Reader Views
Book reviews, by readers, for readers
Articles by this Author
Staying Alive: A Love Story by Laura B. Hayden: Book Review
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/31/2012
- Biography/ Autobiography/Memoir
- Unrated
The loss of a loved one can lead people to question life and its purpose, and that is never truer than when a loved one is taken at a young age and unexpectedly. After Laura Hayden’s husband, Larry, died suddenly at the young age of forty-nine when he did not survive a preemptive surgery intended to prolong his life, Laura struggled to carry on but found her strength in needing to be there for her young son and daughter. The story of how this family worked through their grief is told in Laura Hayden’s new memoir, "Staying Alive: A Love Story."
Interview with Laura B. Hayden, author of Staying Alive: A Love Story
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/31/2012
- Author Interviews
- Unrated
The loss of a loved one can lead people to question life and its purpose, and that is never truer than when a loved one is taken at a young age and unexpectedly. After Laura Hayden’s husband, Larry, died suddenly at the young age of forty-nine when he did not survive a preemptive surgery intended to prolong his life, Laura struggled to carry on but found her strength in needing to be there for her young son and daughter. The story of how this family worked through their grief is told in Laura Hayden’s new memoir, "Staying Alive: A Love Story."
Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God by Jacqueline Rainey: Book Review
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/31/2012
- Self-Help
- Unrated
Written as alternating poems and stories, "Through Whose Eyes: Rise Child of God," by author Jacqueline Rainey, is a book filled with inspiration. Even when people seem farthest from God, caught up in poverty, in addiction, or when humanity turns against them, Rainey makes it clear that God is present and ready to lend aid. A few of the stories include: “Turning Corners,” about a streetwalker running from the call of God; “Clean” about how a woman’s faith in God is tested when she is raped; and “Waiting for God” about a girl’s experiences in the foster system. Several other stories and poems tell of difficult lives and high-risk behaviors, and how God can heal any situation.
Interview with Derald Hamilton, author of The Call
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/24/2012
- Author Interviews
- Unrated
All his life, Ishmael O’Donnell has wrestled with family dysfunction and being possessed by the spirit of his long-dead twin brother. With a military father who has always controlled him, Ishmael has only escaped corporal punishment through his mother’s intercession. Seeking purification from his past and freedom from the haunting spirit of his brother, Ishmael eventually makes his way to the seminary. In "The Call," author Derald Hamilton creates an unforgettable cast of quirky, humorous, unorthodox, and larger than life characters as Ishmael’s fellow seminarians. While some have received a legitimate call to the ministry, others are simply fulfilling a family legacy of being clergy. Surprised and shocked by such people and even more by the disillusioning church politics he encounters, Ishmael finds his three years in the seminary will lead him down a path to purification he never could have imagined.
The Call by Derald Hamilton: Book Review
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/24/2012
- Fiction
- Unrated
All his life, Ishmael O’Donnell has wrestled with family dysfunction and being possessed by the spirit of his long-dead twin brother. With a military father who has always controlled him, Ishmael has only escaped corporal punishment through his mother’s intercession. Seeking purification from his past and freedom from the haunting spirit of his brother, Ishmael eventually makes his way to the seminary.
In "The Call," author Derald Hamilton creates an unforgettable cast of quirky, humorous, unorthodox, and larger than life characters as Ishmael’s fellow seminarians. While some have received a legitimate call to the ministry, others are simply fulfilling a family legacy of being clergy. Surprised and shocked by such people and even more by the disillusioning church politics he encounters, Ishmael finds his three years in the seminary will lead him down a path to purification he never could have imagined.
Ruby’s Juke Joint: Americana Cookbook by Ruby Dee: Book Report
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/17/2012
- Cooking
- Unrated
Ruby Dee takes you inside the heart of Americana food with her new cookbook. Filled with old fashioned down home recipes, "Ruby's Juke Joint" is accompanied by a great soundtrack by some of the best Americana artists today. Check out the inside pictures and get your copy now. "Ruby's approach to food and music are the same -- she's classic and classy with a twist of unexpected delight. And what she whips up is always extremely tasty!"
- Elizabeth McQueen, singer Asleep at the Wheel
"I can't think of a better person to do a cookbook like this. Ruby IS Juke Joint, Americana, and all the good stuff that goes with it. In Ruby's life, music and cooking are intertwined: heart & soul, inspiration, improvisation, and passion. Ruby has all the right ingrediants to make this the "go-to" book in anyone's kitchen."
- Cindy Cashdollar, Five time Grammy award winning dobro and steel player (Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Dave Alvin and more)
Will the Courageous: A Story About Sexual Abuse by Amy Barth: Book Report
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/17/2012
- Parenting and Family
- Unrated
What is wrong with Will? Will is a typical six-year-old boy: he loves to tell "knock-knock jokes", collect bugs, and play with other kids. On most school days, Will goes to Nana Winnie's until his mom returns from work. Will enjoys having his Nana as a babysitter. Recently, Nana's cousin Perry has come to visit and suddenly Will no longer wants to go there. He starts having nightmares, acting out in school and wetting his bed. Will's parents are worried. What is wrong with Will? "Will the Courageous," by author Amy Barth, deals with important issues regarding sexual abuse that may arise in a young person's life.
Interview with Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie, author of Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/11/2012
- Author Interviews
- Unrated
In 2001, thirteen-year old Paul was struck by a car while riding his bicycle without a helmet. His family’s life was turned upside down as they cared for him. Dixie Coskie has told her and her family’s incredible journey through the first year of Paul’s recovery in her previous book "Unthinkable: A Mother’s Tragedy, Terror and Triumph through a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury." Now in her second book "Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury," Coskie provides hope and help to parents in the same situation by focusing on necessary information for parents. Unthinkable is divided into ten sections of tips, beginning with addressing the steps and components of preparedness. Other tips include what friends should or should not do, how to help other children in the family through the event, and reminders to take care of yourself and to include humor in your life.
Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury by Dixie Fremont-Smith Coskie: Book Review
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/11/2012
- Health
- Unrated
In 2001, thirteen-year old Paul was struck by a car while riding his bicycle without a helmet. His family’s life was turned upside down as they cared for him. Dixie Coskie has told her and her family’s incredible journey through the first year of Paul’s recovery in her previous book "Unthinkable: A Mother’s Tragedy, Terror and Triumph through a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury." Now in her second book "Unthinkable: Tips for Surviving a Child’s Traumatic Brain Injury," Coskie provides hope and help to parents in the same situation by focusing on necessary information for parents.
Unthinkable is divided into ten sections of tips, beginning with addressing the steps and components of preparedness. Other tips include what friends should or should not do, how to help other children in the family through the event, and reminders to take care of yourself and to include humor in your life.
Edge of Ready by L. B. Tillit: Book Review
- By Reader Views
- Published 01/11/2012
- YA/Teen
- Unrated
Rape is not a pleasant topic for any book but "Edge of Ready" offers a sense of reality by including it, a reality that young adult readers appreciate because it opens their eyes to the real world they are themselves about to enter. Rather than depicting the rape as a terrible incident that defeats young Dani, it becomes a source of inspiration—a sign that people can rise above anything when they are determined. Readers will care deeply about what will become of Dani up to the final conclusion that powerfully depicts human truths. Written in fast-paced short chapters, "Edge of Ready" by author L.B. Tillit, keeps readers’ attention as Dani encounters layer after layer of unpredictable problems.
