Sunday, September 6, 2009

Been Gone A While

Wow! Can't believe that it has been since January since I have been here. However, I have been doing alot of book reviews, teaching online college courses and taking care of my 5 year-old grandaughter.

I have read some fascinating books since January and each time I read something out of my realm I learn something new. Some of the books I have read that I will post are: Drowning in a Mother's Womb by Ciara Anderson; Remember Me a Holacaust Survivor Story by Marian Kampinski; Scumbag Sewer Rats by John E. Smethers, PhD and The Weight of Silence Invisible Children of India by Shelley Seale. Each of these authors have done a tremendous job in their writing and I could not put them down.

I also post my information/reviews on newsblaze.com and gather.com. In both of these sites you will find some great articles and book reviews.

Hope everyone is in good health and reading up a storm.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Well, this has been a good week. I picked up two new publishers to review for and got an express review from one of my favorite people Irene Watson of ReaderViews. (readerviews.com)

I also heard from one of my favorite authors John Ricco- he is very talented and his stories are very captivating. He has a new book coming out in March- Border Crossing. You really need to pick up his book. His first book I read was Blood Makes the Grass Grow Green.

Another author I have gotten to know is Victor Banis- he wrote Lola Dances and Angel Land (and many many more). His books are on gay relationships and are very very intriguing.

I have 2 books I am going to be reviewing 2 books on Silence and Blood Brothers on NewsBlaze and Reader Views. Go to those two sites readerviews.com and NewsBlaze.com.

I have been very amazed that authors find the time to comment on my reviews and keep in contact with me.

I do hope you will take a few minutes to read my reviews and comment on them. It certainly helps me look at areas I need to work on.

Hope you all have a wonder and warm weekend. Carol

Monday, January 26, 2009

Review: Shame by Greg Garrett

Shame
Greg Garrett
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6752-3
$14.99 2009
Insightful
5 Stars
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD for Reader Views (1/09)
Author Greg Garrett has written a very compelling book on living in the past and not the present. His story captures the reader from page one. His description of the characters makes the reader cheer them on and shake them when they are about to make mistakes.
The story revolves around John Tilden who had great plans for his life and for those he loved. However, as many readers know life doesn’t always turn out like you want it. John was destined to be a doctor, lawyer or even a great writer. He was a hero in his town where many remembered him as part of a basketball team that won the state championship. What he eventually became was a farmer in Oklahoma just like his father and grandfather. Married to a woman he got pregnant, he is the father of 3 children and is out of sync with his life.
We all have been in the position he is at one time or another- we keep thinking about the "what ifs." John is no different. He can’t forget about his one true love and what might have been. Being stuck in this "what if" life, he finds himself mulling over his mundane existence that has effected his parenting skills, motivation level and even his old time friends.
The story carries readers through his high school years to his current family situation. As his class reunion is coming up, he discovers that one of sponsors wants him to organize a exhibition game from members of his old high school team and the current high school team he coaches. He also learns that his one true love has separated from her husband and hopes to rekindle the flame within John.
Garrett’s story is captivating and his characters are ones we all have known. This is a story of letting go of the past and living in the present. It is a story of courage and wisdom and making a decision to make the most of ones life. Readers will be able to readily relate to the story, it is a book that once you start reading you can’t put it down.

Random Musings

As I sit here today, I'm thinking of all the books I have read over the past two years. I have read many. I feel blessed that I have been able to do reviews for several publishers and have them on Reuters and USA Today.

Many of the books I have read have had a positive impact on me or have taught me to open my eyes more and listen more. For which I am always grateful. I started out reading memoirs and books on different cultures. Now I have jumped into books that I normally wouldn't have read. I'm not very good at interpreting poetry- although I have done some reviews on them. I have read some books that I have never understood- but have kept an open mind.

I admire anyone who can write books- the talent is unbelieveable. So, I hope you will join me and read some of the reviews I have written.

Welcome-let's read together and let our minds expand. Carol