Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week – Page 36

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, 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

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Escape from Eternity”

Escape from Eternity

Nate Scholze

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432789060

Synopsis:

Set in the modern era, a humanoid alien entity, Adrian Antagon, arrives on Earth with a specific mission in mind. He must locate his long lost brother and cohort Menonan Antagon, who disappeared 60,000 years ago on Earth after trying to put down a rebellion of creative aliens who were supposed to be the stewards of the world, of which he was Supreme Commander at the time. Adrian assimilates the body of the first person who comes upon his tiny cylinder-shaped spacecraft and journeys from London, England to the beautiful water-front resort area of Door County, Wisconsin.

In Ephraim he meets up with an old man who recognizes but is not happy to see him. Emil Bitterman says that Adrian has never brought anything but heartache to him and he should leave immediately, but Adrian tells Bitterman he has other plans and requests that he assist him because of a former commitment. The old man refuses, but refers him to a young woman with a messed up life. Laura Whitmore is dealing with an overbearing father, a restaurant employer who’s paying too much attention to her, and the recent death of her cherished boyfriend.

She is not happy when Adrian asks for her help. Tired and depressed, Laura just wants to be left alone, but Adrian is determined to win her over and relays information about strange creative endeavors that changed our world. He explains that all humans are eternal and Earth is simply a place to escape the boredom of eternity and to forget about the problems associated with living forever for a while. Laura is rattled by his bizarre commentary and decides to try to avoid him, so she seeks out her sister Michelle, and her best friend, Colin Benton, a burned-out druggy.

Meantime, the family of the man whose body Adrian had assimilated has discovered he is missing, and to their horror determines their beloved family member now resides in Wisconsin, U.S.A. Bewildered and hurt, Katherine Nolan and friend, John Barrington, make the trip from the U.K. to recover him, but realize when they arrive that the man they think they know is now very different. Adrian kills Laura’s boss for assaulting her, and he is arrested and jailed, but then discloses what he has really come for: To reveal a mysterious truth that will change Laura’s life forever, and send her scurrying for safety. But Adrian needs her, and discloses that she has been chosen to play the central role in his plan whether she wants it or not, and as far as he is concerned, her involvement is not optional.

Laura’s father vows to see Adrian dead and in a bizarre turn of events Adrian is fatally shot by the sister of the now deceased Emil Bitterman. As Adrian is dying at Laura’s feet she discovers, to her horror, the strange and unnatural connection she has to the lost Menonan Antagon, and realizes that the information she receives could cost her more than her sanity, it could cost her her life.

[ courtesy of Amazon ]

Critique:

University of London math Professor William Nolan investigates an object that fell from the sky near his home. He returns to the house ordering his wife Katherine to give him his passport before leaving. Shocked by his out of character behavior she calls family friend John Barrington.

Calling himself Adrian, William flies to Chicago and from there goes to Ephraim, Wisconsin to see Teddy Bitterman. Adrian tells Teddy that Caleb lives in the Cycle and demands he help him rescue him. Teddy refuses as he lost his beloved wife Audrey and his sibling Caleb when he tried to assist Adrian years ago rescue the alien’s missing brother Menonan. Pleading for his sister and him to be left alone, Teddy tells his visitor to look for the oldest Whitmore sister. Adrian locates depressed Laura Whitmore and asks for her assistance, but she refuses as her dreams died in a car accident. He explains why he needs her to find Menonan who vanished after putting down a coup attempt by creative aliens on planet earth many millennia ago. While she turns to her younger sister Michelle and her BFF Colin Benton, her father Howard vows to kill the alien and Katherine and John follow William’s trail to Door County only to learn he killed Laura’s abusive Adam Blake.

Escape from Eternity is a gripping science fiction thriller starring a strong cast with diverse tsuris in a Close Encounters of the Third Kind scenario adding to their woes. The complex twisting storyline built on an eternal cosmological premise is character driven starting with Adrian’s possession of William’s body and never slows down as the audience anticipates a confrontations in Wisconsin and beyond.

[ reviewed by Harriet Klausner ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I believe this will become a cult classic because this book brings a new scape to answer the “why am I here?” question that everyone has.
This book has a plot line that leaves you guessing and the way he has written his characters makes you understand the choices they have made without the normal “I know where this is going” being correct.
Every time I guessed wrong it pulled me further into the story, or is it a story? it makes you wonder,”did this guy figure it out?”
I think it should be read even by people who aren’t the normal sci-fi readers,it has a story that can make anyone ask questions they haven’t asked before. I can’t wait until its picked up by someone for a movie.
The way he paints the landscapes and surroundings of his characters makes you use your imagination knowing that he was trying to portray exactly what you are thinking.

I am a person who keeps books on a shelf that I love so I can read them again, this is a definite re-read. Pick it up with an open mind and you wont be disappointed!

– Amazon Reviewer callmetim

In this read we meet Laura Whitmore, her sister and parents. They appear to be a normal family yet a secret circles their lives, one that only the father fully knows, but never told his family. In a strange visit from a space craft a man runs to see what it is only to be taken over by something or is that someone, with a mission. This now possessed man, who calls himself, Adrian, seeks out Laura who holds the key to the future. Who really is this creature and what secrets does he hold for mankind, and why is Laura so important to him?

I have to say this was a different read with twists and turns I did not expect. The author kept you running forward with the desire to know who Adrian really was and why was he so intent on finding Laura. The characters in this story were interesting and well developed and tied together nicely as the read progressed. I think a little more information should have been given on who this character, Adrain, was a little sooner in the story. Perhaps a few more hints dropped here and there. As I said this was a different twist on ‘earth visiting’ characters and I feel our author plans to take this into another book, or so I assume from the ending of this one. The ending was a surprise in so many ways, I really did not see this ending coming, and it appears Laura is in for other visitations. If you enjoy a read that is a little different than the norm, this one is for you. The foundation is laid and ready to be built upon. I will be watching to see how our author continues this story.

– Amazon Reviewer Shirley Priscilla Johnson

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

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