A Walk For Sunshine

Author: Jeff Alt

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Dreams Shared Publications; 3rd edition (September 12, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0967948231

Book Description:

Jeff Alt shares his "Life Lessons from the Trail" and much more in the new edition of A Walk For Sunshine: A 2,160-mile expedition for charity on the Appalachian Trail."

My Review:

What a fascinating book! It's a journal of stories, maps, and photos that made me feel good and wish that I, too, could have the courage to hike and explore the beauty of the Appalachian Trail. It was not only inspirational, but made me feel like I had been there with him all the way! This was an easy, delightfully refreshing, quick read.

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Dream Reachers

Authors: Chase Von and Betty Dravis

Paperback: 476 pages
Publisher: VonChasePublishing (May 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0976678780

Book Description:

"Dream Reachers" is a magical mix of success stories and interviews with people who have dared to stretch to reach for their dreams. From living legends to legends-in-the-making, the subjects of this book let their imaginations soar. Author Betty Dravis shares her experiences as a young journalist when her idols, like Clint Eastwood and Jane Russell, walked right out of the limelight and into her life...for brief, memorable moments. Author Chase Von, a celebrity interviewer and poet, shares his current interviews with high achievers in the arts: acting, writing, painting, photography, music and dance. As these achievers tell you in their own words why they kept stretching to reach their dreams, they enchant the readers with their determination, inspiring them to DREAM BIG. With over forty compelling stories and interviews, this literary work casts new light on what it takes to be a Dream Reacher. These are stories of how even disasters can turn into dreams, challenges into opportunities, with the right attitude of perseverance and determination. Whether you dream of walking the red carpet in Hollywood, taking the Big Apple by storm, having a cottage with a white picket fence––or all of those pleasures––this book will inspire you to “stretch” to make your dreams come true.



My Review:

This book shares the stories and interviews of extraordinary people, who were determined to reach their dreams. It show us how determination can lead to success, how misfortune can be overcome and even give purpose to our lives. It is not only inspirational, but gives us hope when we face road-blocks.

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Embellish

Author: R. L. Sloan
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (June 23, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432740326

Book Description:

Revenge has never tasted so sweet...

As a young girl, Solis Burkes is raped at the hands of ruthless school bullies-an incident that haunts her into young adulthood. Then she meets Nacio, a strikingly handsome man who seems to know everything about her-including the painful past Solis hasn't told anyone about. But what Solis doesn't know is that Nacio has been with her every step of the way, protecting her ever since that fateful episode.

It's a destiny he's been working up to for the last 257 years.Now, as Solis enters a dark world of vampires, voodoo, and passion, she'll need all the protection she can get. Unbeknownst to her, those responsible for Solis's rape have returned. Connected to the evil voodoo Priestess Aldicia, they'll stop at nothing in their plans to spew violence and mayhem throughout the city. And an old family feud dating back centuries puts Solis first on their list of targets. But not if Solis can unravel the clues fast enough, and inflict her own brand of revenge...Embellish mixes sexy romance with high-stakes paranormal intrigue for a keeps-you-guessing, fast-paced and savvy thriller, right up until the shocking finale.


My Review:
Vampires are currently in vogue now, so for someone looking for a fast-paced paranormal thriller about vampires and voodoo, you have come to the right place! This book is filled with page-turning drama, romance, and high-suspense. It's well-written, and sexy, as well. A fast read and thrilling to the very last page. And the cover is beautiful, too. Wow! It's the complete package!

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

The Magician's Book

Author: Laura Miller

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (December 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316017639

Book Description from inside cover:

The Magician's Book is the story of one reader's long, tumultuous relationship with C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia.

My Review:

Some may avoid this book when they consider it to be written from a skeptic’s point of view, and includes criticism of the much loved C. S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. I thought I might find it offensive, too, but to the contrary, I found it to be quite insightful, thought-provoking, and inspirational. Laura Miller has put together a work of beauty, a feast of childhood memories. The Magician’s Book has a spiritual quality-- that mystic veil of childhood awareness, the ability to see and sense things adults have long forgotten. It returns us to the books we loved so long ago; and our child-spirit, the awareness of something eternal, innocent, trusting, and beautiful.

This is a book lover’s book that reminds us of the precious volumes which shaped and formed, in large part, who we are today.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

Cheerful Money / Review

Author: Tad Friend

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company;

(September 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316003174

My Review:

How many ways can a reviewer say boring? I hoped this would be an exciting look into the elegant, distinguished, old-fashioned WASP lifestyle. I wanted to read, to experience, in some secondhand way, the glitter, the sparkle of the wealthy and socially elite. What I did get in this book was a lot of painfully boring stories, dry humor that I didn't think was funny or wasn't able to relate to, and affiliations that meant nothing to me. I wanted to love this book, but woe is me....I just didn't.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

W.O.M.A.N. / Review

Author: Gina Cloud
Paperback: 92 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (June 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439236313

Book Description:

In this revolutionary book, women (and men!) will learn a new perspective that empowers them biologically, sociologically and personally -- all from the inside out, through their own eyes, and free of media stereotypes and myths. With insight and humor, Gina Cloud guides the reader through a rich, soulful and thought provoking journey into each letter of her powerful acronym, W.O.M.A.N., introducing a new way to live a unique, true-to-yourself life. She reveals the wisdom of women’s bodies, long ago lost in places like the menstrual cycle, and shows how beauty is not skin deep, but soul deep and spirit fed. You’ll feel inspired and ready to celebrate your hormones and your unique biology as a woman. You’ll find new definitions for PMS and explore other revolutionary concepts that will excite and empower you. This book is for women everywhere who are tired of feeling like they’re not enough and want to feel good in their own skin.

About the Author

Gina Cloud is an internationally known radio talk show host, author, inspirational speaker, life coach, dancer, mother, and a passionate W.O.M.A.N. Her show is heard in 250 countries. She is also the creator of a unique workshop (The Sacred Facts of Life) for ‘Tweens which teaches young girls the birds-and-the-bees talk from a one-of-a-kind and empowering perspective. She has spent the last 25 years developing this revolutionary body of work based on the powerful – often misunderstood, misrepresented, even despised – biological cycles of women. Her work is the alchemical blending of self-help techniques from every part of the world. She is an expert in nutrition, alternative health strategies, and natural beauty. She is also an advocate for women creating images of woman that are woman-made. She is a native of New Orleans and currently lives in Los Angeles with her daughter.

My Review:

How does one start to express an amazing experience? I see through new eyes, feel through new senses, have become empowered in new ways after reading this profound and insightful new book by Gina Cloud. It fed my spirit and soul and made me more aware of my value as W.O.M.A.N.

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Let It Bleed / A Review

Author: Ethan A. Russell, Gerard Van Der Leun
Photographed by: Ethan Rusell
Format: Hardcover: 256 pages.
Publisher:
Springboard Pr (11/02/2009)



Book Description:

LET IT BLEED takes you where no Rolling Stones book has before. Author and photographer Ethan Russell was one of only sixteen people--including the Rolling Stones--who made up the 1969 tour. He was with them in their hotel rooms, at rehearsals, and on stage. He tells the story of this monumental and historic tour firsthand, including recollections from band members, crew, security, and other sixties icons--like Abbie Hoffman and Little Richard--they met along the way. And he also includes amazing photos of the performers who toured with the Stones that year: the legendary Tina Turner and B. B. King. Through vivid quotes taken from his interviews with the band and crew, and through more than 220 revealing photographs, Russell takes you behind the scenes for an uncensored look inside the Rolling Stones' world at the end of the sixties. It was an idealistic time, with an overarching belief that music could bring us all together. But the events that led to the terrible violence and stabbing death at Altamont would change rock and roll forever.


About the Author:
Ethan Russell is a multi-Grammy nominated photographer and director. He is the only photographer to have shot album covers of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Ethan produced music videos with Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, kd lang, Rosanne Cash, Hank Williams, Jr. and Randy Travis, among others. He is also an award winning creative director and the author of Dear Mr. Fantasy (Houghton Mifflin 1985).

My Review:

Let It Bleed (The Rolling Stones, Altamont, and the End of the Sixties) is a comprehensive look at the remarkable 1969 Rolling Stones tour. Photographer, Ethan Russell, has documented with intimate, detailed photographs and interviews, the story few people have seen or have known before now. He takes the reader behind the scenes and gives them a firsthand look into the lives and journey of one of the most legendary bands to ever perform on any stage.

The infamous Altamont rock concert at the Altamont Speedway in northern California, held on December 6, 1969, is also featured in this large "coffee-table" style book. Headlining that night was The Rolling Stones, and several other famous bands, with the Rolling Stones taking the stage as the final act. Violence erupted during the concert, leaving several dead, including one fatal stabbing. Many had thought this 300,000 fan event would be another Woodstock, but instead, became a tragic experience for both the fans and for The Rolling Stones.

I am amazed at the numerous (on almost every page) personal, and many times intense photographs. I loved this fantastic pictorial documentary and will leave it on a table in my home for other fans to enjoy. I would definitely recommend it.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)