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Hypocrites In His Midst: A Story About Flawed Human Beings by Donnell Wilson – Book Review4.5 out of 5 stars
The long road from street gangs to success…
Wilton Latso is seventy two years old and a grandfather. In the middle of a heated argument with his adult daughter Abbie, Wilton realizes that she has no idea of who he is, where he came from, and why he did the things he did when he was bringing her up. Spontaneously Wilton starts remembering and soon he decides to write down the story of his life. Wilton came from a poor family living in a poor suburb of St. Louis, Missouri in the late 1940’s / early 1950s. In this era of street gangs Wilton is soon introduced to a world of violence, ego and selfishness. Wilton’s parents are staunch Pentecostal Christians, but Wilton doubts that faith from the start. The trouble is that he can see all too clearly his parent’s hypocrisy, particularly his mother’s. Throughout his life Wilton will continue to observe people, noting many to be hollow, offering friendship, espousing beliefs but proving to be fakes.
Donnell Wilson’s Hypocrites In His Midst: A Story About Flawed Human Beings is a fictional autobiography spanning seven decades. It is a story of “redemption” (Ch. 8) in a secular sense. This is a book about trying to “do the right thing” (Ch. 3), though the “right thing” (Ch. 2) is not always obvious or easy to achieve. Wilson’s novel, especially in the first three Parts, is broadly comparable to Nicky Cruz’s real life autobiography Run Baby Run (Logos, 1972), though that book is firmly Christian, while this book is firmly agnostic (Ch. 31). Most of all, this book is about how a person can growing to maturity (or avoid it).
http://goo.gl/5kL3R0 Hypocrites In His Midst (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/G3Vom5 Hypocrites In His Midst (Facebook page)
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I'm reading "Entangled" by Cat Clarke. I like it so far!
Finally done with Wolf Hall. Not worth all the time I waited for it to be available at the library. Hoping The Bell Jar will pull me out of the bad book run I've been on.
I just started Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Renard!!
I have less than 100 pages to go in Robin Cook's Blindsight and will be sorry to see it end. I think this is one of his best and I have read most of them.
A 3rd Time To Die by George A. BernsteinBook Review by Susan McMichael
4 out of 5 stars
What is it about you stranger?
This is a love story with a mystery at the heart of it, a paranormal mystery. Why can Ashley Easton speak French so well? Why can she ride a horse so well, after only riding for just a few weeks? Who is the mysterious young man she meets in the dressage competition, and why is he so alluring? A 3rd Time to Die by George A. Bernstein is a love story and a mystery, rolled into one. It uses the concept of reincarnation as an interesting plot device.
Our first glimpse of Ashley Easton is of a woman rescuing a horse:
"Hey quit that!" Her shout raspy, she banged the gate with the side of the pitchfork. (p. 25)
The horse has always represented passion and desire in literature, and A 3rd Time to Die is no exception. Ashley's new horse brings her excitement and energy into her life and allows a new relationship to flourish. Ashley is revitalised and energised by rescuing the horse; it also brings into sharp relief the way her life has changed. Ashley is an engaging character who knows her own mind and who is financially independent. She feels a great deal, but takes a long time to act on these feelings: this is Ashley Easton's challenge.
http://goo.gl/Jg40jh A 3rd Time To Die (Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/eg6sE5 A 3rd Time To Die (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/uTOJg9 George Bernstein (Facebook page)
http://goo.gl/xp0Wvc George Bernstein (Goodreads page)
For the full review please click:
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Crimson Footprints by Shewanda Pugh - Book Review 5 out of 5 stars
The balancing act of life…
Deena Hammond is a 24 year old architect living and working in her home town of Miami, Florida. In some ways Deena is very successful, but she comes from a poor background, and in many ways she is still inextricably tied up with those origins. Her grandmother, Emma Hammond, who brought Deena up, is constantly demanding and never satisfied. Deena’s adult brother Anthony is a small-time criminal, and her sister Lizzie, though still at school, is incorrigibly wayward and seems headed for a disaster of a life. Deena is half African-American and half white and feels that she was never really accepted by the black side of her family when they took her in as a child. In very harrowing circumstances Deena meets Takumi (Tak for short) Tanaka, the son of her world famous, distant and demanding boss Daichi Tanaka. Immediately the personal chemistry and attraction seems right, but everything else between these two people seems impossible. Deena is a mere underling. Should she even be talking to the son of the owner of the business she works for? What is more Deena’s family very much expects her to date a black man. Can these two people overcome the odds and form a friendship, or even the romance they both desire?
Shewanda Pugh’s Crimson Footprints can certainly be classified as a romance; however, it is much more than that. It is a story of class consciousness and racial division. It is about the struggle to find the right equilibrium between work and family, and it is a story about trying to ‘do the right thing’. Most of all, this novel is about balance in all things. We are all different, but we must overcome our resistances and come to the centre ground if we are truly going to be a success in life.
http://goo.gl/HwV0jG Crimsin Footprints (Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/vyOHiw Crimson Footprints (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/aTcWKT Shewanda Pugh’s Blog
http://goo.gl/gcUo06 Shewanda Pugh’s Facebook Page
For the full review please click:
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I have just started reading Tideline by Penny Hancock. I love psychological thrillers - they are what inspire me most, however getting into a really gripping novel means that I don't spend as much time writing as I would like! Oh well...
I'm reading Invasion by Robin Cook. Not thrilled with it just yet. Too many characters; even he had trouble keeping them straight. I am a third through and the plot has yet to even begin.
Armageddon and the 4th Timeline by Don MardakBook Review by Susan McMichael
4.5 out of 5 stars
A thrilling ride from the first page…
Armageddon and the 4th Timeline by Don Mardak is a thrilling ride from the first page. This science fiction novel combines time travel, spiritual themes, a fascinating mix of characters and modern intrigue to create an unputtable down novel.
We meet the CIA Director, Scott Cunningham, a former Navy SEAL, and his Assistant Lori Colbert, addressing a meeting after a terrible terrorists attacks. We also meet husband and wife Kathy and Eric who are in Lhasa, Tibet, on a spiritual quest. Through Eric's time travel, both worlds intersect. Mardak's premise throughout the novel is that there "is a spiritual universe, and mankind has the ability to rise into a higher level of consciousness where all conflicts can be resolved peacefully without resorting to wars, or threatening a nuclear holocaust.”
http://goo.gl/QnimWA (Armageddon and the 4th Timeline Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/iDrGMJ (Armageddon and the 4th Timeline Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/EglbSd (Don Mardak Facebook Author Page)
http://goo.gl/UJW8Wt (Don Mardak Web Page)
For the full review please click:
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I'm nearly finished with Terry Pratchett's Making Money - re-reading in preparation for Raising Steam which comes out in a couple of weeks. These are comic fantasies that give a nod and a wink to the Steampunk world as they show a society of entrenched poverty and iron power structures reacting to new technologies and new ways of thinking. Sort of "What if the Renaissance happened on a flat world where magic really works and the hero is a rascal being manipulated by other rascals?" Lots of fun.
I just started reading
by Julia Crane.
I'm currently reading I,Robot by Isaac Asimov. So far, it's excellent!
Sarah wrote: "I'm currently reading I,Robot by Isaac Asimov. So far, it's excellent!"LOVED this one!
I am currently reading The Midnight Rose. I needed something light and have read this author in the past and enjoyed her.
I am reading a feminist movement book called the feminist mystique by Betty Friedan
I am currently reading Talk Like TED. It gives you a lot of insight in making the best presentations to an audience.
Pest On The Run by Gerry Burke – Book ReviewReviewed by Raymond Mathiesen
4.5 out of 5 stars
Big trouble and light hearted investigations…
A beautiful stage show star, come whore house madam, is suddenly foully murdered, despite her apparent gangster protection. A disgruntled Japanese business tycoon hires a hit man to assassinate Australia’s Prime Minister. An unbeatable game show contestant takes a recreational bungee-jump, only to have her rope break in what her friend thinks is dubious circumstances. Enter the low-life world of Paddy Pest, sometimes Private Investigator and sometimes secret agent for Australia’s spy bureau ASIO. Pest is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, though is very frequently an international traveler. He is a master of dubious disguises, and often manages to solve the case despite his shortcomings. Here is a world where virtually everybody has a rancorous underbelly, and where murder is a common life event, but where good will eventually win out (even if by fluke). These humorous short stories will beguile you, entertain you and make you chuckle. Gerry Burke’s Pest On The Run: More Humorous Short Stories From The Paddy Pest Chronicles (iUniverse, c2012) is ideal for the lover of crime and murder mystery tales, but will also suit busy people looking for a witty amusement to fill a free hour or two.
http://goo.gl/pfzodA Pest On The Run (Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/PJDHzw Pest On The Run (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/rxzUnD Gerry Burke’s Facebook Author Page
http://goo.gl/QisYTm Gerry Burke’s Web Site
For the full review please click:
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I'm nearly done with Jim Butcher's Cold Days, #14 in the Dresden Files. They are male fantasy heroic adventures, set in Alternate Chicago and told by the main character in a very down-to-earth way. Harry is an urban wizard with a real Chicago attitude toward anyone or anything mundane or supernatural that threatens his town or his friends & family. There's agony and self-doubt, million-to-one chances and unforeseen consequences, and always the improbable ingenuity of a guy who just won't give up. Even though Harry is too good to be true, and there are a lot of battle scenes which usually aren't my thing at all, I am enjoying this book just as much as the first one. Jim Butcher has turned to writing another series now, although I don't think he's really finished with Harry. Maybe it just got too hard to keep on upping the ante. This one's apocalyptic and if I hadn't fallen asleep last night, I'd be avoiding a spoiler by not telling you how Harry saves the world for the 14th time.
I am currently reading Robert Harris's An Officer and a Spy. It is an intriguing book set in the 19th Century France which I find quite exciting. It involves espionage which is great fun and truly enlightening.
Jennifer wrote: "Kathy Reichs- Deja Dead :)"Barbm1020 wrote: "I'm nearly done with Jim Butcher's Cold Days, #14 in the Dresden Files. They are male fantasy heroic adventures, set in Alternate Chicago and told by the main character in a very down-to-earth way..."
This book opened up a whole new world to me. I enjoyed reading it. It was really intriguing.
Currently reading
I heard Ben Mackintyre talking about this book on Radio 4 a few months ago, and was really interested, so when it dropped to a reasonable price on the kindle, that was it.
I just started reading
by Max Barry by Max Barry. I heard about this book on the Book Riot and BOTNS podcasts. It has been highly praised as being one of the best books published in 2013. I will post a review when I finish.
I am currently reading
. I keep thinking that I like it, but it is taking me FOREVER to get through for some reason.
♥ Rachel♥ wrote: "I'm reading 
- it's a very fun read, and I hope it'll help me with debating and stuff...>.<"Oh my goodness! Sounds hilarious.
I have just finished reading 'The Diary of Nicholas Oldman' by Michael G. Atkinson. It is by far one of the best debut novels I have read and I am eagerly awaiting book two. It is an unusual story about a man who wakes up the morning after his 40th birthday to find himself stranded in a different time and place. The character of Nicholas is so beautifully written that you cannot help but identify with him. I cried when he cried, laughed when he laughed and personally felt his pain, his struggle to survive and his triumphs. I highly recommend this book, it is an excellent read, I am sure there will be a lot more from this author.
Currently, i am reading The Scorch Trials. The Book 2 of The Maze Runner Trilogy. I just started this morning. I find it really exciting because the main characters started to have doubts on their current situation. even im still reading it, it is a must read. i am recommending the whole trilogy. Read it.
I just started reading
. Ever since i read the Parasol Protectorate
series by the same author I'e become enamored with the steam punk genre. I have just finished
which is the third book in the Lizzy Gardener series which I enjoyed greatly. A perfect murder mystery if you're in the mood for that. I would recommend Gail Carriger's books for some light fun reading.
I'm halfway through Country Music Broke My Brain: A Behind-the-Microphone Peek at Nashville's Famous and Fabulous Stars.
I have just finished reading The Silkworm by J.K.Rowling. I am now done with crime. So I started reading 'I Robot' by Issac Asimov
Finding Devo: A Novel Adventure by Seve Verdad – Book ReviewReviewed by Raymond Mathiesen
4 out of 5 stars
Escape from the system?
Sports journalist Russell Martell is on holiday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico . His wife Rosalita has recently died and Russell feels lost and hurt, drifting through life. Then his journalistic senses begin to come alive as he starts to get the hints of stories: not sports stories, but crime and current events, with a hint of politics. What is the real story behind a body found in strange circumstances near the beach front? Is the rumor of a police raid on a suburban house really connected to drug cartels? Who is the colorful character Devon (Devo) that appears to be making a splash in town, at least according to the bar scuttlebutt? All these questions seem to draw together, but only more questions emerge. Soon Russell and his friend, Johnny Miles, will become caught up in an adventure where mystery and uncertainty abounds. How will ordinary citizens survive, let alone take action in a world of gangs, police and government? Seve Verdad’s Finding Devo: A Novel Adventure is a story of mystery and action which will intrigue and excite the reader as they follow Russell and Johnny in their desperate attempt to escape disaster.
http://goo.gl/LWIZdd Finding Devo (Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/S9h4QJ Finding Devo (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/WlAAv1 Seve Verdad’s Facebook Page
http://goo.gl/i2Fgl9 Seve Verdad’s Web Site
For the full review please click:
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It's now 40 years since President Richard Nixon stepped down following the break in at the Watergate hotel. For me thi has been one of those stories which has been part of societies collective society, we all seem to be aware that Nixon was corrupt. beyond this though I was actually unsure of what the true story behind this knowledge was; after all I was only 6 at the time. I have therefore been trying to play catch up and have been reading as much as I can about the incident. I have therefore just finished All the President's Men and am now reading Woodward and Bernstein's The last Days. I really enjoyed ATPM but this followup book is even better. It is a blistering well written account that takes up where ATPM leaves off. I have a biography of Nixon, an expose of Deep Throat (watergate source not porn movie) and David Frost's account of his interview with Nixon lined up for when I've finished this.
Karen wrote: "Currently reading I heard Ben Mackintyre talking about this book on Radio 4 a few months ago, and was really interested..."
I intend reading this book. My thoughts exactly!!
I just read the first 3+ chapters of this book http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Sun-Book-e... in the sample pages at Amazon books and I'm excited because so far the story is intriguing and the author told me she is going to have a free promo soon!ETA: The free promo for The Eyes of The Sun and its prequel Dissonant is tomorrow!
Hi Everyone! :)Just started reading Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton. Love Simon and Caroline. Alice Clayton's books really are LOL funny!
Am working my way through, Talk Like TED. Have a presentation to do and am bricking it. Hoping that this might make a difference.
The Neurotic’s Guide To Avoiding Enlightenment by Chris Niebauer, Ph.D. – Book ReviewReviewed by Raymond Mathiesen
4 out of 5 stars
Deep thoughts about the self and self-improvement…
Even a quick look at the self-help shelf at any bookstore will quickly reveal that the industry is booming and that most of us seem to have a secret desire to ‘be a better person’. We search for that magic formula which will give us enlightenment, hopefully the quicker the better. But is enlightenment, as we understand it, really achievable? If we did have a better life what would it be like? Would it be very different from our current life? Even more, what if we found that this ‘self’, which we are so bent on improving, turned out not to really exist, to be a myth, an unreliable creation of our own brain? Can modern neuroscience throw any light on this subject, and if so do you have to be an expert to understand it? If you are confused already get ready to have many of your ideas challenged by Chris Niebauer’s thought provoking book The Neurotics Guide To Avoiding Enlightenment: How The Left-brain Plays Unending Games Of Self-improvement.
Many self-help books are written from a New Age / Eastern Mysticism perspective and in a way Niebauer’s book fits into this category. Niebauer is strongly influenced both by the mid twentieth century author Alan Watts and the contemporary writer Eckhart Tolle. Watts wrote on a variety of Eastern Religions including Zen, Hinduism and Taoism and Tolle is greatly influenced by Buddhism. To describe the book as being purely of this ilk, however, would be greatly misleading. Also, to describe The Neurotics Guide simply as a self-help book, would be equally deceptive. Certainly there are mind-exercises and meditation techniques included which the reader may find helps them achieve a new mind-state, and which gives them a new approach to life, but this is very much a book of theory / philosophy which concentrates on challenging our standard ideas about ourselves and our lives. Niebauer is indeed “a college professor specializing in cognitive neuropsychology” (Preface) and the book has a heavy neuroscience content. In essence Niebauer is attempting to give Eastern Mysticism a neuroscience framework, taking it from the world of pure ideas and giving it a firm background in science.
http://goo.gl/oKlcFz The Neurotics Guide (Book ed.)
http://goo.gl/z8HkhM The Neurotics Guide (Kindle ed.)
http://goo.gl/IgXUcJ Chris Niebauer’s Facebook Page
http://goo.gl/HBAXap Chris Niebauer’s Web Site
For the full review please click:
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*~Can't Stop Reading~*
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I am soooo Team Peeta :)