Non-Fiction YA Review

I've Got This Friend Who...
Edited by Anna Radev
ISBN-10: 1592854583
Review by Heather Froeschl


Ask a teenager who they would rather have advice from, their friends, or the adults in their lives, and you know they are going to say their friends. It’s what we all did, and I can live with that. But how many friends have the answers to everything a teen could be wondering about? Sometimes it takes a group of friends to find the answers. In “I’ve Got This Friend Who…” edited by Anna Radev, a panel of six teens share their experiences, their knowledge, and their approaches to life and its many challenges.

If there is a question about it, the answers are likely in this book. The hottest topics of drugs, smoking, alcohol, eating disorders, self injurious and high risk behaviors are thoroughly explored and discussed from a teen’s perspective. Why do people smoke? What makes you an alcoholic? How can you control the urges of addiction? Why would someone not eat? How does hurting yourself affect you? What do you do when your friends are headed for serious trouble? The best solutions are always found with knowledge of the who, what, when, where and why. Coming from the words of other teenagers, the advice here is most valuable.

Imagine a group of young adults hanging out and discussing whatever is going on. The questions that come up are asked with curiosity but also with great importance and interest since things might be very personally and hugely influential in their lives. One might have an eating disorder and have first hand experience with why this occurs. One might have a parent who is an alcoholic and is concerned that it is hereditary. Someone’s best friend might be considering having sex, while another friend might be cutting herself with a razor blade. The discussions in the book are broken down into six chapters, focusing on these topics. Each chapter is like a panel chat-fest and includes sidebars of important facts and information while the teens discuss the real life ramifications. What results is an advice source for readers whose friends might not have all the answers.

There are times when the information sharing seems a little forced; like a teen just wouldn’t answer in such a fact based way, but the answers provided are worth that risk. I highly recommend having this book around the house. Most readers won’t sit through the entire book all at once, but will refer back to it when a situation arises in their lives. Full of additional resources like websites and hotlines, it is an interactive tool as well. The people behind the book are well versed in helping teens: KidsPeace is a 125 year old national children’s crisis charity dedicated to giving hope, help, and healing to children facing crisis. This is a must have for teens everywhere.

Children's/YA Fiction Review

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague
By Brandon Mull
ISBN: 978-1-59038-742-9
Review by Heather Froeschl
Title to be released April 21, 2008

Darkness spreads and shadows grow in the greatest Brandon Mull adventure yet. “Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague” will have readers shining a flashlight into dark corners and under the blankets to stay up reading into the night. The fantasy realm hasn’t been so threatened since a certain ring was cast in another series of books. Can hope remain that the magical sanctuary of Fablehaven will not meet its demise along with centaurs, fairies, dwarfs, dryads, and our heroes, Seth and Kendra?

Books like the Fablehaven series are not commonly found. A series that captivates attention, inspires imagination, encourages reluctant readers, and offers books that stand alone, not demanding that the previous books have been read, but absolutely beguiling readers to do so, is a true gift. “Grip of the Shadow Plague” does continue the story of Seth and Kendra and Fablehaven, the sanctuary for magical creatures that their grandparents are the caretakers of. Nearly 15 year old Kendra and her brother, twelve year old Seth, are still at the refuge, where we left them in “Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star.” Their parents would like them to return home, but Grandma and Grandpa Sorenson fear the children would be in great danger away from the protection that Fablehaven offers. But is it really so safe on the preserve?

Kendra is given a great honor in this book; she is to be inducted as a knight to The Knights of the Dawn, protectors of the five secret magical preserves. Soon after, she is given her first assignment, one which involves a magical item, a dragon, deadly traps, and a visit to another preserve. Suspicion rises that the Captain of the Knights is corrupt, possibly someone whom they have suspected, and so refusing the mission is not in the best interest if Kendra hopes to find out the truth. Back at Fablehaven, Seth uncovers a darkening of magical creatures; dark fairies attempt to attack him, and a plague is revealed. Discovering who unleashed the shadows is possibly the key to ending the disaster before it spreads too far. When friends Coulter and Tanu are turned to shadow creatures, time becomes a precious commodity. Fablehaven could fall, ending an era of magic and light. It will take every ounce of courage, intelligence and cunning to save the preserve. Will the Sorensons be able to survive?

Brandon Mull offers a more intellectually stimulating and exciting adventure in this book. The characters are growing and their capabilities expanding. The language of the book is more mature, leading readers to learn as they enjoy the story. This feat alone is to be commended. The plot is rich, intricate and well rounded, with moments of humor and instances of tender feeling. Above all else it is a captivating tale of magical beings and exceptionally strong souled children. Here are role models for readers and a crack in the wall that hides fantasy and possibility from the real world. Do you dare to take a peek? Do you dare not?

Memoir Review

Sixtyfive Roses
By Heather Summerhayes Cariou
ISBN-10: 1552786781
Review by Heather Froeschl



Bonds between sisters can be deeply profound. Life changing, life sustaining relationships with our sisters prove this. Heather Summerhayes Cariou’s memoir, “Sixtyfive Roses” demonstrates the bond of sisterhood in a way that readers will never forget. When your sibling, your best friend, is given months to survive, and you vow to die along with her, life becomes a struggle to live.

When Pam was just four years old, and Heather was six, Pam was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which Pam pronounced Sixtyfive Roses. It wasn’t a new experience, handling Pam’s illness, since she had been ill all along, but it now had a name, and a death sentence. Heather’s family began to learn everything about Cystic Fibrosis; became founders of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and fought for Pam’s life with every fiber of their being. Heather describes how helpless it felt to lay awake listening to her sister breathing, ready to jump up to get her parents, and how scared she was to wake in the morning to find Pam gone from life. The treatments they were to give Pam at home, the long hospital stays fighting infections, the struggle to pay bills, and the toll on everyone’s lives shook the foundation of their family but at the same time made them all the stronger. Heather’s internal struggle with her feelings and adolescence brought forth an angry young woman; the constant turmoil affected each family member in different ways. The tradition of having tea became a soothing ointment for many moments. Was it enough to soothe their souls?

This memoir is an astounding testament to the strength of family, but also to the reality of illness and a person’s spiritual growth. Witnessing Pam finding her own peace and subsequently Heather’s whole family is the gift Pam left for us all, wrapped up and crafted into “Sixtyfive Roses” by Heather Summerhayes Cariou. This book is about depth of love and dedication, it is about sisterhood and family, it is about Cystic Fibrosis and the research that is being done, it is about one family’s selfless dedication, and it is about Pam. Excellently written, with a foreword by Celine Dion, who has also been touched by Cystic Fibrosis in her family, readers will not be able to put the book down. One can’t help but be moved in reading it.

Non-Fiction Review

What They Want You to Know!
Messages from beyond the grave
by Carter Shepard and Carolyn Cummings
ISBN:0-9767063-1-8
Review by Heather Froeschl

If we could speak once more with some of the great minds of our time, the icons of civilization to some, what would they tell us? What would we ask them? Is communication with the dead actually possible? In “What They Want You to Know!” by Carter Shepard and Carolyn Cummings, it does seem possible, and the examples given just might shatter the reader’s preconceptions of the afterlife.

Carolyn, a professional medium for twenty years, and Carter, a student of metaphysics for thirty years, interviewed eighteen well known people, from the other side. It may seem like star gazing but the list of interviewees is what it is: astounding. Starting with Albert Einstein, some of those included are Benjamin Franklin, John Kennedy Jr., his mother, Jackie Kennedy, Howard Hughes, and Steve Irwin. These souls were very much a part of what our civilization is today, so going to them for some answers does make sense. What would you ask intelligent spirits who now have the ability to see much more than we here on the earth plane? What is our purpose here on earth? What is death like? Is there a heaven or hell?

The answers to these are not all that surprising for anyone who has been a student of the metaphysical. However the questions and answers about the current situation in Iraq, the current president and race for office, and other political ponderings were a little more shocking to me. I wasn’t able to wholeheartedly believe that the answers weren’t what the questioner wanted to “hear.” The subject of religion too, was a little overpowering to me. I got the sense that the authors had certain messages that they wanted to portray. My opinion, of course, and perhaps not what the authors had in mind after all. Their disclaimer is that those who can believe will, and those that can’t, simply won’t.

These “messages” from beyond the grave are sometimes funny, often touching, and are certainly thought-provoking. Opening the mind to the continuance of the spirit is a purposeful goal that this book leads to. “What They Want You to Know!” is an interesting project indeed.

Children's Fiction Review

Treasure in Tahiti
by Connie Lee Berry
ISBN-10: 0977284816
Review by Heather Froeschl


Journey to the other side of the world? Max and Sam are going on an incredible journey to Tahiti. What waits for them there is a fantastic mystery, in Connie Lee Berry’s book, “Treasure in Tahiti.” This action packed adventure book for young readers promises excited page turning!

Their island paradise is not exactly what their mother had in mind. The family is left on their own at a simple hut with no electricity or inside running water. However the majestic scenery and ocean waves make up for it. When one of the boys finds an old treasure map beneath a loose floorboard, the adventure really begins. Convincing their dad to explore a nearby deserted island doesn’t take long and soon the boys are daring the darkness of a cave. Someone else is on the island though; someone else is searching for the hundred year old treasure. Will the boys be able to follow the clues and beat their opponent to the prize? Is it even still there after so long?

Written in a fun and upbeat tone, Connie Lee Berry’s books are perfect for reluctant readers. The intrigue of the plot makes “Treasure in Tahiti” a page turner. Max and Sam are likeable characters that kids can relate to who just happen to be going on incredible journeys. Giving a bit of history, geography and even science, this book is a well rounded offering that packs in the surprises. The variety of it creates a buffet of island tastes. The Incredible Journey Book series is a fun collection to treasure.

Children's Fiction Review

The Criminal in the Caymans
By Connie Lee Berry
ISBN-10: 0977284808
Review by Heather Froeschl


Family adventures and incredible journeys await brothers Max and Sam. Going to the Cayman Islands would be an adventure enough for any first and second grader, but a mysterious box arrives at their home before they leave, adding intrigue to the voyage. Connie Lee Berry’s book, “The Criminal in the Caymans” is the beginning of an exciting series for young readers.

This first book is a great introduction to Max and Sam’s family and their lives in grade school, but then jumps right into the adventure with a mysterious map and a leather bound journal. Their vacation begins in the normal way, running to the ocean and playing in the sand but suddenly turns quite extraordinary as the boys realize they are in the midst of a dangerous criminal. An amazing thing happens just as one of the boys is about to call the FBI. What exactly does their dad do for a living, being sent to this paradise for work? They are about to find out.

Connie writes in a fresh and outreaching way. Young readers will be captivated, which is sometimes hard to achieve. The story, setting and feel of the book is right on the level of excitement needed for this age group. Adding in some interesting facts about the Cayman Islands is a plus for parents and teachers and as another bonus; a science project is described in the back of the book. These extras are like getting that special package in the mail…surprising and fun. Max and Sam are likeable characters who promise some incredible journeys. Expect the unexpected.

Non-Fiction Review

Messages From the Other Side
by Joseph Tittel
ISBN-10: 1419666452
Review by Heather Froeschl



How does a psychic develop their gifts? Is it actually something that can be developed in all of us or is it a talent you must be born with? Many believe that we all have psychic ability to tap into. Joseph Tittel shares his life story as a medium in his book, “Messages From the Other Side.”

When he was just four years old, Joseph was aware of spiritual energy watching over him at the foot of his bed. This book chronicles how he grew up being psychic and shares his experiences of helping others as a medium. With his mother’s passing, Joseph was expecting a big sign from the other side, all the while he was telling clients to be aware of the smallest thing being a message. This is the reminder that we all need, because often the signs go unnoticed. Spirit may guide us to glance at the clock and see significant numbers, or change the radio station to one where their favorite song is playing, but they probably are not going to physically tap you on the shoulder and announce their presence, although I know this does happen too. Sharing his realization that he wasn’t taking his own advice, Joseph shows his humanity to readers. Even a psychic sometimes needs to pay closer attention.

Giving readings, Joseph has helped bring messages to loved ones from the other side. This allows some closure and validation and ultimately peace of mind. The book shares some of his more intense experiences and explains how this interaction with spirit can be healing for those left on the earth plane. Joseph goes on to help readers to tap into their own psychic abilities using detailed meditation techniques. Yes, we are all born with ability.

A compelling read, “Messages From the Other Side” addresses the questions many have sought the answers to. Joseph Tittel reaches out to readers in a friendly, easy going tone. Much like chatting over coffee with a good friend, the visit passes all too quickly. This book is an excellent introduction to the spirit world and a comfort to those who are grieving.