Book Review - TIME for Kids - Amazing Sports and Science

TIME For Kids Book of Why - Amazing Sports and Science 

By: Editors of TIME for Kids Magazine
Publisher: Time for Kids
Publication Date: May 2014
ISBN: 978-1603209861
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: June 12, 2014

If you have a little time on your hands (pun intended) and love sports and science, you’ll love making your way through this eye-popping book. First up you’ll be treated to a bit of sports and then some science. If you’re a sharp thinker, you could even think of ways you could combine them. Perhaps you run in the opposite direction when someone offers you a jalapeño pepper. The running might be the sports part, but “why does eating a hot pepper burn my tongue?” is the science part. You’ll learn several interesting facts about capsaicin, the h-o-t part of that jalapeño. The capsaicin doesn’t bother birds though and you’ll read about one interesting thing that happens when they snag those hot peppers.

Back to the sports section. Perhaps you are into baseball and want to know a few interesting facts about Honus Wagner. If you’ve ever seriously collected baseball cards you may or may not know that his is the rarest of the rare. Just why is laid out right in this book. I’ll only give you one hint and that’s that Honus played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. No, it’s not a good hint and you’ll just have to read this book to find out just why that card is so collectible. I will tell you that there were a couple of one-armed pitchers, Pete Gray and Jim Abbott. One played for the St. Louis Browns and the other for the New York Yankees. If you guessed who played for which team, you just might be correct. That’s just one more interesting fact in this “fact-cinating” book!

This Book of Why is far from boring. The layout has great kid appeal, but very few grownups would be able to pass it by without taking a look. I know I did and couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Now that page told me a lot about HDTV and standard TVs. I’m now in the know, but not just about television. Full-color photographs swirl through these pages, many of them action-oriented while some are totally hot (think jalapeño here). Do you want to know who the fastest human was and is? Now just why does that baseball curve? How come we can stretch a rubber band way out and it returns to it’s original shape? You’ll find the answers to these questions and many, many more in this fabulously funtastic book. In the back of the book you’ll find an index, a glossary, and additional book and website resources to explore.

Quill says: The is a funtastic book of sports and science facts the young reader will love!

Book Review - The Sweetness

The Sweetness 

By: Sande Boritz Berger
Publisher: She Writes Press
Publication Date: September 2014
ISBN: 978-1-63152-907-8
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: June 10, 2014

Sande Boritz Berger delivers a poignant account of the horrors and devastation resulting from the 1941 German invasion of the Vilna (Vilnius) Ghetto in her debut novel, The Sweetness.
 
It is 1941 in Vilna (Vilnius) Lithuania and 'evil' is a word that does not come close to describing what is happening to an entire population of innocents. The Germans are closing in with their mission to destroy the course and lives of an entire civilization. It is here where we meet eight-year-old Rosha. Perched by the curtains in her family’s living room, Rosha does not understand why her Bubbe insists she move away from the window for fear 'they might see you.' It is Friday night and Mordecai, Rosha’s Poppa, is late. Rosha does not understand why Mama and Bubbe are upset. She thinks about the random conversations among the adults-whispers between the butcher and his patrons, the '...dry clacking sounds of people’s tongues. When they whisper, their heads shake and their smiling eyes turn dark. All of this makes me think I am not paying good enough attention...' It is nearly sundown. Mama worries and wonders if Mordecai forgot what day it was and the necessity for him to be home now.

In the same lifetime and thousands of miles away in Brooklyn, New York, Rosha has a cousin, Mira Kane. Poppa’s brother and sisters left Vilna behind to make their new life in America. Mordecai was to join his brother Charles (and his wife, Ina), but he wasn’t ready to go with them and leave his Vilna roots quite yet. Like many immigrants who fled to America in the ‘40s, Charles was one of the fortunate survivors. His hard work and persistence paid off. He owned a successful business in the garment district—his signature production, sweaters. His daughter Mira has bigger dreams than a life of factory work in her father’s business. Living a life of privilege gained her entry into the prestigious designer school and her future was pointed toward Hollywood. Her design talents would pave the way. Unbeknownst to any of the Kane family members, the 1941 Nazi invasion of Vilna would be the catalyst to drastically change the course of each life of every Kane family member.

Ms. Berger has captured the essence of conflict between Charles Kane’s survivor’s guilt and Rosha’s innocence of youth as she compares the circumstances between one family’s choice to stay as the other flees. While the tone is not maudlin, Berger’s voice resonates across the pages with a deep and soulful pain as she depicts the 1941 Nazi invasion of the Vilna Ghetto. It is clear she did her research given she infused historical information and tied her story line to actual events with the backdrop of an epically tragic time in history. Berger has created wonderful flow and rich character development. Nonetheless, I found it difficult to read at times because The Sweetness is yet another reminder of the absolute evil humankind is capable of delivering. However, it is because of this very sentiment I give Ms. Berger tremendous props for taking on such a topic and her ability to deliver it with tenderness. Without spelling it out, she left this reader with the thought: "We must never forget..." Congratulations Ms. Berger; truly a beautiful story.

Quill says: There is bitter sweetness in The Sweetness, but the prospect of hope balances the flavor of comfort this story delivers.

Interview with Author James Conroyd Martin

Today we're talking with James Conroyd Martin, author of The Warsaw Conspiracy

FQ: The Warsaw Conspiracy was a book filled with the rich, historical details of the Polish people. Is there a specific reason you tend to lean toward this subject (i.e.: Polish Trilogy/Push Not the River), even though you, yourself, are not of Polish descent?

MARTIN: You could say it was fate that led me to write historical novels set in Poland. Many years ago, a good friend asked me to read his ancestor's diary. Anna was a young countess in Poland at a critical moment in history. It was a fascinating read and changed the course of my life. Her diary was transformed into Push Not the River.
 
FQ: You are both an American historical fiction author and teacher; therefore, is historical fiction the genre you wish to remain in, or are there others you would like to explore?
 
MARTIN: I have just retired from teaching, so I am going to be writing full time. I am working on another historical set in Poland, one that explores the Battle of Vienna in 1683. That battle occurred on September 11-12 as the Turks attempted to take the city and all of Europe. The Turks' loss then may be the reason why they chose 9-11 in 2001. As for other genres, the paranormal interests me.

FQ: The family saga is definitely a difficult plot to write. Each character must offset the other, and a wide, grand range of opinions, strengths, and battles between loving someone and having to dislike them at times, is a balancing act. Were you a fan of that type of intricate storytelling before becoming a historical fiction author? 
 
MARTIN: Yes, I think I read a number of multi-viewpoint stories and so felt comfortable with that format. In working with Push Not the River, my source was, of course, a single viewpoint diary and I tried to keep to that. However, I felt it too constricting and wanted to get into the minds of Anna’s scheming cousin Zofia, her Aunt Stella, and her love interest, Jan. In due time, the story became a four-character viewpoint telling.

FQ: Do you have a mentor who gave you the inspiration to move forward with a writing career? Along that same line, was there a teacher who inspired you to delve into education? 
 
MARTIN: As far as teaching, all my teachers inspired me along the way. Regarding writing, there is one particular person who moved me forward inspirationally. After years of working in a vacuum on Push, I sent it to the great science fiction writer, Piers Anthony, who told me he would read it but that he almost never puts his name to others' books. In part, this is what he wrote back after reading it: "I am profoundly impressed. [Your story] is a well-written historical romance with all the elements of love, scheming, violence, irony, and tragedy to provide impact ... It left me aching to know more of the subsequent life of Anna ..." Piers gave me my first blurb, but more importantly, he validated years of struggle.

FQ: As a teacher, is there any advice you would give to a student of history who may perhaps be looking for a future career in writing?
 
MARTIN: In teaching my creative writing course, I encouraged students to read, read, read. To find the authors they would like to emulate and read all their works. So, to the writer of historicals, I would add histories to that admonition.

FQ: I always ask this one question of everyone: If you could have dinner with a writer (or even a historical character), alive or dead, who would that be and why?

 MARTIN: Somerset Maugham, I think. Of Human Bondage had a huge impact on me in college, and I think he led an immensely interesting life.

FQ: Can you tell readers what the next project is that you are either working on or thinking about?
 
MARTIN: Before I finish the Battle of Vienna story, I will be publishing a ghost story with a unique aspect to it (no spoiler here). It's called Hologram: A Haunting and I hope to see it arrive on the scene in late July or August, if not before.

FQ: Do you have a particular time in history that you would like to explore? 
 
MARTIN: The times are many, the places more limited. I’d like to finish something I started on sixth century Constantinople and also explore my own ancestral roots in Ireland and Norway.

To learn more about The Warsaw Conspiracy please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.

Book Review - ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer

ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 1 

By: E.R. Barr
Publisher: Telemachus Press
Publication Date: October 2012
ISBN: 978-1-937387-66-2
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: June 6, 2014

From the fantastical to the emotional, this is one book that hits on all cylinders. In fact, not since Potter has there been such a large story with so many intricate characters; except this one also gives the Celtic twist that all lovers of Irish knowledge, history and beauty will absolutely adore.

The Tinkers are a group that went through a great deal back in their homeland. Their story involves a mystical plot: Upon exiling themselves, they headed out to find a new place to live. However, the Tinkers men folk actually fought with shapeshifters called Roan, which come from the depths of Celtic mythology. The wives returned as seals, but their pups transformed into human children. These 'human' children were granted the name 'Dark Ones' by the Tinkers who accepted them as family.

Upon reaching the New World, this group settled in a beautiful spot where actual legends came to life; and there they sat, while the townspeople around them kept the Celtic secrets and made sure no one was ever aware of the 'Dark Ones.'

This is the myth; this is the legend; and this is exactly what main character, Conor Archer, learns about after landing in Tinker’s Grove, Wisconsin. Conor came to the state with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Sent by his mother, who’s dying words told him that he must head straight for the location, Conor actually arrives in the small town succumbing to an illness that he does not understand; a type of sickness that makes Conor more than just a human.

Conor’s health improves with the help of an abbot, but he soon finds himself locked in a struggle between myth and reality. The Roan, the 'Dark Ones' - all of the mystical characters are there to join him in his battle between good and evil in order to save humanity as a whole.

The suspense and action intensify as Conor begins to change. Not only does he gaze at a river demon, but his visions of beings that could not possibly be real grow in number. On top of all this, Conor must wage war with a rich landowner who has no interest in anything but money and establishing absolute power.

Add in a bio-geneticist, an immortal Welsh prince by the name of Madoc, and a town that has literally gone crazy with panic believing that their long silence may just come back to harm them, and you have a book that brings all manner of hero and villain to life.

Although some may refer to the book as a bit 'wordy' in spots, the words are riveting. The scenes are larger than life, leading the reader to actually feel as if they are standing by the side of Conor, just waiting to see what happens next.

Quill says: Well done for a debut novel. Readers, however, will need to amp up their patience as they beg to know, 'what happens next?' 

For more information on ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 1, please visit the author's website at: www.erbarr.com

Book Review - Reckless Disregard

Reckless Disregard: A Parker Stern Novel 

By: Robert Rotstein
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
Publication Date: June 2014
ISBN: 978-1-61614-8812
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: June 10, 2014

The debut novel by this incredible new voice on the thriller scene, Corrupt Practices, was a wild, amazing ride that readers are still talking about. Introducing a new character, Parker Stern, the suspense audience received a well-rounded attorney who brings to the table intelligence, wit, talent and a tad bit of anxiety, to say the least.

Parker had some very difficult problems in his past, but now that he has survived the pain of his previous case he’s ready to begin again. In this new tale, Parker must face the in-depth and more-than-confusing world of cyber age electronics and the gaming community.

Hired to defend a client in a libel suit, Parker dives in; the only odd thing for him is that he only communicates with his client on the computer screen. The defendant in the libel suit is on a ‘chat’ program and refuses to show his face or reveal his identity to the public.

William H. Bishop (AKA: “William the Conqueror”), owns newspapers, television stations and a wealth of media that goes around the world and back again. Used to getting his own way, he is the one suing Parker’s client, Poniard. Poniard is a video game designer whose latest brain child, Abduction!, features the kidnapping of an actress, Felicity McGrath, by Bishop’s hired hands.

Poniard, which is the only name the defendant will give to Parker, is able to get the attorney to work for him even though Parker has, more or less, given up criminal case work and is now focusing on being a mediator. Against his better judgment, Parker takes the case, even though all personal information of his client will be withheld. Poniard is convinced that Bishop actually had this actress killed and, if this is true, his game will not be considered libelous, and Bishop will be proven a murderer.

When murder comes into play, Parker changes his mind, but his gaming client says that he will reveal Parker’s past when he worked as a child movie star to the public. Although this might not seem like much of a threat at first, Parker looks into his client’s claims and sees that this case is turning out to be a whole lot more sinister than first expected. Parker’s opposing counsel turns out to be an old girlfriend and, sadly, he even must deal with loss as he attempts to see justice done.

There are more than a few authors who write legal thrillers out there, but Rotstein has certainly risen above the pack in a very short time. The story never stops and the subplots can change on a dime. One of the best things about the book is the main character. Parker Stern has an odd past as a child star, and his mother is even involved in a Hollywood cult, which means the ‘mother-of-the-year’ award is out.

Quill says: This is a ‘one-two’ punch by Rotstein, and if readers have not read the first book, they will definitely want to after reading this one, and yearn for more!

Book Review - Face Value

Face Value: A Rachel Gold Mystery 

By: Michael A. Kahn
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Publishing Date: June 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0278-0
Reviewed by: Mary Lignor
Review Date: June 2014

When this mystery starts out, it starts with a bang. At the beginning of this author’s ninth legal mystery, featuring Attorney Rachel Gold, a security guard comes upon the body of a woman in an alley adjacent to a parking garage. The unfortunate victim, Sari Bashir, is a young lawyer at a St. Louis law firm, Warner & Olson.

The death is quickly deemed a suicide. The reason? Because the job of a young lawyer in a large firm is full of late hours and very hard work that can drive a new lawyer into many forms of depression and sometimes, well, sometimes they just quit. This poor girl’s death is put into the suicide file and put aside. Apparently the police on the case did not figure on Stanley Plotkin, who is an employee in the mail room of Warner & Olsen and also a man who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. Stanley is adamant that this is a murder case so he and his friend Jerry Klunger meet up with Attorney Rachel Gold at the memorial services for Sari Bashir and prevail on her to investigate the young attorney’s death. Stanley is a bit of a savant and people don’t pay a lot of attention to his ideas, but he knows what he’s talking about. He is into a system called the Facial Action Coding System that authorities have used to recognize emotions from facial expressions. Stanley is positive that Sari was very upset before her death, but definitely not suicidal or depressed about anything.

Rachel agrees to investigate the death and gets a team together to help her. As Rachel and company look into Stanley’s ideas, she gives Stanley a free hand in helping with the case, as he is able to read the various emotional expressions on the faces of the people involved. Stanley has used his special skills, as an observer, to convince Rachel that this was definitely a murder and not suicide. Rachel and Stanley, along with Jerry, decide to record a memorial tape of Sari’s colleagues telling little stories and remembrances of Sari. Rachel gives the tapes to Stanley so he can study the expressions on the suspects’ faces. This part of the book was a bit draggy and I suspect a judge would never allow this in a real courtroom. However, in the story, the three friends along with Detective Tomaso of the St. Louis Police Department, are able to get somewhere with the video tape and prove that Sari’s death was not an accident. Now to prove it...

Face Value was an enjoyable mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The characterizations are well written and, good news for the future, the author is on his way to a tenth book in the series.

Quill says: Face Value is a good read with many interesting characters and a writer who knows the law and how law firms are run.

Interview with Author James Conroyd Martin

Today we're talking with James Conroyd Martin, author of The Warsaw Conspiracy

FQ: The Warsaw Conspiracy was a book filled with the rich, historical details of the Polish people. Is there a specific reason you tend to lean toward this subject (i.e.: Polish Trilogy/Push Not the River), even though you, yourself, are not of Polish descent?

MARTIN: You could say it was fate that led me to write historical novels set in Poland. Many years ago, a good friend asked me to read his ancestor's diary. Anna was a young countess in Poland at a critical moment in history. It was a fascinating read and changed the course of my life. Her diary was transformed into Push Not the River.

FQ: You are both an American historical fiction author and teacher; therefore, is historical fiction the genre you wish to remain in, or are there others you would like to explore?

MARTIN: I have just retired from teaching, so I am going to be writing full time. I am working on another historical set in Poland, one that explores the Battle of Vienna in 1683. That battle occurred on September 11-12 as the Turks attempted to take the city and all of Europe. The Turks' loss then may be the reason why they chose 9-11 in 2001. As for other genres, the paranormal interests me.

FQ: The family saga is definitely a difficult plot to write. Each character must offset the other, and a wide, grand range of opinions, strengths, and battles between loving someone and having to dislike them at times, is a balancing act. Were you a fan of that type of intricate storytelling before becoming a historical fiction author?

MARTIN: Yes, I think I read a number of multi-viewpoint stories and so felt comfortable with that format. In working with Push Not the River, my source was, of course, a single viewpoint diary and I tried to keep to that. However, I felt it too constricting and wanted to get into the minds of Anna’s scheming cousin Zofia, her Aunt Stella, and her love interest, Jan. In due time, the story became a four-character viewpoint telling.

FQ: Do you have a mentor who gave you the inspiration to move forward with a writing career? Along that same line, was there a teacher who inspired you to delve into education?

MARTIN: As far as teaching, all my teachers inspired me along the way. Regarding writing, there is one particular person who moved me forward inspirationally. After years of working in a vacuum on Push, I sent it to the great science fiction writer, Piers Anthony, who told me he would read it but that he almost never puts his name to others' books. In part, this is what he wrote back after reading it: "I am profoundly impressed. [Your story] is a well-written historical romance with all the elements of love, scheming, violence, irony, and tragedy to provide impact ... It left me aching to know more of the subsequent life of Anna ..." Piers gave me my first blurb, but more importantly, he validated years of struggle.

FQ: As a teacher, is there any advice you would give to a student of history who may perhaps be looking for a future career in writing?

MARTIN: In teaching my creative writing course, I encouraged students to read, read, read. To find the authors they would like to emulate and read all their works. So, to the writer of historicals, I would add histories to that admonition.

FQ: I always ask this one question of everyone: If you could have dinner with a writer (or even a historical character), alive or dead, who would that be and why?

MARTIN: Somerset Maugham, I think. Of Human Bondage had a huge impact on me in college, and I think he led an immensely interesting life.

FQ: Can you tell readers what the next project is that you are either working on or thinking about?

MARTIN: Before I finish the Battle of Vienna story, I will be publishing a ghost story with a unique aspect to it (no spoiler here). It's called Hologram: A Haunting and I hope to see it arrive on the scene in late July or August, if not before.

FQ: Do you have a particular time in history that you would like to explore?

MARTIN: The times are many, the places more limited. I’d like to finish something I started on sixth century Constantinople and also explore my own ancestral roots in Ireland and Norway.

To learn more about The Warsaw Conspiracy please read the review at: Feathered Quill Book Reviews.