Getting Hooked  (By Sharon Rendell-Smock)

I have shown Getting Hooked to my family, friends and co-workers.  Everybody loves it.  Organized by date and genre, this book lists the opening lines of some of the more successful books over the past few decades.  It is great fun to flip through, checking out how some of your favorite books started, wondering how much thought these authors put into one sentence.

A Visit with Norman Rockwell  (By Dr. Donald R. Stoltz)

Great pictures accompany wholesome and thoughtful poems that make this book a great choice for both children and adults.  I have always been a Norman Rockwell fan, and I enjoyed the opportunity to revisit some of his work while sharing the experience with Dr. Stoltz, through his inspired poetry.

The Prodigy  (ByRichard Kremer)

This penetrating visit into the deteriorating mind of a prodigal tennis player is thought provoking and, at times, somewhat disconcerting.  The author's tremendous use of imagery, flashbacks and subtle shifts in the flow of action creates a new reading experience that you will not soon forget.   As you continue through this book you discover an intertwining of storylines that all fall together in an ending that only this author could pull off, which he does wonderfully.

Catapult  (By Dr. Elliot Edmund Stearns)

This is an incredibly fast moving, informative and thoroughly entertaining read.  Dr. Stearns is masterful at providing just enough information to capture the reader completely, and bring you along for a trip back in time - to World War II Europe.

Of Moose and Men:  (By AE Poynor)

I learned more about Alaskans from reading 200 pages in this book than from 700 pages by Michener, and I laughed a lot more as well.   This book is a collection of writings and I enjoy just opening it up to random pages and reading.  It sits on our coffee table and has received many complements.

Two Ways West  (By Marilyn Meredith)

This well written story follows the author's extraordinary ancestors as they pioneer their way west across North America in the 1800's.   Reading of their trials and tribulations, you get an appreciation for the courage, resolve and sacrifice it took from the families who made the journey.  Whether you relate to the restless husbands who felt compelled to search for a new life, their devoted and selfless wives who followed along faithfully, or their wide eyed and wonder-filled children, Two Ways West has something for you.

Bunk 1  (By Dr. Donald R. Stoltz)

If you know a young adult who is going to summer camp, or has just been, this may be the perfect book for them.  For those of us that have been to summer camp as a child, this account of a camp counselor's summer experiences "takes you back".  Through wilderness adventures, romantic encounters and camp activities, Bunk 1 recreates what it is like to be young and carefree while at the same time feeling as though you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. 

Collateral Damage Report  (By Michael Pollick)

Powerful.  This collection of poems can be aptly summed up in that one word.  Displaying a full range of emotions, from enraged resentment to piercing commentary, Michael Pollick creates poems with impact.  The award-winning poetry is at times raw passion, and at other times detached observance.  An excerpt can be found on this site, but a true appreciation for the work can only be attained from reading the complete collection. 

Vanished Child  (By Bryan W. Alaspa)

This exciting story begins with a retelling of the events associated with an unresolved murder, and ends with the author's imaginative interpolation of those facts.  It's like reading a story in the newspaper, and then having someone tell you what really happened.  Alaspa's presentation is lucid, well developed and will keep you up at night promising yourself just one more page.

Cowboy Romance  (By Bob Kinford)

This book is great fun, as the author jumps from one cowboy misadventure to the next.  It is odd to find myself laughing at someone else's blunders on a ranch, when I am so terribly inept with any animal that does not bark, meow or run around in a cage.  However, his anecdotes are hilarious and I laughed constantly.  Bob Kinford is a truly gifted storyteller.  Not only does he have funny stories, he is able to share them in a style that is sure to make his audience laugh.  The illustrations are also noteworthy, but the strength of this book is in Bob's storytelling.  

GODDESS Breath in Stone  (By Gloria Joy)

Quality was certainly not sacrificed in creating this incredible collection of thematic paintings.  Gloria Joy was able to intertwine real life stone statues and living, organic images of the human form into works of art that radiate womanhood, tenderness, courage, fear and spirituality.  There are 22 paintings and each presents a powerful new image and message.  The dimension and depth of every painting is broadened with dialogue provided by the artist.  With the hard cover, slip case, oversized pages and brilliant reproductions of original oil paintings, this is an inspirational book to treasure. 

Four pack of Childrens Books (By Dr. Donald Stoltz)

The Story of Tommy Toilet, Peter the Very Poor Eater, How Dad and Mother Made My Brother and The Story of Nelson Needle

Each  book addresses, in a straight forward, matter of fact manner, serious yet common issues that parents face.  Dr. Stoltz shares his insight as a pediatrician in writing and illustrating these very helpful, issue-specific books.  It is obvious that he is experienced in helping children and parents deal with life's awkward moments.  These books are a cooperative, gentle method of approaching frustrating issues and growing pains, and would be a great resource for parents.

Arcosanti Archetype  (By Marie Wilson)

This book compares the visionary Paolo Soleri to Leonardo da Vinci, and shows why, in time, society may come to make similar characterizations about a man who sees new opportunities in an ancient dilemma: urban design.  Soleri's goal is to foster revitalization of existing urban infrastructure and to deter needless, destructive urban sprawl.  In taking this a step further, Soleri integrates environmental responsibility into his philosophy on metropolitan growth.  Arcosanti, an "Urban Laboratory," is a work in progress exploring the possibilities of these goals.  This book provides a guide to understanding the vision and real life application of Soleri's ideas.

All About Me  (By Lynn Burwash & Cie McMullin) 

An interactive, fill-in-the-blank children's book for adoptive parents and children.  This book invites and encourages family communication through creative and stimulating text and illustrations.  Featuring artwork created by children familiar with the adoptive process, All About Me is a remarkable tool for introducing the subject of adoption, and a wonderful resource for a family undertaking this rewarding and challenging endeavor. 

The Astral Gift  (By Marilyn Meredith) 

An emotionally charged story about violence and mysticism.  The Astral Gift recounts the tale of a woman who, as an abused child, learned to escape her terror in a most remarkable way.  As an adult, the heroine is haunted by, and finds strength in, her escape mechanism.  Marilyn Meredith does an excellent job in developing her characters.  This, the second book I have read by the author, reveals not only her talent to tell a story, as she does in "Two Ways West," but also her ability to create one. 

The Bent Coin   (By Stephen P. Byers)

With a full arsenal of characters, from the self-made millionaire to the beautiful heiress, Byers brilliantly lays out a story of ulterior motives and lost dreams.  The Bent Coin encompasses three generations living in and around Chicago and explores the many different social classes and how each reacted to the great fire, the depression, the mafia underground and world war.  A family fortune lures a streetwise trucker to capture the heart of one of the most powerful women in Chicago.  Her belief in the power of redemption, and his insistence on exploiting her trust, combine to create a compelling novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

At The Beach  (By Ernest J. Zarate) 

His pictures portray the spirit, emotions and routine of the local residents of the coastal areas of Southern California.  All photographers are able to snap a moment in time, that is the inherent power of the camera.  Zarate, however, seems able to take pictures at just the right time, including just enough information, and in so doing captures the moment with clarity and beauty.  This book is full of wonderful images of life, frozen in time, for us to flip through, pondering Life At The Beach.

It Takes Two.com  (By Kenneth J. Appel, Ph.D. & Beverly S. Appel, M.A.) 

An inspirational "how to" book for internet savvy singles.  In today's world we trust our credit cards, our information, and our communication over the internet, why not trust on-line dating?  This book, written by a married couple who met on-line, explains how to use the technology to your advantage, and open up your heart in the process.  Their message is continuously reinforced throughout with other on-line success stories.  Initially skeptical, I was convinced that the internet is a unique and powerful mechanism that facilitates the realization of a goal common to everyone - finding true love.

The Naked Jaybird, (By Stephen P. Byers)

From the first page to the last, this captivating book races, twisting and turning to capture the attention of even the most aloof reader. The Naked Jaybird is an exciting read. Patiently and methodically, Byers spares no detail in piecing together a complex multi-level plot into a plausible story of international conspiracy, espionage, and terrorism. The scale of this endeavor is enormous, but he manages it successfully. As in Bent Coin, another Byers novel, powerful characters expose underlying themes of social stratification, greed, and professional growth. Byers once again presents and develops credible characters whose motivation and perspective are well understood by the reader.

Bilingual Cooking, (By Elizabeth Reid, MA, DRe)

For anyone learning the Spanish language, Bilingual Cooking is the perfect book to compliment your studies. Moreover, if you enjoy cooking, this book is sure to augment your culinary repertoire. Bilingual couples who enjoy cooking will likewise find this multi-ethnic compilation of recipes a very appropriate addition to your kitchen. Bilingual Cooking offers dozens of Latin American recipes, some familiar, others less well known but equally delicious and deserving of culinary recognition. And, to facilitate language acquisition and communication, each one is given in both Spanish and English. I am anxious to learn how to cook authentic Latin American dishes, increase my bilingual skills, and have a good time in the process, I will be making red enchiladas for my wife tonight.

Heatherley, (By Flora Thompson)

Flora Thompson won international acclaim as the author of the Lark Rise of Candelford trilogy. Heatherly, the fourth and final book in the same series, was not published during her life. However, it was recently republished after scrupulous review of the original typescripts and in commemoration of the anniversary of her visit to Hampshire, England. Thompson has a remarkable, unassuming writing style, one of innocent observation and elegant prose, that is a pleasure to read. The narrative follows the thoughts of a young lady, as she views life from behind the counter of the town post office. The world about which she writes, Hampshire, England in 1897, is vividly and eloquently brought to life.

Deadly Omen, (By Marilyn Meredith)

A book that entertains as well as educates, this is a rewarding read. Set on an Indian reservation, Marilyn Meredith, in Deadly Omen, seizes a unique opportunity to pass on her knowledge of Indian customs and traditions while presenting a good old fashioned "whodunit". A culture clash between Indians and non-Indians, an inter-Indian feud, and the inherent isolation of an Indian reservation combine to create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere in which mistrust and jealousy abound. Meredith thoughtfully imparts a valuable lesson of tolerance in an oft-ignored setting.

Simon, (By Richard Kennedy)

An exceedingly emotional story, with an inspirational, although somewhat unsettling, ending. Without giving too much away, this story centers around a young man, bursting with hopes and dreams, who is struck by an incredible tragedy. Daily concerns of this young adult give way to profound philosophical contemplation as he is forced on a journey of healing. Portraying the struggle of an individual and family to cope with misfortune, Kennedy does a masterful job at of humanizing a condition that, because of its rarity, often goes unnoticed and ignored.

Organize the Disorganized, (By Linda Herr)

A handy and practical self-help book to get yourself organized, this book has something for everyone. Depending on your level of organization, or lack thereof, this book will help you realize one of two things. It will either make you realize that you do have some organizational skills, and simply need to develop them, or that you aren’t as organized as you thought that you were, and could use a few tips. Herr relates this book to all types by helping the reader to identify his or her organizational ability, set goals for attainable organization, and recognize the ability for change. In so doing, she has created a book that should be required reading for students, professionals and anyone who would benefit from reducing their stress level by organizing their life.

Spanish Lingo For The Savvy Gringo (By Elizabeth Reid, MA, DRe)

A great guide to surviving in a Latin American country, after reading this book I purchased a copy for some friends who were headed to Mexico for their honeymoon.  From cooking, to directions, to courtesy, and everything in between, this book will make a great quick reference for anyone vacationing in Latin America. It is also educational and enjoyable for non-travelers, as it describes the culture, people, history and linguistics of our southern neighbors.  

House of December  (By Richard Kennedy)

A collection of poetry that is lyrical and provocative. Free-flowing in form, yet concise, House of December contains poems that put words to the cynicism, optimism, spirituality and depth of humanity. Kennedy combines broad topics, with his own experience, analysis and observation, to compose sharp, philosophical, and sometimes spiteful lyrics.

Deadly Obsession  (By Patricia A. Rasey)

In this book Rasey creates a chilling story of dementia that - frighteningly enough - is based loosely on actual events. Deadly Obsession is a brilliantly laid out thriller that provides excitement, mystery and romance. By not unduly exploiting the essence of the plot, this book keeps the reader’s attention, but spares them the potential horror. Well developed characters, a very believable story line, and a captivating plot make this novel a true page turner.

How to Spin a Rabbit    (By Helen von Ammon)

This children’s book has fantastic illustrations that will capture your imagination, along with a story that is both clever and educational. Chandon, an English angora rabbit, narrates and tells about her life from birth to adulthood. She lives with three other angora rabbits and Helen, who spins and knits their fur.  A great teaching tool, this book illustrates the responsible use of animal resources.

Mexican Slang plus Graffiti  

(By M.F. Jones-Reid, Charlene Lopez & L.H. Robinson)

An entertaining and revealing exploration of  words, phrases and sayings common in Mexico that you will not encounter in any conventional Spanish class. The book provides definitions, explanations, proper usage, variations of usage and interesting insight into words most commonly spoken on Mexican streets. Not only would this be useful for someone traveling to Mexico, but it also makes for informative, light reading.

Communication Skills for the 21st Century  (By Bill R. Swetmon)

If you are making the transition into the world of business, or if you feel like you need to brush up on your professionalism, then this manual is for you. It contains key principles and concepts that you do not necessarily learn in school or from reading business books. Yet, these skills are crucial to communicating effectively and professionally whether at a conference networking, at a power lunch casually discussing a business idea or  preparing a cover letter or business proposal. For the socially conscientious professional, this is a great book to keep in your top desk drawer for quick reference.

Moon's Dreaming   (By Susan Sizemore & Marguerite Krause)

I was taken away to another, magical world while reading this intricately crafted fantasy, where a full cast of medieval age inspired characters engage in epic struggles. Some of the struggles involve themes that will be familiar to the reader, such as power, religion and social structure. Others might not be very familiar, such as dragon slaying and supernatural influences. The authors undertake an ambitious goal in covering the lives of so many different people in such detail. However, by taking this all encompassing view, the book is able to explore how the interconnections that exist in neighboring societies develop, and how these relationships are essential in developing societies.

Musk Ox Babies of the Far North   (By Helen von Ammon)

Helen von Ammon once again shares a part of her life with the reader. As in How to Spin A Rabbit, a wonderful book about a pet angora rabbit who donates her fur to her owner to spin for clothing, Helen introduces the reader to a new and educational subject - the Musk Oxen. Because von Ammon has worked with Musk Oxen for over a decade, she is in a unique position to tell a story about them. The book, told from the perspective of the young calves, details how they live, where they live, and what thoughts they may be having as they live their lives.

Lizzie, Lethal Innocence   (By J. Robert Whittle)

An inspirational and heart lifting rags to riches story starring a street smart young lady short on patience but full of ambition. Fit for both the mature and young adult reader, this book chronicles the money making schemes of its heroine as she methodically builds her empire. Although some of Lizzie's methods along the way are ethically questionable, her ingenuity in creating profit and loyalty is entertaining and imaginative. This book reads quickly, contains a lively cast of characters and effectively transports the reader to the busy streets of 18th century London.

Escape the Past   (By K. G. McAbee)

Mcabee showcases her obvious talent for writing and storytelling in this fantasy adventure.  A fleeing slave certain to die and a strong willed woman of obvious nobility fortuitously cross paths and embark on an adventure that ultimately erupts in a storm of magic, deceit and passion.  This creative and fantastic story, however, seems to end too soon, leaving a world ripe for adventure and full of possibilities virtually untapped.  It is truly a testament to her power as a writer to create such a feeling in the reader.  We can only hope that a sequel is forthcoming.

Alaska Llama, Far North Hero   (By Helen von Ammon)

Helen von Ammon once again shares her passion for animals with us in a delightful story, Alaska Llama, Far North Hero. Von Ammon uses her unique subject matter, the llama, to educate and entertain, while once again illustrating a responsible use of precious animal resources. This book follows the life of a llama from birth to adulthood, and features a moment of llama heroism that adds a sense of suspense to the story.  And lest I forget, this book, as her others do, contains extraordinary illustrations by Erin Mauterer.

Toraware (By Robert W. Norris)

Robert Norris follows the fictional lives of young adults as they search for meaning in their everyday lives, companionship in those around them and fulfillment in what they do. The basic story is uncomplicated, but as Norris delves into the inner (and outer) struggles of his characters, an elegant contemporary tale unfolds. For many readers, the unique locale of the story, Japan, provides an opportunity to experience an unfamiliar culture and setting. As a result, the reader learns about a new world, with new possibilities and experiences, from the main characters who are going through a similar, more personal, process themselves.

Little Lemon    (By Betsy Blizzard Lee)

This story for students in grades K-3 includes sheet music for "The Lemonade Song", reading comprehension questions and associated activities to help young students enjoy learning. The story uses a clever analogy between lemons and children to illustrate how something that seems bad can become something that is very good. Bitter juice can be squeezed out of a lemon, and then sweet sugar can be added for a tasty treat. Likewise, bitterness and frustration can be squeezed out of children, and with "sweetness", patience and hope, a positive and successful outcome can be reached. She refers to hugs as "lemon squeezes," and unpleasant things as "sour." The strength of this book is in its application as a teaching tool.

Looking for the Summer  (Robert W. Norris)

David Thompson, the central figure in "Looking For Summer", is an American who traverses Europe in this story of exploration that is as psychological as it is global.  After objecting to the Vietnam War from within the military, and serving time for his crimes, David reflects on his decisions while at the same time trying desperately to put his past behind him.  The author, Robert Norris, follows David as he makes his way from France to India. Along the way are many eye opening, and a few shocking, experiences. This story, however, is mostly an introspective tale. The life-shaping experiences of David that occurred during a period of political unrest in the United States provide an interesting backdrop as he sees first hand the social, political and economic unrest of Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India.

Living with Big Cats (By Sharon Rendell-Smock)

Ever wonder what it is like to work everyday with wild animals? How about working everyday with wild animals like tigers, lions and leopards, that could seriously injure and even kill you? Sharon Rendell-Smock lets us in on behind the scene stories, secrets and anecdotes about life with wild and exotic animals in this nonfiction industry expose. In addition to the often frightening and sometimes hilarious accounts, this book includes interviews with industry experts, and offers some historical perspective. If you have ever been to a circus or zoo, and if you enjoy watching movies where animals play a prominent role, you will enjoy reading this book.

How to Absolutely, Positively, Totally Guarantee Your Child Will be a Winner (By Larry Sanders and Cynthia McDaniel)  

With a title like this, it is difficult to live up to the expectations that it creates. However, the authors, Larry and Cynthia Sanders, do a credible job of doing just that in this book. Packed with relevant quotations that help drive home points, and filled with helpful hints and "Words to the Wise", this book touches on many of the important issues that arise in parenting. These issues include how to approach career decisions by taking your family goals into account, how to successfully discipline your children and how to learn from the mistakes that you make as a parent. How to Absolutely, Positively Totally Guarantee Your Child Will Be A Winner is well laid out, easy to follow, and contains solid advice for parents to consider.