Tag: book review

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Following Joe

9781432727192_cov.inddFollowing Joe

by Alvin Ureles

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

Award-winning author, Alvin Ureles, draws on the writings of biographers Richard Frothingham and John Carey in this historical novel paying tribute to the life of Joseph Warren III.

Ureles has used a unique approach in authoring “Following Joe.” He attributes the authorship of this fictional account to John Warren, Joseph’s youngest brother. The story is told using John’s voice. I soon lost sight of the fact that Ureles is the creator of this amazing account as John related background information, stimulating dialog, and a detailed description of the political unrest during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

After graduating from Harvard, Joseph Warren III studied medicine and soon had a successful practice in Boston. He married heiress Elizabeth Hooten. In the eighth year of their marriage Elizabeth died leaving Joseph a young widower with four motherless young children.

Warren was soon involved in Freemasonry and in politics. Among his Masonic friends were John Hancock, Samuel and John Adams, Paul Revere, James Otis, and other radical activists concerned about England’s ill treatment of the Colonies. Joseph was elected to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and was commissioned to second major-general in 1775.

Ureles brings the historical background of this period in American history to life as he carefully develops his characters, with an exciting historical plot familiar to American history enthusiasts.

The book is filled with the conflict of war, of conscious, power struggles, and greed. The chaos of the battlefield is described so masterfully that as a reader, I was interactively drawn into the conflict. I heard the cries of pain from the wounded, was sickened by the sight of blood everywhere, and devastated by the loss of a friend.

Patriotism, bravery, and loyalty were undermined by the threat of treason, the duplicity of a friend turned spy, the safety of loved ones, rumors, and covert operations. The Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s famous ride, and the battle of Bunker Hill took on new importance as Ureles’ characterizations became real to me in their struggles to help bring freedom and independence to America.

Ureles, a Medical Professional himself, expertly described details and procedures, related to caring for the injured on the battle field, and the earlier recruiting and training of these men by Joseph Warren III.

“Following Joe” by Alvin Ureles is a book that gives a fresh approach and new insights into the political climate preceding and leading up to the Revolutionary War. Patriots like Warren bravely and sacrificially led to the birthing of our nation and our freedom at a tremendous personal cost. I was awed by the sacrifice, service and virtues displayed by these dedicated patriots.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/followingjoe

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Sunaru

9781432713553_cov.inddSunaru

by Lawrence Lueder

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

The author has taken us into the future, with space travel made easy, new planets discovered and the dangers of setting up a new civilization. One cannot take on the expedition if they do not meet the requirements, one of which is that you are an ex-con and willing to fight. Also on board are frozen embryos, clones and a mix of people from other planets.

The discovery of Sunaru is one of excitement and danger- no civilized person has been here before. What they didn’t realize is that they are not alone- Manators, horrex and bull-bears are in hiding waiting for them. In an instant they will appear and one of the explorers will disappear.

Through the author’s excited voice and description, the readers are able to imagine that this one-day may be where we live. It is filled with drama, daring escapes and creatures you couldn’t even imagine. Mr. Lueder brings in new concepts of families, medicine, weaponry and survival that none of us might even imagine.

I must say that science fiction isn’t something I read a lot of; however, while reading “Sunaru” by Lawrence Leuder I felt that the author was giving us a preview of what’s to come. This is the first in a series for the author; the ending of the book leaves you wanting more.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/Sunaru

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Patterns of Perception

9781432729295_cov.inddPatterns of Perception

by Nicholas J. Cipriani

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

You never know when you are going to fall in love with a book. It is a great experience to pick up a book you would not normally read, and fall deeply into the book. I was hooked from the intriguing photo on the cover – which at any given time looks like a beehive, tree knot, vicious screaming
warrior, or an enhanced photo of a mushroom lying on its side – and couldn’t wait to see what was between the cover. I was not disappointed. Each of the short stories will have you esmerized and wanting more. Short stories are some of my favorite literature to read because there is so much in such a short time.

“Patterns of Perception” sways into metaphysics and deals with thoughts and ideas beyond our normal scope of understanding. As Cipriani states, “Voltaire wrote, ‘When he that speaks, and he to whom he speaks, neither of them understand what is meant, that is metaphysics.’ My guess is that the imagination lies somewhere between the mind and the soul and is attached at the heart.  Personally, I can think of no better place.” With this in mind…beep, turn the page.

Everyone will have a favorite. My personal favorite is “Ca’noonce The Merman.” I thought it was just wonderful. A magical island named Lemuria and mermaids and mermen. Ca’noonce was sixteen with a massive chest and bulging biceps and muscles – what more could you ask for?  Magical fins?

Cheers to Nicholas J. Cipriani; he has created a masterpiece with “Patterns of Perception.” Having started with a blank mind you will be surrounded by worlds and wisdom like never before. You will experience heightened feelings and, as I, truly love reading this book. I hope there are many more to follow. And about the cover, I’m thinking maybe a tree stump?

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/patternsofperception

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: In-Sight

9781432737023_cov.inddIn-Sight

by Gerard D. Webster

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

Author Gerard D. Webster has given readers an action-packed, suspenseful read that they will not be able to put down. His characters are lost in their own world of greed and deception, and Ward McNulty places himself in danger when he lets an old friend convince him that he should back an exclusive resort to be built on an island that his own father lives on.

Ward’s girlfriend, a popular news anchor, can’t understand why he won’t commit to marriage and still let her lead her life the way she wants. Later, through many dangerous adventures, she discovers something about her own past that makes her re-think her priorities.

The authors’ use of vivid descriptions of people, places and events put you right in the action. His underlying story is that of redemption, belief in the Higher Power and the love of family.

“In-Sight,” by Gerard D. Webster, is a book you won’t be able to put down.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage:  www.outskirtspress.com/insight

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Zoe Lucky

9781432731908_cov.inddZoe Lucky

by M. Carol Coffey

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Reader Views:

I think that Zoe Lucky is going to be our modern day Nancy Drew. Ms. Coffey has written a fastpaced, intriguing mystery for teens around a young girl name Zoe. Most teens will be able to relate to Zoe moving to a new town, trying to develop friendships and finding her niche. Zoe’s dad was killed by a bank robber and her mother and she moved to try to start over. Zoe found out that the burglar that killed her dad had escaped from jail and she just knew that he was coming for her. She didn’t like the apartment she and her mom were living in, and there weren’t many kids her age nearby.

Just when her mom thinks everything is going well, their house is broken into. Then suddenly there are several mishaps that happen that involve Zoe. During this time she meets Toby who is older than she is and a man named Mr. Richards who is downright scary.

On her thirteenth birthday, her mother surprises her with an African gray parrot that can speak Swahili. This is a parrot unlike any other parrot. He gets into just as much mischief as Zoe.

I liked the pace of “Zoe Lucky and the Green Gables’ Mystery” by M. Carol Coffey; it kept my
attention and really was written in the style and language of teens today. Although as a Psychologist I do know teenagers sometimes experiment with drugs and alcohol, I would prefer my teen not read about it in a book. I believe that the author has the best intentions on developing a modern character that teens can relate to in many ways.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/ZoeLucky