Sammy Sutton's Blog, page 78

The Thirteens; Excerpt: King Solomon's Journey

Now, her rejection forced him to worry about the Legacy.
Rolling his eyes at the irony, she was confused, but genuine. He walked to the mirror and applied the witch's voodoo to his injury. At the very least, he'd received something from her. After several days of work, it was small, but tomorrow presented another day.Retreating to the desk, he removed his copy of the ancient texts, along with his notes for translation. Determined to use his time wisely, he would continue translating. For a brief moment, his thoughts returned to Amanda and the note, proof she felt a connection. The temptress exhibited no signs of experiencing a similar incident involving him. Antonio shook his head, and seriously thought he could be going crazy. He began studying the Ancient texts. The '13' suddenly intrigued him, ahava echad, 'love one'. The multilevel structure of the Ancient Hebrew fascinated Antonio with the emergence of more than one possible meaning. This one really captured his attention.The 12 Tribes became 13, when Joseph's birth-right passed to his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. America, a diverse nation, is home to people from all 13 Tribes, predominated by the 13th, Manasseh. America was Manasseh. Hell, America started with 13 colonies. The original flag reflected 13 stars, and 13 stripes. Regardless, many people feared the number 13. Hotels omitted the 13th room. Buildings stood, designed without the 13th floor. In Hebrew, it meant 'love one' yet, half the people in the world lived in fear of it. Antonio wondered if Amanda feared the number 13. Sure-as-hell she feared the translation 'love one'. Her assertions made it clear, if a hint or possibility of love threatened, she did not intend to get close to it. Antonio continued processing the implications. A boy comes of age at 13 with his bar mitzvah, celebrating his entry into manhood. Judaism had 13 principles. The Temple included 13 Gates: Shaar Ha'Elyon (The Upper Gate), Shaar HaDelek (The Kindling Gate), Shaar Habechorot (The Gate of Firstborn), Shaar HaMayim (The Water Gate), Shaar Yechonyah (The Gate of Yechonya), Shaar HaKorban (The Gate of Offering), Shaar HaNashim (The Women's Gate), Shaar Hashir (The Gate of Song), Shaar Nikanor (gate between the Women's Courtyard and the main Temple Courtyard). There were two minor doorways and two gates of relative unimportance without names.Maintaining this theme, the Seal of the United States encompassed the '13' it dominated. Reaching into his pocket, he removed a dollar bill. The U.S. Seal possessed 13 letters, 13 arrows, 13 olive leaves, 13 berries, 13 stars, and 13 constellations. Was it possible that the Founding Fathers and Authorities within the Government had always known? Antonio thought it sounded extreme, but the whole damn thing was insane. Tired, he concluded. Tomorrow, he needed to make progress with Amanda. Unable to boast of anything today, he had crashed and burned. It wasn't completely clear why, but he needed her, and he sure did want her.***The morning presented a new day, Antonio would deploy a new approach. He emerged from the shower. Standing in front of the lavatory, he squeezed toothpaste on his toothbrush, and glanced up at himself in the mirror. "Shit." He dropped his toothbrush, startled by his healed forehead. Lack of any evidence remained of the bruise or laceration from his fall into the cavern. This woman was more than she appeared. Cleaning his glasses, he placed his head near his reflection to inspect the former wound. It was supernatural. The situation now demanded that he get through to Amanda, failure not an option. Determined, he finished dressing and headed downstairs. Tommy called out to him, "Antonio!""Hey, Tommy."                                                             "I shouldn't be tellin' you this, but, I trust you." Tommy hesitated."Go ahead, what is it?" Antonio urged."She's leavin' today, three days early," Tommy, sounded shocked."She can't."Tommy revealed. "She booked a flight, and she's not flyin' home.""Where is she going, Tommy? This is more important than I'm willing to explain right now. Where is she going?" Tommy had to tell him."She's goin' to a cabin to write.""Where's the cabin?" Antonio insisted."I don't know.""Tommy, you do know. Understand I have another job. I am an anthropologist. I've found something. Amanda has connections with it. I knew it before I got here. She doesn't know yet, and her fears made it too difficult to explain, so I didn't get a chance to discuss it with her. It's important, Tommy. You were right; Amanda Messenger is very special in many ways that are similar to the books she brings you."Tommy believed him, knowing her on a personal level made Antonio's story less bizarre. "She is goin' to some cabin in New Mexico. I think close to Santa Fe."Tommy could have shot Antonio with a shotgun and shocked him less. Could it be supernatural or divine intervention, he didn't have time to decide. "Tommy, when is she leaving?""I'm takin' her to the airport at noon.""Thanks, Tommy." Antonio ran to his room, booking the 2:00PM flight back to New Mexico. He would take a cab to keep out of her sight prior to boarding the plane.Antonio packed in a rush, and planned to call Max. He would claim an emergency. After all, this was urgent. Solomon's words suggested a worldwide catastrophe. Maybe Tommy could find the name of the resort. How in the hell did she end up with a reservation in New Mexico?Antonio dropped his luggage by the door, glancing, he found a folded paper on the floor. Damn, the note was from M… 'M'?
                                                                Antonio,                                                I made a suggestion to her, Angel Fire Resort.                                                She is going there to write.                                                I knew you would need to know.                                                I would lose my job                                                 if it ever got out that I helped you like this.                                                                M. 

Max, weird, he didn't understand why Max would exhibit such behavior, acting as if he understood something depended on a connection between Amanda and Antonio. The Temptress ran from him now, but he tailed close behind her.***Ready to get away from Vegas, Amanda swore never to find herself near Antonio again. His powerful enticement left her unable to resist him. Without Tommy, as chaperone the night before, she would be in a worse predicament now. Relieved to be escaping, another glimpse of him could prove fatal."Miss Amanda, I hope Antonio didn't upset you last night." "No, he was a perfect gentleman. It's me, Tommy. It would mess things up for everyone, if I fell for some guy.""Well, Miss Amanda, if you don't mind me sayin', he's a great guy, and you're a nice lady. I was hopin' you would like him.""Tommy, he is a great guy. That is the problem." Tommy shook his head.
***Antonio rode in a cab to the airport to avoid attention. He planned to board the plane as late as possible to intercept the Sorceress. His phone rang."Hello? Tommy...She did? Did she say anything else? Okay, thanks a lot. I owe you big time."


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Sammy's Review of "Monogamy Sucks" by George Pappas

George Pappas'  Monogamy Sucks  is an uncensored, and honest account of a single male swinger.

Disclosure: I purchased, and read Monogamy Sucks without any prior arrangement with the author. I enjoyed George Pappas' fabulous poetry, and found my self curious about his book. 

Monogamy Sucks is a diary based on Jake, a sexually frustrated man intent on embarking into a lifestyle of attachment-free sex. Jake is an interesting character reminiscent of Charlie Harper (not Charlie Sheen) of Two and a Half Men  gone viral without the alcohol addiction. Much like Charlie Harper's character Jake ultimately is a pleaser, shy, and often lacks confidence, in his encounters with women.
Jake approaches his sexuality through self-analysis. In the beginning, he concludes his previous relationships became sexually boring therefore; variety without emotion becomes his idea of a solution. Immediately, Jake embarks on the rocky path of emotionless sex.
George provides his reader with an explicit detailed diary of Jake's experience. His description is honest and he certainly does not get caught up in painting a rosy picture of the swinger lifestyle. Jake faces many roadblocks and a multitude of emotions, which often translate into sadness. Ironically, Jake's character seems incredibly in touch with his feelings and limitations.
The reason he embarks upon this lifestyle counters the assumption one might have about him. Jake is in fact very emotional and struggles to guard what he believes is a weakness. Several times throughout his encounters, he feels wounded by his partners' lack of emotion for him. This honesty provides a commendable reality to Jake's story.
The author's account primarily focuses on the single man's journey. However, he does not fail to give insight into the couples viewpoint and reason for the swinger lifestyle.
George Pappas' Monogamy Sucks is well-written and thorough. I was personally taken back a bit by the extremely hard-work and effort this lifestyle presented for Jake. Sometimes, I felt sorry for Jake, as his encounters often seemed unnecessarily demeaning for a guy by all accounts who was sensitive, caring, and likeable. I commend the author for not presenting the subject as all fun and games. George Pappas is a very talented and conscientious author!  

Antonio At Hidden Mountain in New Mexico; Excerpt: King Solomon's Journey

Amanda hesitated to ask, but her curiosity demanded she know. After all the man would not be leaving anytime soon in the torrential snowstorm.

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Alphabet Rain In The Desert, by Ben Miller

Please, read this fabulous poem, written by Ben Miller, and inspired by King Solomon's Journey!
Alphabet Rain In The Desert

OPERA Briefing; Excerpt: King Solomon's Journey

 "Verdi, Donizetti has called for a briefing regarding Professor Dominquez. Get Bellini on the screen in the briefing room. Now.""No problem, Berg."Berg connected with Puccini's communicator."Yeah?""Puccini. Where the hell are you?""Tactical." 

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Sammy's Review of Alternative Medicine by Margaret Jean Langstaff

Margaret Jean Langstaff gives incredible insight into the mental effects of pain.

Disclaimer: I purchased, and read 'Alternative Medicine' without any agreement or arrangement between the author and myself.
In this easy-to-read short story Ms. Langstaff guides her readers through the neurotic emotions experienced by Marshall, a 50 year-old man, suffering from tremendous pain in his legs. The imagery presented by the author is so vivid I immediately felt empathy for his suffering. Simply put, Marshall has become his pain. His plight has left him to fade in and out of reality. In his insanity, Ms. Langstaff shines, as she paints a fascinating picture from inside his head.
Soon the reader joins Marshall in the Doctor's office waiting room. Here again, the author draws a perfect picture of the lunacy one often encounters at medical facilities. Nevertheless, he stumbles upon a rather disturbing woman who impacts his life in a surprising way.
I highly recommend this short story for anyone, but I am sure it will have the most influence on those whom have dealt with serious or long-term illness. 
'Alternative Medicine' by Margaret Jean Langstaff is Available on Amazon

Sammy's Review of "Beyond My Control", by Stuart Ross McCallum

Beyond My Control, One Man's Struggle With Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond, by Stuart Ross McCallum
Stuart's courage is mindboggling! In Beyond My Control, Stuart Ross McCallum shares with readers his frightening, and chaotic battle with epilepsy.
In the spirit of disclosure, I purchased, and read, Beyond My Control. My 21 year old son suffers from generalized convulsive epilepsy with intractable epilepsy my interaction with the author led me to his book. At no time did I enter an agreement with Stuart Ross McCallum to read or review his work.
Beyond My Control is a well-written, stunningly account of Stuart's experience with epilepsy. I appreciated his brutal honesty about issues surrounding the illness that are all too often avoided. This incredible author is selfless as he reveals truths about his struggles with the illness.  
Stuart wastes no time as he quickly moves his readers through his journey. He begins with the onset of seizures in his teens and moves through seizure surgery and after. In less than 100 pages, he tells a masterful story without cheating the reader. I must say, I am envious of his ability to get to the point.
My son said, "Please tell Stuart, I find his book very thoughtful, and helpful. I appreciate that he took the time to write it. His book is intelligently written."
I'm not sure I could say it better than my son could as he was profoundly moved by Stuart's story.
Stuart, thank you for sharing your experience with us, and others!
"Beyond My Control," by Stuart Ross McCallum is available on Amazon!

Sammy's Review of "The 19th Element" by John L. Betcher

John Betcher's work shines in this timely nuclear thriller; The 19th Element.
In the spirit of disclosure, I purchased, and read, The 19th Element because I thought it and the author seemed interesting. At no time did I enter an agreement with the author to read or review his work.
In The 19th Element, the preface displays an actual copy of a Daily Brief presented to then President George W. Bush, one month prior to 911. The memo expressed concern about a possible strike within the U.S. by Bin Laden. John Betcher's early use of this letter was dynamic. It gave credence to the scenario that followed, and remained foremost in my mind throughout.
The author has a fabulous way with words. I found a great deal of personality in his lighthearted and refreshing, terminology. I personally, liked the term lawyering, I spend many hours working with attorneys, but where I come from; the term is not used.
The 19th Element is part of a series of thrillers based on James Beck an attorney from Red Wing Minnesota. After completely a long career stint within the government, he and his wife have returned home with their two young daughters to settle into a healthy family environment. John Betcher develops awesome dynamics between James, and his wife. I simply loved their relationship. Beth is a decoder, and James openly adores and respects her intellectually.
The book is a fabulous well-written thriller about nuclear terrorism. John understands and conveys the inner-workings of the nuclear facility with expertise. In light of the Nuclear Plant disaster in Japan, John's thriller is a timely masterpiece, especially for those interested in the structure, and mechanics surrounding Nuclear Plants.
The 19th Element presents a plausible concern for the potential danger they possess. I highly recommend this James Becker Thriller.   
  

Sammy's Book Reviews

Recent controversy concerning Book Reviews has me compelled to address my Book Review Policy, which really isn't a policy at all.Often, authors request I read, and review their books. If I agree, it is only to read your book. I am not making a commitment to review your work. However, most of the time, I do offer a short review at least on Amazon. This is primarily due to time. At this point in my life, due to my son's illness, I cannot adhere to strict time schedules.
My reviews are short, and without spoilers. I personally hate long reviews, which leave me feeling as if I have read half of the book. My background in the social sciences tends to lead my reviews into a focus of the character dynamics and psychology behind them. I enjoy reading and reviewing controversial issues.
Sometimes, I like to interview an author that I find particularly interesting. I can't give any rhyme or reason to the people I will wish to interview. Again, often, it is simply an issue of time.
I hope this will clear up any questions. I had decided not to continue with reviews due to all misunderstanding, but I have changed my mind. I will post, over the next few days, some reviews that I have completed.   
Please, feel free to ask if you have questions.
Sincerely, Sammy Sutton

New Book Journal: Author Announcements

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