calling all hearts
by rodney timms
ISBN-10: 1885473850
Review by Heather Froeschl
For everyone who knows a child, "Calling All Hearts" is a book of poetry that will reach out to you and touch your soul. What better way to reach the world and inspire than by the written word? Rodney Timms has not had an easy life and it is his mission to change the lives of those children that are suffering as he did.
Each poem is filled with emotion and caring. Each page supports Childhelp USA, an organization that helps to prevent child abuse. Each person who reads this book will come away wanting to help, wanting to make the call that can save a life. This book will deeply touch those who have been abused, and those who know them.
Rodney Timms is a survivor. His poetry is telling and straightforward. It is sometimes sad and often evokes terrible images of child abuse. It is these images that he hopes will encourage the reader to take a stand against the violence. He offers poetry of joyful love for his grandchildren and special memories of his family as well. "Calling All Hearts" is a creative and expressive outreach that will speak to the heart of everyone who reads it.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Poetry Review
calling all hearts
by rodney timms
ISBN-10: 1885473850
Review by Heather Froeschl
For everyone who knows a child, "Calling All Hearts" is a book of poetry that will reach out to you and touch your soul. What better way to reach the world and inspire than by the written word? Rodney Timms has not had an easy life and it is his mission to change the lives of those children that are suffering as he did.
Each poem is filled with emotion and caring. Each page supports Childhelp USA, an organization that helps to prevent child abuse. Each person who reads this book will come away wanting to help, wanting to make the call that can save a life. This book will deeply touch those who have been abused, and those who know them.
Rodney Timms is a survivor. His poetry is telling and straightforward. It is sometimes sad and often evokes terrible images of child abuse. It is these images that he hopes will encourage the reader to take a stand against the violence. He offers poetry of joyful love for his grandchildren and special memories of his family as well. "Calling All Hearts" is a creative and expressive outreach that will speak to the heart of everyone who reads it.
by rodney timms
ISBN-10: 1885473850
Review by Heather Froeschl
For everyone who knows a child, "Calling All Hearts" is a book of poetry that will reach out to you and touch your soul. What better way to reach the world and inspire than by the written word? Rodney Timms has not had an easy life and it is his mission to change the lives of those children that are suffering as he did.
Each poem is filled with emotion and caring. Each page supports Childhelp USA, an organization that helps to prevent child abuse. Each person who reads this book will come away wanting to help, wanting to make the call that can save a life. This book will deeply touch those who have been abused, and those who know them.
Rodney Timms is a survivor. His poetry is telling and straightforward. It is sometimes sad and often evokes terrible images of child abuse. It is these images that he hopes will encourage the reader to take a stand against the violence. He offers poetry of joyful love for his grandchildren and special memories of his family as well. "Calling All Hearts" is a creative and expressive outreach that will speak to the heart of everyone who reads it.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Fantasy Fiction Review
Mindlings: Encounters Within Inner Space
by Normand R. Bernier
ISBN-10: 1587363976
Review by Heather Froeschl
Enter the world of John Robis, literally. Professor Robis is invited to participate in an experiment that attempts sensory input to the extent of causing the mind to delve inward. Much like an attempt at astral projection, but in reverse. Under the direction of a benefactor and under the guidance and care of a dear mentor, John enters into himself. What he finds is a whole world, a kingdom of mindlings.
The mindlings are energy, beings that are very real and are under the lordship of John but also in control of him as well. John's will, his drive, is personified in Sir William and likewise, his other personality traits come to life before his eyes. All of these interact with each other, within the realm of Robisohm, within John Robis himself. Through the experiments being performed John is able to visit his inner kingdom and sort through conflicts that have arisen. His castle is crumbling and the mindlings need guidance. It is up to John to decipher what is going on.
Through it all he is learning what creates mental illness, what reality is, what our soul's journey's entail. In the end he must make decisions that will alter the course of his own being and those of the mindlings within him.
This is a highly thought provoking novel of fantasy. Readers will see themselves in the conflicts that must be overcome by the characters and will likely learn a little something about their own lives and mindlings. The book is very well written, the story captivating and compelling. I highly recommend Normand R. Bernier's "Mindlings" and encourage readers to take a "strange journey inward."
by Normand R. Bernier
ISBN-10: 1587363976
Review by Heather Froeschl
Enter the world of John Robis, literally. Professor Robis is invited to participate in an experiment that attempts sensory input to the extent of causing the mind to delve inward. Much like an attempt at astral projection, but in reverse. Under the direction of a benefactor and under the guidance and care of a dear mentor, John enters into himself. What he finds is a whole world, a kingdom of mindlings.
The mindlings are energy, beings that are very real and are under the lordship of John but also in control of him as well. John's will, his drive, is personified in Sir William and likewise, his other personality traits come to life before his eyes. All of these interact with each other, within the realm of Robisohm, within John Robis himself. Through the experiments being performed John is able to visit his inner kingdom and sort through conflicts that have arisen. His castle is crumbling and the mindlings need guidance. It is up to John to decipher what is going on.
Through it all he is learning what creates mental illness, what reality is, what our soul's journey's entail. In the end he must make decisions that will alter the course of his own being and those of the mindlings within him.
This is a highly thought provoking novel of fantasy. Readers will see themselves in the conflicts that must be overcome by the characters and will likely learn a little something about their own lives and mindlings. The book is very well written, the story captivating and compelling. I highly recommend Normand R. Bernier's "Mindlings" and encourage readers to take a "strange journey inward."
Monday, January 24, 2005
Fiction Review
Slumach: The Lost Mine
by Edgar Ramsey
ISBN-10: 1594579970
Review by Heather Froeschl
Gold fever can be deadly. The lost mine of Slumach calls to those who desire the untold riches of the legendary tales. But there is a curse upon the mine and those who seek it. Their worst nightmares come to life as they trek closer to the hidden gold and most never make it out of the rugged mountain terrain alive.
Slumach was executed for murder in 1891. In the previous months it is said that he would come into town with bags of gold nuggets. Anyone who tried to follow him was never seen alive again. Just as his execution was being fulfilled, he muttered a curse..."When I die, the mine dies." And so it was, so it seems.
The story follows Professor Paul Gregory and his young assistant Bev Dayton, and also a couple of lowlife criminals, Kevin McCarthur and Randy Smith, as they follow through with intentions to find Slumach's lost mine. Do they beat the odds and come away with bags of gold? Time will tell, but they do find the realization of their own nightmares.
The story is an interesting one and a temptation to anyone who has ever wondered about gold fever. The author has created very deep backgrounds for the characters so that the reader will truly understand the nature of the curse in the end. However, in order to do this each character goes through numerous flashbacks and very detailed memories that can be confusing to the reader. Jumping from character to character and memory to memory was a bit mind boggling, though each was like a story in itself and demonstrates the author's talent for short story telling. Edgar Ramsey shows a knack for detail and description. My main complaint is with the flow of the stories, and more than a handful of typos and misspellings.
Overall, the book is a good read if you can get through the head hopping.
by Edgar Ramsey
ISBN-10: 1594579970
Review by Heather Froeschl
Gold fever can be deadly. The lost mine of Slumach calls to those who desire the untold riches of the legendary tales. But there is a curse upon the mine and those who seek it. Their worst nightmares come to life as they trek closer to the hidden gold and most never make it out of the rugged mountain terrain alive.
Slumach was executed for murder in 1891. In the previous months it is said that he would come into town with bags of gold nuggets. Anyone who tried to follow him was never seen alive again. Just as his execution was being fulfilled, he muttered a curse..."When I die, the mine dies." And so it was, so it seems.
The story follows Professor Paul Gregory and his young assistant Bev Dayton, and also a couple of lowlife criminals, Kevin McCarthur and Randy Smith, as they follow through with intentions to find Slumach's lost mine. Do they beat the odds and come away with bags of gold? Time will tell, but they do find the realization of their own nightmares.
The story is an interesting one and a temptation to anyone who has ever wondered about gold fever. The author has created very deep backgrounds for the characters so that the reader will truly understand the nature of the curse in the end. However, in order to do this each character goes through numerous flashbacks and very detailed memories that can be confusing to the reader. Jumping from character to character and memory to memory was a bit mind boggling, though each was like a story in itself and demonstrates the author's talent for short story telling. Edgar Ramsey shows a knack for detail and description. My main complaint is with the flow of the stories, and more than a handful of typos and misspellings.
Overall, the book is a good read if you can get through the head hopping.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Fiction Review
American Warrior
by James Snyder
ISBN-10: 0741423200
Review by Heather Froeschl
"American Warrior" is a novel of a boy becoming a man, coming to know himself through an intense life full of abuse, self defense and ultimately overcoming his fears and desires to do what must be done to survive.
Paul Brett gets slapped around by his dad and attacked by neighborhood boys until he is convinced to become what he sees an old Dutchman reveal as he breaks up a fight. Can he learn to be such a warrior? For years he practices, trains with the old man, and he develops a sense of self through it all. Training in the military is but another intense step toward Paul's coming of age and he demonstrates his strength while forming a fast friendship. He continues his training until it is time to go to Vietnam.
There, Paul joins a Top Secret Forces group known as SOG, Studies and Observations Group. It is here that the novel takes a truly unique turn. This is not your typical Vietnam story. The author explores the illegal aspects of the war; the campaign occurring across the Laotian border along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The writing is intense and in depth with moments of pure terror and deep sadness.
Paul's life is not an easy one to read about. The war is not the end of the tale, and what becomes of him is terrible and intense. Can he survive? Will he ever be able to go home and hold his wife in his arms once more?
James Snyder had written a deeply thoughtful story. His treatment of the war is respectful and realistic. The plot is well designed and fulfilling. Snyder's characters are full of human flaws and hopeful growth, just as they should be.
by James Snyder
ISBN-10: 0741423200
Review by Heather Froeschl
"American Warrior" is a novel of a boy becoming a man, coming to know himself through an intense life full of abuse, self defense and ultimately overcoming his fears and desires to do what must be done to survive.
Paul Brett gets slapped around by his dad and attacked by neighborhood boys until he is convinced to become what he sees an old Dutchman reveal as he breaks up a fight. Can he learn to be such a warrior? For years he practices, trains with the old man, and he develops a sense of self through it all. Training in the military is but another intense step toward Paul's coming of age and he demonstrates his strength while forming a fast friendship. He continues his training until it is time to go to Vietnam.
There, Paul joins a Top Secret Forces group known as SOG, Studies and Observations Group. It is here that the novel takes a truly unique turn. This is not your typical Vietnam story. The author explores the illegal aspects of the war; the campaign occurring across the Laotian border along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The writing is intense and in depth with moments of pure terror and deep sadness.
Paul's life is not an easy one to read about. The war is not the end of the tale, and what becomes of him is terrible and intense. Can he survive? Will he ever be able to go home and hold his wife in his arms once more?
James Snyder had written a deeply thoughtful story. His treatment of the war is respectful and realistic. The plot is well designed and fulfilling. Snyder's characters are full of human flaws and hopeful growth, just as they should be.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Fiction Review
Starlight, Starbright
by Barbara Elliott Carpenter
ISBN-10: 1410716864
Review by Heather Froeschl
Growing up in the forties and fifties was in some ways very different than going through life in subsequent decades, but several things remain the same. How a child feels when their family makes a move and starts a fresh life is universal in time and place. New friends are made and your entire world is completely changed. The process of adjusting and exploring a new environment, while growing up, is what "Starlight, Starbright" is all about.
Sissy comes of age before our eyes under the guidance of her parents and in the companionship of her brother and sister, the neighborhood widows, a trash lady and two very different grandfathers. Her normal, every day escapades range from discovering what it is like to use the indoor bathrooms at her new school to understanding who Santa Claus is; from squinting at fairies hidden in the roots of a tree to spying a princess in the eyes of a forgotten woman.
Sissy develops into a young lady with dreams and desires and begins to understand that life is sometimes not fair and often unkind. The widows share stories of truth-based gossip and Sissy comes to know why male statues wear fig leaves. In her early teens she finds her first love, experiments with red lipstick and flusters from her first kiss. Along the way, she is true to her friends and close to her family.
Barbara Elliott Carpenter offers a look back at the not so distant past and opens a window to what growing up in the forties and fifties was like. Many things are different now, but many still remain the same. Children have lessons to learn and life to explore and those are universal moments. Sissy is a character so real that you will feel you too grew up with her. The descriptive settings in the book are as vivid as your own memories and the stories shared are much like those that are passed down in families from every corner of the earth.
"Starlight, Starbright" will keep you turning pages until you are through and then leave you with satisfaction that you've just shared something very special.
by Barbara Elliott Carpenter
ISBN-10: 1410716864
Review by Heather Froeschl
Growing up in the forties and fifties was in some ways very different than going through life in subsequent decades, but several things remain the same. How a child feels when their family makes a move and starts a fresh life is universal in time and place. New friends are made and your entire world is completely changed. The process of adjusting and exploring a new environment, while growing up, is what "Starlight, Starbright" is all about.
Sissy comes of age before our eyes under the guidance of her parents and in the companionship of her brother and sister, the neighborhood widows, a trash lady and two very different grandfathers. Her normal, every day escapades range from discovering what it is like to use the indoor bathrooms at her new school to understanding who Santa Claus is; from squinting at fairies hidden in the roots of a tree to spying a princess in the eyes of a forgotten woman.
Sissy develops into a young lady with dreams and desires and begins to understand that life is sometimes not fair and often unkind. The widows share stories of truth-based gossip and Sissy comes to know why male statues wear fig leaves. In her early teens she finds her first love, experiments with red lipstick and flusters from her first kiss. Along the way, she is true to her friends and close to her family.
Barbara Elliott Carpenter offers a look back at the not so distant past and opens a window to what growing up in the forties and fifties was like. Many things are different now, but many still remain the same. Children have lessons to learn and life to explore and those are universal moments. Sissy is a character so real that you will feel you too grew up with her. The descriptive settings in the book are as vivid as your own memories and the stories shared are much like those that are passed down in families from every corner of the earth.
"Starlight, Starbright" will keep you turning pages until you are through and then leave you with satisfaction that you've just shared something very special.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Fiction Review
The Rape of Alma Mater
By Wells Earl Draughon
ISBN-10: 0595332498
Review by Heather Froeschl
It isn't often that a work of fiction can make me sit up and take notice. In the case of Wells Earl Draughon's "The Rape of Alma Mater" I have sat up and I feel like I have been sleeping throughout my entire life. The book is a must read for anyone who has concern for society's education, freedoms of speech and press and the ability to think for oneself. Of course this is a work of fiction, but it is written on the experience of the author as a graduate student during the timeframe of the book, as a demonstrator, and as a college faculty member.
In 1967 male students feared for their lives and enrolled in college to avoid the draft. The Vietnam War deeply affected the entire populace as students became increasingly concerned over how much say they had in their own futures. So they began to protest. They tasted power. This was democracy, wasn't it? The people have spoken. However, when the war ended and there no longer was a major cause for banding together and making change, they invented reasons to stand and protest. What resulted was a complete rape of the education system and eventually the press that covered it, the government that allowed it to happen for fear of not getting re-elected, and society as a whole.
Draughon's characters are so real that I feel as if I know them. Their inner turmoil is deep and torturous. Their maturation is obvious and satisfying as we follow 35 years of their lives. Through this time period we watch as things get so out of hand that even the original protestors are hoodwinked by their own propaganda. The plot flows so swiftly and surely as the reader becomes caught up in its waves and is quickly carried to the end of the book where one will sit thoughtfully for hopefully a good long while.
This book is highly recommended for those who ever wondered how things came to be in today's society, but even more so for those who never thought about it.
By Wells Earl Draughon
ISBN-10: 0595332498
Review by Heather Froeschl
It isn't often that a work of fiction can make me sit up and take notice. In the case of Wells Earl Draughon's "The Rape of Alma Mater" I have sat up and I feel like I have been sleeping throughout my entire life. The book is a must read for anyone who has concern for society's education, freedoms of speech and press and the ability to think for oneself. Of course this is a work of fiction, but it is written on the experience of the author as a graduate student during the timeframe of the book, as a demonstrator, and as a college faculty member.
In 1967 male students feared for their lives and enrolled in college to avoid the draft. The Vietnam War deeply affected the entire populace as students became increasingly concerned over how much say they had in their own futures. So they began to protest. They tasted power. This was democracy, wasn't it? The people have spoken. However, when the war ended and there no longer was a major cause for banding together and making change, they invented reasons to stand and protest. What resulted was a complete rape of the education system and eventually the press that covered it, the government that allowed it to happen for fear of not getting re-elected, and society as a whole.
Draughon's characters are so real that I feel as if I know them. Their inner turmoil is deep and torturous. Their maturation is obvious and satisfying as we follow 35 years of their lives. Through this time period we watch as things get so out of hand that even the original protestors are hoodwinked by their own propaganda. The plot flows so swiftly and surely as the reader becomes caught up in its waves and is quickly carried to the end of the book where one will sit thoughtfully for hopefully a good long while.
This book is highly recommended for those who ever wondered how things came to be in today's society, but even more so for those who never thought about it.
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