Essential, Literate, Academic: Essays for the Serious Writer

The Essential Don Murray
Subtitle: Lessons from America's Greatest Writing Teacher
Edited by Thomas Newkirk and Lisa C. Miller
Afterword by Chip Scanlan
Boynton/Cook Publishers
ISBN: 9780867096002
Nonfiction/How-To/Writers
Contact Reviewer: hojoreviews@aol.com
Publisher's Site: www.boyntoncook.com






Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of This Is the Place and Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, Tracings, a chapbook of poetry, and the author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers.

The miracle of books from an author's point of view: They live beyond the author's last breath. Of course, it is really the sharing of that breath, the soul, that they care about. Thanks to Boynton/Cook Books, Thomas Newkirk and Lisa C. Miller have been allowed to resurrect Don Murray's essential wisdom for writers several years after his demise.

Don Murray, a popular columnist, journalist and writer, died in 2006. And though this book definitely celebrates Murray as a writer in his own right, it is—at its root—Murray the teacher of writingthat has been brought to life in these pages.

This is important because Murray's emphasis on creativity and the writing process as opposed to the stress so many teachers and writers' programs put on product and genre is fit so well with my own teaching philosophy. I love them because they are similar to mine and, sure. It feels like validation in a writing world become more commercial and less author-centered as time goes on.

But I'm recommending this book comes because I think that Murray's techniques may very well eradicate the disease known as writer's block and do very much the same for joyless writing. It may even do that for writers who are completely comfortable with product-oriented writing.

Murray's message should definitely be heard by all writers--especially beginning writers. Having said that, I think this book holds more value for teachers of writing. For one thing, there is a distinctly academic quality about many of the essays chosen by the editors and about the foreword, too.

With that in mind, I advise new writers to skip the foreword and go to some of the middle chapters that reproduce some of Murray's methods. His keeping of a day book, his note making, his process of drawing inspiration and even his sketches. It is in those chapters one will get an idea of the man and what made him a formidable writer in many genres. It is in those chapters he does his best job as teacher, too.

It is in those chapters that Murray is allowed to teach by example. At one point he talks about the importance of a teacher sharing his or her own work with students, that this sharing is vital to the teaching process. I suspect it is those middle chapters he wouldn't have wanted his students to miss. It is in those middle chapters, the teacher is intent on sharing what brought him joy, the wonderful exuberance of discovery in writing.

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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.
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Dark Diva Reviews Western Romance

Emma the Outlaw
Publisher: Eirelander Publishing
Historical/American Western/romance
By Laura Hogg
ISBN: 1449584586


Reviewed by Tammy for Dark Diva Reviews


A bit about the story:

Emma looks down at the crowd from a hanging platform.

Her father was framed, and she took the blame for the crime to save him from
execution. Where is her beloved husband, Nate? She looks around and sees her
husband on a horse, guns blazing. In a whirlwind rescue, she hops on the
back of his horse, and they're off, realizing that they will spend the rest
of their lives as outlaws.

They capture a wanted man and leave him at the doorstep of the sheriff's
office. The sheriff finds Emma and Nate and makes an interesting deal with
them: they will capture the bad guys behind the scenes and allow him to take
all the credit…this in turn for not being run in. For this couple, ahead
lies a life of excitement and passionate love.

Tammy’s Review:

Emma the Outlaw by Laura Hogg is a good book. The love that
Emma and Nate share is shown in various ways throughout the book. Emma the
Outlaw will hold the reader with everything from love, suspense, and family
loyalty.

Emma and Nate are very likable characters with a great sense of the law and
family loyalty. Some of the choices made in the story line may not be the
right ones, but Emma and Nate find a way to correct their mistakes.

The story lines follow closely with the western outlook from the old west.
Laura Hogg has written a very good story, from the laws to the towns. The
ending was finished, but with just enough of a twist that the author could
write a second book. I would love to read this author again.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Tammy!


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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.
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Greg Mortenson Offers Biography of Peace

Stones Into Schools--Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Author: Greg Mortenson
Genre: History/Biography
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Viking Adult; 1st edition (December 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0670021156
ISBN-13: 978-0670021154



Reviewed by Donna A. Syed, Co-founder, Aslam Educational Support Foundation (www.AslamFoundation.org)


In his latest book, Greg Mortenson hosts the reader as a valuable and welcomed traveling companion as he retraces his steps through the most remote areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier areas and the formidable terrain of Afghanistan holding a mirror to our humanity. Mortenson introduces us to his trusted companions turned employees of Central Asia Institute, the so-called "Dirty Dozen", who truly embody the virtues of goodwill and perseverance in the name of literacy and, of course, God.

In short, Greg Mortenson's work makes Anthony Bordain's exotic travel look like a visit to Epcot Center.

Mortenson's commitment to cross-cultural understanding beyond the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan is rivaled only by his determination to educate the under-served girls in the most remote areas of these countries. Stones Into Schools is a suspenseful, heart-breaking as it is heart-warming, true account of a life well lived and a people well-served. Mortenson is an honor to the human race and diplomat for world peace. About now, Greg Mortenson would do well to take his own advice and sit for a month under a walnut tree to recuperate.


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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.
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Review Blog Benefits Writers and Readers

It's amazing how one learns about wonderful new places that can make a difference for writers and readers. "Never proprietary" is my marketing manta (see the list of other spots for reviews by scrolling to the bottom of this blog), and I just learned about this one:
http://newbook-releases.blogspot.com/

I know many subscribers to this blog are past participants as well as readers who will want to follow the books featured there.

Again: http://newbook-releases.blogspot.com/ Go for it!

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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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post:

Harvard Business School Confidential

Title: Harvard Business School – Confidential
Author: Emily Chan
Genre: Nonfiction: Business
ISBN: 978-0-470-82239-5

Reviewed by Greg Saunders for Allbooks Review

One of the toughest things about business school was the books. Dry application of theory presented in clinical absolutes that, like battle plans, failed at the first contact with the enemy. That is why, as a businessman, I found Emily Chan’s presentation of practical and useful business wisdom and strategies so refreshing. Harvard Business School Confidential is a field guide and whether you are CEO of a multinational corporation or job searching, she presents the, yes; theory, but more importantly, real life experience, relevant case scenarios and the secrets of making it all work.

Personal, Operations and Strategy. These are the broad categories Chan uses; she then breaks each one down into easy to assimilate chapters with titles like, “Plans Are Nothing, Planning Is Everything”. Each chapter giving the reader ideas to contemplate or new approaches to old problems. Consider the issues we all face in business and how they apply to the categories above; planning, promotion, communications, placement, process and control, among just a few. Chan presents them, explains them and offers solutions, incite and strategy that makes real-world sense. I found the writing compelling, the layout logical and professional and, most importantly, the message pertinent and compelling.

I highly recommend Harvard Business School Confidential to anyone in business, interested in business or contemplating attending business school. In fact, I would recommend this as a prerequisite for first year business school candidates. It would help make the theory make sense.

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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.
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Fictionalized Biography of Hatshepsut Wins Nod from Egypt Then and Now

Title: Truth is the Soul of the Sun - A Biographical Novel of Hatshepsut-MaatkareAuthor: Maria Isabel Pita
Genre:Historical Fiction
Isbn:1448652685
Reviewer: Ben Morales-Correa

Reviewed by Ben Morales-Correa for EGYPT THEN & NOW



Historical objectivity and sensuality of expression interweave across the entire span of Truth is the Soul of the Sun, Maria Isabel Pita’s new biographical novel of Hatshepsut, arguably the most powerful woman of all time. We can tell that Pita worked tirelessly and with the same level of passion with which she communicates human emotion in her erotic literature to construe how a woman was able to break the long line of male kings and wear the double crown of the Two Lands as Maatkare, hence the title.

Granted, Truth is the Soul of the Sun is a chronological narrative of love and power with little suspense, but this is more than compensated by the parallel metaphysical world that Pita evokes with her magnificent and prolific use of imagery. The queen who would be king might be the main official character, but it is Maat, the spirit of beauty and order, a transcendent creative power breathing life, that is the true catalyst for the author’s inspiration. Thus, the novel demands a slower pace of reading, heightening our senses as we turn every page and imbue ourselves in the realm of beauty and spirituality of 18th dynasty Egypt.

Paradoxically, Maatkare Hatshepsut’s unique achievement of becoming a female Horus did not lead to any further break of tradition. In fact, once pharaoh, Hatshepsut limited herself to preserve Maat, exercise sekhem and perform heka and did not do anything different from previous rulers. Her greatness is inextricably attached to the support of two loyal and powerful male characters, whose relationship with the female king allows us to experience her womanhood.

Pity that these two men, important figures in the novel, one a commoner who rises to the highest positions on account of his intelligence and creativity, the other a direct descendant of ancient aristocracy, do not engage in a conflict of ideas leading to explore opposing views of ancient Egyptian social and political structure. We only encounter them together for a brief moment when they are involved in nedjemit with the female king.

To truly appreciate Truth is the Soul of the Sun, the reader must have a reasonable knowledge of Egyptology, as Pita thoroughly explains the symbolism and the neteru (she prefers to use neters) of Ancient Egypt, and names the cities and villages in the original Egyptian language. However, the publication includes references and more than a hundred footnotes.

In conclusion, Truth is the Soul of the Sun is a fascinating, well-researched and richly narrated biography in the historical fiction genre recommended for anyone interested in strong women in history.

Purchase this book at Amazon.

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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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post:

Well-Known Editor Reviews Book About Disabilities and a Very Special Dog

Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Annie’s House
Author: Barbara Techel
Publisher: Joyful Paws (January 1, 2010)
ISBN: 0980005248

Reviewed by Yvonne Perry


Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Annie’s House by Barbara Gail Techel is about a dachshund named Frankie who is paralyzed in her hind quarters. She has been fitted for a doggie wheelchair (dog cart) that helps her get around. It also helps people identify with her—especially children and elderly folks who are managing life with a disability.

In the book, the author tells how Frankie became a certified therapy dog when a friend recognized the gentle nature of the animal and how much she seemed to enjoy being around people and allowing them to pet her. Soon Barbara and Frankie started visiting a senior assisted living facility known as Libby’s House. There, she meets senior-aged residents who simply adore her.

Frankie tells her story from her own “doggie” point of view. I especially like this passage in the book:

"As we stroll off the elevator, a man in a wheelchair comes rolling toward us.

"'Oh, what do we have here?' He reaches down and strokes my fur. 'You have wheels just like me, little pup. What happened?'

"My mom told the kind man how I hurt my back and how my dog cart helps me walk. His eyes filled with tears. 'That is so wonderful! How nice of you to come here to visit,' he says. 'You just made my day!'

"Mom lifts me onto Daniel’s lap. 'You are so special, Frankie,' he says. I look up at him and notice his eyes are filling with tears. 'I feel so sorry for her,' Daniel says sadly.

“'You don’t need to feel sorry for Frankie,' Mom says. 'Visiting you makes her very happy.'

“'It does?” Daniel holds me close. 'Frankie is perfect, unlike me. I am not perfect,' Daniel’s voice cracks.

“'We think you are perfect just the way you are.' My mom reassures Daniel. I rest my head on his knee and raise my eyebrows. Daniel smiles and his whole face lights up."

It takes a lot of time, energy, love, and dedication to care for an animal that has special needs. Frankie’s owner (and the author of the Frankie stories), Barbara Techel, has to help Frankie move her bowels because she cannot feel when she needs to go. I admire this author. Not only does she happily meet Frankie’s needs, she allows Frankie to use her disability to bless others and teach the rest of us how to accept those who have a disability.

I highly recommend this book to children AND adults. We all need to have our heart strings tugged every now and then.


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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.
And while you're at it, as a courtesy to the author, please retweet this post: