Saturday, December 22, 2012

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

Awesome Good Clean Jokes for Kids
Bob Phillips

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN-13: 9781565070622   |    $4.99    |    Buy Now

Lately joke books have been getting pretty raunchy. Awesome Good Clean Jokes for Kids is filled with lots and lots of funny great jokes for all ages to enjoy. From Levi amp; Jean to The Answer Man there are so many funny ones to remember and all are clean that all ages can tell over and over again. Awesome Good Clean Jokes for Kids is the perfect gift book for any occasion.


Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub Funny Children’s Poems About Self-Image
Written by Leslie C. Halpern, Illustrated by Oral Nussbaum

Publisher: Cricket Cottage Publishing c/o CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN-13: 9781478254751   |    $11.99    |    Buy Now

Kids today have so many messages bombarding them from what to wear to what type of person they are supposed to be. Many send out the wrong kind of image for them to learn. Through the use of poetry that is fun to read and enjoy Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub Funny Children’s Poems About Self-Image gets kids to also learn that they are not alone in the way they feel about themselves and the world they are a part of. Nussbaum’s artwork complements each of the poems with even more positive messages to kids.


Private London
James Patterson & Mark Pearson

Publisher: Grand Central c/o Hachette Book Group USA
ISBN-13: 9781455515554   |    $14.99    |    Buy Now

I don’t know why this is the first appearance of Private London in the United States and Canada because the events detailed take place before those in Private Games Also Private London was the first appearance of the Private detective agency office of London in the series. I fortunately have not read Private London yet so I should not have any confusion. Like all of Patterson’s novels this one races along with interesting characters and a complicated plot. Though it is an intricate story line “Private London” is a page turner of suspense that Patterson fans will love.


D.C. Dead
Stuart Woods

Publisher: Signet c/o Penguin Group USA
ISBN-13: 9780451237859   |    $9.99    |    Buy Now

Stone Barrington and Dino Bacchetti are asked to come to Washington by the President Will Lee to work on a special operation. Back again are Holly Barker and numerous other characters from other novels of the series. Woods masterfully handles the story with a page turner that concludes with a surprising ending. D.C. Dead is another great story of one of Wood’s most popular characters.


Robert B. Parker’s Killing The Blues
Michael Brandman

Publisher: Berkley c/o Penguin Group USA
ISBN-13: 9780425250457   |    $9.99    |    Buy Now

Killing the Blues is the first of the Jesse Stone series not written by Robert B. Parker. It doesn’t seem to matter though, because Michael Brandman continues the snappy witty dialogue that was a trademark of Parker. Parker and Brandman worked together on the TV movies starring Tom Selleck so it is obvious why he was chosen to continue the character of Jesse Stone. Through a series of events taking place in Paradise, Jesse learns that it might be someone from his past when he worked in California. Killing the Blues is a great addition to the series


Mr. Monk on Patrol
AUTHOR

Publisher: Obsidian c/o Penguin Group USA
ISBN-13: 9780451236647#   |    $7.99    |    Buy Now

Adrian Monk and Natalie are asked by Sharona, Monk’s former assistant to come to a small New Jersey city to Randy Disher, the police chief, through a crisis he is dealing with. Monk and Natalie drop what they are doing to help their old friends in Mr. Monk on Patrol. Goldberg unfolds the tale with laugh out loud situations that will have readers turning pages to know what happens next in the world of Adrian Monk. Mr. Monk on Patrol is another sure fire read for fans of this great series.


The Mammoth Book of SF Wars
Edited by Ian Watson & Ian Whates

Publisher: Running Press
ISBN-13: 9780762445929   |    $15.95    |    Buy Now

Authors of Science Fiction tackle the subject of war in many different ways in the collection The Mammoth Book of SF Wars. This one of the few times that author Mike Resnick is in the same anthology as his daughter Laura that makes it very special. The editors have gathered many older writers with other present ones to present so many different views of the future involving war. Time Piece by Joe Haldeman is a shorter version of his novel The Forever War. Arena by Fredrick Brown which many Star Trek fans know as the episode of the same name is the original short story that it came from. Also Laura Resnick’s Peacekeeping Mission is a satirical look at a war the United States has with Canada because of a comment made by a governor of one of U.S. states about the leader of Canada. The Mammoth Book of SF Wars is a great set of stories together for the first time.


Not Young, Still Restless
Jeanne Cooper, with Lindsay Harrison

Publisher: It Books c/o HarperCollins
ISBN-13: 9780062117748   |    $25.99    |    Buy Now

Jeanne Cooper tells all in her autobiography Not Young Still Restless. She details her many acting jobs in her long career as an actor, others she worked with among them Maureen O’Hara, Raymond Burr, David Jansen, Robert Taylor, Tony Curtis and Shelly Winters. Later she reveals how she landed the role of Katherine Chancellor on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless. Her many behind the scenes tales about. William J. Bell to working with her many co-stars are interesting and fun to read. Fans of The Young and The Restless should not miss this great behind the scenes expose by one of the longest running members of the cast.


This Time Together Laughter and Reflection
Carol Burnett

Publisher: Harmony Books c/o Random House
ISBN-13: 978307461186   |    $25.00    |    Buy Now

Carol Burnett tells many great stories about her life and profession in This Time Together Laughter and Reflection. Some of the things she reveals are how an Alfred Hitchcock movie affected her job, early days in New York, the Garry Moore variety show and how it changed her life, working with Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and Vicki Lawrence, her love of the soap All My Children and that she got to be on it. She also tells about the many other people she has had an opportunity to work with through the years and the effect of her fans on her life. This Time Together Laughter and Reflection is a fast paced read that will be sure to delight anyone who has enjoyed and wants to know more about Carol Burnett.


If That Car Could Talk How to Locate and Maintain a Good Used Car
Joe Boulay

Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc
ISBN-13: 9781432786168   |    $14.95    |    Buy Now

Buying a new or used car has never been an easy task but nowadays it is even more difficult because there are so many factors to take into consideration. If That Car Could Talk How to Locate and Maintain a Good Used Car really applies to both when buying a new or used automobile. Written by a mechanic it takes readers through the entire process of buying and maintaining a vehicle. Boulay lets readers know things to be aware of when purchasing a car. Some of the things he goes into are how to finance the buy, checking to see under the hood and what to look for, things to know to find the right vehicle, and lots of other things are revealed by this expert in the field to help to not get taken. If That Car Could Talk How to Locate and Maintain a Good Used Car is a great and useful resource to help ease the stress involved in this kind of purchase.


Faceplant Chronicles of Facebook’s True Tales & Epic Fails
Richard N. Shapiro

Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc
ISBN-13: 9781432797003   |    $8.95    |    Buy Now

I am no fan of Facebook, Twitter, or any of the other online services like them. Faceplant Chronicles of Facebook’s True Tales & Epic Fails has lots of reasons that reinforce my explanation for feeling the way I do. Shapiro shows many conversations that have taken place on Facebook, then comments on why they should not have ever been posted. Some of the posts are from a couple of thieves who boldly reveal what they stole and where. Later police easily catch them and put them in jail, people who cheat on their mates then are surprised when they get caught, are just some of the dumb things that have appeared on Facebook. Though written as humor Faceplant Chronicles of Facebook’s True Tales & Epic Fails is a very good warning of why people should be very careful what they post on Facebook.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

Popped Off
Jeffrey Allen

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp   |    ISBN-13: 9780758266903   |    Buy Now

The Stay at Home Dad series began with Stay at Home Dead and continues with Popped Off. This time stay at home dad and amateur detective Deuce Winters must solve the case of the mysterious disappearance of the King of Soccer Moises Huber, the president of the Rose Petal Youth Soccer Association. Many of the characters from the first novel are back as well as some new ones that are just as charming. The story races along with many fun twists and turns to its final laugh out loud conclusion. Popped Off is a Donald E. Westlake type of mystery novel that is fun reading.


Zoo
James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Publisher: Little Brown and Company (Hatchet Book Group)   |    ISBN-13: 9780316097444   |    Buy Now

Zoo is another great read by these two authors. Something has happened around the world. Many different types of animals are attacking humans. Jackson Oz, a biologist considered a crackpot, has a theory that many do not believe. He has to convince the world that his hypothesis is coming true and that they must find a way to stop it from continuing. Zoo is a Michael Crichton type of novel in the fold of Jurassic Park but much more believable, because the animals are not extinct. The novel races along with a final ending that is realistic and logical. Zoo is a total departure from the usual mystery novels these two authors are known for and is a frightening look at how technology has gone wrong


Robert B. Parker’s Fool Me Twice
Michael Brandman

Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)   |    ISBN-13: 9780399159497   |    Buy Now

Jesse Stone is back in another great story with Fool Me Twice. Michael Brandman was a logical perfect choice to continue the novels of Jesse Stone because he as screenwriter for the TV movies, worked with Robert B. Parker. Brandman has the feel of the Parker writing with the snappy dialogue and the tense situations in Paradise, Massachusetts that made them so much fun to read. This time out Jesse has to deal with a spoiled rotten rich kid and her parents, a movie crew to begin filming in Paradise, and the murder of one of the stars of the film. As the plot unfolds Jesse has his hands full but nothing fazes him as he tackles all of the situations. Fool Me Twice although not written by Parker, is a great addition to the series that continues to be so much fun to read.


Severe Clear
Stuart Woods

Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)   |    ISBN-13: 9780399159848   |    Buy Now

Woods is back with another great Stone Barrington novel in Severe Clear. The Arrington Hotel is set to open and Stone and a slew of characters are to attend the ceremonies. There also are some terrorists who are going to try to make a statement bigger than September 11th. The novel races along with many interesting characters situations and plot twists to its final enjoyable ending. Severe Clear is a nice addition to the Barrington series.


Cast into Doubt
Patricia MacDonald

Publisher: World Wide Library   |    ISBN-13: 9780727879516   |    Buy Now

For a while I wondered what happened to Patricia MacDonald because I had not seen anything new until Cast into Doubt. Shelby Sloan’s world is out of whack when she learns that her daughter Chloe disappeared from a cruise ship. Shelby cannot believe the explanations given by the police and Chloe’s husband on the vanishing of Chloe. omething to Shelby does not seem right. She delves into the circumstances and begins to learn not everything is as it seems. MacDonald has crafted a complicated tale that races along to its final satisfying conclusion. It’s great to see MacDonald back with another great chilling novel. Cast into Doubt is a suspenseful story that is a page turner


Death of a Neighborhood Witch
Laura Levine

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp   |    ISBN-13: 9780758238498   |    Buy Now

I had never read anything by Laura Levine but Death of a Neighborhood Witch makes me want to read other things by her in the future. Jane Austen has a problem with Crypetssa Muldoon a down and out B horror movie actress who lives like a witch in Austen’s neighborhood. Crypetssa hates Austen and gives her fits about everything. Later Crypetssa is found murdered and the police have only one logical suspect. Austen has a short time to expose the killer before she is charged with the crime. Levine has written a laugh out loud mystery that races along with interesting characters and funny situations. Levine also fills the story with e mails fro Austen’s parents that are a separate story and are very funny. Death of a Neighborhood Witch is perfect reading for the Halloween season.


Mr. Monk on the Couch
Lee Goldberg

Publisher: Signet   |    ISBN-13: 9780451235336   |    Buy Now

Mr. Monk on the Couch is another great tale of Adrian Monk the obsessive compulsive detective. This time Adrian Monk solves several cases while Natalie Teeger enlists the aid of Adrian’s agoraphobic brother to solve a case on her own because Adrian is too busy with a case that involves a couch. Goldberg once again has a firm handle on the characters and takes readers along a fun filled Monk adventure that finishes up with a very satisfying conclusion. The Monk novels like the TV series are fun filled laugh out loud mysteries that are such a delight to read. Mr. Monk on the Couch is sure to please fans of the Monk series.


The Skinvestigator Sunburn
Terry Cronin

Publisher: 3 Boys Productions   |    ISBN-13: 9780983766711   |    Buy Now

The third installment of this series The Skinvestigator Sunburn takes off with a stunning beginning and races along to an exciting conclusion that ends The Sunshine State Trilogy. Once again author Terry Cronin introduces medical factual material into the fictional world of Dr. Harry Poe and makes it very interesting. I love the cover artwork that is a perfect parody of the Coppertone advertisement that adds to the enjoyment of this novel. The Skinvestigator novels have been enjoyable mystery fare by a very talented writer.


The Puppet’s Secret
Alex Samms

Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc.   |    ISBN-13: 9781432790349   |    Buy Now

Normally I do not like novels that tell, not show, what is happening but there is something about The Puppet’s Secret that held my interest all the way through. Though very short the author has written a very disturbing tale of a women’s obsession with a man she briefly encounters. She is so fixated with this person that she is willing to give up her husband and family. The reader is taken along on a very chilling journey that concludes with a very satisfying ending. The Puppet’s Secret is a page turner for great summer reading.


A Giant Pencil
Connor S. Wilson   |   Illustrations & Cover Art by Alyssa Machette

Publisher: Magic Dreams Publishing   |    ISBN-13: 9781937148126   |    Buy Now

A Giant Pencil is the story of Billy who hates his life because he feels he is being picked on by everyone he knows. He finds a magic pencil that changes his life. He thinks it is a great thing what the pencil can do, but he learns that it is really worse. So maybe just one more time he can do something more positive with it. What is unique about the author is that Connor Wilson began the story when he was 8 years old and finished writing it when he turned 9. The writing is very polished and is a fun children’s book written by a kid. A Giant Pencil has a message to everyone that you should always value what you have before you lose it.


Fluffy’s Guardian Angel
Donald Bussel

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation   |    ISBN-13: 9781436315241   |    Buy Now

Fluffy, a female dog tells the story how she got separated from her owners and the many different characters she meets along the way to get home in Fluffy’s Guardian Angel. Children will enjoy Fluffy’s Guardian Angel for the artwork but there are many lessons that can be learned from the story of the dog who struggles to get back home.


The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude
Lisa Ryan

Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc.   |    ISBN-13: 9781432790554   |    Buy Now

Finally there is a book about the importance of saying thank you. The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude is a ground breaking work that talks about the importance of gratitude. It is one of the simplest things but so many people never do it. Examples are for the service you have by a server in a restaurant and how most people do not take the time to tell managers how good the service was. Or companies that do not understand how important it is for workers to be thanked for the hard work they do. Lisa Ryan shows how the simple act of a compliment can affect business more positively. She also takes it to the level of people dealing with others and how we need to be more complimentary to each other. The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude is for the politically correct generation who need to read this book and go back to a more straightforward set of values.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Book Reviews by Gary Roen


Stop the Bully It Starts With You 
By Rodney Robertson


“It is estimated that 175,000 children miss school everyday due to the fear of being teased, attacked, and publicly humiliated,from the introduction of Stop the Bully It Starts With You. Robertson has written a timely work that teaches kids they no longer have to be the victim of a bully. Bullying has always been around, but only now has it reached the degree to be classified as an epidemic.  It has also become a major cause for kids to commit suicide or resort to violence to solve the problem. Robertson who teaches martial arts, instructs on how everyone can turn it around and take away the bully's power over them without resorting to a physical or violent solution. Divided into three sections the first is how animals handle situations then there are 15 facts and the last portion introduces 10 habits anyone can adopt to ward off a bully.  There are also several different personal stories by adults who were bullied as kids and how they dealt with it.   The principles the author proposals are sound, logical and simple and I wish there had been a book like this when I was growing up to stop the cycle of the bully many of us have had to endure. Stop the Bully It Starts With You is a book that every school in the nation should use to stop this growing menace. 


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Jilli That’s Silly: A Story About Being a Girl

Written by Christa Carpenter
Illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams
Jillian Wallaby is a 7 year old girl who does lots of silly things that make the book pleasurable to see how juvenile she can be while her mom tries to understand her daughter.  Mark Wayne Adams artwork adds to the story, especially when Jilli’s mom is brushing her hair.  Jilli makes faces into the mirror.  This is one example of how Adams’ artwork complements the story.  “Jilli, That’s Silly!” has several positive messages to kids and parents as well, that make the book fun to read. 


 

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That Pet Finder Kid Catnapped

By Scott Clements
From sports to music, 13-year old Chet Parker fails at anything he ever attempts to do.  He also does not fit in with other kids at school.  That’s why he is more into animals because they love you no matter what you do, he thinks.  When he takes his dog to the vet something happens and he gets the shot meant for his dog.   A short time later he is aware that he can sense what animals around him are thinking and his sense of smell is increased.  He learns that Heather, a fellow student, lets him know her cat Mr. Fluff Fluff is gone, and she thinks he has run away.  Chet aids her and realizes that for some reason someone has stolen her cat.  Later there is a ransom note and now Chet has a purpose, that being who took her cat.  Chet also becomes friends with a new neighbor and a severely overweight kid named “Ton” who has the reputation of eating kids he does not like.   Scott Clements who works on the hit USA network series “Burn Notice” is also a very talented writer of YA novels this being one of them.  Chet and all the characters in the novel are well defined in a story that rapidly moves along to the revealing ending where readers find out who stole the cat.  That Pet Finder Kid Catnapped is a first class YA mystery novel that would make a great series of adventures for amateur detective Chet Parker.



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Niki and Nick Are Great Friends to Pick
By Marina
There are several things I liked abut Nikki and Nick Are Great Friends to Pick.  Among them are the fact that the author did all of the artwork, the bold colors add a dimension of fun to the story and that it is told by the narrator  Mr.  Wolfgang Spinsilk, the spider.  The problem I found was there are several different writings on the pages that do not seem to have the same focus.  One example is, one of the character’s room at home is a mess then there is an explanation for the origins of manners.  I do not see how the two are related. The author does this throughout the work.   I also do not know what age group this is for, even though it says for ages 6 and up.  I guess I am not in the age group that fits to understand Nikki and Nick Are Great Friends to Pick.
  

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Sounds of a Coo

By Kelly Lambert
What do babies think of their parents and those around them?  Kelly Lambert in her book Sounds of a Coo shows what babies are thinking about many different subjects, and makes this kid’s book lots of fun.   From learning about their hands to mommy and daddy we learn how different babies feel and there are many surprises.  Sounds of a Coo tries to clear up many of the mysteries about babies and does it very well. 

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Sometimes I am Scared of Zombies
Written by Bob Fox
Illustrated by Brandon Peter and Melissa Schneider
Superfox Entertainment Group
Horror writer Rob Fox goes in a very different direction with the kid’s book Sometimes I am Scared of Zombies.  With the art work by Brandon Peter and Melissa Schneider, the three combined talents come together to show how you should not be afraid of zombies because they are not real, and the book teaches kids to face their fears instead of being afraid or running away from them. 


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Bubs the Bumble Bee and The Spider’s Web

By Joyce Graham Fogwill
  
The author, who is a retired science teacher uses the character of Bubs the Bumblebee and pictures of real bumblebees and spiders to teach kids about these two facets of nature.  Bubs is flying around and spies some spider webs and steers clear because he knows if he is caught that will be the end of Bubs.  The story is simple but teaches a lot about the two creatures and how they are not really compatible with each other.  Bubs the Bumble bee and The Spider’s Web is a very effective way for children 6 to 10 to learn more about some of the things around them instead of having to study from a very dry textbook. 



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The Hummingbird Garden

Written by Evelyn Schawarrz
Illustrations by Kitty Quinn
Outskirts Press Inc.
Alexis Johnson and her family move into a new home and meet the neighbors their neighbors the Fletchers.  Alexis and Tyler Fletcher get along until Alexis and her family plant some flowers in their new back yard.  She wants to have the hummingbirds that were at the Fletcher’s also come to their yard.  At first Tyler is not very happy until something happens and then he realizes there is enough to go around for everyone.  The Hummingbird Garden is another great kid’s book that any age can read and enjoy, while it has so many positive messages, among them the importance of sharing. 


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The Ultimate Guide to the Harry Potter Fandom
By E.A Pyne
For anyone who wants to know more about the world of Harry Potter there is The Ultimate Guide to The Harry Potter Fandom.  The author takes the reader on a tour of the Harry Potter universe including all of the books and movies and many other things not really known before.  I especially liked where the author went into so much detail to reveal what is the real meaning of fandom and how it applies to Harry Potter.  Not authorized by J. K. Rawlings, The Ultimate Guide to The Harry Potter Fandom should be an added to anyone’s library of books about Harry Potter. 


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Grunge Bob Camo Pants Zombie Hunter Official Website
Created & Written by Robert Cordray
Illustrated by David Naughton-Shires
Grunge Bob Camo Pants Zombie Hunter is an educational excursion into the world of zombies by a kid who hunts them down to protect humanity.  The author and illustrator have done a great job of telling the story with prose and artwork that make this kid’s book a fun story and the ending is entertaining.  Grunge Bob Camo Pants Zombie Hunter will have readers of all ages cheering on Grunge Bob for more adventures.  


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The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest: The Banana Tree
By Maggie van Galen
Illustrated by Joanna Lundeen
 
Keeno is a mischievous monkey who gets into trouble and drags his friend Ernest an elephant along when Keeno does not heed both sets of parents warning not to cross the river.  Ernest has to find a way to rescue Keeno and not let their parents know what they have done.  The Adventures of Keeno and Ernest: The Banana Tree has many good lessons for kid’s to learn among them what happens when you do not listen to your parents and the importance of friendship.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Book Reviews By Gary Roen


15 Seconds
Andrew Gross
William Morrow
10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022
9780061655975, $25.99 www.amazon.com

In “15 Seconds” Henry Steadman is pulled over for a minor traffic offense as he is driving from the airport to his hotel in Jacksonville Florida.  As he is dealing with the officer someone comes and shoots the officer dead and leaves in a matter of seconds.  Steadman tries to give chase but the vehicle gets away.  In the meantime Steadman is the prime suspect in the murder of the officer.  So begins the tightly written novel of suspense that builds until the final revealing ending.  Gross once again takes the reader along a roller coaster ride of thrilling situations with interesting characters and he shows why he is one of the best in the genre.  “15 Seconds” is a nail biting page turner that would make a great movie. 


I Michael Bennett
James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge 
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9780316097468, $27.99 www.amazon.com

As “I Michael Bennett” opens he is on vacation with his family and housekeeper.  The leisure time is cut short as he is called back into service.  He and a team of cops have a chance to arrest a major drug kingpin who is in New York for the graduation of his daughter from law school.  But the arrest goes bad, he gets away.  He also puts out a hit contract on Bennett and his family.  Ledwidge and Patterson thrill readers once again with a tightly drawn novel that races along to its final blow away ending.  “I Michael Bennett” is the best in the series so far that will have readers racing along to the final page wondering what’s next for Michael Bennett and his family


Unnatural Acts
Stuart Woods
Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780399158865, $26.95, www, amazon.com

When the real restaurant Elaine’s closed, I wondered what Stuart Woods would do with his Stone Barrington series because so many of the stories take place there.  In “Unnatural Acts” he opens with a final closing night for the establishment.  Now the question is where do Stone and company go for their meals?  So begins another chapter in the Stone Barrington legacy.  Woods has filled the work with many interesting characters, complicated conflicts and a rapid pace that moves the tale along to the end.  “Unnatural Acts” is an enjoyable addition to the world of Stone Barrington.


Guilty Wives
James Patterson and David Ellis
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9780316097567, $27.99 www.amazon.com

I was disappointed in “Guilty Wives” because the events in the story unfold so slowly.  The premise is a very good one in which four female best friends are on vacation in Europe.  While together they are accused and tried of a major crime.  So far so good, but the novel takes a nose dive and is boring the rest of the way.  I was surprised at the sluggish pacing of the story “Guilty Wives” is a ho hum novel at best. 
  

Son of Stone
Stuart Woods
Signet
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780451236357, $9.99, www, amazon.com

Just when I thought the Stone Barrington series was looking run down Woods has added new life with “Son of Stone.” Stone finds out Peter is his son and Arrington. his mother wants them to get to know each other.  Peter comes to stay with Stone while Arrington builds a house in Virginia. Woods masterfully tells the story with events that unfold at a very suspenseful pace.  Stuart Woods and Stone Barrington are better than ever in “Son of Stone.”


Middle School Get Me Out of Here
James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9780316206716, $16.99 www.amazon.com

“Middle School Get Me Out of Here” opens with Rafe enrolling in a new school while  his family has to move because his mother’s job has come to an end.  Now he has to deal with all the problems a person has being the new student.  Patterson and Tebbetts unfold the story with amusing situations and a rapid pace to a surprising ending.  “Middle Schools Get Me Out of Here”  is another great Patterson novel that all ages can enjoy. 


The Donors
Jeffrey Wilson
JournalStone
199 State Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
9781936564460, $16.95, www.amazon.com

Don’t be fooled by the amateurish looking cover.  Jeffrey Wilson’s “The Donors” is a very professionally written tale of nail biting chilling horror. Demons are attacking patients at a hospital.  Only a small boy named Nathan and his doctor Jason Gelman can save them from the terrifying menace. Wilson begins the story with the admittance of Nathan for a broken bone in his arm and major burns.  He was abused by his mother’s boyfriend Steve who didn’t like that Nathan spilled Spaghetti-Os on the floor of their kitchen.  Something strange happens to Nathan and the only person who believes him is Dr. Jason Gelman.  “The Donors” is sure to please any reader who is looking for a memorable yarn of horror.   


Going Organic Can Kill You
Staci McLaughlin
Kensington Publishing Corp
119 West 40th Street, New York, NY  10018
9780758275004, $7.99, www.amazon.com

“Going Organic Can Kill You” is a fun opening novel in a new mystery series.   O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa has just opened its doors for business when a guest is murdered.  Dana Lewis, head of PR for the complex, becomes an amateur sleuth on the trail of the killer.  McLaughlin fills the story with entertaining characters and some laugh out loud situations that move the story along at a very nice pace to the very end.  Fans of organic foods may not like the title but that’s too bad because “Going Organic Can Kill You” is good mystery fare for any fan of the genre. 


Edge of Midnight
Leslie Tentler
Mira
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9
970778313137, $7.99 www.amazon.com

“Edge of Midnight” begins when a reporter for a local paper in Jacksonville Florida is found on the beach in her car, disoriented and bloody.  She has no clue why she is there.  Leslie Tentler takes readers on a wild ride of suspense in the Florida city until the shattering conclusion.   “Edge of Midnight” is the type of novel readers have come to expect for page turning suspense


The Streets of San Francisco A Quinn Martin TV Series
James Rosin
The Autumn Road Company, Philadelphia PA
9781450790109, $21.95, www, amazon.com, www.classictvseriesbooks.com

“The Streets of San Francisco A Quinn Martin TV Series” is another great look at an older TV show that reveals many here to for unknown facts about the show.  Rosin reveals many things about the series like how Karl Malden and Michael Douglas were chosen to play their roles, how it came to television, guest stars, episode guides and interviews with many of the people involved with the making of many of the episodes and how and why Richard Hatch replaced Michael Douglas.  With the recent release on DVD of “Streets,” “The Streets of San Francisco A Quinn Martin TV Series” is for anyone who wants to know more of the behind the scenes information that will make watching it even more enjoyable. 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Book Reviews By Gary Roen


It Worked For Me In Life and Leadership
Colin Powell with Tony Koltz
Harper
10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022
9780062135124, $27.99 www.amazon.comwww.harpercollins.com

“It Worked For Me In Life and Leadership” is a wonderful upbeat set of tips General Colin Powell has used to guide him through his life that he now passes on to readers.  He has 13 principals he discusses and tells about some of the people who have influenced him along the way.  He is very modest about himself and relates stories about his years of public service that are interesting also very revealing about many of the historical event he has been fortunate to be a part of.   Powell has always been an officer and a gentleman and “It Worked for Me In Life and Leadership” shows why


 Naked City The Television Series
James Rosin
The Autumn Road Company, Philadelphia PA
9780425246061, $19.95, www, amazon.com, www.classictvseriesbooks.com

“Naked City the Television Series” tells about the name of the show and how it changed the industry of television and how “Naked City” was different from others of the time,  how the show evolved.  There are episode guides for each season.  These are just a few of the things covered in this edition of Rosin’s expose of the groundbreaking series.  Recently Rosin has come out with revised editions of Wagon Train, Adventures in Paradise, The Invaders, and a new expanded and updated version of Naked City is due out in a few weeks. .Regardless of the edition Rosin has always made it fun to read about other shows and “Naked City” is another great look back at a very different era of television. 


God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked
Darrell Hammond
Harper
10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022
9780062064554, $25.99 www.amazon.comwww.harpercollins.com

I was surprised how much Hammond is willing to tell about his drug use in his autobiography “God, If You’re Not Up There I’m F*cked.”  He reveals that on his way up the ladder of stardom he became addicted to drugs very early and he gives his perception of why he thinks he has been an addict for so long.  Also he tells about his days on “Saturday Night Live” and reveals many unknown secrets about the show.  Some may find the title offensive but his message in “God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked’ is clear about how weak someone can be to any kind of addiction. 


Hoist Up Your Muffin Top and Show Me Your New Belt
Terry Ayrault
Outskirts Press Inc
Denver, Colorado
9781432788018, $12.95, www.amazon.com www.outskirtspress.com

I do not know why movies and authors insist on filling works with so much toilet humor.  “Hoist up Your Muffin Top and Show Me Your New Belt” has more than its fair share of what many will find in poor taste.  Many of the pieces are too plain, dull, and worthless tales.  “Hoist Up Your Muffin Top and Show Me Your New Belt” is not funny as it claims on the back of the book.  Instead it is a waste of paper for the hard copy and an abuse of space for the e book edition. 


Key Notes A Collection of Short Stories
William Hatfield
Privately Published
9781463691110, $7.00, www.amazon.com

“Key Notes” is filled with 7 excursions into different realms of dark and sinister warped worlds of horror fiction.  Two in particular are told in as few as 66 words making them that much more memorable.  For each story the author tells the influence that caused him to write that tale.  “Key Notes” is a quick read that gives readers a deeper appreciation for the short story genre.  


Die Laughing
Louis K. Lowy
IFWG Publishing inc
9780615518466, $12.99, www.amazon.com www.ifwgpublishing.com

“Die Laughing” is a very funny novel of science fiction that will have readers laughing out loud at the many jokes that come throughout the novel.  Aliens kidnap a two bit comedian to carry out their plan to rob the planet of some resources.  He is given the choice of stardom or saving the planet.  The author has filled the novel with interesting characters with a setting of the 1950’s that is filled with different portions of that era’s most famous stars and events.  Readers will enjoy “Die Laughing for its oddball characters and fast paced satiric look back at the 1950’s


The Necromancer’s Apprentice
R. M. Prioleau
Privately Published
9780615450462 $5.99 www.amazon.comwww.rmprioleaucom

With clearly defined characters and a very evenly paced story “The Necromancer’s Apprentice” is a memorable tale in the fantasy genre.  Jasmine Na’Darod life changes forever when she and her family are on a quest to save her mother’s life.  She becomes an unwilling participant with a strange man who will take her down a very different path toward a strange, dark, and sinister existence.  “The Necromancer’s Apprentice” is an easy to follow narrative that is a wonderful addition to the fantasy realm of fiction. 


Don Pendleton’s Mack Bolan Final Judgment
Gold Eagle
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9,

“Final Judgment” opens with a Neo Nazi group taking over a courthouse with demands for their leader to be released.  Mack Bolan is called in to end the situation but it is more complicated than other missions because he has to be careful not to harm any civilians inside the courthouse while taking out the Neo Nazis.  “Final Judgment’ roars along with great action fans of the series crave. 


Tell Me A Story Stories From A Childhood In Old New York
Bea Gold
Outskirts Press Inc, Denver, Colorado
97814327778002, $38.95, www.amazon.com www.outskirtspress.com

“Tell Me A Story Stories From A Childhood In Old New York” brings to life what it was like to grow up in a Jewish home in New York in a different time from the present.  She talks about her family and where many members came from, different foods related to a Jewish upbringing, the importance of family and many other long lost traditions.  “Tell Me A Story Stories From A Childhood In Old New York” is a historical coffee table book with art and writings about Jewish culture that all ages of readers should cherish and enjoy.


Musika A Delightfully Harmonic Tale of the Origin of Music
By Albeto Herrera
Outskirts Press Inc, Denver, Colorado
9781432788070, $25.95, www.amazon.com www.outskirtspress.com

I don’t know how true the story in “Musika” is, but it is a fun tale that shows how music in a portion of the world began. The artwork, also by the author, is a bright happy addition that adds to the spirit of the book.  Both art and prose in “Musika” show the importance of birds and music in our society. 


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Book Reviews by Gary Roen


My Daddy is a Marine A History of the U. S. Marine Corps
Dennis Vebert
Stark Productions, Inc. 

Told through the eyes of children “My Daddy is a Marine” takes readers from the creation of the Marine Corps to the present war on terrorism.  Each story is of a conflict  in which the Corps has participated.  The author has an easy to follow style that makes it fun to read history.  Though written for kids “My Daddy is a Marine” is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Marine Corps.


11th Hour
James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA

“11th Hour” is another fast paced thriller in The Women’s Murder Club series.  This time Lindsay Boxer is pregnant and she has two different murder cases she is investigating.  One is a bunch of severed heads on a movie star’s property and the other is a series of killings that have one common thread.  Patterson and Paetro once again have a very tightly written thriller that races along to its final conclusion with great characters, conflicts, and page turning suspense.  “11th Hour” is a great addition to this series that gets better with each book. 


Robert B. Parker’s Lullaby
By Ace Atkins
Putnam

Spenser is back in “Robert B. Parker’s Lullaby” the first Spenser novel to not be written by Robert B. Parker.  The trick Ace Atkins had to pull off is how near to Parker’s style is this new one.  It is very close in several ways.  The characters of Spenser, Hawk, and Susan have for the most part the feel, as does the writing that is filled with the snappy witty dialogue that was a trademark of Parker and it moves along at a very brisk pace to the end.  Where it is a bit different is that too many of the characters swear,  to where it is so noticeable that it tends to detract from the story.  I can not remember Parkers use of those kind of words to fill the story. Fans of Spenser will enjoy “Robert B. Parker’s Lullaby” in spite of the bad language.   


The Accident
Linwood Barclay
Bantam

“The Accident” is another solid tale of suspense by a master of the genre.  Glen Garber cannot accept that his wife had a drinking problem and died in an accidental car crash.  As he begins to piece things together his whole life begins to turn upside down.  At the same time,  people he thought he knew are anything but what they seemed.  Barclay once again drives the story along with interesting characters and a fast paced thriller that has the readers rapidly turning pages.  “The Accident “ is a chilling tale of greed and how it can change a person’s life. 


Family Affair
Debbie Macomber
William Morrow

“Family Affair” is another great novel by Macomber that is a fast paced read with interesting characters and many different conflicts that are resolved by the end of the novel.  Lacey Lancaster has a cat named Cleo who is the gem of her life.  Lancaster has a neighbor named Jack Walker who is always arguing with a girl whom he wants to move in with him.    He also has a cat named Dog.  It is an interesting reason that brings them together and Lacey finds out that not everything is as it seems.  “Family Affair” is a short wonderful tale that will please Macomber fans. 


Lost and Found
Karen L. Syed
Echelon Press LLC

Allison Ryder is having a terrible day and it does not seem to be getting any better.  She is having problems with a neighbor and her work is not going too well either.  Things just seem to be getting worse and that’s just the beginning of the novel.  Syed has written a fun filled story that has interesting characters and a nice even pace that concludes with a very satisfying ending.  “Lost and Found” is good clean fun. 


Imperfect Justice Prosecuting Casey Anthony
Jeff Ashton with Lisa Pulitzer
William Morrow

There are lots of  reasons this case was lost by the state of Florida and readers will be able to see many of them in “Imperfect Justice Prosecuting Casey Anthony.”  Now Jeff Ashton one of the state attorneys who prosecuted this case,  reveals many of the things often suspected about this case that was a world wide event for over 3 years. Ashton who  was the chief prosecutor of the Carla Larson murder detailed in “Evidence of Murder,” had a winning record until he was brought into the Casey Anthony fiasco.   Ashton is quick to point out that he was not the lead prosecutor for this case and he gives many insights about it and some of the problems the state of Florida had  Some of the things that stand out are how the entire Anthony family lied to protect Casey, the many sides of Casey that were exposed, the request by the jury on day three of the trial and how it was so revealing to the final verdict. “Imperfect Justice Prosecuting Casey Anthony” shows why this case was a travesty of justice. 


The Collaborator Rules 101 Surefire Ways to Stay Friends With Your Co-Author
Sally Shields
Safflower Publishing Inc

I’m not a big fan of partnerships in writing because so many of the ones I’ve been in and that I’ve seen  end up so negative.  I have to say though if there is a formula to not have problems this is the best resource to guide the two writers to a happy working relationship.  Shields easily points out 101 surefire ways to avoid major problems.  The book is easy to follow and has a lot of simple things that people never think to do.  Class 101 Collaborator Rules is now in session. 


The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph
Loretta Faith Harris
Children’s Heart Publishing

“The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy Into Triumph”  is the remarkable account by the author after her major car accident and how she has turned her life around from that incident.  She begins the book the day of the crash that took the life of one of her passengers.  She reveals that doctors gave her very little chance to live through it with all the damage that had been done to her body.  It was a very slow process through many surgeries and rehab therapy. There are several things she shows that  helped her along the way.  Her belief in God, her prayers,  the love and support of her family proved to her that you can choose to make your life happy or bitter.  “The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph” is an inspirational story that shows that miracles do happen and that people can control many of the things that happen to them. 


Is She Naturally Thin or Disciplined? Insider Secrets of the Sexy and Slim!
Sally Shields
Blooming Twig Books

Sally Shields is back with a new slant to the subject of how women stay so thin.  “Is She Naturally Thin Or Disciplined? Insider Secrets of the Sexy and Slim” shows the techniques that women use to stay thin.  Shields divided the book into ages starting with women in their twenties to ones in their sixties.  There are many similar things all have in common.  Eating certain foods in moderation, regular exercise programs, dealing with stress better, more awareness of what is in food are just some of the things they talk about.  “Is She Naturally Thin or Disciplined? Insider Secrets of the Sexy and Slim” is an interesting look at how women of different ages and professions stay thin and physically fit this is a great resource for anyone to stay healthy.


The Lost Tail of the Hare or How the Bunny Lost His Tail
Dennis Vebert

“The Lost Tail of the Hare Or How the Bunny Lost His Tail” is a fun little story about how a rabbit lost a portion of his tail while trying to get away from a big bad wolf.  The characters are fun while the writing is very easy to follow with a very happy ending.  Vebert is a great story teller who is comfortable writing children’s stories or adult novels and the artwork by the author showcases another aspect of his talent.  “The Lost Tail of the Hare Or How the Bunny Lost His Tail” is a kid’s book that is excellent reading for all ages.