Tag: self-published book review

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

Saturday Book Review: “It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello”

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 Midwest Book Review:

its-me-achilles-b-its-time-to-say-hello by michelle bravo

It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello

by Michelle Bravo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478755258

Synopsis:

Achilles B Is New in Town, and Ready to Meet You! Achilles B is friendly, sweet, and up for just about any adventure. He’s here to delight and inspire kids as he navigates challenges such as making new friends and starting school. He also gives fun, positive examples of how to make healthy decisions and keep an upbeat, kind outlook on life. Achilles’ intelligence and charm endear him to everyone he meets in this charming story for readers of all ages.

Critique:

Achilles B is a fun loving little dog who tells what it is like for him to adopt a family. In his own words he reveals his life with his furry friend Coco and the many adventures he is able to have in his life. “It’s Me, Achilles B”. is fun reading for any dog owner to enjoy. Though a kid’s title readers of all ages can enjoy Achilles B’s story.

 

[ reviewed by Gary Roen of Midwest Book Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Many of us have dogs that are part of the family. We call them our “fur-babies” or the “grand-dogs.” And we’ve all seen (or heard stories about) dogs that are jealous when a human baby arrives on the scene and the dog is no longer the only little person in the house. But there are also those dogs who are incredibly close to their human siblings and treat the whole family as their pack.

Achilles B. definitely thinks of himself as an equal member of the family. He talks about his parents, and his friends (the kids), and the family pet (a cat named Coco). With the direct address style that young readers enjoy in books like Junie B. Jones, Achilles tells about his family’s move from Texas to Connecticut. He shares what his favorite activities are and how he helps with the family cat by chasing her around the house to make sure she gets enough exercise. He even enjoys having pancakes on snow days. (Who doesn’t love snow days?)

The friendly and positive tone of his explanation makes a move to a new home seem like an adventure rather than something scary. Achilles explains that his father got a new job, so he gets to meet new kids. He also finds out that kids are alike no matter where you live; they all enjoy having fun. His discussion of how the family chose their new cat and shared out the responsibilities for her care is a good introduction to talking about being good pet owners. Young readers will probably laugh when Achilles says that he volunteered to play with her, and they may even point out that he can’t feed her because he can’t open the cans of cat food.

Readers may want to write out stories from the viewpoint of their own pets. How do pets see their human family? What do they think of all the things that humans do, but pets don’t? With the popularity of the recent movie, “The Secret Lives of Pets,” there is plenty of inspiration. Others may want to write a story about a time they moved to a new home with their family.

Whether it leads to new stories and artwork being created, or simply creates an enjoyable reading experience, the book and Achilles will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

– Amazon Reviewer Suzanne R. Costner

Michelle Bravo’s story is full of emotion, magnetism and surprise. Through Achilles, we learn about the closeness of family and the love children and adults have for their pets. More importantly, we learn that family is ever changing, but love for one another, including the family pet, remains constant. After reading this book, I want to know more about this family and their day-to-day interactions with the world and one another. A truly delightful book for children. Adults will enjoy the read as well.

– Amazon Reviewer Gale Bellas-Papageorge, PhD

 

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Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “2050”

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 Midwest Book Review:

2050 by Thomas Berry

2050

by Thomas Berry

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478775805

Synopsis:

Through ignorance, racism and selfish lobbies, Americans lost their freedom of speech. Fear of accusation closed the mouths of the powerful. In 2036 Isis easily created a Caliphate and introduced Sharia law. If students objected, one would be beheaded in front of a class. Rule by fear expanded. In one 5th grade class friends realized that their generation would be the last to save their beloved country. As they grew up, they studied how Lenin seized control of Russia. They decided to use his plan to save America. Cells were formed. Roger was selected leader. His girlfriend Emma was made head of supplies. Beautiful Sally collected info by working for a Mullah. Big black Harry brought in the Black panthers and the Hells Angels. Charley worked the Sharia political arena. The group developed well until a Sharia spy was exposed in their midst. They were forced into action ahead of schedule. Can they really extinguish Sharia law and restore America? Can one incredible sacrifice lead to a victory from failure? Find out!

Critique:

What a great story of sacrifice and courage. Like roger, I wanted to jump through the screen and save Emma. I love a manuscript like yours that paints a picture of a different futuristic world. You have a terrific writing style. You have obviously done a significant amount planning and preparation in crafting your work. Your prose is nicely written with details that capture the reader. Right from the start your plot was very engaging. You do a nice job of slowly making your way through the story with details and a certain voice that allows your reader to really interact with the characters(who are all round and very nicely developed). Characterization is one of the most important elements of a successful fiction story. I always love it when I leave a story feeling like I know the characters, this is true for your novel. You have crafted a quality piece of writing.

 

[ reviewed by Rae Morgan of Midwest Book Review ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

After reading the synopsis and hearing other peoples opinions on this book I was not sure that I would like it or not. I had heard that people found this book to have a racist note to it so I was a bit dubious about reading it. However, when I started to read this book I did not find it to be written in a way that could seem racist. That being said I did also see how and why this book could be taken as having racist notes to it. When looking into this book just remember that this book is purely fiction and there is most likely no racist intent by the author. I found that this book was actually an interesting read and it will remain in my book collection permanently. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in contemporary fiction but if you are easily offended then this may not be the right book for you as it does contain some touchy subjects in relation to religion and crimes. I am strongly against racism so if I thought that the author meant this book to be took in a racist way then I would surely be honest and say that I thought that this book was racist and definitely would not be recommending it to anyone. I did find this book quite interesting to read and found it hard to stop reading.

– Amazon Reviewer margaret chadwick

Fear can be a deadly thing. When in fear people will do things they normally wouldn’t do. When people are afraid, they lose their freedom, their ideals, ideas and their rights. This is what happened in 2036 when Sharia law took hold due to Isis.Under Sharia law, you obeyed, you did what you were told or you paid the dear price. It didn’t matter who you were, how old you were, man or woman, you paid. Children were beheaded in front of their peers. As the young generation grew up, they decided enough is enough. This isn’t the world they wanted. They began to listen, to plan, to explore possibilities to save their beloved America. Everyone had a job and each job was as important as the next.

But are you ever really sure of the people you trust? Read this futuristic book about getting America back and making Sharia law a thing of the past. What will 2050 be like for our children? Will it be a fight to hold on to the America they knew and know can be again? What are we leaving our children and grand children?

– Amazon Reviewer gayle pace

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saturday self-published book review

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

Saturday Book Review: “It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello”

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 YAH GOTTA READ THIS:

It's Me, Achilles B: It's Time to Say Hello michelle a bravo

It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time to Say Hello

by Michelle A. Bravo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478755258

Synopsis:

Achilles B Is New in Town, and Ready to Meet You! Achilles B is friendly, sweet, and up for just about any adventure. He’s here to delight and inspire kids as he navigates challenges such as making new friends and starting school. He also gives fun, positive examples of how to make healthy decisions and keep an upbeat, kind outlook on life. Achilles’ intelligence and charm endear him to everyone he meets in this charming story for readers of all ages.

Critique:

Follow Achilles B, the adorable puppy in It’s Me, Achilles B: It’s Time To Say Hello, the new children’s book by Michelle Bravo as he encourages positive behavior in a cute and loving manner.
Achilles B is friendly, sweet, and up for just about any adventure. This puppy will delight and inspire kids as he navigates challenges such as making new friends and starting school. In this first book, Achilles has moved to a new town and is nervous—yet in a short time he learns that people are similar and experience the same things, despite outward appearances. He discusses personal space and siblings and doing chores, as well as the little things that make a respectful and kind person.
He also gives fun, positive examples of how to make healthy decisions and keep an upbeat outlook on life. Achilles’ intelligence and charm endear him to everyone he meets in this charming story for readers of all ages.

[ reviewed on YAH GOTTA READ THIS ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Many of us have dogs that are part of the family. We call them our “fur-babies” or the “grand-dogs.” And we’ve all seen (or heard stories about) dogs that are jealous when a human baby arrives on the scene and the dog is no longer the only little person in the house. But there are also those dogs who are incredibly close to their human siblings and treat the whole family as their pack.

Achilles B. definitely thinks of himself as an equal member of the family. He talks about his parents, and his friends (the kids), and the family pet (a cat named Coco). With the direct address style that young readers enjoy in books like Junie B. Jones, Achilles tells about his family’s move from Texas to Connecticut. He shares what his favorite activities are and how he helps with the family cat by chasing her around the house to make sure she gets enough exercise. He even enjoys having pancakes on snow days. (Who doesn’t love snow days?)

The friendly and positive tone of his explanation makes a move to a new home seem like an adventure rather than something scary. Achilles explains that his father got a new job, so he gets to meet new kids. He also finds out that kids are alike no matter where you live; they all enjoy having fun. His discussion of how the family chose their new cat and shared out the responsibilities for her care is a good introduction to talking about being good pet owners. Young readers will probably laugh when Achilles says that he volunteered to play with her, and they may even point out that he can’t feed her because he can’t open the cans of cat food.

Readers may want to write out stories from the viewpoint of their own pets. How do pets see their human family? What do they think of all the things that humans do, but pets don’t? With the popularity of the recent movie, “The Secret Lives of Pets,” there is plenty of inspiration. Others may want to write a story about a time they moved to a new home with their family.

Whether it leads to new stories and artwork being created, or simply creates an enjoyable reading experience, the book and Achilles will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

– Amazon Reviewer Suzanne R. Costner

Finally……yes, this wonderful book will help take each of us whether kids, parents, grandparents or simply friends through the adventures of life with the charming and insightful “Achilles” along to make comments and guide us.
You will find yourself asking: Is he a dog? Is he my child speaking? Is he an internal reflection of my own higher thoughts? And the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “Yes”!

Appreciating our own experiences and especially the most challenging ones through Achilles’ eyes will make you smile and nod in visceral agreement and perhaps occasionally bring a tear to your eye as well. With his gentle insights about growing up and relationships, you will be inspired to share his understandings with the children (and adults too) of your own personal world.

– Amazon Reviewer Amazon Customer

saturday self-published book review

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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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized

“How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

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 Sincerely Stacie:

How the grandmas and grandpas saved christmas gausselin

How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas

by Richard J. Gausselin

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1477247716

Synopsis*:

What happens when the Elves come down with colds am week before Christmas? Santa Claus call on special helpers to work his magic! Can the grandpas and grandmas from around the world save Christmas? Join Santa and his friends on this incredible journey to find out.

Critique:

Santa runs a pretty tight ship in his toy factory. Every elf has a job to do and needs to work hard to get every single toy made by Christmas Eve. Santa believes that the toys are to be made with hands and hearts and not computers. Each toy is made with love for that special boy or girl.

On an unexpectedly sunny day, the elves take a break to play snowball which leads to disastrous repercussions for Santa’s toy factory. When Santa and his lead elf try to finish the toys, Santa realizes it just isn’t going to be possible. Then a bright idea leads him to call in the grandparents all over the world. Maybe they can all work together to save Christmas.

This is a really great story for Christmas and has a wonderful message about the importance of helping others as well as one about following the rules! Mrs. Claus and an elf warn the others about slacking off on the job. When the elves end up in a difficult situation, they realize that their choices can have consequences.

Even though this story has a younger message, it isn’t one your younger child will be able to read to themselves.  One page is full of text while the next page has the illustration. It would make for a great bedtime story that is read by a parent. The illustrations are bright and show the range of emotions in the characters. There are numerous details in each illustration that the child will enjoy pointing out.

This book would make a great addition to your Christmas library. It’s lesson is a good reminder for all of us.

Richard J. Gausselin’s books are inspired by his childhood Christmases of the 1940s and ’50s, when toys were “made with hands and hearts.” As a father of six and grandfather to thirteen, he has enjoyed reading ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS on Christmas Eve for over fifty years. He hopes adults and children will enjoy HOW THE GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS SAVED CHRISTMAS (Books I, II, and III) and make them part of their holiday tradition. For more on his books, visit his website, HERE.

[ reviewed by Stacie at Sincerely Stacie ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

Santa’s elves catch a cold a week before Christmas and can’t work on the toys! Joe, an elder elf, was listening to Santa talk about his grandfather when he came up with the perfect solution – Grandparents.

How the Grandmas and Grandpas Saved Christmas is an absolutely delightful Christmas tale. The story is beautifully written and illustrated. The story emphasizes love, friendship, family and does it brilliantly. It is a perfect book to read on Christmas Eve, or to break up into sections to read each day leading up to Christmas.

It also has very nice full-page illustrations. Some of them are very detailed, and younger children would have fun picking out toys and tools in the pictures. I highly recommend this thoughtfully written book. Reading this book with your children or grandchildren could be a fun yearly tradition.

– Amazon Reviewer tmtrvlr

The elves were making the toys and following Santa’s rule, which was “toys are always made with hands and heart.” When they suddenly became distracted they heard icicles melting which was usually something that occurred in the spring, but today they saw the sun shinning.

Ric looked outside and grabbed his glove and said lets play snowball.
It was easy for the other elves to stop making toys and go out and play snowball.
When Mrs. Claus heard the commotion she reminded them they had a job to finish and time was running out. She gave in and said if they went inside and put on the warm clothes they could play for one hour.

Ric told the other elves if we go inside now to get our warm clothes we won’t have time for us to play two innings, lets just play. So going against Mrs. Claus’s wishes that are what they did.

Suddenly the sun was gone and it was cold and windy and they tried to run back but were cold and wet. When inside they started making the toys when Mimi started to sneeze and then each of the other elves were also sneezing. When Santa came back with Mrs. Claus he was upset to see the elves behind and Mts. Claus said the elves cannot work as they are sick, they must go right to bed.

Santa thought he could handle the remaining list of toys but realized he would never complete the task alone so called Joe the eldest elf to help. They soon realized it was too much for them to do and they needed help and fast. Joe suggested “grandparents” and suddenly the word went out to all the different states that help was needed.

As if magically grandparents arrived from far and near and helped Santa complete the list just in time for Christmas Eve. Santa was going to make all the young children’s dreams come true thanks to the grandparents.

What a delightful and enjoyable read your children will love. Make sure to get one and include it in your child’s gifts this year.

– Amazon Reviewer Shelly Itkin

 

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

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

“The Anointed Prophetess” : A Saturday Self-Published Book Review

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 EverydayLifes.com:

the anointed prophetess by jorge carreras jr

The Anointed Prophetess

by Jorge Carreras, Jr.

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478741183

Synopsis*:

Fans of The Harem Games, the long awaited sequel has arrived. The Anointed Prophetess begins where The Harem Games ended. The action, in all senses of the word, is far more intense. Not only does Alex have to deal with the affections of more brides, but the threat against his family is far greater. Now instead of amateurs with delusions of grandeur, he must face soldiers armed with high grade military gear and tactics, high level propaganda with the media in collusion, and a reluctant army of convicted criminals on his side. Unfortunately for his enemies, threatening his family is the quickest way to earn his wrath, and as we saw in the Games, his wrath can shake the heavens, literally. This is no game, this is war! Complicated plots, shadowy conspiracies, and brutal combat all precede the truth about the outbreak that nearly brought mankind to extinction, and the response of the survivors, and their descendants.

Critique:

I must admit I have been waiting for the sequel to The Harem Games. I really like the character of Alex and even though this book series has an eerie feel of another such popular book with a similar title I couldn’t help but get sucked in again. This second installment of the series did not disappoint. Filled with even more action and adventure with twists and turns.

I was really taken in by how each character had their own strength and weakness. But as a team they were a power not to be messed with. The characters are all very unique and individual. This book is a real page turner and it keeps a great flow of writing. though as I said it eerily resemble another book series it is an enjoyable read.

[ reviewed by Rebecca Bryant at EverydayLifes.com ]

Here’s what other reviewers are saying:

first of all l would like to say a big thank you to Jorge carreras Jr for sending me this book and giving me a chance to read it. l was sent this book in exchange for a honest review. l got sent this book by bostick communications who l want to say thank you to them as well. l am glad this book is on my book shelf. l would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this l normally do not read like this but l stepped outside my comfort zone with genres and authors l am so glad l did because l have read so many great books. l found this book real easy to get in to and l really enjoyed reading this book. l loved this nook and when l finished reading the story and l found out the author had kindly signed my book and l highly recommend this book to anybody and it was a really enjoyable read and book. l would to read more of this storyline and read more from this author.

– Amazon Reviewer donnabookreviews

I was a little confused at first when I started reading( as this is the sequel to The Harem Games) but I quickly caught on as the story continued foreword. I love how the Matriarchy broke their own rules, which lead to the winner fighting back. This would also be a good book to read allowed in classes to teach about the difference between script writing and paragraph writing.

– Goodreads Reviewer Ariel

* = courtesy of the book’s Amazon book page.

saturday self-published book review

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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