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.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013


What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A To Z
Subtitle: How to understand crazy American culture, people, govenment, business, language and more
By Lance Johnson
ISBN: 9781468172362
Author's Web site: http://AmericaAtoZ.com

Available as e-book and paperback on Amazon and on Amazon worlwide and at Vroman's Pasadena, CA,  and other fine bookstores

 

Book Review

Reviewed by Alice D. originally for Readers Favorite

Knowledgeable author Lance Johnson has written "What Foreigners Need to Know about America from A to Z", primarily to help the foreign-born visitor or immigrant to function effectively and easily in the United States. There are four sections to this invaluable reference tool: American Heritage, American Culture, American Business and American Language. The twenty-six chapters which comprise these four sections tell in detail of how the United States is a country of diversity and change. The author states correctly, over and over, that countries of the world must learn about each other's culture and that citizens of the United States must understand that the world is uncomfortable with our dominance in economics and our political outreach. People around the world see us as not caring about other countries, and conclude that we come off as self-righteous and having a superiority complex in world affairs. However, citizens of the United States are honest, fair, kind and grateful as expressed in our actions which appeal to other countries of the world.

"What Foreigners Need to Know about American from A to Z" should be given to every person immigrating to or even just visiting this country. Author Lance Johnson is well-versed in world-wide protocols and tells of how WalMart has to close down its stores in Germany as it didn't research how to serve German customers. The author tells of how to participate in many everyday things in the United States but also reminds the reader that flashing the soles of your feet in Thailand is a big "no-no" and that in Bulgaria head nods of "yes" and "no" are the opposite of ours in the United States. The author gives lengthy descriptions in the sections on American business and American language, making "What Foreigners need to Know about America from A to Z" useful for anyone, including Americans themselves. The table of contents, the quizes, the many lists of interesting facts, and the accompanying colored photographs make this book one that should be available worldwide. It is a gem and treasure trove of valuable information that will help the foreign-born and American-born navigate their world without making serious or offensive mistakes.
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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, February 24, 2013

Mom and Daughter Review Children's Book

 



 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477581634/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mothanddaugbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1477581634
Title: When Sam Set Sail
Author: LeAnn Beck
Year published: 2012
Publisher: LeAnn Beck
Number of pages: 38
Recommended age: 3+
Genre~children's
ISBN~978-1477581636
 
 
Reviewed by: Renee and Danielle (Mother and Daughter)
Summary (from previous back cover): This engaging tale of adventure and camaraderie welcomes the reader aboard an unexpected journey with unforeseen events. The salty and seaworthy crew who have spent their lives skimming the sea, find that what is beyond the horizon and the journeys that get us there, are shaped by the imagination and spirit we color them with. For children of all ages who enjoy the sea, from the deck or the shore, this adventure begs to be read again and again. Illustrate the events in this journal as you would record the voyage. Share with family and friends and see what they think of the surprise ending!
 
http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Danielle-Avatar.jpg
DAUGHTER SAYS
 
1. What is the story about? The book is about a ship that is sailing in the sea when it comes upon a big scary sea monster.
2. What do you think of the cover and the design of the book? I like the cover of the second book better because the first book only has a tiny ship in the corner and the second book has a huge ship in the middle. I like that in the second book there are pretty scrolls for drawing pictures on and in the first book, I didn’t like that you couldn’t draw pictures on each page.
3. What is your favorite part of the book? I really like that you can draw pictures on each page and I like the surprise ending but, ssshhh… I’m not telling.
4. What is your least favorite part of the book? I didn’t like that, in the first book, you couldn’t draw out the story on each page but could only draw a few pictures at the end on a couple pages. I like the second book much, much better.
5. What did you think about the story in the book? I liked the story in the book and I liked the rhyming and the end was surprising. I didn’t see THAT coming!
6. Who do you think would like this book? I think that it’s a good book because I don’t know about any other book where you can draw your own pictures and I recommend it to boys and girls six years old and up.
Daughter Rating: ★★★★★
http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Renee-avatar-with-cat.jpg
MOM SAYS
 
My thoughts: The story in the book is told through lilting, rhyming verse and makes the reader feel as if they themselves are on a tall ship sailing the deep blue sea. The story provides the reader with adventure, excitement and just the right level of tension for young children. There is a twist at the end that I think children would really enjoy – and I can say in all honestly that I did not see it coming!
Aside from the cover, the book has no illustrations. In lieu of illustrations, children reading the book (or being read to) are encouraged to read the book from start to finish and then use their imagination to draw their own pictures interpreting the story. Each page is designed to look like an old weathered scroll and has some text and a wide space where a child can draw a picture. What I love about the design is that the text is so descriptive that it gives some direction to children for what to draw and which features to include in their picture.
 

----- 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.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Best of Best Book Marketers Tell Secrets in Anthology

Title: Indie Author Book Marketing Success
Subtitle: Proven 5-Star Marketing Techniques from Successful Authors and Book Marketing Experts
Genre: Nonfiction/Marketing/Anthology
Published by Self-Publishing-Coach.com
ISBN: 978-0615767253
Contributing Authors: Shelley Hitz, Heather Hart, Laura Pepper Wu, D’vorah Lansky, Dana Lynn Smith, Joel Friedlander, Penny Sansevieri, Eric Van Der Hope, Lorilyn Roberts, Kristen Eckstein, Lindsay Buroker, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Staci Stallings, and Karen Baney

Synopsis:
 
If you take a quick step into the online world, you’ll find hundreds if not thousands of websites and books all related to book marketing and from hundreds of different people and perspectives. The diversity of book marketing experts is as assorted as the books they write and market, yet each one holds an insight or two that the others might have missed.
But why do we need another book on book marketing?
Indie Author Book Marketing Success is unique because it brings some of the leading book marketing experts and best-selling authors from around the web all to one place. Each author writes about their own area of expertise with the hopes of help other authors be successful.
Shelley Hitz and Heather Hart from Self-Publishing-Coach.com hand-picked each of the contributors to this book – including me! Other contributors include:
· Joel Friedlander from TheBookDesigner.com
· Laura Pepper Wu of 30 Day Books
· Penny Sansevieri from Author Marketing Experts, Inc.
· Eric Van Der Hope author of “Mastering Niche Marketing
· Lorilyn Roberts founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network
· Kristen Eckstein, The Ultimate Book Coach
· Lindsay Buroker of LindsayBurker.com
· Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer
· D’vorah Lansky author of “Book Marketing Made Easy
· Carolyn Howard Johnson from How To Do It Frugally and the Writer's Digest 101 Best Website award winner, SharingwithWriters.
· Staci Stallings co-founder of CrossReads
· Karen Baney of Christian eBooks Today
14 different authors
14 different marketing topics.

The book marketing journey is one that every successful author must take in his or her own way. There is no one way to market books successfully. You have to work hard and find what works best for you. Book marketing can be intimidating, let us help you find your way.
 
The official book launch for our new book is February 19th-21st and everyone that purchases a copy during those dates will also receive 7 free bonus gifts and can enter to win over $100 worth of free prizes.
 
You can learn more at: http://bit.ly/IndieAuthorBookLaunch
 
Self-Publishing-Coach.com is a website that offers authors free book templates, articles, newsletters, tele-classes, special reports, eBooks, webinars, podcasts, videos and other resources to help authors get published and noticed!

Shelley Hitz is the founder of Self-Publishing-coach.com and an entrepreneur, speaker, author and consultant to individuals, organizations and small businesses who want to multiply their impact through self publishing. She teaches from personal experience. Over a two year span, while working full-time, she published five books, multiple audio CDs, authored two websites that attract thousands of visitors each month, and created multiple products that she sells through her website and at her speaking engagements.


Heather Hart is a book marketing expert and Shelley’s assistant at Self-Publishing-Coach.com. She has authored and contributed to multiple books, including “A Year of Book Marketing.” Helping other authors since 2009, Heather lives in Texas with her husband and four children where she fills her days typing away on her keyboard and brainstorming new marketing ideas.

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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, February 17, 2013

Mom Reviews Fairy Book for Kids

  • Title: Fairy May
  • Author: Jo Linsdell
  • ISBN-13: 978-1481951425
  • Category: Children's picture books
  • Author website: www.JoLinsdell.com
  •  Rating: 5 stars
  • Book Description:

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination Fairy May prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?




Reviewed by LaMarzia originally for Amazon


"I'm not an expert of children books, as far as a mother-of-2 (3,5yo and 1,5yo) can't be called as an expert of children books =) This is the reason why my review will be "just" about what we love in this book.

We love the cuteness of drawings and the light, delicate colours.
We love the rhymes, a good exercise for non-mother-tongue children to improve their English knowledge.
We love the story, the strength of tiny May in following her dreams. We love the good example: if you want something you must be ready to work hard!
We love the highlight on dental hygiene, the importance of brushing teeth and we will download soon the extras!
We love to read it, and read it and read it again.... as we did with previous release by Jo Linsdell "OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO"! =)

We love the book itself. Fairy May is a new character in our life and we hope in future new adventures to be released!"



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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, February 13, 2013

Infidelity: Self-Help Is On The Way!

Title: THE (IN)FIDELITY FACTOR: Points to Ponder Before You Cheat
Author: Elda M. Lopez
Websites: www.theinfidelityfactorbook.com, www.eldamlopez.com
Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help
Format: Kindle
ASIN: B00ATSB73C
Pages: 101 approx.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/THE-IN-FIDELITY-FACTOR-ebook/product-reviews/B00ATSB73C

Reviewed by Kia De Cou originally for Amazon.com
Reviewers rating: 5.0 stars


A very thoughtful and insightful look into a sensitive but all too common problem. This book weaves together research and discussion about infidelity with personal narrative to create a thought-provoking and sometimes humorous look at what goes on (or doesn't) inside our heads before we commit an act of infidelity and what some of the repercussions could be.

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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.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Education Expert Reviews Historical Fiction for Youth and Older

THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL
Author: Hitchcock, Shannon
Author's website: http://shannonhitchcockwriter.blogspot.com
Publisher: Namelos
Pages: 131
Price ( Hardcover ): $18.95
Publication Date: February 1, 2013
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-60898-141-0
Category: Fiction (ages 10 - up)
Review Rating: Five stars

 
Reviewed by Diana Sharp originally for Amazon


Perfect for historical-fiction fans of books like Sarah, Plain and Tall and Our Only May Amelia, this tale of plucky and loyal Jessie Pearl is aimed at somewhat older readers and gives a taste of life in 1920's rural North Carolina, with details on everything from chicken and dumplings to Model Ts to "stink soup."
As Jessie grows from fourteen years old to sixteen, love with a childhood sweetheart remains innocent and heart-tugging, and her love for her family is as deep as the well where she winds her water. Faith in God is an undercurrent throughout the story as this church-going family struggles with survival in a world where tuberculosis claimed the lives of many. There's no offensive language, and the romance is deftly written to be appropriate for all ages, making this one of those hard-to-find books about teenage life that don't require a parental advisory for younger, advanced readers. Book clubs (especially mother-daughter book clubs) will no doubt find the ending both satisfying and open-ended enough for good discussions about how Jessie's later life may unfold.
About the Reviewer:
 
Diana Sharp, Ph.D.
Consulting, Development, and Writing Services
for Educational Pioneers

 

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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.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Donna M. McDine Reviews New Helpful Book for Emigrants

This is a New Book Review first! I've never run interviews before, partially because I worry about getting reliable permission from both the interviewer and the author to reprint/repost them, so this is a trial. I'd also like to know how it's received by my New Book Review subscribers. So leave comments. Let me know what you think. I liked this review because it isn't canned--it truly has a personal touch.

Interview of Lance Johnson, author of What Foreigners Need To Know About America From A ToZ: How ToUnderstand Crazy American culture, people, government, business, language and more by Donna M. McDine


“Lance, I am in awe of your vast accomplishments. I’ve spent quite a bit of time learning about you through your website at www.AmericaAtoZ.com . I’d like to transform myself into a “pocket person” and experience your travels first hand. I’m delighted to interview you and to have an opportunity to introduce you to my blog readers and network of colleagues. Welcome!

 

DMc: The creation of your book, What ForeignersNeed to Know About America from A to Z: How to understand crazy Americanculture, people, government, business, language and more came from your love of America and extensive travels throughout the world. Please share why you feel your book is the perfect guide in understanding American culture.

 

LJ: As I point out in the book’s intro, I’ve been in 81 countries, taught overseas, and experienced firsthand the difficulties my immigrant friends in the US have understanding our crazy culture. I’m not sure there’s a perfect guide that you refer to above because it is such a broad complex topic. But I’ve simplified it with 26 fundamental chapters. For example, the chapters on grammar and speech simply address the errors commonly made by foreigners and how they can overcome them…I keep it simple and the language easy and fun.

 

DMc: One of your travel tips abroad is to ask people “what they would like to know about America that they were always afraid of asking for fear of offending.” What is the most common question, the most unusual?

 

LJ: Oh boy, that really varies. For example, when I taught Chinese teachers of English near Shanghai using my book as a text, the chapter on religion brought the most interest. This is not surprising, given China’s opposition to religions. Next in line was the chapter on film and the movie stars they knew a lot about.

 

A German couple wanted to know why we all get along so well here, given our various minorities. I explained that we didn’t do well at it, then we analyzed why they had that perception. A common question is about our food and table manners, a topic discussed in an entire chapter on food and dining. I think the most revealing questions come from foreigners who probably know more about what is going on in Washington than the average American. I recently met an Italian and his wife who surprised me with endless questions and observations about Obama, Romney, and our government, which reveals foreigners are indeed aware of what is happening here; they wanted my comments on their comments. That is why I have an entire chapter on government.

 

As a side note on this topic, throughout the book I stress the importance of free speech, individual rights, and religious freedom that are chiseled in the cornerstone of our society, which in turn define how we behave. Because of the recent crudely-produced video that incited Muslim hate of America, it comes as no surprise because in those countries they are told what they can do and say. Thus, it is my guess they think our government and people support saying bad things about their religion, which of course is not true. They don’t realize this was one man’s film and the expression of his opinion, and that in America we are free to express our opinions. (In Thailand I learned that expressing negative comments about the king can land you in jail.)

 

As I’ve learned in all my travels, if America were a business, it would need a better public relations department…we‘re continually fighting a bad image, another topic in my book. It has an entire chapter on what foreigners think about America, and in many cases they say the same thing: from their firsthand knowledge, America is not as bad as most foreigners think.

 

DMc: What, if any was your biggest obstacle in writing and publishing What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z?

 

LJ: This is easy. I wasn’t sure the book would ever be published. Halfway through the 24-month writing process, I started sending queries to literary agents and publishers around the world. The response was generally the same: There’s never been a book like this so there’s not a need for it. Finally, a foreign agent for all the big publishers in the US said he wanted rights to it. I signed a contract and he found a publisher who gave me an advance. Lesson: follow your own North Star and keep plugging away.

 

DMc: What has been your most exhilarating travel experience?

 

LJ: “Exhilarating” has multiple connotations, including frightening/exciting/stimulating. Frightening: Last year on a cruise ship from Singapore through the Suez Canal to Rome, as we approached Yemen and the Red Sea, we had to close our curtains a night and the ship ran without outdoor lights because of pirate activity in that area. During the day the captain spotted suspicious ships nearing us and broadcast an alert. Also, during the day we saw an armada of battle ships from different countries along the shipping lanes, which gave us some comfort. Exciting: I’ve traveled the Panama Canal multiple times and still marvel at this engineering wonder that is 100 years old and still working as designed. Stimulating: Visiting Israel, walking where Christ did, witnessing all the Biblical sights that I learned about as a youngster, and learning firsthand that Israel is much less the monster portrayed in the press regarding Arabs there. Like the US, they need a better PR Dept.

 

DMc: What’s next?

 

LJ: Would love to take the Orient Express, travel the Silk Road, and take the train across scenic Canada and write about that. (As an actor, I did some filming in Kunming, China, the exit from the Silk Road.) In my travels I send a travelogue to my friends with pictures and brief daily commentaries. In the last one when I sailed from Australia to San Francisco, this was the closing comment I made: “I’ve now been in 81 countries on 6 continents, but the more I travel the more I realize how little I know about the world and all that inhabits it, including peoples, cultures, vegetation, wildlife, and geology. What an eye opener it is to travel. If I were the Creator of Earth, I wouldn’t change a thing. What a magnificent place, and we’d better darn well take better care of it. This is also what astronauts say as they view Earth as a tiny speck cradling mankind. LJ”

 

I also point this out in the book’s intro:  With all of our cultural differences though, you’ll be surprised to learn how much our countries—and we as human beings—have in common on this third rock from the sun called Planet Earth. After all, the song played at our Disneyland parks around the world is “It’s A Small World After All.”

 

DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. Lance, can you please share one with us?

 

LJ: Perhaps the most surprising thing related to my book was receiving endorsements from the US Ambassador to China and the ambassadors to the US from China and Singapore in response to my requests for them. As my grandfather taught me ages ago: You’ll never know if you don’t try, will you?

 

Lance, thanks for taking the time out to chat with me. I’ve enjoyed getting to you know you! Best wishes for your continued success.

 

Interviewer bio: Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has four more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, A Sandy Grave, and Dee and Deb, Off They Go. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and owner of Author PR Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the Children’s Literature Network, Family Reading Partnership, and SCBWI. Visit www.donnamcdine.com and www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com.
 
Buy Information:
Learn more about Lance Johnson at www.howtodoitfrugally.com/A_to_Z.htm. His book is available on Amazon at http://amzn.to/ForeignersAmericaUs in the US and on other Amazon online bookstores worldwide.

 
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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 :