Mr. Touchdown
By Lyda Phillips
Young Adult, new edition, Nov. 10, 2008
ISBN 9781605280295 ($13.95, paperback)
ISBN 9781440109768 ($23.95, hardcover)
www.lydaphillips.com
Reviewed by Susan Marya Baronof for The Midwest Book Review
Star athlete Eddie, his sister, Lakeesha, and two other "Negro" students, hand-picked to enter an all-white high school, are swept into the very heart of the civil rights movement in Memphis, 1965.
Chosen to integrate Forrest High by the NAACP – and his father -- we follow high school junior, Eddie Russell, as he encounters the viciousness of certain white students – the coldness of others – and grapples with the sheer unfairness of leaving his friends and teammates to come to this hostile and dangerous environment. But we also follow Eddie into his own heart, as he struggles to, in his father's words: "…look into the soul of your enemies and find in them something to love."
The richness of this wonderful book, however, doesn't arise simply from its depiction of Eddie and the other black students as they enter a strange new world; we also experience that world as old and familiar, through our other narrator -- popular, white, Forrest High cheerleader, Nancy Martin.
Nancy is smart and confident and just beginning to notice a few teeny, tiny fractures on the fault lines between her and her best friends. Her dreams are changing – expanding – catapulting her to New York and Paris, while theirs are still centered around getting married and settling down. But when it comes to the dreaded integration, Nancy hates the idea just as much as they do. At first, anyway. Because pretty soon, she can't ignore the indignities and humiliations meted out to Eddie and the others. And when the attacks become physical… That's got to be more wrong than integration… Doesn't it?
It's in the interplay of these two characters – solitary, stoical Eddie and impulsive, inquisitive Nancy, that the book becomes bigger and deeper and compellingly human.
Mr. Touchdown is a terrific read. Using vibrantly descriptive language, Lyda Phillips creates a living world of shop class and gym teachers, pep rallies and pompoms, and pulls us right into it. Middle-school students and even their older brothers and sisters will enjoy the breezy dialogue, fast-moving plot, and genuinely shocking twists and turns. Rooting her story of radical social change in the familiar routines of high school, the author gives us a book that never abandons its characters, and it succeeds as both social commentary and adolescent rite-of-passage.
It's also a warm and big-hearted book that honors each of its central characters, without robbing them of their flaws and rough spots. It celebrates the unimaginable courage of Eddie and, by extension, all the boys and girls who made history as they dragged an entire nation into becoming better than it was. And it also acknowledges the decency and grit of the Nancy Martins who witnessed that history, first-hand. And played their own small role in it. And grew up to write it down for the rest of us.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Writer's New Year Gift to Him or Herself--An Absolute Must
I am personally recommending this book from the pen and vast experience of Fran Silverman The reason, of course, that it will get you off to the new year with plenty of material for a killer book campaign. Click on the Amazon widget to take you directly to the sales page.
In this bleak economy, there is still one avenue that's free - being a guest on radio. Talk Radio Wants You - An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co 2009) provides all you need to know about each show before contacting a host - the theme, guest criteria, the host's opinion of the best and worst guests and what determines who gets invited back. Read more about it at http://www.talkradioadvocate.com
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Valerie Connelly Offers Book Promotion Secrets
Calling All Authors: How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open – Revealing Publishing Myths, Misconceptions & Realities for Published Authors & Writers Who Dream of Becoming Authors
By Valerie Connelly
Nightengale Press 2007
$19.95
Reviewed by Francine Silverman
The best publishing and marketing strategies of guests on Calling All Authors are contained in a book of the same name. Valerie Connelly, the author and radio host, transcribed nuggets from her show that address subjects relevant to authors, i.e., “I carry my books in the car all the time, because almost anywhere you go today, people are waiting, and I ask them if they’d like to have a book to read while they are waiting.”
As a writer, publisher and educator, Valerie includes her own experience and has mined the brains of such experts as writing coaches, book/web designers, and publicists who have appeared on her radio show. Having founded her publishing company, Nightengale Press, in 2003 and publisher of many first time authors, Valerie does what she set out to do – separate fact from fiction in the publishing game.
Although it would have been helpful to include an index - readers and librarians treasure them – the book has many illustrations, Q&A’s and fill-ins that add to the fun.
I find myself picking up the book whenever I run out of ideas – and always find a gem.
Calling All Authors: How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open – Revealing Publishing Myths, Misconceptions & Realities for Published Authors & Writers Who Dream of Becoming Authors (Nightengale Press 2007) is $19.95 and available from the publisher at http://www.nightengalepress.com
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The reviewer edits Book Promotion Newsletter. Find it at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
She is also the "Talk Radio Advocate," and author of Talk Radio Wants You - An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co. 2009).
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
By Valerie Connelly
Nightengale Press 2007
$19.95
Reviewed by Francine Silverman
The best publishing and marketing strategies of guests on Calling All Authors are contained in a book of the same name. Valerie Connelly, the author and radio host, transcribed nuggets from her show that address subjects relevant to authors, i.e., “I carry my books in the car all the time, because almost anywhere you go today, people are waiting, and I ask them if they’d like to have a book to read while they are waiting.”
As a writer, publisher and educator, Valerie includes her own experience and has mined the brains of such experts as writing coaches, book/web designers, and publicists who have appeared on her radio show. Having founded her publishing company, Nightengale Press, in 2003 and publisher of many first time authors, Valerie does what she set out to do – separate fact from fiction in the publishing game.
Although it would have been helpful to include an index - readers and librarians treasure them – the book has many illustrations, Q&A’s and fill-ins that add to the fun.
I find myself picking up the book whenever I run out of ideas – and always find a gem.
Calling All Authors: How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open – Revealing Publishing Myths, Misconceptions & Realities for Published Authors & Writers Who Dream of Becoming Authors (Nightengale Press 2007) is $19.95 and available from the publisher at http://www.nightengalepress.com
-------
The reviewer edits Book Promotion Newsletter. Find it at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
She is also the "Talk Radio Advocate," and author of Talk Radio Wants You - An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co. 2009).
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Title: VGL Male Seeks Same
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
BUY Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/VGLMale.html
Genre: GLBT romantic comedy
ISBN: 978-1-60272-430-3
Name of Reviewer: Emily Moore
Rating: Five Stars (out of five)
Reviewed by Emily Moore for Rainbow Reviews
Ethan has tried everything he can think of to find a significant other. He visited the bars where all the young, hip gay men were sure to be found only to be a wallflower and not interact with anyone. He moved to the heart of "Boystown" in Chicago to be surrounded by single gay men only to have the neighborhood gentrify and the gays move due north. He found a job as a publicist for free nights at the theater and to be surrounded by handsome actors but instead is isolated in his cube writing press releases and chatting up critics. As a result, Ethan is a single, 42 year old gay man trying to convince himself that the answer to the "riddle of how to escape a solitary existence" is out there waiting for him.
When Ethan overhears a conversation about a website that is for more than just "quick hook-ups", he thinks he has found his answer. After all, if it can work for the office receptionist, who Ethan secretly refers to as "Bubbles", it has to work for him. Right? Ethan creates a profile, pours himself into the answers, and finds a relatively decent photo only a few months old. He is totally and completely honest about himself. He's all set. There's only one problem. No one bites.
With his self-esteem taking yet another shot, Ethan decides to make a drastic move and start a bit of a social experiment. He replaces his photo with one found on the internet, a truly stunning man, and sits back and waits. And he watches the responses pour in, half of them telling him how gorgeous he is and the rest simply dirty propositions for sex, lots of sex. Not quite what he was looking for. But in the middle of all those messages is one that is very different. A message from Brian.
Brian is just what Ethan has been trying so hard to find. They have similar tastes, are looking for similar things from a relationship, and Brian is gorgeous. He is, in a word, perfect. But there is only one problem. Brian is messaging the "new" Ethan, the one that the "real" Ethan doesn't look anything like. As they start messaging back and forth, Ethan becomes more enamored with Brian and worries about what will happen when Brian discovers he is a liar.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a phenomenal story about the search for love and the one person we can connect with in every way. I absolutely adored the character of Ethan, his sharp witty humor and his emotions that are worn on his sleeve. As a person that has used internet dating, I connected with him immediately and Reed nailed the reactions and thoughts that come with such a unique way of meeting people.
Things of course are not as simple as they may seem for Ethan and, although I must admit that I guessed what was to come, it was truly a joy to read from beginning to end. The messages back and forth between Ethan and Brian are quite touching and make Ethan's angst over what to do about his deception that much more substantial. My heart was completely invested in Ethan's journey and I laughed and cried along with him. Overall this is a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is the second of Reed's stories that I have read and I am now officially a huge fan. As are many of his other stories, this is set in Chicago, my current hometown, and those familiar with the city will love the details throughout. It is obvious that Reed still loves the city. The humor throughout this story is exceptional yet doesn't disrupt the more serious themes. The ending is true perfection even if the last line is, "He really needed to pee." I cannot more highly recommend this story for all readers!
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The author blogs at http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/. He is also the author of
Dead End Street: http://tinyurl.com/5mztwy
Orientation: http://tinyurl.com/5ntwyu
High Risk: http://tinyurl.com/39dror
Deadly Vision: http://tinyurl.com/3eygd4
In the Blood: http://tinyurl.com/5zwc8w
IM: http://tinyurl.com/32rsy4
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Author: Rick R. Reed
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
BUY Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/VGLMale.html
Genre: GLBT romantic comedy
ISBN: 978-1-60272-430-3
Name of Reviewer: Emily Moore
Rating: Five Stars (out of five)
Reviewed by Emily Moore for Rainbow Reviews
Ethan has tried everything he can think of to find a significant other. He visited the bars where all the young, hip gay men were sure to be found only to be a wallflower and not interact with anyone. He moved to the heart of "Boystown" in Chicago to be surrounded by single gay men only to have the neighborhood gentrify and the gays move due north. He found a job as a publicist for free nights at the theater and to be surrounded by handsome actors but instead is isolated in his cube writing press releases and chatting up critics. As a result, Ethan is a single, 42 year old gay man trying to convince himself that the answer to the "riddle of how to escape a solitary existence" is out there waiting for him.
When Ethan overhears a conversation about a website that is for more than just "quick hook-ups", he thinks he has found his answer. After all, if it can work for the office receptionist, who Ethan secretly refers to as "Bubbles", it has to work for him. Right? Ethan creates a profile, pours himself into the answers, and finds a relatively decent photo only a few months old. He is totally and completely honest about himself. He's all set. There's only one problem. No one bites.
With his self-esteem taking yet another shot, Ethan decides to make a drastic move and start a bit of a social experiment. He replaces his photo with one found on the internet, a truly stunning man, and sits back and waits. And he watches the responses pour in, half of them telling him how gorgeous he is and the rest simply dirty propositions for sex, lots of sex. Not quite what he was looking for. But in the middle of all those messages is one that is very different. A message from Brian.
Brian is just what Ethan has been trying so hard to find. They have similar tastes, are looking for similar things from a relationship, and Brian is gorgeous. He is, in a word, perfect. But there is only one problem. Brian is messaging the "new" Ethan, the one that the "real" Ethan doesn't look anything like. As they start messaging back and forth, Ethan becomes more enamored with Brian and worries about what will happen when Brian discovers he is a liar.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a phenomenal story about the search for love and the one person we can connect with in every way. I absolutely adored the character of Ethan, his sharp witty humor and his emotions that are worn on his sleeve. As a person that has used internet dating, I connected with him immediately and Reed nailed the reactions and thoughts that come with such a unique way of meeting people.
Things of course are not as simple as they may seem for Ethan and, although I must admit that I guessed what was to come, it was truly a joy to read from beginning to end. The messages back and forth between Ethan and Brian are quite touching and make Ethan's angst over what to do about his deception that much more substantial. My heart was completely invested in Ethan's journey and I laughed and cried along with him. Overall this is a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is the second of Reed's stories that I have read and I am now officially a huge fan. As are many of his other stories, this is set in Chicago, my current hometown, and those familiar with the city will love the details throughout. It is obvious that Reed still loves the city. The humor throughout this story is exceptional yet doesn't disrupt the more serious themes. The ending is true perfection even if the last line is, "He really needed to pee." I cannot more highly recommend this story for all readers!
-----
The author blogs at http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/. He is also the author of
Dead End Street: http://tinyurl.com/5mztwy
Orientation: http://tinyurl.com/5ntwyu
High Risk: http://tinyurl.com/39dror
Deadly Vision: http://tinyurl.com/3eygd4
In the Blood: http://tinyurl.com/5zwc8w
IM: http://tinyurl.com/32rsy4
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bear Lake, Idaho, Is Setting for Historical Christian Fiction
Title: Jenny's Dream: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho
Author: Linda Weaver Clarke
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-58982-446-1
Rating: 5 star
Reviewed by Allison King
Linda Weaver Clarke has captured the essence of reaching for your dreams, no matter what happens to throw you off the path of getting there.
In Jenny’s Dream, the third book in A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho series, the oldest daughter Jenny is home from college for the summer. She is feeling trapped in the small town of Paris, Idaho and wants to go out into the world and accomplish something to show everyone she is more than a pretty girl. Her writing is what keeps her ambition in full drive, until she meets Will. He isn’t the most ‘handsome’ man in town and he is only a farmer, but she becomes close friends with him. Will secretly falls in love with Jenny, but does she feel the same way?
Jenny’s past haunts her ability to move forward in her life in love and her dreams of being a writer. She will have to make a decision that might hurt those closest to her, for her dreams to come true.
In the meantime, Jenny’s dad, Gilbert, is helping in the search of an old grizzly bear that is attacking the local sheep and scaring the town folk. He feels the need to be a part of the hunt, even thought his wife, Melinda, is against it. When he comes face to face with the legendary bear, Three Toes, Gilbert must balance the safety of the town with the concern of his family for his life.
I loved this book as much as I did the first two books in the series. I was drawn in to Jenny’s life an wondering what decisions she would make for her future. The amazing details of the family dynamics, descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the historical facts of the time all made the story believable. The ease of the writing made it feel as though I was eavesdropping in on their lives. I didn’t want the story to end (which it won’t since their will be two more books in the series)! The best part of the book was the relationship that grows between Jenny and Will. The author didn’t use the stereotypical handsome male for the main character to fall for. This was refreshing to me, since all of us on this earth aren’t as perfect as most book characters are made out to be. This relationship reminds us that getting to know a person from the inside first and being friends, can grow in to something more.
Jenny’s Dream is a book for all ages that can wrap you up and make you feel all warm inside with the love and hope that dreams can come true if you believe hard enough. ~ `Review by Allison King – for Allison’s Attic and Rebecca’s Reads. Other books by Linda Weaver Clarke are: Melinda and the Wild West: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke.shtml and Edith and the Mysterious Stranger: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke4.shtml
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Author: Linda Weaver Clarke
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-58982-446-1
Rating: 5 star
Reviewed by Allison King
Linda Weaver Clarke has captured the essence of reaching for your dreams, no matter what happens to throw you off the path of getting there.
In Jenny’s Dream, the third book in A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho series, the oldest daughter Jenny is home from college for the summer. She is feeling trapped in the small town of Paris, Idaho and wants to go out into the world and accomplish something to show everyone she is more than a pretty girl. Her writing is what keeps her ambition in full drive, until she meets Will. He isn’t the most ‘handsome’ man in town and he is only a farmer, but she becomes close friends with him. Will secretly falls in love with Jenny, but does she feel the same way?
Jenny’s past haunts her ability to move forward in her life in love and her dreams of being a writer. She will have to make a decision that might hurt those closest to her, for her dreams to come true.
In the meantime, Jenny’s dad, Gilbert, is helping in the search of an old grizzly bear that is attacking the local sheep and scaring the town folk. He feels the need to be a part of the hunt, even thought his wife, Melinda, is against it. When he comes face to face with the legendary bear, Three Toes, Gilbert must balance the safety of the town with the concern of his family for his life.
I loved this book as much as I did the first two books in the series. I was drawn in to Jenny’s life an wondering what decisions she would make for her future. The amazing details of the family dynamics, descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the historical facts of the time all made the story believable. The ease of the writing made it feel as though I was eavesdropping in on their lives. I didn’t want the story to end (which it won’t since their will be two more books in the series)! The best part of the book was the relationship that grows between Jenny and Will. The author didn’t use the stereotypical handsome male for the main character to fall for. This was refreshing to me, since all of us on this earth aren’t as perfect as most book characters are made out to be. This relationship reminds us that getting to know a person from the inside first and being friends, can grow in to something more.
Jenny’s Dream is a book for all ages that can wrap you up and make you feel all warm inside with the love and hope that dreams can come true if you believe hard enough. ~ `Review by Allison King – for Allison’s Attic and Rebecca’s Reads. Other books by Linda Weaver Clarke are: Melinda and the Wild West: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke.shtml and Edith and the Mysterious Stranger: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/LindaWeaverClarke4.shtml
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Visit Robert and Craig Relyea's Take on Hollywood
NOT So Quiet On The Set
By Robert and Craig Relyea
Publisher: www.iuniverse.com
Nonfiction
ISBN 978-0-595-71332-5
Reviewed by Gordon Durich
Not So Quiet On The Set book is a testiment to Tinsel Town, the ups and downs, good and bad. It is a masterful insight into the workings of Hollywood, behind the scenes.
The father and son writing team have constructed a provocative look at the Industry, from different points of view.
Experiences the senior Relyea had working with the likes of Steve McQueen, Elvis, "The Duke" and many others, on flicks including "Bullitt" and "West Side Story."
The fresher side of the business from Craig Relyea adds to the interesting mix of information and entertaining reading.
This book has been lauded by Sid Ganis, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Pierce Brosnan; Michael Apted, director/President of Directors Guild of America and is an engaging, can't-put-down read.
Enjoy this great escape into life in movies during the macho era of yesteryear Hollywood. I did!
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
By Robert and Craig Relyea
Publisher: www.iuniverse.com
Nonfiction
ISBN 978-0-595-71332-5
Reviewed by Gordon Durich
Not So Quiet On The Set book is a testiment to Tinsel Town, the ups and downs, good and bad. It is a masterful insight into the workings of Hollywood, behind the scenes.
The father and son writing team have constructed a provocative look at the Industry, from different points of view.
Experiences the senior Relyea had working with the likes of Steve McQueen, Elvis, "The Duke" and many others, on flicks including "Bullitt" and "West Side Story."
The fresher side of the business from Craig Relyea adds to the interesting mix of information and entertaining reading.
This book has been lauded by Sid Ganis, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Pierce Brosnan; Michael Apted, director/President of Directors Guild of America and is an engaging, can't-put-down read.
Enjoy this great escape into life in movies during the macho era of yesteryear Hollywood. I did!
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Monday, December 1, 2008
How 'Bout Giving Rattlesnake Jam to Your Kids for Christmas
Rattlesnake Jam
By Margot E. Finke
Illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier
Guardian Angel Publishing, Saint Louis, MO USA
E-Book ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-24-5
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-00-9
Copyright: MAY 2008
Paperback, 28 pages, $10.95
Ages 4 & Up
Reviewed by Mayra Calvani for Blogcritics and others.
Rattlesnake Jam is a hilariously funny children’s picture book about an old couple who share an irresistible affection for rattlesnakes. There’s only one problem: While Pa would rather have the rattlesnakes turned into fritters or pie, old Gran prefers them turned into jam, disgustingly green, sweetened, gooey rattlesnake jam!
So no matter how cold the weather is, there goes brave Pa hunting after the snakes. And as he hunts them, he fantasizes about the various ways Gran could cook them—hot on a plate, fried, sliced on white rice, hmmm… But no way will his dreams ever become a reality, for as readers will learn “…snake cooked for Pa was not in Gran’s plan. She dreamed of them sweetened and made into jam.” Though Gran swears her special jam can cure colds, gout and wheeze, not to mention “troublesome knees”, everyone dislikes the taste of her ghastly creation. Will Gran ever stop? And what would happen to Pa, if she ever did?
Colliers’s colorful, wacky illustrations complement Finke’s humorous rhyme perfectly. Gran is grossly comical with her toothless grin, warts, bell pepper nose, and tough exterior. The reader will feel sorry for Pa, who seems completely under Gran’s control. The book has 28 pages in all, and each story page has an illustration with a short text at the bottom—a two or four line rhyme, like this one:
Drop in chunky slices, stir well with a spoon.
Add mysterious spices! Gran hummed a wild tune.
The way to Gran’s heart was through rattlers galore—
Making rattler jam bubble, ‘till it flowed on the floor.
The song-like cadence will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Snakes are reptiles that inspire both fear and fascination, especially in children, and it was clever of the author to use them as victims instead of villains in this book. This is a fine addition to Finke’s series of rhyming books about animals. Whimsical and amusing, Rattlesnake Jam is one of those books young children will beg their parents to read to them again and again.
Link to Gran's Kitchen:
http://mysite.verizon.net/mfinke/Rattler%20Recipies.htm#recipy Where kids will find gen-u-i-n-e rattler recipes their mom can cook - first catch your rattler though!!
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, founder of Authors' Coalition (www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com). It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews and reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers, illustrators and more.
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