Book Reviews – Page 30 – Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, janice viraht, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, t-bone's traveling circus, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “T-Bone’s Traveling Circus”

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:

T-Bone’s Traveling Circus

Janice Viraht

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478729105

Synopsis:

Defeat bullying with love, laughter, and acceptance! In this imaginative sequel to T-Bone the Flying Horse, meet Rita Bonita the young horse who is constantly the target of teasing and bullying. Her life is transformed in a wonderful way when she meets a girl and her colorful cast of misfit friends. The girl, inspired by her great friend T-Bone, has formed a circus to help the teased love themselves and stand up to bullying! Join Rita Bonita and her new circus friends as they share laughter and spark the imagination in this fantastical rhyming tale about love and acceptance.

Critique:

I found this to be such a delightful book. First of all I loved how colorful it is. The cover has a drawing effect to it that makes you want to sit down and see what is inside, and you will not be disappointed. We meet Rita Bonita, a poor little horse who is the victim of bullying. One sad baby, but her world is about to be turned around when she meets up with several young and misfit friends, and a circus. With them she is accepted and loved, and her world is turned around.

In this read you and your child will be reminded of the cruelty of bullying. It is a sad fact that this type of behavior goes on day by day. In this read children will see how sad and rejected it can make another, even if it is an animal, and how kindness and acceptance can change the world around for the bullied person. The illustrations are top-notch and the story is simple, yet has deep meaning that is brought front and center. This book addresses a serious problem by showing those under attack they are not alone, are not below others, and can find friendship and love. Well done, great read.

[ reviewed by Shirley Johnson ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Rita Bonita is a horse that was teased and ridiculed for being different when she was growing up. They laughed at her ears, color and size, telling her that she was not a real horse. Then one day a wagon came slowly up the road and the cover said “T-Bone’s Traveling Circus.”
In the wagon there were many animals that could be considered misfits for they were unable to do what their kind was supposed to do or be. A lion that could not roar, a fairy with only one wing and a dragon that could not breathe fire were only some of the creatures in the circus.
From them, Rita Bonita learned that there are many creatures that are different and that is what makes them special and that her difference makes her special as well. When she marched with all the animals of the circus, for the first time in her life Rita Bonita walked tall and proud.
Being different in size, shape or appearance can be hard when you are young, especially when you are made fun of. Virant uses this theme to create a book that will impart the lesson that teasing about such matters is hurtful and it may turn out that the person you are teasing may be better than you at some things. That is an important lesson that needs to be given and reinforced until internalized.
The text is presented as a series of simple four-line segments where the even numbered lines rhyme and the text is embedded in an image that is very colorful. That coloration is not bright yet is distinctive and attractive enough to catch the eye of the child.

– Amazon Hall-of-Fame Reviewer Charles Ashbacher

T-Bone’s Traveling Circus is an adorable kids storybook about a group of misfits who are ‘different’ Whether it’s furry snakes or floppy-winged fairies, each of the characters have something about them that is different, and outright silly. My little girl loves T-Bone’s Traveling Circus and the colorful illustrations in the book.

As a parent I like the fact that it teaches children that it’s okay to be different. Whether it’s a disability, a weight, height or another characteristic that makes them different, this books helps kids realize it’s okay to be different.

– Amazon Reviewer So Simply Stephanie

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

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, kevin loesch, outskirts press, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, small government, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Small Government My A**”

Small Government My A**

Kevin Loesch

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478739036

Synopsis:

The new generation of freedom is here! In his debut book, Kevin Loesch tackles various issues affecting the United States today from a unique point of view. From the Constitution and Bill of Rights, to social issues, Loesch holds nothing back in his fight with the conservative wing of the Republican party and what they get wrong or don’t understand from a Libertarian point of view. You will find out why some of their policies conflict not only with their stances or claims against small government into people’s personal lives, but that of the Founding Fathers as well.

Critique:

The debut political book by Colorado editorialist Kevin Loesch, Small Government My A**: Things Conservatives Say & Do That Aggravate Libertarians is a sharp criticism of the conservative wing of America’s Republican party, from a Libertarian point of view. No topic is too hot to touch; Loesch discusses legalizing drugs and how the “war on drugs” has overcrowded the prison system; why he regards whistleblowers such as Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and Julian Assange as heroes; why America needs separation of church and state and why conservative’s efforts to undermine that division are misguided and harmful; why he feels conservatives are not serious about balancing the budget; and much more. Whether one agrees with Loesch’s views or not, he makes compelling, reasoned, and snappy arguments, worthy of extended contemplation. “It is a shame that more Republicans aren’t like Amash or Ron and Rand Paul. If they were truly concerned about the out of control spending, they would cut military spending as well. As I stated earlier, the United States does have a huge spending problem, especially when it comes to the military, which dwarfs the rest of the world.

[ reviewed by Susan Bethany ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

While author Kevin Loesch bashes both major political parties in the United States in Small Government My A**, the majority of his fire is directed at the Republicans. His position is that of a strong libertarian and his arguments against Republicans are based on their deceptive hypocrisy. Republicans spout their rhetoric against big government while repeatedly voting for the expansion of government, passing bills such as the Patriot Act that effectively eliminates many constitutional rights. Loesch also criticizes liberals about expanding the role of government, but as he states it, “At least they are honest about it.”

The libertarian point of view is, unfortunately, one of the few in the United States that is voicing objections against the expansion of government power and the march towards involving the country in even more foreign entanglements. Loesch is a big fan of Ron Paul, describing some of his positions as well as the flak Paul took when he said things like advocating the pulling of American troops out of countries such as Japan and Germany. Loesch directs the fiercest ire against the George W. Bush administration and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On occasion he defends President Obama over the mess he inherited from the Bush administration, but only a little.

In many ways the libertarians and Loesch are political idealists in the sense that they are right, but they are battling enormous political opposition heavily entrenched in both major parties. Since he attacks both major parties, there are things in this book that both sides will like and others that they will dislike. He states many things that are the way things should be. Unfortunately, in the given political climate and the continued fear-mongering atmosphere, the liberties that have been lost are likely gone forever.

– Reader’s Favorite Reviewer Charles Ashbacher

A MUST READ PAGE TURNER! THE FIRST BOOK BY THIS NEW AUTHOR IS PROVOCATIVE, CONTROVERSIAL AND DISTURBING. IT MAY CHANGE THE READER’S VIEW ON WAR, POLITICS AND JUSTICE. THIS SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR EVERY THINKING PERSON’S LIBRARY. IT WILL BE DISCUSSED FOR YEARS TO COME. DON’T MISS THIS ONE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK BY THIS GIFTED AUTHOR.

– Amazon Reviewer james w michon

Outskirts Press also released a book trailer for Loesch’s book, found here:

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

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, scott clements, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, that pet finder kid catnapped, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “That Pet Finder Kid Catnapped”

That Pet Finder Kid Catnapped

Scott Clements

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781460068513

Synopsis:

Have you ever felt your pets are your only true friends? That’s exactly how thirteen-year-old Chet Parker felt every day of his life. After failing at sports, music, and almost everything imaginable, he gave up on ever finding his place in the world. But thanks to an accidental dose of modified dog DNA, things were about to change for Chet. With a new found connection to his six month old dog Zoe, Chet learns that Mr. Fluffy Pants, the cat of the most popular girl in school, has gone missing. Will Chet’s off-the-wall investigative methods drive him further down the social ladder? Or will they lift him up to claim his spot as That Pet Finder Kid?

A delightful detective story, sure to melt the heart of every pet lover.

Critique:

From sports to music, 13 year old Chet Parker fails at anything he ever attempts to do. He also does not fit in with other kids at school. That’s why he is more into animals because they love you no matter what you do, he thinks. When he takes his dog to the vet something happens and he gets the shot meant for his dog. A short time later he is aware that he can sense what animals around him are thinking and his sense of smell is increased. He learns that Heather, a fellow student, lets him know her cat Mr. Fluff Fluff is gone, and she thinks he has run away. Chet aids her and realizes that for some reason someone has stolen her cat. Later there is a ransom note and now Chet has a purpose, that being who took her cat. Chet also becomes friends with a new neighbor and a severely overweight kid named “Ton” who has the reputation of eating kids he does not like. Scott Clements who works on the hit USA network series “Burn Notice” is also a very talented writer of YA novels this being one of them. Chet and all the characters in the novel are well defined in a story that rapidly moves along to the revealing ending where readers find out who stole the cat. That Pet Finder Kid Catnapped is a first class YA mystery novel that would make a great series of adventures for amateur detective Chet Parker.

[ reviewed by Gary Roen ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I’m an adult reading a young adult novel, but an adult who has some pretty fond memories of YA reading and some books I continually revisit. Having said that, I really enjoyed this journey through a YA mystery with Scott’s characters in “That Pet Finder Kid: Catnapped.” I like the characters, story, and the world these kids inhabit, especially the attention to pets. I think kids reading the book or listening to it will enjoy it, too. It’s a world they know, with the attendant adolescent miseries. But it’s also got some fun mysteries going on that will keep them intrigued. What’s more, they can find their own heroes solving the mysteries and gaining some self-esteem in the process. Worthy lessons for us all.

The pacing is great for readers of every age to enjoy the ride. Middle school kids will enjoy reading it themselves. It’s good bedtime read-aloud stuff for the younger kids: The book can be done in serial selections with enough cliffhangers to have them begging for more. As for me, I’m looking forward to more stories of Chet and his friends, animal and human.

– Amazon Reviewer Karen Leckey

Another great children’s book by Scott Clements! Scott has an amazing ability to create fully formed characters that spring to life right from the very first page. I really like the kids in Scott’s books–they’re bright, inquisitive and full of life and personality. The side kick friend in this book was hilarious–I laughed out loud at his jokes and shenanigans all the way through the book.

I recommend this book highly for young teens and younger children. It has a little mystery, a little magic in the way Chet can communicate with his pets, and a nice fast-paced story. And lots of really loving and fun interaction with pets for those of us who love the furry creatures. Can’t wait for the next book from Scott. If you haven’t already read it, I also highly recommend Gasparilla’s Treasure.

– Amazon Reviewer P. Wells

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

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, from the archives, Kelly Speaks, lunar eclipse, supermoon

From the Archives: “Self-published Book Review of the Week: The Science of Life”

Welcome back to our new Tuesday segment, where we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular posts from the last few years. What’s stayed the same? And what’s changed? We’ll be updating you on the facts, and taking a new (and hopefully refreshing) angle on a few timeless classics of Self Publishing Advisor.

∗∗∗∗∗

[ Originally posted: November 7th, 2010 ]

The Science of Life
Ronnie Lee
9781432758639 $34.95

Some things in life can’t be quantified by numbers. “The Science of Life: Philosophical Equations of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Religion” is a discussion that seeks to blend science with philosophy and religion, with a unique format from Ronnie Lee, a Chinese poet and philosopher. Giving readers a lot to ponder and think about and discussing major scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, done in a poetic style, “The Science of Life” is a unique experience that will be hard to match.

Susan Bethany
Reviewer

This Book Of Science is a unique volume of poetry full of scientific equations to understand fundamental scientific values of today such as quantum entanglement, gravity, relativity, string theory, genetics and even the origin of life. From Newton to Einstein to Bohr to Schrodinger, this book covers a history of physics, to uncover, inspire and unravel new laws of science to allow the past generation to be understood by the new and future generations to come. The information age has allowed a Golden Age of Science to begin and this book is a fundamental research log for the start of the new era of quantum mechanics, nanotechnology and space exploration. It attempts to align everything in science towards an orderly, easy and efficient method of deduction for a grand unfied theory and a practical logic to make science a success for society to reach its goals and ambitions for wealth, profit and worth. It attempts to unite the laws of life in the simplest way possible; through the heart and mind of a philosopher.

If you’re up on your space-related news, you’ll probably already be aware that two days ago, on the night of September 27th, North America was in a prime location to watch a beautiful three-and-a-half hour total lunar eclipse of a supermoon (that is, a moon that appears larger than normal because it is at its closest approach to earth), and it was also the last blood moon and harvest moon of the year. Night-sky lovers began celebrating early, on the 19th, by coining a new “day”–that is, International Observe the Moon Day. (Next year, in 2016, IOtMD will be on October 6th. Mark your calendars!)

Why do I bring this up? Well, first and foremost, because I’m a bit of what my family calls a “space enthusiast.” I love looking at the night sky, and I sometimes find inspiration there–but I also love reading about the night sky, and about the science that makes such stellar displays, well, stellar. So as my paltry little contribution to this week of astronomical wonder, I thought we might revisit one of our early book reviews, for Ronnie Lee’s The Science of Life.

Since we first posted a review of Lee’s poetry back in 2010, he has released a book trailer through his publisher, Outskirts Press. (See below.)

And the reviews have certainly come in! Ronnie Lee himself has posted a comment to his Amazon book page to say:

This is my eighth book and it holds insights into advanced yet simple, new and fundamental laws of classical and quantum physics including entanglement, quantum dots, gravity and relativity. These hold practical inventions that can be created like teleportation, engines and other tools like better cameras and scanners etc. With different approaches in equations and logics, this book shows new perspectives and theories to underline the mechanisms of the physics of the universe. It also hold clues, theories and logics to the origin of life and to some equations to understand AIDS, Cancer and Schizophrenia. By adapting standard rules, equations and logics, the procedure to analyzing complex systems from isolated systems on chemistry, physics and biology to the universe itself can be understood, used and measured to find practicality for human success in science to reach our technological capacity as creators. With a chapter on religion and the importance of moral balance that must be stabilized with the technological reality, we must gain faith and advice from God, allowing truth from the Holy Spirit to guide us for survival, health and worth with Jesus being the path where unjust dangers on Earth must unite with the just peace of Heaven and only through the narrow door can evil gain the wealth of the good through Jesus Christ. The religious story of life has long been told and so has their prophecies. This book may fulfill some prophecies and start some new ones too. It is a book of science for the success of life.

That’s some heady stuff, folks, and I don’t know about you, but I can certainly always appreciate some uplifting commentary on the intersection between science, faith, politics, and art.

Whether you pick up a new book this week, or sit on your front porch to watch the waning moon rise and set, I hope you find something new to fall in love with, and new stories to immerse yourself in. That is what, to me, my “space enthusiast” tendencies do: they help me fall in love, or back in love, with the minutiae of daily life. ♠

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com.

Book Reviews, charles a. santangelo, outskirts press, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, turning point, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Turning Point”

Turning Point

Charles A. Santangelo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432793968

Synopsis:

It’s a new day in America: The United States’ new Democratic president combats hostile political opponents and right-wing media while tackling the challenges of terrorism, global warming and a financial crisis. In the midst of the fray of a charged first term, the president’s liberal daughter, Karen, falls for a decorated Air Force pilot turned Secret Service agent, Capt. John “Rawhide” Cunningham – who, as the grandson of a conservative, swing-vote Supreme Court justice, stands at the opposite end of a vast, ideological chasm. Inspired by his work in the real-life presidential elections of 2000 and 2004, author Charles A. Santangelo weaves a tale of love and political intrigue that speaks to the very core of American values and the integrity of the political process. Told through a progressive ideological perspective, Turning Point makes a compelling case that a scant few with strong values and a willingness to place the nation’s interest above their own can change the course of history. The political/historical thriller blends the action of a Tom Clancy tale with sharp political storytelling and a measure of romance.

Critique:

The 2000 election was a swamp of controversy, no matter how you cut it. Turning Point is a political fantasy from Charles Alfred Santangelo, veteran government official at NASA and Homeland Security. For sake of hypotheticals, he does away with the names of Bush and Gore, instead crafts a What If scenario of a Progressive Democrat claiming the White House in 2000, and what would have followed in many crises, from the environment to a different handling of 9/11. Turning Point is an intriguing look at a very different political world.

[ reviewed by Able Greenspan ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

WOW, what an amazing topic to write about…. an election that tore the country apart and what a fascinating idea to write a novel about what this author believes the world might have been like if Al Gore had assumed the role of President. Whether you side with the Dems or the Republicans — no one can argue that it is intriguing to know just what direction life would take if things were to have come out differently– such as with everything in life, decisions that seem simple enough really have the chance to change the course of history. My politics are somewhere in the middle, but I found learning “Turning Points” ideas of how life could have been very interesting!

– Amazon Reviewer DBT

This terrific novel is not only a page turner, but is also a fascinating and comprehensive look at a wide spectrum of American life, including election fraud, legal intrigue and the economy, all set against a backdrop of a compelling story of love and political tension. Alternative history novels are difficult to bring off, because you have to account for a myriad of ripple effects across the societal spectrum, but the author has accomplished this in an impressive and authoritative manner. Quite an achievement. I’m waiting for the movie, which is inevitable.

– Amazon Reviewer Andrew

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

Self Publishing Advisor

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: