Norman Rockwell's America Gets New Life in New Nonfiction

Title:  Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell’s America

Author: Jane Allen Petrick

Author’s Website:  www.janeallenpetrick.com

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction

ISBN: 9780989260114

Available from: Ingram, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore, Sony, Kobo, Amazon  

Name of Reviewer:        

Publisher:                          Readers’ Favorite

Reviewer’s Rating:           Five Stars

 

 

Reviewed by Jack Magnus originally for Readers Favorite 

 

 

In Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America, author Jane Allen Petrick tells the story of the Rockwell models who were people of color. She also brings to life a Norman Rockwell that the vast majority of people never knew -- a man who saw the world as multi-cultural and was thwarted in every instance of his attempts to portray that world in his art. Petrick interviewed child models, now middle-aged, to get a first-hand account of what it was like to be a Rockwell model and how he affected their lives. This book is, in many respects, an artistic biography of Rockwell, and it chronicles his struggles with and despair at the magazine The Saturday Evening Post, whose conservative editor only allowed blacks in the publication if they were in subservient positions. Rockwell's own ideology was quite progressive, and he came to hate the magazine that created a Rockwell persona so far from the reality of who he was. Petrick concludes her work by citing African-American artists who were greatly influenced by Rockwell's work, who saw those hidden in plain sight.

 

Jane Allen Petrick's book should be required reading in art history classes. It's that good. It should also be required reading for anyone interested in United States history and the fight for civil rights and progress in our nation. I had no idea who Rockwell was before I read this book and harbored a vague contempt for the man whenever he was mentioned as an American artist. The great cover-up and whitewash Petrick exposes is much too effective. What an inspiring man Rockwell was, and how much I would have liked to have known him. Petrick's work shows him finally in a light Rockwell would have felt at ease with and even delighted in. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America is an amazing piece of scholarship and very highly recommended.

-----
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.

Restitution a Must Read

 

Title:  Restitution
Author:  Tess C. Frey

Catagory:  Memoir/Creative Non-Fiction

Authors Website:  www.itsneverinvain.com ISBN-10: 1492118990
ISBN-13:978-1492118992
Available on Amazon
Reviewer Rating:  5 Stars

Review By Christine Favarra, Author of Forever Different

Sometimes we grow in silent places that do not burst through to daylight and voice for years. Restitution is the Light and the Voice for all of the Tess' and Rebecca's in the world. Bravo and all hail, Tess C. Frey, our Heroin for shining that everlasting Light on the pain and the shame.

This book is a journey, one that explores how the scars that we bear in life develop the content of our character. Tess' emotionally charged description of her abuse and suffering leaves the reader asking by Chapter 5, how has she lived to write this book? I'll tell you, as the pages are full of determination and faith.

Joel Osteen said "out of your greatest rejection comes your greatest direction". A charitable person would ask, what I can do to make life less difficult for those who come after me, and Tess takes that direction and rises to the occasion and answers that question with this wonderful testament to survival.
"Be Still and Know that I am God "Psalms 46:10 Tess has been silent and still long enough, it's time to let that beautiful Voice be heard!


-----

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.

Laugh-Out-Loud Historical Fiction

 

The Doctor's Daughter

by Belle Blackburn

https://www.facebook.com/belle.blackburn.3

Historical fiction (romance & mystery too)

ISBN 978-0615690957
Available on Amazon
Publisher: Createspace

 

 

Reviewed by Don Creekmore originally for Amazon

 

 

I have to admit that I normally am not a reader of fiction. However, on the suggestion of a friend I found myself immediately engrossed in the story of Kate, a young woman coming of age in the early days of Civil War Nashville. Belle Blackburn has succeeded in weaving the little known details of that time into a story that includes love, revenge, compassion, and humor. She provides insight into how the upheaval of the Civil War affected individuals and families on both sides of the social "tracks". The story has more twists, turns, and surprises than the road from Nashville to Peony. When you think you have "figured it out" you quickly find out you don't. Blackburn's humor sneaks up on you in the oddest places. I actually laughed out loud - not something that I do very often when reading a book. If you like a story that tugs at your heart, raises your spirit, surprises you continuously, and educates, I highly recommend the "Doctor's Daughter." I look forward to the sequels.

 

-----

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.

Children's Author Calls Fellow Author's Book Wonderful Read

Cassie & Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles

By Trinisse ChanelISBN: 978-1460994030Paperback: 194 pages

• Genre: Children's fantasy fiction.
  Author Website:https://sites.google.com/site/cassieandchloebooks/

Purchase this title in paperback 
Purchase this title as an e-book

Reviewed by  Sarah Renee originally for Amazon

The first in a series, Cassie and Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles introduces readers to two brave, adventurous girls named Cassie and Chloe. As the story unfolds, the two curious girls find themselves stumbling into an exciting new world filled with incredible new sights. Along with their adorable Pomeranian Moondoggie and their sweet cat Pierre, the sisters explore the new world of Serendipity Springs and meet a lot of curious but delightful people and find a lot of amazing adventures.

The siblings Vicky and Nicky, who live in Serendipity Springs, become Cassie and Chloe's guides to show them this new world--and along the way, form a deep friendship. The group of six: Cassie, Chloe, Vicky, Nicky, Moondoggie, and Pierre -take part in a lot of exciting different activities. Among many other spectacular adventures, the six friends play exciting games in a place called the House of Fun, have exciting adventures in many different places from New York to Japan at a place called the Dress-Up Pavilion, enter into the worlds of different books in the Magical Mystical Library, and see dozens of other incredible places in Serendipity Springs.

However, the group is also troubled by the appearance of two evil twins. The brave girls, along with their pets and their new friends, try to help the people of Serendipity Springs stop the twins evil plan and must use logic and courage to outwit the evil pair.

Cassie and Chloe meet many friendly people in Serendipity Springs and form plenty of wonderful friendships. The adventures they go on in this new world are exciting and very imaginative. The girls and their friends are great role models to exemplify friendship, creativity, and bravery in the face of danger. The different adventures Cassie and Chloe find in Serendipity Springs will captivate and delight the imaginations of children. I recommend this book for children around ages 7-11 who enjoy a good book filled with wonderful characters and exciting adventures.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

The reviewer is an author of children's books in her own right.

-----

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.

Children's Book Asks Questions Kids--and Owls--Ask

Title of Book: The Owl Who Couldn’t WHOO

Author: LeeAnna Kail

World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/n5bul86

Twitter: @LA_Kail

Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?__user=35107802

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.

ISBN Number(s): 978-1-61244-129-0

Genre of Book: Children’s picture book

Publication Date: Feb. 2013

 

Synopsis provided by World of Ink Network

“Join Ollie on his adventure in searching for his sister and learning the significance of being different.”

About the Book:
Ollie is known for one thing in his village: he is the only owl who cannot “WHOO.” The other owls tease him for saying “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!” All Ollie wants is to fit in, but when his little sister gets lost in the woods, Ollie discovers he can help.
While providing insightful perspectives on diversity, The OWL Who Couldn’t WHOO offers educators, libraries, parents and young readers a fresh new look on anti-bullying and self-confidence.

 

Overall Thoughts:

This cute picture book will help children struggling with speech and self-esteem. There is also the underlying theme about not being a bullying and getting along with those different from you.

 

EXCERPT:

Ollie lived in a parliament of Spotted Owls deep in the forest. He was the only owl that did not, “WHOO!” Instead, Ollie said, “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!” The other owls teased him.

“WHOO is the only owl in the village that cannot WHOO! Ollie, Ollie, Ollie that is WHOO!” they chanted together.

“You say funny words,” Hooty shouted. “You sound silly!” Spotty made fun of Ollie. “Are you even a real owl?” Percy teased.

Poor Ollie felt sad. He couldn’t help screeching, “WHEERE!” or “WHEEN!” or “WHYY!” and sometimes “WHAAT!”

 

About the Author: 

Ever since LeeAnna Kail was little, she had an interest in writing. In fact, when she was in the fourth grade, she completed a career project and dressed as an author with dreams of writing her own book one day.
LeeAnna attended Duquesne University with a double major in political science and English with intentions of attending law school after graduation. While studying abroad in Rome, Italy, LeeAnna had a change of heart and decided to continue her education at Duquesne studying elementary education instead. She knew she found her niche the first day of class. Inspired by an assignment from a children’s literature course, LeeAnna's dream of writing a book has come true.

LeeAnna currently teaches in Pittsburgh and hopes to be an inspiration to her students to follow their dreams.

 

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com

SUBMITTED BY 
Virginia S Grenier 

Founder & Partner, World of Ink Network

Bringing Authors and Readers Together

http://worldofinknetwork.com

Office: 435-625-1743

Follow us on Twitter

 

Like us on Facebook

Award-winning Author & Editor

http://vsgrenier.com 

 

Member of League of Utah Writers/HWG chapter president

http://heritagewriters.tripod.com

-----
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.

J.Q. Pens Mystery with Sweet Romance and Humor

Title: Coda to Murder

Author: J.Q. Rose

Author's Web site: http://www.jqrose.com

Genre: Mystery, sweet romance

ISBN 978-1-77127-274-2

Published by amazon

Reviewer's Rating 5 Stars

 

Reviewed by Sue Pernz originally for Amazon.com  

Inspirational with murder and humour

At first this seems like an ordinary murder with romance, but J.Q. Rose has brought in her usual (or should I say unusual) sense of humor. A cat, pig and kangaroo also take major parts in the story. Christine gets into all sorts of situations, both dangerous and funny, when she tries to solve the murder mystery.

I have read J.Q. Rose's books before and this is another good one. The author has that uncanny knack of putting together a serious situation with a touch of humor. Not too much, just enough to lighten the thread, without being insulting to the deceased. J.Q. Rose managed to make romance and murder a believable possibility and for this I commend her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which says a lot as I don't usually read inspirational books, but this is a definite "can't put it down" book. Well done Ms. Rose, can't wait for the next book from your writing desk.

-----
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.

Midwest Review Gives Children's Book a Heads Up

Title: A Different Little Doggy
Category:                  Children / Picture Book                                                        
Author:                      Heather Whittaker              
Publisher:                 Pen – Tech Professional LLC
Price:                         $9.99 (retail)
Page Count:             28
ISBN #:                      978-0-9820962-2-2
Audience:                Children ages 4 – 7
Website:                  www.adifferentlittledoggy.com

Originally Reviewed for Midwest Book Review     

Being different in any area often times can rattle our world, whether it is with ourselves or others. However, if we realize that being different is not bad, merely a situation that simply needs understanding and tolerance. In this well written work by author, Heather Whittaker, we meet, Taz, a wonderful little dog. Taz shares her life with the reader from being small, to having pins put in to fix her knees, and even to going blind. Taz is not one to complain, feel sorry for herself, or blame others. No, she works to overcome and live her life to the fullest. What a gal and role modal she is.

This is a wonderful book with top of the notch, colorful, and real to life illustrations that draw you right into the storyline. Using a love-able dog, our author shows how we should accept ourselves, and others for what and who we are. The story shows that just because someone may not be able to do all others can, does not make them less of a person (or doggy), nor would it make them less of a friend. It teaches acceptance and love in a warm and wonderful way. I enjoyed this read and feel it has a very important lesson for young and old, told in an upbeat and joyous manner, that will leave you feeling good inside. Well done! Recommended.

 

-----
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.