Autobiography Review

To Nam And Back
by Randall Juge
ISBN-10: 1595263160
Review by Heather Froeschl

Randy Juge ends his book with the line, “Think of all those names on a memorial wall that can’t tell their story.” And so he took the time to tell his. “To Nam and Back” is one pilot’s tale of his role in the Vietnam War.

Questioning, “Why me?” in regards to why he survived while so many did not, is surely something most veterans of wars do. Randy Juge examines the “whys” in every chapter of his book. He relates the story of his Purple Heart incident, when a bullet passes right through his flight helmet, luckily just grazing his skull when it could have killed him. He shares tales of having to wait for another helicopter to land and watching as it hit unseen wire only to crash, and of a fist-sized hole in his tail-rotor shaft, which could have easily taken him down. He jokes about his using many of “this cat’s” nine lives. And he tells the tales of men who he lived side by side with in the war, men who he joked with, made bets with, trained with, and flew with. Juge explains why he has trouble with authority figures thanks to Colonel Chicken Shit, his feelings about the Vietnamese people, and the power of forgiveness.

Besides the war stories though, Randy Juge tells his readers about his family, and how the war affected those in his life. He shares the American Tale of a veteran. This is a personal story of a very public war. It is well written, in a personable tone. It is likely near to what many Vietnam veterans would share if they were asked to tell their own story. If only more of them would, so that we will never forget. I applaud the author on a job well done.

Fiction Review

Moonlight in Vermont: a novel
by John Hilferty
ISBN-10: 059535839X
Review by Heather Froeschl

The tale begins with the frozen body of a skier riding to the top of a ski lift in Vermont. After a typically wicked blizzard the night before, it is no wonder that the man froze to death. The question is, what was he doing on the lift after it had been cleared for shut down?

And then we begin the examination of the life of Ethan Atwood, World Cup skiing athlete. Taking the world by storm on the Italian slopes, embracing the joy of the hometown mountains in Vermont and paying homage to ski gods of the Colorado Rockies all comes naturally to Ethan. Coming out of his personal shell is another matter. He is somewhat shy and very much focused on what needs to be done when he straps on the skis. When a fan club invites him to dine, he cannot refuse, and the wheels of fate are set in motion. After a terrible accident, Ethan finds a twisted comfort in one fan's attention. This time in his life will have drastic affects on his future, and dealing with the injury he sustains is only the half of it. Will the love of his life see him through?

This novel so immerses the reader into the atmosphere that is Vermont. I cannot praise the author enough on this aspect of the book. Vermont weather is not simply put up with, it is experienced, and it is obvious that the author lives in it. The intensity that is downhill racing is sent to the reader's mind in images so vivid you will feel the rush of wind and ice crystals on your cheeks. The feel of the ski town comes right off the page and is as real as it gets in a novel. The descriptive writing here is absolutely well done. Characterization, plot and pace are all masterfully executed in John Hilferty's, "Moonlight in Vermont, a Novel." From the very beginning, readers will be hooked and the last few chapters will not allow you to out the book down.

Ficition/Sci Fi Review

The Cattle
by Greg M Sarwa
ISBN-10: 0976620219
Review by Heather Froeschl

Big Brother has never been watching more closely. Under the guise of terrorism counteraction, the United States government embarks on a whole new frontier - the National Identification System. Your social security number is no longer enough - the government wants your DNA.

Every person in America will be implanted with a Radio Frequency ID chip, that when accessed, will authenticate information such as your date of birth, SS number, fingerprints, and DNA profile. You cannot refuse, and the process begins very soon. The computer programmers and Law Enforcement have already been implanted since they are on the front of the terrorism war, and the final days of testing the system are commencing. But something goes wrong, and someone discovers the real purpose of the implants. There is a deeper, darker side to these chips and it goes much further than the details of your DNA. Will the public learn the truth before it is too late? Is this the terror filled world that we now live in? What is the price of living in the land of the "free"?

This fast paced, well-written story is an intense ride. One of the best conspiracy theory books I have ever read, I am betting that it will take the world by storm. I cannot find a bit of fault with "The Cattle" except to say that there might be readers who believe it to be true. The possibility of it all is the scariest thing. I highly recommend Greg M. Sarwa's book, "The Cattle." Outstanding!

Biblical Story retold Review

David And Bath Sheba
by Aida Bode
ISBN-10: 1419606689
Review by Heather Froeschl

Take a story from the bible and make it so that people of today can really relate to it. This is what Aida Bode has done. "David and Bath Sheba" is based on the bible story of David, the shepherd boy, the one who faced Goliath, and became king. What readers take away from the story is a very personal thing.
David is the king and Uriah is one of his most able and trustworthy military leaders. While Uriah is away at war David looks down from his castle and sees the beautiful Bath-Sheba, Uriah's wife. Unable to resist her beauty he has her brought to him, and being the king, does what he will. It is soon discovered afterward that Bath-Sheba is with child from this adulterous union. What should they do? The law says that they should be put to death. Put the king to death? Unlikely.

David attempts to get Uriah back into bed with Bath-Sheba by calling back the military party for an update and "reward" for their good work, in hopes that the truth will never be known. Uriah though, is a man of honor and will not take pleasure in even the company of his wife when there is work to be done, other men in the trenches of combat. That plan foiled, David resorts to, what is in essence, murder. He sends Uriah into the depths of the battle. Will Uriah survive? What will happen to Bath-Sheba and her unborn child...the child of the king? Will the sins of the king be punished?

The text is well written, telling the story in rich detail and respectful tone. What the reader comes to understand is a matter of personal belief and opinion. "David and Bath Sheba" is an interesting tale and has been given a fresher voice.

Children's Picture Book Review

The No More Night Mares
by Dawn Van Zandt
ISBN-10: 0976176815
Review by Heather Froeschl

In honor of the once great herds of wild horses, the legend of Comet, Moonbeam and Lucky Stars – the night mares, is born. For all the magic and wonder that the herds instill in our hearts, the essence of the night mares shines down from the midnight sky granting wishes from the stars.

The beautifully illustrated, magical book, “The No More Night Mares,” is an inspiration – but more than that, it is a dream weaver, a mind-expanding myth, and a mystical tale of moral guidance and love. What child doesn’t dream of horses or wish upon a star?

Eclipse is the fastest and strongest stallion in his territory. He is the leader of his herd and is blessed by the protection of the night. He moves his herd of females and foals through the fog and darkness so that their greatest danger, man, does not detect them. Having been captured as a foal with his mother, Eclipse’s escape has made him very wise. One night though, even he is unaware of lurking danger.

A friendly rival, Golden Earth, races to warn Eclipse of an approaching herd of two-legged hunters. Dividing the herd, sending the slowest of his mares and the foals to safety with Golden Earth, Eclipse gathers his fastest mares to draw the humans away. What happens next is the stuff legends are made of. The mares become guiding lights forever more.

Creating a legend is not easy, but Wild Heart Ranch, with author Dawn Van Zandt and illustrator Kim McElroy have done so, inspiringly. Appealing to horse lovers of all ages, and anyone who gazes at the stars in wonder, “The No More Night Mares” is a book to be treasured.

True Story Collection Review

Angels Abound
by Zsuzsana Summer
ISBN-10: 1897217323
Review by Heather Froeschl


Do you know what happens every time a bell rings? Do you believe in angels? Chances are that you do, just a little. Zsuzsana Summer’s book “Angels Abound,” will undoubtedly persuade you to trust that belief. With 111 true stories of angel and spirit encounters, readers will feel blessed to witness this collection. (111 is said to be a sign that angels abound – pay attention to the messages from beyond!)

Zsuzsana starts the book with a reminder of who or what angels are and shares an experience of her own with heavenly beings. The stories themselves are written by her readers and cover a plethora of spiritual encounters. Some of the stories feel more like psychic connections with loved ones, while others are the very image of a spirit guardian encounter. All of the stories are touching proof positive of something miraculous happening.

This book is a gift to the world…it is a reminder to look around you and have an open mind, for some spiritual guidance may be waiting for you. I enjoyed every moment spent reading “Angels Abound” and I am sure I will go back to it again and again. A perfect present for everyone you love, and especially yourself, I highly recommend Zsuzsana Summer’s collection of miracles.

Non-Fiction Directory Review

Extra Work for Brain Surgeons: A Hollywood OS Directory
by Angela Bertolino
ISBN-10: 1893899241
Review by Heather Froeschl
Have you ever longed to walk through a scene on a set featuring your favorite soap stars? Have you wondered how you could be one of those people eating pasta in a restaurant scene behind the great actors like George Clooney or Will Smith? If you've been trying to break into the Extra world you absolutely have to have a copy of "Extra Work For Brain Surgeons." It is the extreme guide to Extra-hood. Honestly, I don't know where else you would look for this much helpful information.

Having been there (Los Angeles) and done that (paying way too high registration fees for not much return) Co-Founder and CEO Angela Bertolino decided it was time that there was a truly helpful guide for newbies to the extra set. Teaming up with Co-Founder Carla Lewis, Hollywood OS was born. Now, this annual directory is a must have for every walk on wannabe.

You'll find it all here...what exactly you can expect as an extra, why you'd want to be a member of SAG or AFTRA, how to get paid for extra-extra work, what vouchers are, what the new point system is going to be like, how to get your name and headshots out there, why you should register and how much you can expect to pay for registering with casting companies, and oh so much more. This is truly the "how-to" guide for actors and actresses wanting to do walk-ons. More than that though, it is a why-to, when-to, who-to go to book. And then there is the whole second half of the book that lists casting companies, what their fees are, what types they usually cast, how long they've been in business, what they won't tolerate from background actors, what they will allow, what they will do for you, and inside scoops. Looking for an agent? The book will give you pointers. Need help with your resume? Yep, that too. Don't know what a "meat axe" could be? How about a "wigwag?" Don't worry! The book even has a glossary of unusual acting terms.

I live on the east coast, I don't act and I've never had an interest in it. But this book could help even a person like me find work, if I moved to Hollywood. Yes, it is a regional guide, but I doubt there is a more comprehensive one out there! Not only that, but the book is entertaining. Written in an easy going, friendly voice, reminding readers not to skip certain sections and making even the mundane side of extra work interesting (filling out forms, taxes, and labor codes), "Background" actors will find the read not only imperative, but enjoyable.