Tortoise Dances
by Dennis Goza
ISBN-10: 1411612493
Review by Heather Froeschl
"Tortoise Dances" is a unique book of poetry that found its inspiration in the ancient I Ching, or "Book of Changes." The poem's messages do not necessarily portray the I Ching, however, the format of the poems is reflective of the 64 hexagrams.
This author is quite the artist in his poetry. Each work is a six line poem that is broken into the patterns of the I Ching, meaning that for each solid line of the hexagrams there are nine syllables in that line of text, and so on. Each poem is titled for a hexagram and the author offers some of the translations, both literal and figurative, for the reader to ponder.
The poems are thought provoking for what they are alone, on topics varying from a soldier's march to a woman trying to control nature's growth, from the breaking of bread to the dance of the maypole. The poetry also provokes thought on the I Ching. The author professes that this was not the intention but I feel it is a happy result. The study of the I Ching is a great and rewarding endeavor.
Dennis Goza offers an interesting collection of poetry that is both entertaining and inspiring.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Monday, November 29, 2004
Historic Novel Review
MY TRUTH LIES IN THE RUINS
by DEBORAH RICHMOND FOULKES
ISBN-10: 1418412880
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never before have I been so deeply immersed in history. Like many modern girls I grew up with the fantasy image of a great white knight who would some day come for me. But this fantasy was built on true stories, one of which is exquisitely relayed in "My Truth Lies in the Ruins."
Having been a great fan of the movie "Braveheart" and the like I was thrilled to be able to review this epic tale of Scottish history. William Le Hardi Douglas, a Scottish Patriot and knight, healer and husband joined the forces of William Wallace for Scottish Independence. The book is not just a historic accounting of those times of war though; it is a story of love and life, adventure and murder.
I so appreciate thorough research and I dare say I have never before read a book so very well prepared. Deborah Foulkes has brought history to life and what's more, she has brought life to history. This is not your average novel of love, adventure and genealogy; it is a book that will immerse you in true historical fact, creating a very real experience.
The rear of the book includes a glossary of common terms as well as a "who's who" of historical figures that relate to the story. The text runs smoothly and the dialogue is natural. My only problem was in the lack of indentation when dialogue is used. However, this minor thing is far outweighed by the positive attributes of the book including the abundance of photographs that grace the text.
I look forward to reading the next installment, "In the Shadow of My Truth." Deborah Richmond Foulkes, led by Spirit, offers history lessons that will not soon be forgotten.
by DEBORAH RICHMOND FOULKES
ISBN-10: 1418412880
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never before have I been so deeply immersed in history. Like many modern girls I grew up with the fantasy image of a great white knight who would some day come for me. But this fantasy was built on true stories, one of which is exquisitely relayed in "My Truth Lies in the Ruins."
Having been a great fan of the movie "Braveheart" and the like I was thrilled to be able to review this epic tale of Scottish history. William Le Hardi Douglas, a Scottish Patriot and knight, healer and husband joined the forces of William Wallace for Scottish Independence. The book is not just a historic accounting of those times of war though; it is a story of love and life, adventure and murder.
I so appreciate thorough research and I dare say I have never before read a book so very well prepared. Deborah Foulkes has brought history to life and what's more, she has brought life to history. This is not your average novel of love, adventure and genealogy; it is a book that will immerse you in true historical fact, creating a very real experience.
The rear of the book includes a glossary of common terms as well as a "who's who" of historical figures that relate to the story. The text runs smoothly and the dialogue is natural. My only problem was in the lack of indentation when dialogue is used. However, this minor thing is far outweighed by the positive attributes of the book including the abundance of photographs that grace the text.
I look forward to reading the next installment, "In the Shadow of My Truth." Deborah Richmond Foulkes, led by Spirit, offers history lessons that will not soon be forgotten.
YA Fiction Review
Merlin's Kin
by Everett Coles
ASIN: B000G9TLQE
Review by Heather Froeschl
What greater legend to pay homage to than that of Merlin? Everett Coles has made tribute to the story that has inspired the world to hold onto the magic for just a bit longer. What if there were still descendants of the great Merlin out in the populace among us? What would happen if Merlin called to them from his soul's resting place? Would anyone answer the call?
In "Merlin's Kin," five young people do hear the call, and answer it, though they are not aware of their guided actions until they have traveled too far to turn back. One of them holds the key to the Seventh Way of travel, and together they must do Merlin's bidding, before it is too late.
There is an evil-minded ruler in power in the land of Greensward. Francis, Curtis, Zoe, Alison and Jude appear as visitors and are given refuge with a caravan of sorts. Before they can be delivered to the evil Calupsis though, they escape into the wilds that surround the town of Meander. They soon find friends who are willing to help them and devise a plan to find the Key Holder who can help them to return home. However, they were called to Greensward for a purpose, which is revealed to them through their dreams by the powers of Merlin himself.
This adventurous tale is a delight, full of twists and turns, surprises and wonderful creatures. Sure enough there are unicorns to be gazed upon but what is more magical is the legend of Merlin wound into a young adult story and the bond of friendship that grows among the characters. Various mystical creatures become integral parts of the plot and remnants of the Knights of the Round Table are brought into the light to be remembered.
Written for the young adult audience, this is a book that can be enjoyed by those aged 10 and up, adults included, boys and girls alike. Everett Coles has created a world you will long to revisit and a circle of friends who you will not soon forget.
by Everett Coles
ASIN: B000G9TLQE
Review by Heather Froeschl
What greater legend to pay homage to than that of Merlin? Everett Coles has made tribute to the story that has inspired the world to hold onto the magic for just a bit longer. What if there were still descendants of the great Merlin out in the populace among us? What would happen if Merlin called to them from his soul's resting place? Would anyone answer the call?
In "Merlin's Kin," five young people do hear the call, and answer it, though they are not aware of their guided actions until they have traveled too far to turn back. One of them holds the key to the Seventh Way of travel, and together they must do Merlin's bidding, before it is too late.
There is an evil-minded ruler in power in the land of Greensward. Francis, Curtis, Zoe, Alison and Jude appear as visitors and are given refuge with a caravan of sorts. Before they can be delivered to the evil Calupsis though, they escape into the wilds that surround the town of Meander. They soon find friends who are willing to help them and devise a plan to find the Key Holder who can help them to return home. However, they were called to Greensward for a purpose, which is revealed to them through their dreams by the powers of Merlin himself.
This adventurous tale is a delight, full of twists and turns, surprises and wonderful creatures. Sure enough there are unicorns to be gazed upon but what is more magical is the legend of Merlin wound into a young adult story and the bond of friendship that grows among the characters. Various mystical creatures become integral parts of the plot and remnants of the Knights of the Round Table are brought into the light to be remembered.
Written for the young adult audience, this is a book that can be enjoyed by those aged 10 and up, adults included, boys and girls alike. Everett Coles has created a world you will long to revisit and a circle of friends who you will not soon forget.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Inspirational Review
Many Faces to Many Places
by Judy, Azar LeBlanc
ISBN-10: 1594678669
Review by Heather Froeschl
Every soul must follow its own path. In Many Faces to Many Places it is a path that allows for the freedom of happiness, the hard lessons of life and the reward of growth and understanding. It is our purpose to learn life's lessons and allow our souls to grow.
In a story that is full of beautifully descriptive moments, the reader is led through one soul's journey and is allowed to witness its transitions. "Many Faces" communicates with nature and her surrounding elements, she is guided by faith and truth, and eventually comes to find herself.
Judy Azar LeBlanc has written a memorable book that is inspirational and timeless. Her creativity abounds and her ability to impart words of wisdom through her characters is uniquely executed. You won't soon forget the journey in this tale and may be inspired to take a closer look at your own.
by Judy, Azar LeBlanc
ISBN-10: 1594678669
Review by Heather Froeschl
Every soul must follow its own path. In Many Faces to Many Places it is a path that allows for the freedom of happiness, the hard lessons of life and the reward of growth and understanding. It is our purpose to learn life's lessons and allow our souls to grow.
In a story that is full of beautifully descriptive moments, the reader is led through one soul's journey and is allowed to witness its transitions. "Many Faces" communicates with nature and her surrounding elements, she is guided by faith and truth, and eventually comes to find herself.
Judy Azar LeBlanc has written a memorable book that is inspirational and timeless. Her creativity abounds and her ability to impart words of wisdom through her characters is uniquely executed. You won't soon forget the journey in this tale and may be inspired to take a closer look at your own.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Non-Fiction/Self Help Review
Dare To Prepare..... 2nd Edition
by Holly Drennan Deyo
ISBN-10: 0908477066
Review by: Heather Froeschl
Emergency situations arise every day and, quite often, we are not prepared for them. From earthquakes to terrorist attacks, tornadoes to blizzards, we all could use some guidance in how to be prepared. You may recall laughing at your neighbors when in December of 1999 they went out and bought a generator in preparation for Y2K, or you may have been one of those mindful folks who emptied the shelves of home improvement depots of their generators. Whichever the case may be, there are things you could be doing to be prepared for any kind of threat, hyped up or not.
My great grandmother always had a basement stocked with canned goods. She lived through the depression and never forgot what it felt like to have empty cupboards. My grandmother always made sure her heating oil tank was topped off in November in preparation for the winter. We all know folks who seem to be prepared for anything that comes their way and we also know people who always seem to have to rush out to the grocery store when a storm is predicted.
Holly Drennan Deyo reminds us of all of the possible emergencies we might encounter, from flood warnings to nuclear war. She gives a guide for every situation and what you can do for yourself, your family and even your pets to stay safe. A lot of research has gone into this guide and Holly shares it all with us. Here you will find lists of items to pack in emergency kits of all kinds, tips on purifying water, heating your shelter, and building underground supply cellars. There are lists of how long you can store emergency supplies and when they expire, lists of handyman items that should be stored for use, lists of how to decipher codes on packaged foods and so much more.
Deyo has not left a single situation out of her guide to being prepared for disasters of all sorts. This is truly the modern person's resource for being prepared, whether we think the neighbors will laugh at us or not. If perchance you have a household member who is resistant to stocking up on food, water and supplies and storing them away, this book might just be the tool to sway them into thinking twice.
The text is introduced in a friendly, straightforward voice. The book is a must have for every mindful family. My only problem with it is the occasional suggestion that the Bible be in the emergency tool kit. Religion shouldn't be involved with this practical guide to survival, as it is purely a personal choice. Mention of prayer and dedication to her god only detracts from the guide that should be intended for folks of every religion. However it is a minor thing when compared to the abundance of good advice within the pages of the book.
by Holly Drennan Deyo
ISBN-10: 0908477066
Review by: Heather Froeschl
Emergency situations arise every day and, quite often, we are not prepared for them. From earthquakes to terrorist attacks, tornadoes to blizzards, we all could use some guidance in how to be prepared. You may recall laughing at your neighbors when in December of 1999 they went out and bought a generator in preparation for Y2K, or you may have been one of those mindful folks who emptied the shelves of home improvement depots of their generators. Whichever the case may be, there are things you could be doing to be prepared for any kind of threat, hyped up or not.
My great grandmother always had a basement stocked with canned goods. She lived through the depression and never forgot what it felt like to have empty cupboards. My grandmother always made sure her heating oil tank was topped off in November in preparation for the winter. We all know folks who seem to be prepared for anything that comes their way and we also know people who always seem to have to rush out to the grocery store when a storm is predicted.
Holly Drennan Deyo reminds us of all of the possible emergencies we might encounter, from flood warnings to nuclear war. She gives a guide for every situation and what you can do for yourself, your family and even your pets to stay safe. A lot of research has gone into this guide and Holly shares it all with us. Here you will find lists of items to pack in emergency kits of all kinds, tips on purifying water, heating your shelter, and building underground supply cellars. There are lists of how long you can store emergency supplies and when they expire, lists of handyman items that should be stored for use, lists of how to decipher codes on packaged foods and so much more.
Deyo has not left a single situation out of her guide to being prepared for disasters of all sorts. This is truly the modern person's resource for being prepared, whether we think the neighbors will laugh at us or not. If perchance you have a household member who is resistant to stocking up on food, water and supplies and storing them away, this book might just be the tool to sway them into thinking twice.
The text is introduced in a friendly, straightforward voice. The book is a must have for every mindful family. My only problem with it is the occasional suggestion that the Bible be in the emergency tool kit. Religion shouldn't be involved with this practical guide to survival, as it is purely a personal choice. Mention of prayer and dedication to her god only detracts from the guide that should be intended for folks of every religion. However it is a minor thing when compared to the abundance of good advice within the pages of the book.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Non-Fiction Review
Dare to Prepare
by Holly Drennan Deyo
ISBN-10: 0908477066
Review by Heather Froeschl
Emergency situations arise every day and, quite often, we are not prepared for them. From earthquakes to terrorist attacks, tornadoes to blizzards, we all could use some guidance in how to be prepared. You may recall laughing at your neighbors when in December of 1999 they went out and bought a generator in preparation for Y2K, or you may have been one of those mindful folks who emptied the shelves of home improvement depots of their generators. Whichever the case may be, there are things you could be doing to be prepared for any kind of threat, hyped up or not.
My great grandmother always had a basement stocked with canned goods. She lived through the depression and never forgot what it felt like to have empty cupboards. My grandmother always made sure her heating oil tank was topped off in November in preparation for the winter. We all know folks who seem to be prepared for anything that comes their way and we also know people who always seem to have to rush out to the grocery store when a storm is predicted.
Holly Drennan Deyo reminds us of all of the possible emergencies we might encounter, from flood warnings to nuclear war. She gives a guide for every situation and what you can do for yourself, your family and even your pets to stay safe. A lot of research has gone into this guide and Holly shares it all with us. Here you will find lists of items to pack in emergency kits of all kinds, tips on purifying water, heating your shelter, and building underground supply cellars. There are lists of how long you can store emergency supplies and when they expire, lists of handyman items that should be stored for use, lists of how to decipher codes on packaged foods and so much more.
Deyo has not left a single situation out of her guide to being prepared for disasters of all sorts. This is truly the modern person's resource for being prepared, whether we think the neighbors will laugh at us or not. If perchance you have a household member who is resistant to stocking up on food, water and supplies and storing them away, this book might just be the tool to sway them into thinking twice.
The text is introduced in a friendly, straightforward voice. The book is a must have for every mindful family. My only problem with it is the occasional suggestion that the Bible be in the emergency tool kit. Religion shouldn't be involved with this practical guide to survival, as it is purely a personal choice. Mention of prayer and dedication to her god only detracts from the guide that should be intended for folks of every religion. However it is a minor thing when compared to the abundance of good advice within the pages of the book.
by Holly Drennan Deyo
ISBN-10: 0908477066
Review by Heather Froeschl
Emergency situations arise every day and, quite often, we are not prepared for them. From earthquakes to terrorist attacks, tornadoes to blizzards, we all could use some guidance in how to be prepared. You may recall laughing at your neighbors when in December of 1999 they went out and bought a generator in preparation for Y2K, or you may have been one of those mindful folks who emptied the shelves of home improvement depots of their generators. Whichever the case may be, there are things you could be doing to be prepared for any kind of threat, hyped up or not.
My great grandmother always had a basement stocked with canned goods. She lived through the depression and never forgot what it felt like to have empty cupboards. My grandmother always made sure her heating oil tank was topped off in November in preparation for the winter. We all know folks who seem to be prepared for anything that comes their way and we also know people who always seem to have to rush out to the grocery store when a storm is predicted.
Holly Drennan Deyo reminds us of all of the possible emergencies we might encounter, from flood warnings to nuclear war. She gives a guide for every situation and what you can do for yourself, your family and even your pets to stay safe. A lot of research has gone into this guide and Holly shares it all with us. Here you will find lists of items to pack in emergency kits of all kinds, tips on purifying water, heating your shelter, and building underground supply cellars. There are lists of how long you can store emergency supplies and when they expire, lists of handyman items that should be stored for use, lists of how to decipher codes on packaged foods and so much more.
Deyo has not left a single situation out of her guide to being prepared for disasters of all sorts. This is truly the modern person's resource for being prepared, whether we think the neighbors will laugh at us or not. If perchance you have a household member who is resistant to stocking up on food, water and supplies and storing them away, this book might just be the tool to sway them into thinking twice.
The text is introduced in a friendly, straightforward voice. The book is a must have for every mindful family. My only problem with it is the occasional suggestion that the Bible be in the emergency tool kit. Religion shouldn't be involved with this practical guide to survival, as it is purely a personal choice. Mention of prayer and dedication to her god only detracts from the guide that should be intended for folks of every religion. However it is a minor thing when compared to the abundance of good advice within the pages of the book.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Business Review
The Benefits Performance Process
by Matthew T. Sears
ISBN-10: 0972200614
Review by Heather Froeschl
Every Human Resources Manager, CEO and CFO needs to read "The Benefits Performance Process" and implement the plans outlined within it. Without doing so, they are simply throwing away money and valuable employees. Every company that offers benefits to its employees will want to be sure that they are doing the best that they can when it comes to providing a competitive package while getting their money's worth. Matthew Sears offers the plan to do just that. Whether your company employs 50 or 3,550, you can benefit from this book.
By "Maximizing the Performance of Your Employee Benefit Plan" you will be learning how to assemble a benefits team, analyze current plans and problems, develop concrete objectives and plan for your company's long-term success. Through self-analysis and workshop exercises your team will develop guidelines to follow. From there you will have a plan to follow that will see you through staff changes, acquisitions, and changing regulations. "The Benefits Performance Process" is a workshop to go; it is a plan to help you develop a plan that will eventually benefit your company and your employees.
Matthew T. Sears is an Executive Vice President of Athens Benefits Insurance Services and a Fellow of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists. You couldn't ask for a more qualified guru in the benefits performance process. Yet his book is an easy to read, understand and implement guide to improving your benefits plans. Sears is straightforward and concise, while being upbeat and friendly in his text. You likely won't find another business guide like this one and why would you want to? When it comes to improving your current plans, this is the guide to follow.
Don't put off thinking about your benefits plan until the day before your renewal is due. Don't wait until the premiums are upped once again to do something about it. Don't fear the CFO telling you to cut costs by 30%. You can be prepared. If you're not, you may lose the loyal employees you have to another company who has followed "The Benefits Performance Process."
by Matthew T. Sears
ISBN-10: 0972200614
Review by Heather Froeschl
Every Human Resources Manager, CEO and CFO needs to read "The Benefits Performance Process" and implement the plans outlined within it. Without doing so, they are simply throwing away money and valuable employees. Every company that offers benefits to its employees will want to be sure that they are doing the best that they can when it comes to providing a competitive package while getting their money's worth. Matthew Sears offers the plan to do just that. Whether your company employs 50 or 3,550, you can benefit from this book.
By "Maximizing the Performance of Your Employee Benefit Plan" you will be learning how to assemble a benefits team, analyze current plans and problems, develop concrete objectives and plan for your company's long-term success. Through self-analysis and workshop exercises your team will develop guidelines to follow. From there you will have a plan to follow that will see you through staff changes, acquisitions, and changing regulations. "The Benefits Performance Process" is a workshop to go; it is a plan to help you develop a plan that will eventually benefit your company and your employees.
Matthew T. Sears is an Executive Vice President of Athens Benefits Insurance Services and a Fellow of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists. You couldn't ask for a more qualified guru in the benefits performance process. Yet his book is an easy to read, understand and implement guide to improving your benefits plans. Sears is straightforward and concise, while being upbeat and friendly in his text. You likely won't find another business guide like this one and why would you want to? When it comes to improving your current plans, this is the guide to follow.
Don't put off thinking about your benefits plan until the day before your renewal is due. Don't wait until the premiums are upped once again to do something about it. Don't fear the CFO telling you to cut costs by 30%. You can be prepared. If you're not, you may lose the loyal employees you have to another company who has followed "The Benefits Performance Process."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)