Blink of an Eye-Review by Kelsey G.

Blink of an Eye

By: William S. Cohen

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About the book:

It is America's worst nightmare: A nuclear bomb destroys a major city. Thousands of Americans are dead and many more will die from radiation poisoning. Threats promising more attacks spread through the media. Panic has broken out in many cities. How could American intelligence have failed to detect a nuclear device? Who is responsible for the blast?

Sean Falcone, national security advisor, is tasked with identifying and tracking down the attackers. Powerful forces within the capitol point the finger at Iran. But appearances are often deceiving, and never more so than when millions of innocent people may die for a crime they did not commit. With the potential to incite the entire Muslim world against America and bring the world to the brink of Armageddon, Falcone discovers an astonishing secret hidden deep within the upper echelons of Washington's elite...but why should the president - or the American people - believe him?

Review by Kelsey G.

The old adage encourages authors to "write what you know", and Mr. Cohen does know. He knows governmental procedures, he knows Washington insider details, but does he know how to write a compelling thriller novel? Surprisingly, yes. Blink of an Eye presents an incredibly detailed scenario that hits very close to home. The writing is factual, precise and well-timed. We get to know the main character, hero and national security advisor Sean Falcone very well, and we care about him. This novel will be fascinating for individuals who like a true to life feeling. Nothing in this novel seems contrived, or unimaginable. It is very detailed though, and even though the front cover suggests exploding, edge-of-your-seat, nonstop thrills, this isn't that type of book. Oh, there is action, and plenty of it, but most time is spent on revealing just how our government would respond to an attack of this magnitude, and not all of this is thrilling. Overall though, this book is a hit, one whose subject matter we can only pray remains within the realms of fiction.

Froggy Boots Go With Everything - Review by Kelsey G.

Froggy Boots Go With Everything

By:Jill Zobkor Martin

Illustrated by: Kirstin Goede Van Mourick

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About the book:

Froggy Boots Go With Everything is a sturdy board book that celebrates a boy's inseparable love for his froggy boots. Simple phrases and colorful illustrations follow the boy through many activities in which his froggy boots become the prop that drives his imaginative play. The boy is accompanied throughout the book by a little frog friend who always finds his way into the scene. Adults will recognize activities from their own homes or get new ideas for playtime fun while reliving some favorite childhood memories with nostalgic appreciation. An easy Can you find... game at the end brings children back again and again while teaching important recognition skills.

Review by Kelsey G.

So..I like froggy boots as much as the next mom, but I have to admit, I was a little surprised that they could inspire an entire book! As I sat down to read this with my nine month old daughter, for some inexplicable reason, she giggled uncontrollably every time I said the words "froggy boots". I don't know what it was about that phrase, but it tickled her pink...so of course I love this book! Froggy Boots captures the attachment a child can form with special objects, and the innocent manner through which they allow their special objects to carry them to uncharted lands of imagination. The illustrations are brightly colored and detailed, and I appreciated the longevity factor (board books are a new mom's best friend). As soon as my daughter understands the meaning behind the (terribly humorous?) words "froggy boots" I'm sure a trip to the footwear aisle will be in order, to buy her a pair of froggy boots all her own!

The Snowman's Revenge - Review by Kelsey G.

The Snowman's Revenge

By: Mark Smythe

Illustrations by: Mike Motz

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About the book:

If you were left out in the cold snow all by yourself, would you be mad? Of course you would! Well, this snoman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! So, let's see what happens in this delightful story, nicely flowing with rhymed verse, beautifully illustrated and quite humorous indeed. So lovable, it's sure to be an instant favorite and a timeless classic with "kids" of all ages.


Review by Kelsey G.

You know what they say about the fury of a snowman scorned...

The Snowman's Revenge is a children's (read:family) book that delivers on every level. Its cartoon illustrations are colorful and dynamic, and of particular note is the unique way the text flows with the illustrations. Instead of just sitting plainly on the page like well behaved sentences, the narrative rhymes of this story at times are creeping shadows on the wall, climbing up steps, and the like. This book has an almost deliciously spooky tone, but nothing too intense for young readers. We're all in on the joke, of course, because despite his anger, we know what will happen to the snowman when he creeps inside the warm house to exact his revenge!

Review - Confessions of a Left-Handed Man by Peter Selgin

Confessions of a Left-Handed Man 
An Artist's Memoir
By Peter Selgin

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About The Book:

A collection of autobiographical essays (including the title essay featured in Best American Essays, 2006) that forms a memoir of eccentric childhood leading to an embrace of art. 

"On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, in the central panel of the most famous painting by that other Renaissance lefty, God, floating on a cloud of purple silk, bestows life on the first man, Adam, through the fingertip of his right hand. Adam, however, who has been created in God's image, accepts the gift with his left hand. Michelangelo knew what he was doing. According to the Roman poet Isidorus, a secret blood vessel runs directly from the index finger of the left hand to the human heart- the heart, not the brain. God wished to bypass the intellect and launch his spark straight into the heart of man, who reaches out to lend Him a hand. The left one." —from Confessions of a Left-Handed Man

Review by Lynda: 
By means of essays, this author gives an inside view of his life, both as a man and artist. What things shaped his  character, affected his inner spirit, and refined his appreciation for the beauty and expression of ART? What difficulties forced changes that seemed insurmountable? What did he loose, and what did he find in the loosing?

Written in a warm and truthful style, Peter Selgin bears his story to us in a procession of sad and triumphal clips, vivid with unforgettable candor. This book will give you reason to smile, lift your spirit, and at times, drop you into a well of introspection along with the author. It's not a light reading, so be sure to find a place without distraction when you begin to read.

 

I Don't Wear a Suit! - Review by Kelsey G.

I Don't Wear a Suit!

By: Victoria A. Seitz Ph.D. Image Consultant

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About the book:

IT'S STILL IMPORTANT TO DRESS AND LOOK GOOD FOR WORK

It used to be that the only office attire that communicated success was the suit. Today t here truly is a continuum of options that are just as appropriate and communicate success whether you work in a factory, argue a case in court, sell, or teach. I Don't Wear A Suit is the must have handbook for men and women for dressing great in TODAY'S workplace! You will:

• Learn the foundations of good style and design
• Identify the appropriate clothing for your workplace.
• Use color to develop your own individual look that WORKS for you
• Maximize your assets and minimize your liabilities with your body type
• Travel light but right for work
• Develop a dress policy that protects your business' brand image

Review by Kelsey G.

Does this book deliver on its promises to communicate effective style advice for today's working individual? Yes. Does it do so in the most engaging manner possible? Not so much. The advice in this book is solid, honest and accurate. There are tips for men and women, and Dr. Seitz covers a broad range of image topics, including the care of clothes, dressing for your body type, even advice for employers looking to set up their business' own dress code.

That being said, the information is presented in an almost overwhelming format, lots of words, and zero images. I mean, there are absolutely no pictures in this entire book, other than the front and rear cover images. For a book all about the impact of the visual, and crafting an effective image, one would think actual images would be used! There's not even color font! The absence of such visually stimulating tools makes this book seem dated in format, almost a guide from another decade.

At times the definitions of certain items is a little technical - Excerpt: "Oxford Shoe: is a style of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp" (pg.136) I'm sorry...what? The information is sound, I just hope the hectic schedule of today's business people allow them to invest the time and focus necessary to get something out of this book.

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble - Review by Kelsey G

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble

By: Daniel Errico

Illustrated by: Tiffany Turrill

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About the book:

Far Below the Ocean Waves...

A gnarble left his cozy bed along the ocean floor,

He dreamt about a place that he had never seen before!

He headed to the surface for a glimpse of sun and sky,

The trip was so impossible, he'd be the first to try.

Gnarbles can't swim far with little fins and floppy tails

What makes this gnarble noble isn't written on his scales.

You won't believe the new fantastic creatures that he found,

But did he reach the top or did he quit and turn around?

The thrilling tale of the noble gnarble, accompanied by vibrant, four color illustrations, will delight children ages 3 to 6--and their parents too!


About the Author:

Daniel Errico is a multimedia children's author whose stories emphasize themes of perseverance and resilience, as well as highlight a fundamental curiosity about the world. His sea of works can be found in collections, mobile apps, and internationally bestselling e-books. Daniel is also the creator of FreeChildrenStories.com, which offers free and original media for kids. He currently resides in New Jersey, where he has yet to spot that elusive gnarble...


Review by Kelsey G.

This is the kind of book that makes me wish we had more stars on our rating scale. As soon as I received a copy I read it cover to cover, then immediately took it over to show my sister (who is eighteen years old.) She begged me to let her keep it, but I steadfastly refused, going next to show my mother (fifty years old) Impressed, she asked if I would stay to show it to my other sister (15 years old) Once I did, that sister also tried to bribe me with sweets to let her keep it for herself. This book was well-worn and loved long before we ever showed it to anyone under ten years old!

As soon as you get a copy of this fantastic book, you'll understand the immediate love affair. The cover itself evokes a sense of adventure and wonder that too many adults have left behind in their childhood. But once you start the story...that's when the real adventure begins. Composed using a simple rhyming scheme, the story unfolds almost magically page by page, as the reader follows the adventure of an unnamed gnarble on his quest to see sunlight. This is children's literature at its best. Mr. Errico regards his young readers with the utmost respect and it shows. This story is imaginative, action-packed and ultimately, teaches a valuable life-lesson about self-acceptance and endurance.

Now, a word about the illustrations. The artist has simply outdone herself. This is one of those rare occasions where the story and artwork intertwine so flawlessly you hardly realize where the words have ended and the imagery begins. Mark my words, this is one of those gems that comes along only so often during a generation. You know what? Just go buy this book! Immediately! Oh, and when we're all lined up at the cinema wearing 'Noble Gnarble' t-shirts to see the movie adaptation of this unbelievable story...just remember, I called it.

Open Wounds - Review by Kelsey G.

Open Wounds
By: Joseph Lunievicz
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About the book:
Cid Wymann, a scrappy kid fighting to survive a harsh upbringing in Queens, NY, is a almost a prisoner in his own home. His only escape is sneaking to Times Square to see Errol Flynn movies full of swordplay and duels. He s determined to become a great fencer, but after his family disintegrates, Cid spends five years at an orphanage until his injured war-veteran cousin Lefty arrives from England to claim him. Lefty teaches Cid about acting and stage combat, especially fencing, and introduces him to Nikolai Varvarinski, a brilliant drunken Russian fencing master who trains Cid. By 16, Cid learns to channel his aggression through the harsh discipline of the blade, eventually taking on enemies old and new as he perfects his skills. Evocative of The Book Thief with a dash of Gangs of New York, Open Wounds is the page-turning story of a lost boy s quest to become a man

Review by Kelsey G.
Open Wounds is an extremely dark tale placed in a remarkable historic setting. The 1930's Depression era was a difficult time and the cinema was a unique means of escape for struggling individuals, none more troubled than young Cid Wymann, the protagonist of Open Wounds. The story graphically reveals the physical and emotional trauma that Cid faces both at home and at the hands of cruel bullies. As he grows from a terrified boy into a determined young man, the art of swordplay gives him the self-esteem and sense of control he has always lacked in real life.

This is an edgy novel that I'm not sure is suited for young adults. It is violent and honest; Cid's beatings are recounted with brutal realism, and as a child Cid himself witnesses his grandmother's suicide. If you can look past the grit of this novel, there is an inspirational story of transcendence to be found, I'm just not sure it isn't lost in the blows.
Apart from content itself, Open Wounds is crafted with a masterful hand, attention to period-specific details abound, and the art of fencing itself is revealed through Cid's learning eyes. I give this book three stars because, while I did not necessarily enjoy the story myself, I can appreciate why many might.

Promises, Promises - Review by Kelsey G.

Promises, Promises

By: Erica James

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About the book:

Be careful what you wish for...

Maggie Storm, who spends her days cleaning houses for people who often have more money than manners, promises herself that from now on she's going to stand up for herself. Married to a man with as much sex appeal as a recliner, she dreams about someone who can sweep her off her feet. Ella Moore, an artistic interior designer, promises herself that after seven wasted years with the man she thought she'd marry, relationships won't derail her life again. Ethan Edwards, a repeat offender when it comes to turning to other women for sexual consolation, promises himself that there will be no more women. But when Ella appears unexpectedly in Ethan's life, he finds himself turning to her for very different reasons. And when Maggie's romantic hero appears on her doorstep, she wonders which path she's really supposed to follow. Bestseller Erica James weaves a delightful tale of three people daring to challenge the promises in their hearts.

Review by Kelsey G.

Promises, Promises is a novel brimming with snark, heart, and wish-fulfillment. In the quirky way only the English seem to have mastered, Erica James presents a tale of three individuals who have ended up far off course of their happy ever afters. I appreciated how well-developed the characters were, and the interesting way in which their separate lives interconnected.

It was a unique take on a classic theme: daring to challenge your circumstances for the sake of true happiness. The alternating inner monologues were both revealing and humorous, and the writing style really allowed the reader to connect with all three main characters. The storytelling was solid and the novel succeeded.

I must mention though, for those who are interested, buying this novel is taking an express train ticket to Adventures in Adulteryland. Most of the first part of the book is spent setting up the misery and boredom that married life has brought the main characters, mostly so that the reader will not feel morally offended when time comes to actually break vows for the sake of romance. If you are not bothered by this, Promises, Promises will be an entertaining afternoon of escapism. Personally, I find stories about people honoring their commitments and finding a way to love despite the challenges such commitments present to be a far more satisfying tale. By reason of that personal preference alone, I was unable to give this book five stars, but the four stars I did give it are in enthusiastic support of a talented author spinning a solid story.

Review - Dancing On The Inside by Glen C. Strathy

DANCING ON THE INSIDE
By Glen C. Strathy

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About The Book:
Ever since her grandparents gave her a DVD of Swan Lake, twelve-year old Jenny Spark has wanted to be a dancer. But on her first day of ballet class, she suffers a panic attack and makes a horrifying discovery. She’s terrified of dancing in front of the other kids, and as for actually performing for an audience? Forget it.

Yet Jenny refuses to give up her dream. With determination and a little deception, she finds ways to observe ballet classes without actually participating. She trains in the safety of her room, while hiding the truth from her parents.


Then Jenny meets her exact opposite: Ara Reyes, an outgoing, spontaneous, and accident-prone girl who loves dancing but has always been overlooked for major roles. The girls' friendship blossoms as they help each other uncover their real talents. Ara's dancing takes a leap forward and Jenny discovers she has an amazing gift for choreography. With the support of the school’s newest teacher, Jenny’s original ballet might just make it on stage … but will she?


Charming and inspiring, the story shows how pursuing our passions can often lead to wonderful and unexpected results..

Review by Lynda:
This story written for 'Tweens' is so good that it will transcend that age group. The story plot seems deceptively simple, but it unfurls with complexity. And Jenny is a character you can take into your heart. One that is vulnerable and shackled by her shyness, but who struggles to stay close to the thing she loves most...any way she can. Overcoming pride, guilt, and inadequacy, she moves painstakingly toward her goal. This is my first read by author Glen C. Strathy and I highly recommend his style and voice. His ability to get inside the head and heart of his young subject, Jenny, is a spark of pure talent, with just a sprinkle of magical insight. BE SURE TO PUT THIS ONE ON YOUR CHILD'S READING SHELF.

 

Review - The Door To Far-Myst by Mike Dicerto

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can a boy who has never even heard of the word “imagination” save a magical world from an evil force using his own imagination?

 

Rupert Dullz isn’t very happy. His grandmother’s coffus is getting worse, school is boring and there’s nothing to do on his days off but rake up endless piles of leaves. Everything in Graysland is, well, gray, and every day is just like the one before it, and the one before that. That is, until a strangely dressed man named Pie O’Sky swoops out of nowhere in his multicolored bagoon and offers a special reward to whoever can open his mysterious door. When Rupert succeeds, he’s thrilled when Pie O’Sky carries him beyond it to the brilliantly colored land of Far-Myst. Adventure calls, and Rupert discovers a wonderful world full of something he’s never heard of before–imagination. But Far-Myst is in danger, and it may be that only Rupert has the power to save it. Is he the one whose imagination is powerful enough to stop the evil that is destroying the beautiful world beyond the door?.

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Lynda's Review:

Engaging and FUN! Author Mike Dicerto skillfully weaves a tale of adventure and discovery as experienced through the eyes of Rupert, a boy living in a colorless world lacking imagination. The emphasis the author puts on fantastical imaginings, instead of the dark side of evil, was immensely refreshing. Of course, evil does exist, and Rupert must find a way to out-do this menace through the use of his new-found realm of imagination--such an exciting concept with enough twists and unexpected results to keep a Young Adult reader enthralled for hours. As a reader you must be ready to expand you belief factors and also embrace a whole bouquet of descriptive vocabulary. The words choices alone can conjure up all manner of speculation.

Here's a quote to whet your imagination:

~"Far-Myst had always been a land of practical jokes and tall tales. Stories would pass from person to tree, plant to bird, and they would grow taller and less practical with each telling." ~

Please Continue the TOUR:

Wednesday, November 9

Interviewed at Book Marketing Buzz

Thursday, November 10

Book reviewed at Everyday is an Adventure

Friday, November 11

Video interview at Literarily Speaking

Interviewed at Everyday is an Adventure

Monday, November 14

Guest blogging at As the Pages Turn

Tuesday, November 15

Guest blogging at Coffee and a Keyboard

Wednesday, November 16

Book spotlight & book giveaway at Mama Knows  Books