoir with a social plea as it follows a woman who not only survives the Holocaust, but becomes a spiritual messenger.
Lucia Weitzman's transformation began with her struggle to survive both physically and spirituality: a journey through turns of events that take readers far from the usual Holocaust autobiography about surviving atrocities. The story is told by her son, S. Mitchell Weitzman.
It was after the author's father died that his mother's spiritual exploration began ("Her friends and family expected her to seek security and comfort with a companion. Instead she chose to spend her time documenting her mystical dreams and visions in a private journal.") in a quest that will eventually draw him into what was to prove an incredible journey for them both as son and mother drew together in unexpected new directions: "I began writing The Rose Temple as an admiring son. Unexpectedly, it turned into something more. My own spiritual sensibilities have developed, often in synchronicity with my mother’s. It helped promote my own healing. And it has affirmed my role and even my duty to make this a better world. The process has been joyful, challenging and intense."
A popular saying mentions that more value lies in the journey than in the ultimate destination, and readers interested in Weitzman's journey and its accompanying spiritual revelations will thus find The Rose Temple a powerful testimony of faith, endurance, and the evolution of mysticism. Lucia's identity was erased during the Nazi era and her long journey to reclaim her birthright and heritage led her in unexpected directions.
As the wellsprings of divine inspiration pour forth from circumstantial encounters, serendipitous and life-changing events, and a journey of heart, memory and soul, so readers are carried along a passionate ride that seeks answers, connections, and meaning from life.
Though the drama of family encounters and events are evident in perfect autobiographical form, so are the queries into purpose and meaning that elevate The Rose Temple from a Holocaust memoir to something much more: "Perhaps instead of asking if God is communicating to you, you need to ask what God is communicating to you," Mitchell said.
Because events move back and forth in time in place from Poland to New York to Israel and beyond, readers should be prepared for a somewhat mercurial read that flows easily between past and present, with clear chapter headings and contents allowing little possibility of confusion.
Has Lucia been granted life only to save another life? Do her dreams portend a mystical solution? Can her journey and record of these dreams lead to something more?
The Rose Temple is a good choice for those seeking something more than a Holocaust history or memoir: something steeped in spiritual exploration and, ultimately, a journey to arrive at the crux of the meaning of life. While it's a heady read that ultimately asks readers to examine their own lives, it's also fueled with the passion of an individual's journey and thus is accessible to a wide audience: very highly recommended as a standout read in the literature of Holocaust survivors and Jewish spiritual exploration.
The Rose TempleReturn to Index
Helm
of Shadows
P G Badzey
P G Badzey, Publisher
978-0-9971397-0-9 $TBA
http://www.pgbadzey.com/
The Grey Riders who 'serve the holy way' in Helm of Shadows live on a world called Damora in a star system nearly twenty light years from Earth. It's much like Earth, but it has a number of planets aligned against it, so its enemies are legion and its inhabitants are ruled by prophecy. They use gates that allow them to travel between worlds and regularly confront Daemons who consider Damora their playground.
Against this backdrop these warriors journey south and east on winged steeds that carry their Viking-like heroes to lofty heights and purposes to quench the fires of evil, embarking on a quest for a relic whose powers will change the world even as they confront the dark forces that twist their own hearts.
That's the basic plot of the third (concluding) book in a multi-faceted series, but readers expecting a linear progression of events will be happy to learn that each series title in fact expands upon its predecessors and adds further information about the past, present and future lives of Dar Cabot's family as it wraps its cloak of fantasy around an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
Helm of Shadows provides a number of maps to help clarify Damora's geography, uses a rhyme about the Riders and their purpose to introduce them to newcomers to the series, and employs the gaming style of Dungeons and Dragons in book form to bring a successful role-playing formula to new life. Although Helm of Shadows stands well on its own for newcomers to the series, it does represent the third (and final) book in the trilogy, and so is especially recommended for prior fans who will appreciate the neat wrap-up of events and smooth answers to many questions about an ongoing evil and a family's connections to the threat.
Perhaps this is the greatest strength of Helm of Shadows, which sees the series' complex, evolving theme to satisfying fruition. Badzey takes the time, even in his concluding novel, to assure that readers enjoy that same sense of place and time that was crafted in his prior books: "Eric gave the air a long, careful sniff. He detected prairie grass, heather, oakwood, hartberry and fern… some moss and fungus as well. There was something else… something musty and animal-like… it reminded him of a dog."
Dangerous shamen, elven senses, and magical potions that pack protection (and a punch) when consumed ("Holy saints,” he coughed after the last. “Peppery, orange, chocolate, salty, lemony and minty, one after the other… I bet Melinor makes those flavors just to laugh at people after they drink them.”): by steeping the senses in the flavors, colors, sights and sounds of Damora, Badzey assures that this journey and its consequences are impressively vivid.
Most fantasy sagas (especially multi-volume productions) hold common denominators and attractions: missions, prophecies, extraordinary adversaries, and dangerous encounters that challenge and change hearts and minds. All of these components are central devices of the more successful works.
The best of them, however, create living, breathing protagonists who function so smoothly in their worlds and roles that readers are drawn by both setting and challenge and encouraged to not just care about characters and events, but to envision themselves facing such obstacles with the powers of purpose and choice at their fingertips. And fantasies which add subliminal connections to familiar ideas (whether it be religious, psychological or social) truly stand out from the norm. Such was the case with C.S. Lewis in his Christian-based Narnia fantasy series, and many of these same elements and approaches are intrinsic to Helm of Shadows and its predecessors.
Newcomers who hold a particular affinity for fantasy role playing and complex, action-packed stories from Tolkien to Brooks will be delighted with this winning trilogy which is solid, engrossing, and compelling to the end.
Helm of ShadowsReturn to Index
Killing
Juggernaut
Jared Bernard
BookBaby
Paperback: ISBN 9781682224045
$19.00
Ebook:
ISBN
9781682224052 $ 3.99
Novel website: www.killingjuggernaut.com
Author website: www.jaredbernard.com
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
While all sci-fi and thriller readers will appreciate Killing Juggernaut, Jared Bernard's focus on three individuals who separately (and differently) react to the scientific premise that ecological destruction will bring about the end of humanity will especially delight fans of apocalyptic and environmental works.
Written from the perspective of an astronomer's reaction to impending disaster, his journey to the desert and his diary of events make for a gripping story.
The title Killing Juggernaut may portend a military novel or a thriller but in fact the story line begins with a scientist's desperate mission to understand the events that have led to humanity's downfall, and it is enhanced by two very different individuals' experiences and perspectives about the path of humanity's rocky road to ruin.
The scientist protagonist strives to 'keep his writing simple' for whomever might discover his saga, and so his scientific explanations are tempered by observations that clearly explain his discipline and perceptions without jargon or confusing technical explanations.
The story is narrated from these different perspectives and includes news reports, personal feelings towards these events and outcomes ("It seems as if witchcraft has befallen our society."), insights on the Mission for Humanity project, and other struggles for survival which makes for a gripping saga that is precise and revealing in its approach.
Killing Juggernaut reveals the killing forces at work on levels ranging from personal and environmental to social and political as it documents the end of humanity's long journey. There's even room for love in such a scenario: a surprise touch for a story filled with angst and special interest insights on impending disaster.
Revealing, engrossing, and hard to put down, Killing Juggernaut is just the ticket for sci-fi readers who want a pointed observational piece on the survival (or demise) of humanity.
Killing JuggernautReturn to Index
Reason
for Existence
Richard Botelho
Windstream Publishing Company
303 Windstream
Place
Danville, CA 94526
Price:
$14.95 US Dollars (softcover)
and $2.99 US Dollars (ebook)
ISBN: 978-0-9643926-6-3 (softcover)
ISBN: 978-0-9643926-7-0 (ebook)
www.wpcbooks.com
Reason for Existence at first looks to be another apocalyptic story of impending nuclear war, as its scenario is set in 2017 and opens with military exercises undertaken by the Chinese along a vast Asian border. As events progress, it seems inevitable that the Earth will sizzle under nuclear fire.
As if this weren't enough of a problem, aliens have also deemed this an opportune time to launch a biological weapons attack against humanity!
It would seem highly unlikely that a single government (much less one individual) could change the relentless march of the human race towards extinction, but such a hero is David Jordan, whose private life is about to embrace a much bigger scenario where humanity's ultimate fate is literally in his hands.
One explanation of why Reason for Existence is such a delight is that the story doesn't stop with these engrossing challenges: It embraces philosophical and spiritual approaches using a sage (yet seasoned) plot that involves readers in not just nonstop action, but higher-level thinking. All this is couched in the form of a thriller that is absolutely engrossing.
Another reason why Reason for Existence stands out is its protagonist, who is edgy, distantly intrigued by political dilemmas, and who harbors a secret that questions his own origins and connections with the human race: "Three million years of human evolution stared me in the face, replete with countless wars, genocides, environmental degradation, nuclear destructions, and a general maliciousness of men toward their fellow men. Still, something propelled humanity forward, something worth living for that I had never quite grasped, and I wanted to learn of its nature. I guess you could say it was my quest."
Duty, global war or peace, and battles on many fronts … a thriller-seeker couldn't ask for a better series of events, which takes the standard apocalyptic political thriller and moves it into the arena of wider-reaching science fiction: "Earth was not the first hospitable planet with intelligent life to order its own demise. I guess you could blame physics. That’s why The Council often intervened to save planets from themselves. Even advanced species like The Council recognize the inviolability of entropy; and that recognition is a primary reason we work so hard with other intelligences to someday devise a solution to a universe otherwise proceeding toward its own death."
Inject moral, ethical and philosophical concerns into the story line for a powerful account that mixes human destiny with extraterrestrial influences and places everything solidly in the hands of one American man who questions what it means to be human in a riveting, didn't-see-that-coming saga packed with satisfying twists and turns.
Reason for ExistenceReturn to Index
Common
Stones It's
a well-known fact that many people have the strength to overcome
impossible
obstacles to happiness, health, and better living, and their stories
sometimes
serve as examples for others. But, exactly how do they overcome and
persevere?
What reserves do they draw on while reaching for life's positive
experiences? Common
Stones may hold a name that sounds
ordinary, but its message is anything but common. Its subtitle ("A
glimpse
into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted
with our
own") actually holds clearer keys to understanding its approach, while
its
focus on spirituality, a better connection to God, and the powers of
hidden
grace make it especially recommended for spiritual readers. Stories
of miracles, achievement, and large and small successes are
supplemented by an
overall attention to the details of philosophy, psychology, and
spiritual
living: "We all
have a common thread,
our own stories, our own soundtracks that represent our lives. We
struggle with
a desperate hope to persevere. We want to be needed, to be appreciated
for our
talents, our passions, and our characteristics—what we bring to the
table,
unique from everyone else on this planet. We want to fulfill some type
of
purpose, whatever that may be. These threads create not only our own
patch of
tapestry, but combined, become a bigger idea, a masterpiece linking
each of us.
Not a single thread can be replaced. It may dull or endure wear and
tear, but
it maintains its purpose. It supports the others, creating a
one-of-a-kind
symphony of intention." The
stepping stones of stability and purpose are the focus of this survey,
which
identifies and shares these approaches to personal freedom. The stories
are
selected for their ability to impart inspiration, hope, and healing,
and blend
first-person autobiographies with insights on how the power of prayer
and
connections changed lives or influenced directions. At
each step, illustrations of how the struggle itself resulted in growth
on many
different levels makes for a thought-provoking testimonies about
different
kinds of survival tactics and their ultimate success. The
result is recommended for any Christian and spiritual reader who would
look at
adversity and life challenges with a new eye to identifying and working
with
their growth potential: an inspirational read that includes captivating
testimonies affirming the superpowers of faith.
The
(First) 4 Maxims Of Social Conservatism What
is social conservatism and how can The Four Maxims help you understand
and
apply it to everyday life? Most such discussions stem from a single
individual
or expert, but an important difference in The
(First) 4 Maxims Of Social Conservatism (evident
in the author line,
if nothing else) is that this book comes not from a one perspective but
from a
collective effort. The
authors, "WE", embrace one of the basic premises of social
conservatism by placing this discussion not in the hands of the usual
politician associated with being a 'conservative', but in the lives of
everyday
individuals. The authors of this book work in various trades and
professions,
are members of civic organizations or school groups, and bring to the
table
diverse family backgrounds and experiences, blending insights
on social
conservatism into a unified theory based on maxims that apply to
everyday
American life. Thus,
The (First) 4
Maxims Of Social Conservatism
gains its strength not from political mandate or expertise, but from
the life
experiences and homegrown tenants of its contributors. Lest
readers anticipate a blend of autobiography and self-help, however,
they
shouldn't. The
(First) 4 Maxims relies
on the intersection of history, science, and logic to craft these keys
to daily
living. It's not a discussion based on religion and it isn't written
just to
appeal to conservatives, but reaches out to anyone who would consider
how to
best live, and what kind of society supports those goals. 'Social
conservativism' itself is all about addressing social problems starting
not
from the political top, but from the bottom - and this means the lives,
hearts
and minds of the common man. It advocates less government by laying
forth the
kinds of lifestyles that result in less dependency, and less isolation,
psychological issues, crime, divorce, incarceration, out-of-wedlock
births, and
drug dependency (among other goals). How
can these lofty ideals be achieved? Not by enacting laws; but through
grassroots changes from the bottom up. If this all sounds impossible,
read on.
The idea is not to force people into niches, nor is it about
governments
enacting laws: it provides both a foundation for better living and a
springboard for linking personal and social transformation processes by
applying the initial four maxims described in this book (more are
projected to
evolve from this effort). From
clarifications on what differentiates a social liberal from a social
conservative ("If
your outlook is:
"Life should be lived by a Pleasure Principle," and you strive to
live that outlook (especially in the area of social relationships),
then you're
a social liberal. If your outlook is: "Life should be lived by a
Happiness
Principle," and you strive to live that outlook (especially in the area
of
social relationships, then you're a social conservative.")
to
exactly how these efforts manifest in choices in living one's life, The (First) 4 Maxims Of Social
Conservatism
couldn't get any clearer in its ideals and discussions. Indeed,
The (First) 4
Maxims is packed
with so much food for thought that it's recommended for reading in bits
and
pieces, as each digested concept is weighty and ideally should be
thought about
in the context of a reader's past, present, and future life
choices. Embedded
with website reference links throughout and peppered with evidence on
what
makes people happiest and most satisfied with their choices in life,
this
lively discourse is a 'must' for any thinking reader, conservative or
liberal,
who would consider behavioral and philosophical adjustments in pursuit
of a
greater goal.
Power:
A User's Guide Power:
A User's Guide discusses leadership
roles, the negative spin given to the concept of acquiring or handling
power, and
how to exercise authority properly and ethically. It blends psychology
and
social observation with exercises and stories from author Julie
Diamond's
career as a leadership coach helping clients develop their own
high-power roles
in business and personal lives, and it provides a powerful survey of
different
aspects of power management, from how to hone it in oneself and one's
life to
navigating the issues that arise from how others wield it. Chapters
offer plenty of cautions on the pitfalls of power in the process of
surveying
its management and power-sharing strategies and how to overcome or work
with
inherent individual limitations. Connections
between emotions, trigger events, and the exercise of power cultivate
discussions that consider historical uses of power and adult
perceptions of
authority, offering checklists and guidelines designed to foster
psychological
growth and better understanding. The
result is a wide-ranging discussion accessible to audiences of business
readers
and those interested in self-improvement, identifying the basic
characteristics
of power, linking these to various personality traits, and providing an
in-depth set of ideas for more effectively understanding and applying
powerful
approaches to life and business alike.
Tokyo Decadence Murakami's
short stories are presented in a chronological sequence (from 1986 to
2003) and
explore the lives of several individuals who move in different circles
of Tokyo
society; from a college student who works as a specialty sex prostitute
for
high-end clients, pleasing their whims by playing out their sexual
fantasies
while handling her own unrequited love for a married man, to others who
turn to
sex to boost their processes of personal transformation. First
of all, readers should be advised that the graphic sexual descriptions
are, of
necessity, a powerful part of many of these stories; if sexual scenes
are
offensive (these include erotic asphyxiation, light s/m bondage, or
role-playing fantasy), then choose another book. Potential readers
should also
know that the special richness of Tokyo
Decadence lies in its attention to presenting
sexual experiences
that reflect and change each protagonist's life. The collection thus
excels in
diverse scenarios of fortune, love and redemption. It
quickly becomes evident that Tokyo Decadence
holds quite a bit of psychological depth and is not simply an
exploration of
sordid sexual encounters. Under Murakami's hand, prostitution becomes a
multi-faceted affair, its insights revealed through multiple
viewpoints. These
include revelations about Japanese society ("Whenever I go abroad I’m
reminded that Japan is a special case, and that
the Japanese are hopelessly spoiled. The prosperity here is due mainly
to
geopolitical factors, but everyone thinks it’s because we work so hard."),
explorations of interpersonal relationships, and discussions of choices
that
result in both positive and negative impacts. There
are intriguing cross-cultural comparisons ("Studying the people there, it
struck me how everyone inevitably ends up
a slave like everyone else. Slave faces, slave fashions, slave cars,
slave
speech, slave attitudes—they just keep replicating themselves,
endlessly. In
Japan people aren’t even aware of it, but in a place like Calcutta
the
discrimination is so total and so blatant that you can’t kid yourself
about
where you really stand."), subtler observations
of generational
differences ("I’m
feeling a lot better
now, and a funny thought occurs to me—that if I were someone my
mother’s age
I’d probably still be bowing in his direction."),
and the
experiences of mistresses, men, and other characters caught up in sex,
drugs,
and cultural inconsistencies. While
Tokyo Decadence's
sex scenes are
indeed graphically portrayed, it's important to note that, more so than
most
fiction where sexual activity is one of the main themes, Murakami's
exact
details employ precise blends of sexual, sensual and psychological
intimacy.
They incorporate emotional responses, past history, and present
revelations to
craft a bigger picture far more complex than one might anticipate from
a
collection that includes 'decadence' as part of its title. Readers
seeking a progressive story of emotional and physical evolution
together with
insights about Japan's cultural psyche will find Tokyo Decadence
a sensual gathering of fifteen intersected
stories of individuals who love, lust, and trade revelations with
others about
their dreams, fantasies, and personas: "These
facts define who I am and limit my freedom and possibilities. And I
didn’t
really want to think about all that." Short
story readers with a special affection for Japanese culture will find Tokyo Decadence
a rich, multi-faceted
collection: candid, startling, and satisfyingly diverse in its
perspectives.
When
Giorgione Died: A Rebilungsroman in Two Volumes If When Giorgione Died: A
Rebilungsroman in Two Volumes
sounds familiar, perhaps that's because of the reference to one
'Giorgione' in
its title: a Renaissance artist about whom little is known (although
much has
been speculated, as he's received scholarly attention over the
centuries). One
might expect that an art history and biographical sketch holding such a
title
and topic would be limited to the attention of Renaissance-era experts
and art
historians; but one of the pleasures of When
Giorgione Died is its ability to reach out to
lay readers who may be
interested in art matters, but who lack an art researcher's
credentials. Gloria
Kury's approach to her subject cultivates a chatty, warm style that
eschews the
usual dry approach of art histories to add a lively and fun set of
insights
into the artist and his times, using language that is accessible to
all: "Giorgione.
He was never quite real. Not real like
Titian. Maybe that's why people back then, during the 16th century,
said he
went into hiding after Titian outdid him in painting the façade of a
building
on the Grand Canal." Famous
for a particular style of painting and for being so mysterious that
even his
dates are hypothetical, with his background as shadowy as his art
works, this
exploration seeks to make shadows visible and provides two very
different
'volumes' under one cover to fully express the ironies and
inconsistencies,
providing an artistic approach that examines the processes peculiar to
understanding elusive artists and their works. Much-cited
books needing new translations, objects and subjects, art works which
fabricate
an artificial alternate reality, and mirages, scams, and clues to
Giorgione and
his paintings are all presented using almost surreal insights and
language,
translating a wealth of conflicting speculations and facts about the
man and
juxtaposing them with bright, intense words that promote a different
way of
viewing the world. When
Giorgione Died is no linear
analytical production for the typical art historian, and so it requires
(and
even demands) of its reader an unusual affinity for non-linear
thinking: an
approach that involves delving behind appearance to embrace the strange
coincidences and surrealistic impressions that are as much a part of
the art
world as intellectual discourse. Lest
one wonder: two volumes actually reside under one cover, here, so
there's no
need to look for a second book. The 'two volumes' mention fits neatly
into the
light-hearted exploration of the ironies of art history presentations
and
traditional biographical treatments of artists. As an added bonus, 27
illustrations accompany a text that unfolds like a slideshow
lecture. Bam!
Bam! Slap! Slap! Listen! Look!
These
are not typical words in art histories, but they are highly appropriate
here,
illustrating the one-two punches of a survey that is as steeped in fun
as much
as it's backed by the authenticity and insights of a Vassar graduate
well
versed in both art and psychology. Her absorbing treatise takes a
cloudy
history and transforms it into a mercurial, surrealistic
vision. While
no art history collection should be without its delightfully unique
approach,
general-interest readers will find When
Giorgione Died to be wonderfully
accessible, lively, and thought-provoking. Slow reading is a
requirement here,
as well as re-reading. There's so much to see, hear, and absorb in a
treatise
that is neither a scholarly tome nor a light treatment; but an
intriguing
affair that compares literary and artistic figures alike as it romps
through
the art world of Renaissance times.
Why Are You Here? Why
Are You Here? A Primer for
State Legislatures and Citizens
looks deceptively slim at barely over a hundred pages, but
its diminutive appearance masks a treasure trove of information on how
state
legislatures operate that will provide students from high school to
college
(and the general-interest reading public) with a key to understanding
their
purpose and function. Most political
process books are overly complex,
mirroring the weight of a political system that tends to bog down from
its
structure. Not so Why
Are You Here?,
which pairs analytical discussion with clear explanations of how
legislatures
handle issues of criminal, personal and ethical scandal, lobbyists and
special
interest groups, and pressures to perform. Citizens and
elected officials will find it
packed with insights on these demands and how they are (or are not)
handled,
with discussions including notes and assessments that stem from
real-life
political encounters, embracing a practical clarify that is simply
refreshing
to read: "Legislatures,
however, are
not seminaries. They cannot teach the basic difference between right
and
wrong. Individual legislators come to the capitol with
whatever moral
compass they were raised with at home. A state capitol, with
all its
pressures and temptations, is not the place to learn a moral code of
conduct.
Rather, the capitol may be the ultimate testing ground for the strength
of that
code. On this point all legislators must be accountable to themselves
and their
constituents." From monetary
expenditures and reapportionment
processes to the issues surrounding campaign funding and fairness, the
focus on
political process and ethical results pinpoint all facets of
legislative
activity in a manner especially relevant for citizens who envision
serving or
operating in government and public service sectors. Franklin L. Kury
served six years in the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives and eight in the state's Senate. Citizens and would-be
political figures could ask for no clearer assessment of the ethical
and political
pressures involved in such service than Why
Are You Here?, which should be required reading
for any who would
enter legislative office and for any high school to college-age student
who
would better understand its workings.
Alicia M. Smith
Publisher: InspiringVoices
ISBN: 978-1-4624-1164-1 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4624-1163-4 (e)
www.inspiringvoices.com
For Purchase:
http://www.amazon.com/Common-
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://bookstore.
Return
to Index
By "WE"
Amazon Digital Inc.
B00XZN6MYW
$2.99
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scmaxims
Webpage: scmaxims.com
Return
to Index
Julie Diamond, PhD
Belly Song Press
978099666033 $18.95
www.bellysongpress.com
Return
to Index
Ryu Murakami
Kurodahan Press
3-9-10-305 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0001 JAPAN
978-4-902075-78-6 $20.00
Prepublication Manuscript: ETA March 2016
www.kurodahan.com
Return
to Index
Gloria Kury
Periscope Publishing Ltd.
9781934772317 $35.00
http://www.amazon.com/When-
Return
to Index
Franklin L. Kury
University Press of America
Paperback: 9789761864622
$24.99
eBook:
9780761864539
$24.99
www.rowman.com
www.franklinkury.com
Return
to Index
Agent
Ginger (The Extra Mile)
Foley Western
Published by CreateSpace , ISBN-13: 978-1519162823,
Price
$12.99
ISBN-10: 1519162820
http://www.foleywestern.com,
Http://www.Twitter.com/
It's unusual to find a spy story that includes a good dose of romance; especially one whose protagonist is a feisty woman who won't take 'no' for an answer; but Agent Ginger is such a creation. Ginger's an extraordinarily capable, talented spy on the level of James Bond, whose mission to China leads her to cross into forbidden territory by falling in love with her boss.
As capable as she is in the arena of international politics and infiltration, she finds herself somewhat less in control when it comes to the puzzles of romance, and so Agent Ginger's latest mission is a challenge on many levels as she seeks to thwart forces that would prevent the peaceful return of Hong Kong back to China as well as those which would compromise her heart.
As Amanda ('Ginger' is her code name) struggles, she finds herself unable to use the information that usually reliably helps her steer a course in life, and finds herself navigating the murky world of love and intrigue on an uncustomary thin line. Chapters follow her wavering course, which offers a blend of confidence and uncertainty about the impact of her decisions.
Especially powerful in its consideration of how communications between couples can deliver mixed messages ("He was lying to cover his mistake. Except that he wasn’t, Ginger thought she knew a lie when she heard one, but she also knew Clive well enough to know that he didn’t make excuses.") and in how two already-powerful individuals come to find first connection then solace then love in one another, Agent Ginger is especially recommended for readers who relish international intrigue, a good spy saga, and an overall blanket of emotional interplays that links and guides these themes.
Agent Ginger (The Extra Mile)
Return to Index
Banished
Threads
Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing LLC
978-1518806919 $9.95
www.kaylinmcfarren.com
It’s been rumored that Banished Threads concludes a vivid mystery series revolving around sleuths, spies, and treasure hunts: so those who have relished Kaylin McFarren's prior books should be prepared to read slowly, carefully, and enthusiastically, because this final book will end the series unless Kaylin surprises us all.
That
said, Banished
Threads should not
be missed by either prior fans or newcomers, and twists the threads of
family
ties to their breaking points, as it uncovers stolen paintings, a
missing
granddaughter, an uncle accused of murder, and a plot to destroy a
family.
Rachel
and Chase have their hands more than full, especially since Rachel
faces
building her own future family circle, which may become endangered by
her
actions.
Taunt
scenes of confrontation between characters, underlying issues of trust,
forthcoming nuptials changed by unexpected voyages, and the terror of a
kidnapped woman are all wound into atmospheric descriptions of setting
and
psyche alike. But it's the psychological depth that keeps the
protagonists
filled with life and three-dimensional personalities: "He’d been protecting her from
his psycho partner in
the next room—a man who would beat her to death if given the chance.
She slowly
opened the door, exposing her fears and vulnerability. Then she slid
down to
the floor and stared straight ahead, waiting like a mouse in a trap.”
These revelations, liberally peppered throughout a story of danger and motivation, keep the plot moving quite a step above the usual genre mystery: "Where are my friends? She wondered. Maybe they never existed outside of her imagination. They were as phony and wicked as the fairy tales she had once believed in—the fairy tales her language teacher had enjoyed reading in boarding school and had cruelly destroyed the night he snuck into her room. It suddenly dawned on her that, no matter where destiny took her, she would always be caged, always be trapped in her childhood nightmares. Begging for love, begging for power. Begging to wake up and be free.”
Mystery
and thriller readers will find this level of description sets Banished Threads apart
from more
singular plots as it evolves into a gripping story of life and death
told on
many levels, using real living, breathing protagonists whose actions
and
thoughts move beyond the art and intrigue circles they traverse.
Quite simply, Banished Threads is an emotion-charged ride through a series of close encounters that are as psychologically gripping as they are filled with action.
Mystery and thriller audiences are in for a real treat.
Banished ThreadsReturn to Index
Blood
Seed: Coin of Rulve Book One
Veronica Dale
Nika Press
Print ISBN: 978-0-9969521-0-1
ASIN:
B0199BD0E8
$5.99
www.veronicadale.com
http://amzn.to/1M9luyJ
Sheft is an eighteen-year-old who harbors a deadly secret: his blood, when shed, attracts a terrifying entity that threatens his small village. Convinced that he is a danger to all around him, Sheft keeps himself apart. So when he falls in love, it's an unexpected (and in some ways unwanted) experience that he believes can only lead to tragedy.
That's the basic gist of Blood Seed. Veronica Dale could easily have stopped here, focusing on the developing romance and Sheft's struggle to break his bonds of isolation. But events move in a different, more complex direction and love serves only as the starting point for a journey that leads Sheft to find out more about his role as a strange attractor to underlying supernatural forces at work in his world.
It's difficult to categorize Blood Seed - and that is part of its attraction. In a book world replete with formula genre reads, Blood Seed offers up something different: a potent mix of fantasy, romance, intrigue, and a believable protagonist whose current dilemma is just the beginning of his evolutionary process.
Descriptions of how Sheft balances the passions and promises of love while struggling with a seemingly invincible curse are compelling and poignant, as are those of Mariat's increasing and unbreakable involvement in his life. They drive the underlying fantasy and horror elements in the story: "She needed him, he realized with a pang, as no one else ever had. In spite of what Gwin had spewed at the fair, what if courage and compassion demanded he stay by her side? What if love demanded he never let her go? They drew apart, and her eyes were awash with grief. But they also held a kind of aching wisdom, as if she had gazed upon a darkly shining mystery that had forever deepened her. She had witnessed two deaths in less than half a year."
With Blood Seed holding the power to attract so many different genre readers with its fantasy, romance, supernatural, and horror elements, it's a challenge to neatly categorize its audience. Readers journey through a strange land in Sheft's footsteps, partake of his agonies and ecstasies, and ultimately revel at his tenacity and strengths.
Is there a curse, or isn't there? Can what is broken be healed? And will the process of discovery change Mariat's own life? Certainly it's changed Sheft's world, which moves from the hidden powers of an isolated loner to something much greater. What each will become, and the events that take place in the eighteenth year of Sheft's life, provides an action-packed saga that carries readers on an evocative journey that holds no pat ending.
Fans of genre crossovers who appreciate romance, powerful protagonists, and coming-of-age reads will relish a touch of the unexpected in the complex world explored in Blood Seed, the first book of the four-book series Coin of Rulve.
Blood Seed: Coin of Rulve Book OneReturn to Index
Blood
Stripe
Gina Maria DiNicolo
St. John's Press
978-0966298604
$11.99
www.amazon.com
www.ginamariadinicolo.com
Susanna Marcasi is in Washington, D.C. on a quest to reclaim her lost memory, life, and self. Surprisingly, the prologue to Blood Stripe: The Susanna Marcasi Chronicles doesn't begin with this journey, but with the harsh and derogatory thoughts of a man who has held her in disdain at the U.S. Naval Academy during their tenure together and who hates her achievements and is determined "not to let the bitch win." A violent attack nearly destroys her physically and mentally and, true to her nature, she's fought her way back - but not without lingering effects.
All this is a satisfying prelude to the story of her subsequent involvement with an investigation of Defense Secretary Manfred Stahl, whose methods and evil actions cross social, political and military lines behind closed doors. In true keeping with the feisty willpower that has allowed her to survive both U.S. Naval Academy daily strife and its vicious aftermath, Susanna finds herself utilizing all of her strengths, skills and determination in a dangerous game that creates a variety of insights on many levels.
The action is nonstop, the thriller format embraces a strong women's quest to take back her life and the notion of deadly adversaries that are backed by the American political process, and the saga is cemented with the personality, hopes, and evolution of a protagonist who won't give up her dreams.
Blood Stripe's scenarios are authenticated by author Gina Maria DiNicolo's background as a former US Marine and military historian and a Naval Academy graduate. These experiences place her in the unique position of writing accurately and convincingly of the world of women in uniform and the struggles they face for equality in traditionally male-dominated services. Stories of abuses of power are not uncommon; but Blood Stripe provides a closer inspection of military inner circles than one might expect from a thriller format.
Despite the prologue and introduction, it's important to note that Blood Stripe is not a linear or predictable read. Many satisfying twists and turns along the way are both in keeping with the story's overall theme; yet provide a wealth of unexpected moments. These are the marks of a truly superior thriller: one which makes the military and social prowess of Blood Stripe an unstoppable, thoroughly engrossing read, driven by protagonists who don't know when to quit and who persevere in quest of justice against all odds.
Blood StripeReturn to Index
Hugo
Duchamp Investigates: Un Homme Qui Attend
GN Hetherington
GNH Publishing
978-1519235718 L10.00
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hugo-
Hugo Duchamp Investigates: Un Homme Qui Attend introduces a French policeman who has been working abroad in London as an investigator for over a decade; but when he's called home, it's not for family reasons but to investigate the death of a child - an event replete with town politics and special interests.
As if a child's deliberate murder wasn't enough, the protagonist of Hugo is quite gay, romance runs through the story line, and the story's sense of place is immersed in the sights, smells, and sounds of France: "He exhaled and inhaled again, taking in his first proper gasp of Parisian air for over a decade. Or was it longer? It was true, he believed, that each city, each country had their own smell. Centuries of history left their imprint on atmospheres. Paris, like London, was old and the pages of its history were littered with sense memories that hung in the air, never able to truly dissipate. The smell of wars. The smell of souls that had come and gone."
The result is a powerful saga that does more than describe a veteran investigator's dilemma: it's infused with the culture of France, gay sexuality, and foods, wines, and characters who are steeped in the French countryside: "The mayor had laid on a beautiful spread, local wines, cheese and baguettes that were all delicious and reminded Hugo of the lavish lunches that had been served at his Grand-Mère’s plush home."
All this is part of what serves to make Hugo Duchamp Investigates such a vivid read: even those who have never set foot on French soil will find themselves involved in politics, investigative processes, and personalities that are uniquely French, from village residents to reporters to investigators: "They are investigating this tragic death, they are not paid for by the French public to answer your quite irritating, and pointless questions which are centred more on discrediting me and my office than the real reason we are all here."
As Hugo peels back layers of long-held town secrets, powerful individual special interests, and the specter of possibly more children in danger, he edges ever closer to a truth that might ripple out and destroy long-held secrets and Hugo's world alike. It all boils down to what will be done for love and revenge, and what will be wrecked in the process.
The feisty detective work of Hugo, his French culture, and his love life promise something satisfyingly different in the world of investigative mysteries, and making this especially recommended for readers who enjoy a firm sense of place and a protagonist whose interests and life don't exactly fit the norm.
Hugo Duchamp Investigates: Un Homme Qui AttendReturn to Index
The
Jigsaw Man
Leigh Goodison
Sheffield Publications
978-0692534212 $13.99
(paperback) $6.99 (ebook)
http://www.leighgoodison.com
Readers who enjoy good, solid suspense thrillers with thought-provoking premises should muse on what they would do if they woke up one morning to find they were someone else … but the story doesn't begin here; it actually begins with an impromptu murder conducted by a professional supposedly on the side of the law.
Thirty years later a revolutionary surgical approach to reconstructive surgery based on 3D laser printing and DNA allows a doctor to flawlessly produce a realistic, changed face, opening the door to applications and ethical conundrums she could never have dreamed of.
A partnership between a doctor on the cusp of a revolutionary new treatment and an entrepreneur who sees its possibilities as something more than helping the disfigured is only the surface action in a story that takes many unexpected twists and turns.
At what point does altering a face alter a personality? By what means are monsters created? The thought of a Frankenstein creator's unintended result from manipulating life comes to mind as The Jigsaw Man evolves in complexity. What seems to be a murder mystery changes direction to become a medical thriller and becomes something much more, opening a can of ethical worms in the process.
As masks come off, literally and figuratively, the plot turns into something even more compelling, on the lines of a Robin Cook medical mystery: replete with powerful protagonists, special interests, and a healthy inspection of underlying motivations.
The result is a powerful, top recommendation for readers who relish unpredictable, believable medical murder mysteries fueled by both high technology and solid protagonists.
The Jigsaw ManReturn to Index
The
Last Refuge
Martin Roy Hill
Amazon Digital Services, Publisher
978-1518682711 $3.99
www.amazon.com
www.martinroyhill.com
Book Two in the Peter Brandt thriller series is set in Iraq in 1991, where a terrible mistake has resulted in the 'friendly fire' massacre of a small group of American soldiers and one mysterious civilian found behind enemy lines. Who was this engineer civilian? When a reporter stumbles upon the aftermath of the story years later and decides to investigate further, events take a darker turn as a cover-up and deadly mystery are revealed.
One of the many attributes of The Last Refuge is that it offers a twist on the usual thriller format of international intrigue, military operations gone wrong, and government secrets. Peter Brandt's moved from being a hired reporter to a freelancer and his comparative freedom in following a case the way he wishes offers mixed opportunities to explore new directions and face different kinds of danger. Just because he's not using the usual investigative routines doesn't mean he's not up to the challenge of a special case, and so his nose for trouble exposes his greatest challenge yet.
Peter doesn't do suicide stories anymore, but this mystery holds one. His home is a small, old office, and his beat has become the beach. All this changes in an instant with a whirlwind of danger as his investigation of the death of Robert Stanning turns into a series of confrontations with too many stunning possibilities revolving around Project Qari and a deadly scenario with Desert Storm.
Industrial espionage, intelligence agents and uncertain friendships, government-sponsored actions, and collateral damage purposely masked by survival decisions: all these are hallmarks of this solid thriller which is spiced with interpersonal actions and surprises throughout that challenge both Peter Brandt and his perceptions of the war.
Although The Last Refuge is fiction, it's based on historical facts. Perhaps that's what lends the story line its realistic, heart-stopping edge and what helps make it a standout in the military/thriller genre, highly recommended for prior fans of Peter Brandt and the espionage/thriller genus as a whole.
The Last RefugeReturn to Index
Mistaken
Enemy
Dennis A. Nehamen
Golden Poppy Productions
9780989057233
$15.99
dennisnehamen.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=
A flight to Israel takes first-person narrator Zach on a journey "seven hundred fifty miles from where I intended to shop for groceries." Apparently a visit to the Middle East was not on his original shopping (or bucket) list, and matters only become more convoluted as he unwittingly becomes involved in the politics and personalities of the region, bringing readers along with him for a ride that is entirely unexpected.
The surprise lies not in a thriller set in the Middle East (many modern thrillers take place in such settings) but in the fact that readers not usually interested in political thrillers will find Mistaken Enemy uniquely gripping and nearly impossible to put down, from its intriguing introduction ("I’m sorry. I’ll always think of you as my brother.” Those are the last words I recall him saying….in a flash my mind’s eye blinked, exhibiting for me a panoramic view of all the events that had transpired to land me…in Hell. I hadn’t betrayed him…but I had planned to.") to its masterful method of personalizing politics.
A good thriller should create powerful protagonists that draw in readers across genres. A superior work will cement its action using a range of character experiences which are not just realistic and believable, but whose lives reach out to grip its audience. Mistaken Enemy is that superior production, creating and then questioning the tenuous relationships and decisions that influence friends, enemies, and family ties.
Its capability of drawing reader attention using powerful individuals who represent different social and political struggles is especially exquisite; perhaps because, as in life, these individuals and their relationships to one another are never easy, often unpredictable, and (under Nehamen's hand) always understandable.
Too many thrillers work with one-dimensional characters and never quite achieve what they strive to create: living, breathing protagonists who love, hurt, recover, and make both good and bad choices. And too many novels give up psychological depth in favor of an overall plot structure supercharged with action and intrigue.
While these last two elements are certainly present in Mistaken Enemy, what drives (and binds) the entire story line is an attention to the emotional and life encounters of Zach, from his uncertain romance in a different culture to a mission that embraces Middle Eastern politics and acknowledges volatile issues.
From a New Mexican Native American woman and bonds between women ("I think what really bonded us was that our personalities are identical. We both have this talent for knowing what we have to do and not letting anything get in the way of accomplishing it. All kinds of spiritual and religious confusion drive us nuts. We handle loneliness the same, hiding in work.”) to subconscious mental influences and encounters with leaders, Mistaken Enemy features the rare ability to juggle a myriad of plots and subplots to become a real winner. It's a standout in the world of either political novels or thrillers, and is highly recommended as a captivating read.
Mistaken EnemyReturn to Index
Project
Sparta
B.B. Gallagher
CreateSpace
978-1519273352 $14.95
Blog: www.authorsblock.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Ordering Link: http://www.amazon.com/Project-
'Project Sparta' is the code name for a private black ops training program driven by adolescent prodigies who have been chosen for their ability to counter terrorism by becoming forces with no identity, no limitations, and nothing to hold them back. They are young killing machines: ruthless, unconnected to family or social mores, and capable of much more than their training.
Xander is one of those Spartans and exists only to safeguard his country. His parents were killed when he was eight in an event that erased his memory, making him a convenient soldier serving the cause of justice and America. His talent for analyzing the logical progression of events to a predictable outcome borders on the psychic while his photographic memory makes him a powerful force to be reckoned with: unstoppable and nearly superhuman.
There's only one problem: he's beginning to question his training. And when that happens, trouble looms.
On the face of it, Project Sparta is a thriller that adopts a familiar-sounding plot similar to many on the market these last ten years (the enlistment and training of adolescents for military or political causes, and their almost superhuman special abilities). Read further, however, to discover that Project Sparta is familiar only in its opening act. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing, fine psychological depth as characters and their motives are developed, and a healthy dose of espionage and terrorist encounters. The story's set in different time periods, which serves to further develop protagonists and action.
Xander, Fiona, and others interact on personal levels that are psychologically revealing, and there are plenty of insights on their different motivations: "Duke, caught off-guard, narrowed a derisive expression at him. Xander sensed an initial impulse that was gracious and heartfelt but it was quickly supplanted by the image of intimidation Duke so tirelessly fought to maintain."
Mature young adult readers and adults who like thrillers featuring young adult protagonists will find the depth and action of Project Sparta to be captivating and understandable.
The mark of a good, solid thriller lies in its ability to create memorable characters, realistic scenarios and concerns, and to weave in more than a light dose of uncertainty and intrigue in the process of delicately walking a fine line between a spy story and an action-packed read. Project Sparta is such an achievement, and is highly recommended.
Project SpartaReturn to Index
Thirst:
An Alex Graham Novel
Katherine Prairie
Stonedrift Press Ltd.
Box 14308 Granville
Island
PO
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 4J6
978-0-9949377-0-4 (paperback)
$14.95
978-0-9949377-1-1 (epub)
$7.99
www.stonedriftpress.com
Geologist Alex Graham's primary task is to locate a silver mine; but her prospecting involves far more than minerals in Thirst, which follows Canadian/US politics, a deadly pesticide spill, and a dangerous adversary who threatens numerous innocent lives.
It's unusual to pair a female investigator with a job typically associated with males (geologic field work is demanding and strenuous), but this marriage works and readers are instantly immersed in the character of Alex and her job, which is already challenging even before a perp rears his ugly head: "Eyes tightly shut, she clenched her sleeping bag tight beneath her chin. Massive boughs shook as the high-speed downdraft lashed at towering evergreens that lined the lower reaches of the steep rock face. The rattle of thousands of aspen leaves whipped into frenzied movement betrayed the wind’s push across the valley floor."
From this early example, it's easy to see that Thirst promises to not just describe a compelling setting, action and adventure; but plunges readers into a 'you are here' experience that is profoundly captivating. Thirst not only goes where other detective/thrillers fall short, but it provides a riveting story line that's hard to put down.
A geologist's life embraces many rules and Alex has not only thrived with this career choice, but has crafted more rules for her own psyche which have served her well, but which are broken one by one as she embarks on an incredible journey: "Why am I doing this?” she said aloud. “Because you didn’t follow your own rule. Don’t get involved. Don’t volunteer. How many times will I ignore my own good advice?”
As
she and sidekick Neil investigate further, all her training and skills
leap to
the forefront to track down not minerals and mines, but a dangerous
killer. And
when she's forced to make ultimately-hard decisions to protect herself
and
those around her, she could face legal fallout from a deadly scheme
that
threatens millions.
Lethal encounters. Dangerous defenses. Bombings and Homeland Security. These topics are usually far from the topic of a geologist's field work. But Alex is no usual geologist, and Thirst is no typical mystery. Detective and mystery genre readers will find it a compelling, involving read.
Thirst: An Alex Graham NovelReturn to Index
All
People Lives Matter An
abusive priest, a police state that condones violence by simply not
acting, a
family tasked with an exhausting struggle for justice, and a movement
called
'All People Lives Matter' that takes the battle into a new level: all
these are
powerful themes in Billy McCoy's latest novel, which holds
exceptionally close
ties to modern news of violence and police actions. Readers
who follow such events will find that, in many ways, All People Lives Matter
mirrors these struggles, taking the
microcosm of one girl's life and creating thought-provoking connections
between
her influences, choices, and community experiences to use them as a
mirror for
those taking place in modern America. The
female narrator on the cusp of young adulthood is Holly, a biology
student at
the university, and her parents are successful executives. It only
seems
logical, at first, that she should volunteer at an organization that
promises
hope and social change, contributing her time to an altruistic venture.
But her
idealism is about to change, and is portended by others who pinpoint
her future
successes and failures in a nutshell: "You’re
young, a rabid idealist, impressionable, stupid and going to change the
world
with your over-powering hope and youthful enthusiasm. The movement is
better
off with your naiveté, it’s a fifth wheel to a truck. You’ll jump in
with both
feet and boldly change the world. Pity you!" A
bystander's cryptic and cynical remarks before the narrator even has a
chance
to immerse herself in the culture of a do-good organization sets the
stage for
what is to evolve: a movement that holds more to it than an image of
positive
change, powered by a leader whose real persona is something more than
the
public sees. As
church, state, idealism and romance intersect in Holly's life, what
seems a
relatively straightforward series of events becomes complicated,
casting
readers into the roles of judges and participants themselves as Holly's
blossoming perceptions embrace some of the most volatile issues
affecting
Americans today. Is
Holly intoxicated by love and social action, or is something more going
on
under the surface? As Holly comes to understand the real motivations
and
influences of the movement she's chosen, her true imprisonment really
begins.
Trapped by her ideals and a ruthless leader, Holly's world turns upside
down
just as society is manipulated on all sides by police and social
leaders alike. Nothing
is as it seems; from the volatile and changing relationships between
men and
women to the same patterns that affect opposite sides of society. At
the center
of it all is Holly, whose privileged life would seem to belay her
desire to
volunteer in a service position for the greater good. The
process of a young idealist's disillusionment with her world is a
painful one,
convincingly and creatively explored by Billy McCoy, who takes the
microcosm of
one life and expands upon it until it becomes the macrocosm of social
breakdown. There's simply a lot going on (both personally and
politically) in
one white girl's life, which holds plenty of eye-opening moments and
more than
a small degree of social and psychological inspection. Readers
who enjoy stories of personal transformation, political and social
involvement
and the methods by which connections, estrangements, and real change is
made
will appreciate All
People Lives Matter as
a multifaceted, compelling read, tracing Holly's evolution as she moves
far
from family ties and everything familiar into uncertain, mercurial
territories.
Champion
Bubbler Bubbler's
real name is Mercedes, and she earned the nickname as a child when she
first
began dancing before she could walk. Now she's an exotic dancer in a
club in
the tourist resort area of Montego
Bay, and her experiences have been filled with dark
encounters: family corruption, drugs, a dangerous, depressed
neighborhood, and
an absent father whose identity remains uncertain. Under
such circumstances one wouldn't expect the protagonist to be feisty,
upbeat, or
determined - but these are all special facets of Mercedes' survival
skills, and
they only serve to show that tenacity can evolve even under the most
adverse of
conditions. As
Mercedes becomes involved with two very different men, she increasingly
finds
herself wound up in lies that confuse her world ("I thought about what lies I was
going to tell Danny
so that I could be free when Greg arrived."),
and when she sets
aside her dancing career in pursuit of other goals, she begins to more
closely
examine the course of her life and her choices in it ("I took a back seat at the club
and slowly sipped on a
glass of White Rum and Coke. This was not my usual drink, but I needed
something
strong that night to help me sort out my emotions.") Peppered
with accounts of changing family relationships and connections between
past,
present and future ("I
love my sister
and was really happy that she had a father who was proud of her and one
she
could depend on, but it always reminded me of the fact that I did not
even know
who my father was."), Champion
Bubbler is a novel about succeeding against all
odds, and documents
the progress and choices of a Jamaican ghetto-born woman who is willing
to take
risks in love and life as she strives for a greater goal. Novel
readers who enjoy Caribbean
settings and stories of personal achievement will relish Champion Bubbler
's satisfying
juxtaposition of psychological growth and social commentary, which come
alive
under Jules Mitchell Bailey's hand.
The
Dead Bank Diary One
might anticipate from its title that The
Dead Bank Diary will be another 'cops and
robbers' brand of
mystery/detective story; but although the bank has, indeed, been
compromised,
it's not from the usual robbery. It's more than a
takeover of the bank: it's a heist
where the winner takes all - the money and the bank itself, together
with the
staff. Russian
author Anna Schlegel is in the perfect position to craft such a tale: a
PhD
born in Moscow who fell into the job of a securities trader, then
become
involved with a Foreign Intelligence Officer who was an expert
financier/fraudster himself, her unique background lends to a thriller
which,
although not based on reality, holds all the trappings of a real
political and
financial event. The
intersection of 'dead banks' in 1998 Moscow (which fell down like a
house of
cards), a million-dollar bond's uncertain future, and an unemployed
bank trader
asked to perform a job that will change and challenge her life makes
for vivid
reading. Add a series of criminally masterminded events during the
Financial
Crisis and you have a detailed story line that delves deeply into a
world that
many a fiction reader won't expect. The
novel's satisfying depth and intrigue do come at a small price.
Occasionally-stilted dialogue and lack of the usual punctuation quotes
around
dialogue (English is not the author's native language and at points the
wording
or punctuation could have benefited from an editor's hand), and more
financial
details than one might appreciate means that readers without some basic knowledge
of banking could
become lost. This
is more than offset, ultimately, by a story that is charged with
intrigue and
action, realistic and vivid protagonists, and revelations about
swindlers, con
artists, and about raider takeover of a bank and its forced bankruptcy.
It
should also be noted that the action and intrigue doesn't involve the
usual
violence, so if it's heart-stopping deadly confrontations that are
desired from
a thriller, look elsewhere. The Dead Bank
Diary relies upon far more complicated
scenarios and threats to
drive its action, and that makes it a standout in a genre too commonly
littered
with nonstop murders. Those
who anticipate a light action piece may be stymied by the story's
well-developed technical details, but readers who look for
thought-provoking
complexity from their suspense thrillers will find The Dead Bank Diary
holds the uncommon ability to show how
easy it is to break the bank if you think like a banker.
How
to Marry Your Wife Fans
of Alden's prior book How
to Train Your Knight might remember
the protagonist Thomas in her latest How to
Marry Your Wife, who was featured under main
character Marcus in the
first book. Set in England in 1276, Templar Knight Sir Thomas
D'Agostine
has found the ideal woman with whom he will handfast; only a love
potion
hastens matters and changes their lives - and this is only the
beginning. Anticipate
the same solid attention to medieval
history and detailed sexual scenes as in How
to Train Your Knight; only from a different
perspective as a minor
character assumes major proportions in this novel. Time moves swiftly
using two
different, alternating timelines identified by chapter headings, so
readers
need to be on their toes to absorb a satisfyingly fast-paced story line
that
revolves around romance. But
the marriage (when it happens) is a farce and
is completed only because Thomas won't have Merry bedding another man
nor
raising his son, and so love seems to vanish as the consequences of sex
and
love potions evolve. It's not often that a brand new bride hates her
husband
before the marriage takes place, but Merry has been branded a harlot
because of
Thomas, and her hatred of him is just as intense as her reluctantly
ongoing
attraction. The
process of turning hate into love and
rekindling more than the physical fires of passion is the theme of a
rollicking
good medieval read that infuses its protagonists with the lingo,
culture and
social mores of its times, yet includes a healthy dose of sexual
description for
spicy reading. Romance
readers with an affinity for early
history will relish its passionate, powerful protagonists and their
diametrically opposing personalities, and will find this saga of
scoundrels,
secrets, idiots and wise men (and women) is filled with satisfying
medieval
atmosphere and twists and turns of plot. Under
Alden's hand, the sexual encounters
reinforce and flavor events and the juxtaposition of battle scenes,
romance,
and the era's political overtones is exquisite. There's no need for
either a
prior familiarity with How
to Train Your
Knight or with medieval history and culture. As
events unfold,
Thomas and Merry are continually challenged both in their stormy
relationships
and in their stubborn natures which will ultimate lead to not just
survival,
but real love. Without
revealing spoilers, suffice it to say
that the conclusion of How
to Marry Your
Wife leaves the door wide open for more - and
readers who relish
historical romances will welcome this possibility!
Mollie:
Bride Of Georgia About
a year go, over forty independent authors decided to create a series
('American
Mail Order Brides') set in the late 1800s, with each author creating a
story
(or two) for one of the 50 states, following the order that the state
was
admitted to the Union. Each
book is a stand-alone creation, and Mollie:
Bride of Georgia adds to this series in telling
of an unusual
eligible bachelor doctor who could have his pick of gals, but who
chooses to
place an unusual ad for a bride in The
Groom's Gazette, and romance author Mollie, who
seeks a new life …
but not necessarily with a distant, crusty vet. That's
the background about this novel's creation and a quick overview of its
plot;
but among its strengths and pleasures is an attention to detail that
includes
humor, strong characters, a realistic setting, and a series of
compelling
issues that join some protagonists while alienating others. The
trials, tribulations and human and animal characters of an early
American vet's
practice, the personalities of beaus who are either humble or spoiled,
and the
underlying expectations of romance between men and women are all
explored with
a fine eye to adventure and insight. Under
Farrelly's hand, early America's
worlds and characters come to life, with the aftermath of struggles and
traumas
of war influencing perceptions and choices. From the feisty,
opinionated
character of Willie Mae (whose wisdom and advice often hits the nail on
the
head with more than a light dose of humor) to unfortunate introductions
and the
surprising events that evolve from them, the hopes, dreams, motivations
and
choices of Mollie, Nick, and their circle come to life. It's
fairly rare (but not unique) to have a collaborative literary effort
spark a
powerful series. What is even more notable here is that the book stands
alone
superbly and the series theme both links productions and allows for a
good deal
of author creativity under a general umbrella. The result is everything
a
successful collaborative effort should be. Mollie:
Bride of Georgia
might not have been written without this
inspiring project, but it
moves beyond its themed boundaries to create a truly wonderful,
compelling
historical romance piece, highly recommended for any reader looking for
a
rollicking good read.
One
Woman Three Men Can
a life and relationships change completely between April and July? They
can, as
Pouline Middleton demonstrates in a new romance novel that outlines the
evolution of a relationship between one woman and several men. The
story is
based on Middleton's premise that a modern woman actually needs not one
man,
but three: one for sex, one for intellectual stimulation, and one to
help
around the house. This
open marriage exploration takes the form of a diary by a "…nice, well-behaved Danish girl
" who
believes "…that
my good behavior would
create peace in ‘Palesrael,’ equal wages for men and women and reduced
poverty
in Africa, while I waltzed into the Copenhagen sunset with my prince,
till
death do us part." What's
wrong with this picture? Everything, as a failed marriage, single
parenthood,
and a lack of positive relationships proves to the novel's narrator.
Even her
relationship with a millionaire doesn't pan out - and when the
'metrosexual'
choice also fails, it's time for something completely new. One
Woman Three Men explores this
different perspective of romance with an eye to blending philosophy,
fiction,
and real-world relationship concerns. Nothing is perfect or easy here,
whether
the goal is traditional or alternative in nature; but in the course of
following
the diary writer's life and revelations, readers gain a better sense of
the
sexual and psychological differences between men and women and the
ideals and
realities that can come between them. "As a woman, I’m living in a
golden age. There are so
many possibilities for coupling, I can live exactly the way I wish to
live — or
so they say. What am I dreaming of? Or should I ask: what is my mind
dreaming
of? It seems we’re not always in agreement."
Exploring such
possibilities in a truly different fashion involves re-examining one's
illusions, delusions, the precedents set by powerful social innovators
of
women's rights (such as Erica Jong and Gloria Steinem), and identifying
the
ideal man's qualities. The realization that no such ideal can exist in
a single
body leads the narrator to explore how such goals can be met through
more than
one relationship and, more importantly, how these polyamorous
relationships can
be successful. Open
relationships and modern love concepts certainly aren't new ideas, but
it's
their enactment which creates new ground and proves the real
challenge.
Employing humor, angst, intellectual analysis and psychological
understanding, One
Woman Three Men delves into how
alternative romances are forged and how a 'nice girl' moves into
uncharted
romantic territories with no roadmap for success. One
intriguing aspect of the narrator's encounters is that they consider
open
relationships using different analytical tools: thus she becomes
involved in
intellectual discussions that liken her philosophy to business world
pursuits
and organizational models as well as social experiments ("Imagine you had a factory or an
organization with an
operational model that just didn’t work: you’d change that model. In
only about
25% of all relationships, the relationship model works really well. The
rest of
the relationships accrue enormous debts, and society ends up spending
billions
picking up the pieces.”), all the while dancing
around blossoming
possibilities that come, go, or evolve. Can
a depth of vision be achieved in a three-man/one woman model? As the
narrator
finds her philosophy questioned, so opportunities arise for further
clarification and definition of her chosen course: "I have yet to meet a man who
will do as much for me
as I will do for him,” I said. “Maybe you are doing too much and
therefore
expecting too much back?” he asked. “Yes, exactly. The three-men model
helps me
keep a cool head.” “To me, it sounds as if your heart remains cold.” Readers
of the nonfiction classic Open
Marriage
as well as those who seek a fictional set of revelations for a new
relationship
model will find One
Woman Three Men
a spicy, thought-provoking read steeped in entertaining moments and
intriguing
blends of psychological and philosophical inspection: the perfect
romantic
alternative to one-dimensional, singular novels about
relationships.
Roller
Babes Roller
derby has numerous enthusiastic followers and leagues around the world;
so a
novel based on the sport will draw from these groups as well as
reaching into
general-interest audiences. While the plot and characters of Roller Babes: 1950s Women of
Roller Derby are
based on real people and events, Patten takes the process a step
further with a
saga that adds fictional embellishments to real events and protagonists
to
heighten drama and explore the derby world. Tim
Patten is himself a former professional roller derby champion, so he's
in the
perfect position to craft a story that explores these early skaters and
their
achievements using more than a researcher's familiarity. His background
lends
insight, authenticity, and direction to the novel, which honors these
early
players by examining their lives and the social and sports conditions
under
which they played. As
Lottie and others feel their skills, passions, and interests alienate
them from
peers of both sexes ("The
boys wanted
Lottie out of their games for good. She felt her pulse in her throat.
As the
only girl, she had never fit in. Even among other girls, Lottie stood
out from
the crowd, and not in a good way: gawky, rough-and tumble, forever
uncomfortable among the little ladies in their pretty dresses and
beautifully
curled hair. Lottie’s hair was choppy. She was an oddball."),
they come to find in roller derby a new venture more accepting of who
they are. The
alienation of 'tomboys' in sports in the 1950s is well documented
through character
experiences ("The
stickball game
officially broke up. Lottie’s teammates turned their attention
elsewhere and
once again, the girl who never felt like she fit in found herself
alone, a
cavity hollowed out inside her chest."), while
roller
marathons, the habit of staging accidental collisions between marathon
couples
in competition to up the ante and audience, and the evolution of
American
Roller Derby antics to supplement skating prowess provides a powerful
account
of the major figures of the sport and how entertainment and competition
intersected to draw large audiences. From
skaters in professional and physical battles to the difference between
showmanship and dangerous emotional confrontations, Patten delves into
the
darker side of roller derby as well as its evolutionary process and
juxtaposes
character motivations and experiences with insights on roller derby's
appeal
and rationales and the development of the contact sport. The
result is a powerful historical sports novel combining elements not
usually
gathered under a fictional cover to blend a thought-provoking survey of
the
history of women in derby with a very personal perspective of its pros,
cons,
and special challenges. Roller
derby evolved from early risk-takers and sports revolutionaries.
There's no
better way to learn about this history than through a lively,
teeth-gritting
read of close encounters on the skating track.
Second
Chances "Why are people so committed in
this battle against
fellow Americans?" While that's an early
question posed in Second
Chances, it's also the crux of a
story about strife and struggle in the life of Nichole. She is ready to
graduate from high school when friction over racial issues brings livid
parents
into a town meeting to display a generalized prejudice and fear of
threats to
the educational and social system. It quickly becomes evident that
undercurrents of prejudice are directed at her family. After
painting a simple portrait of Nichole and her kin, the second chapter
jumps
ahead a year and introduces Richard, a married attorney who has moved
from
courtrooms to mediating business legal conflicts. His decision to move
away
from his role as a public defender into situations less dependent on an
uncertain legal system hasn't, unfortunately, lead to peace. Nichole
has
applied to work as an intern in his office and her race is, in this
different
situation, a benefit because of Richard's desire to help deserving
minorities
by giving them professional opportunities. These
two very different lives change drastically, and suddenly their focuses
and
carefully-built stabilities are gone. Nichole is unexpectedly saddled
with
family responsibilities that will challenge her goals, while Richard
faces a
series of crises that come to include Nichole primarily because she's
the most
brilliant intern he's ever had, and her changing life could threaten
both her
future and his choices in ways neither could imagine. Entwined
decisions, consequences which ripple out from their initial influences
and
circles of family and friends, and the harsh lives of some of the kids
Richard
encounters all become part of a bigger picture in a thought-provoking
read
about what constitutes success and how failure can thwart all positive
achievements. The
various protagonists are consistently clear about their motivations,
influences, and lives: "How
the hell
are you supposed to make friends when your mom is a drunk and your Dad
left? We
were outcasts, shunned by everyone we met. I didn’t have any friends,
and I
didn’t really want any either. I was just fine being alone, and if
those
assholes didn’t want to hang out with me that was just fine."
Readers thus receive a healthy dose of social insight throughout the
story line. It
should be noted that the insights on educational system pressures,
structure,
and choices are particularly well done. Lincoln Cole's approach (of
having
events move back and forth in time) could have proved confusing; but
plainly
marked chapter headings place these timelines in clear perspective and
the
recurring theme of what constitutes a 'second chance' (and when such is
solicited or given) unites the various protagonists' perspectives and
stories
("I’ve been
sleepwalking for years,
making the right decisions for the wrong reasons. Now, I want to start
making
those decisions for the right reasons.") The
result is a vivid saga of racial and social situations that's highly
recommended for readers seeking a story that revolves around changing
hearts
and minds and positive character growth.
T.J.'s
Last Summer in Cape Cod Eighteen-year-old
Taj James (aka TJ) is on the cusp of adulthood and his last summer in
Cape Cod
involves a romance with a younger girl and a changing relationship with
the
55-year-old womanizing uncle who tried to make TJ his protégé. In much
the
manner of Evan Hunter's classic Last Summer,
T.J.'s Last
Summer in Cape Cod is
a coming-of-age story about adolescent sexuality, but Whyte's focus on
evolving
and changing relationships is much more emotionally charged and
detailed,
making it a top recommendation for readers of adolescent
experience. Many
issues are explored in the best coming of age novels: not
just changing
hormones and evolving sexuality but, more importantly, an understanding
of and
growing moral and ethical platform. Behind predictable beauty and
appeal lie
hearts and minds conflicted by desire, psychological challenges, and
emotional
puzzles. Behind every athletic boy and beautiful girl lie choices and
questions
and the hard edge of decisions that only go to show that in life,
appearance is
the tip of the iceberg. As
T.J.'s Last
Summer in Cape Cod
unfolds its protagonists' interactions, growth, and secrets which can
change
perceptions of family and life itself, so readers are carried along for
a closer
inspection of what it means and feels like to teeter on the cusp of
adulthood.
From an uncle's life-changing decision to marriages on the edge of
dissolution,
the story throws in all the physical, emotional, and moral challenges
that will
bring TJ into the adult world. While
mature teens are a predictable audience for this story, it's also
strongly
recommended for adults who want to look back on those years with more
than a
one-dimensional perspective, to understand more deeply the workings and
perceptions
of the young adult mind.
Billy McCoy
CreateSpace
9781519630155 $13.96
http://www.amazon.com/People-
Return
to Index
Jules Mitchell Bailey
CreateSpace
978-1511942010 $14.95
www.amazon.com
www.julesmitchellbailey.com
www.facebook.com/
www.twitter.com/juleselbailey
Return
to Index
Anna Schlegel
Schlegel Press Association
ISBN-13: 9780986174919 ASIN: B00OPAZQMI
Price: 0.99
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-
Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-
Series:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/
Author's website: www.RobberMagazine.com
Interview with Anna Schlegel: http://robbermagazine.com/
Return
to Index
Stella Marie Alden
Soul Mate Publishing
9781619359864 $3.99
www.soulmatepublishing.com
Purchase: http://a-fwd.com/asin=
Return
to Index
Lorrie Farrelly
Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: 9781519213594 $2.99
http://www.amazon.com/Mollie-
Return
to Index
Pouline Middleton
Over and Above Press
978-0-9890917-8-7
$TBA
www.modernloveandsex.com
Return
to Index
Tim Patten
iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1-4917-8329-0 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4917-8328-3 (e)
http://www.amazon.com/Roller-
Return
to Index
Lincoln Cole
LC Publishing
978-0692559741 $2.99
Kindle
http://www.LincolnCole.net/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/
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to Index
Garfield Whyte
Garfield Whyte,
Publisher
9781519232250
$TBA
www.garfeel.com
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to Index
The
Winbourne Affair
Foley Western
Publisher- Foley Western,
ISBN - 1518899560,
Price –
$12.99
ISBN –13: 9781518899560
http://www.foleywestern.com
http://www.Twitter.cm/
Mark works for a successful law firm and Debra is its newest member. Both are powerful personalities, so when Debra seeks to intervene in Mark's life, a 'situation' develops which challenges them both personally and professionally. That's the basic premise of The Winbourne Affair, a romance which focuses on the common scenario of tangled affairs.
Delve a little deeper to find that not everything centers upon a fairytale romantic involvement, even if it is a verboten workplace affair; for Mark tends to be controlling and nearly-thirty Debra has had many years to develop her own stubbornness from an aristocratic background and training. Neither are kids, and neither are immune to trying to control the consequences of their choices.
The circumstances of their rocky road (a divorce in process but not yet complete, a relationship that can't be completely acknowledged due to uncompleted affairs and challenged workplace ethics) are evident in the first few pages: what then evolves is how each character handles what comes next, and how they've arrived at this point.
This refreshingly different focus allows for insights into impulsive actions, romantic surprises (such as unexpected lunches in unexpected places), hopes and dreams ("She dreamt of being married to Mark, and living in a big house in the suburbs. In her dream they had three children. Two of them were boys and had their father’s dark hair and handsome smile. The youngest was a little girl with her mother’s blonde hair and dimples. They were barbecuing as a family in her dream, and were all just about to jump into the large, blue swimming pool when Debra woke up."), and legal confrontations with choices that could translate to political suicide.
As their association with Eli takes a dangerous turn, The Winbourne Affair diverts from its romantic involvements to add something even more complex with the possibility of changing the lives of all involved.
Readers who enjoy strong romances fueled by powerful, mature protagonists, family connections, legal concerns and more than a dose of intrigue will find The Winbourne Affair a satisfying saga which winds towards a conclusion not necessarily inevitable.
The
Winbourne Affair
Return
to Index
The
Murdered Messiah Prologue & Book 1: Miracle in Galilee
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press, Ltd.
Ebook ISBN 97809852381-1-7 $.99 cents
www.lenlamensdorf.com
www.murderedmessiah.com
If just one epic series set in Jesus' time and revolving around his life and death were to be read, then The Murdered Messiah series would be the winner, rising to the top of all the novels devoted to the subject. The first book Miracle in Galilee introduces the set and provides the basic information key to understanding early Roman times.
Plenty of single novels and a number of series titles have attempted the same thing; but the difference here lies in Len Lamensdorf's focus on the brutalities of Roman overlords during Jesus' times, the daily lives of everyone under them and within the Roman ranks, and how all this affected Jesus' life, choices, and those around him. With such a close inspection of social structure and social issues, it's clear that The Murdered Messiah takes a different approach to its subject right from the start, couching Jesus' persona, spirituality, and developments from Biblical accounts of his life in terms that take into account the actions and impact of political affairs.
How does a good man - even a messiah figure - emerge under the rampant cruelty of his times? How does his word of peace spread? And what are the underlying consequences of his actions, beyond Biblical discussions of their lasting religious impact? The Murdered Messiah answers all these questions and more through its exploration of the juggernaut of Roman brutality and its lasting effects on humanity.
Perhaps the strength of this particular approach lies in its focus on expanding, without refuting, the traditional image of Jesus as a miracle worker and pacifist. Retaining these traditions while adding a depth of political insight and social inspection is no easy achievement, and neither is the juxtaposition of historical fact with religious insights. Most fictional treatments of Jesus favor one approach over the other - but his life is not an 'either/or' situation and so Lamensdorf's treatment abandons both traditional and easy portraits in favor of exploring more complex bigger pictures. This may mean that readers hoping for a casual treatment need to look elsewhere. (In all fairness, there's nothing about a five-book series that promises 'casual'.)
Original research is one reason why The Murdered Messiah diverges from the norm. Did Jesus himself believe he was the Messiah? What did that image entail, and how did he both conform to it and reject its principles? Gospel passages, theological analysis, the early history of Jewish lives under Roman rule, and insights from Jewish and Christian Scripture and sources all contribute to this exploration, which includes numerous maps, a historical timeline of events, black and white early images of Jesus' times, and an approach that is both scholarly and yet accessible to lay readers (that's the beauty of adopting a fictional approach, with its ability to add drama and human elements to the process of a social and political examination.)
Lamensdorf’s initial character in the Prologue uses the first person present tense approach to open events in Book One, Miracle in Galilee, and the novel starts with (literally) a bang: "The pounding on the door of my tiny apartment shocked me from sleep at 3 A.M. on a Saturday morning. I didn’t immediately respond because I resented being awakened on the Sabbath, the one day I could sleep late. But I knew the voice yelling at me—Wajeeh Nuseibeh."
The sights, smells, sounds, and politics of this old world town come alive in passages that are captivating, realistic, and sparkling with intrigue and mystery from the start: "—Come, come! They will kill each other!” I immediately knew who he meant, and I pulled on pants and a shirt without underclothes and jammed my feet into sandals, while Wajeeh virtually shoved me out the door. It was still dark, but the streets were filled with thousands of pilgrims dressed in thousands of different styles, some carrying flaming torches, some flashlights, all with unlit candles, and all hurrying to the same place. Wajeeh never let go of my arm, dragging me though the narrow streets of the Old City, not letting go even when we bumped into other people or bounced off walls. It wasn’t easy running on the uneven streets, even though I was accustomed to this part of the city." The man is Yossi, an Israeli guide on his way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he’ll be confronted by six priests and patriarchs, who are furious about the theft of precious ancient scrolls.
But, wait: there are Glock handguns and Israeli/Arab struggles for religious artifacts and areas of Jerusalem! Isn't this the modern world and not Jesus' times? Yes, it is - but past and present are deeply connected in Miracle in Galilee. A date on the Prologue would have eliminated confusion for those who entered the story pre-convinced that all the action would take place in ancient times; but Lamensdorf has a particular objective in mind in keeping the initial dates obscure until Miriam arrives on the scene, and satisfying surprises that confront and challenge a reader's anticipation of events is just one of the devices superbly honed in this series.
Fragments of a life and time bound together and unwound and re-interpreted by a Biblical scholar. A woman named Judith, who claimed to be the sister of Yeshua of Nazareth, who captures the intricacies of her world's logic, actions, politics and social affairs. A close inspection of the psyches and motivations of everyone involved ("This spring morning, Miriam had risen before dark, dressed and hurried to the well, anxious to complete her chores and still have time for a stroll through the hills. She loved to walk through the mists, piercing them with her own footsteps, making them curl and dip and rise in mysterious patterns… Miriam seldom picked the flowers. She hated to kill anything, and besides, plucked flowers would wilt in the heavy heat of the day."). The third person experiences are just as beautifully crafted as the first-person introductory prologue, portraying lives and times with a sparkling attention to detail and realistic feelings.
Up until the Messiah's appearance, which includes this book, the common man prays for a miracle. Caught in the crosshairs of early events that can only lead in one direction, Judas, Joseph, Miriam, and other Biblical figures enter the action and come alive. The plot has taken its time to develop, and has been crafted with an expert's attention to riveting action and realistic events. Time for Book 2!
The Murdered Messiah Prologue & Book 1: Miracle in GalileeReturn to Index
The
Murdered Messiah 2: Massacre Of The Innocents
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press, Ltd.
Ebook ISBN:
97809852381-2-4
$2.99
www.lenlamensdorf.com
www.murderedmessiah.com
In Book Two, Joshua (Jesus) has grown into young adult who faces the realities of his times, Roman rule, and the dangerous character of Pontius Pilate. He meets John the Immerser and encounters many of the trials familiar to the rites of passage of young adulthood, including finding love, coping with family loss, and growing a better understanding of his world.
Joseph has taught his son to follow him in his carpentering career, teaching him care and attention to detail, and Joshua is acknowledged by his parents as a clever child limited only by a sense of recklessness and the kind of impatience that youth cultivates. Together Joseph and Miriam have borne a large family of six more children and are raising each child to be true to the word of God in a world fraught with inconsistencies, challenges, and brutality.
But Joshua is different than the other children. It isn't just his fairer skin and the glow about him; it's the fact that he's growing into some unusual abilities that first appear when family friend Ari is stricken by a stroke, only to be brought back from the edge of death by Joshua's admonition to him not to depart. This is the first clear indication that Joshua is truly different from the others, even though their child won't acknowledge that he's anything special: "How did you heal Ari?” one of the elders asked. Joshua spoke sharply. “Only GOD heals,” he said. Something in Joshua’s eyes intimidated them. They stepped back, confused. The boy was only eight years old. Why did they feel fear?"
Soldiers and attackers, conflicting feelings about whether to stand up and fight or allow injustice to continue unchecked, pilgrims and rebellions, and the guidance of a young man who stays steady and true to his heart and his God all come to life through dialogue and action that explore Biblical events and provide a solid sense of the times: "Joshua listened to the arguments with avid interest. He could feel the anguish of his people deep in his bones. Jacob poked a hand in his back. “We going back?” he asked. Joshua shook his head. “Why not?” Jacob asked. "Aren’t we going to fight for God?” Joshua smiled at him. “Only if the Lord tells us to.” “How will we know?” “We won’t talk,” Joshua said, “we’ll listen.”
Another notable feature of this book is its ongoing attention to developing sub characters, plots, and political and social atmospheres to explain the rationales, lives, and approaches of protagonists on all sides: "Gaius had little enthusiasm for military service. But he had no personal means beyond his army pay and he was determined not to return to Rome, far from Miriam and her child. Nevertheless, he promised himself that he would stay away from Miriam and thus save both of them further distress. But as the years passed his curiosity continued to grow and he finally resolved to search her out."
Where so many coverages of Jesus' times focus on a single perspective, by Book Two, Massacre Of The Innocents, the pattern of how and why things happen and evolve becomes evident, creating a sweeping saga that strives for historical, Biblical, and psychological and social accuracy in its depictions of the times.
The fact that readers receive this progressive exploration in a lively story that makes for a delightful read both entertaining and thought-provoking (even for those with relatively little background in Biblical history) makes it a highly recommended read for all kinds of audiences. It comes enlivened with the sense of joy, wonder, moral and ethical confrontations, and characters that sparkle in Jesus' life and times. He understands that for John the Immerser, "Impurity did not mean sin, but this fellow was taking care of repentance and cleansing and using the living water to do it. Here was a man doing the Lord’s work whose devotion was mixed of equal parts of reverence and joy. Joshua, pleased, laughed to himself."
Can Joshua's approach triumph over brutal forces set on destroying his world? Will his message of love be overcome by vengeance and hatred? Events are riveting and engrossing and conclude with uncertainty and trepidation, setting the stage for Book Three.
The Murdered Messiah 2: Massacre Of The InnocentsReturn to Index
The
Murdered Messiah 3: Rising Storm
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press, Ltd.
Ebook ISBN: 97809852381-3-1
$2.99
www.lenlamensdorf.com
www.murderedmessiah.com
It may be a misnomer to call Book Three Rising Storm because in many respects, the entire life of Jesus is a rising storm of inevitability because his spirituality and ideals are on a collision course with his world from day one. But be that as it may, Book Three more clearly charts the ensuing journey of Joshua after his world has crumbled, and how his loss and travels result in encounters that solidify his spiritual perspective.
Rising Storm is thus not just about the brutal overlords affecting his life, but the inner storm of emotional and spiritual growth that forces him to consider, analyze, and make choices between religious paths and belief systems.
From his encounter with a desert band of healers, who live and work in a compound near the Dead Sea, and Joshua’s new studies into the Torah's words and predictions to his second encounter with Johannon the Immerser, the baptism he accepts, and the newfound path he walks as a leader and preacher, Rising Storm presents a logical series of encounters and progressions that finally begin to fine-tune the character that will emerge as Jesus, who holds a special message to deliver to his troubled world.
While, clearly, any of these books could stand alone; it should be mentioned that their true value lies in their progressive reading, because the story's depth takes five books to tell properly and is actually served as a series of building blocks or stepping stones, with one foundation work segueing neatly into the next.
The point here isn't that Jesus preaches and provides guidance. It's the spiritual, psychological, social and political influences of his times that lead to his special brand of wisdom: "Judas leapt to his feet. “Then we must attack the Romans at once!” Joshua raised a hand to calm Judas, who slowly sat back down on the ground, but his eyes still blazed. “Yes, my friends, we must act—we must confront the Romans, but not with weapons of war. In such a war we are doomed. The Roman armies will overwhelm us. Many, many will die, but we will not be free. The end time will not be the Lord’s time it will be the end of Israel. “We must all rise at the same time—not in war, but in peace.” And then Joshua reveals his plan, startling in its simplicity, terrifying in the risks it creates, but compelling, as Joshua himself is compelling: courageous wise and totally committed.
This crystal clarity about the progressive nature of these (then) revolutionary concepts cannot be achieved without a sequential reading of each novel in the series; but if the lay reader anticipates this to be a plodding affair requiring much prior Biblical knowledge, it should be noted that neither is a prerequisite.
The novels read with the fiery passion of adventure and intrigue, the thought-provoking depth of both personal introspection and social observation, and with an unusually thought-provoking attention to detail that captures the emotions and perceptions of all kinds of common men and their special interests in Jesus' time: "They say the dove is a bird of peace,” Joshua said. “True,” the merchant said, “a very lucky bird to own.” “I say we need more than luck, friend,” Joshua told him, “if we are to have peace.” “But there is no war,” the merchant said. “Hasn’t been a battle fought in these parts for years.” Joshua shook his head. “I can’t agree with you. People are struggling with hunger and poverty. Many battles are being fought—but they are inner battles—battles of the soul.” “I wouldn’t know about that,” the merchant said. He didn’t like the way the conversation was going. As far as he could tell, Joshua carried no purse and there was nothing strapped about his waist. He didn’t look like a buyer—though he surely didn’t seem dangerous."
The point, many times, is not that Jesus engaged a range of characters in his world - it's how he did so. With exact passages pinpointing the many ways he touched hearts and changed minds, The Murdered Messiah succeeds in achieving what few other novels about Jesus have accomplished by rendering the souls and evolutionary processes of its times into a logical and dramatic story which, even for readers well versed in Jesus' life and times, succeeds in coming to life like few others.
And with the rising tides of passion and purpose comes Book Four, a further engagement between author, reader, and spiritual leader; recommended for anyone who would not just read about the life and times of Jesus, but would feel these peoples and their passions tug at their heartstrings.
The Murdered Messiah 3: Rising StormReturn to Index
The
Murdered Messiah 4: Waging Peace
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press, Ltd.
Ebook ISBN: 9780985238148
$2.99
www.lenlamensdorf.com
www.murderedmessiah.com
With the prior three books in the series concurrently following Joshua/Jesus' evolution and growth and the increasing dangers of Roman oppression and brutality, the stage is set for war - which is one topic that makes Waging Peace unexpected from the start. It's no longer enough to oversee healing and miracles on a small scale: as political and social injustices ramp up, it's more clearly Joshua's duty to step up to the plate and respond with a powerful rebuttal.
Again, the 'how' makes for the story here; and his choice of peaceful protests lies both in astute observations (that he has no ability or resources to respond with war and violence in return, even if he wished to) and an option in keeping with God's goodwill and charge to meet brutality and violence with peace by turning the other cheek and serving as a living example of an alternative lifestyle.
Can he change the minds and hearts of the Zealots who are determined to amass forces and meet violence with violence? Can he save both individuals and an entire society and world order? While we believe we know the ultimate outcome there are more surprises yet to come., The Murdered Messiah series isn't about that outcome alone: it's about the choices, consequences, and roads that led there.
At every point the feelings, perceptions, and psyches of the characters are well presented, from Romans to all who interacted with Jesus: "Johannon, the Baptizer, sat on the stone floor in his cell, a small room in one of the towers of Machaerus. There was no window and the only light came from the torches in the corridor. The ceiling was too low for Johannon to stand up, but the room was dry and free of insects. The food was sparse but clean. Johannon was cheerful in his captivity. He was relieved that Joshua, the Messiah, had come, and that his own service was, therefore, at an end. He hoped to see the new king firmly on the throne before he died, but considered his own continued existence of little importance. All that mattered was that God had decided that the hour for Israel’s rescue had arrived and that made Johannon very happy."
These specific insights, from doubts to convictions, lend The Murdered Messiah its strength in portraying how individuals and ultimately nations are swayed, changed, and embark on different journeys: "After leaving Joshua, Judas felt serious misgivings. He had promised Joshua that the Zealots would come to the festival in great numbers, but they would not carry weapons. Nevertheless, He had told the Zealots they should bring their weapons and hide them somewhere in or very close to the city. whated himself for his uncertainty. Did he believe in Joshua’s non-violent methods or not?"
As Joshua ben Joseph becomes increasingly and widely acknowledged as the Messiah of legend, forces are set in motion that lead toward the inevitable tragedy that Jesus has already foreseen..
From the personal risk Joshua represents to Governor Pilate to his crafty decision to let Joshua's supporters reveal themselves so he better knows his enemies, the depth and detail continue to inject realistic, logical, and compelling drama into this fourth coverage of Jesus' life and times.
Time for the conclusion in Book Five - and even though readers may believe they know the ending, they may well be surprised, and they should anticipate the same blend of subject and psychology that successfully mingles political and social insights with a solid attention to recreating the psyches and sentiments of the times in an approach that injects the entire saga with new life.
The Murdered Messiah 4: Waging PeaceReturn to Index
The
Murdered Messiah Book 5: Death and Tranfiguration &
Epilogue
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press, Ltd.
Ebook ISBN: 9780985238148
$2.99
www.lenlamensdorf.com
www.murderedmessiah.com
Passover, The Feast of Liberation, is approaching, and matters laid out in the previous four books are coming to a head in what will become both an ending and a new beginning for Joshua and his believers.
Jerusalem has become the focal point of troop activity, pilgrim and rebel alliances, and the massing of forces on all sides, further complicated by the hidden Zealots who have amassed weapons in preparation for a bloodbath. In such a scenario, conflict is inevitable. The only question is: how many will die? And Joshua, in his wisdom, sees that his choices and actions are one of the few variables that will dictate this last piece of the complicated equation.
From plots and meetings with high priests to Joshua's serene convictions, the final book in the series shines with compelling scenes that mix religious beliefs, political events, and special interests. It's here that readers will come to recognize the final power of Jesus' life and his interactions with all the disparate forces of his times, and here that some of the series' most powerful scenes are vividly portrayed: "I have not come here to quarrel with you. I am here in the hope that we share the same vision: the peaceful liberation of Israel and that we, as all Jews, may share in that liberation. I want you to know what my intentions are, so that you may inform the Sanhedrin, if you choose, so that all men of wisdom and influence may share in this great day.” Caiaphas was totally confused. He had been certain Joshua had come to ask him to participate in his coronation and he had been ready to refuse in the most ringing terms. Joshua, it seemed to him, had evaded the issue, but he wasn’t even certain of that. What did this man want? Caiaphas was too arrogant to ask a direct question."
The intricacies of behind-the-scenes political and religious maneuvers become clearer as Joshua's role in his world becomes more complex and understandable: "Caiaphas had deliberately not called a formal meeting of the Sanhedrin, deliberately not called all of the members. He knew that what action might be taken would not, in terms of the established traditions, be fully legal…. They gathered in his great hall, most of the more important men of the nation. They were priests and scholars, landowners and merchants. Some were wealthy, some rather poor, most somewhere in between. They were all noted, in one degree or another, for their devotion to the law and to the nation. Most important of all, they were devoted to God."
It's this deeper attention to not just actions and events but underlying influences, meanings, and intentions that lends the entire series an exceptional sense of place, purpose, and logic where so many similar attempts fall short.
As readers move towards the final series of events, absorbing these details along the way, the sequences of Joshua's choices and their impacts (and the inevitability of the line he's walked from birth) becomes clearer than ever.
“A chill spread through Caiaphas’s bones. He suddenly felt old, very old. And the honor and glory of being the High Priest seemed a great burden, as if all the sacrifices of a Passover had been heaped upon his head instead of the altar. Pilate’s lips pried open and the words came forth like darts. He had to know, had to be sure “Who is this man?” he asked. For a moment, they all stared at him as if he were mad. But he had moved forward until he was within a few steps of the prisoner. Joshua looked at him with cool, blue eyes that hardly blinked. He showed no fear and little concern. Pilate wondered, did he know, did he understand what they had in store for him? Impossible. He couldn’t know, and remain serene. “Who are you?” Pilate asked. “If I told you,” Joshua said in his mellow, compelling voice, “you would neither believe nor understand.”
The final acts and decisions the Roman oppressors make, thinking the Jews will remember this man and learn a lesson in futility rather than remembering him as a leader promoting new beginnings, sets the stage for the world to come.
A first-person Epilogue returns events full circle to where they began, with Leila, an Arab-Israeli and noted archeologist, and the scrolls which have provided another, more religiously controversial perspective on the life of Jesus. Which is the more accurate interpretation of history? As Leila struggles with professional challenges that include the Vatican itself, the importance of her work and of the different insights on Jesus' life and times become strikingly apparent.
Why is this so important? Consider this: "All Christians believe that Jesus was crucified by the Romans, that he was laid to rest, that he was resurrected, made many appearances to his disciples and others on earth, and was then translated to heaven. If you challenge these beliefs you are insulting and offending two billion people—many of whom will instantly become the enemies of Israel."
A compelling story driven by the motivations, fears, and temperament of the times pairs with a powerful historical re-interpretation of events to make The Murdered Messiah series a top recommendation even for those who have read many a fictional re-interpretation of the life of Jesus. It's much more than a rehash of the life of Jesus: it's about his entire world and how it evolved socially, politically, and spiritually.
The entire series presents a magnitude of depth lacking in similar-sounding treatments and cements all in a satisfying blend of solid research and attention to psychological depth that will delight all kinds of readers.
The Murdered Messiah Book 5: Death and Tranfiguration & EpilogueReturn to Index
Cornelius
Goes West "Cornelius Kogelschitz hated his
name with all the
passion his mind could muster." With a vivid
opening line
capturing attention and interest, middle-school readers are off and
running in
a Western story set in a time when typhus runs rampant and 'Corny' is
adopted into
a large family when his parents die. In
a harsh urban environment where diseases and poverty rule, Corny spies
an
advertisement for the rugged and beautiful Colorado mountains, and
determines early on
that someday he will journey to that paradise. That day arrives sooner
than
expected after he overhears his aunt and uncle arguing about the strain
his
presence has added to their 11-children family. Thus begins a trip that
takes
him far from the familiar urban world and into the rugged
wilderness. Kids
who appreciate sagas of self-reliance, adventure, and an unusually
mature
attitude in a child (one who perceives his relatives' struggle and
decides to
alleviate their stress himself) will find Cornelius
Goes West a vivid saga. From
the strife that erupts between a father and daughter to Corny's
uncertain life,
the personalities and background of the West strengthen upon Corny's
departure
from New York City
and fill in as the story moves along. The later inclusion of a dash of
romance
might leave some younger Western readers cringing: after all, romantic
involvements are typically more of an attraction to female readers at
this age,
and Corny's life and times will primarily attract middle- to
high-school male
readers of Westerns. The
three themes that wind through this short story - Corny's escape to a
new
world, his encounter with a feisty girl, and the evolution of their
friendship
- make for a well-rounded short read while the scenery, setting, and
logical
growth of the protagonists are very well done indeed, bringing the West
to life. Cornelius
Goes West's focus on an underage
youth's roles in that milieu offers a rare glimpse into the concerns
and
independence of teens who make their own decisions early on in the
adult world
of the American frontier. Since fewer truly Western themes are directed
to this
age group, Cornelius
is a
standout.
Fairalon Eleven-year-old
Iris already has strikes against her: she's the new kid in town, and
her quirky
behaviors involve repetitive rituals and actions that have, in the
past, been
labeled an illness. Now
she knows they're something more: they are instinctive reactions to her
strange
and evolving abilities, and they hold the power to alert her of future
disasters. That's why she was able to save a young girl from a peculiar
car
accident, and why she sees things others don't. The
first thing to note about this captivating fantasy is that it's
liberally
peppered with full-color (and well-done) illustrations that enhance its
story
line. From autos in the woods to strange mischievous beings, Fairalon
is packed with visual interludes
that enhance the story without taking it over completely. Middle-grade
readers
will thus appreciate the enhancements which create visual interest in
Iris's
adventures. The
second notable feature of Fairalon
is an attention to supplementing a fantasy adventure feel with the
realistic
saga of a young girl's evolving perceptions of her powers, her world,
and whom
she can trust. Fueled by strong psychological insights and solid
character
development, it's a story young readers will empathize with as they
read about
Iris's unusual challenges. Fairalon
excels in a steady plot that
offers several twists and turns and much insight on not just the
origins of
inherited traits, but choices in how power is wielded. Middle
school fantasy fans will be enthralled as Iris' world expands in
unanticipated
directions. It should be mentioned that its conclusion paves the way
for more
books, yet completes her story in a manner that is satisfying and
exact, making
for a fine introduction to what might become a series. An exciting
blend of
adventure, psychological insight, and beautiful illustrations make Fairalon
a prime pick in its genre.
Goose
Feathers The
picture book Goose
Feathers is
crafted as a "U&I Read Aloud" book, which means that it
requires
parental read-aloud participation. Parents familiar with the
traditional
definition of read-alouds (which largely require a parent to do the
reading
while engaging the child) will be surprised to learn that this
alternative
approach has the parent and child reading alternate chapters. This
level of participation means that kids transitioning into chapter books
receive
an extra added-value level of participation to smooth their entry with
a book
that features a lowered reading level and larger font sizes in the
chapters for
the child to read - an inviting way of introducing the next level of
complexity. As
for the story itself: expect a fun series of adventures centered around
Lucie,
a Canadian goose who hatches her brood of seven and interacts with the
humans
who have come to know her. Goose
natural history blends seamlessly into the story line and educates kids
about
geese as anthropomorphic birds and animals interact with fictional
characters.
From EMT assistance in hatching chicks to a little goose's initial fear
of
water and animals in their new Castle Lake home (which faces threats
from
intruders Tuffy Turtell and his Scottish turtle clan), the stories
outline
dilemmas, compromises, confrontations, and even court proceedings
involving the
influx of Canadian geese into the country. All
this is accompanied by Thomas Swofford's coloring-book-style color
drawings
throughout. Add a list of questions parents can ask during the reading
to help
a young reader consider the psychological impacts of the animals'
interactions
and choices and you have a wonderfully multi-faceted story that is both
well-developed and designed to encourage kids to successfully move to
the
chapter book level from traditional picture books. Parent/child
supportive interactions thus create a bridge to reading that introduces
a fun
new dynamic to the finer art of advancing through different early
reader stages.
Life
on Base: Quantico
Cave Life
on Base: Quantico Cave is
first in a projected series of middle school books and introduces
Stephen,
whose life on a military base is presented in exact detail. While many
novels
introduce the themes of 'army brats' interacting with their peers, few
actually
take the time to reveal base life itself, with all the uncertainties
and
altered realities that it brings. As
an example of the latter: what non-base kid needs to know their
parents'
ranking? What civilian child lives in a world where everyone's parents
do the
same job and everyone is trained to interact in a self-contained
environment of
military history and experience? And what average middle-school student
is more
concerned about decorum and exercise strategy than play? There
are plenty of experiences and differences on a military base to
separate an
army brat from a civilian child, and all these are thoroughly explored
in a
story set on a base where military structure and values override all
concerns. As
Stephen faces constant changes, good and bad kids, and temptations and
alternate directions, messages from the military and his parents'
training
permeate his consciousness and dictate his choices ("Keep your head up, his
dad’s voice shouted
from somewhere in his mind. Don’t cry, boy.
You’ll be a Marine someday. We
protect those who can’t protect themselves.") From
life on a base under lockdown and how children and their parents react
to
'Clothes Monster' nightmares to the lingering affects of absent parents
and
constant moving, Life
on Base: Quantico Cave
is a story of friendships made and lost, of military family social
interactions, and of one boy's coming of age in a world where routines
are part
of a rigid, essential system linked to survival and a greater
good. Anyone
who wants to know exactly how base life is perceived by the young will
find Life on
Base: Quantico Cave engrossing and
unparalleled in its descriptions of military base life's impact on
family and
friendships.
A Passing Phase Teenager
Nate doesn't see himself as gay, but
he's still exploring his sexual identity. He sees himself as a normal
teen in
flux, and believes his infatuation with boys is likely a passing phase
of his
life before he ultimately settles down with a girl. But is this really
a
'phase'? What if it isn't temporary? A
Passing Phase is an absorbing,
realistic exploration
of a teen's realization that his sexuality is heading towards an
inevitable,
singular identity that doesn't fit with his perceptions of how his
adult life
will evolve. What begins as
an attraction ("Nate
had stolen a kiss from Ronnie, and Ronnie’s eyes
had darted away as he said, “I’ve always… I’ve always thought that… you
were
really cute.” Nate had been flying high when he heard that. He’d never
had a
guy say that about him. But then again he never really thought of
himself as
cute.") turns into something more consistent
than Nate's ever
known - and something that will change his ideas of family and
connections in
unexpected ways. In some ways A
Passing Phase is a typical teen coming-of-age
story: picture Catcher
in the Rye's
grittiness with a heavier dose of sexual description. In other ways
it's an
in-depth story covering perceptions of right, wrong, social and
religious
expectations, and what happens when a teen's evolution doesn't fit into
anticipated paradigms. Is Nate's secret
relationship with a boy a sin?
What's the difference between fun, 'messing around', and a more
serious,
committed path in life that deviates from everything Nate has been
taught to
value? Such a struggle would be too hard, and so Nate rejects the
possibility
after running it by others ("You’re not
gay. Every guy goes through a phase when they think they might be. I
mean, I
did.” Nate did a double take. Now he felt like the one whose jaw had
dropped.
“You did?”), and decides to change his apparent
sexual direction
("…like any
red-blooded American
teenage boy trying to change his sexuality, he just wanted to get laid…"). At the heart of A
Passing Phase is the question of whether
sexuality is a choice or a
pre-programmed, innate trait unique to every individual. Nate believes
that
with enough determination and desire, he can change; and his efforts
revolve
around this objective. Pressured on all sides by friends, family,
social norm
and opinion, and a cast of often-oddball characters, Nate must find his
way
through a virtual quagmire of opinions and social pressures in order to
achieve
and understand his true self. What will give
Nate the greatest freedom? Readers
should anticipate a number of graphic sexual encounters as Nate embarks
on the
process of pulling his life and persona together. His interactions with
men,
women, and the dating scene are realistically portrayed and his
different,
difficult family relationships are crafted in scenes that portray the
fallout
of his decisions. The result is a
vivid saga, especially
recommended for readers of sexual coming-of-age stories open to the
idea of a
teen discovering who he really is and what constitutes a 'passing
phase' versus
a permanent, true direction.
Charlie Steel
Condor Publishing
ASIN:
B00BO0AGE0
$2.99
www.condorpublishing.com
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T.J. Roberts
Fairalon Books
ISBN: e-book 978-0-9970071-2-1
$2.99
ISBN: Print:
978-0-9970071-0-7
$31.99
www.Fairalon.com
www.RingWord.com/Fairalon
Amazon Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/
SmashWords other e-book formats: https://www.smashwords.com/
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Robert Koermer
BookLogix
1264 Old Alpharetta Road,
Alpharetta, Georgia
30005
978-1-61005-640-3
$12.95
http://www.goosefeathersbook.
www.goosefeathersbook.com
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Thomas P. and Nancy Wise
Köehlerbooks
210 60th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
978-1-63393-138-1 - Print $12.95
978-1-63393-139-8 - Ebook $3.49
www.koehlerbooks.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/
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J. Paul Devlin
CreateSpace
978-1484834343
Book $12.99/ ebook $6.99
www.jpauldevlin.com
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