#BookReview of Grief and Her Three Sisters by Jerry Lovelady

Grief and Her Three Sisters

By: Jerry Lovelady

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: November 15, 2022

ISBN: 978-1639885909

Reviewer: Barbara Bamberger Scott

Review Date: October 21, 2022

Poet Jerry Lovelady has here assembled imaginative works focused on the sadness and sense of frustration and finality that life events can sometimes summon.

The volume is arrayed in four parts. Part One, The River Gods, sets the reader on the poet’s journey, its title declaring “The Great River Taketh.” In it we see that a river has stolen sufficient topsoil to reveal a patch of wild onions, recognizable by the “pale, white florets” that appear in May. Despite his mowing around them to preserve their beauty, Lovelady knows that even his mowing is killing millions of other life forms, and more will tenaciously arise to cover and devour. Nature, he concludes, is a transforming, transfiguring process. This same force is explored in “Our Cabin the Woods” – a cottage also affected by river’s flooding.

Human love and devotion are expressed in Part Two, Love’s Bind Shambling, beginning with a look at “My Two-Dimensional Refrigerator Universe” – an appliance coated with photographs that go back generations – “infant, to toddler, to teen, to adult.” In “Thrown Away,” the poet laments the gradual diminution of love, signaled by “red flags which you erected around yourself.” Part Three is emotively entitled A Rhapsody for Contrite Hearts, in which humor is injected by way of letters written to Thor during a heavy thunderstorm, in “Godlike and Unafraid.” The closing portion, Simple Songs of Meager Understanding, concludes with an exhortation: “Move Your Mountain” suggests that despite the apparent challenges of grief, it is possible to “dig till you find yourself.”

Lovelady’s eponymous “Grief” is personified as a widow with three sisters who contribute “Memory,” “Vain Hope,” and False Pride” – “characters” that many a sorrow laden reader may have encountered. And though the general theme may be morose and mournful, many of the pictures that Lovelady paints here offer the long term, much awaited prospect of happiness. The author has published a previous work – Other Worlds, in Other Words – and it is obvious from the Grief gathering that he will have much more to say, promising a next volume by the end of the coming year.

Quill says: Jerry Lovelady is clearly devoted to the art and crafting of poetry, equally at home in free verse or rhyme, with subjects ranging from stars and mythological gods to simple, homespun touches - enjoying hot cocoa and doughnuts in childhood, sweeping a roof or mowing the lawn in manhood.

For more information on Grief and Her Three Sisters, please visit the author's website at: https://jerryloveladypoetry.com/

#BookReview - What Do I Do Now? by Nakia Trader

What Do I Do Now?: Building a Solid Christian Foundation

By: Nakia Trader

Publisher: Way of Truth Evangelistic Ministries

Publication Date: August 22, 2022

ISBN: 979-8847850070‎

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: October 23, 2022

What Do I Do Now? Building a Solid Christian Foundation by Nakia Trader is a superlative eight-chapter Christian book with rich exposure to real struggles and challenges new believers go through before they can spiritually mature and be able to stand up on their own two feet. With firm precision and candor, Trader selflessly shares her priceless experiences from the time she became a young believer to maturity, which makes the book a must-read for new believers and a must-have for evangelistic teams, spiritual leaders, and mentors.

It has been said that the greatest ministry comes from the deepest pain. Nakia Trader's ability to author this book comes from a painful experience where for years she was segregated and mocked by her father who she looked up to, making her question the basic tenets of love, care, and hope. These unfortunate events during her childhood caused her relationship with God to tumble. Her faith was greatly tested but thanks to God she was able to get back on her feet to a point where she can mentor, guide, shape, and motivate young believers in their walk with God.

One cannot fail to notice the genuine desire and passion the author has in giving the right foundation of living in Christ, something she missed out on as a struggling young believer. Her passion to reveal to young believers what they "subscribed" to when they got born-again and what their Christian journey involves is well stated by the author through a quote from Terry Pratchett, an author of a similar genre who writes- “If you do not know where you come from, then you don't know where you are, and if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going. And if you don't know where you're going, you're probably going wrong.”

So helpful are her experiences that they ultimately prove real experiences are priceless especially when combined with practical steps and workable solutions. Trader uses quotes from other Christian writers and Bible references. Her wording and language are easy to understand on every front. This book is a great compass that you can always refer back to or stir yourself back to self-love, forgiveness, growth, and righteousness in Christ.

What Do I Do Now? has the potential of garnering a huge audience because of its practicability, conceivability, and the desperately needed insight it carries in a world full of unreal motivational sayings that have no authentic touch to them. The author's ability to incorporate thoughtful and reflective prayer points across the chapters makes the text an outstanding and unique read as well. This remarkable style conveys a real display of love and affection to her audience.

Author Trader's faith-based lessons illuminate God's love for mankind and His persona as an ever-present help in times of need. One man's life story is another's survival story. What Do I Do Now? by Nakia Trader shows faith-based lessons and serves to show that life is a journey but even in the stormy seas, Christ is there with us in it all.

Quill says: A text bursting with heartfelt advice and gentle nudges, Nakia Trader's work is a perfect place to start for anyone going through difficult situations in life. A win-win on all levels!

For more information on What Do I Do Now?: Building a Solid Christian Foundation, please visit the website: https://www.waytruthem.org/

#AuthorInterview with Gail Skroback Hennessey

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Holly Connors is talking with Gail Skroback Hennessey, author of Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps.

FQ: High hairdos of the 18th-century is definitely a unique topic for a children’s book. What made you decide to do a book about this fashion?

HENNESSEY: My goals for writing are to encourage reading with young people and sharing topics, especially in History, that might not be well known, and that children might find of interest to read. Any topic I develop must be something that interests me, as well. This particular topic was perfect for a story which met my writing goals!

FQ: Have you ever done a reading of Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps to a classroom full of youngsters? I’d love to know how they reacted to learning about these hairstyles.

HENNESSEY: I was supposed to do a reading at the local Barnes and Noble and then Covid shut everything down. While in the classroom, I discussed the hairstyles during the 18th century and students found the topic very interesting, especially how women used beef marrow and sugar water to keep their hair in place for weeks. No wonder it attracted night visits from mice! I gave the students an assignment to design a hairdo for a grand ball competition. They enjoyed it and were quite creative with their hairdos.

FQ: The story doesn’t gloss over some of the unpleasant facts about life for those who worked for the wealthy of the time, such as Carista, the maid who “donated” her long hair to help make Mrs. Paddington’s hair creation. Was it important for you to show youngsters the unfairness that went along with some of these trends?

HENNESSEY: I try to always include the historical facts about the time period such as this one. It was a perfect “text-to-self” example for kids to share what they thought of Carista’s “donation.”

FQ: Have you ever visited the building in London where the silver mousetraps were sold? If so, are there any remnants (a plaque, perhaps?) to its previous life as a jewelry and mousetrap store?

HENNESSEY: Actually, yes, walking in the area of Lincoln Inn Fields, in London, is where I got the idea! I came across a vacant shop (closed in the 1980s) that had the sign from the 1600s still posted (it’s featured in the book). Interestingly, the idea of a children’s story started to take shape. When I returned to the hotel, there was a book in the room, London’s Strangest Tales. One of the stories was about this very same jewelry store! What were the odds of that!

FQ: You’ve written eight books for teachers. Would you tell us a bit about those books? How are they utilized by teachers and do you have plans to write more?

HENNESSEY: The books are mostly biographical plays that I compiled for different publishers. I found my students really enjoyed the ones I developed, such as A Visit with King Tut, which I used in my classrooms. They learned lots of interesting facts about the mummification process and specifically King Tut. That was my first play. Since it was so popular with the kids (getting a chance to "act" out their roles), I thought this was something other teachers and parents might find beneficial to assist in the learning process, too. Additionally, I try to include additional fun facts, links for teachers, comprehension questions and extension activities to use with the plays. Yes, I am always adding to the plays (reader’s theater scripts) that I sell at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store, www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Gail-Hennessey My most recent was Jules Verne. I learn lots of interesting things during my research. For example, did you know that many of Jules Verne’s ideas have become reality? Video conferencing, holographs, the television, the submarine, the helicopter, solar sails, drones, missiles, even the INTERNET are just some of his ideas used in his novels that we have in our world today. Even electricity, used to power the Nautilus in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was not invented for 11 more years!

FQ: With over thirty books for children, you’ve written about things as varied as fairies and turtles (and of course hairstyles of the 18th century). What are your favorites to write? Fiction or non-fiction? And is there a topic you haven’t tackled yet but would like to?

Author Gail Skroback Hennessey

HENNESSEY: Having my masters in teaching Social Studies, I love historical topics that might not be things mentioned in history textbooks, such as George Washington and the Camel he brought to Mt. Vernon one Christmas. I hope such reading passages encourage young people to read! I especially feel children need to learn about the role of women throughout history, often ignored in textbooks, such as female spies during the Revolutionary War, female soldiers during the Civil War and Women pilots during WW2. I wrote a story about the Pony Librarians, brave women that brought books, in all kinds of weather, to very remote areas of Kentucky. I also loved writing the Purple Turtle series and Coloured Fairies for Aadarsh Publishing. Each of these stories has a message in a way that is entertaining. Recycling, honesty, being a friend, getting over fears, etc. are just some of the messages in both these series of books. I enjoy writing both fiction and non-fiction. Topics for stories are always around, I just have to make sure I am “looking”!

FQ: Would you tell our readers a bit about your interactive notebooks?

HENNESSEY: My interactive notebooks are usually fun facts on a topic (such as the oceans, pumpkins, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree) and a Your Turn where children get to make responses to questions.

FQ: You also have a lot of biographical plays. How/why did you start writing these? Are they used in classes? Have you seen any of them performed by students?

HENNESSEY: I have written dozens of biographical plays on famous people in history, science and literature. I wanted kids to see that all famous people were once like them with many of the same issues they have today. For example, Socrates was rather homely as a boy and was bullied and called “frog face.” Michelangleo’s father didn’t support his interests in becoming a sculptor, etc. All my biographical plays include information on the person’s childhood, what kind of student they were in school, what sparked an interest in what they became famous for doing, etc. I have two types of plays. My To Tell the Truth Plays (like the TV Show) have three guests and only the REAL guest must tell the truth about their life. Students should be able to figure out the “real” guest by the end of the play. Originally, I got permission from the company that first started the TV show, Mark Goodson Productions to use their format. The other format is Ms. Bie Ografee and her Talk Show. A famous person is her guest (ie: Simon, a Victim of the Black Death) and her “studio audience” ask questions about their life and times. My plays on people such as Katherine Johnson, Marie Curie, Harriet Tubman, William Shakespeare and many more are quite popular with teachers. I observed some of my plays being used in the classroom while I supervised student teachers. My biographical plays are a fun/informative way to get kids reading and learning about famous people.

FQ: Your newest book, Fashion Rules!, is about clothing in the Middle Ages. Would you tell our readers a little bit about this book?

HENNESSEY: The story is about a man that visits a town where there are strict clothing customs as to the height of your hat, the length of the toe tips, the number of buttons allowed and even the colors of clothing/furs you could wear depending on your rank in life. This way just passing by, someone could tell their importance or lack of importance. The man is amazed by such strange rules and laments that he hopes one day people are judged by not who they are but what they offer society.

Publisher’s note: Gail has been honored as Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year by both the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the New York State Council for the Social Studies.

#BookReview of Azabu Getaway by Michael Pronko

Azabu Getaway (Detective Hiroshi Series, Book 5)

By: Michael Pronko

Published by: Raked Gravel Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2022

ISBN: 978-1942410287

Reviewed By: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: October 17, 2022

One of our favorite detectives, Hiroshi, is back in his fifth novel of the Detective Hiroshi series and, as always, he does not disappoint.

In this new story, after the murder of one of Tokyo’s important executives in a high-level money management firm, Detective Hiroshi finds himself in the middle of an investigation revolving around financial schemes among Tokyo’s exclusive and rich. Of course, it can’t be as simple as just the one investigation, because we then have a second murder and the kidnapping of two young girls. The parents of these two girls seem to have the perfect life, which quickly falls apart in the midst of threats and fear and confusion that they cannot begin to imagine. As the reader, we are shown that even when one is super rich, life can still be frightening and a challenge that must be faced head on.

So the big question is...are the two crimes connected? For that answer you will just have to read and watch as Hiroshi and his homicide unit try to solve murders and abductions while also being thrown deep into the well of financial greed, investments overseas, tax rules, and so on. In short, they now get to obtain a whole new education in the world of finance while also trying to do what they do best, which is solve murders. It really makes for fun reading and along the way we get to catch up with old friends and make some new ones in terms of the characters.

This fifth story in the series is as well-written and interesting as the first four. Mr. Pronko is an author who gives us well-developed and thought-provoking characters in a fast-paced and satisfying mystery. His crime scene descriptions are so vivid and polished and his ability to write about the techniques and steps in investigating the crime are written in a manner that makes it fascinating, rather than boring. In addition, the grasp of the culture of Tokyo that this author holds makes for excellent reading. You, as the reader, feel almost like you are there. I can give no higher praise than that.

The book is a fast-paced and exciting mystery that crosses with an honest glimpse of family dynamics and culture in Tokyo. The story can be easily read by someone who has not heard of the first novels in the series but I guarantee that you will quickly go back for the others. The series is definitely worth it and I would highly recommend the book to anyone who loves a good thriller.

Quill says: This is a series which only seems to get better from book to book and that is not, in my opinion, the norm. This makes the Detective Hiroshi series a stand-out among all the mystery/suspense series being offered today.

For more information on Azabu Getaway (Detective Hiroshi Series, Book 5), please visit the author's website at: https://www.michaelpronko.com/

#BookReview of Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps

Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps

By: Gail Skroback Hennessey

Illustrated by: Steve Cox

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Publication Date: January 2020

ISBN: 978-1634409001

Reviewed by: Holly Connors

Review Date: October 17, 2022

Imagine a hairdo so outlandish that it reaches a height of three feet and is decorated with all sorts of bizarre accoutrements. It’s not fantasy but based on fact and its perfectly recounted in the children's book, Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps.

Our story begins with Mrs. Muriel Paddington and her hairdresser, Mrs. Blinkhorn, discussing possible hairstyles for the upcoming Moonlight Ball. The setting is London in the 18th-century, and tall (and I mean tall!) hairstyles are all the rage. And height isn’t the only thing these hairstyles require – they also need a theme, and with that theme, all the accessories such a theme would demand. Bird cages, ships, and water fountains are all things the fashionable ladies put upon their heads.

Every time Mrs. Blinkhorn suggests something, she is met with a resounding “No” by Mrs. Paddington. It seems either she or some other lady has already worn that hairdo. There’s no way Mrs. Paddington could win the top prize at the ball if she wore a hairdo that had already been worn. How embarrassing!

Eventually, the perfect hairdo is imagined and created – a windmill surrounded by an array of tulips. With a wire frame and extra hair “donated” by the maid, Mrs. Blinkhorn gets to work to create the perfect fashion statement. Eventually the styling is completed and then the hairdresser adds a mixture of beef-marrow and wax to hold the “creation” together. Now the only problem is, how will Mrs. Paddington ever sleep with that masterpiece atop her head?

Readers learn that Mrs. Paddington can, indeed, sleep with three feet of hair, tulips, and a windmill on her head thanks to some specially designed pillows. But there’s a problem…remember that mixture of bone-marrow and wax? There’s also a little sugar water added in to keep everything in place and you know who loves all those tasty additives? Mice! Mrs. Paddington is going to have to find a way to keep those little creatures away if she has any hopes of getting that coveted top prize at the ball.

Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps is undoubtedly one of the most unique children’s books I’ve ever read. The history behind these hairdos and the lengths women went through to “look beautiful” is both fascinating and bizarre. The fact that bone-marrow and sugar water were used, and that the mixture attracted mice (and lice!) will amaze readers. Add in the fact that there was indeed a store in London (the building is still standing) that catered to women with a “mouse problem” and readers will be scratching their heads in wonder. The illustrations are perfect – with a bit of outlandish playfulness to accentuate the unusual story. The only regret is that we never learn how Mrs. Paddington’s hairdo was received at the ball. But I’m sure the mice were gone and she was a big hit with her tulips and windmill.

Quill says: A fun and entertaining look at outlandish hairstyles that were once in fashion. Young readers will certainly get a giggle out of this entertaining story as they learn a bit about 18th-century hairstyles.

For more information on Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps, please visit the publisher’s website at: www.redchairpress.com or the author’s website: www.gailhennessey.com

#BookReview - Finding Us: A Mother's Memoir of Braving Mental Illness with Her Young Daughter

Finding Us: A Mother's Memoir of Braving Mental Illness With Her Young Daughter

By: Kristin Rohman Rehkamp

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: October 15, 2022

ISBN: 978-1639885251

Reviewed by: Holly Connors

Review Date: October 12, 2022

A mother, a daughter, a family – all deeply affected by the daughter’s sudden mental illness – encompass a moving and enlightening memoir for readers within the pages of Finding Us.

Author Kristin Rohman Rehkamp opens up about living with a daughter who has a diagnosed mental illness in her new book, Finding Us. The ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything in-between are recounted in this memoir. In the Introduction, the author recalls how she took her then eleven-year-old daughter to a well-child check and her life, and the lives of all those in their family, were changed forever. Her previously healthy child had a sudden panic attack, something her daughter had never experienced before.

The next day, at her dance class, the young girl had another panic attack and the pediatrician prescribed the first of what would be many medications. But things didn’t improve. Instead, Rehkamp’s daughter’s symptoms grew steadily worse until, just nine days later, she was deemed unsafe to be at home and was admitted to the hospital. From the hospital, she was transferred to a youth inpatient mental health hospital.

From the inpatient mental health hospital to an outpatient program, the Rehkamp’s daughter would have her medications changed numerous times, have dozens (or more – they lost count) tests, and give far more blood than any child should be asked to give. Various diagnoses were proposed, more tests were ordered, and life continued to be a rollercoaster for the entire Rehkamp family. Their daughter’s illness would seem to stabilize, but then, without warning, her symptoms would worsen. Her symptoms included loss of sensation in her limbs, pain in her chest, a sensation of not being able to breathe, dizziness and disorientation. Together, these symptoms left the child with an overpowering fear of terror and loss of control.

Finding Us is a fairly brief memoir (just 118 pages) that doesn’t follow the traditional chapter by chapter linear recounting of the development and treatment surrounding one child’s mental illness. Rather, the author writes fairly brief chapters that might be more accurately described as thoughts surrounding various days or events. Chapter titles describe these thoughts perfectly – “Even If You Are Exhausted, Pretend To Be Strong and Hopeful,” “Time, Faith, Hope & Love,” and “Walk Forward with Confidence,” are a few examples.

Author Kristin Rohman Rehkamp has penned a deeply personal memoir that will take readers through a full spectrum of emotions as they come to better understand what it means to live with a family member diagnosed with a mental illness. She makes it clear that she has not written the memoir for “…recognition, accolades or for any other perceived gain. We do not even tell our story to reduce stigmas…we tell our story to normalize the conversation, educate others and reduce the shaming that occurs to ultimately alleviate the shame those with a mental illness feel as a result of our behavior/perception/misunderstanding/lack of education.” (pgs. 96-97). Indeed, let’s hope that Finding Us helps start a discussion on mental illness that is long overdue.

Quill says: Finding Us details the emotional and physical rollercoaster that one young girl experiences when she is suddenly struck with a mental illness and how her entire family is affected. Readers too, will feel the emotional ups and downs as one mother recounts what life is like when dealing with a child with a mental illness.

For more information on Finding Us: A Mother's Memoir of Braving Mental Illness With Her Young Daughter, please visit the website: https://www.lavieestbelle.live

#BookReview of Antunites Unite (The Antunite Chronicles Book 3)

Antunites Unite (The Antunite Chronicles Book 3)

By: Terry Birdgenaw

Publisher: Cyborg Insect Books

Publication Date: September 21, 2022

ISBN: 978-1778156205

Reviewed by: Risah Salazar

Review Date: October 10, 2022

Many generations ago, Bilaluna was a multi-insectoid moon ruled by Queen Beelieve. Everything was harmonious among the seven cyborg insect families - ANTs, BEEs, BUGs, FLYs, RoAChs, WoBBs, and WoRMs - that lived on it. Everyone had a role to play; no race was proclaimed to be above others and everyone was just happy doing their part for their own lives, the lives of others, their Queen, and their moon.

During that time, Queen Beelieve was busy preparing to once again inhabit the planet Poo-ponic. After being destroyed by a climate catastrophe, the Queen Bee thought it was ready to sustain life again. They would send a part of the population there, making sure there were equal numbers among the seven insectoid families so the planet and the system would be in balance. Intopia, the new name for Poo-ponic, would be an extension of Bilaluna; it would have the same rules, the same form of government, and most importantly, the same peace.

For three generations, that said peace was kept and the system was perfectly in place until Rustant, an arrogant ANT who believes ANTs should lead the pack, came back from his student trip from Earth. Antebon, a black ANT, was on the same trip with Rustant, but it seemed like they took home different learnings. Once back at Intopia, Rustant was so adamant that ANTs should be the only insectoid family in Intopia. He’s convinced that by adapting Earth’s technology, most of the other insectoids can be replaced by brown and black ANTs who will be under the rule of the reds. Antebon, on the other hand, was amazed by how people of different races and walks of life on Earth work well with each other. People on Earth, like Bilaluna and Intopia, are utilizing technology to keep improving their lives.

This simple difference started out as a discourse between the two students which led to Rustant and Antebon running against each other for the presidency and future of Intopia. Rustant was a dedicated and cunning brainwasher so he won the election. After becoming president, he made sure his dictatorship was just as he had imagined - red ANTs above everything else, brown and black ANTs’ intelligence controlled and becoming slaves, and most of the other insectoid families wiped away. Intopia was renamed Antalonia on Rustant’s reign and he swore it would never return to the barbaric ways of Bilaluna.

Back on Bilaluna, all of Queen Beeutee’s (the current queen and great granddaughter of Queen Beelieve) plans to infiltrate Antalonia failed. Seems like all hope is lost until Antebon successfully arrives on Bilaluna despite Rustant’s efforts of going after and killing her. Antebon carried something with her that just might turn the tables on Antalonia. But patience and time are needed to bring back Intopia in all its glory.

Antunites Unite is the third and last book in The Antuna Chronicles by Terry Birdgenaw. The copy reviewed says Antuna’s Story, the title of the first book, in every footer so it was a little confusing at first. Although it's the last installment in the trilogy, Antunites Unite can be read as a standalone. There is a sense of humor, child-like wonder, and out-of-this-world entertainment that will pull the readers in right from the start. Birdgenaw has created a beautiful fantasy world slowly but surely. The book is also science fiction in nature, so the terminology would suddenly become technical at times, but it’s not intimidating and is still fun to read. The language is careful in every description and every expression - Birdgenaw made sure that his ant lingo would stick and it did. Even the ANTs names are packed with meanings and picked with intention.

The juxtaposition of past and present, ants’ measurement of time, and their pheromonic communication made reading a challenging experience. Birdgenaw provided a timeline at the start and a glossary at the end, but it’s difficult going back and forth just to check a term, especially if the reader is "in the zone." However, once the reader gets past all of these, it's a smooth ride.

Quill says: Antunites Unite is a satire that both kids and adults would appreciate and connect with, especially with what’s happening in the world today.

For more information on Antunites Unite (The Antunite Chronicles Book 3), please visit the author's website at: http://www.terrybirdgenaw.wordpress.com/