Monday, October 14, 2013

Book Review - Dolores Huerta


Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers

By: Sarah Warren
Illustrated by: Robert Casilla
Publisher: Two Lions
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN: 978-0761461074
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: October 2013

Outside the very doors of Dolores Huerta’s classroom, the parents of her children toiled to simply put food on the table. They stooped over to pick the crops that fed the country, yet there was not enough for anything extra for their own children. Dolores looked into the eyes of a young girl who lethargically leaned over her desk, putting her hand to her temple. Hunger ate at her students and listening was a burden. “They are too sick to play. They have no shoes to wear at recess.” No, but they had one thing and that was their teacher, Dolores. She would find out what was going on, what she could do to remedy the situation.

No, there was not enough for anything extra, let along enough food. Dolores asked questions, lots of them and the parents told her that “their bosses [didn’t] pay them enough money for good food or new clothes or a visit to the doctor.” Grapes, they picked them day and night, but it was simply not enough. It was time for Dolores to take that stand, gather up her courage, and confront those bosses. She was “a warrior” and it was time to demand rights for those workers in order to save those children. Dolores pointed her finger at them, but they still said no. No, their actions were not good enough. What could she do to get them to understand the plight of the families, the children?

This is an amazing mini-biography of Dolores Huerta, a woman who made a difference. When most of us think of migrant workers and their efforts to obtain decent working conditions, we often think of César Chávez. Of course young people need to know that Dolores was also instrumental in fighting for the rights of migrant workers. The tale is poignant and very well-written, a certain stepping stone for further research and interest on the part of many students. It’s a story of courage and how one person really can make a difference. In the back of the book is a timeline (April 10, 1930 to 2003), and additional recommended book, article, teacher resources, and websites to explore.

Quill says: This is a fabulous biography that anyone interested in human rights should take note of!




Saturday, October 12, 2013

Book Review - Reflections of Life


Reflections of Life

By: Jon M. Nelson
Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC
Publication Date: June 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62510-332-1
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: October 12, 2013

Jon M. Nelson shares heartfelt sentiments across a broad spectrum of poetry compilations that range from American pride to love sprinkled with subtle nuances toward the dark side as well.

Mr. Nelson’s poetry allows the reader to experience a natural connection and understanding toward the many challenges humans face today. He strategically exposes his audience at the onset with the concept of American pride. However, it’s not just about pride. Rather the deeper one reads into this body of work, the further he or she will understand the many sacrifices this former soldier endured for the pride (and love) of his country. He holds no remorse in his decision to wear the uniform and prolifically writes his sentiments of what that means through the many poems in the section titled "American Pride." Through this series of poems, Nelson treats the reader to several variations of what it means to be a soldier and more importantly, how ingrained his (and their) honor is to pay homage to the ‘Red, White and Blue.’ One poem, in particular, All In a Day’s Work: ‘...Up in the morning before it’s even light, They work all day, then go home at night. Giving it all through the sweat and hurt, For them, this is all just in a day’s work...’ , Mr. Nelson portrays an admirable and humble quality in his delivery. I have never served in the military and therefore can only ponder the inherent conviction one must own to serve our country and unrequitedly at that.

As a writer myself, poetry has often presented a challenge for me to get it down on paper in form to touch the emotions of many. In Reflections of Life, there is a natural flow from stanza to stanza that makes sense and does indeed tap into a series of emotions. Mr. Nelson does not use large and ostentatious wording to complicate the premise. Rather, he uses a vast selection of hard hitting words with impact; allowing the reader to formulate his or her own opinion. In A Soldier’s Night Before Christmas, Nelson has used the age-old Dickens classic and blanketed it with a whole new twist. It is the Night Before Christmas, but this time, it’s a Soldier’s night: ‘…The soldiers were tired and laid in their racks. It was a long day, and it was time to hit the sacks. The chaplain had just given the evening prayer. And it was time to doze off without a care. When outside the tent something had exploded. We all jumped up, and we locked and loaded...’

Nelson expands on his soldier premise and addresses the importance of love; to believe in and chase after your dreams and yes, have a little (or a lot of) faith. Even in darker moments; such as Crimson Rain: “...As I look all around, everything is soaked. From all the violence that’s been provoked. Crimson rivers now flow through the street, and it is everywhere I try to place my feet...’ At the poem’s end, there may not be a happily ever after, but the tone is not full of admonishments. Rather, it’s laced with an open ended wonder of ‘why’ and, again, Nelson leaves it up to the reader to arrive at the answer. Simply put, Jon M. Nelson has delivered an insightful body of work that many readers can gravitate to and perhaps apply the message to something going on in his or her life. Essentially, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in Reflections of Life.

Quill says: Reflections of Life is a heartfelt rendition of a soldier’s life experiences and memories. There is, without question, something between its covers for a broad spectrum of readers.





Interview with Author Jon M. Nelson

Today we're talking with Jon M. Nelson, author of Reflectioins of Life

FQ: I have a personal formula I use when I am about to read a fellow author’s work. I typically read the dedication first because it is my way of learning something about the author’s personality. I found your dedication to be extremely moving: “To all the men and women of the Armed Forces and to my daughter, Bailey, and the future generations that will succeed us in this world.” In that brief opening, I gleaned you were extremely proud to serve your country. How long did you serve in the U.S. Army?

I am still actively serving. I've been in nearly 18 years now, and I am planning to retire in the next couple years.

FQ: There is a humble and tender quality in the way you use your words. Sad but true, people are often viewed by the jobs/roles they hold in life. Sometimes the stigma of ‘soldier’ conjures a perception of macho. Would you mind sharing some of the feedback you received from some of your brothers in arms?

I have received nothing but positive comments and compliments from fellow service members and veterans so far. I have also been approached by family members of veterans as well to thank me for what I do. A lot of them say that I speak for so many military members and put in to words so many thoughts and emotions that others can't begin to grasp or understand.

Author Jon M. Nelson in Uniform


FQ: I detect a note of struggle to the answer “why” when it comes to war; particularly in your poem “Crimson Rain.” Was it difficult to write this poem (and how long did it take to get the prolific rendition you delivered down on paper)?

Actually the poem "Crimson Rain" had nothing to do with my military experience. The idea was based on all the tragedy and senseless violence that the world sees on a daily basis. We always hear about school shootings and random acts of cruelty everywhere. I think I wrote the poem in about five minutes, after seeing one of these tragic stories on the news. When will it all end?

FQ: You dedicate your book to your daughter Bailey as well as the men and women of the Armed Forces. Would you encourage her to enlist some day?

My family has a proud tradition of military service. My dad was a Marine, and two of my brothers also enlisted in the Army, one of which is still serving. A few of my nieces and nephews have entertained the thought of joining as well. If Bailey decides to join some day I will support her 100%. I will not steer her in one direction or another. I will be proud of her no matter what career she decides to pursue.

FQ: There is a lot of positive inspiration in your writing. Do you ever tour and share your message with the soldiers? If so, would you care to share one of your most memorable moments in so doing? If not, do you have plans to do this at some point in time?

I try to do as many book signings, speeches, and other promotional events as I can. I try to bring inspiration and positive messages to everyone, not just soldiers. I write about so many subjects that pretty much everyone can relate to them. One moment that really sticks out in my mind was shortly after my first book was released. I was doing a book signing for that book, Changing Moods, and later that day a veteran who was actually in charge of a veteran's organization in that area, who had read that book, asked me if I'd be interested in giving a Memorial Day Speech. I was honored to give that speech.

FQ: What has been the most positive impact on you from your military experience? Why?


Author Jon M. Nelson


The fact that I know I'm making a difference and I'm doing so much for my country and my fellow man.

FQ: Do you envision yourself expanding your writing from poetry to a novel? Memoir?

As a matter of fact, I am currently working on a novel along with a few short stories. I'd also like to expand into songwriting as well.

FQ: During your tour, what area of the world was most difficult to assimilate to and (aside from being away from your loved ones), what comfort did you miss the most?

I would have to say that Afghanistan was the hardest place for me to adjust to. You never knew who to trust or what their intentions were. We even had to be leery of little children, which was heartbreaking, because they were so easily influenced by their surroundings.

FQ: Who has been the most positive influence in your life and what makes him or her “the one”?

My muse is my wife, Amanda. She has been my rock and inspiration in so many ways. Like I mentioned in the acknowledgement of my book, every love poem in the second chapter were written for and to her. I could not, or would I want to imagine my life without her.



FQ: I thoroughly enjoyed your collection of poetry. It was very thought-provoking and at times, quite introspective. I cannot imagine you are not working on a new writing project. If you are, is it possible to share?

In addition to the novel and short stories that I mentioned earlier, I'm also working on my third book of poetry. This book will be a bit different than what my fans are used to. This new book will include story poems and a few poems that may be a little bit off the wall, but I'll still try to be inspiring and thought provoking with this new material I have written.

To learn more about Reflections of Life please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.


















Friday, October 11, 2013

Book Review - Eyes In This World


Eyes In This World

By: Ray Melnik
Publisher: iUniverse LLC
Publication Date: September 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4917-0776-0
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: October 11, 2013

As everyone knows (or the intellectual parts of us know), we are each a work in progress. Life goes along from day to day with surprises - some bad, some good - and we discover along the way new characters and morals that live inside us when we must make choices - again, some bad and some good. This writer has taken that amazing idea and brought readers into a story that, at the core, asks: What would you change if you could talk to yourself from the future? The self that’s out there that may have made different decisions. With their help and advice, could you change your destiny? These are all tough questions, but wrapped up in a plotline that is both exciting and enticing.

Kaela is a young lady who, if you have read other books by the author, you have met before. She’s been through her share of tragedy, to say the least. She lost her father and the love of her life is coming back from an accident, trying to remember who Kaela even is. Kyle is a man who blames himself for these accidents that caused such pain in Kaela’s life.

Kyle is a scientist; he works at SciLab and in 2006, he succeeded in opening a rift in the cosmos between two different realities - 2006 and 2022. When that rift opened, Kyle was able to meet his doppelganger who was able - with advice about the future - to give Kyle enough information to make a different decision and get the love of his life, Danielle, back. They now have a son named Max and they are beyond happy. In other words, the doppelganger helped Kyle achieve the love he wanted.
The time has come around once again when Kyle can reopen the rift - perhaps to change the course of the past few years and find a way to not only get data for his research study, but also find a way to reunite Kaela with her father and stop the accident of her love from ever taking place.

As scientists, Kyle is looking at two choices. Either he works with his human friends and one AI to bring science into a new millennium and discover the secrets that this rift and the cosmos have to offer to the world - or...save a friend and erase the tragedies that have occurred.

What this novel does is drive home the difference between science and humanity. Although there are experiments and discoveries that science can bring about, it is the power of love and the ability to love that is far more important.

This author has written other books regarding the same issues with characters and plots that are wonderful and magical; however, the foundation of the stories do not change. Without love there is no life, and a science discovery will always take second place when it comes to the heart and soul of a human who wants nothing more than to love.

Quill says: This story is moving and kind, and with an good mix of suspense and science fiction that will keep all readers enthralled.

For more information on Eyes in This World, please visit the publisher's website at: www.emergentnovels.com









I Vant My "Vampire Baby" Contest!





Just in time for Halloween...I Vant My VAMPIRE BABY contest!
Prizes include an autographed copy of VAMPIRE BABY by Kelly Bennett for your little ghost or goblin – along with fun VAMPIRE BABY swag such as bookmark, postcard, and fangs.
It’s easy to enter, here’s what you do:

1) Check out the book trailer for VAMPIRE BABY on YouTube between 10/15-10/31/13

2) Post a comment about the book trailer on that page (below the trailer)

3) You’re entered! It’s just that easy!!

All contest details are posted at Kelly's Fishbowl blog: http://kellybennett.com/blog/2013/10/i-vant-my-vampire-baby-contest-details

Book Review - Stillwater


Stillwater

By: Nicole Helget
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Date: February 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-547-89820-9
Reviewed by: Mary Lignor
Review Date: October 10, 2013

This book is a very good read, written in four parts. The story jumps around a bit but the author is good at characterization and keeps the reader up on all the things happening in the small town of Stillwater, Minnesota during the 1860’s, just as the Civil War begins. The people of this town include fraternal twins, Angel and Clement. When the twins were born, their mother had run away from their father to a home run by nuns. She wanted a place where she could leave the babies and not be afraid that they would be harmed.

Angel grew up in a wealthy household but her adoptive mother was a little unsound of mind and kept a close eye on her daughter, not letting her out of the house very often and finally marrying her off to the first rich man who asked. Clement, on the other hand, grew up among orphaned children, along with Indians and runaway slaves. The twins are aware of each other but do not live together, yet seem to be able to communicate even though they seldom see each other.

As the Civil War comes closer to Minnesota, Stillwater becomes a stop on the Underground Railroad and black and white come together, becoming more dependent on each other. Readers will get a good look at how things were in the northern states and territories, which was just as bad, or worse than the south during the war. Most novels written about the Civil War seem to concentrate on the south and this one was interesting as it was about the northern states and what they went through.

During these difficult times, Angel and Clement, got to know each other and went in opposite directions in their lives. Minnesota, being so close to Canada, was a perfect place for a stop on the Underground Railroad. The town gives readers a look at how things were in the Civil War years in the North. The lives of many different folks come to the pages of Stillwater, including; pioneers, Indians, slaves, etc., who are all looking to better their lives. There are some difficult scenes including moms and dads, sisters and brothers, families of all kinds taking care of each other and in some cases never seeing each other again. Also, readers will need to pay close attention so as not to get lost, but as I mentioned earlier, the prose is well-written and the story is enjoyable.

Quill says: This was a look into parts of the US during the Civil War that people don’t think about so much, the Northwoods, and is a marvelous story!





Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Books In For Review

Here's a sample of books that have recently come in for review.  Check them out and then stop by our site, Feathered Quill Book Reviews, in a few weeks to read the reviews.





Jackpot: A Frank Renzi novel by Susan Fleet A serial killer murders lottery winners. Book 4 in the Frank Renzi series. Nigel Heath wants to be the next Boston Pops conductor. A compulsive gambler, he's deeply in debt. He's also deeply in love with Vicky, a Pops clarinetist. He wins the lottery and thinks his problems are over, but they're just beginning. Homicide Detective Frank Renzi is hunting a serial killer who targets lottery winners. Don't miss the exciting showdown between Frank Renzi and the killer. A prequel to the first three books in the Frank Renzi series, Jackpot takes place in Boston in 2000, before Renzi moved to New Orleans. Follow Frank Renzi and his relentless pursuit of justice in Absolution, Diva and Natalie's Revenge, the previous novels in the series.  

Tarnished Hero by Jim Gilliam In the early 1960's, Tim Kelly's Coast Guard career takes him to Galveston. Hoping to put his father's death at the hands of a union busting thug behind him. Kelly transfers to San Francisco where he meets Brenda Conrad and clashes with an overbearing and sadistic executive officer. Given a choice between courts martial and combat duty in Vietnam, he chooses Vietnam. After receiving the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in combat during an action where three of his friends are killed in action by our own Air Force. Kelly releases his rage in an Air Force officer's club, earning him a less than honorable discharge. Returning to the U.S. with the stigma of a less than honorable discharge, Kelly embarks on a new career as an undercover narcotics agent. After his rescue from the drug cartel when his cover is blown, he plans to marry Brenda, but before the wedding can take place Brenda and her best friend the daughter of the Governor of Texas are kidnapped and spirited to the cartel's secret island base off the coast of Yucatan.

Roscoe is a RAKster: You Can Be One Too by Janice E. Clark Roscoe's initials are R. A. K. and Nana says they stand for "random acts of kindness" because he is always helpful. Whenever he performs a RAK, she calls him a RAKster. She says anyone can be a RAKster, even you. Just do something nice for someone. It's easy. Try it!

The Trickster's Hat: A Mischievous Apprenticeship in Creativity by Nick Bantock In The Trickster’s Hat, bestselling author of the Griffin & Sabine cycle Nick Bantock invites you to lose yourself in order to become a better creator. Inspired by Nick's popular and mischievous workshops, the book's forty-nine perceptive exercises will encourage you to forget your destination while you meander through the wondrous world that awaits you in the periphery of your mind's eye.  

Reflections of Life by Jon M. Nelson A poetic look at life through a soldier's eyes. There's more to a soldier than serving and defending his or her country. There is real emotion and humanity inside the hearts of each and every one. In Reflections of Life you can feel the emotional look at humanity from a soldier's perspective. Author Jon M. Nelson expresses his experiences and raw emotion of his military career as well as an outlook on life in general. There are so many problems and issues that this world faces today, and he addresses many of them in his own poetic style.

On Linden Square by Kate Sullivan It’s the first day of winter vacation and Stella Mae Culpepper is bored. As she looks out from the window of her second-floor apartment, she can see all of the usual happenings on Linden Square, her city neighborhood. There are her neighbors. She knows them all by name—or by the names she’s given them, depending on their activities and what Stella Mae can see from her window. Stella Mae thinks she knows her neighbors but she doesn’t really. Everyone in the neighborhood is too busy minding their own business to pay much attention to anyone else. But now it’s the first day of winter vacation and a storm is coming. Not just any storm but a big, wonderful winter storm. It’s a blizzard! And when the snow finally stops and Stella Mae ventures outside to play, something quite marvelous happens on Linden Square.  

Tuki and Moka: A Tale of Two Tamarins Eduardo and his family live in a small town in Ecuador, not far from the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest is an important part of their lives. Each month Eduardo and his father travel by river from their town to the rainforest. There, using just a basket and a machete, they gather Brazil nuts. They are castañeros and this is how they earn their living. But the rainforest is not only important to the castañeros; it is home to many exotic species of plants, birds, and mammals, including two playful tamarins that Eduardo has named Tuki and Moka. So although it is difficult work being a castañero, Eduardo looks forward to his visits to the rainforest so he can play with his two friends. But one night, the peace of the forest is threatened by poachers, animal traffickers who illegally capture and then try to sell some of the birds and animals. Can Eduardo save his friends?  

Digger and Daisy Go to the Zoo by Judy Young Meet Digger and Daisy They are brother and sister. These dogs like to explore their world and see new things. Sometimes they agree with each other. Sometimes they disagree. But no matter the situation, one thing always stays the same--their steadfast love and concern for each other. In playful, simple stories written especially for the K-1 audience, author Judy Young explores the dynamics and nuances of the sibling relationship. In Digger and Daisy Go to the Zoo Digger tries to imitate the various animals they see while Daisy tries to tell him what he can and cannot do.  

Frog and Friends: Frog Saves the Day by Josee Masse Welcome to Frog and his world. He enjoys nothing better than spending time floating on his pond or visiting with his friends. He appreciates the simpler things in life and would prefer that things stay just the way they are—nice and peaceful. From acclaimed children’s writer Eve Bunting comes a beginning reader series featuring the delightful Frog and his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon, and Squirrel. In Frog Saves the Day Frog and his friends mistakenly think a nearby train is a ferocious dragon and later Frog rescues a friend’s child from danger.