The New Book Review

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.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Diane Wolf Brings Her SpunkOnAStick Experience to How-To Book

How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now
Subtitle: Publishing and Promoting Made Simple
By L. Diane Wolfe
ISBN: 9780982713952
Publisher: Dancing lemur Press, LLC
Genre: Nonfiction: How-To/Writing/Marketing/Publishing

How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now by L. Diane Wolfe delivers exactly what the subtitle promises, Publishing and Promoting Made Simple. The language, the interior design, and the choices made by the author all contribute to this basic book aimed at anyone considering publishing a book. She gives an unbiased take on the advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing and self-publishing and publishing paths that combine the two.

She covers both traditional- and self-publishing, print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution, finding your target audience, generating reviews and media interest, networking and developing an online presence, promotional materials and appearances. Most chapters are a bare (essential!) two to four pages. There is no clutter.  It's the perfect book for those who want an overview to begin the decision-making process. And, it is important to note, Wolfe's advice comes from long experience as the author of Circle of Friends series and SpunkOnAStick entities, a speaker, and an inspirer. 

Learn more about Wolfe and what she can do to help writing careers at http://spunkonastick.net.

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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Sunday, December 9, 2012

BookPleasures Reviewer Calls Book for Writers "Must-Have"


Title: The Frugal Book Promoter
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Publisher: HowToDoItFrugally Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-146374329
USA Book News Best Book and Irwin Award

Reviewed by Conny Crisalli originally for BookPleasures.com

“Knowing the rules of promotion is like knowing the rules for writing. When you have mastered them, you have the confidence to break them when you need to,” Carolyn Howard-Johnson states in the introduction to her book, The Frugal Book Promoter – How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher.

This four hundred and sixteen page paperback book is authored by an award-winning writer of fiction and nonfiction, former publicist and marketing instructor whose valuable years of experience and in-depth knowledge saves the new author time and money when promoting and publicizing his or her work. In addition to free or inexpensive ways to stimulate awareness and support of a book, she gives details of websites, email addresses and contacts related to marketing and promotion along with a twenty-seven page appendix of samples and a fourteen page comprehensive index to aid and assist in the process.

Howard-Johnson walks one through the complicated, sometimes confusing and daunting environment of publicity and promotion by first subduing the fears and fine lines of plagiarism, lawsuits and self-doubt writers feel. She concentrates on three “Ps” of marketing: platform, publicity and public relations, correlating them to a train with platform chugging along as the caboose. She provides eighteen helpful publicity commandments and explains the value of branding and pitching.

There are step-by step instructions how to put together a successful media kit, down to what font and point to use and proper formatting it on a page. The meat of the book is its many resources to publicize printed materials that include standard channels such as speaking engagements, contests, conferences, trade shows/booths, book signings, radio/television, websites, blogging and social networking along with the more unused avenues of reading groups, catalogs and corporate sales.

The author tries to touch each facet of not only publicizing but gives details assembling folders for the media kit, how to use an ARC (advance reading copy) advantageously, what to take to a trade show and warns of some of the pitfalls of online promotion. With the plentiful references of emails and websites for further study, this book contains a multitude of useful information for the first time writer as well as the seasoned one who wants to expand their public presence further.

With no promotion stone unturned, this is a must-have book for the shelf of any writer, experienced or not. Like the author states, once you know the rules to promotion real well, you can break a few while climbing the marketing ladder even further.

~Conny Crisalli loves to read and review the books she reads. Find her reviews on her blog http://connywithay.wordpress.com, BookPleasures.com, and Amazon.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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Victoria Shockley Reviews Solomon’s Sky by Peter Aleff

 

Solomon’s Sky

By Peter Aleff
Author's Website: http://phaistosgame.com/
ISBN 0-9724646-3-8 for e-book
ISBN 0-9724646-4-6 for paperback

GENRE: History
Review originally published on
the homepage for the novel, http://phaistosgame.com/Phaistos00titlepage.htm and was given 5 stars
Publisher: Recovered Science Press

Review by Victoria Shockley (www.linkedin.com/in/victoriashockley)


A fascinating solution to the mystery surrounding an ancient artifact

An engaging solution to the mystery surrounding an ancient artifact, Solomon's Sky presents the key to the riddle of the famous Phaistos Disk, an artifact that has baffled archaeologists and many others for over a century. The Disk, which dates back to the Bronze Age, was found on the southern coast of the Mediterranean island of Crete, and its markings have been interpreted in a number of different, sometimes comical ways. Most of its would-be decipherers believed that the symbols are a form of writing, typically in some rare form of Greek but also a long list of other languages such as Basque or Slavic. This led them to “read” the Disk variously as a calendar, a sacred hymn and kitchen recipe, a sex manual, or an astronomical document, and much more.

However, among all of the proposals for the meaning and purpose of this ancient object, historian and author Peter Aleff's idea makes the most sense: that its symbols are actually markings for an ancient game board. His interpretation is well-researched, as every source is cited with a link or page numbers to back up his claims, and there are numerous endnotes. The many photographs, maps, and other images provide visual aids that complement the information he's describing, which I found particularly helpful in understanding some of the more complex aspects of the story.

Although I enjoy mysteries and riddles, I wouldn't consider myself a history buff. However, the way Mr. Aleff explains the background behind the ancient Disk and the various translation efforts over the years immediately grabbed my attention and made me want to keep reading. His style is easy to follow, and his writing is clean and precise. I was able to easily recognize many of the historical references to places and ancient civilizations, and the ones I was unfamiliar with were readily accessible through Google searches. For this reason, I think Solomon's Sky can appeal not only to people enthusiastic about history and/or archaeology, but also to those like me who have only lightly delved into those fields. Mr. Aleff's slightly sarcastic humor is a pleasant surprise, given that the historical basis of the story may make one expect something much dryer.

Solomon's Sky is definitely an enjoyable book, and also very informative. Before reading it, I had been completely unaware of the existence of the Phaistos Disk or the mystery that has surrounded it ever since its discovery. I had never heard of the ancient game of Senet or the Snake Game, or even its modern descendant the Game of the Goose, (and of course, I had no idea of their parallels with the Disk). Learning about these ancient connections and mysteries in Solomon's Sky has opened a window to the past for me and reminded me how fascinating history can be.

About the author: Peter Aleff is an engineer, a researcher, a designer, a historian, and an author. He was born and raised in Germany and studied economics at the University of Basel in Switzerland. History had always been one of his hobbies, and he began to research the history and role of board games in antiquity. Several scholars had drawn attention to the rosette with eight leaves which appears on many ancient gameboards, and on boards of the same type usually in the same fields. He noticed the same rosette on the Phaistos Disk, and it occurred to him that this Disk might also be a gameboard. From this new perspective, he noticed parallels between the Disk and other board games and soon found the key to this interpretation, which is the story of Solomon’s Sky.


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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Book Tour Includes Life with Mr. America


What's it like behind closed doors with Mr. America?
Step into the world of Lindy Tefft. Being raised by controlling parents that demanded perfection, she thought she was getting “Mr. Perfect” when she married body building superstar Greg Tefft. She soon found herself immersed in a world of duplicity, all-consuming competitiveness, violence, and greed. Her life was a roller-coaster of physical abuse and financial ruin. She crawled through a tunnel of terror she thought would never end and was forced to reach into the depths of her soul and finally break free. Lindy finds peace beyond the illusion of fame and riches. and offers an insightful hand-up to others facing the aftermath of abuse and despair.
Don’t miss this riveting, inspirational true story of personal redemption beyond trauma.


 

"This is an extraordinary story of personal courage and ultimate triumph over some of humanity's obstacles and betrayals. To take this journey with Lindy - who withholds nothing - is sometimes harrowing, sometimes absurd, sometimes incomprehensibly mean...but ultimately wonderful as we walk with her through too many years of living in the darkness of fear and abuse...to finally emerging into the sunshine of enlightenment, joy, and freedom. It is a truly remarkable story of our times and our culture." Jeff Rense, Host of the Nationally Syndicated Jeff Rense Radio Program


"Lindy Tefft's book is simply a literary jewel. It brings an electrifying charge of spirituality that empowers women to break out of the enclaves of silence. The author's revealing life, marked almost since birth by the hand of abuse, shows us how fragile we all can be when faced with fear. Her decisive struggled against domestic violence represents a shining light at the end of the tunnel and hope for all of humans." Salomon Gill, Move Producer

Submitted by:
Denise Cassino

http://www.bestsellerservices.com/

"Make your book an Amazon #1 Bestseller"

Publicist & Book Marketing Specialist



303 838 3399

skype: denise.cassino

www.BestsellerServices.com

www.mybestsellerlaunch.com

http://www.facebook.com/denise.cassinohttp://www.twitter.com/denisecassino







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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Friday, November 23, 2012

Playwright Reviews Book About Henry Darrow

Title: Henry Darrow: Lightning in the Bottle
Authors: Jan Pippins, Henry Darrow Delgado
Website: http://www.henrydarrowbook.com
Genre: Biography & Memoir
Subcategories: Entertainment, Hispanic & Latino
Publisher: Bear Manor Media
ISBN: 978-1593936884
Reviewer rating 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by H. Harry Cason

Okay, let's face it: Henry Darrow is still one of the most fascinating actors to ever hit the TV screens of America. His charm and magnetism transcend any racial or cultural divide, as evidenced by his long and illustrious career. And now there's a delightful roadmap that Ms. Pippins and Mr. Delgado have provided in this page-turner of a book. Henry, the sexy, vibrant Latino-American star travelling Sweden in the '60's to sold-out one-man shows? There's a movie right there. For Henry's fans, and there are lots of 'em, this book will be a giddy delight, brimming with photos and insider stories. For those new to Mr. Darrow, it's an amusing and captivating introduction. And not just to Henry -- but to the time when barriers were being dashed aside, and the power of a brilliant, telegenic performer could be felt in one's own living room...A true portent of the impact popular culture would continue to play on our ever-evolving and beautifully diverse country. Like Henry, this book is electric.


~Reviewed by producer/writer/director H. (Harry) Cason originally on Amazon.com. Cason’s work includes television, films, stage, and his original play “That Certain Cervantes,” the only play ever produced in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

About the Author

Jan Pippins lives in Louisiana with her husband Mike, four horses, many cats and two dogs. She is from a family of readers, writers and storytellers. Her Uncle Red was one of many early literary influences. “Uncle Red was an alcoholic newspaper reporter who scandalized the good Methodists in the family by marrying a cigar smoking Cherokee dance hall girl. He was crippled during World War I and if my grandmother had known what kind of tales he told me, she would have finished him off.”

Jan is an avid reader of everything from warning labels to existential philosophy. “Henry Darrow: Lightning in the Bottle” is her first book.


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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Prolific Author Loves The Frugal Book Promoter

 
 
Subtitle: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher
Second Edition
By   Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Genre Nonfiction: How-to for writers
Publisher HowToDoItFrugally Publishing
ISBN 9781463743291
Available as paperback and on Kindle
Reviewed by Dave Menefee, originally for BookPleasures.com
 
Would you spend a nickel for the best advice you could ever receive?
If you are a writer, spending 5¢ a page for a 395-page book packed to the seams with the most comprehensive collection of established, helpful advice ever compiled would be well worth the investment. In The Frugal Book Promoter, author Carolyn Howard-Johnson details how to get nearly free publicity on your own by partnering with your publisher. Spend the $17.95 for the huge book and get your career on track for success. Carolyn not only shows you the way, she lights the trail to triumph with a blazing torch.
The book’s title may seem misleading, once you dig deeply into the thirty-two chapters and find that Carolyn’s suggestions often hinge on either the author or the publisher spending money on touting a tome. Don’t let this throw you. The Frugal Book Promoter does not pretend to be a book for an author wishing to succeed on a shoestring. Instead, Carolyn shows you how to wring the most out of your advertising, marketing, and promotional budget. For example, staging a book signing event usually entails purchasing books to sell, travel expenses, signage charges, giveaway costs, buying business cards and brochures, and laying out money on a long list of other sundry expenditures that add up to a tidy investment gamble. Here’s where Carolyn’s expertise gleaned during years of trial and error pays off: she reveals all the little tricks of the trade that can spell the difference between failure and loss or an ample return on your investment. As your mother might say, “Listen to her! She knows what she’s talking about!”
Carolyn’s massive set of revelations are divided into seven sections:
  • Getting Started and Getting On With It: dealing with typical author angst.
  • Plunging In: Publicity Basics Now: all about the business of promotions
  • Do-It-Yourself and Partner Publicity: media releases, book reviews, media kits
  • Promote Your Book by Doing What You Love: extra writing opps that can fan your flame
  • You and the Media: how to handle interviews, and using the Internet
  • Well Traveled, Oft Forgotten: wading into the world of retailing
  • Onward and Upward: stoking the stove for even more success
In addition, the back matter contains a set of Appendices containing sample query letters, media releases, blog entries, trade show invitations, a phone pitch script, an autosignature for e-mails, and a tip sheet example.
For an experienced author who may be battle weary from years of tooting their own horn, Carolyn’s sage recommendations will enlighten him or her to hundreds of steps they may have missed that will prove more encouraging during their next tour through the trenches. For the beginning author who may feel baffled and intimidated by the mere thought of selling during a dreadful economy, Carolyn’s clever counsel should seem like a Godsend. “This book is for authors who want their books to soar and do not want their careers to languish,” she writes. “It is structured so authors can select chapters that address aspects of their marketing plan most needed at any given time.” Indeed, the book features an extensive Index that will make looking up topics a second time a snap. This is not a mere book to read; this is a guide to refer back to time and again—a battle plan for victory.
If you are an author, or if you know an author struggling over how to build buzz for their book, The Frugal Book Promoter outlays literally thousands of nitty-gritty how-tos for obtaining a foothold in a niche. As the old saying goes, “When you find your niche, scratch it!” With The Frugal Book Promoter, you can light a fire under your ambitions, pick and choose from ideas extensively developed and refined through endless campaigns, and match up your pocketbook and personality with hundreds of Carolyn’s angles for accomplishment.

~Reviewer David W. Menefee is the author of
Can't Help Falling in Love
Secret Soldier Master of Disguise
Sweet Memories
Sarah Bernhardt, Her Films, Her Recordings
(Foreword by Kevin Brownlow)
Wally: The True Wallace Reid Story
(Foreword by Robert Osborne)
The Rise and Fall of Lou-Tellegen
Richard Barthelmess: A Life in Pictures
The First Female Stars: Women of the Silent Era
The First Male Stars: Men of the Silent Era
Brothers of the Storm
"Otay!" The Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas Story
(with William Thomas, Jr.)
Charlie O’Doone’s Second Chance
Margot Cranston The Voice in the Shadows
Margot Cranston The Secret of St. Laurent Lighthouse
Margot Cranston The Mystery at Loon Lake
Margot Cranston The Quest for the Jade Dragons

Falling Stars 10 Who Tried to be a Movie Star
George O'Brien: A Man's Man in Hollywood
A Craving for Travel II
(with Jim Strong)
How to Write, Format, and Market a Kindlebook on a Shoestring Budget

His newly released book, Master of Disguise, is about secret soldier Isador Messing who  lives up to the title of the book. Terror strikes when Hitler's SS troops arrest  Messing's fiancé on the day they plan to escape Nazi occupied Berlin.  Alone and stoic in the face of utter malevolence, he launches a bold, daring, and desperate plan to liberate her. Can the remarkable Mr. Messing's one-man army triumph against all odds and win in a war-torn world gone mad?
This book is also available on Kindle.
 
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Fran Lewis Reviews Poetry Reflections

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REFLECTIONS
By Fran Orenstein
Publisher: Sleepytown Press
Genre: Poetry
Paperback: 136 pages
Language: English
ISBN 13:978-1937260248
ISBN: 1937260240
Author's Website: http://franorenstein.weebly.com/
Five Gold Reflections from Fran Lewis


Reviewed by Fran Lewis

·        
Look inside the true reflection of a mirror and what do you see? Within the mirror you see your image and the way you look to world right now. But, if you look deeper within that glass what you might find is your history and your life from the time you started school until the last time you put on your makeup and fixed your hair. Life takes us on many different journeys and our physical appearance changes greatly over the years. Journeys take on different meanings to each of us. From the time we can walk, go to school, enter our first classroom we all have vivid memories that we will never forget. As you hear the voice of author Fran Orenstein as she takes us on a journey of our life, her memories, the places she remembers, the changes that occurred to some she wished had remained unchanged we share her joys, triumphs and sorrows in her collection of poems Reflections. Each poem starting from the first tells a story of an event or place that she holds dear.

Children perceive things in their own way and often create worlds filled with wizards, ships, dragons and mystery. Poem one brings the author and the reader back to her childhood and her dreams. Angel wings and fairy dust, unicorns and magic swords are her world and that of many books whose pages you open and read about these amazing worlds. Next, we take a tour of Brooklyn through the eyes of the young author who remembers the Brownstones, playing stoopball, the ice cream man, mothers gossiping and the images of these Brownstones, which often mirrored those that lived in them. Coney Island- Nineteen Forties: I never went there in the 40’s but later on but Coney Island and reading this poem brings back so many great memories that my sister and I had on Sundays. The Steeplechase with the fake horses, screaming riders holding on and praying they’d make it until the end of the ride. Mermaid Avenue was where my grandmother lived, the amazing boardwalk, and of course Nathans. Home for me until recently was my favorite borough the Bronx. The author creates a picture of the Grand Concourse, Yankee Stadium, sneaking into the stadium, the IRT subway and the sounds of the city that bring back so many great memories. Of course two of my favorite Bronx Landmarks: The Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are still there, so different from when we were younger, but so amazing. The Grand Concourse has changed a lot but the smell of the Kosher Pickles and those amazing and decadent Charlotte Rousses that were my one treat every week brought a super smile to my face as I read, “The Bronx, N.Y. 1947-1952. She continues with Maroon Memories, The Wurtsboro Hill, 1940’s and Greenfield Park, N.Y. 1948-1951.

The Catskill Tea Party that she describes when she is eight is truly priceless. The cups, the leaf plates filled with special plants and the organic natural food that she ate. You can see that her imagination was limitless. Let’s not forget the bullies in our lives or those that scared us just by entering a room or coming in our face. Big John, the handyman was really scary and described as this huge stone statue face that towered over them. The description would make anyone cringe and the end result as to how she overcame her fear you need to read for yourself. Now, of course Frogs hits home. My nephew and I would hunt frogs every summer. We went to the Catskills every July and remained there until after Labor Day. My nephew till this day loves frogs and although as the author brilliantly describes these slimy, ugly, amphibians that often leap on you when you least expect them to, my nephew loved them and had some for pets. Well, that is the ones we caught in the woods and brought back with us. Imagine as the author describes them as cold, wet, disgusting and having boys chase her with those lovely green things in their hands.

Headlights you may think refers to the ones on your car. You would be wrong. Girls that were well endowed and the boys thought worthy of more than just a fleeting glance, but a second look, will love reading this poem. Age 13 most girls laugh, have mood swings and still hug their teddy bears. But, then they start to change and their body’s look different and they start to find that boys are really not awful anymore but dreamy and when our author turns 15 well: He likes her headlights a lot and guess what he’s 16. To find out what Headlights are read the poem on page 35. Next is a poem about High School 1955, Maternal Love, Indifferent Love and Consequences.

Part Two: she titles the Emerging Woman as we leave part one Childhood or Early Years. The author creates a simple but intricate timeline of her life and the important moments she wants to share with the reader. Read Page 45 to understand her definition of Emerging Woman.
There are many poems in part two but I will highlight just a few because they all represent a time in her life but certain ones I feel warrant the spotlight of this reviewer. Poem One: Freedom really creates many pictures within the reader’s mind as the author takes herself and other women on a long walk down a twisted path of the path of life. Each of us, we hope has some positive impact on those we meet. Technology has changed greatly, pods, pads, tablets and phones have entered her world as they did most others. Feeling her age, obsolete at times, after all she started with radio, then television came later and of course she remembers heels, stockings and those infernal girdles that my mother wore. Let’s not forget the gloves, the hairstyles that made you look taller and dressing for work with accessories that made you look the part and of course let’s not forget the different mores that we have now when it comes to marriage and divorce and of course motherhood. This is a great poem that everyone will definitely take something different from it.

“The Path,” is a short poem with many meanings. “ The path of life’s journey is embedded with stones of experience.” Elaborating by stating that each colorful step an adventure and that at every turn we all have some successes and failures. She continues to describe life in many interesting ways as she ends with the path wanders on, infinitely patient. We have the power to choose our own direction and hopefully we will find the right path and follow it reaching our own plateau or mountain. There are so many poems that are in part two that describe the many changes in her life, her feelings, her rise to adulthood and much more. But, “The Corner of Free Will,” really says quite a bit. Choices are made everyday but those choices often mold the direction we take what were we go from the moment we are able to speak until we take our first steps and head in the direction we hope will yield success. Every crossroad she states has a sign clearly marked. “This is the Corner of Free Will you have the choice to stop or go to turn or move ahead or not; decisions made at your own risk.” Very well said and definitely something kids today and adults should think about. Just where this corner takes the author and what you can learn read page 55.

The Mirror of Duality, The Soul Mirror and the Mirror of Truth round out this part of the book. But, the one I want to spotlight is The Mirrors on Her Wall, which I think most will identify with in some way. As you look into the mirror from many different angles you see the many sides of you not only your face but your entire world from many different places, The powerful woman, the bright and funny woman and of course the one that we hope stays within us all the one that is mischievous, fun loving and each one a different role for the author or person looking within the soul of the glass to reveal or hide. The Middle Years Follows and then The Elderly Year are the last two parts of this book.

A Quest is the first poem in The Middle Years. Everyone searches for answers in their lives and hopes they will find their own direction. The author calls herself the Wanderer as she searches the life for answers, reaches out to heal the wound that befall her and understand the meaningless words and gestures of false friends which is difficult. As you go through life many will betray you while others will not. The Quest is never ending. Next, The Faces of Friendship, Endings, I Wonder and my favorite: Recipe for Writer’s Lament which includes the ingredients we all need to create that amazing novel, poem or short story. Just some of the recipe: A cup of ability, a pinch of credibility and a teaspoon of humility and much more. The rest of the recipe and how it all blends when mixed together read page 93. The Elder Years defined on page 108 begins with The Forward March which discusses your decent and her decent into the elder years with the forces of aging taking control the memoirs and the fading dreams.

Seven decades of her life are shared with the reader in so many ways from early childhood until the present. But, in this last part I love Creaky Knees that most people at any age just might identify with as she walks and her knees lock, arthritic, groaning hips, running to the finish line when she was spry, aging joints and crooked backs. You could never make this up if you tried but you can feel each ache and pain described so vividly you want to give her something for relief. But, remember you can complain and carry one but you reached this age and it is truly worth it. Silent World and how it feels when you are alone and no one calls. The rest of the poems focus on her life, motherhood and her family. Going out alone to dinner or playing solitaire or making your own decisions are showcased in the Veil of Loneliness. There are so many poems each telling a story that you must take the journey with the author from start to finish and enter the amazing world of Dr. Fran Orenstein. Life begins at any age and yours dear friend is far from over there are many more stories, novels and poems that you need to pen and keep readers wanting more and teens reading your work.
 
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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 read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine 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.