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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

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

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

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

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

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

amazon reviews, Book Reviews, Self Publishing Saturday, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “boombin and lama”

boombin and lama:

A Story of Friendship, investigation and Adventure!

by Boona Cheema (author)
& Damon Guthrie (illustrator)

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478722502

Synopsis:

This book is about a learning-journey between a bear and his lama/teacher. Each page is dedicated to the discovery of environmental problems facing the sustainability of earth from a small bear’s perspective. Adults reading this book will get an excellent sense of what to teach their children about caring for the earth, and children will be fascinated by the adventures that can unfold while keeping their own carbon imprint small. boombin and lama is a story that happily discusses some of today’s most pressing challenges in a way that uplifts and motivates while entertaining and inspiring all of us to work together in our own small ways!

Boona Cheema and Damon Guthrie have been collaborating on educational projects for the last five years, exchanging ideas and creating original images and words to communicate to people of all ages. At the heart of this collaboration is the desire to help children and adults learn about the issues of our environment so that they may take action towards positive change. Together, Boona and Damon have created a way for people to learn about environmental issues without provoking fear but instead, suggesting happy-conscious actions that can indeed make all of our lives better.

Critique:

boombin and lama: A Story of Friendship, investigation and Adventure! is an exciting, unusual story about a loving blue bear who decided to seek his Lama, or teacher, to help him learn to teach other bears and children ways to care for and protect the natural environment of the earth, leaving the smallest carbon footprint possible. Boombin is excited to share all his questions with his wise lama, and to meet other lamas and their bears.

The gentle, humble translations of boombin’s experiences with lama are conveyed in lower case, loving prose illustrated with wildly colorful pictures of many different lamas and bears, all learning ways to love, clean, and preserve the earth. boombin and lama is a book experience that teaches by happening. Kids of varying ages will find its appeal irresistible, while the message of responsible stewardship and supportive recycling is kindly and clearly demonstrated in a variety of creative and resourceful ways around the world. boombin and lama is a dip into exploration of ecological solutions, a great adventure. Described as “an ever changing collaborative adventure,” boombin and lama is sure to be part of a series that friends that young readers will want to follow..

[ reviewed in the Children’s Bookwatch ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

This book is so sweet, informative, touching and important – a must-read for progressive kids and parents, and anyone who wants to inspire a young person to protect our planet… what’s better than a story with bears?… a bear and a LAMA, of course… the storytelling is gentle and accessible, about hard issues… the illustrations are so beautiful – richly detailed and gorgeous colors… One of the most unique kids books I’ve read in years (and I am knee deep in kids’ books) – it’s one-of-a-kind!

– Amazon Reviewer Sonja Fitz

This is a family favorite! We just received our hardback copy, and have not been able to put it down! Our little ones love the fun adventures boombin and lama have on every page, and we love the important messages about nature, sustainability, and taking care of each other. The art is gorgeous, and fingers crossed another book follows soon!

– Amazon Reviewer Renee Thompson

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 Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “The Lucky Seven Show”

The Lucky Seven Show

by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston (author)
& Richa Kinra (illustrator)

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478747093

Synopsis:

Muscatino Rattuti the Great––or Musky for short––is delighted to have discovered the huge barn with seven sides. It’s perfect for storing the Rat Pack’s treasures from their nightly forays, and the entertainment possibilities of the barn are endless: It’s loaded with various and sundry items that the wood rats, flying machines, forest people, musical instruments, photographs, the world geography contingent, and ancient farm tools are inspired to engage in. Musky isn’t the only creature vying for use of the barn. Everyone wants to play there! In The Lucky Seven Show––a delightfully illustrated new book––Musky the wood rat and the weathervane horse use their wits to bring about a resolution to the problem, as all seven groups showcasing their talents in the barn at once would cause utter chaos. A positive outcome grows out of generous planning, collaboration, and compromise among the groups––and the final resolution brings happiness to all!

Critique:

The Lucky Seven Show is a creative fantasy in which Muscatino Rattuti the Great, otherwise known as Musky the wood rat, collaborates with seven other groups or entities to organize multi-faceted use of the hepbarn, a seven sided magical barn storage structure in which all groups wish to perform. In this amazing, kaleidoscopic mini epic, Musky, a wizard wood rat with wings, is assisted by a talking weathervane pony and a human observer to begin a planning conference inviting all seven groups to think of ways to share performance space in the hepbarn. This is a phenomenal idea, resulting in an amazing Lucky Seven Show featuring flying machines, forest wood sprites, funky musical instruments, animated trip photographs, world geography remnants, and ancient farm tools, and the wood rat pack. Each contingent was allowed one side of the seven sided barn and one time for featured performance, and all planned performances were announced by a publicity menagerie/signboard effect. In this ditzy, glitzy, theatrical troupe, shape and order, with collaboration and cooperation, evolve into a stunning solution which eclipses anything imagined by Musky or the other groups. Funny, whirling, colorful pencil/crayon-like illustrations express the components of The Lucky Seven Show with precision and style, providing an enriched fantasy experience for the lucky readers (age 8 and up). The Lucky Seven Show ends leaving readers wanting to hear more. Perhaps a sequel will add further delight.

[ reviewed in the Children’s Bookwatch ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

This book is about cooperation, organization and being willing to take turns when only one group of several can be active at any time. The interior of a barn has seven sides and there are seven distinct groups of actors that want to carry out their performances designed to express what appears on their wall. When one group is active there is no room for any other group to operate, so scheduling is necessary.
The caretaker of the barn is Muscatino Rattuti the Great (Dr. Wiz), a flying rat with wispy, filmy wings. It is his job to keep everything organized and he is drawn with nose spectacles and wearing a wizard’s robe and hat. Eventually, there is a meeting where the groups within the barn are able to create a schedule that all can agree on.
Although it is constructed in the classic children’s book form of images on one side and text on the other, this book will challenge young readers due to the presence of more difficult words. Some of those words are Hantavirus, sojourns, appendages, interminable, edifice, myriad and cacophony. The images have the appearance of having been done in colored pencil, the colors are soft and there are sketch lines.
This is a book that presents an important lesson, the lesson of timesharing a scarce resource. The smooth process of life is based on rules of politely taking your turn, whether you are in a grocery store, driving a vehicle or in a business meeting where company policy is being discussed and developed. Children need to learn that this is the most efficient way for groups to function and this book teaches that important lesson.

– Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer Charles Ashbacher

Illustrated by Richa Kinra, this children’s book by Mary Jo Wisneski Johnston is sure to delight many readers. It the pictures are engaging and colourful. They are hand drawn and the expressions on the characters’ faces are amusing. I do not like computer generated images and I would like to applaud the author and publisher of this book for these organic and enriching illustrations.

This fun book tells the tale of a strange seven-sided barn and the magical events that happen within its walls. Each side or wall has different characters who compete with each other for space and attention. However, a compromise is reached and the reader learns a valuable lesson about working together, cooperation and appreciation of those that are different from ourselves.

– Amazon Reviewer Susan Day

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

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “The Rocky Road of Love”

The Rocky Road of Love

by Vernon Hosannah

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478742555

Synopsis:

Are you ready for an outing with our favorite two organic materials, Rocky and Sandy? Rocky is a large boulder-a strong, silent type with rugged, chiseled features-who lives by the water’s edge. Sandy is a lovely tropical coast, a free spirit who is always changing. The Rocky Road of Love is the humorous tale of how Rocky and Sandy meet, fall in love, and weather the storms of life. It’s an enjoyable read for both children and adults, who will each will take something away from the experience..

Critique:

The Rocky Road of Love is a witty, allegorical tale about a marriage relationship that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The marriage partners are Rocky, a huge boulder, and Sandy, a beautiful beach where Rocky stood. As relationships go, theirs was a case of opposites attract. Rocky was steady and stable, Sandy was ever-changing and fun-loving. Serious differences between the pair nearly caused a separation or divorce, but the land commissioner (their counselor) told them that they had no grounds. Both Sandy and Rocky learned to appreciate each other’s qualities and Sandy got Rocky to go along with having a beach party for fun. This began as a fun event but ended as a cleanup project, and the fun component became a liability instead. Sandy and Rocky eventually had children together, baby rocks and pebbles, and enjoyed a long lasting marriage with many good qualities and moments of celebration. The adults who read “The Rocky Road of Love” will enjoy all the puns and nuances, while the children will learn about compromise and celebrating differences in relationships. The prose style and language is carefully presented on more than one level, which makes for an entertaining tale for multiple generations.

[ reviewed in the Children’s Bookwatch ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Wow! Another great book from Vernon Hosannah! This book is great for both children and adults. I read it to my kids and they LOVED it! I also took away some valuealbe lessons. What a phenomenal read!.

– Amazon Reviewer Kassie

A sweet, sweet tale. Nicely written. Great illustrations. Pick it up!.

– Blogger Niki

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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