Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Something a little different...



The First of May
www.questarentertainment.com
www.themusebookshop.com
Approximately 111 Minutes


This movie is one of the finest family films ever made. At Film Festivals throughout the nation it has often been nominated as the best film of the festival. It has Julie Harris, Mickey Rooney, Joe Dimaggio, Charles Nelson Reilly and Dan Byrd to name a few. A few years ago HBO Family played it at such bad times as five am that it could not ever gain an audience. Now, for the first time “The First of May is finally on DVD and that’s a great thing.

The story revolves around its two main characters who have a lot in common. Cory (Dan Byrd} and Carlotta (Academy Award nominee Julie Harris). Cory is a foster child no one wants and Carlotta is an elderly woman in a retirement center who refuses to go along with their agenda. The two of them strike up a friendship and decide to leave and run away with a traveling circus. There are some very deep issues and conflicts that move this story along to its final enjoyable ending.

The First of May is filled with great acting, beautiful scenery, and a charming story that is based on the book “Golden Days” by Gail Radley. Filmed entirely on location in Deland Florida. Part of the fun is also seeing the different areas of that city such as parts of Stetson University and the main drag of Deland.

To purchase a copy check out the websites of Best Buy, Movie Stop, or FYE.

- Review by Gary Roen

Reviews by Gary Roen

Mirror of Opposition
T S Robinson
Xlibris Corporation
www.Xlibris.com


The fight scenes are believable and well done and his cover did draw me in to want to enter the fantasy realm of his novel, but that is all I can say positive about this novel. The author gives us no backround of his characters and I. as a reader had no clue as to the age of the adolescent boys studying to be ninjas. Good novels have several things that move the story along. Conflict of characters, characters you feel something for and interesting situations as well. This one has none of those things and his two other novels “Into the Dragons Maw” and “Battle Chasers” are written in the same manner. A novel has to have more than a cover and good fight scenes to please a reader.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Call Me Mrs. Miracle
Debbie Macomber
www.MIRABOOKS.com


This is a fun read just in time for the holidays. I haven’t read “Mrs. Miracle” the earlier book but you do not have to read it to enjoy this sequel. Jake Finley, son of the owner of the store Finley’s has a problem. He has to prove himself to his father. Jake purchased merchandise that his father is not to happy to have at their store. Sales are not really happening and Jakes father is not a supporter of Mrs. Miracle, who is working in the toy department. Holly Larson is having a bad Christmas. She wants the holiday to be good for her eight year old nephew Gabe because his father is away in the army in the Middle East and he won’t be home for Christmas. She also has a problem because Gabe has his sights set on a certain toy that she can’t really afford. The author tells her two stories and moves them along to a satisfying conclusion. Hallmark Channel will be showing a movie version of this wonderful tale during the holidays. Read the novel before you see the movie.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Reverence
Jeanie L. S. Galster illustrated by Xlibris Corporation
www.Xlibris.com


The book has a very fast pace and a very sinister dark perception but is lost with a an ending that was very hard to understand. The ending is the only negative thing I had with this novel.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Snowy Pea and the Ghost Crab
Kyle L. Miller Illustrated by Randon T. Eddy
Jungle House Publications
www.junglehousepubications.com junglehouspub@yahoo.com


I loved this kid’s book that is for all ages to enjoy. The author tells the story of Snowy Pea a Snowy Plover who has a problem. She has laid her eggs and is worried about some other animals and birds who will attempt to eat them. Some interesting characters come to aid her and protect her eggs. The writing is fun while educational for everyone. The artwork by Randon T. Eddy adds a depth to the work that makes it that much more fun to read. This is a very great team and I would love to see other collaborations by these two talented women.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Overkill
Joseph Teller
Mira
www.jaywalkercases.com www.MIRABOOKS.com


Harrison J Walker takes cases there is no way to win. At the beginning they are airtight. This one is that way. The accused Jeremy Estrada killed another boy after a fight. There is no way Jaywalker can dispute the facts. This is another page turner by a master of the legal thriller. The novel races along with interesting characters, great dialogue and fascinating conflicts. Anyone who likes Grisham should add Teller to their list of great legal thriller authors.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
Lisa Kleyrpas
St. Martin’s Press
www.stmartins.com


Here is another fine novel for the Christmas season. Holly a six year old girl lost her mother in a car accident. Her uncle Mark Nelson takes her in and tries to make a life for them. After the traumatic event Holly has not spoken and Mark is very concerned. He also has another problem. His girlfriend is not always there for him. There is also the character of Maggie Conroy, who believes she will never find anyone else after losing her husband of a year. The author provides enough conflict that moves the story along as well as interesting characters and a very satisfying ending. This is another great read for the Christmas season.

- Review by Gary Roen


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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume XXVI
Galaxy Press LLC
wwwgalaxypress.com


This is the longest running contest in Science Fiction. Over 25 years and still going strong. This compilation shows why the series continues to produce some of the newest talent in the genre. The number of authors and artists who have come through this competition is staggering. This is another great collection of new gifted writers.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Growing Up Laughing My Story and the Story of Funny
Marlo Thomas
Hyperion Books
www.HypoerionBooks.com


For the first time Marlo Thomas tells about growing up with so many comedians who were legends in the field of comedy. Her father Danny Thomas was one of them and she tells many wonderful stories about him and the many others her family knew. She also talks about the making of “That Girl,” and movies and TV shows she has been part of. The book is also a study of comedy where she interviews many of the current funny men and women. This is an enjoyable book that will have readers laughing out loud.

- Review by Gary Roen


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The Strangest of Strange Unsolved Mysteries Volume I
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Starscape


There fifty-two tales of things that have never been resolved. One of the most interesting is the one titled “Disaster at Sea” In it the author talks about a ship that is unsinkable that hits an iceberg on an April evening in the mid Atlantic Ocean. No, it is not the Titanic. It is a novel named Futility by Morgan Robertson and the name of the ship is Titan. This book was written in 1898. And a journalist named W. T Stead warned in the 1880s that ships did not carry enough lifeboats for the crews and passengers. This same writer was a passenger on the Titanic. That is just one of the interesting stories in this fascinating book.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Signing Their Lives Away The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed The Declaration of Independence
By Denise Kierman & Joseph D’Agnese
Quirk Books
www.quirkbooks.com


I was alerted to this book by a reader of my column and I thank that person for letting me know about this very interesting book about the men who wrote and signed the “Declaration of Independence” of this country. We learn there are 57 men who signed the document from all of the thirteen colonies. The writers tell all about every one of the men who helped form this great nation. They came from all walks of life and led very interesting lives. . It is pointed out also that George Washington was not the first president of this country. There were 10 other men who were also considered the president. This is the kind of thing you do not ever learn in school

- Review by Gary Roen


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Legends in the Kitchen Celebrity Recipes for a Cause
Compiled by Mrs. Howard Keel & Linda F. Radke
Foreword by Stefanie Powers
Five Star Publications Inc.
www.LegendsintheKitchen.com


I loved the many famous people’s recipes and the idea is a fun excursion into many different types of foods. My only complaint is that the ladies who compiled this book should have given the reader more details about the people and what they are known for.

- Review by Gary Roen


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The Strangest of Strange Unsolved Mysteries Volume 2
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Starscape
www.tor-forge.com


There are fifty-two tales of things that have never been resolved. Some of the most interesting stories in this second collection are about Jack the Ripper, D. B Cooper, The Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, and Agatha Christie. All are true things that are fascinating reading for all ages.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Adventures of Captain Tag
Art & Story by Don and Lisa Eppersom II
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com


I reviewed this one a while back and now see that this is a different version because of the PC version on the cover. I have to laugh that someone would find something to object about a kid’s book but someone must have because this one is a little different but the story is still the same and a lot of fun. Anyone who enjoys comic books or super hero stories will love this enjoyable first escapade of Captain Tag.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Night of the Living Trekkies
Kevin David Anderson and Sam Stall
Quirk Books
www.quirkbooks.com


I had a lot of fun reading this satire of the “Star Trek” universe. The authors who obviously are fans do a nice job of making fun of the many of the Trek characters. I love that the novel takes place at a convention called Gulf Con at the Botany Bay hotel. The authors also play with the popular Zombie genre as well and do it very well. This is a laugh out loud spoof that should be the first of a series.

- Review by Gary Roen


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The Student From Zombie Island Conquering the Rumor Monster
Written By Michael J. Moorehead Illustrated by Kathy Parks
Five Star Publications Inc.
www.ZombieIslandBooks.com.com


A new kid in school becomes the subject of many rumors. The author shows how a rumor starts and how it can take on new details that blow it out of proportion. The story moves along as readers see the many interesting facets that happen when people talk about other people. Adults in office situations should learn from this book because so often rumors are untrue. The author shows how damaging they can become.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Children Go Green Bus Trip To Little Stars Elementary
Monica Goldstein Illustrations by Bobbi Switzer
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


The author and illustrator teach children all about recycling and how important it is that they learn to do it. Told through the character of a can the author takes young readers through the process of recycling. This is a fun kid’s book that has a lot to say about saving the planet.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Umbrella Race
Gerry Thomas
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


The story is a delightful tale of what happens if an umbrella suddenly could talk. There are many interesting characters that come in contact with the talking umbrella

- Review by Gary Roen


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Be Afraid of a Dentist, Be Afraid
Tkuman Aeted
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


I’m sure the authors have a lot to say against the dental profession but its lost because its just too difficult to follow. Told in the first person the writing is hard to track because there are two people telling their portion of the story and it is difficult to tell which is the father or daughter talking. They should have hired someone to edit the work before they published it.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Rattlesnake Rules
Conrad J. Storad Illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen
Five Star Publications Inc.
www.RattlesnakeRules.com.com


This is a book to teach kids all about rattlesnakes. The author and artist reveal many facts about the creatures that kids should know. The writing is simple and the art adds to the pieces about these reptiles. There are also facts that are told at the end of the book for all ages to learn.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Home Invasion
William W Johnstone with J. A. Johnstone
Pinnacle Fiction Kensington Publishing Corp
www.kensingtonbooks.com


William W. Johnstone wrote in many genres some of them were westerns, men’s action adventure, and suspense. Its nice to see that Kensington is carrying on his books with his nephew J. A. Johnstone. Senior citizen Pete McNamara lives with his wife in the quiet Texas town of Home. It’s a place where people do not have to lock their doors at night but all of that is about to change when his home is broken into by two criminals. While defending himself and his wife he kills one the bandits and wounds the other but his wife is killed during the gunfire. The injured perpetrator hires a high priced attorney, sues McNamara and wins his case. The federal government is also watching this case and plays out a warped sense of justice by sending federal law enforcement people to confiscate firearms of all kinds from all of the citizens of Home, Texas. The question to ask here is how many ways has the town of Home been invaded? This is a fast paced novel with several very timely social issues.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Pill Hill Press Presents Dark Things II A Horror Anthology
Edited by Ty Schwamberger
Pill Hill Press
www.pillhillpress.com


There are twenty two stories of different types of horror that are chilling reading. Some of the best ones are Doll’s House, The Interview Nobody Wants, You’re Gonna Die, Cutting Class, and Doubt. What’s nice about this collection is that there are so many new voices in horror fiction that have not been heard from before this collection. Lets hope there are more to come.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Decision Points
George W. Bush
Crown
www.crownpublishing.com


The former president candidly talks about his personal life and his presidency. He also tells that yes he wrote this book because so many people feel he is incapable of writing much of anything. He also admits throughout the book his mistakes and what he might have done better. What readers come away with is that he failed to act when he could have and when he did it was too little too late and that he was not really ever in control during a crisis. He makes the mistake also of comparing himself to other presidents in similar situations. I was also struck that he told some family personal things that left me wondering why he even brought about it up in the first place.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Uplifting Murder
Elaine Viets
Obsidian Mystery
www.penguin.com


Josie Marcus does what a lot of people would like to. She is a mystery shopper. This time her assignment is a lingerie store, fun stuff until she encounters her former high school gym teacher who now works there. . Later Josie finds the teacher has been murdered and she becomes involved in solving the case. This is a fun mystery that also reveals a lot about mystery shoppers.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Back to the Moon
Travis S Taylor & Les Johnson
Baen Books
www.baen.com


The space race is on with the United States and China. Also in the picture is a private space company that is launching its own vehicle. The authors fill the work with believable realistic scientific data with fascinating characters and a tense situation when it is learned China has astronauts stuck on the moon. It is NASA’s job to find a way to get them home. They also realize they have to work with the private company. Time is short and there is too much at stake for them. The novel races along with page turning suspense until the very end.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Wagon Train The Television Series
James Rosin
The Autumn Road Company
www.classictvseriesbooks.com


The author once again delves into the world of another classic TV show. This time Rosin tells the John Ford movie that was the basis of the series. There are interviews with many of the stars of the show and episode guides for all eight seasons. Wagon Train like many of the older shows had many great guest stars who went on to bigger things. Rosin also provides information on many of them as well. No fan of western TV shows and movies should miss this one.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Ford County
John Grisham
Dell
www.jgrisham.com
www.bantamdell.com


Its been a while since I’ve read a Grisham book. This one returns to Ford County in which “A Time To Kill” took place. This is a great collection of 7 short stories that are easy to read and enjoy. Blood Drive set the tone of the collection. Several men want to help an injured worker by donating blood. On their trip to the hospital they are not sure which one their friend was taken to so they take their time and stop along the way for beer in a topless bar among other things Fish Files an attorney gets a phone call that changes his entire life, All of the stories are character driven and deal with Ford County itself.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Amazing Captain Tag Book No. 2
Art & Story by Don and Lisa Eppersom II
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com


Captain Tag and his red wagon are back in action in another great adventure. This time Captain Tag takes on a monstrous spider that is wreaking havoc on everyone. This is a great comic book character that is fun to read. I look forward to seeing more adventures of this new super hero.

- Review by Gary Roen



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One Simple Act Discovering the Power of Generosity
Debbie Macomber
Pocket Books
www.simonandSchuster.com


The author known for her excellent romance novels steps out of that genre with this fine non fiction work. It tells about when people are in need, there is someone always willing to aid someone they don’t even know. This work offsets the negative things we are constantly bombarded with everyday.

- Review by Gary Roen



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365 Reason Why Gettin Old Ain’t So Bad
Karen O’ Connor
Harvest House Publishers
www.harvesthousepublishers.com


This is a fun little book that shows that getting old is not so negative as many think it is. There are lots of positives that many do not even think about growing older.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Quincy ME. The Television Series
James Rosin
Bear Manor Media
www.bearmanormedia.com


This is another great book by Rosin that goes behind the scenes of the hit TV series. I was very impressed with how much input Jack Klugman had with the show. Most actors play their roles but have very little other involvement in the creative process. Rosin shows why Klugman was able to make the show work so well. There are episode guides, pictures galore, and lots of interesting things many of us never knew about the show.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Terminated
Simon Wood
Leisure Books
www.dorchesterpub.com

Stephen Tarbell gets a poor performance evaluation from his supervisor Gwen. Later after work he threatens her if she does not change it. Thus begins this great tense novel that races along with nail biting tension. This author is a master at taking a simple situation and making it suspenseful.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Tiger
Steve Helling
Da Capo Press
www.dacapopress.com


Helling delves into the Tiger Woods’ scandal and shows the real Tiger very few people really know. What emerges is that Tiger does what he wants and everyone is supposed to accept that. Helling shows the relationship of Tiger and his dad, his mother and Tiger’s incredible rise to fame. I was very interested in this book by someone who had been in the inner circle of Tiger’s press friends. The picture depicted is not very flattering and is sure to change people’s perception of the world famous golfer.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Red Moon
Chris Berman
Xpress Yourself Publishing LLC
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org


China has taken over the moon in the near future and will not work with Russia, Europe and the United States. The first female president of the United States enlists the aid of a former NASA astronaut to end the Chinese domination. A team is assembled to stop the Chinese from going any further. At every turn the plan has complications the team has only sixty days to launch their offensive. At every turn they run into complications created by the Chinese. The plan must not fail. The novel is a fast read with believable situations and characters. The story is a what if situation based on our present course to now go back to the moon in the next few years. “Red Moon” is a Ben Bova type of science fiction novel.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Grammar Rulz!
Erik Ortman
Maupin House
www.maupinhouse.com


People are killing the English language every day by not speaking it properly. The populace make mistakes in tenses and words that should be used and many of them are educated with college degrees. This book though written for kids has a lot that adults could learn properly. The book is easy to follow and has a lot of sound advice to help solve the problem.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Unplayable
Robert Lusetich
Atria
www.simonandSchuster.com


This is a book about Tiger Woods, the athlete. Even with the subtle things the author shows about him readers, will come away with a totally different perception of Tiger Woods. Lusetich talks about Woods and how he tells off color and sexually explicit jokes on the course, he is not a big tipper in restaurants and he is possibly involved in a sickening tasteless contest with other golfers. Lusetich does reveal that when police went to talk to Tiger after his accident, he was not even in the state of Florida. For anyone who likes Tiger Woods, I suggest they read this book and the others to decide if they still like him.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Baby Boomer Horror and Sci-Fi Movie Trivia Book
John Catapano
catj@mpinet.net


This is great trivia book that is all about the movies of science fiction and horror from the 1950’s and 1960’s. The questions and answers are fun reading and will keep readers on their toes about these great movies. Oddly enough there is even a section of James Bond. It relates because many of the stars have been in many horror and science fiction films. The book is interesting reading for trivia buffs.

- Review by Gary Roen



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I’ll Hold Your Hand So YouWon’t Fall a Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s disease
Rasheda Ali Foreword by Muhammad Ali
Merit Publishing
www.meritpublishing.com


Ali has written a book geared to kids that has a lot of information adults could use to learn about Parkinson’s disease. There are numerous questions and answers in easy to understand language. There is a wealth of information that everyone can use to comprehend Parkinson’s

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Art of Selling You Your Edge in Life for the Art of Living
Jeffrey J. Halperin Life coach and Professional Sales trainer
http://www.jeffreyjhalperin.com/index_jess.htm


There are lots of books about selling on the market but this one is very different because Halperin talks about how what you learn from selling can apply to your everyday life as well. One of the things he tells readers is that in order to sell you have to be a good listener. This is the first book to demonstrate that aspect. He also explains the importance of appearance and having confidence. The author has a lot to say in a clear and concise style that is very helpful for anyone any age.

- Review by Gary Roen


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Hero at Large
Janet Evanovich
Harper Fiction
www.harpercollins.com


Long before the Stephanie Plum capers, Evanovich wrote 12 short romance novels that quickly went out of print. Readers are fortunate that Harper Collins has re-published most of them. This is the first of them and it is a fun tale that is a quick read that will have readers laughing out loud. The dialogue is snappy and the story moves along briskly with characters that are delightful.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Reckless
Andrew Gross
William Morrow
www.harpercollins.com


Gross is back with another nail biting suspense thriller that begins with the brutal murder of a family. Ty Hauck the main character of several other novels by Gross is back this time it’s personal because he knew one of the victims. He conducts an investigation that reveals conspiracy and world financial collapse that has many players world wide. As always the writing is fast with many twists and turns. Gross is at the top of the list for this type of suspense novel.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Get Real
Donald E. Westlake
Grand Central
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com


John Dortmunder and the gang are back for one last outing and it is one of the funniest in the series of comic capers that the author is best known for. This time the gang is to do a heist for a reality TV show. The story gets complicated but is a laugh out loud tale that is fitting to be the last of these characters by the author who died a while ago.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Reflections of a Successful Wallflower
Andrea Michaels
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


I’m not sure what this book is about. I have no idea what the author does and very little knowledge of who she is. The writing is a hodge podge of things that have happened to her but there is nothing that ties anything together. Whether it is fiction or non fiction writers have to tell a story with a beginning middle and an ending. This title reinforces why self published works receive such negative attention.

- Review by Gary Roen



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All things at Once
Mika Brezinski
Weinstein Books
www.Weinsteinbooks.com


Many of us have seen her on “Morning Joe” on MSNBC but knew very little about her until now. Brezezinski talks about the industry of television news. She tells how being in a family of a famous person can help or hurt your career. She talks about her jobs at CBS as well as NBC. The book is interesting and shows many sides of this fascinating woman. Readers will appreciate the job she does on the air even more than before.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Green Hornet
Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson
OTR Publishing LLC
www.MartinGrams.com


This is the biggest best book about the character “The Green Hornet.” The authors trace the history from the radio show, movie serials, to the 1960s TV program. They reveal the many problems there were, and they also talk of the many stars who have played the role. With the interest in the new movie this book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to know more about the world of the character.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Passion’s Evidence
Barbara Fifield
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


This is a fine collection of poems by a very talented writer. There are several subjects the author tackles and she has an interesting perception on each one.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Route 66 the Television Series 1960- 1964
James Rosin
The Autumn Road Company
www.classictvseriesbooks.com


Rosin has written another fine behind the scenes title about a classic show that has recently made it to DVD. Fans of the show will love the interviews and things the author discloses about the series Seeing the episodes on DVD will be a pleasure and the book will add so much to that feeling.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Laugh Lines
Ben Bova
Baen Books
www.baen.com


Ben Bova shows science fiction does not always have to be so serious with this great collection. There are two novels about the entertainment industry and numerous shorter pieces that have one thing in common. They will all have you laughing out loud. Bova is one of the best writers in the field and this collection shows why.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Pork Chop
David Edminister
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


This is a children’s book that has a lot of good messages for kids to learn while reading a fun story of a pig who has interesting adventures. The author uses terms that are pig related like Porkland, Pygsylvania and Porter that will have readers laughing out loud. All kid’s books should be this much fun.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Conservative Comeback How to Win the Battle for the Soul of America
Todd Long
www.creationhouse.com


People like Long are amazing. He talks about less government and that conservatives stand for the American people. He blames Liberals for all the problems that have messed up the country. Then in the same breath he talks about how the Republican Congress of 2001 to 2006 and President George W. Bush were not true conservatives because they spent, spent, and spent. Let us not forget in their campaigns they all talked about less government and the same conservative values Long is expressing. Long makes arguments for us to listen to him and the Tea Party people that are not sound. He attacks Liberals and continually says the past few years of Republicans are not part of being a true conservative. Where has he been? After reading this book I have to ask, why do we want to give Long who is running for Congress and the Tea Party people another chance to screw things up even more?

- Review by Gary Roen



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Death in Daytime
Eileen Davidson
Signet
www.penguin.com


Davidson, who has starred on several daytime soap operas, is now a very good mystery writer with this first of a series of novels. Alexis Peterson finds she does not get along with Marcy Blanchard, the head writer for a soap opera she is currently starring in. Alexis thinks Blanchard is edging her character out of the show after she confronts her in a nasty fight in Blanchard’s office. Later Blanchard is found bludgeoned to death. Number one suspect is Alexis. She has to prove that she did not kill Blanchard. As the novel moves along Alexis becomes an amateur detective and she helps solve the case. This is a witty new entry into the mystery field. It is also nice that readers are treated to a behind the scenes look at the world of soap operas as well.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Raquel Beyond the Cleavage
Weinstein Books
www.Weinsteinbooks.com


Raquel Welch talks to women about everything from her being a sex star to becoming older and how to stay young looking. What’s interesting about the sex symbol image is that she never took off her clothes like other sex goddess. She tells women that they are the controller of their lives. She talks about staying fit and having a long life. This year she will be 70, and she still looks very good. This book has a lot of insightful tips for women to follow to have a better life.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Mr. Monk Is Cleaned Out
Lee Goldberg
Signet
www.penguin.com


Monk is out of work because the police department has made some drastic cuts. Now he and Natalie must find employment somewhere else. Goldberg has Monk upset over the fact that the company of bottled water he drinks goes out of business, and he works in a grocery store where he rearranges the store shelves. These are two of the elements that make this one of funniest Monk adventures ever. This one will have readers laughing out loud as they plow through the novel.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Private
James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com


Normally titles by these two authors are page turning suspenseful tales. I felt that this time that is not the case. The story is a slower pace and filled with too many characters and situations to keep track of. Also the main character is not memorable as in their other stories.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Smash Cut
Sandra Brown
Pocket Books
www.SimonandSchuster.com


Sandra Brown just keeps getting better. The opening has Paul Wheeler, a millionaire murdered on a hotel elevator. Someone wanted him bumped off but who? His mistress Julie Rutledge is one of the suspects. There are several others as well. Julie has to prove that she is not involved so she enlists the aid of attorney Derek Mitchell to help her find the killer. What they uncover is that someone hired the shooter to kill Wheeler. Now they have to find out where the trail leads. The story moves along to a satisfying ending. Brown is one of the best for suspense theilling novels.

- Review by Gary Roen



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RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van
Barb Rees
Dreams Inspirations Seminars
Powell River BC Canada Bailey’s Day
www.write2dream.com


This is the sequel to “RV Canada on a Dime and A Dream.” This time the trip starts where that book ended and ends in Powell River. The author has a series of adventures while she shows that you can travel economically. For those of us in the United States this is an educational resource about the country of Canada.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Twilight Zone
Martin Grams
OTR Publishing LLC
www.MartinGrams.com


There have been plenty of books about the show but never as detailed as this one.

The author refutes some of the other books and tells more things that until now have been unknown. There are episode guides that tell who directed, wrote, who starred in each, and synopsis of each show. The author, unlike others, also only talks about the original “Twilight Zone” and not the two other incarnations of “Twilight Zone.” This is the most complete title that no fan should miss.

- Review by Gary Roen



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What My Mother Never Told Me About Motherhood
Maria Caldarone
Tate Publishing
www.tatepublishing.ocm


This is a fun little book that has a lot to say on parenting that we take for granted. The author has delved into the subject and has a lot to say about the situation. The statements she has chosen are interesting and educational. This is one of those perfect for any occasion type of books.

- Review by Gary Roen



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5 Top Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Jim Sutton RPA-C and Sagar Nigwekar MD
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com


The two authors provide 5 questions for different type of medical conditions that patients should ask their doctors to have a better understanding of what they are facing. They have listed things everyone should know to ask in a simple straightforward manner. This is a valuable resource for anyone who has to go to a doctor.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Taxpayers’ Tea Party How to Become Politically Active and Why
By Sharon Cooper and Chuck Asay Introductions by Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh
Baen Books
www.baen.com


This is only the second time I have seen this company publish something that is not in the realm of science fiction or fantasy. The only other time I can recall is a book by Robert A Heinlein. This time this is an updated version that deals with today’s issues. I have to say after reading this that this is why so many of us are turning away from politics because the Tea Party people are not what they appear. They are rude, as evidenced by their behavior at a recent appearance by Rick Scott who is running for governor of the state of Florida. In this book like others the authors take off after liberals but forgets that their own conservative party politicians are to blame for our problems as well. This is another title to add to the list of reasons why people are so sick of politics and politicians.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Dial Emmy for Murder
Eileen Davidson
Signet
www.penguin.com


This second novel in the soap opera mystery series begins with a dead body that shows up at the Emmy Awards show in the middle of an award presentation. The story is a fun mystery set against the backdrop of the soap opera world. Alex Peterson is back, along with many interesting characters. She is once again paired with Detective Frank Jakes to solve the murder. As the tale unfolds, so does the relationship between the two as they are on the trail of the killer. There are several conflicts that make this another pleasurable read. This is a delightful series.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Postcard Killers
James Patterson and Liza Marklund
Little Brown and Company
Hatchette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com


After the book “Private” that was pretty slow and boring, I am happy to say this one is a great read and is a typical Patterson thrill ride. Detective Jacob Kanon of the NYPD is on a case that takes him to many different cities of Europe on the trail of a killer. This time it’s personal be3cause one of the first victims was his daughter. The novel is a tense roller coaster ride of suspense that will have readers turning the pages.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Santa Fe Edge
Stuart Woods
Putnam
www.penguin.com


I thought when I saw this book. Oh good, something other than a Stone Barrington and his numerous trips to Elaine’s. Well that’s about the only good thing I can say. I am tired of Barbara, Ed Eagles former wife who once again tried to have him killed. This, I think, is the third time she has attempted to get rid of her former husband. I am also worn-out with Teddy Fay who now seems to show up in many of Woods’ novels with no real purpose in the story. The pacing is pretty even but I am just bored because this one is a re-hash of other books he has written. I think it’s time to come up with some new characters and ideas.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Season of Risks
Susan Hubbard
Simon & Schuster
www.simonandSchuster.com


This third novel in Hubbard’s vampire series has a lot of conflicts going on that move the story along at a nice pace. The characters are very different from other genre fare because she depicts the people with real life situations and they are not monsters, as we are used to reading. One of the characters is running for president of the United States. He has to keep secret that he is a vampire. The work is filled with many things fans of the genre will not agree with, but she handles them so well with explanations of why things are the way they are so that the complaints are bogus. I like this series and want to see where the author goes next time.

- Review by Gary Roen



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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future the First 25 Years
With Kevin J. Anderson executive editor
Galaxy Press LLC
wwwgalaxypress.com


L. Ron Hubbard had an idea that is now over twenty five years old. The concept was to bring new writers into the field of science fiction. So he created “The Writers of the Future” contest. So far more than 700 novels and 3,000 short stories have been published by authors who participated in the contest. The list of writers is huge with so many different books published. This is a look back over the last twenty five years in pictures and prose that celebrated Hubbard’s crowning achievement. Readers will be astounded at how many writers have come through the program.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Next Incredible Dating Adventures
Angela LaTorre
Published by CHB Media
www.chbmediaonline.com


We’ve all had bad dating experiences. This is one lady’s adventures with being single. There are many memorable men she writes about. One in particular is the man who values his dogs more than the company of a good female. The pieces are interesting and many will make you laugh out loud. All are true stories of men she has dated for the last couple of years. Readers should take this book as a resource of red flags of the wrong type of person to have a relationship with.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Rules of the Lake
Stories by Irene Ziegler
Southern Methodist University Press
www.irenziegler.com


Before Disney, Florida was a very different place. These are stories that take place in that time era. I loved the other attractions the author writes about and she conveys the other Florida very well. Her characters are very interesting and appear to be very innocent. This is a book for anyone who would like to know what the state was like before Mickey Mouse and Disney.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Secrets of Paradise Bay
Devon Vaughn Archer
Urban Books LLC
www.urbanbooks.net


This author has written another great novel of romance that races along with well defined characters and many conflicts that drive the story along with a satisfying ending. Archer is also an author to read for budding authors to learn how to create detailed characters. This is the type of book you do not want to put down and are sad to see it end.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Their Last Suppers Legend of Time and Their Final Meals
Andrew Caldwell
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com


Ever wonder what the last meal someone famous had before they died? Author Andrew Caldwell reveals these things and more in an interesting book that is sure to be a first in a series. Some of the people he writes about are Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. There are also many recipes for the foods each person ate.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Poetry to Feed the Spirit a Contemporary Anthology
Poets of Central Florida
Published by CHB Media
www.chbmediaonline.com


There are many talented writers who have written scores of interesting poems. You do not have to be from Central Florida to enjoy these fascinating bits of poetry. There are many different styles and subjects. This is a great anthology to add to anyone’s poetry collection.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Jack & Walter the Films of Lemmon & Matthau
Ben Costello
Five Star Publications Inc.
www.JackandWalterBook.com


This is a fun filled book that deals with the movies the actors did together. The author tells about the film itself then how it came to be made, comments by critics, and cast and crew credits. Costello also talks about some of the movies that were never made and why. This is a great collection of the work by these two fine actors.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Don’t Blink
James Patterson & Howard Roughan
Little Brown and Company
Hatchette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com


Reporter Nick Daniels is having a real lousy day. All he wants to do is interview a legendary baseball player at a restaurant while having lunch. A killer comes and shoots the diner at the next table. Now Daniels is involved in the case because he accidentally retrieves a major piece of evidence. What he delves into involves the Mafia, Italians and Russians and a lot more. The story moves along at a fast pace to its final conclusion. This is the type of Patterson book readers love. This one is another nail biting suspenseful tale by this great writing team.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Diva Las Vegas
Eileen Davidson
Signet
www.penguin.com


The third novel in the series has amateur sleuth Alexis Peterson on a new case. This time murder strikes a Halloween party given by Hugh Hefner. Along with Alexis are many of the characters from the previous two tales. They are all light hearted reading that go behind the scenes of the Soap Opera world. The stories by this author are delightful mysteries that I hope continue for a long time.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Painted Ladies
Robert B. Parker
Putnam
www.penguin.com


I’m not sure if this is the last Parker but it is a great fast read of a Spenser novel. His trademark snappy dialogue races the novel along with great interplay between Spenser and Susan. What Spenser uncovers involves stolen paintings from WWII. The story is one of Parkers best books ever.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Passionate About Their Work 101 Celebrities, Artists, and Experts On Creativity
Leslie C. Halpern
Bear Manor Media
www.bearmanormedia.com, home.roadrunner.com/-lesliehalpern


151 celebrities, artists and experts on creativity talked to the author about taking risks, taking criticism, dealing with change, overcoming obstacles, the role of humor, and lots more. There are many well known people like Ernest Borgnine, Francis Ford Coppola, Dave Madden, Ed Asner, and others that are not as well known. They all have one thing in common. The comments are interesting and insightful and the book is a great resource for anyone starting into a profession.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Play Dead
Harlan Coben
Signet
www.penguin.com


I did not agree with the author’s statement in his note to the reader about if this is your first time reading one of his novels. This one is great from start to finish. For at least 15 years it has been out of print. Signet has republished it as is and it is a fantastic read for a first novel.

Laura Ayars, a supermodel marries Boston Celtic star David Baskin in Australia. While on their honeymoon in The Great Barrier Reef she decides to take care of some business arrangements. David tells her he will wait for her. When she returns to their hotel she finds her husband gone and a note that says LAURA BE BACK SOON, WENT FOR A SWIM IN THE OCEAN. I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT DAVID. This begins the bizarre set of events that concludes back in Boston. The novel has lots of twists and turns and great characters. I am now a fan of Coben and want to read more of his books.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Vampire’s Tomb Mystery
Dwight Christopher Kemper
Helm Publishing
www.publishersdrive.com


I love this novel that begins when a landlord is contacted by a woman concerned about one of his residents. He’s an old actor who once played a vampire character in the movies. It turns out he is dead. Now the question is, was he murdered? Or did he die a normal death? Along the way are many odd characters, and some real life people add to the mix of this fast paced mystery novel. Dwight Kemper has put the eerie fun back into the Vampire Legacy.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Adventures in Paradise The Television Series
James Rosin
The Autumn road Company
www.classictvseriesbooks.com


Here is another great book about an old TV show that tells all about it. There are episode guides, stories by some of the actors, writers, directors, and producers, and lots of pictures. The biographies of many of the people connected to the show are very interesting and reveal the many talented people who were part of the staff. It’s too bad the series has not found its way to DVD.

- Review by Gary Roen



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The Economical Guide to Self Publishing How to Produce and Market Your Book On a Budget
Linda F. Radke Forward By Dan Poynter
Five Star Publications Inc.
www.FiveStarPublications.com.com


I’ve read many of this type book but this one goes further than any other to teach authors things they need to know about the business of publishing. She deals with writing the book, getting it published, generating publicity, author appearances, using the media and lots more things. This is a valuable resource for anyone starting out in the publishing world.

- Review by Gary Roen



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Wine Service for Wait Staff and Wine Lovers
Rick Jelovsek
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

This is the perfect guide to learn everything there is to know about wine. The author shows when it is suitable to use a white or red wine. Though he is teaching servers the correct way to serve any type of wine and the right temperature anyone who wants to know the proper etiquette to serve any type of wine can learn from this book.

- Review by Gary Roen



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