Diet to Live, Diet to Die – The Zen of Eating

  Title: Diet to live, Diet to Die - The Zen of Eating Author: Rodef Vokli Ph.D Subject: Contemporary Fiction Release Date: Available now Reviewer: Valerie Porter   Diet to Live… is rather like Eat, Pray, Love, only told from a male perspective. That’s a definite compliment. Where it strays from that course, however, is that it tries to be too many things. The author labels it a novel yet he makes himself a character in the book and thanks the other characters at the end as though they are real people. It imparts advice that makes great sense and there are many “aha!” moments that will appeal to readers looking for sound advice on changing their eating habits. But Rodef Vokli chooses to belittle himself and his knowledge, except for admitting that he has a solid background in science. In a way, it’s unfortunate, because it becomes confusing instead of enlightening, and there is so much that is good about this book. The premise of the book can be summed up by one of its quotes: “One-fifth of Americans have been, or are currently, on a diet, and yet we weigh more every year.” Rodef (author or character) and his friends are discussing diets and weight while at work one day, sharing information on how many weight-loss efforts have failed, yet how many diets are available. They determine that dieting is big business, even though it may not provide success to the dieter. One day, while Rodef is out hiking, he comes across a fairly young-looking and physically-fit man eating ice cream in a most unusual way. He can’t help himself – he has to approach him and inquire about what he’s doing. The man, named Zakh, begrudgingly offers to walk with Rodef and discuss his eating habits. Thus begins a series of meetings on various hiking paths [more]

The Tommy "The Duke" Morrison Story

  Title: The Tommy "The Duke" Morrison Story Author: Charles Hood Subject: Non-Fiction Release Date: Available Now   Charles Hood’s book, The Tommy "The Duke" Morrison Story, presents the story of heavyweight boxing champion, Tommy Morrison.  Hood’s extensive interviews offer Morrison’s biography through the voice of his former wife, Dawn Morrison Brady. Iit chronicles the 13 years she spent in Morrison’s life.  Filled with numerous disturbing scenes, the book is rife with tales involving drug use, womanizing and physical violence in and out of the ring. The book recounts Tommy’s life from his childhood spent with an abusive and unfaithful father and describes the development of his professional boxing career.  We learn of Dawn’s very difficult childhood with her mother who had been assaulted by a pastor.  The story then follows the track of Tommy and Dawn’s relationship, through the few high points and ever-increasing low ones. At times, Dawn tries to look on the bright side of her life with Morrison, especially regarding his physical appearance and his sometimes-caring demeanor.  Yet overall, the book presents an account of the relentlessly destructive behavior of an addict – seeking out drugs, wasting money, strung-out living and unremitting lying. Although the story focuses on Tommy, Dawn is the more sympathetic character.  Readers, especially female readers, will be able to connect with Dawn’s story. Her honest accounting of their relationship offers the strongest aspect to the book.  Her authentic voice comes through Hood’s clear writing. It would have been nice to include further details about the development of Dawn’s next relationship and eventual remarriage. As it stands, the book follows the downward spiraling life of Tommy all the way through to his contraction of the HIV / AIDS virus.  It would have been nice to have more hopeful moments to break up the tear-jerking scenes. Fans of Tommy Morrison may be shocked at this [more]

Trivial Victims

  Title: Trivial Victims Author: T. Beatrice Lewis' Subject: Fiction Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Victoria Kurr   T. Beatrice Lewis' Trivial Victims is an engaging novel set in 1943 just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. In the late summer months, a string of horrific crimes breaks out across a few neighboring towns. That September, the violence escalates with more arson, missing people and floating bodies. Lewis features a varied and diverse cast- religiously (there are deacons, reverends, pastors and priests), racially (African-Americans, Caucasians, Creole, Native Americans) and economically (maids, lawyers, doctors, mayors). But she handles each character with distinction, so they never blur together. Lewis reveals more and more about the Gown Men - and their terrifying role and motives in the recent spree of violence. It's a riveting read with a plot that snakes along in some truly shocking directions. Booksellers may have a hard time shelving this one, though. Lewis' intended audience remains unclear. Despite a high body count, there isn't enough guts and gore for horror fans, nor is there enough of a mystery for thriller lovers. The historical detail which nicely augments the story isn't central enough to be the main focus. With more polish and a firmer emphasis on editing, this engaging read will be much stronger. As it stands, Lewis expertly handles the tensions, the time period and the region. The setting feels fully developed and her ear for naturally flowing dialogue is apparent. Readers who enjoy exploring the South- especially during tumultuous times will eagerly keep the pages turning. And with an absolutely chilling final chapter, they are sure to be anxious for the sequel!       [more]

Fearkiller

  Title: Fearkiller Author: Chris Maley Subject: Dark Comedy Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Valerie Porter   Chris Maley’s debut novel is a commentary on “an Unpaid Overtimer who snapped, then snapped out of it.” The book looks at the fear and anguish-filled decade of 2000 – 2010. He writes, “Note to Old You. Some type of song exists somewhere. It’s about knowing what we know now. Today. Only back then, yesterday. When we weren’t as old as we are now.” There’s promise here amongst the bitterness and frustration. His main (nameless) character often speaks in one or two-word sentences. It feels choppy and disjointed, but gives insight to his personality. As the book opens, he’s holding his former boss, “Egan”, captive, and slowly bludgeoning him to death with a hammer. That’s clearly the “snapped” part. It’s meant as a revenge story against people who get ahead in life and shouldn’t – on bosses who know less than their employees but always, despite harassment, rudeness and ignorance, come out on top. “This is just a business decision,” our character tells Egan, before landing the final blow. This line is meant to be funny however the scene is very gruesome and the language is not for the easily-shocked reader. What follows after the murder is meant to comically show that he’s snapped out of it, but it’s debatable and all too farfetched for the average reader. The character atones for Egan’s murder by creating a company that will buy back his soul and provide college funds for his children. Maley attempts to convey a message while ranting against businessmen and politicians and the panic and doubt they create. The little detail of the murder is secondary. In spite of the bizarre plot, he often hits the mark with biting accuracy, discussing, for example, the Y2K hysteria prior to the calendar rolling over to the [more]

Anathema

  Title: Anathema Author: David Dalessandro Subject: Fiction Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Maria Josey     Anathema is a novel by David Dalessandro that truly combines multiple genres. Some may identify it as a horror novel. Others may claim it to be historical fiction. And yet some readers will insist it is science fiction. But wherever it may be shelved, Anathema is a deliciously Gothic tale that is engrossing in every way. Set in the mid-1800s, the small whaling community on Nantucket Island has found a body washed ashore, presumably of a fisherman. When the local coroner finds something remarkably unusual about the body, he sends word to Dr. Josiah Redfern for assistance in identifying the cause of death. Unable to make the trip, a fastidious young medical assistant named Balthazar Andrews embarks on the trip from Boston to Nantucket Island on behalf of his mentor, Dr. Redfern. The naïve Mr. Andrews soon finds himself in the middle of a horrific and bizarre set of circumstances that his sheltered life leaves him little prepared for. Upon reaching the island, he meets Abigail and Prudence Mott – a mother and daughter of great beauty and intellect, who have been left abandoned in their lovely home by the mysterious absence of Mr. Mott. Balthazar lodges with the Mott women, and befriends Prudence who has a keen wit and a sharp mind. On a midnight ride, Balthazar and Prudence stumble across a shipwreck, forever changing their world. The most appreciated aspect of the novel is the perfectly Victorian Gothic tone that the author manages to maintain and portray quite convincingly. While the story certainly revolves around a mystery that encompasses a dark evil, the overall narration remains light enough to be entertaining and endearing. The novel is reminiscent of both Jules Verne and Bram Stoker. The storyline moves along at a steady pace, and the vintage [more]

Expect No Help

  Title: Expect No Help: The life and times of Jumpin Jack Flash : Common Sense from an Uncommon Source Author: Cesspool Jones Subject: Non-fiction Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Victoria Kurr     Cesspool Jones’ Expect No Help: The Life and Times of Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Common Sense from an Uncommon Source is an intriguing mash-up of a semi-fictional biography buried within a plethora of rambling tangents. The editorial asides in the life story of Johnny (the titular Jumpin’ Jack) make up the bulk of this book. While certainly engaging, the stream of consciousness style may deter readers expecting something more organized. Jones addresses his reader directly and frequently. Added to this familiarity is Jones’ use of slang and odd, vernacular spellings. An audio version may be a bit more palatable to an average reader. Perhaps then the tangents will feel more natural and less distracting. Non sequiturs are littered throughout the text (the author’s consumption of beverages while writing, television breaks and countless Star Trek references make up just a fraction of these). The verb tense fluctuates as loosely as the book’s chronology – in just one (long) paragraph Johnny goes from kindergarten to having his own children and back. Even a hundred pages into the book, Jones references what the book will be – unfortunately it never quite reaches those predictions.   Yet, even in its chaotic condition, the book is surprisingly fascinating. Jones’ opinions on topics ranging from evolution, religion, pedophilia, parenting, drugs, music and politics (to call attention to just a handful) are both relatable and captivating. It is apparent that he believes in what he writes, and that evident heart makes the book a much more pleasurable experience than its technical flaws would have a reader expecting. But Jones’ authority is undermined throughout by references to his own consumption of alcohol (and consequent misspellings – take him [more]

Childlike

  Title: Childlike Author: John Pepper Subject: Fiction Horror Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Victoria Kurr   John Pepper's Childlike opens just before the 1996 Christmas holiday in New York City. Along with snow and Christmas cheer, a more chilling atmosphere unfolds in the city that never sleeps. A darkness stalks the alleys and sidestreets- filling them with menace, mystery and murder. Pepper brings together a varied cast of individuals - a father plagued with a heavy burden, his lovely young daughter, an intrepid reporter and many more. As the East River fills with bodies, reporter Solomon Earl catches the edges of a career-making story. Sol's determination eventually ropes in his best friend, young PR associate Andrew Morton, along with his beautiful girlfriend, Dyanna, in on his investigation. The plot moves swiftly and culminates in an unpredictable conclusion that will leave readers thirsting for a sequel. The author's vivid prose and eye for observational detail results in some truly beautiful sentences that belie the level of gore and violence within this horror novel. The unwieldy size of the cast of characters occasionally bogs down the book's otherwise fast pacing. But despite its lack of polish, at its heart, this is a solidly entertaining novel. Fans of the horror genre who are looking for a return of a true monster will certainly be satisfied. But a warning to female readers- Pepper's portrayal of hormones may cross the line into the offensive. Those who are yearn for something along the lines of John Ajvide Lindqvist's breakout success, Let The Right One In will be pleased as well. And with its open-ended conclusion, a sequel certainly seems imminent.       [more]

American Tyranny: Our Tax Apocalypse

Title: American Tyranny: Our Tax Apocalypse Author: Sawukaytis / Mackovski Subject: Non-Fiction Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Krystal Rinyu   Michael Sawukaytis’ American Tyranny: Our Tax Apocalypse gives the reader a well-researched insight into the current taxation laws of the United States, and gives an honest fact-based opinion on why he feels our current system is drastically in need of a change. For anyone who has little to no knowledge of the IRS and how taxes actually work, this book contains a wealth of information written in a clear and concise fashion. Sawukaytis’ prose is not only easy to follow, but easy to understand as well. The book is thought provoking as well, and will open up new insight into not only your personal income but also the laws of taxation surrounding it. The book consults a wide amount of sources, and the author’s passion for the topic is quite evident. This is not light reading, however, and despite an introductory manner and some humorous asides, the target audience may be rather limited. Those already knowledgeable in the topic may lose interest with the book’s explicatory tone. And though it is not quite engaging enough to make the topic a fun one, the book does contain a lot of interesting points and new information. The prose is surprisingly lively, though the informal punctuation and mode of address detracts from an authoritarian air. Overall, this book will suit anyone who has an interest in learning more about the IRS or the current taxation system as well as anyone who wonders about where their money is [more]

Salvation and Other Common Biblical Misconceptions

  Title: Salvation and Other Common Biblical Misconceptions Author: William R. Torain Subject: Religion Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Mariah Josey   William R. Torain’s Salvation and Other Common Biblical Misconceptions opens each section of his religious book with different passages of scripture that relay to the ideas to follow. He explains the passages in his own interpretations. Torain covers many topics that a lot of Christians struggle with in their spiritual lives, such as: salvation, forgiveness, even tithing. Torain also includes sections on the importance of the Bible. Not only should Christians read the Bible, but studying and consulting the Bible for answers to life’s problems is also encouraged. The last section of the book discusses Job, Balaam and Rahab. The author identifies Job as the epitome of Christianity – that every Christian should strive to emulate Job’s obedience. Balaam functions as Job’s opposite – representing the worst of behavior through his disobedience. Rahab’s life offers an example of how God can change lives. Torian pulls passage from the Bible to help illuminate these examples. Though a slim volume, this book is quite full of information and a fresh, simplified perspective on Christianity. Some sections, like the one on tithing, feel a little overly forceful, but otherwise the tone is not offensive to readers, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is clearly written, and can probably be integrated into Bible study groups quite easily. It is sure to spark interesting questions between its readers. Because of the simple focus, it may also make for a nice gift to those considering a change in faiths, or need a fresh introduction to [more]

The Torah of St. Nicholas Church By Myron Crespin

  Title: The Torah of St.Nicholas Author: Myron Crespin Subject: Mystery/Thriller Release Date: Available Now Reviewer: Maria Josey   Myron Crespin’s mystery/thriller novel, The Torah of St. Nicholas Church immediately catches attention with its intriguingly contradictory title. Rabbi Max Rabinowitz is called on to help restore a vandalized Torah. While examining the damage and assessing how his skills would be used to repair the damaged scroll, Max notices his father’s watermark. This opens the mystery as Rabinowitz’s father, also a rabbi, was captured by the Nazis who invaded their Czechoslovakian homeland during World War II. Other clues within the sacred scroll prove that this is Max’s father’s last Torah which leaves his son with many questions surrounding his father’s last days in Auschwitz and the scroll’s own path to Eugene, Oregon. With the help of his son, Avi, Max begins the journey back to Prague to unravel the rest of the mystery, with hopes to uncover the details of what really happened to his father as well as uncover hidden treasure that had allowed for Max’s passage to America. Crespin takes particular care in describing the intricacies of the Jewish Torah, and has a distinct authority in his prose. The research and descriptions of both Jewish family life and the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia are quite thorough. This family mystery involving hidden tunnels in Prague is woven in such a way that one can’t help but to continue reading on to the end. The book’s weakest point, however, lies with its grammar and mechanics. The rough edges, misspellings, and incorrect punctuation distracts from what would otherwise be a compelling and engaging narration. The fundamental requirement of a good book is good storytelling, and Crespin clearly has that in his blood. The heart of this novel is fascinating and editing would only help readers be able to fully [more]