Back on Track

New reviews coming soon! I'll be importing my work from the past two years, but in the meantime,
I'm reclaiming my small place on the web.

Monday, February 28, 2005

Non-Fiction/Self Help Review

Grandma Goes To Law School: Why It's Never Too Late To Live Your Dreams
by Jeremy Goldstein
ISBN-10: 0975535307
Review by Heather Froeschl

You are never too old to fulfill your dreams, and never too young to get started on them. We all know this but our day-to-day lives tend to take up our time and our dreams get pushed into the background. "Grandma Goes to Law School" will reawaken your dreams in you and give you reason to pay attention again. It's never too late!

Jeremy Goldstein shares the stories of twelve people who took a chance and paid attention to their dreams. His own mother, at the age of 83, has graduated from law school! Margaret Hagerty, at the age of 64, quit smoking and started running. She ran the New York City Marathon. Later on, she started swimming and biking and entered into triathlons. Sixteen years later she works for Marathon Tours and has run marathons in Greece, Australia, and Africa. George Brunstad decided that he wanted to swim the English Channel for his 70th birthday. Gail Fredericks started medical school the year she turned 47. She became a doctor at 51. All of these people had previous careers and lives that were full of the ordinary things. They had dreams and acted upon them, and turned their ordinary into extraordinary.

There are more stories included that will inspire you and get you thinking about your own goals again, but Goldstein also offers a chapter that will help you to reach your goals. His step-by-step guide will encourage you to discover what your dreams are, make a plan to achieve them, and imagine the success. There is also a valuable reference section that will likely become a springboard for many readers. You don't have to be 20 to go for your goals and you don't have to be 70 to read this book and gain from it.

"Grandma Goes to Law School" is an inspiration. Don't ignore your dreams! It's never too late (or too early) to go for it!

Non-Fiction Review

Grandma Goes To Law School: Why It's Never Too Late To Live Your Dreams
By Jeremy Goldstein
ISBN-10: 0975535307
Review by Heather Froeschl


You are never too old to fulfill your dreams, and never too young to get started on them. We all know this but our day-to-day lives tend to take up our time and our dreams get pushed into the background. "Grandma Goes to Law School" will reawaken your dreams in you and give you reason to pay attention again. It's never too late!

Jeremy Goldstein shares the stories of twelve people who took a chance and paid attention to their dreams. His own mother, at the age of 83, has graduated from law school! Margaret Hagerty, at the age of 64, quit smoking and started running. She ran the New York City Marathon. Later on, she started swimming and biking and entered into triathlons. Sixteen years later she works for Marathon Tours and has run marathons in Greece, Australia, and Africa. George Brunstad decided that he wanted to swim the English Channel for his 70th birthday. Gail Fredericks started medical school the year she turned 47. She became a doctor at 51. All of these people had previous careers and lives that were full of the ordinary things. They had dreams and acted upon them, and turned their ordinary into extraordinary.

There are more stories included that will inspire you and get you thinking about your own goals again, but Goldstein also offers a chapter that will help you to reach your goals. His step-by-step guide will encourage you to discover what your dreams are, make a plan to achieve them, and imagine the success. There is also a valuable reference section that will likely become a springboard for many readers. You don't have to be 20 to go for your goals and you don't have to be 70 to read this book and gain from it.

"Grandma Goes to Law School" is an inspiration. Don't ignore your dreams! It's never too late (or too early) to go for it!

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Paranormal Fiction Review

A Wizard by Any Other Name
by Debora ElizaBeth Hil
ISBN-10: 1929374399
Review by Heather Froeschl

Direct descendant to Merlin himself, Mallecyne St. Merline, a ninth level sorceress, is partnered with a "null" on an investigation. The most promising high school student sorcerers are being abducted into another dimension, their power usurped by Tynedale, Mallecyne's former teacher and lover. Mallecyne's partner isn't just a null though; he has the rare ability of being impervious to magic. This makes him the perfect partner for her as they battle to save the world from Tynedale's plans.

Through the portals that Tynedale had created Mallecyne and her partners explore our own world, full of its prejudices and religious idiosyncrasies. They attempt to rescue those who have been captured but inadvertently bring a number of "other worlders" over as well. This allows for an examination and comparison of the two dimensionsàone, which embraces magic, and one that cowers to its religious beliefs. Looking at the world this way is an interesting study of society. This deep difference in cultures adds so very much to the story that one will be caught up in the discussion and intrigued by the plot.

Will the students be able to return to the world they know? Will Tynedale find a way to take over the world, in both dimensions? Will Mallecyne and her partner discover how well they work together in other ways? What will happen to the beautiful girl from the Dark Ages? Get caught up in the magical tale of "A Wizard by Any Other Name" and you will discover the answers while enjoying a time tripping adventure full of thoughtful insight, lust, and life lessons.

I adored this book and highly recommend it. Readers will find that they will be swept up in the spell of a talented author. What better result from a read can you get?

Non-Fiction/Self Help Review

What's It Like Being You?: Living Life as Your True Self!
by John-Roger
ISBN-10: 1893020258
Review by Heather Froeschl

Are you who you are supposed to be? A mother, employee, dedicated worker, community volunteer? Or are you who you truly are? Does your soul soar free; are you happy? Or is it stuck inside under all of the costumes of those people you think you need to be? Can you find yourself in there and come to know your true self?

With the gentle guidance of John-Roger, D.S.S. and Paul Kaye,D.S.S., you certainly can. In "What's it Like Being You?" you will come to learn the difference between being you and being your true self. Read the text that addresses the topics of who you are, how many yous there are, and the sea of gratitude and follow the practices that help you focus on the silence, meditation, and exercising your soul. Read about the four spiritual laws of Acceptance, Cooperation, Understanding and Enthusiasm. Then go back through and read the quotes by John-Roger as a way to help attune to your own spirit.

Through the book you will not find strict rules or mantras to follow, but you will find a quiet guidance that can help you to understand yourself better. You will also find additional guidance in the included CD, a guided meditation that reiterates what is in the book. It will become a cherished tool and is the perfect companion to the text.

Readers will delight in the joy they find, through the pages, in themselves and their lives. It is there, you just have to accept it. Everyone is different but I would imagine that everyone who reads "What's it Like Being You?" will come away having learned something quite valuable.

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Poetry Review

Oh Joe!: A Father's Struggle to Survive the Loss of His Son
by Joseph E., Jr. LeBlanc
ISBN-10: 0595660320
Review by Heather Froeschl

Joseph E. LeBlanc, Jr. shares his grief with readers through a year's worth of reflections on his son, his life, his struggle with his loss and his struggle to go on. LeBlanc's son died at the age of 31, somewhat suddenly; LeBlanc tried to cope by writing notes about his feelings and poetry that expressed those feelings so well. Here is a book that takes the real raw emotion of a man and makes it an offering to help those who grieve.

The real emotion is evident, and LeBlanc wishes it to be so. Holding on to those emotions kept them real. It is this reality that was all he had left to hold onto, until he let the healing begin. Through his writings LeBlanc shares the disbelief, the denial, the utter sadness and devastation that we go through when we lose someone so close to us. It is through this sharing that readers can see themselves and hopefully find comfort that they are not alone, find encouragement to go on in their own lives and understand this thing, this process we call grief. It is different for all of us, but so similar too, that sharing with another can only be helpful in some way.

LeBlanc's poetry is touching and evocative of thought and feeling. His introduction to each poem, through notes on the feelings that inspired them or the physical situation that helped create them is very helpful to the reader. Not your usual book of poetry, this is more of a memoir and a meaningful message to those going through bereavement. It is also the tale of a family coping in their own way, one day at a time.

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Fiction Review

Claddaugh
by Tammy Doherty
ISBN-10: 1594675929
Review by Heather Froeschl

Leigh does not love her husband and it is clear that he does not love her. She was chasing a dream when they wed, one which he could not fulfill. Her family ties to wealth are what attracted his attentions. His sister insisted upon the match; she ruled over him all of his life. Leigh's brother Kyle must be clandestine when visiting her in Philadelphia for David Parker is a jealous and suspicious man, even though he views Leigh as a possession, not a wife. It is through these visits and the trouble of her being brought in for questioning for passing counterfeit bills that Leigh learns the secret service is watching her husband, and she decides to become an informant.

Living with her husband and his controlling sister becomes dangerous as it is discovered that Leigh is with child. As the secret service closes in Kyle should have sent her to stay with family, but he doesn't. During a confrontation, Leigh faces peril and is hospitalized. What follows is a struggle with morality, old feelings and present dangers. Will Leigh ever be happy? Can she allow herself that?

While an enjoyable read, I found the plot weak and subsequently, the supporting sub-plots to be drawn out and somewhat lacking. I could not relate to the inner turmoil that Leigh contemplated, as it seemed a bit too pure and forced. The idea of the Claddaugh is a delight to see brought into play though and the relationships in the story are cause for thought and study in sociology. "Claddaugh" is a nice passive read...not quite romance and not quite adventure, it is a work of fiction that demonstrates life of over 100 years ago through the troubled eyes of a likeable heroine.

Sunday, February 6, 2005

Non-Fiction/Paranormal

The Simple Touch Of Fate
by Arlene Uslander & Brenda Warneka
ISBN-10: 0595302831
Review by Heather Froeschl

Fate means different things to different people, but in general it is described as a moment when our destinies are guided by something we cannot explain - a moment when things happen that seem coincidental, miraculous or simply amazing. In "The Simple Touch of Fate" the editors have compiled over 50 true stories of fated events. The collection will give readers a satisfying sampling of the variety of fate's guidance in our lives.

Examples of chance events, from the reuniting of a husband and wife separated over years and oceans by the chance purchase of a tablecloth at a yard sale, to a woman's astounding luck at winning it big twice on the slot machines of Las Vegas on the same date a year apart, will amaze you and leave you wondering if these events are coincidences. Read on and discover that we all cross paths for a reason, we are all sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time, but are also sometimes in the right place at the right time. How does it all equal out? Sometimes it doesn't. There are instances of devastating results of fate in this book, balanced by unbelievable tales of good fortune.

The editors share their own instances of the hand of fate and have compiled a unique collection that is sure to be appreciated by readers who have even a hint of appreciation for the unknown, the mystical and the fact of life that not everything can be explained.

Friday, February 4, 2005

Fiction Review

Dessert Island
by M. Margaret Neil
ISBN-10: 0595346790
Review by Heather Froeschl

It is the popular fantasy among many, to be stranded on a deserted island with a movie star. My personal favorite would be Harrison Ford, but it is likely to never happen. "Dessert Island" addresses this fantasy in a unique and humorous way. If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you want to be there with, and wouldn't you dream of desserts too? What would happen if you got sick? If it was that time of the month? If there was no water? Neil addresses all of these points and more.

Kee is the assistant to a film star, aboard a yacht where a wrap party is taking place. Her boss, also her lifetime friend, has the hots for her co-star Jack Conway. He's there on the yacht too, but is trying to ignore her come-ons. Kee flinches with embarrassment for Darcy and tries to stay in the shadows, avoiding the limelight. She would have been fine if the wind hadn't blown her dress up to a torch and caught it on fire. She would have been okay if anyone had noticed her before she decided jumping into the ocean was the only way to put out the flames. Someone did notice her jumping overboard and he jumped in after her. They would have been fine if only he'd notified someone about what was happening. No one noticed, and the yacht sailed on without them.

Making it to the tiny island was no easy task, and calling it an island is a stretch. Basically, the two landed on a rock in the ocean. How will they survive? When will they be rescued? And what exactly does one do to pass the time with a hunky movie star? When you are quite tall, slightly overweight and have low self-esteem, it isn't all flirting and flaunting. Through self-preservation, eating raw fish, a lack of cigarettes and bouts with fever, Jack and Kee come to know each other for so much more than their surface image. What will happen to them? Will they ever use the two condoms they have among their meager possessions?

Not all romance and fantasy, "Dessert Island" has its share of action and suspense. While it may appeal more to women at first glance, men will also enjoy this book. Dessert Island is a wild and fun read. The characters are deep enough to be real and real enough to come to life in your mind's eye. The predicaments they get into are not exactly what one fantasizes about in this situation but make for an entertaining story. "Dessert Island" would make an excellent movie and certainly is a great beach book. You'll laugh your way through to the end and find yourself turning pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. M. Margaret Neil has produced a satisfying tale that is full of real life issues and fantasy fun.

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Fiction Review

BETRAYED: Murder in the Bahamas
by Robert Terwilliger
ISBN-10: 0976557800
Review by Heather Froeschl

Pirates still cruise the seas looking for easy money but they no longer bear the symbol of their trade as warning to other vessels. The average pirate today might also be your lawyer or your mechanic. In the islands there is no telling who might be out for a fast buck. If it means taking it out the average tourist's pocket, then that is what will happen.

"Betrayed" is a story of one family's encounter with island pirates and the tale of how those pirates came to be what they are. It isn't a pretty story but it is much more realistic than the postcard image the travel industry would have us envision. This work of fiction has some very real elements of life to it.

From the perspective of Chico the reader learns about the drug industry and the means people will go to, to make money. It is a kill or be killed world he lives in and he shows no remorse for his actions. On the side, he arranges for boat engines to make their way to new owners and for the deep waters to fill up with stolen hulls. A number of bodies also find their way to watery graves through the course of a day's work. Then one day, Chico's men make a mistake. They steal the boat of Viper, and Viper is mad.

It isn't just a boat the pirates steal but truly a member of Viper's family. He wants the boat back and goes to unusual lengths to find her. What he doesn't realize is that he is stepping up to face the pirate boss, the drug lord, Chico himself. Will Chico survive his own game? Will justice finally be served?

Robert Terwilliger offers a glimpse at the Bahamas that, in general, tourists just don't see. It is a dark side of paradise and unfortunately a very real flaw to the island life. Crime exists, even in a heavenly setting. "Betrayed" is a story of suspense and murder, criminal life and a love for the sea. I found the read to be fast paced save for a sometimes-excessive amount of background information on less than key characters. There are history lessons included that are interesting but could have been left out of the tale. Overall, the book is a step out of the ordinary and entertaining.