Sammy Sutton's Blog, page 73

More About: Beyond My Control, One Man's Struggle With Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond, By Stuart Ross McCallum

Beyond My Control, One Man's Struggle With Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond,By Stuart Ross McCallum 

　
I recently decided to share more in depth thoughts about Stuart Ross McCallum's BEYOND MY CONTROL. Previously, I wrote about it in the context of my son's battle with epilepsy, and his personal thoughts. I am happy to say it is the most read review I have posted thus far. However, I can't help, but feel I need to say more.

Stuart's battle with epilepsy began in his teens. A time, we can all identify as difficult. Like so many others, it manifested in strange incidents that could easily be confused as other conditions. In his book, Stuart shares this scary confusion in a clear and concise story, the story of his life.

Science, now, informs us that 1 in 23 people will experience a seizure and/or epilepsy in their lifetime. This condition is much more common than once believed. The truth is, unlike my son whom has struggled with it since birth, 70% of the people will be struck later in life. Many will recognize an obvious trigger others are not so obvious.

Like many illnesses, conquering epilepsy is relative. Controlling seizures, even with dynamic medical intervention, is a way of life. Stuart sheds light upon the nature of the disease, treatment, and research. His own situation gives credence to the celebration of the things one can control, and to the people that matter. Stuart's story reveals a strong and supportive woman, admirable in her own right, his wife Lisa. Together, they form an effective bond.

Stuart is a humble man. This is evident in his story, genuinely told to inform, educate, and comfort individuals and families. He shares with dignity the impact the epilepsy places on his and his family's life. BEYOND MY CONTROL is a real-life journey, guided by a soldier against epilepsy in his own life, but, also, a warrior for others.
　
Order BEYOND MY CONTROL from Amazon!
Amazon.com Widgets

Sammy's Review: The Fire in Fiction By Donald Maass

This is not the type of book I normally post a review about on my Blog, but it is such a fabulous tool for writers, I just can't pass up the opportunity. THE FIRE IN FICTION is a powerful guide to writing fiction. The author's insight into the many styles and skill levels is simply uncanny.
The format serves as a fantastic cover-to-cover read as well as a dynamic reference. Mr. Maass gives reason and definition to admirable style. In a short amount of text, he discusses 'Hemingway-esque minimalism,' as an unforgiving style that is misunderstood and rarely mastered.
This concise detail is consistent throughout THE FIRE IN FICTION as the author tackles a multitude of issues authors face in their struggle to succeed. The guide begins with a memorable introduction that sheds light upon 'the storyteller and the status seeker.' Mr. Maas proceeds into one of my favorites, 'Protagonists vs. Heroes' from there he tackles issues of character voice and hyperreality. In each and every chapter he simplifies issues often complicated by others.
Writers and authors, I highly recommend this guide. It is simply an invaluable tool. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give this guide a 6 star review.

Get your copy of THE FIRE IN FICTION today on Amazon

Review: Healing Touch by Jenna Anderson

Healing TouchBy Jenna AndersonHEALING TOUCH is an insightful and humorously cynical peek into the dynamics of small-town life. The story is a first person tale told by the main character, Tracy Campbell.

Tracy has long suffered as the subject of gossip resulting in an all-out character assassination riddled with more perception than truth. The reader is given a front row seat inside Tracy's mind as she gains the attention of the town's new doctor.

The tale is a delightful love story about a scorned woman, a younger suitor, and a gossip ridden small town.

Get HEALING TOUCH Today on Kindle!

King Solomon's Journey

Special Price: Download on Kindle for .99 cents!
King Solomon's Journey (The Dominguez Adventures) www.amazon.com
Together, they tackle a host of adventures, including the discovery of ancient scrolls. When Antonio and Amanda find the 3,000-year-old scrolls sent by King Solomon, they unleash a series of clues, the key to saving humanity from a possible catastrophe. With this newfound possession, however, the unusual couple faces an enemy faction called OPERA, a group who will stop at nothing to gain possession of the ancient scrolls.

Readers will enjoy following the often quirky and socially challenged 40-something duo—each just as lively as any 20-year-old—as they weave through this high-speed labyrinth of wisdom and intrigue. In order to reach the end of the maze and conquer the evil group, the couple must first tackle their once hidden, personal demons—before the adventure catches up with them.

"It's like Indiana Jones in a romance racing against time," Sutton said of this adventure, which promises to hook readers on the ongoing "Dominguez Adventures" series. This balance of romance, humor, and action will engage readers who appreciate a flair for archeological history and a fascinating marriage of science and mysticism.

Review: Wee Three; A Mother's Love in Verse by Marta Moran Bishop

This a beautiful book of delightful rhythmic poetry and prose.

WEE THREE is a celebration of childhood as seen through eyes we all once shared. I am particularly fond of MOTHER'S FLOWER GARDEN, CINDERELLA MOTHER, and SNOW MAGIC. The illustrations are fabulous works of sweet art. This book is definitely keepsake quality.

Bravo, to Marta Moran Bishop, I love this book!


　Get you copy of WEE THREE today on Amazon!

Thanksgiving Thoughts & Kevin Bacon

Yesterday, this scrumptious bouquet was delivered to me, a gift from my children. It reminded me to think of really 'good things.' The huge strawberries dipped in delicious chocolate represent the beauty and diverse marriage of two of nature's best gifts. The arrangement of the beauties creates a stunning succulent bouquet, much more powerful as group than one lone strawberry dipped in chocolate.
Personally, I was touched by the thoughtfulness of my children, but even more by the fact that they sent something they knew I loved, and would not induce my allergic gluten response. It is nice to share life with people who know, and love us, but when they are cognitive of the little things it is overwhelmingly awesome.
Thanksgiving is the most fabulous of holidays. It represents our inner- connectedness as Americans as well as human beings. The holiday, by design, stands alone without a single star, but rather as a celebration of our relationships.

This year, my family is separated by miles as well as the devastating illness that continues to whittle away at the family's beloved patriarch. Nevertheless, our connection is strong, our grief is shared, yet, most of all, our hope exists. The past is fond, and the future is promising, because the connection is greater, but shorter than ever.

Yes, the results are in. Our degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon have quickly moved from 6 to a mere 4.74. Thus representing, the pieces are in fact, part of a gigantic puzzle. Everything we wish to accomplish is dependent upon the pieces joining together to create the whole.

Check out The Degrees of Separation!

Have a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving!


Review: The Yaakmen of Tyrie by Mark Paul Jacobs

After reading several books by Mark Paul Jacobs, I have to say, he has won my deepest respect as an author. Mark's work is profound, intelligent, and wonderfully imaginative. The Sci-Fi Channel should take a serious look at his fascinating stories.
The brutal winter and war will provide great reading for cold winter nights. This is a fresh new story with familiar and unfamiliar struggles.  Just keep the brandy to a minimum for the deep secrets of the past are revealed with skillful design. No doubt, you won't want to miss a single clue as the layers of plots and subplots unfold in the Alien land.
 Prepare for a complex adventure filled with dynamic characters enriched with personality.  The fantastical monsters and humanlike beings are fabulously entertaining. A Giant Thumbs up for The Yaakmen of Tyrie.


Get The Yaakmen of Tyrie On Amazon, Today

Review: The Unbearable Lightness of Prunes by Margaret Jean Langstaff

A hoot & holler for this southern, redneck blast. All will enjoy the artfully simple southern idiosyncrasies masterfully written in Margaret Jean Langstaff's, The Unbearable Lightness of Prunes. It was pure pleasure to experience the wonderful mix of characters in this lighthearted tale.

No exclusions, this is a wonderful read for anyone. A perfect story to load on a Kindle, you can't go wrong. Enjoy the story of Jerrold and his aunt Ginny as they create prune pipe bombs. You can read this in less than an hour, and  I guarantee it will change the entire mood of your day.

This is southern humor at its Best

Where I've Been!

Thanks for all of the wonderful wishes! My son, David and I recently returned from Barnes Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis. We are happy to report a wonderful experience. Thanks to Dr. Hogan, Bethany, Dr. Day, and the fabulous nurses. Presently, David's seizures seem to be stabilized. 
I will be returning to normal, slowly, but get ready for the reviews. I have read several books and I'm anxious to post the  reviews. I will also be working through all of your kind emails over the next few days. Again, thanks and love to all!

Sammy's Review: Dreaming In Darkness by Jessica Kristie Published by Winter Goose

Dreaming In Darkness is a powerful diary in poetry, and prose. The beautiful poetry reveals a breathtaking journey through a painful hell that moves gradually upwards over a bumpy road, ultimately, leading into a state of healing. Jessica's poetry is a divinely classic work of art. Her flowing imagery is clear without a second of awkwardness. The poignant story is bold, a blatant display of pain, and suffering woven into the vision her words create.
The perfect order in which the poems are placed creates the sense of a diary, a fascinating collection of the poet's most intimate thoughts.
'Sarafina' You shine
                 You speak
                 We listen
The author guides the reader into the myriad of emotions experienced in the victim's abyss. 'Induced Sleep' finds the battered soul in a medicated state, drowning in the pain, yet here she begins to process her choices as she meets her self in the crossroads.
Still, further into the pain 'Force Forgotten' paints a bird's eye view of the crime and the victim comes face-to-face with the perpetrator.           'My legacy won't be this, '
           but yours will.
          Stew in your own sin.
This revelation frees her to search for a healing aid. The hallways greet her with doors of deception. 'Bad Religion,' 'This Mourning,' and 'Walking Wounded' portray encounters with some disingenuous souls that clutter the pathway.
In 'Temporary Royalty' she begins to experience the highs and lows from within a different place. Here, she sees tiny glimpses of light periodically penetrating the darkness. Later, The bud starts blossoming in 'Love Letters.' The fabulous poet surprises with prose. The change symbolizes a less rigid environment, freedom. A different place depicted from within a different style.
'Dreaming in Darkness' is brilliant. This is a powerful, effective piece of art portraying the journey from pain to healing, darkness to light.
I highly recommend.

WinterGoose Publishing
Get Your Copy of Dreaming In Darkness Today!
Jessica Kristie