Category: Book Reviews

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Saturday Book Review: “I Love Grass”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

I Love Grass by Maria Boston

I Love Grass

by Maria Boston

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478725688

Synopsis:

Do you love grass?

There are so many things to love about grass. We can love the way it looks, the way it smells – even the way it changes its green from season to season! Read on to add to your experiences with grass.

Maria Boston has always written children’s stories. She pulls on her rich experiences from her own and her daughters’ childhoods. “I Love Grass” is her first published book. She lives in Virginia with her two daughters and their dog.

Critique:

I Love Grass is a textured, craft-filled, illustrated essay on grass for children age 6 and up. Carefully photographed works of textured needlecraft and carpet samples present colored illustrations of a gentle narrative description of grass, progressing through the seasons, exploring the rich colors, different flowers and plants that grow in grass, and living inhabitants of the grass such as bugs, insects, or even humans. I Love Grass is a multimedia celebration of grass, presented in fastidious portraits of creative craft and yarn needlework, incorporating joyous observations of each vision of all the different shades and kinds of grass.

[ reviewed on the Easy Reader Shelf at MBR ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I just received this book and had to review it right away. I absolutely loved it. I review a lot of children books, so I think I know when I see a good one, and I have to say, this is a good one.

First, I have to say I really love the art work in this book. All the pictures are out of yarn. The houses, bench, grass, sky, ground, flowers, etc. It really adds to the creativity of I Love Grass. Each time the “grass” changes, you get to see from the different colors of yarn. I believe this will really hold a child’s attention when they see it. There is also a little grass design on all the pages with words. It is just a beautiful book.

Second, the story. It is just as cute as the book. You can really tell how passionately the author feels about grass and how much she really wants one to love it just the same. Her words are simple, so a younger reader can read it to themselves. One can also learn from it as the author explains the different changes and seasons and shows it along with the pictures in the book. The book isn’t very long so young children’s attention won’t be lost.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think everyone should get I Love Grass for their kids. They will love it and want to read it over and over again.

– Amazon Reviewer Allergykidmom

I don’t have young children but saw this book on a friend’s coffee table and after reading it, I wanted a copy for myself. What caught my attention was the amazing imagery. It is absolutely beautiful!!! The author created all the images out of yarn. How creative! I couldn’t put it down.

So I read it to my cousin, who is more than 40 years younger than me (see how I didn’t give my age away?) She loved it! She asked me to read it a few more times that night so I’m thinking children really like this children’s book as much as I do.

If you are a fan of table books and or have young children, I don’t think you can go wrong with this book. As an adult, it inspired me to get my creativity on! (I hide it when my young cousins visit though. Don’t want icky, sticky children’s fingerprints all over it!)

– Amazon Reviewer Miss G

There are so many things to love about grass. We can love the way it looks, the way it smells – even the way it changes its green from season to season! Read on to add to your experiences with grass.  I Love Grass is a refreshing return to life’s simple pleasures. The book brings out the nature-lover in every child by calling their attention to this, and other, wonders of Earth.

I Love Grass returns young readers to a simpler time of wonderment over the marvels of the natural world. The newly released book by children’s author Maria Boston is published by Outskirts Press.

The first in a new series of children’s books, I Love Grass offers an alternative focus to today’s juvenile reader. The book draws their attention from the mind-numbing stimuli of electronics and computer-generated graphics back to organic things of beauty. It’s the story of one child’s excitement over something so simply ethereal – an oft-unnoticed and unappreciated patch of grass. Through this overlooked foliage, the young girl learns to appreciate the beauty of Earth’s abundance, and revels in the quiet presence of nature.

Parents will appreciate the lessons in I Love Grass, a book that inspires quiet introspection and helps lay the foundation necessary to build future generations of environmentally conscious adults.

– Blogger Apple Blossom of The Blended Blog

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Saturday Book Review: “Pluto the Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

pluto the starfish

Pluto The Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101

by Bonnie M. Anderson
Illustrated by Malinda Raines

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478730408

Synopsis:

It’s a beautiful day in the crystal blue waters surrounding Buck Island. This magical undersea world, with its glittering rainbow of colors and fine, sparkling sand, is home to Pluto the Starfish…but Pluto is feeling sad and confused. Many of his friends can swim gracefully and swiftly. Some can even breathe air and move about on land, and others are large and fierce-looking. But Pluto can’t even swim! It took him all day to move two feet in the sand near the coral reef. He believes he’s not even good enough to be considered dinner! Pluto wonders why he is so different.

Why can’t he do more things like most of the other underwater creatures? What is his purpose?

Luckily, Pluto has good friends-like Lewis the Lobster, Lolita the Latina Leatherback Turtle and Nancy the Nurse Shark-who teach him that everyone is important and wonderfully different. Pluto the Starfish is a charming, delightfully illustrated book that not only helps children discuss their feelings and fears but it also teaches respect and care for the spectacular and varied inhabitants of our waters. A must-read for children of all ages.

Critique:

Pluto the Starfish: An Undersea Tale for Children 1 to 101 is a delightful children’s ocean allegory that stars special marine creatures in a search for life’s purpose and meaning. Pluto the Starfish is sad because he has no idea of his purpose in life. He is comforted by many different marine characters, including Lewis the Lobster, Nancy the Nurse Shark, Lolita the Latina Leatherback Turtle, Harriet the Humpback Whale, Konky the Conch, and even a human diver. Answering Pluto’s fear and sadness, Lewis the Lobster tells him: “You are the star of the ocean…You don’t have to swim… or be fast… or be furious…. or even be big. You are our star and you are humble, beautiful and kind. You are a good friend, too. That is your role and we respect and love you.” Pluto the Starfish is an entertaining and imaginative marine fantasy that encourages outside the box thinking while educating about many fascinating facts of marine biology. The expressive illustrations provide living, vivid background to every page of white text.

[ reviewed on the Fantasy/SciFi Shelf of MBR ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Like all truly universal tales, chances are anyone who reads “Pluto the Starfish” will see aspects of themselves in the little guy who feels he doesn’t quite measure up to his underwater friends. But thanks to their kindness and wisdom, Pluto learns that everyone has something to contribute and that “we’re all here for a purpose.”
Apart from teaching little ones about our neighbors who live under the sea, Pluto also imparts lessons about why we must all look out for one another through charming characters, a touching story and illustrations so vivid they jump off the page.

– Amazon Reviewer Gail O’Neill

This is a great tale to encourage children and to show that while everyone has unique qualities and talents, everybody is important and of value. Personally, I found this story oozing with morale, but then this is my personal impression from the POV of an adult which is not the target group and therefore shouldn’t affect the rating of this book too much.

My son really loves the story of little Pluto and his friends, which shows that its simplicity combined with the beautiful pictures meet a child’s perception perfectly. He had a lot of questions regarding the different sea animals and their characteristics as well as each animal’s talent and worth. We had to interrupt reading several times to discuss the story’s details and the book kept us thinking for a long time. His detailed and lasting interest in this charming adventure show that Pluto the Starfish is a fascinating book sure to attract and inspire children.

– Goodreads Reviewer Elke

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Saturday Book Review: “Doggie Delicious”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

doggie delicious

Doggie Delicious

by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston
Illustrated by Malinda Raines

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN:9781478722779

Synopsis:

A Uniquely Talented Dog!

Life at the ranch is fun and happy, but nobody could have imagined how much more interesting it would become when Bibi, a very unusual dog, came to add an exponential level of joy. As Bibi explores her gifts and chases her dream, surprises abound as all the animals at the ranch find themselves catapulted out of the status quo and into a new world where anything is possible. A magnificent ranch play day evolves, where each animal makes a special contribution to share the best and most unexpected parts of themselves with the neighborhood children. The play day goes so well that the animals can hardly wait for the next adventure. Bibi’s success in realizing her intentions shows the animals what determination and courage can accomplish, and as she models faith and trust in the greater wisdom of life, all the people and animals around her begin to understand that there is much more to themselves, and to the world! This charming beginning chapter book with its positive, inspiring message is sure to become a favorite with readers of all ages.

Critique:

I was very impressed with this read as it touches on living life with all its joys and sadness. Life, death, eternity all play a roll in our lives, be it with other humans, or animals that we treasure so deeply. This is a story of living, not dying, of hope, imagination, caring, and joy. It is about a family, not just made up of humans, but made up of lives that are all a part of one another’s day, and life. It is about Babi, a special dog, with special traits, that brings front and center imagination, hope, inspiration, and love to all the animals and humans that this special creature comes in contact with. Babi is the example for all others of forging ahead, open to the tasks, the challenges and the victory to be had. It is a story of love, encouragement, faith, hope and winning. Very moving read, well done. Recommended..

[ reviewed by Shirley Priscilla Johnson]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

 Doggie Delicious by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston is a special book about love and finding your inspiration to follow in order to make
your special contribution to life. This is a chapter book. It can be read to your child or if your child is a reader then they can read it alone
or to you. It is a great book to add to your child’s book shelf. It is about Bibi who is adopted and lives on a ranch with many other
animals. She soon develops wings. Bibi uses her wings to help people, her animal friends and her “Master.” A ranch play day is
planned, neighbors are invited and all the animals participate with their special contribution. Everyone begins to understand that
there’s more to themselves that than they thought. The party ends with everyone looking forward to the next play day. I gave this book
5 stars but it deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Mary Jo Wisneski
Johnston.

– Barnes & Noble Reviewer MargieS1

In this captivating children’s story we meet the Bibi. She is a lovely white pup who comes to live at the ranch. She quickly entrenches herself into the hearts of her owners and then the fun begins. Bibi has a great adventure and has a very special talent (but I’m not going to spoil it here).

This is a chapter book with full colour page illustrations by Malinda Raines. I think many children will enjoy Bibi’s story. If you’re looking for a children’s chapter book that your child will treasure then this will make a great addition to your library.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book there were times when I worried about the complex language and sentence structure. On reflection though I don’t think it would put a good reader off. Also, it’s important to challenge children as they require the necessary skills and develop their appreciation of our language.

The story is well thought out and engaging. I found it delightful and can highly recommend it.

– Goodreads Reviewer Susan Day

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Saturday Book Review: “Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

why not? conquering the road less traveled

Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled

by John Brown & Donna Brown

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478742265

Synopsis:

Cerebral Palsy, a developmental disease impacting motor coordination, affects 3 out of 1,000 births. While medical intervention such as physical or speech therapy, ambulatory aides like wheelchairs or braces, help a child achieve a productive life, John Brown was determined that he would leave his mark on the world. Born in the early 50’s with a type of spastic CP impacting his gait and balance, but leaving his speech intact, John and his strong willed mother fought against the times’ conventional wisdom and doctors’ predictions that he would never walk.
After an early childhood of repeated muscle lengthening surgeries and body braces, he insisted upon leaving a special education school to be mainstreamed in the Philadelphia Catholic, then public, school systems, and went on to play Catholic grade school football and developed a keen interest in high school wrestling and football. After completing a degree in broadcast journalism, he embarked on a 44 year career as an award winning Philadelphia radio disc jockey, traffic reporter and meteorologist, retiring in October 2013.
From the childhood specialists who viewed him as just another special needs child, to his first radio program director who called him a diamond in the rough, John was determined to be the best in his field and demonstrate that hard work, perseverance and, some luck, can help one trump the odds no matter the obstacles. John’s is a story of the American spirit, how tears, determination and true grit can get you to the top.

Critique:

Exceptionally well written and presented, Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled is a an extraordinarily candid and moving personal account of triumph over tragedy. Very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library American Biography collections, it should be noted that Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled is also available in a Kindle edition ($15.95).

[ reviewed in the Memoir Shelf of Midwest Book Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Why Not is the perfect title for this heartwarming, simple book about a man who refuses to be ruled by his limitations created by Cerebral Palsy.
Childhood can be difficult at the best of times but when you are the slightest bit different from the crowd, it can be brutal. But John Brown decided to face his fears and the jeers of classmates head on and prove to them and himself that despite the CP he was a force to be reckoned with.

Many of his childhood exploits sound typically normal for kid his age… borrowing a car with a friend, driving too fast and wrecking it, skipping school to hang out with his buddies, etc. Of course at times things were difficult and he was miserable but his positive attitude was the prevailing factor he chose to cling to when things got rough. The author goes on to enjoy a very successful career and a long and happy marriage and he takes us along for the ride.

Why Not? is an inspiring story about one man’s triumph over the adversities in his life and how he made the choice to live his life to the fullest. One quote from the book sums it up perfectly, “You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” John Brown is living proof of this as you will see if you read this engaging book. Five stars for John Brown and Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled.

– Amazon Reviewer terrylynn

Such an inspiring memoir sharing multiple poignant messages, eliminate the word ‘CANT’ from your vocabulary and life, TRY everything even if it’s a miss, maintain a POSITIVE attitude and outlook. Sage words and advice from a man dealing with an extended challenge from birth as John Brown tells of his past, present and future.

John Brown tells of his life with Cerebral Palsy. He begins with childhood through to his retirement. As you read John’s story his challenge becomes invisible as he never uses his CP as a crutch, or an excuse, rather a vehicle propelling him to forge ahead no matter the hand dealt. He has CP but CP doesn’t have him. His positive outlook is evident, he zest for life apparent and his fearlessness to try new things apparent. He sets a wonderful example for all to follow.

His mother played a key roll in his attitude, she never treated him ‘differently’ and she disregarded physicians early bleak prognosis. John continues with his story and the reader learns of his wife and her influence in his life as well. No doubt this man is blessed with a strong line of support by family and extended family. Donna (wife) shares her feelings regarding life with John in a loving candid manner.

John’s story is honest, filled with humor and unfailing optimism you’ll find yourself motivated and heady from the intoxicating impact of John’s words and actions. He also provides advice for those dealing with disabilities.

A wonderful story full of inspiration and encouragement. A man limited only by the limits he sets himself. John Brown is an example of living life on your terms even when aspects are out of your control, embrace your imperfection and live life to the fullest no holds barred. Lovely memoir.

– Goodreads Reviewer Melinda

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Saturday Book Review: “What I’ve Learned” (NOTE: coarse language)

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

what I've learned

What I’ve Learned : An Encyclopedia of Perpetual Bullshit

by Christopher Heist

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478742487

Synopsis (from Amazon):

What I’ve Learned: An Encyclopedia of Perpetual Bullshit covers topics that affect us every single day, as seen through the eyes of Chris Heist. Just like you, he’s a nobody that wants to be a somebody. So he set out to write this book, losing two jobs, an apartment, and a marriage along the way.
In this book you’ll learn how to properly reject etiquette, how to legally stare into your neighbor’s windows, how to properly support suicide, how to make sense out of idiotic laws, how to insult people’s mothers, how to piss off religious people, how to write a screenplay, how to use taboo words without getting your ass kicked, how to play drinking games, how to handle holidays, how to use the bible to avoid paying child support, how to spot a scumbag boss, how to disgust hotel staff, how to behave online, how to deal with addiction, how to properly be patriotic, how to skip high school, how to say impolite things in German, how to choose heroes, and how to enjoy what you have with the time you have to enjoy it.
In his small circle of friends, he is both a legend and an asshole. But now, Christopher T. Heist can invade the lives of complete strangers as he shares his twisted perspective of everything he’s been exposed to. And yes, nothing is sacred. As a self-proclaimed actor, activist, poet, porn star, comedian, screenwriter, atheist, author, body-builder, recovered addict, part-time alcoholic, part-time racist, leader, winner, loser, counselor, ex-soldier, runner, bicyclist, laborer, prisoner, freethinker, singer, rapper, boxer, criminal, pimp, victim, street fighter, dirty fighter, dealer, director, graduate, guardian, sucker puncher, lover, photographer, model, artist, father, inventor, slave to the system, and all around survivalist; you may find yourself nodding in agreement to some of the crazy shit he hammers out in this book.

Critique:

A unique compendium, What I’ve Learned: An Encyclopedia of Perpetual Bullshit is a compelling read from first page to last. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, What I’ve Learned is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. A seminal work of iconoclastic relevance to the world we all live in, What I’ve Learned is very highly recommended and instructive reading.

[ reviewed in the Reviewer’s Choice section of Midwest Book Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

This is a 782 page epic, filled with the musings, memories and meditations of one, Christopher T. Heist. Christopher touches on an assortment of topics, in alphabetical order, from Abortion and Addiction, to Video Games and “Ya’ Momma'” jokes. This book covers the entire spectrum of life, growing up as a wild child Philadelphia, PA and becoming a man abroad. Christopher Heist’s debut is clearly filled with passion and zeal, as he runs through the gauntlet of his life’s meaning and the messages that he wants to communicate with other “30-somethings” and a younger generation who are in the process of navigating their souls through this crazy world, or have already been through some crazy bulls***.

This book has made me laugh out loud and also connect with Christopher like a kindred soul. Not only are we from the same city, but we also both grew up in the same neighborhood and went to some of the same local schools. In fact, Chris’s mother used to babysit myself and my younger brother when we were very little kids, and I can even remember playing with Star Wars action figures and watching “Fraggle Rock” on HBO at Chris’s house. Our age and our circumstances aren’t exactly the same, but our philosophies, experiences and our defiance against the mundane nature of the current social and political orders that surround us, all line up in the same brackets.

This book is like a time machine, which takes the reader back in time to the 1980’s and in to the mind of an above average intelligence, lower middle class white kid, growing up in a racially mixed neighborhood, being raised by a family of hard working, stressed out and exhausted parents while trying to keep up with the pace and pressures of school, friends, bullies, gangs, drugs, thugs and violence that started to over take the neighborhood as the 1980’s became the 1990’s. I call this book “epic”, because of the vast scope of topics and issues that Christopher tackles in this book. It is an excellent read, and perhaps I am biased, because we both hail from the same global coordinates, but even if I grew up in some far away land, I would still love reading this book.

I’m looking forward to having my book signed and I hope that this book will help to launch Christopher T. Heist’s writing, sensibilities, philosophies, wisdom and his perspective in front of the eyes of as many fellow “bipedal apes” as possible.

– Amazon Reviewer mightydragoninc

If you have picked up What I’ve Learned expecting some enlightening book about life and the meaning and purpose of life, why we are here and what you need to do to enjoy life then you found the wrong book. If you picked it up for a humorous look at life, with a slightly irreverent tone and some sarcasm then you definitely found the right book! Author Christopher T. Heist takes a conversational approach and writes a book that flows from topic to topic about life, what he has experienced and been through, yet without the rose-colored glasses that most people tend to write with. This book tells it like it is, with a slightly irreverent, sarcastic and humorous tone.

What I’ve Learned flows more as one person talking to another than having a typical book like structure which makes it feel more casual and friendly. It also lends itself well to the whole concept of the non-serious and funny tone of the book. The subtitle of the book is An Encyclopedia of Perpetual Bullshit, that alone ought to tell you this is not going to be a serious tome! Author Christopher T. Heist takes a natural look at everything that comes to his minds, and lets it all flow out as it comes. This is a fun read and something that would be a great airplane ride read. It’s an adult book, although older teens would be fine reading it, and its just something fun and enjoyable with a little of everything.

– Goodreads Reviewer Michelle Randall

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Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

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