The Human Element
by Dan Skelton
ISBN-10: 1424142253
Do we really know the people in our hometowns? What could they be hiding, just under the surface? In Dan Skelton's novel, "The Human Element," what's under the surface is something truly scary.
Everyone in the small town of Medalia seems to idolize a young football hero, Trex Stegal. He's a fantastic player, on and off the field. The girls all want to be near him, the guys all want to be his friend. Trex has the respect of the adults in town, from the coach to the local cops. But there is something just barely hidden under his skin, something in the depths of his eyes that hints at an untamed beast. When three college students are murdered, the case goes unsolved for the guilty party is the person who would be last expected. Bit by bit though, we begin to see the boiling persona Trex keeps somewhat under control.
Disturbing events of sex and violence demonstrate the truth, but only to the reader. The other characters in the book have only an inkling that Trex can be a monster. You don't want him as an enemy, for revenge is deviously planned and played out. This all American boy is really anything but. Murder, incest, attempted rape, tortuous blackmail, vicious violence on the football field in front of hundreds of fans, all wrapped up in a tight package called, "The Human Element."
Dan Skelton captures the reader's attention and writes his work so fluidly it's a wonder the words don't pour off the page. His descriptive talent will have you gasping in shock, devouring the words in the heat of passion, and appalled at the detailed depictions of lust, violence, and insanity. Can he get any better? I can't wait to find out.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Non-Fiction Review
The Miracle Within
by Jack McCubbin
ISBN-10: 0978633601
The beauty of developing life is captured eloquently in the book, "The Miracle Within" by Jack McCubbin, M.D. and Cathy Schaffer. For every woman who is now pregnant or is considering having a baby, this beautiful book will be an inspiration.
Photography, artist's depictions, loving quotations, and a gentle, guiding narration will carry the reader through nine months of the gestation process. Straightforward, easy to understand, text portrays every step of the development of a baby. Guidance in the way of taking care of yourself as an expectant mother is given, regarding what you eat, what you partake of, the exercise you need, and tests you might have performed. The emotional side of pregnancy is also discussed, in a caring, loving manner.
The authors are well versed in their guidance. Jack H. McCubbin, M.D. has delivered thousands of babies and Cathy Schaffer, PA-C, has worked extensively with women suffering from high-risk medical problems during pregnancy. Together, they offer a book that is a helpful tool and resource for information, but is also an awe-inspiring collection of photographs of every stage of fetal development. This book should make an appearance at every baby shower and ought to be on the list of things to buy, right along with those prenatal vitamins.
by Jack McCubbin
ISBN-10: 0978633601
The beauty of developing life is captured eloquently in the book, "The Miracle Within" by Jack McCubbin, M.D. and Cathy Schaffer. For every woman who is now pregnant or is considering having a baby, this beautiful book will be an inspiration.
Photography, artist's depictions, loving quotations, and a gentle, guiding narration will carry the reader through nine months of the gestation process. Straightforward, easy to understand, text portrays every step of the development of a baby. Guidance in the way of taking care of yourself as an expectant mother is given, regarding what you eat, what you partake of, the exercise you need, and tests you might have performed. The emotional side of pregnancy is also discussed, in a caring, loving manner.
The authors are well versed in their guidance. Jack H. McCubbin, M.D. has delivered thousands of babies and Cathy Schaffer, PA-C, has worked extensively with women suffering from high-risk medical problems during pregnancy. Together, they offer a book that is a helpful tool and resource for information, but is also an awe-inspiring collection of photographs of every stage of fetal development. This book should make an appearance at every baby shower and ought to be on the list of things to buy, right along with those prenatal vitamins.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Satire Fiction Review
Liberalstein
by C. D. Jewell
ISBN-10: 059539258X
"Liberalstein" is definitely a satire. C.D. Jewell has taken Shelley's idea and created a whole new monster.
Thinly disguised characters based on real people in America take extreme liberties and decide to literally create the ultimate in liberal presidential candidates. A cloned male who will have DNA from numerous liberal sources is created with the hope that he will be the answer to their collective dreams. With the help of a select few, the clone, Frank N. Liberalstein, will win a governorship and then run for president. The polls reflect the popularity of such a candidate and the republicans are running scared. Liberalstein has flaws though, as his drastic composition is folding in on itself.
The problem with basing fictional characters on real people is that as an author you are taking your perception of that person and perhaps some of the public's perception and creating a character whom you can make do anything you wish. This is leading the reader to feel the same way you do about your character and what he does and you are relying on the reader understanding what you're going for. I felt that I was being led in a direction that I am not comfortable with. I am sure there are many readers who will agree with Jewell's more conservative viewpoints and will enjoy the book. If you like satire, this is the most satirical book I've read in ages. Quite imaginative!
by C. D. Jewell
ISBN-10: 059539258X
"Liberalstein" is definitely a satire. C.D. Jewell has taken Shelley's idea and created a whole new monster.
Thinly disguised characters based on real people in America take extreme liberties and decide to literally create the ultimate in liberal presidential candidates. A cloned male who will have DNA from numerous liberal sources is created with the hope that he will be the answer to their collective dreams. With the help of a select few, the clone, Frank N. Liberalstein, will win a governorship and then run for president. The polls reflect the popularity of such a candidate and the republicans are running scared. Liberalstein has flaws though, as his drastic composition is folding in on itself.
The problem with basing fictional characters on real people is that as an author you are taking your perception of that person and perhaps some of the public's perception and creating a character whom you can make do anything you wish. This is leading the reader to feel the same way you do about your character and what he does and you are relying on the reader understanding what you're going for. I felt that I was being led in a direction that I am not comfortable with. I am sure there are many readers who will agree with Jewell's more conservative viewpoints and will enjoy the book. If you like satire, this is the most satirical book I've read in ages. Quite imaginative!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Non-Fiction self-help Review
Help Me With My Teenager! A Step-by-step Guide for Parents that Works
by Christina Botto
ISBN-10: 0978846508
If you are the parent of a teenager you may have had some challenging moments...you also may have run screaming to a friend begging for advice. Some teens are the type you need an instruction manual for, while others are perfectly understandable. Christina Botto offers a guide for parents of teens, that she says "works." "Help Me With My Teenager!" is a step-by-step guide, that instruction manual parents sometimes wish for.
Botto shares her own experiences, being the mom of two young women who made it through teenhood. Once she has you at ease that she has been there and done that, she explains that the best approach to having a better relationship with your young adult is to understand what it means to be a teen. You probably remember but it doesn't hurt to be reminded. Botto then goes on to give advice on connecting with your teen, giving them room to grow, dealing with their friends, setting limits, and enjoying your relationship with your teenager. You can do it!
This guide is a no nonsense "how-to" that is likely to save many relationships. Being reminded to be careful of what we say, how to act, and react, is worth its weight in gold. Some of the tips are so slap-upside-the-head simple that you'll feel a Homer Simpson moment of "Doh!" Others are full of insight that you just may have never thought of.
If you need a little guidance, a friendly whisper in the ear about what works and what doesn't, Christina Botto is here for you.
by Christina Botto
ISBN-10: 0978846508
If you are the parent of a teenager you may have had some challenging moments...you also may have run screaming to a friend begging for advice. Some teens are the type you need an instruction manual for, while others are perfectly understandable. Christina Botto offers a guide for parents of teens, that she says "works." "Help Me With My Teenager!" is a step-by-step guide, that instruction manual parents sometimes wish for.
Botto shares her own experiences, being the mom of two young women who made it through teenhood. Once she has you at ease that she has been there and done that, she explains that the best approach to having a better relationship with your young adult is to understand what it means to be a teen. You probably remember but it doesn't hurt to be reminded. Botto then goes on to give advice on connecting with your teen, giving them room to grow, dealing with their friends, setting limits, and enjoying your relationship with your teenager. You can do it!
This guide is a no nonsense "how-to" that is likely to save many relationships. Being reminded to be careful of what we say, how to act, and react, is worth its weight in gold. Some of the tips are so slap-upside-the-head simple that you'll feel a Homer Simpson moment of "Doh!" Others are full of insight that you just may have never thought of.
If you need a little guidance, a friendly whisper in the ear about what works and what doesn't, Christina Botto is here for you.
Science Fiction/Fiction Review
The Expert on Everything - a novel
by Edward David Gil
ISBN-10: 1847287263
Big Brother meets Big Business in Edward David Gil's novel, "The Expert on Everything." What is the next evolutional step for the internet? Could it be instant information at the ear of the questioner? What would the repercussions be? What would the cost for such a tool be? What price would we all pay when it comes to issues of privacy?
Charlie Sanders doesn't suspect that he's been set up for a job, even though he's offered a six figure salary just a few moments into his interview at the newly formed Vector Systems. Things get very interesting when he is mistakenly given the company's only prototype of a new technology so innovative that it would change the world in a heartbeat. Just ask "Wallace" anything about anybody and you will instantly be the expert of everything. Drawing information from surveillance cameras, credit card purchases, motor vehicle records, satellite systems and every conceivable possibility, Wallace, a sort of personal assistant with a microchip brain, all in the form of an earpiece, will let you know if you should purchase the used car you're looking at, go out on a date with the person you're flirting with, or eat the sushi that's on your plate.
The company is growing, debating whether to sell this new technology to government agencies that are seeking out terrorists under every rock, developing marketing plans to baby boomers and Gen. X'ers, and all the while the techno geeks are working out some serious kinks. When the head techie's car goes into the ocean, things get a bit scary. Even scarier still is the fact that Wallace has taken on its own mission and is now threatening lives unless his transportation, in the name of Charlie Sanders, completes the orders he is given.
Orwell was on the right track of course, but Edward Gil takes it a step further and into the 21st century. This techno thriller touches on the real threat of privacy no longer existing. The plot is smooth and interesting, showing a great deal of the truth of business development. Gil's style is of a different flavor and sticks out just enough to be memorable. Let's hope the premise never comes to be, and if it already does, I just don't want to know.
by Edward David Gil
ISBN-10: 1847287263
Big Brother meets Big Business in Edward David Gil's novel, "The Expert on Everything." What is the next evolutional step for the internet? Could it be instant information at the ear of the questioner? What would the repercussions be? What would the cost for such a tool be? What price would we all pay when it comes to issues of privacy?
Charlie Sanders doesn't suspect that he's been set up for a job, even though he's offered a six figure salary just a few moments into his interview at the newly formed Vector Systems. Things get very interesting when he is mistakenly given the company's only prototype of a new technology so innovative that it would change the world in a heartbeat. Just ask "Wallace" anything about anybody and you will instantly be the expert of everything. Drawing information from surveillance cameras, credit card purchases, motor vehicle records, satellite systems and every conceivable possibility, Wallace, a sort of personal assistant with a microchip brain, all in the form of an earpiece, will let you know if you should purchase the used car you're looking at, go out on a date with the person you're flirting with, or eat the sushi that's on your plate.
The company is growing, debating whether to sell this new technology to government agencies that are seeking out terrorists under every rock, developing marketing plans to baby boomers and Gen. X'ers, and all the while the techno geeks are working out some serious kinks. When the head techie's car goes into the ocean, things get a bit scary. Even scarier still is the fact that Wallace has taken on its own mission and is now threatening lives unless his transportation, in the name of Charlie Sanders, completes the orders he is given.
Orwell was on the right track of course, but Edward Gil takes it a step further and into the 21st century. This techno thriller touches on the real threat of privacy no longer existing. The plot is smooth and interesting, showing a great deal of the truth of business development. Gil's style is of a different flavor and sticks out just enough to be memorable. Let's hope the premise never comes to be, and if it already does, I just don't want to know.
Children's Fantasy Review
Marin and the Dragon's Golden Treasure: A Lesson in Trading with Dragons
by E W Bonadio
ISBN-10: 0595396569
"Come to pass the time in the light of a dragon's eye." E.W. Bonadio's book, "Marin and the Dragon's Golden Treasure," is told in classic style.
When a greedy general with a fierce army hears of a dragon's treasure, he decides to hold a village ransom for the gold he desires. The village of Vale will be destroyed in three day's time unless the rumored gold is presented, and the villagers sold into slavery. A young boy named Marin trusts the stories his father had told him, and sets out to the dragon's lair. In years past, the dragon, Dax, had a pact with the king to protect the villages in exchange for a yearly trade of gold. This pact had been forgotten and the dragon hadn't received any new treasure in quite some time. Young Marin made his way to beg the dragon for a few pieces of gold, enough to pay the ransom to the general. Dax has another plan in mind. Will he help the villagers once again? Is Marin too trusting of the stories from the past?
This short story is an enchanting tale of dragon lore, honesty and integrity. Bonadio offers insight into the world of dragons, first through the story and then with more details of the history of dragons. Fast paced and fascinating, children will love this book about Dax and Marin and just may learn a lesson about trading with dragons.
by E W Bonadio
ISBN-10: 0595396569
"Come to pass the time in the light of a dragon's eye." E.W. Bonadio's book, "Marin and the Dragon's Golden Treasure," is told in classic style.
When a greedy general with a fierce army hears of a dragon's treasure, he decides to hold a village ransom for the gold he desires. The village of Vale will be destroyed in three day's time unless the rumored gold is presented, and the villagers sold into slavery. A young boy named Marin trusts the stories his father had told him, and sets out to the dragon's lair. In years past, the dragon, Dax, had a pact with the king to protect the villages in exchange for a yearly trade of gold. This pact had been forgotten and the dragon hadn't received any new treasure in quite some time. Young Marin made his way to beg the dragon for a few pieces of gold, enough to pay the ransom to the general. Dax has another plan in mind. Will he help the villagers once again? Is Marin too trusting of the stories from the past?
This short story is an enchanting tale of dragon lore, honesty and integrity. Bonadio offers insight into the world of dragons, first through the story and then with more details of the history of dragons. Fast paced and fascinating, children will love this book about Dax and Marin and just may learn a lesson about trading with dragons.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Historical Fiction Review
The Spectre of Death Rode the Land
by Lois Glass Webb
ISBN-10: 1595263632
Review by Heather Froeschl
War is a Grim Reaper that deeply invades the lives of everyone it encounters. The U.S. Civil War hosted the Reaper, and as the title of Lois Glass Webb’s book depicts, “The Spectre of Death Rode the Land.”
In Southeast Missouri, John Gordon announces that the family will remain neutral, that they will remain the farmers that they are and raise corn and hogs as they always have. Family duty is a strong pull but a sense of justice is yet another. Stuart Gordon goes against his father’s wishes and joins up as the Union army pushes into Missouri. His brother Riley is pulled from both sides, all the more stronger now that he is the eldest son at home. With women to protect, crops to be pursued and life wreaking havoc at every turn, Riley struggles with his commitments and sense of honor.
Life continues on through the deaths of loved ones. Every day is a battle to get through. Every little thing once taken for granted is now an obstacle to get over. John Gordon’s daughters, Kate, Emely and Ritty hang on, hoping against hope that the war will end and life will return. But how can it? Husbands are lost, new lives are birthed, torment of fear is persistent. Will life ever be the same again? Likely not, but maybe there is a new one to look forward to.
Lois Glass Webb’s story is one often told but rarely given the humanity and depth of life that her characters portray. This is more than a tale of the North invading the South; it is a story of life prevailing over that spectre of death. With the fast paced action of a war story and the heart felt perspective of deep emotion, this book is one that brings history to the light of humanistic evaluation. Facts and statistics do not breathe, but history told through family remembrances, with emotive response, hopes and fears shared with the reader, is a book you won’t forget.
by Lois Glass Webb
ISBN-10: 1595263632
Review by Heather Froeschl
War is a Grim Reaper that deeply invades the lives of everyone it encounters. The U.S. Civil War hosted the Reaper, and as the title of Lois Glass Webb’s book depicts, “The Spectre of Death Rode the Land.”
In Southeast Missouri, John Gordon announces that the family will remain neutral, that they will remain the farmers that they are and raise corn and hogs as they always have. Family duty is a strong pull but a sense of justice is yet another. Stuart Gordon goes against his father’s wishes and joins up as the Union army pushes into Missouri. His brother Riley is pulled from both sides, all the more stronger now that he is the eldest son at home. With women to protect, crops to be pursued and life wreaking havoc at every turn, Riley struggles with his commitments and sense of honor.
Life continues on through the deaths of loved ones. Every day is a battle to get through. Every little thing once taken for granted is now an obstacle to get over. John Gordon’s daughters, Kate, Emely and Ritty hang on, hoping against hope that the war will end and life will return. But how can it? Husbands are lost, new lives are birthed, torment of fear is persistent. Will life ever be the same again? Likely not, but maybe there is a new one to look forward to.
Lois Glass Webb’s story is one often told but rarely given the humanity and depth of life that her characters portray. This is more than a tale of the North invading the South; it is a story of life prevailing over that spectre of death. With the fast paced action of a war story and the heart felt perspective of deep emotion, this book is one that brings history to the light of humanistic evaluation. Facts and statistics do not breathe, but history told through family remembrances, with emotive response, hopes and fears shared with the reader, is a book you won’t forget.
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