Reading Frenzy

Green Books Review: Driven to Kill – Vehicles as Weapons

2009-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

This review is part of the Green Books campaign. Today, 100 bloggers are reviewing 100 great books printed in an environmentally friendly way. Our goal is to encourage publishers to get greener and readers to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

This campaign is organized by Eco-Libris, a company working to “green up” the book industry by promoting the adoption of green practices, balancing out books by planting trees and supporting green books.

A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

The book I received to review is printed on recycled paper.

In “Driven to Kill, J. Peter Rothe examines the use of vehicles in cases of assault, abduction, rape, gang warfare, terrorism, suicide and murder. He asks the question, “What separates an everyday driver from a motorized menace?”

“Driven to Kill” is listed under the sociology-criminology genre and is recommended for an audience consisting of sociologists, criminologists, policy makers and police, as well as public health, injury prevention and traffic safety professionals.

The last on the list is what attracted me to this book. Several years ago, I was the coordinator for a local traffic safety project and I really learned a lot about that issue as I worked with a wide range of traffic professionals, including local police departments and state agencies.

Also, my bachelor’s degree is in social sciences. As such, I love to read about social issues that affect people on a personal level … particularly those found in their own backyard.

So, not only was the book of interest to me because of the topic, I also wanted to support Eco-Libris’ attempt to get the word out about how books can be printed responsibly and sustainably. For more information about Eco-Libris, go to their Web site (www.ecolibris.net).

And now for the review!

From the back of the book:

“In Driven to Kill, J. Peter Rothe unflinchingly examines the use of vehicles in cases of assault, abduction, rape, gang warfare, terrorism, suicide, and murder. How can a car be such an enabling force for the gamut of society’s most heinous crimes?”

The average reader may, understandably, find this book slightly dry, but for someone interested in this subject matter, it comes across as fascinating and intriguing. Full of useful information, the author obviously spent quite a bit of time researching the issue of vehicles as weapons.

Anyone involved in traffic safety will tell you the average vehicle is equal to a 2,400 pound torpedo, capable of doing a great amount of damage. Used the wrong way to intentionally harm someone, that torpedo can quickly become a rocket streaking down the highway.

Rothe looks at the damage that can be done when a vehicle is out of control, but he also examines other ways a car can be used to commit crimes.

I found the book very educational and it did, indeed, expand my knowledge of this topic. The chapters are very well arranged to make it easy to follow.

Plus, he adds some interesting stories – although some may be a bit graphic for sensitive readers.

I would recommend this book to anyone who deals with traffic on a regular basis, such as police officers. The insights gained could save a life.

Green Books campaign: 1 Day, 100 bloggers, 100 green books, 100 reviews

2009-11-09T08:13:00.001-08:00

In times when global warming and environmental issues are receiving growing public attention, book lovers are not indifferent, either. Tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 10) at 1 p.m. eastern time, 100 bloggers will take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 100 such books.

Organized by Eco-Libris, this campaign is aiming to promote “green” books by reviewing 100 books printed on recycled paper or FSC-certified paper.

“Although there's so much hype around e-books, books printed on paper dominate the book market and we want them to be as environmentally sound as possible,” Raz Godelnik, co-founder and CEO of Eco-Libris, said. “Very few books are currently printed responsibly and we hope this initiative will bring more exposure to “green” books. Through this campaign we want to encourage publishers to get greener and readers to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.”

Over 35 publishers from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. are taking part in this campaign, providing participating bloggers with their latest books printed on recycled paper and FSC certified paper for review.

One of these publishers is Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. Five books of its “Little Green Books” series will be reviewed in the campaign.

“The mission of the Little Green Books series is to plant the seeds of earth-friendly living at an early age,” Julie Christopher, senior marketing manager at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, said. “We were delighted to work with Eco-Libris on the campaign to help to spread this important message,”

Another participating publisher is HarperOne with three books.

“By publishing books like The Green Bible, the companion volume The Green Bible Devotional, and Green Collar Economy by Van Jones, HarperOne hopes to help inspire people to take action and help save the earth's environment,” Sam Barry, marketing and Bible promotions manager at HarperOne, said. “But these books can't help if no one hears about them, which is why we are grateful to be participating in the Eco-Libris 'It's Time for a Green Book' campaign.”

The participating books are in a variety of subjects – cooking, poetry, travel, adventure and more.

“The fact that all of these books are printed responsibly is barely known to the average reader,” Godelnik said. “We hope this campaign will help change this situation. If eco-friendly books will become more popular, the “green” factor will become more prominent.”

For my book, I will be reviewing the non-fiction book “Driven to Kill: Vehicles as Weapons” by J. Peter Rothe. This compelling study focuses on the role vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) have in crime.

The book is printed on a very nice quality paper and you’d never know it’s recycled. Please stop by tomorrow and read my review.

Also, head over to the Eco-Libris site and find out more about this innovative company that is working to green up the book industry by promoting the adoption of green practices, balancing out books by planting trees and supporting green books.

Links to all participating blogs are available at Eco-Libris Web site (www.ecolibris.net/greenbookscampaign.asp).

Review: A Circle of Souls

2009-11-05T13:18:00.001-08:00

By Preetham Grandhi

From the back of the book:

“The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. The town’s top detective, perplexed by a complete lack of leads, calls in FBI agent Leia Bines, an expert in cases involving children. Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Gram, a psychiatrist at Newbury’s hospital, searches desperately for the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hasting’s devastating nightmares.”

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It has the elements of several different styles of writing, including horror, mystery and psychological thriller. And it was also refreshing in that there was no sex or vulgar language.

However, there are vivid descriptions of murder that could potentially make some readers queasy.

I’ve always been a fan of this type of story. I cut my serious reader teeth on Stephen King and, at one time, that’s about the only author I’d follow. It was when I ran out of books by King that I began branching out to different authors and genres.

“A Circle of Souls” was sent to me by the author and I’m glad I agreed to review his book.

There are several elements I liked about Preetham’s style of writing. First, I liked his short, punchy chapters. I also enjoyed the way he wove the different stories together to come full circle to where they connected.

I also liked how he described the characters so you really felt like you knew them and understood their thought processes. You knew whether you were supposed to like a character or not because their personalities came through in the writing.

Plus, it was an interesting story line integrating several belief systems, including Hinduism and Jamaican voodoo.

As you get toward the end of the book and you think you have it figured out, Preetham throws a curve ball and provides a surprise ending that makes perfect sense.

Great read, super writer … I’m looking forward to more work by this author in the future.

Wednesday Word Skills

2009-11-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

These words are from the novel "Jackson" by T.P. Jones.

Fillip = strike with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of the thumb; to tap or strike smartly.

Ukase = an edict or order; proclamation by an absolute or arbitrary authority.

Alter kocker = Someone who is inept at whatever he is trying to do.

Mahout = the keeper or driver of an elephant.

Obfuscation = confuse, bewilder, stupefy; make obscure or unclear.

Monstrance = a receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration.

Vitrine = a glass cabinet or case, esp. for displaying art objects.

Lunette = an area enframed by an arch or vault; a painting, sculpture or window filling such an area.

Gadfly = a person who persistently annoys or provokes others with criticism, schemes, ideas, demands, requests, etc.

Sunder = to separate; part; divide; sever.

Doyenne = a woman who is the senior member, as in age or rank, of a group, class, profession, etc.

Lappet = a small lap, flap, or loosely hanging part.

Dreck = worthless trash; junk.

Soughed = made a rushing, rustling or murmuring sound; preached in a whining, singsong voice.

Proscenium = the arch that separates a stage from the auditorium.

Verisimilitude = the appearance or semblance of truth; likelihood; probability.

Carrel = a small recess or enclosed area in a library stack, designed for individual study or reading.

Meshugge = senseless; crazy.

Momzer = a child born of a marriage forbidden in Judaism.

Bubke = absolutely nothing; something worthless.

Halloween Update

2009-11-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Well, David loved trick-or-treat! He smiled the entire time they were out going from house to house.
Of course, he can't eat the candy, but he really doesn't care!
He's actually turning out to be quite the social bee. He likes just about everyone he meets.
And the costume was perfect because he's a bouncer. He may never learn to walk because if you put him on his feet, he bops up and down.
It's kind of fun having our own little Tigger!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T07:14:00.001-07:00

Today is the day when little ghosties and ghoulies will be out prowling the streets! When I was a little girl, it was always a special treat when Halloween came on Saturday. It meant we could start trick-or-treating earlier and we had longer to perfect our costume.

This will be the first Halloween for itty bitty David. He's 7 months old now and even though he doesn't care at all about tricks or treats, mom and dad want to show him off! He will be dressed up as Pooh dressed up as Tigger. They spent a fortune on his costume, but ya know, that's OK. They will have fun and Grandma will get to take his picture!

We don't typically get many children on our block. Mostly, that's because we are the only house with the lights on, so it's kind of a waste of time to walk down the street for one treat. We'll get a few, though, so they will make out like bandits.

I will have to turn off the lights for a little while. I need to take pictures of those little witches and goblins for the local newspaper, so I will go over to a friend's house for a while. She always gets lots of visitors for candy. I'll take a few shots and then run over to the Harvest Party at one of the churches and take a couple pictures there, too.

After that, I'll come back home and hope to get rid of some of this candy. If not, we'll have to eat it all ourselves!

Enjoy your day and beware of those things that go bump in the night ... or on your front step!

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-10-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. It was a dark and stormy night, and Halloween ghosts and goblins were prowling the streets.

2. They were just going to throw them out so I offered to take the books for myself.

3. Rushing out, I ran smack into the UPS guy and sent him tumbling back down the hill.

4. What has Dolly on the prowl...I think she heard a howl!

5. Shhhh... the ghosties may hear you.

6. I want to leave soon so give me something good to eat!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting some of this backlog of writing done, tomorrow my plans include more writing and taking pictures of the little ghoulies for the local paper and Sunday, I want to relax but I have too much work to do!

Great Find!

2009-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

We had some time to kill this evening, so we decided to wander through the Goodwill Store. There on the bookshelves, I found this marvelous book! It's an Illustrated Junior Library edition of "Little Women!" I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm not going to tell how much I paid for it because you'll never believe me .... OK, you twisted my arm ... $3.99! The book is full of beautiful illustrations of the key scenes in the book and it will make a wonderful addition to the books I'll probably keep forever.

Review: All Men Are Cremated Equal

2009-10-28T03:11:00.001-07:00

By Elizabeth Fournier

From the back of the book:

“Elizabeth chronicles her true life dating spree as a marriage-minded mortician in her mid-30’s. Set off by her broken engagement, she enlists everyone in sight to set her up on blind dates in a passionate quest to meet just one really great guy. Armed with a 10-point list of dating criteria, skintight jeans, and flash cards on Nascar, football, and mirco-breweries, she spends one full year doing the blind meet and greet.”

This was kind of a fun book to read. Elizabeth Fournier shares some great anecdotes about her year in the dating scene. Any woman who has been there will smile and roll her eyes as she is reminded of what not to look for in a man.

Elizabeth’s dates run the full gamut – from the guy who stares at all the other women in the room to the ones who are so full of themselves their dates should feel privileged to be with them. Then, there are the men who spend the entire date on their cell phones, twitch their noses constantly or don’t understand a word the woman is saying … not to mention the gay men who are testing the heterosexual waters.

Not only is this an amusing memoir, it’s almost a study in human nature and personalities. Never fear, though, Elizabeth does eventually find Mr. Right. I’m not giving anything away here as it’s on the back of the book where she is described as “a writer, ballroom dance instructor, casino spokesmodel, wife, mother and small-town mortician.”

The Awesome Author Challenge

2009-10-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

Alyce over at At Home With Books is hosting this fun challenge for 2010. I'm hoping to use this as an opportunity to clear a few books off my TBR shelf.

If you would like to participate, visit the sign up page.

The Rules:

The challenge starts January 1, 2010 and ends December 31, 2010.

Crossover from other challenges is allowed.

Choose the level at which you would like to participate, post about it and come back and leave a link to your post in Mister Linky.

Titles and authors do not have to be predetermined, and can change at any time.

Books can come from any genre or reading level, the only requirement is that you have heard great things about the author, but haven't yet read any of their works.

The Levels:

Easy: Choose three authors and read at least one title from each author.

Moderate: Choose six authors and read at least one title from each author.

Challenging: Choose ten authors and read at least one title from each author.

Over-Achieving: Anything over ten authors.

My Choices:

I will be participating at the Challenging level and will read one title from 10 authors. The authors I have chosen are:

Barbara Kingsolver

Graham Greene

John Ralston Saul

Lynne Hinton

Margaret A. Stanger

Maya Angelou

Peter James

Richard Ford

Robin Lee Hatcher

Wally Lamb

For some of these authors, I have more than one book on my shelf and have been meaning to read their work for quite some time. This will be a fun opportunity to do that!

A Sportscaster's Guide to Watching Football

2009-10-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

By Mark Oristano

From the back of the book:

“Want to know what everyone is cheering about? Learn to enjoy – and understand – the game with the football fanatic in your life. This book is the ultimate guide for the novice fan. … Laced with hilarious and insightful anecdotes from Mark Oristano’s career as a pro football sportscaster, “A Sportscaster’s Guide to Watching Football” will turn you into a football-watching pro, or at least let you fake it.”

I’ve been a fan of football for many years. At one time, I could easily spout off stats, players, teams, coaches … you name it. I haven’t had a lot of time to follow the game the last few years, but I still watch now and then.

That said, I started reading this book with the perspective that I might learn some fun little tricks for when I do find time to watch a game with family or friends. Mark Oristano does offer some funny lines to use that will make everyone around you think you’re the ultimate know-it-all when it comes to the sport.

He also explains the game itself, including offense, defense (pronounced DEE-fense), player positions and more. It was a good chance to catch up on my beloved sport.

I’m not sure, however, how novice you are expected to be when you read this book. Even with my background in the sport (and yes, I’ve also covered a few games in my career as a journalist), there were spots in the book where I wondered if someone coming into it with no experience might have trouble digesting the information. I did a couple double-takes myself, which is why I only gave it 3 books.

I might have read through the book too quickly. For the true novice, slowing down and taking the time to think about what Mark is saying would be more educational.

But, all in all, I did enjoy the book and found it quite entertaining. I’d recommend it to anyone with an interest in football, even someone who already thinks they know it all!

My New Look

2009-10-24T21:05:00.001-07:00

I decided it was time to change the look of my blog a bit. It was a tough choice because I'd really like a template that uses both sidebars, but I haven't been able to find one that appeals to me, so this is the one I chose. I hope you like it, too!

Wednesday Word Skills

2009-10-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've done a word skills posting. I suppose the main reason is because most of the books I've read lately didn't seem to have any interesting words in them.

However, my current read ("Jackson" by T.P. Jones) does. So, here goes!

1. excoriating = to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally
2. apparatchiks = members of an organization or existing power structure
3. cadge = to obtain by imposing on another's generosity or friendship; to borrow without intent to repay
4. rebbe = a teacher in a Jewish school; a title of respect for a leader of a Hasidic group (Hasidic is a sect founded in Poland in the 18th century characterized by its emphasis on mysticism, prayer, ritual strictness, religious zeal and joy)

So far, I'm only on page 119 of this 539-page book, so there may be more words next week! We can always hope, huh?

Wait Until Twilight

2009-10-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

By Sang Pak

From the back of the book:

“Not long after his own mother’s death, sixteen-year-old Samuel discovers a set of deformed triplets hidden behind closed doors in his sleepy Georgia community. The babies – whose shut-in mother believes they were immaculately conceived and whose menacing bother is a constant threat – take control of Samuel’s every waking and sleeping thought. His only escape, he realizes, will be to save the monster children.”

I’m not completely sure about my thoughts regarding this book. I did enjoy reading it and found it quite interesting, but there is a lot to it I would call “stereotypical.” Plus, you just kind of know what’s going to happen next and expect it.

All in all, though, it’s a good start for this debut author. He can definitely tell a story and it is well-written. In fact, I’d like to read the next book by Sang Pak and see how it compares.

Although an intriguing book, “Wait Until Twilight” could have used a little more polishing before being released. Still, I think most people will enjoy the story and like this book.

Monday Mail Call

2009-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

These are the book I received in my mail box the past couple weeks!

1. Nibble & Kuhn by David Schmahmann
2. Moon River and Me by Andy Williams
3. Doodle While You Work by Staffan Gnosspelius
4. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) by Gina Misiroglu
5. The Becoming by Jeanne C. Stein (included a postcard, ink pens, magnets and a wonderful reusable tote bag!)

The Real Wizard of Oz: The Life and Times of L. Frank Baum

2009-10-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

By Rebecca Loncraine

From the back of the book:

“The Real Wizard of Oz” is an imaginatively written work that stretches the genre of biography and enriches our understanding of modern fairy tales. … This is a colorful portrait of one man’s vivid and eccentric imagination and the world that shaped it.”

This is an absolutely marvelous book! Rebecca Loncraine explains to the reader how the world influences L. Frank Baum’s writing, beginning with a touch of history prior to his birth. She tells us how events at the turn of the 20^th century, such as war, inventions, beliefs, etc., play into all of Baum’s writing, including his other books.

Yes, although he is most famous for “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and its 13 sequels, he also wrote many other books, some under pen names, and he was a journalist for several newspapers.

We learn about his family and how his belief in equal rights for women, especially the right to vote, has a profound effect on his writing.

I’ve always been a fan of Oz and this book only adds to my appreciation for this excellent writer and storyteller. I can only say “thank you” to Rebecca Loncraine for writing the “Real Wizard of Oz.”

2009-10-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. So are we going make it to the end of the year?

2. A deer in my headlights is what's up ahead.

3. I love to read before going to sleep at night (or even during the day if I take a nap!).

4. I hope I can have a break this weekend of some sort.

5. I walk whenever I get the chance.

6. A smile from my itty bitty grandson is the true elixir of life!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up the book I'm reading, tomorrow my plans include attending the annual auction for our local art gallery and Sunday, I will spend at my desk writing, writing and writing!

Dancing With Ana

2009-10-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

By Nicole Barker

From the back of the book:

“Beth is a lucky girl … She comes from a loving family. She has three best friends. She loves to surf and lives five minutes from the beach. … Beth has every reason to smile. Every reason to be happy. … Then why is she sticking her fingers down her throat?”

Written to appeal to a younger audience, “Dancing With Ana” provides a portrait of a confused teen who wants too much to just fit in. As she looks around her, the one girl she sees getting all the attention is also the prettiest and thinnest and all the boys are attracted to her.

Beth sets out to become like that girl. First things first, though – she has to lose a few pounds.

Unfortunately, the dieting and exercise become an obsession and she’s soon too thin and having health issues

I’ve read other books about eating disorders and this is the first geared toward teens. Nicole Barker puts the reader into real-life situations and she’s drawn some very positive comments from young people who have read her book.

We watch the main characters as they spend their time at school, home, parties, the beach … all the places teens hang out together and socialize.

I think this would be an excellent book for mothers of teens to read. It will help give some insight into what their own daughters are thinking when it comes to fitting in and the need to be popular.

Believe: A Young Widow’s Journey Through Brokenness and Back

2009-10-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Silvera

From the back of the book:

“Grief capsized Jennifer’s life. When her police officer husband died in the line of duty, she found herself adrift in dark waters. … Writing for anyone who has lost a loved one but especially for those who have been widowed far too young, Jennifer offers understanding, affirmation, and hope.”

It amazes me that Jennifer Silvera was able to write this memoir after such a devastating loss. With two little children and a lifetime of happiness ahead of her, she is suddenly faced with something she never expected – the death of her husband. Reading about her marriage, it seems to be one that everyone hopes for. Her husband was understanding, compassionate and caring and they both shared dreams for the future.

As her world collapses around her, Jennifer must find it in her heart to continue, not just for herself but for the children, as well.

Although the road is rough, she finds little things to get her through one day at a time in order to come to terms with her loss.

By sharing her personal thoughts and feelings, Jennifer provides advice and help for others facing their own private losses.

I found her words particularly helpful due to the loss of my sister. Granted, it’s been many years now, but I still miss her terribly and always will. I was able to take some of Jennifer’s words to heart and I thank her for that.

“Believe” is a GoodReads win and I’m certainly glad my name was drawn.

Please take the time to read this book. You’ll be glad you did.

Family Relationships blog tour

2009-10-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

This sweet boy is the youngest member of my family ...
my darling grandson David, who is 7 months old.

Today I'm participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We're celebrating the release of Therese Walsh's debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese's website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.

I was married to a man who kept me away from my family and friends for 10 years. It was a wall I thought would never be torn down. I felt trapped and I missed everyone so very much.
But, as fate would have it, we divorced and I immediately contacted my oldest sister to re-establish what I thought I had lost forever.
Why was she the first one I called?
Lori was the one person in my life who I always felt loved me and accepted me for who I was. My entire life, I felt like everyone considered me the black sheep of the family ... except for Lori. She never judged and stood up for me.
Lori was 9 years older than I. When I was born, she was like a second mother to me. I have pictures of her pushing me in my stroller. One of my fondest memories is when she took me to see my first movie in a real theater ... 101 Dalmations! I don't remember how old I was at the time, but because the movie premiered in 1961, I would have been about 6.
When I was about 9, Lori graduated high school and left for a stint in the Army. That meant her adult life was beginning and she soon married and began her own family.
Through it all, she was still my big sister and I loved her and missed her dearly.
When I first became involved in that controlling relationship, she gently tried to dissuade me. But, as most women know, the saying "Love is blind" sometimes turns out to be true. It truly broke my heart daily to not be able to call and talk to her for all those years.
Of course, we tried to make up for lost time once I was back in touch with my family. Sadly, I was to only have about another year and a half with my beloved sister. She died of leukemia in August 2001. It was a day none of us in the family will forget.
I share this story with you in the hopes that it will bring some inspiration to remind you that life sometimes does, indeed, throw you some curve balls now and then. That's why it is so very important to remain close to your family ... even if that isn't always the easiest thing to do.
I have two other sisters and my mother. They all live fairly close by (within an hour and a half drive) and yes, I do kick myself sometimes for not going to see them as often as I should. Unfortunately, life tends to get in the way. With busy work schedules and other obligations, there just doesn't always seem to be enough time to do everything we want.
But we really do need to make a list of priorities and stick to it.
I'm always telling my husband (yes, I remarried to a wonderful, considerate man) that he should take more time for his siblings. He lost his oldest brother a year and a half ago. This summer, we did get together for a family reunion with the majority of his family. Everyone had a grand time and did a lot of catching up.
But families shouldn't have to catch up. They should already know what's going on in each other's lives. But they don't and that's what I find so very sad.

Happy Columbus Day!

2009-10-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

Confessions of a Trauma Junkie

2009-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

By Sherry Jones Mayo

From the back of the book:

“Share the innermost feelings of emergency services workers as they encounter trauma, tragedy, redemption, and even a little humor. … This book allows readers to stand on both sides of the gurney; it details a progression from innocence to enlightened caregiver to burnout, glimpsing into each stage personally and professionally.”

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first began reading this book. It’s written a little differently than your average novel or biography.

Sherry Jones Mayo gathered essays from a variety of emergency workers. They talk about what it’s like to deal with these types of situations. Some talked about specific incidents; others discussed more general feelings.

I’ve been on many sides of the gurney. I’ve been a patient and I’ve been a parent and-or friend of the patient.

I’m also a journalist, so I’ve covered many emergencies where I witnessed firsthand the work these professionals perform daily.

Theirs is not an easy job and it’s also a thankless job.

I would imagine it was almost a cleansing experience to write their thoughts for Sherry’s book and it is interesting to read. It would be great for someone considering this line of work to read it before making a final decision. The writers pull no punches when they describe what it’s like to deal with life and death.

I did enjoy reading the book and I did like it, so I give it 3 books.

2009-10-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this for a while, so this cold and cloudy October morning is a good time to catch up.

And...here we go!

1. Sweet dreams are made of these; who am I to disagree.

2. Life seems to always be so busy, especially for me.

3. Silliness should be a part of everyone's life.

4. I hope it's not too cold for my grandsons this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not there's always room for improvement.

6. A nice warm Indian summer day is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include doing some writing and Sunday, I want to take part in a bird count out on the local wildlife refuge!

Legacy

2009-10-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

By Kayla Kluver

From the back of the book:

“Obligated to wed her father’s choice in successor to the throne, seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates – a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered Steldor. When the attractive and mysterious Narian arrives from enemy lands bearing secrets and different ideas about women’s roles in the world, Alera’s private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom.”

The one thing that struck me right from page one was this book is written by a 16-year-old girl. To me, that is absolutely amazing. It’s not often one so young has the grasp of grammar and the English language Kayla Kluver apparently does.

I was also impressed with her understanding of how different relationships are when talking about kingdoms and royalty. She obviously did her homework.

I don’t typically read this genre (YA fantasy, I’d call it), but I did like this book. It was a little long-winded and could have been tightened up in places, but all in all, it’s a marvelous start on what I predict will be a long and successful writing career for this young lady.

My plan is to pass "Legacy" on to my step-granddaughter who had been busy reading every YA fantasy book she can get her hands on. Anything we can do to encourage reading in young people is a good thing! So I'm glad we have up and coming young authors like Kayla who can relate to her peers and write what they like to read.

My Book Review Guidelines

2009-10-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

When I review a book, I receive them from one of three places:
1. I purchase them myself either new or used.
2. A friend or family member gives me the book as a gift.
3. A publisher, publicist or author sends me the book. In this case, they expect me to keep the book whether I like it or not. It's basically a "gift" for taking the time to read the book and, in my opinion, isn't enough to qualify for compensation.

I never charge for a review. To me, that's a huge no-no. I'm an avid reader and it's what you'll typically find me doing in my spare time, so why not write the review after I'm done reading the book. I do it for the ones I get from No. 1 and 2, as well.

Now, for some reason, the FTC is considering charges against bloggers who don't disclose where they get the books they review. A quick peek around book review blogs will turn up a variety of comments on this subject.

I, for one, do not consider a free book as payment to guarantee a "positive review." I'm not going to give some novel "5 books" unless it truly deserves it. Yes, I may recommend my readers try a book for themselves, but it's up to them whether they do or not and it's up to them if they like the book if they do read it.

It's totally illogical to me ... does it also mean I'm breaking the law if I read a good book I bought and tell my sister or best friend they should try it, too, just because I'm a blogger.

The FTC has even taken to comparing our reviews to newspaper book reviews. OK, I'm a freelance writer and I do articles for the local newspaper on a regular basis. Whenever a book comes in for review, the publisher or editor tends to give it away to whoever likes that sort of genre. Very few reviews are actually done unless it's relevant to the local readers.

That said, I have several wonderful books on my shelves that I got from papers I've worked at in the past. Did the publishing company expect the newspaper to return them if a review wasn't printed? Absolutely not!

And I'm sure those that send books to bloggers feel the same way. Many of us simply don't post a review if the book is that bad. I myself can always find something good to say about a book because even though I didn't particularly care for it, another reader may love it. It's all about taste in genres.

Well, if I have to print a disclaimer every time I post a review, then so be it. Do I like it? No. It's a waste of my time and my readers' time. But if it will keep everyone happy, I'll do it.

I'm not really sure what recourse we bloggers have. Will writing to our senators and-or representatives help? I'm not sure, but I suppose it's worth a try.