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Actually it's two questions I'm always asked....
The first is:
"What's your next book?"
Of course I can't answer that question - but Oprah will LIVE on the show next Friday, September 18th, 2009! It's been a long time since we've had a selection so we're extremely excited, too. It's always an exhilarating time around here in bookclubland when we have a new selection.
And, thank you all for posting titles on my last blog of what you'd like to see as future book club selections. It's great to see what our members recommend so feel free at any time throughout this season to post your suggestions.
Now the other question I get most of all is:
"How do I submit a book to Oprah's Book Club?"
Here's the deal, our book club is like any other in the way that we find books on our own through lots of research and word-of-mouth. That being the case, we don't accept submissions from authors -- but we deeply appreciate all the authors who are interested in being a part of our book club and all the hard work they dedicate to their art. So if you're an author and have a published book you'd like us to check out, free feel to post the title and/or cut and paste your book review to your post.
Let the countdown to our new season AND new book begin....
The One Question I'm Always Asked Is....
Posted on Oct 3, 2009 11:21 AM
I am so thrilled to see that you are blogging about books! I have been faithfully following the Oprah Book Club since it began. I have read every single Oprah Book Club selection! It is amazing to follow my life through the book club selections, where I was, who I was, where I was going. Oprah's Book Club selections have played a large part in my life and my love of literature.
I can't wait to discover what the newest selection will be on Friday...and you can bet I will be hitting a bookstore immediately to pick up a copy.
Keep up the great work!
best wishes always,
Jocelyn
Hi. Thank you for allowing authors to post their books for you to check out. My debut novel is Megan's Way, and if you have the time to read the reviews from readers as well as review sites, you will see that it has touched women on many levels.
Megan's Way
Review
"Megan's Way by Melissa Foster is an emotionally moving book...Melissa does a great job in bringing you into the life of her characters and keeps the story rolling smoothly..." --Jeanette Stingley, Women's Literary Editor, Bella Online
Description
What would you give up for the people you love?
When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her cancer has returned, she's faced with the most difficult decision she's ever had to make. The love she has for her daughter, Olivia, and her closest friends will be stretched and frayed.
Megan's illness reawakens the torment of her best friend, Holly Townsend, whose long-held secrets and years of betrayal come back to haunt her. How does one choose between a daughter and a life-long best friend? Can the secret she has been keeping be revealed after years of lying without destroying everyone in its wake?
Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Olivia's world is falling apart right before her eyes, and there's nothing she can do about it. She finds herself acting in ways she cannot even begin to understand. When her internal struggles turn to dangerous behavior, even the paranormal connection she shares with her mother might not be enough to save her - her life will hang in the balance.
Megan's Way is a journey of self discovery and heartfelt emotions, exploring the depth of the mother-daughter bond, and the intricacies of friendship.
A little about me
In addition to Megan's Way, I write a monthly column for Women Business Owners Magazine, and I am the Founder of The Women's Nest, a free online support and social community for women. I am also a muralist and have donated six large murals to the Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. I am married to a wonderful, supportive man, and a mother to six wonderful children (4 birthed, 2 gifted), and love talking with book club members and reader groups.
Where it's available
I'm not sure if you allow links, so I will not post any (just in case). Megan's Way is available online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and most online booksellers. It is available in paperback with each retailer. Amazon offers it in paperback and Kindle. It is also available in several small book stores on Cape Cod (where the book takes place), as well as Borders Books in Germantown, MD (I have a signing there today! Yea!). Ingram and Baker & Taylor both carry and distribute Megan's Way.
Thank you for considering Megan's Way.
Peace and light,
Melissa
PS: I read The Help, by Katherine Stockett, and it was a very well written and touching story. I highly recommend it.
"The Help" by Katherine Stockett. Phenomenal. My daughter and I still discuss and weep over this book.
"Megan's Way" by Melissa Foster: A great read with a surprise around every corner. I highly recommend to every woman.
I can't wait for the next book club book. If you have any time you should check out books published by kidpub press. It is devoted to only publishing books kids have written. I'm 17 and my first book, With the Flash of Lightning, was published last month. Thanks
Megan's Way by Melissa Foster- Loved it and could not put it down- made me appreciate my life, family and friends even more than I already do. Highly recommend this book to everyone- especially mothers and daughters.
Jill,
Here are a few more brief bits of the reviews I've received for Megan's Way. I just did a book signing at Borders and sold out in 35 minutes. I think it's a hit:-)
"This is Melissa Foster's first book and I hope there will be many more to come. If you've ever lost someone to cancer or have cared for someone going through chemo, this is a very emotional and sensitive book to read, it's so dead-on to what you feel and go through when you're involved in something like that..." Debbie Deskin, Debs Desk
"Melissa Foster paints a beautiful story with characters full of life and emotion. She creates a mother-daughter bond that transcends time and space in a way that is honest and unpretentious..." Maryrose Serac, My Book Buddies,
"Melissa Foster's debut novel is a lovely effort. She explores the mother-daughter bond in such an intense manner. It's the kind of relationship...that all daughters want with their mothers..." Terri Lee-Johnson, Brown Girl Book Speak
"I loved the emotions that this book evoked even though I had a headache from all the crying..." Alison Rotich, That's A Novel Idea
"Melissa Foster's debut novel is an intimate portrait of an ailing mother's (Megan) relationship with her daughter and her small group of close friends...Be warned, it is a tearful portrait..." Christine Zegelis, Book Tumbling
"In her debut novel, Melissa Foster weaves a tale of friendship and love intertwined with threads of heartache, deceit and missed opportunity. Her characters are complex and for the most part well developed..." Donna Aviles, author, Beyond The Orphan Train
Thank you again, Jill, for this opportunity.
Melissa Foster does a fantastic job creating her characters in this book. By the end you feel as if they are your friends and family and you are crying and laughing right along with them. A wonderful story of the love that a woman has for her daughter and her friends and the struggle she faces to save them pain. Foster does an amazing job writing about a topic that is so near and dear to many people. She does so gently, but without using kid gloves. Highly recommend this book to all!
in response to: jacklynr
The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The author has a terrific backstory as well. I'd definitely recommend it.
One Day, Jill, this might be the book.
Welford Street Miracles, by R. Merial Martin
Googling the title will lead you to many reviews, but here are a few that I know will touch your heart.
"...I just finished your book....I can tell you I had quite an emotional response to your story!! I was amazed with the arrival of the stranger, I cried when the selfishness of man prevailed, I was angry at the conditions you/he had to live in and the struggles and sacrifices that you all endured. I often stayed up late to read....( I would start at 11:30 pm...not wise.) and get so into the story that I had to make myself put down the book in order to sleep.
More importantly I admired the man who took the truths of Gods word and applied them to his life. The man who desired to please the Lord and do what was right, not seeing the evil of men's hearts but wanting to believe the best about a person.
In the end Richard, I found myself wanting to visit Welford Street. I wanted to meet the people who once lived there because I felt like I knew them somehow, they reminded me of some of the people who were in my neighborhood growing up. I feel like I don't really know my neighbors now, and I miss the sense of community and the relationships you develop with people living near each other for a very long time. It made me homesick.
Also, I longed for the stranger,,,,,Christ; your story reminded me of how near he really is,,,,,and how privileged I am to know Him, to have a relationship with Him. I can call on Christ whenever I need Him and He always comes,.but your story reminds us that He comes looking for us even when we are not looking for Him. He wants to bless us and help us more than we know or understand!!!! I believe in Miracles Richard,,,,but my faith in them has gotten stronger after reading your story!!!!
Thank you!!! Blessing and more stories from your heart!!!..."
Lydia Montgomery, Manager, New Life Resale Store (benefiting Pregnancy Care Center)Huntsville, TX
"...I started reading your latest and am completely enmeshed in your journey. How cathartic it must have been to see your path in life in your own words. So far I have been enlightened in a way I could never have imagined. Richard¿Your family, YOU, your path in life ¿ all extraordinary. Your susceptibility, under trying circumstances, and how you overcame the distinct negativity is so profound. Because you made reference to verses in the bible, I recalled this ¿ In his sermon on the mount (Matthew 7:15), Jesus warns: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep¿s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. When you are awakened and take hold of your life ¿ a Shakespearian quote: Thee, Ill chase hence, thou wolf in sheep¿s array. (King Henry the 6th).Your book was a revelation! ¿"Helen Beslity, Librarian, Port Washington, NY"
"Great Book"
By Tom W. from Seattle, Washington on 7/27/2009
Pros: Easy To Understand, Relevant, Well Written
Describe Yourself: Casual Reader
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. I could readily relate to the events and people in this book. I grew up and was raised two blocks from the martin family in the 900 block of Welford Street. I personally knew some of the people he told of in the book. It brought back a lot of memories. I was raised by my grandparents and remember when they got rid of the old "ice box" and got a new refrigerator. The West Side was the center of my universe. It was safe and close knit community.
The book also renewed my faith and belief in "Guardian Angels". Good work Richard Martin!
"... I've read your book, straight through in one evening; couldn't put it down! You do have the knack of telling a gripping story in a way that keeps the reader glued to the book right to the end. It's obvious that your faith is very strong and an integral part of your life. I hope, and expect, to see more great stories from you in the future..." Jim Lathrop, Retiree, Sun City West
¿¿I am so proud that I know you. This book is powerful and such a legacy for your family to have their miracle story in print¿ An inspiring depiction of love and faith. It is truly a must read for all book clubs¿¿Dr. Paula W. Adams,Sam Houston University Professor
¿...I almost missed a Rehab session¿I could not put Richard¿s book down..I am so glad he is a bowling friend¿I recommend this book to all who need a miracle in their lives..¿as I do¿...Bill ¿POSTMAN¿ Staton, Conroe, TX
I will be watching Whitney and all week to learn of the new selection.
I will also be selling and signing books at the Signature Author Series for The John Cooper School at the Woodlands Marriott in November along with the featured author, John Grogan, "Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog ".
Saw Megan's Way by Melissa Foster on here and a small blurb from my review of it and wanted to post my full review for all to see. It is an absolutely wonderful book. Oprah would not be disappointed!
Here is my review from my blog That's A Novel Idea:
Secrets - people keep them for all sorts of justified reasons. Sometimes it is to spare another and sometimes to spare themselves. Megan's Way is a novel full of secrets. On the surface the secrets are to spare others pain, but if you look closely you will see that each of the people also hope to spare themselves the pain and discomfort of admitting the secrets held deep.
Megan Taylor is a single mother who has just found that her cancer has returned. She suffers silently each day, because she has chosen to keep this a secret from her daughter Olivia and her close friends. This is not her only secret. She has also kept the name of Olivia's father from everyone. As Megan becomes sicker and her time left with friends and family lessens she has to decide what each of them should know about her past actions.
Olivia is a wonderful fourteen year old. She and her mother have a bond that most do not. Megan can feel her emotions and her pain as if they are her own. The first time Megan was sick with cancer it was scary for Olivia and Megan knew just how hard it was. Olivia knows her mother is hiding something again, but cannot get her mother to admit it. As Megan pushes Olivia away to prepare her for a life without a mother Olivia becomes angry and feels hurt by her mom. These emotions cause Olivia to make decisions she would never have considered before. She just wants her mother to notice her again.
Holly is the best friend. She also holds a secret so deep that it could change everyone's lives. As she watches Megan shrink from illness she can't decide if divulging the secret would help or just make everything worse.
This novel is full of deep relationships. The relationship between Megan and her friends is one we all wish to have. These are friends that have been in her life for twenty-one years for everything that matters. These friends provide support and unconditional love. Each year on Megan's birthday they gather to renew themselves and their friendships. It is a time they bless each other and reconnect.
Several supernatural aspects exist in the novel. We meet a psychic who predicts the future - too precisely for comfort, Megan feels the emotions of her child, and after death we view the world from above with Megan. These episodes are created beautifully in Megan's Way. The tenderness and love is portrayed deeply and the emotions are raw.
Melissa Foster has written a novel that pulls your heart in so many directions. I cried more while reading this than I have for a long time for a book. My heart literally ached while reading this. I was drawn in deeply to the love and the friendships and didn't want to see it all end. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone!
I was lucky enough to get to read Meagan's Way - Here is my review.
My Thoughts: This is Melissa Foster's first book and I hope there will be many more to come. If you've ever lost someone to cancer or have cared for someone going through chemo, this is a very emotional and sensitive book to read, it's so dead-on to what you feel and go through when you're involved in something like that. I started crying on page 90 and did not stop until the end of the book, I am sitting here crying as I try to type my review.
The characters in this book are so real, they become like friends. I worried about what would happen to Olivia, I wanted to be best friends with Holly. I wanted to be in the backyard, laying on a blanket during the bonfire. Melissa Foster displays a talent for drawing the reader's senses into each scene, allowing vivid mind pictures where the story plays out. The characters' actions and reactions are natural, and the various plot lines are nicely woven throughout.
I can not recommend this book enough. I think it is great and everyone will enjoy it.
Thanks
Debbie
in response to: jmk1979
I'm always so happy to hear from a reader who has read ALL our selections! There's a special in our hearts around here for people like you. Let us know your thoughts on the new selection.
in response to: livehappy4
You are an author and an over-achiever! Thank you for sharing your book info with us and best of luck with your work.
in response to: mariakaci
I love hearing from the next generation of authors -- best of luck with your new book!
in response to: deterrent
What an interesting premise for your book especially since based on true stories. Best of luck at your signing!!!
in response to: karen_mcq
"The Invisible Wall" sounds like a very compelling memoir -- much like "Angel's Ashes" by Frank McCourt who's death was deeply felt around here. Thank you for suggesting! I truly beleive books like these bring the world closer together and help heal the human spirit.
in response to: nevadavic
I liked it too -- and it looks like it's shaping up to be a big bestseller!
When I bought "Megan's Way," I put it aside since I had two other books I was in the midst of reading, both which were simultaneously due back at the library! Naturally curious about my new book, I opened it up, read the first few pages and as the saying goes, the rest is history. I was immediately sucked into the characters and their lives and read it over the weekend. Thank you, Melissa Foster for writing a very touching and compelling book. I loved it. Can't wait to read your next one!
in response to: producerji
Wow, what a surprise. You actually read the premise. Please forgive my doubts. I imagine that it did touch your heart. I am looking forward to future signings, especially in Port Arthur, the city in the book. Also look forward to signing along with John Grogan and the opportunity to meet a best-seller. Thanks for the reply, Jill.
Picked up a great new novel--"When the Buddha Met Bubba"--at Book Expo America this year from one of my favorite indie publishers, Turner Publishing.
Hi, thanks for letting us post about our books. I'm Tiffany Baker, and I'm the author of The Little Giant of Aberdeen County (Grand Central Publishing, January 2009).
USA Today calls the novel "...the kind of book you find yourself stealing time from workday chores to read," and The Washington Post says, "...Baker knows how to spin an alluring plot, and she tells this emotional story in a lush voice...once you start, you just can't stop."
Little Giant received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly, four stars from People Magazine, and was a San Francisco Chronicle bestseller. It will be released in paperback this January. Thanks again, love the book club, and happy reading!
Thanks, Jill. I'm looking forward to hearing the new selection tomorrow! I just finished The Help and began The Wednesday Letters:-)
Thanks for a great blog!
XO,
Melissa
Hello producerji,
I was hoping that you would be able to take time out of your busy schedule to read my very first children's book titled Seven Little Monkeys Making New Friends. It is located at Trafford Publishing Company. My name is Delores Chappell, and I believe in making reading for children fun and enjoyable. My target is geared towards K-3rd grade. I am a low-income mature woman who has a big heart, and lots of love for children. I have six books altogether, but managed to only afford to self publish one. I haven't been able to do book signings due to a serious illness called, Fibromyalgia. Anyway, I hope to hear from you either way. Again, thanks for allowing me to share my information,and for you taking time out to read this message...God Bless..
Lots of Love
Delores
I wanted to second Delores' comment above. I've taken a look at her book and it's a great children's book. I do hope that you review it.
-Tony
Could it be my wife's book, "Fly by Firefly"? A book that plants the golden rule of "do unto others". She recently won the "CBA Impact Award" and donates 100% of her proceeds to help families get through tough times. Every child that has this book knows that they have helped another child keep their home and/or have a safe place to sleep, eat and read at night.
-Nick
Megan's Way by Melissa Foster is an emotionally moving book especially for a first time, self-publish novel. I cried at nearly every turn of the page. Most books I read where the story jumps around from one characters point of view to the other get confusing and the story is lost trying to keep up with who says what and who did what. Melissa does a great job in bringing you into the life of her characters and keeps the story rolling smoothly.
The main character, Megan,is in remission from cancer when the story begins but we shortly learn that it is back and this time it is in her bones. She struggles between prolonging her life for her daughter and her best friends by taking medications or not taking the medication and having the cancer take her life sooner. What would you do in that situation?
Megan has a 14 year old daughter who she has an extremely close bond with which turns out to be almost paranormal in nature. Olivia, her daughter, gets caught in a situation and Megan feels exactly what Olivia feels. Then Megan's best friend, Holly, is like a sister to Megan. They have known each other all of their lives. They went to college together, had babies at the same time except Holly's baby passes away shortly after birth. She helps raise Olivia, nurses Megan back to health through the first bought of cancer, and is married.
What made this book really catch my attention were all the secrets each character holds. Olivia has never known who her father is. The story behind the death of Holly's baby was a huge shock! We do find out who Olivia's dad is (another shock). I did want the ending to be a little different but I was not disappointed and I don't think you will be either!
My book club will be discussing The Road by Cormac McCarthy next week. I read the book in two days and look forward to our discussion.
Besides being an avid reader, I'm also an author. I would like to introduce a romantic comedy--My Invisible Husband (Publisher: Kensington Books/Imprint: Urban Soul).
About the book:
So, when are you getting married? is a question often posed to 34-year-old Nicolette Montana. To stop all the nagging from her family and friends, Nikki fakes a Las Vegas wedding. When her family insists on meeting her mysterious husband, Nikki becomes entangled in a web of deception. Byron Matthews comes to the rescue, not only to save a damsel in distress, but to have fun with her little charade. What begins as a not-so-innocent prank brings much more than Nikkie and Byron ever expected.
What readers are saying:
"Shelia M. Goss knows how to keep her audience on the edge of its seat. This is a book that I highly recommend. Let the games begin!" - Armchair Interviews. . .Connecting Authors to Their Readers
"I loved the drama and the humor in this novel. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud. This story will definitely have readers flipping the pages. My Invisible Husband is delightful and uproariously funny." - Urban-Reviews.com
"There¿s a lot of action in between the conniving, conspiring and courting. The characters are dynamic and vividly portrayed, and the secondary players add extra spice." - Romantic Times Book Reviews
"Shelia Goss has written a warm, interesting and at times humorous story...The characters are flawed but believable and I really cared about what happened to them." - Simone A. Hawks, Book Remarks
¿Shelia M. Goss makes reading fiction a joy...My Invisible Husband is wonderful escapism and Nikki Montana is an unforgettable heroine; definitely not a novel to be missed!¿ - Linda Dominique Grosvenor, Author of The Hamptons
About me:
I'm the author of six fiction books for adults and three young adult books. For a full bio please visit my site at sheliagoss dot com.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share with you and other book club members.
God Bless
Shelia
I sincerely hope you enjoy my new book, Snickeyfritz. My husband, Michael and I have produced and published this children's picture book and are extremely proud of it. We want to share the story of Snickeyfritz with as many children as possible. To do this we need people to know about it. As a small publishing company we would appreciate your help in spreading the word about Snickeyfritz. You can view the eBook version on our website www.snickeyfritz.com
An entertaining story featuring three little girls who are sent on a peculiar treasure hunt created by their Papa, inspires children to use their imagination, teamwork and problem solving to create their own fun. The characters, which are life-size dolls created out of masking tape & then photographed in artistic settings around the author's home, come to life through clever, old-time sayings laced throughout the story.
I've read and shared almost all of the Oprah books through the years.... the spiritual journey has been awesome. I know Oprah loved A New Earth.... she's got to check out The Shack. I'm not the author; I was at a trade show this weekend (in, ironically, Chicago) and one of the other guys on the floor recommended this book to me. I read it on my flight home and it was life changing.... the grace and love of God perfectly articulated in the most awesome way. This book, in five hours, changed my life.
I went to amazon and copied some of the info for ur quick reference:
Review
"The Shack" is a one of a kind invitation to journey to the very heart of God. Through my tears and cheers, I have been indeed transformed by the tender mercy with which William Paul Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself. With every page, the complicated do's and don't that distort a relationship into a religion were washed away as I understood Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the first time in my life. --Patrick M. Roddy, ABC News Emmy Award winning producer
Finally! A guy-meets-God Novel that has literary integrity and spiritual daring. "The Shack" cuts through the cliches of both religion and bad writing to reveal something compelling and beautiful about life's integral dance with the Divine. This story reads like a prayer--like the best kind of prayer, filled with sweat and wonder and transparency and surprise. When I read it, I felt like I was fellowshipping with God. If you read one work of fiction this year, let this be it. --Mike Morrell, zoecarnate.com
When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize the result is a novel on the order of "The Shack." This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" did for his. It's that good! --Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
Product Description
Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!
in response to: gotonya
I whole heartedly agree with this selection. Just finished reading it and it was amazing. I just recently lost my husband to brain cancer and have been feeling overwhelmed and betrayed. The message of love and healing in this book go above and beyond. My 15 year old son took for his silent reading periods at school "because mom always picks the best books". He was a bit put off once he got to the shack but now says he needs longer silent reading periods because he just has to know what God is up to
I'm so happy you allow authors to pitch their books. Makes me fell like I might be somebody. My debut novel RUNT, MEMORIES OF A DYSLEXIC BASTARD, is on sale at Amazon. I'll let those who have read it voice their opinions. Thank you so much. Ray Shoop
Trudi:
A look into a generation past.
I really got caught up in your book!!! I loved it, once I got past your colorful language, lol!!! The story line was great I was seeing life a generation before me like I was there! I would like to read more of this era from you!
I felt as though I was escaping to the woods and the creeks along with Runt! The scenes of the schoolroom were fascinating to me as well!
Mick:
Live in the mountains.
Runt, by Ray Shoop, is a story about a young boy that grows up in the mountains. His father, The Old Man, is lazy and abusive to him. His father is constantly cutting him down and calling him terrible swear words and names made Georgie feel like he was good for nothing. School didn't help much as Georgie only knew how to swear from how he grew up and that only got him into trouble there, too.
Georgie's so called father made him do some disgusting chores.
I was happy to see Georgie had a friend in Bee. The two of them share some adventures in the book. Much like Georgie I felt relieved that he had some time to be free, relax and have fun.
This is a very interesting story as you feel like you are right up in the mountains with Georgie. You learn how some people in the mountains may live. Reading this made me feel sympathy for the main character, Georgie. I wished there was a way I could get him out of that house to save him.
I highly recommend this book as it is a very unique read.
Mary Frantz:
Couldn't put it down.
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. George, or Runt as he is most often called, is recalling the more colorful stories from his childhood. He has a hard life, and found out later in his young years that it was because he was actually not his father's child. Once he found out this information, things became clearer, and he cared less. Through all of the bad times, the family stuck together.
I really enjoyed reading this book, especially when he described the sounds and visions of the countryside, it made me a bit homesick.
Actually Jill I am so interested in reading as well. It is the most enriching experience of all. I love writing as well. I have written a few stories of my own. I have never really published anything, just shared these stories with friends and colleagues who loved it and always now ask me for more of my latest writings.
I think your Job is brilliant, don't you need an assistant 
Angie
Jill,
Thank you for the shout out (above):-) But I already know that I'm an author and over achiever. Oprah has inspired me since I began watching her in 1988. I used to refer to her as "Auntie O" to my now 21-year-old son! LOL! How about telling me something wonderful, like that you'll read Megan's Way for your own personal enjoyment:-) My recommendation was not meant solely for Oprah's Book Club:-) Megan's Way is a very spiritual journey. Sit down and relax with it one night. I'll bet that you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Looking forward to 4pm today for the big announcement!
Peace,
Melissa
I'd like to recommend this book for the book club:
The Boy in The Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne
I feel it's a must read for everyone. It gives tremendous perspective and if more people read it or watch the movie, maybe we could strive for a less discriminatory society.
I hope the Jewish child in this movie wins an Oscar. He played the role with such a perfect combination of innocence and fear, that you want to curl up beside him in the chamber and hold on tight. The rarely shown perspective of the German soldier's wife and mother was gratifying. This book shows that children have the ability to look past discrimination, and even cold-heartedness (is that a word??) of their own parent. It drives home several critical social and emotional issues that are often overlooked. Simply put, this book takes you down an emotionally compelling and horrifying path, but one that leaves you a better person. Once you've seen The Boy in The Striped Pajamas, you'll think twice about ever discriminating in any fashion.
Jill,
I belong to two book clubs in Ohio, and they both want to recommend THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett.
We found ourselves trying to figure out which actresses could best play the parts of these wonderfully rich characters living in Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement. It is so good, we think Oprah should consider obtaining the screenplay.
It was a cold and stormy night in January, 1990 when our first grandchild was born. A c-section was being performed in the hopes of saving mother and baby. Eight years previously, our daughter had gone through surgery, radiation and chemo for a brain tumor. The fact that she was pregnant was a miracle in itself. The baby was 2lbs. 9oz. She so deserved to be happy, but happiness was not long lived when seven weeks later she was rushed back to the ER where they found the tumor had returned.¿One in a hundred chances of living three days¿. The wind was knocked out of me as the valiant battle she had fought lay in jeopardy. The baby was baptized at her bedside and she again went into surgery to remove the tumor; buying time, not a cure. Her son was 14 months old when months of therapy failed and she silently slid away into the arms of God.
I have been asked why we decided to take in our grandson after our daughter¿s death. 18 years ago I would have answered: ¿he needs us...he is our daughter¿s child¿. Today my immediate response would be: ¿he needs us¿. How could we turn our backs on her child? Caring for an adult daughter in hospice and a premature newborn was certainly a challenge, but we survived. I lived my life reactively and learned the true meaning of one day at a time.
I have written a book: Has Anyone Seen My Daisy? The story is about losing our daughter and raising our grandson. I have written another on the subject now dear to my heart: grandparents raising grandchildren. It is called Born Into Love. The common factors among all the grandmothers I have interviewed is stress, financial difficulties, and problems with children who have been abandoned by death, drugs, or mental illness. I always ask the same question of each grandmother I talk to: ¿If you had it to do over again, would you change anything?¿ The universal answer is always: ¿Of course not! They¿re my grandchildren!¿
Why did I do it? Would I make the same decision today? Of course! He¿s my grandchild, and I would make the same decision in a heartbeat! No regrets, no looking back. He is very much our son. We have a bond that cannot be broken. He is our son. I am his ¿grandmom¿.
This is a poem from my book:
Life goes on
The sun rises and sets
It pays no attention to the hurts and joys we encounter
It still rises and set
It still maintains its' beauty
Our hopes are renewed with each day
Worry and Peace play in our minds
Which will it be today?
Life is changing and we must move on
Happier things are sure to come
BANG...life changes
The monsters in the closet have escaped and are attacking
Too little to fight, he needs help
"You saved me from the monsters!"
What job have I been given?
No Joan of Arc am I!
How do I save the little babe?
The monsters are threatening
I cannot ignore him...I must do something
Please God, a plan, a plan, I need help!
by Peggy O'Connor
Check out "Shift Or Get Off the Pot, 26 Simple Truths About Getting a Life" by Linda Edgecombe
I would love to see Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer picked for the next book club recommendation. This book is wonderful. It takes you on such an emotional journey that is totally unexpected.
Passionate Choices by Joy M. Byrd
Jennifer Covvington
has a gorgeous boyfriend who is, unfortunately, engaged to another
woman. When Jennifer breaks up with Jared Philips, his volatile temper
is revealed. Porter Brayden, the tall, dark-haired, handsome doctor
she met when she was injured playing volleyball, persuades Jennifer to
let him hire a bodyguard to protect her after he becomes concerned over
her safety.
Porter calls Tyler Robinson to protect Jennifer.
Immediately, she is attracted to this attractive, muscular, quiet man.
As time goes by, she becomes more and more drawn to Tyler especially
after she spends a night sheltered in Tyler's strong arms. But she is
also attracted to Porter and is not quite sure what she should do or
where her feelings are taking her.
I am recommending Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer as a selection for book club reading. This book to be very inspirational.
Thanks,
Dru Ann
I am new to Oprah's bookclub and am delighted to have a chance to discuss and hear about new books. I am an avid reader and feel I must mention Kristen Hannah's "Magic Hour" as it is one of the most compelling and emotionally involving books I have read in a very long time. It is the story of a troubled child and the woman who saves her. A definate must read and I think it deserves a spot on Oprah's bookshelf. Just one woman's opinion...
Ashley lynn
Please check out two great children's picture books entitled "Just Be You" and "Me, the Tree." Both books are about honoring and being true to oneself. Book descriptions below.
JUST BE YOU (ISBN: 978-0-9645663-5-4 / 0-9645663-5-4):
Honey is a Cocker Spaniel who thinks she's a duck...because that's what she's been told by the "others"...who just happen to be ducks! But secretly, Honey asks "Who can I tell that I am not what you see?" and the mirror replies "You can tell me!" Share Honey's delightful journey of self-discovery in Ann Louise Ramsey's magical children's picture book "Just Be You."
ME, THE TREE (ISBN 978-0-9645663-4-7 / 0-9645663-4-6):
Struggling to know its true self, one lone pine cone, in a forest of many, searches for an open meadow "where no tree lived before" in order to become the magnificent pine tree that lives within. Through "patient believing" this tiny pine cone fulfills its destiny as a tree and ultimately falls in love with all of life in Ann Louise Ramsey's children's picture book "Me, the Tree." Follow the birth of a pine tree in this poetic parable about self-realization as this little pine cone with deep blue eyes embarks on a fanciful journey from seedling to adulthood.
Thank you,
Ann
RE: Book Club
You should definitely check out the work of artist Ron Burns, specifically The Dogs of Ron Burns. There's no way his talent, sensitivity and humor CANNOT brighten your day. And we all need some more of that these days!
Rita B.
Please check out RUFUS RHYMES by the world's best animal artist, Ron Burns. Oprah would love it.
Thank you!!
I have a suggestion for a book for your book club---"Rufus Rhymes" by Ron Burns. Ron is an artist who is very much an animal lover and is into rescued animals. I'm not sure, but I think he is an artist for the Humane Society for the United States. I have a print of his in my living room, as a matter of fact--I love his artwork. Anyhow, his book is a collection of nursery rhymes/lullabies written for people to read to dogs. Of course, people of all ages enjoy them too!!
Barbara Boyer's Courage of Fear (isbn 9780615203638, OceanMoon Publishing) winner of MBR 2009 Small Press Bookwatch.
"full of suspense . . . strong characters, vivid dialogue, romance and exciting plot that motivates readers to turn the pages to the very end . . . unexpected ending . . . qualities a successful story should have . . . caters to adventure lovers . . . Very Highly Recommended." Liana Metal, Midwest Book Review
"Boyer is the female Nicholas Sparks" Teri Price, Benquista Publishing
"Fascinating offering from a writer with an already individual voice. Read it to be in there on the ground floor, for it is a sure harbinger of much good work to follow . . . pace symposium and Diotima takes the starring role." Paul Kane, The compulsive Reader
"Riveting until the end . . . a suspenseful, exciting story . . . full of indelible characters who will hook enthusiastic readers. Boyer is adept at writing details that bring characters to life . . . Page-turning inspirational fiction . . ."--Kirkus
"...Memorable, inspirational, romantic, caring friends, empathic, sympathetic¿and so much more comes to mind as you read and live with the characters in Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer.
Boyer has a strong voice in her writing style, her own beliefs, and in allowing her characters to speak about deep, important, and the ¿not-to-be-discussed¿ life and death situations that many of us face..."--G. A. Bixler
"A true measure of a book lies in its ability to capture the reader, hold his/her attention, and lead to great depths of thought afterwards. This story succeeded on all counts."-- Laurel-Rain Snow, Nelson's
in response to: methetree
I think "Just Be You" and "Me, the Tree" are GREAT choices for the book club.
I am recommending the following books:
Just Be You by Ann Louise Ramsey
Product Description
Honey is a Cocker Spaniel who thinks she is a duck...because that is what she has been told by the others ...who just happen to be ducks! But secretly, Honey asks, Who can I tell that I am not what you see? and the mirror replies, You can tell me! Share Honeys delightful journey of self-discovery in Ann Louise Ramseys magical childrens picture book, Just Be You. Bursting with joy and guaranteed to bring a smile to young and old alike, Just Be You reminds us of the importance of loving and honoring ourselves. Magical realism comes to mind when reading Ramsey's book. Inspired by her love for Honey, her Cocker Spaniel, along with her talent as a photographer and imaginative work in Photoshop, Ramsey has created magically real images to complement her Dr. Seuss style story-poem resulting in an enchanting book. With captivating images to match this simple, yet profound message, Just Be You will find its way into many hearts for years to come.
BOOK #2
Me, the Tree by Ann Louise Ramsey
Struggling to know its true self, one lone pine cone, in a forest of many, searches for an open meadow 'where no tree lived before' in order to become the magnificent pine tree that lives within. Through 'patient believing' this tiny pine cone fulfills its destiny as a tree and ultimately falls in love with all of life in Ann Louise Ramsey's children's picture book 'Me, the Tree.' Follow the birth of a pine tree in this poetic parable about self-realization as this little pine cone with deep blue eyes embarks on a fanciful journey from seedling to adulthood. Living in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado for thirteen years, in combination with her love for her blue-eyed Australian Shepherd, provided the inspiration for Ramsey's book 'Me, the Tree.' Photographs taken in the mountain forests become personified as Ramsey creatively incorporates her dog's blue eyes into every image, giving the pine cone a personality and an emotional attachment to the story as it grows into a tree. This insightful tale of self-motivation and belief in oneself comes to life through enchanting images that capture nature's beauty and gentle simplicity. Inspiring and uplifting, 'Me, the Tree' connects readers with life itself through validation of our own individuality and serves to remind us of the divinity that lives within us all.
About the Author
Ann Louise Ramsey, Colorado artist, photographer, musician, animal lover and poet, has been gaining recognition with her childrens picture books, animal artistry and greeting cards, all of which can be found in book stores, libraries, gift shops and pet boutiques. Skilled in computer graphics and design, Ramsey has found imaginative and delightful ways to bring her childrens picture books to life. Winner of a 2007 EVVY Book Award (Colorado Independent Publisher s Association), her first book, Me, the Tree, has planted the seed of what promises to grow into a very tall tree for this innovative author/illustrator from Colorado. Having performed music in a variety of venues for twenty years, Ramsey can now be found entertaining others with book readings and sharing her creative ideas on computer graphics, writing and publishing. Venues ranging from book stores, classrooms and libraries to special interest groups all serve as inspired settings for Ramsey to share her artistic vision and passion for creating picture books with children and adults alike. Ann Louise Ramsey lives in Western Colorado with Honey, her Cocker Spaniel, where she devotes much of her time to writing, photography, computer graphics and artwork. In her free time she enjoys camping in the mountains and playing her fiddle with friends.
Thank you to all
I would like to suggest "Dear Woman Friends" by Rebecca Kidd. It's a brilliant gift book that helps remind all women of their value.
in response to: jmk1979
Thank you for the opportunity to post about my boo, Artful Dreaming.
Here is its review by the Greenleaf Book Group:
Artful Dreaming is a unique, engaging work that is both inspiring and motivating. The author delivers valuable tips for finding inspiration in dreams, including recollection, incubation, interpretation, and translation of dreams into visual imagery and written works. The writing is strong, and the exercises add a practical element to the book and help illustrate the discussion in the text.
Thanks so much
I am so thrilled I can post about my book, Artful Dreaming- A Primer for Finding Inspiration from Your Dreams. Here is the review from Greenleaf Book Group:
Artful Dreaming is a unique, engaging work that is both inspiring and motivating. The author delivers valuable tips for finding inspiration in dreams, including recollection, incubation, interpretation, and translation of dreams into visual imagery and written works. The writing is strong, and the exercises add a practical element to the book and help illustrate the discussion in the text.
Wewer Keohane, author
I would like to recommend a book by an artist, Ron Burns. The book title is Rufus Rhymes. It is a great book for children learning to read to be able to read a nursery rhyme to their pet. The book is about Rufus and his little adventure. It is only about 25 pages and very easy to read. It's a great way to promote reading within children. That's what children's books are suppose to be about, fun and creative. The artwork in this book is great too. Fun and vibrant colors to attract children.
It's a great book and I highly recommended it. I have read this book to my kids and they just love it. They are 4 and 6 years old. The 6 year old reads it as well to his little brother and our 3 dogs.
Thank you for letting me subbmit this.
Hi! I'm new to this, but just recently wrote a poetry book called "Poetic Desperation". As of right now, it can only be bought online at publishamerica, but will be released to other online stores October 10th. As of right now, I won't be able to get much word out about it though because my daughter's 1st b-day is that day & I'm due with a boy the very next day, so I would REEEALLY appreciate you giving my book a chance. :] I don't think you'll regret it. You can check out more about it on weebly under poeticdesperation. However, here are a few poetry samples from it:
IDENTITY
Lost behind a wardrobe of faces
A new mask for each setting
If none seem to fit quite right
Is there one that I'm forgetting?
When the crowds change with the seasons
And society determines who's to fit in
Who do I run to when I'm all alone
And I don't know the One within?
When I'm feeling empty,
And loneliness screams louder than the music I blare
When my heart is bleeding and my soul is dying,
Where do I place my fear?
When my hunger is insatiable
Always left incomplete
Do I ever really conquer
When left feeling utter defeat?
If I do the things I don't want to
And don't do the things I do
Is who I am determined by unfulfilled intentions
Or unintended impromptu?
If I don't know who I am
Who should I portray?
When I'm lost behind a joyful face
Does that mean I am okay?
If I'm just a character in a story
And I don't seem to fit the scene
Am I playing the wrong role?
Or am I meant to be drama queen?
If who I am is what you see
And all the sudden I change
Is who I am what you saw before?
Or who I was, re-arranged?
If I can display who you are
But have trouble being me
Am I who I play best?
Or do I have a lost identity?
And if all You are,
Is who I wish to be
Is who I am what I display now
Or what I'd like to see?
It seems that I feel more alive
When I display You
And when I die and let You live
I am made anew
So forget about who I am
See who I'm trying to be
Because who You are
Is meant to be
My identity
IMMORTALITY
So immortal we pretend to be
Living life half-heartedly
Buried passion underneath
School, work, TV
And meaningless nothings
That can't even take up six feet
And while we make up an excuse
For every vanity replacing moments of life we lose
We're digging our way
To endless graves
In a cemetery we create
To fill with lost, lonely, unloved souls
To match our hearts' plentiful holes
That could have lived and been loved
If we only knew of
The fatal plague of not fully living
Takes others with us
But we have a chance
To take another stance
Be the one who dies
In order to live
In order to sprout
In order to birth new life
From death
Is that not immortal?
Is that not what we want from life?
To know that our lives
Did not just die
But multiplied
In bringing life
To those around us
Even after our time
MANNEQUIN
I knew a girl once who did the greatest impression of a mannequin.
Her plastered smile was always appealing,
And her painted mask always just right.
Well, I saw her recently
And her plastered smile was revealing
The chipped glue underneath.
Her smile was no longer plastered anymore.
Her face paint was smearing with tears she'd never met before.
As a mannequin, she had never been so broken,
But she had never felt so real in her life.
Thanks for any & all help!
-Rachel Ann Dittmer (R.A.D.) :]
P.S.~Here's my synopsis:
"Poetic Desperation" is a breath of fresh air in the midst of a suffocating society. It is a desperate cry to seek and find Truth in the midst of overwhelming lies. It is a call to bring back the innocence of one's youth. It searches out Wisdom and Understanding. It will be a comfort to those who suffer heartache and loneliness and a joy to those who have found Truth and Love. It brings about beauty in the midst of ugliness. It asks all the hard questions and shares the enlightenment found to be true. Above all else, it seeks out a God who desperately wants to meet all our needs, fill all our voids, share in all our joys and pains, hear every detail of our life- good or bad, and be there every step of the way. I hope it helps you find Him in the long run.
I would like to nominate a book, Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer, for consideration for your book club. I am providing my review for immediate reference. If I can provide additional information, I would be happy to do so. I met Barbara Boyer through GoodReads.
Thank you,
Glenda A. Bixler
Courage of Fear
By Barbara Boyer
Ocean Moon Publishing
ISBN: 9780615203638
186 Pages
Angela Hearly-Peterson has written an inspirational best-selling book, Wrestling With the Demons.
At least she did¿within Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer! I don¿t think I¿ve read another book quite like this¿it¿s truly unique. I love unique... This book is probably listed under the romance genre, but it is so much more!
At the beginning of each chapter, there are quotes from Angela, the main character. Normally quotes are seen as a reference or a beginning thought. However, in many ways these beginning statements are so powerful that you could, indeed, be reading a separate book, about wrestling with your demons.
Angela¿s book was centered on whether an individual had the right to choose life or death.
In her ¿real¿ life, Angela is in a very committed love relationship with her husband Jackson. They are the ideal couple; they are true soul mates, no doubt about it.
But even soul mates are sometimes tempted by something outside of that relationship. In Jackson¿s case, it was gambling. And, in the end, he chose to leave Angela because of that vice!
Suddenly Angela is wrestling with her own demon¿does she want to live without Jackson? Some readers may immediately guess how the story goes as she moved back to her hometown and finds people who love her. But you¿ll be wrong. The surprise ending, and hopefully nobody will share that in advance, is also unique. Did I tell you I love unique?
Memorable, inspirational, romantic, caring friends, empathic, sympathetic¿and so much more comes to mind as you read and live with the characters in Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer.
Boyer has a strong voice in her writing style, her own beliefs, and in allowing her characters to speak about deep, important, and the ¿not-to-be-discussed¿ life and death situations that many of us face. I confess I didn¿t like the ending, but then again, our lives many times are not what we want.
Is this book a ¿Must-read¿ for you? Each of us must answer that ourselves. I, for one, must say that memory of this book and characters will stay with me much longer than many. I think that speaks well of Boyer¿s work, don¿t you think? Easily 5+!
WHEN THE BUDDHA MET BUBBA by Richard "Dixie" Hartwell (aka John Lee)
Spirituality, Southern Style!
This is the heart-warming story of Billy Bob (Bubba) Coker, a redneck who reached rock bottom, until a freak head injury results in the appearance of his own personal Buddha. From that moment forward, Bubba is led on a humorous journey of introspection through the backwoods of the deep South and through his own flawed preconceptions and relationships.
A whimsical fantasy that deals with the integrity and surrender that comes when a likable redneck (Bubba) meets his magical mentor, Pu Tai (one of the many names for The Buddha), as they set off on an unusual journey.
It has at its center a love story between a man and a woman and the devotion of a beautiful gay couple. Throw in the struggle to heal a father-son wound, old South prejudice and bigotry, then add a little humor and true Buddhist/Christian compassion and you end up with a quirky novel that is not only different but just plain fun.
Publishers Weekly said of the novel: "Hartwell has penned an odd yet humorous novella set in Alabama. Telling the story from Bubba's point of view, with his ungrammatical English and Southern speak, establishes a solid sense of character and place, and funny anecdotes woven throughout add charm."
I want to recommend this book to every that love a good drama fiction.
~~BETRAYAL~~
by Rebecca Tilson
In this small college town life has been turned
upside down. A bright, young professor has been
murdered and his fiancé has been stricken with a
mysterious illness. Katie Mathison was once an
energetic, young woman with her entire life ahead of
her. Her once sharp, intellectual mind has become
forgetful and her nights are filled with recurring,
unexplained dreams. Katie soon learns that those
closest to her have the biggest secrets to hide and
trusts can be broken in an instant. Katie begins to
fear for her own life as the death toll mounts and
time is running out. What Katie thought she knew is
only the beginning.
I highly recommend the books Just Be You and Me, the Tree by Ann Louise Ramsey which are two of the most unique, original, and life-affirming stories for children I have ever read.
Each of these books is beautifully illustrated with the author's own creative graphics and each tells a story with a profound, timeless message that resonates with adults and children alike.
I would like to recommend Courage of Fear, by Barbara Boyer. My best friend let me borrow her copy, she thought it would help me through a difficult time. I must admit, I am not much of a reader. I couldn't put that book down. I even read it again then went out and bought a copy for my sister and mother! This was a powerful story about love, life, addiction, connectedness of everything and meaning and purpose. Each chapter starts with a quote from the main characters book "wrestling with the demons" and, imo, those quotes could be an exceptional meditation book... the characters so vivid and real, even the animals had distinct personalities. Even my husband loved it! Jill even if you do not pick this book for the book club, which I think it should be, you must at least read it for your own spiritual growth. This book really makes you think (without forcing you in a certain direction--so I guess without you knowing it is happening) about what is important in life. I recommend everyone read Courage of Fear!
Jill:
Thanks for letting use show off our books! My name is Christine Stapleton and I have been a journalist for nearly 30 years. This month I published my first book. Hoping for a happy ending: A journalist's story of depression, bipolar and alcoholism.
No, no, no, this is not another memoir. This is a collection of my award-winning weekly columns published in The Palm Beach Post. My columns explore current events, policy issues, archaic attitudes about mental illness and my experience with foxhole prayers, antidepressants and a trip to the junkyard with a baseball bat.
Do we really need another book on depression, bipolar and alcoholism? Yes. Many books on mental illness are memoirs or chapter books. During my last and worst depression I was unable to read more than a few sentences at a time. I wrote this book with that in mind. The sentences are short. The words are simple. Each column is brief and focuses on a single topic.
My columns are distributed by the New York Times Syndicate and Cox News Service and have been picked up by newspapers and web sites around the world. In 2008 I was awarded Mental Health America's Media Award for an advice column. My book is self published - I decided I had had enough rejection in my life. I am doing this all on my own. I hope you will give it a look. You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Author House.
Advance Praise
"Christine is an engaging storyteller - at one moment her words brought tears to my eyes, and in the next, I found myself chuckling at her ability to find humor in the most painful of emotional situations...She's laid her soul bare in this book, and by doing so, she brings hope to the millions who suffer from the same kinds of mental health issues she herself faced." John M. Grohol, Psy.D. Founder, PsychCentral
About the Author
Christine Stapleton has been a staff writer for The Palm Beach Post since 1986. She distinquished herself as the paper's court reporter for 12 years, leading the paper's coverage of the William Kennedy Smith rape trial and the November 2000 presidential ballot recount. Her awards include two Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards for uncovering abuse of migrant farm workers. She is a fellow of the Knight Foundation and has appeared on numerous national and local television programs, including City Confidential, CNN and the Deborah Norville Show. Christine now specializes in computer-assisted investigative reporting.
JUST BE YOU and ME, THE TREE - two great children's picture books.
JUST BE YOU book description:
Share a Cocker Spaniel named Honey's delightful journey of self-discovery
in Ann Louise Ramsey's magical children's picture book JUST BE YOU.
ME, THE TREE book description:
With enchanting images of nature and a lyrical storyline, Ann Louise Ramsey's children's picture book ME, THE TREE is an inspiring tale about the power of believing in oneself.
Against All Odds
This is a book I wrote about my personal life journey. I believe that it should be of great value to a lot of people.
Below are comments by readers who have read this book.
Thank you.
Chip Westbrook
Pub. Date: July 2009
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Format: Paperback, 176pp
ISBN-13: 9781598589177
ISBN: 1598589172
Synopsis
I felt like I was sitting cozy by a fire enjoying story telling, style reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder 'Little House on the Prairie' series. -Hardy
---------------------------------SSS--------------------------------
When you read the words of Chip Westbrook regarding his early years in Eastern Oregon, you can smell the Sagebrush, the Juniper, the horse's lather, and feel the sun's warmth in the spring. He describes it exactly how it was, in the past we knew and loved. -Bowne
---------------------------------SSS--------------------------------
This is an absorbing first-person account of the unique life and works of Chip Westbrook as he experienced it. The story begins in Suplee, Oregon, 1941, then on to Burns, Oregon, where his family survived tragedy and many difficulties "on a ranch that was miles from anywhere." He was on his own at age 14 in central Idaho, then he began the solitary life of a sheep herder at the age of 17 for the next five years. The solitude was interrupted one summer when he met "The" girl atop a mountain where she was working as a fire lookout. The story follows him through college, marriage, fatherhood and his career in Aerial Mapping from Idaho to Alberta, Canada, then to the High Arctic and finally to Eugene, Oregon. It is a tale of hardship, adventure and love lived by one man of determination and ingenuity who found he could always make things work "where others had failed or given up". -Rimmer
I would like to suggest a small book that is growing quickly because of the depth of the writing - Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyers.
Heaven, a destination many of us strive for. We may never know how many actually reach their final stop. What we do know, is that sometimes when we have just a touch of heaven in our hands here on Earth, we never see it until it's too late and it leaves our hands like a dandelion in a spring wind. Ms. Boyer can write the wind.
Courage of Fear treads into emotional places few writers have the capacity to delve. It reaches into our fears, our joys, our loves, and our own destructive conscious. Obviously this author knows not only joy, but some of the most supreme depths of despair any of us can endure. The words will stay with the reader long after the cover has been closed.
I, a new fan, recommend - Courage of Fear by Barbara Boyer
Jill, Oprah does what a prior comment states "catching awareness and swinging it by the tail" vis a vis the MacKenzie Phillips interview: by allowing her story to be told to millions of her viewers. A story told by Emily Dickinson in my book "The Rape and Recovery of Emily Dickinson, In Her Words, Poems of Witness and Worth" (2008). Jerry Stahl, author of "Permanent Midnight and formerly interviewed by Oprah, describes this work as, "a truly haunting, truly beautiful masterpiece of poetic investigation."
Dr. Oliner (his sociological "The Altruistic Personality" was provided a blurb by Elie Weisel) said "This book, 'The Rape and Recovery of Emily Dickinson' is an important addition to the literature for both students of Emily Dickinson and American poetry, and devoted Dickinson readers."
The pertinency and timing of my book and Ms. MacKenzie's disclosure have an enormous synchronicity.
Hi Producerji
Thank you for providing an opportunity to authors like me to share their work
I am a writer, philosopher and a businessman and would like to introduce you to my recently published book- Mastering Life Through Practical Wisdom. The book consists of both basic and complex aspects of Practical Wisdom, which I¿m convinced is an absolute must for every soul,for the very outcome of a person's life rests on the practical wisdom that they understand and apply.
Topics ranging from Time Management, Coping with Stress, Staying Healthy, Building rewarding relationships, importance of establishing a comfort zone at home, Devil management, learning the concept of probability, are just a few of the topics covered in the thirty five chapters of this book.
The goal and purpose of this book is to spread the concept of practical wisdom everywhere in the world, and give the reader specific information that he or she can use to boost their individual efficiency, quality of life, make better decisions and accomplish profit in every endeavor.
If I may say so, the book is certain to draw the reader to discover a new and profitable insight every time it is read.
When I was ignorant of the concept of Practical Wisdom, success was forever elusive - but Practical Wisdom fashioned a radical change in my life; I now succeed more often in my endeavors, have a variety of options and solutions, and yes I do make better choices now. Stress is gone -- Practical Wisdom enables one not only manage stress, but create many enjoyable moments each day--- and there is peace and joy. For the first time, I am in control of my life. Practical wisdom made me understand the only way good things can happen is by bringing them about- else they won¿t simply happen.
After experiencing this extraordinary change in my life- a change brought about by practical wisdom- I realized this knowledge is way too precious to not share, and this prompted me to write my book ¿Mastering Life Through Practical wisdom¿.
Where can one find the book?
My book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several online booksellers, and my website.
Thank you for taking your time out to consider my book.
Sincerely
Raj Sahu
"The Economics of Sex" by Robert Shields
ISBN 978-0-557-11770-3
September 2009
A funny and intriguing perception into sex with the use of economics. A compelling exercise for the arm chair intellectual, or those just curious as to what happened in their sex lives when nothing else could explain it.
Shields is also a syndicated sports writer. He applies his same comical humor that he has used for over ten years in his sports column. His incorporation of witticism and sex make this study in economics worthwhile.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET NOT YOUR MAN, Learn to Love What's Right Instead of Trying to Fix What's Wrong, Adams Media 2009, by Sally B. Watkins M.S.W. IBSN 978-1-60550-142-0
Many women in my twenty year psychotherapy practice were disappointed and dispairing about their relationships with men. Growing up with fairytales, Barbies, and romance novels, we don't realize how the happily ever after myth contributes to our relationship misery and failures. My book is the message I needed as a young woman--that there is no substitute for growing a self and creating a full passionate life, that a man can't possibly be your fulfillment.
It's hard on the guys when we want what they have not been socialized to provide. The conflict comes from trying to get happiness, validation and love from a partner when the only one you can change is yourself.
My book spells out exactly what it takes to find contentment with your normally flawed and imperfect guy the way he is. Complaining and even couples counseling can be disastrous if fixing him is the goal. I espouse blameless relating and using the normal pain of relationship and life to grow and mature. I'm a great fan of Eckhart Tolle and his work inspired my life and this book.
Given our previous selection, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" -- it's no secret that we have a special place in our hearts for dogs around here! Thanks for the book suggestion and thanks to all of you who have offered titles of books you loved to read. Keep 'em coming!!!
in response to: radittmer
"Poetic Desperation" can now be bought online at amazon & barnesandnoble as well! Please check it out! I'd love to hear any & all feedback! Thanks! :]
My book "Poetic Desperation" can now be bought online at amazon & barnesandnoble! Please check it out if you enjoy poetry at all & even if you don't (many people that don't normally even like poetry have told me they enjoy my poetry)! I would LOVE to hear any & all feedback! Thanks so much! :]
Thank you for allowing authors to post titles and reviews of our work MUCH APPRECIATED!!! "When Does a Woman Get a Real Man" is my first published novel.
"The book is EXCELLENT -- talk about keeping it real. A most excellent journey, and well worth me breaking up my general routine of non-fiction. . . . Grandmama's old-school wisdom was nicely confirmed. And, it also provoked some extra self-examination in a weekend in which I would need to be in that frame of mind. I look forward to being invited to the next book party, and buying the next book." D. Matthews
"Join the Journey - Written from two perspectives - Joshua charts a heartwarming view of a child's impressions of life in the shadows of his mother's escapades. Providing a journey of discovery that will make every parent take a second to consider their own behavior in the spot light of their child's view. One must read the juxtuposed perspectives to absorb the journey that lies within us all. You may not be who you think you are..." Marcus Books, SF
in response to: radittmer
i really enjoyed reading your poems. thank you for sharing.
Hello - I wanted to spread the word about a profound new child abuse survivor memoir that was just published a month ago. It is called...
A BEAUTIFUL WORLD - by Gregg Milligan
I've read several good memoirs by survivors and A BEAUTIFUL WORLD, really stands apart.
This book feels more like a literary narrative than a normal memoir. Instead of looking at a timeline, I felt like I was teleported into specific experiences, standing in the corner of the worn down living room, watching these horrific experiences unfold.
Secondly, the writing is amazingly poetic. Here is an example "Our neighborhood was a contorted dirty forgotten place. The last vestige of humanity unwashed. At the center of this life was Mother. She built a relationship with her children based on unadulterated guilt, manipulation, and violence. And as long as I can remember, I was her caretaker. I would spend hours in quiet waiting, at the edge of visibility. It was a worrisome devotion. A strong and ugly love." That poetic voice carries through the most graphic experiences, which I can't include here.
And finally, the most profound aspect is the ending. I won't say too much because I know my description won't do it justice, but if there was ever a 'literary device' that could capture the depths of how child abuse affects not only the child (by placing the most unbelievable, life-long, phychological burden) but also society as a whole, Mr. Milligan has perfected that with his ending. I bet the ending will frustrate some, leave others in disbelief, but for those who have been exposed to abuse, you will feel the 'truth' of how this story 'concludes' ... and you'll know that any other ending, any 'whitewashing', would have been a lie.
Hi Jill,
As a busy woman working in a high-stress, fiercely competitive and male-dominated industry, I have precious little time for recreational reading. I am decidedly bored with typical topics of books targeted at women¿finding/losing/aching for love; family trials and tribulations; how-to get thinner/prettier/smarter/richer; and so on. I myself am 50ish, intelligent, bold, and athletic. I seek books that recharge the senses and stimulate my imagination, with strong female heroes that speak to me.
I found not one, but two in the surprising and refreshingly satisfying ¿A Dreamer¿s Beyond¿ by Michelle Arbaugh (just released by Tate Publishing, soon in worldwide distribution on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, etc.) The lead character is struggling with recent widowhood, advancing age, and assessing her own value as a human being. She is diverted by the diary of a long dead relative, C. L. Whitman, and she soon discovers that its powers exceed historical revelation. She finds herself mystically transported into the life of a young woman who rejects the harshly limited choices for pioneering women in the Old West by becoming a rider for the Pony Express. Tate Publishing said this new release by Ms. Arbaugh ¿opens up an old woman's heart and mind to reveal deeply reflective inner battles and longings for fantastic adventure, which every human being hungers for."
The granddaughter of Tennessee-based Native Americans, Ms. Arbaugh also has done her homework so the reader is immersed seamlessly into daily tribal life, the normal routines of a hardworking farmhouse wife, and the grueling life of a pony express rider. Her characters are no shrinking violets nor do they simply accept what life dishes out. They take fate by the horns and master their destinies with uncompromising strength and dignity.
As shown on her personal web site. Arbaugh writes for a wide ranging audience. Her last book ¿A Feather, a Pipe, and a Kicking Broom¿ followed the parallel stories of a young contemporary boy facing the prospect of manhood and a young Indian boy on a similar path a century earlier who became a powerful Shaman for his tribe. This book was released last year and rose quickly on Amazon¿s new release list.
I checked out Ms. Arbaugh¿s personal web site, where I found that she ten wildly different books on the way. Her characters are contemporary and historic, human and animal. Some are ghosts. Her story settings range from contemporary, to old Victorian, to ancient China, both above and below the ocean. She also hints at a rich sense of humor in future offerings. I can¿t wait.
in response to: enyese1
thank you so much for reading them! i appreciate it & your feedback! i'm glad you enjoyed them! :]
Hi Jill,
As a busy woman working in a high-stress, fiercely competitive and male-dominated industry, I have precious little time for recreational reading. I am decidedly bored with typical topics of books targeted at women¿finding/losing/aching for love; family trials and tribulations; how-to get thinner/prettier/smarter/richer; and so on. I myself am 50ish, intelligent, bold, and athletic. I seek books that recharge the senses and stimulate my imagination, with strong female heroes that speak to me.
I found not one, but two in the surprising and refreshingly satisfying ¿A Dreamer¿s Beyond¿ by Michelle Arbaugh (just released by Tate Publishing, soon in worldwide distribution on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, etc.) The lead character is struggling with recent widowhood, advancing age, and assessing her own value as a human being. She is diverted by the diary of a long dead relative, C. L. Whitman, and she soon discovers that its powers exceed historical revelation. She finds herself mystically transported into the life of a young woman who rejects the harshly limited choices for pioneering women in the Old West by becoming a rider for the Pony Express. Tate Publishing said this new release by Ms. Arbaugh ¿opens up an old woman's heart and mind to reveal deeply reflective inner battles and longings for fantastic adventure, which every human being hungers for."
The granddaughter of Tennessee-based Native Americans, Ms. Arbaugh also has done her homework so the reader is immersed seamlessly into daily tribal life, the normal routines of a hardworking farmhouse wife, and the grueling life of a pony express rider. Her characters are no shrinking violets nor do they simply accept what life dishes out. They take fate by the horns and master their destinies with uncompromising strength and dignity.
As shown on her personal web site. Arbaugh writes for a wide ranging audience. Her last book ¿A Feather, a Pipe, and a Kicking Broom¿ followed the parallel stories of a young contemporary boy facing the prospect of manhood and a young Indian boy on a similar path a century earlier who became a powerful Shaman for his tribe. This book was released last year and rose quickly on Amazon¿s new release list.
I checked out Ms. Arbaugh¿s personal web site, where I found that she has ten wildly different books on the way. Her characters are contemporary and historic, human and animal. Some are ghosts. Her story settings range from contemporary, to old Victorian, to ancient China, both above and below the ocean. She also hints at a rich sense of humor in future offerings. I can¿t wait.
I have recently published my first book that I think would be a great addition to Oprah's Book Club.
~~ A Beautiful World ~~
by Gregg Tyler Milligan
"A Beautiful World" is a story of a small boy who escapes the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of a vicious mother - only to find his love for her and the effects of his past will ever remain.
This memoir describes a brief period in my childhood - the three years leading up to the pivotal, heart-wrenching decision of leaving my alcoholic mother's home and taking my brother and sister with me. The four interrelated parts provide significant glimpses of the torment we endured - and carefully reveal the conscious decision I was forced to make to save our lives - we must leave our mother.
I wrote this book to focus on the acceptance of life as it is - in its ugliness and beauty. For triumph out of the loneliness of the individual, drawing on memories of the real inhabitants of the world in which I once lived and died. Thus, building a new world (A Beautiful World), where there are those who put the highest value on courage and love. Not the fittest survive, but the courageous. Those of us who will never quit. A Beautiful World is a story within a story underscoring the ubiquity and commonality of the tales of the millions of children abused.
I would be happy to send you a copy of "A Beautiful World". It is also available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I would love the opportunity to speak to you (and Oprah) about the book and its message.
I am the proud grandmother of Devon L. Mitchell, age 12, who has published her first children's book, "The Candy Dragon". The Candy Dragon is about a young dragon just starting to school. School was very stressful for him and he thought that being something different would make his life easier. Things don't always work out the way we think it should. Torchy had many things to learn along the way. The book has beautiful illustrations that children love to look at as well as a good story. I think any young child would enjoy this book. It is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Authorhouse. Thank you, Kay Mitchell
I always wanted to know how books were picked for the book club. So here is my two cents worth. When I was at Yale getting my MFA, my professor had me read a book entitled "The Day the Music Died," by Joseph Coleman Smith.
Mr. Smith, I later found out, was an african american singer and songwriter in the 1950 and 1960s. My professor had me read this book because he said it was a perfectly written popular fiction book with real meaning. I took his advice and have been thanking him ever since.
The book is an account of how the music business changed from when it was about the music to when it became about the product. There is a character in the book, Monroe Wilcox, who is a masterpiece of a character in modern American fiction. Wilcox is a young black man in Chicago (I later learned this is the city in which the author was born) who teams up with the black "mob" to get funding for his record business. What he does and how he does it is amazing in providing insight into his character and the business as a whole.
The novel is not currently in print ( I know because I lost my copy and have been trying to get a new one). I recently moved back to Connecticut and learned that the author's son, David Smith, is a prosecutor in New London county. If anyone has any information on the son would you post it. I would like to contact him, maybe get another copy of the book, and discuss a wonderful piece of entertainment which changed my life.
I hope this book gets a shot at being a book club selection. It is about greed, sex, ambition, race and redemption; and all of it is wrapped up in a wonderful,and wonderfully written, story.
Thanks.
I just finished reading this wonderful,sensitive and thoughtful book. It has been a long time since I read anything that impressed me as much as this one has. My husband also also read it and loved it as much as I did. We are both 71 years old and read all kinds of books but this one was unforgetable. Please consider "Dreamers Beyond" for your Book Club selection.
Hello there
I came online today to see how to submit a book for consideration and I was delighted to find this option. Thank you! My name is Kim Vazquez and I am the author of a book called:
Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of
Substance.
The following review was posted to Amazon by a gentlemen who ministers to people in prisons and rehabilitation centers. I was truly honored by the time he took to write such a thoughtful review.
Review:
Excellent life changing story..., August 16, 2009
By MAM_2006 -
"Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of
Substance"
"Author Kim Vazquez has such a special writing style that before you know
it you are right into the middle of her world. I felt I was actually there with Kim as she was telling her story. I could relate to her pain and sorrow, struggled with her numerous attempts to find love and happiness, and cried out loud with her as she finally found a way to overcome her troubles.
This young lady tried just about anything and everything to bring peace
into her life. When it seemed like she found it in a different man, job,
party or song... she smacked right into a brick wall dragging you along
with her. You realize what she is searching for and that keeps you
earnestly turning each page to find out if, when and how she actually does find it.
Once I started reading Kim's book I could not put it down. I am a pretty
fast reader but I found myself slowing down to a crawl. I felt like I just met a new friend. She does not hold anything back and tells it exactly how it is.
Kim is not afraid to share her deepest secrets, fears, strengths and
weaknesses. She even is willing to introduce you to her classic inner-voice demon type characters she calls, "Anxiety" and the "Belittler". Many readers will relate to these cridders.
You will not be able to walk away from this book without thinking you have actually known Kim all of your life. She has an extraordinary way of
finding just the right words to express herself and keep you hooked.
Kim Vazquez is not just a gifted writer... she is a gift!
I would highly recommend this book to not only people struggling with
substance abuse issues but to anyone who finds themselves on a road leading to nowhere, hoping to find someone who is willing to lend a helping hand by example.
Her story touches on so many other important issues besides just Kim's
substance abuse problem. That is only the tip of her iceberg. It is the one everyone can see, feel and taste. However, there are more deep-rooted
issues Kim faces and ultimately learns how to overcome.
Kim reminds me of the typical biblical "Prodigal Son" (daughter, in Kim's
case). Once she "finally" comes to her senses she knows enough to turn away from her addictions and... Well, you will just have to read the book to find out the rest of the story.
This book is not religious... which is odd. In fact, she coyly stays away
from anything even close to being preachy. She even admits in the beginning of the book she was never a big follower of God. However, the spiritual struggle that ensues throughout the book screams out clearly you know she is either cleverly just pulling your leg or trying to foolishly kid herself.
Kim does mention she experienced angelic encounters, however she does not
dwell very long on them. She allows the reader to get so entwined in her
life that you have to hang in there with her knowing the end has to be
something special. Read it and you will see what I mean.
Great job, Kim. I wish I had half your writing abilities. If I did, I would be a best-selling author, which I know someday you will be. Please do not ever stop writing. I truly feel you will touch millions of lives with your books and specialty practice." End of review.
Book Description:
What is the consequence of allowing the pain of your past to create your
life today? This compelling story is a case study in how our thoughts
affect our reality. It shows how miracles happen when we embrace our own
worth and become who we are meant to be. In 2006, even though she had
resisted it all her life, paranormal activity caught up to Kim, a
successful businesswoman with a haunted path. This phenomenon wasn't the
only thing that Kim had been running from all her life. She had also kept
trying to stay two steps ahead of the emotional pain from her past. But her mind wouldn't leave her alone. The pain eventually turned into crushing migraine headaches that would last twelve years and cause her to seek escape through painkillers and alcohol. After a dramatic visit from another realm, Kim experiences the miracle that brings her to sobriety. She is reborn to find herself leading the life of her dreams. It is now that she receives the answer to her lifelong question, "Why did all of this happen to a nice girl like me?" Kim's story is powerful and written with courageous honesty. It takes you into the mind of a woman struggling to leave her past behind and find her self-worth. It's through recovery that Kim finds spirituality and begins to walk the path toward a life better than she'd ever imagined. This book is an inspirational must-read for anyone seeking to enrich the quality of his or her life.
About me:
I wrote my book to help others and I'm posting it here with the hope that
it will find it's way into the hands of those who need to hear the it's
message.
Sending you peace & love,
Kim Vazquez
Jill, sorry that this ran 3 times...I didn't see it go through when I pressed "Add comment."
Hi there Jill and fellow Oprah's Book Club readers,
I've read "A Beautiful World" by Gregg Tyler Milligan and would HIGHLY recommend it for Oprah's Book Club!
You won't be able to put this book down.
From the first six words of the Introduction, you are drawn into the world of the author, Gregg Milligan, as he delves back into childhood and the last three years spent in his mother's home. Before Gregg's story even begins, the message of the book is as clear as if it were spoken - he shares his experiences hoping to help others "buckle down and bear the ride" through their own hell - and know that they are not alone.
Chronicling a young boy's endurance of incredible abuse, A Beautiful World is a tribute to hope. Through the years of brutal molestations, beatings to the brink of death, horrific manipulation, and severe mental abuse - this young child keeps his hope alive. As time passes, seeds of awareness and independence slowly begin to grow inside Gregg's heart - molding into a plan of escape to save himself and his siblings.
The narrative is written with an exceptionally visual style, which plunges you deeply into the story alongside young Gregg. (FYI- If you research the author's background, you'll find that he is actually an award-winning writer - with his work winning first place in the Memoirs/Personal Essay category of Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition, in addition to several other awards garnered over the years.)
Readers who join Gregg's journey will find themselves carried in the momentum of events, including a frenzied search for Gregg's younger sister while the children are left home alone. The night ends in unexpected chaos, and the story hurtles forward, opening the lens on Gregg's world to a full view of the horror endured.
In the face of the physical, mental, and emotional anguish, a valiant heart shines forth. Readers will feel the binding devotion Gregg has for his mother despite her abuse, and the lengths he goes to in order to care for her. And - with all the strength he has - Gregg does his best to also care for his siblings. He even takes in a young kitten cast away from its mother. His kind, loving spirit remains unbroken in the cruel torrent of abuse.
As the years progress, desperation builds - and readers follow Gregg to the absolute edge of sanity and survival.
This is a book you won't be able to put down. It's an incredible account of the perseverance of the human spirit with the resounding message to never give up - whatever adversity you may face.
From the Epilogue of A Beautiful World: "What I do know is that I tried and I am still trying. I will not quit. It is my anchor that holds me in place, so the world (sometimes ugly-sometimes beautiful) does not bowl me over. It is my anchor keeping me in place waiting for you."
I would compare this book to another Oprah's Book Club selection -"Night" by Elie Wiesel. Both A BEAUTIFUL WORLD and NIGHT offer readers a chance to adjust their own perspective on suffering through the examples of both authors. Though they have suffered greatly and will never leave this experience behind, they will not allow it to end them either.
Further, both authors possess the incredible courage to reach out and share their stories, giving of themselves for the benefit of others. The astounding resiliency shown in that act alone speaks volumes of them as human beings - and the words they press to paper will ever live on in the hearts of those that read them.
Bottom line - read A Beautiful World and find out for yourself.
Those that do will never forget it.
I would like to recommend a book by Kim Vazquez titled: Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance. A special read by a special human being.
Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of
Substance by Kim Vazquez.
This is a great book with a strong message that I believe many people can relate to in these challenging economic times.
Living in the Rear View Mirror: From Substance Abuse to a Life of
Substance by Kim Vazquez.
This is a great book with a strong message that I believe many people can relate to.
Good book I recently read was Living in the Rearview Mirror by Kim Vazquez. It's an honest book about abuse and the road to recovery.
It's an easy read with a positive message.
I suggest Living in the Rearview Mirror by Kim Vazquez. It has a positive message.
On a daily basis, I try to send a message to the producer of the Oprah Book Club, and it does not go through, as the mailbox is always full, so I am just trying anything I can do to reach Producer Jill. As a first time author, I would like to send a copy of the book to someone who cares enough to read it. It is an entertaining book, however, the deeper message is to convey awareness of The Big Black Dog Syndrome, which is a syndrome that is rampant in animal shelters countrywide. I have tried writing messages, and did not mean to, but broke house rules, and the messages were voided. I apologize for breaking the rules. I am passionate about the cause we are addressing and sometimes get carried away with my words and links and information that I have to share. Bandit, my big black dog, and I were recently featured on ABC7 News in Los Angeles, and I thought since ABC is the network of Harpo, and the Oprah Show, that someone might be interested in the segment. Thank you for your time and consideration, and please let me know who and where to send a copy of the book. Respectfully, Carol Bradshaw
Hi Jill,
My new book, for kids ages 8-11 is Dear Toni (by Cyndi Sand-Eveland) and published by Tundra Books, has recently been nominated for the 2010 Atlantic Canada Children's choice award; the Hackmatack, the 2010 Ontario Library Association's Silver Birch Express and the Banks Street College in New York's 2009 Best Books for Children book of lists. Thanks so much for the opportuntiy to promote our work on this site and thank you for all the great information on this website. Best,Cyndi Sand-Eveland
I want to recommend this book to every that love a good drama fiction.
~~BETRAYAL~~
by Rebecca Tilson
In this small college town life has been turned
upside down. A bright, young professor has been
murdered and his fiancé has been stricken with a
mysterious illness. Katie Mathison was once an
energetic, young woman with her entire life ahead of
her. Her once sharp, intellectual mind has become
forgetful and her nights are filled with recurring,
unexplained dreams. Katie soon learns that those
closest to her have the biggest secrets to hide and
trusts can be broken in an instant. Katie begins to
fear for her own life as the death toll mounts and
time is running out. What Katie thought she knew is
only the beginning.
Thank You!
I want to recommend Looking For Shelter, a novel by Faulkner Award winner Monica Arlene Gold (available on Amazon, ISBN 9780595459773. Monica Gold's book is a miracle as well as a gripping read. Flat on her back, not knowing if she'd ever walk again, Monica geared up her laptop and wrote the smokin' story of Shelter Bay, a Long Island town whose idyllic coastline harbors many secrets. The novel is based on real events that burned a deep impression in her mind. A case of arson on a high school football field stirs up the deep cross-currents of fear, love, anguish and survival as Monica's vividly-drawn characters confront breast cancer, troubled youth, marital fidelity and revenge. As an early reader of the manuscript, I knew this was a blockbuster! Get this book and prepare to spend time on the edge of your seat!
in response to: jmk1979
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT CAVE CREEK (It's The People) By Gene K. Garrison
My earliest memories of the town are of the mid-1940s. My uncle and aunt, Russell and Jeffie Talbott, owned the Golden Reef Mine north of town. Later, my brother Dan opened an equine veterinary practice in the area. Soon after that my parents retired and joined him and his wife Mary. I spent many hours traveling around with Dan on his calls to the ranches north of town and many more sitting on a bar stool at Harold and Ruth Gavigan¿s Cave Creek Corral. It was here I met many of the people in Gene Garrison¿s book, including George Mileham, Jim Hardy, and Logue Morris. There were others too, with colorful names like O. K. Charlie, and Leadpipe.
Cave Creek is home to folks with wide interests. Geoffrey Platts was a desert preservationist who gave his life to save a friend in a flash flood and Catherine Jones was a colorful pistol-packin¿ deputy sheriff who once shot a piece of the ear off a troublesome bootlegger.
Cave Creek has produced some of the West¿s best cowboys. Anyone who¿s ever chased a wild steer down one of those cactus-strewn, steep-sided canyons north of town can attest that anyone who cowboyed around Cave Creek could cowboy anywhere in the world. George Mileham was one of the best. Jim Hardy was one of the first to be born in the little town of Phoenix and he was still spry when Phoenix celebrated its 100th birthday. And some say Logue Morris was the inspiration for the great western song, ¿Man With the Big Hat.¿
Gene has pulled these stories together into a wonderful book about the characters and places that made Cave Creek one of the state¿s most colorful towns. It may change some in the future, but the characters she wrote about have left an indelible mark on the area.
Marshall Trimble
Official Arizona State Historian
Submitting the title of our newly published book for your consideration: "BANDIT Big Black Dog Who Stole My Heart." A book that introduces Bandit to its readers, with a message about The Big Black Dog Syndrome. This is a phenomenon that plagues animal shelters countrywide in that they are not being adopted, tend to be overlooked, and ultimately face life behind bars in cages, or NO LIFE at all. It's our mission to spread an awareness of the syndrome so that the misconceptions can be changed to a more positive outcome. Please feel free to contact me for any further information, as I do not want to break any house rules in this blog. Thank you for your time and consideration.
For your consideration is my new short story "Walk Below Me"--A story of belief...Based on the legend and lore of the Goddess Pele.
PublishAmerica is proud to announce the recent release of Jeff Boudrot's new book: Walk Below Me: A Story of Belief!
Here's what the author says about the book: Jonathon Piker is a Pharmaceutical Salesman from Northern Minnesota. He finds himself in an uncomfortable meeting with a Japanese client he has never met on the big island of Hawaii. With him on the Island of Hawaii is his arrogant, narrow-minded attitude that his friends had asked him to leave at home before he started this trip. But he is unable to do so. Jonathon¿s inability to see another point of view could cost him all he has. He ignores good advice from friends, bartenders, fishing captains, and hotel bellmen.Then he meets the Goddess Pele¿and she¿s not at all pleased.
Hi all readers!
It was great to find this blog with both recommendations and the possibility to list my own book - so here are the details:
"Tails of Shaar Hagai", by Myrna Shiboleth.
Imagine a typical ¿Jewish American Princess¿ finding herself, inadvertently and to her own astonishment, a ¿pioneer¿ in Israel. From a comfortable upper middle class metropolitan life, she is transplanted to living in a modern day wilderness, without electricity or telephone, trying to make a living working with dogs, horses, and other animals (not a particularly respected or profitable profession in this part of the world), and to cope with the very foreign Middle-Eastern mentality. That girl was me, and I (apparently a masochist through and through) am still in Israel, after years of struggle, smiles, tears, and adventures, telling the story of my attempts to survive life in Israel under conditions totally different from any I had experienced before or from anything I might have expected. The only things that enabled me to survive were an invincible stubbornness and a sense of humor.
The book begins with an introduction to Shaar Hagai, an overgrown and long abandoned group of buildings dating from the British mandate, perched on a hillside over the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The next few chapters explore what brought me to this point in my life ¿ family background and an unexplainable attraction to animals and odd lifestyles.
Moving to Israel is just the start of a series of adventures. Coping with a strange and totally different mentality as I try to support myself doing the things I love ¿ but which are not so acceptable in Israel, especially when done by a woman - result in some very strange and funny experiences. There are many animals sharing my life ¿ first and foremost are the many and varied dogs, but there are also raccoons, cats, gazelles, geese, goats, sheep, horses, and Baba the striped hyena. And of course, the varied people that are part of this world ¿ ¿sabras¿, abrasive and hard to understand for an American born and bred, Arabs from the nearby village, other immigrants from varied countries ¿ all a challenge. Marriage and raising a family Israeli pioneering style is part of life at Shaar Hagai, as well as having to cope with various disasters ranging in seriousness from a badly leaking roof to a major forest fire.
There are also adventures outside of Israel ¿ three years spent in the heart of Africa as the unconventional wife of a career diplomat, and some rather unorthodox trips to Europe and other more exotic destinations, accompanied by a pack of dogs and non-conformist friends.
Life at Shaar Hagai has never been easy ¿ but it has certainly never been boring! I found, over the years, that the only way to survive and stay reasonably sane was not to take myself too seriously. Tails of Shaar Hagai is a humorous look back at my life ¿ a life very different from what is experienced by most.
Actually, I wrote this book for myself. I wanted to preserve all the adventures I have had over the years, and thought that writing them down would be the best way. Then I could pass the stories on to my grandchildren. Once I started writing and re-reading what I had written, and letting friends read parts of it, I realized that it actually was pretty good and quite funny, and that maybe I could become the James Herriot of Israel. Who knows?
A few of the reviews:
--""A Wild Life with Wildlife" is an accurate subtitle for this book. Imagine sitting down with a cup of tea in the afternoon to listen to Myrna Shiboleth tell of her life adventures. It seems that you've hardly gotten started when you realize that it's the middle of the night, and through her stories you have traveled around the world and back, laughed, cried, and learned a great deal about humanity's relationship with dogs and other wildlife. The perfect book for the armchair traveler, dog lover or no."
--"Myrna Shiboleth's Tails of Shaar Hagai is a must-read for any animal or Israel lover. This hilarious autobiographic tale of many tails, describes Myrna's wild life at Shaar Hagai from the time she arrived in Israel in the late sixties until today. If you have ever driven from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, you should know where Shaar Hagai is located. It is 20 minutes outside of Jerusalem in the hills, marked with a prominent green road sign. Shaar Hagai is Myrna's home and the home of a kennel full of Caanan dogs and Collies.
Over the years, it has also been home to a hyena name Baba, a racoon named Ricky, a fox named Shusha and a host of other critters. Myrna Shiboleth is an animal behaviourist by profession and the insights she offers about our four and two legged friends are absolutely riveting.
In one of my favourite chapters, we see Myrna who, at this time, is posted together with her diplomat husband in Malawi drive 1500 miles by herself though African countries hostile to Israel against the backdrop of the Yom Kippur War. Why you may ask? Was she on some kind a secret diplomatic mission? No, of course not, she was going to a dog show and nothing, come hell nor high water, could stop her.
In another gripping chapter, Myrna goes to Kazakhstan to lecture about the Caanan Dog at a conference on aboriginal dog breeds and ends up in real life absurdly comical situations that rival Borat's make-believe ones. My favourite is the tale of the broken down bus which always had three drivers: one to drive the bus, one to spark the wires as soon as the bus stalled, and one to run out every few hours with two jerry cans to get gas at a rate cheaper than what was being offered at the regular fuel stations.
Tails of Shaar Hagai offers a view of Israel that is often obscured behind today's headlines. This, though, is the real Israel, the Israel which is home to different types of people, the Israel in which people have a myriad of interests and hobbies, the Israel that is both human and humane.
I found Tails of Shaar Hagai to be a mesmerizing, insightful and, above all else, funny book. If you want to be entertained at the same time that you are enlightened then, rush to order it. I can guarantee that you will be absolutely delighted."
--"As a child, Myrna wanted to have lots of animals. Well, by going to Israel, she found the freedom and the circumstances that enabled her to realize her dream. I always thought that living with a Canaan dog was the height of adventure--anything wilder would not fit into a human dwelling. I was wrong. Myrna managed to foster, raise, train, and to love many kinds of living thing, with the hyena perhaps the most extreme.
Like Myrna, her book is unique. It is a wonderful collection of personal adventures, the dirty work of raising animals and building a farm, the glory of stage and screen, romance, and more loveable animals than you can count. Myrna's Israeli sense of irony is outrageously funny, if you realize what she is saying with a straight face. Endowed with an inborn ability to relate to animals, she doesn't really talk about her methods, I suspect because it is so obvious to her how to get animals to perform for her. In building Sha'ar Hagai, she shows determination, flexibility, and an instinct for survival. Perhaps only in Israel could she have found the context that would permit her to do some of the wild and crazy things that she relates in the book."
I hope that some of you will enjoy reading it!
Myrna Shiboleth
DARKNESS IN THE MIRROR by Erica Lewis
Loved it
August 04, 2009
Although I really liked both novels by E. Lewis that are on this site, I think I liked this one the best. I loved the way she broached the subject of mental illness in our community. Like someone else said, it is a topic that is often taboo; unless it is being ridiculed. Was definitely a page turner.
Reviewer: Tanhea P
Great Story!
April 10, 2009
Darkness in the Mirror takes us into a world that people of color usually hold as taboo. I like the fact that the author was open and accurate about mental health and how it not only affects that person but also affects the lives of those around them. I especially like the twist in the story line. Good stuff!
Reviewer: Adriane R
Excellent
April 18, 2009
I would reccommend this book to everyone. The best I've read since the Darkest Child.
Reviewer: Sharon T
Adventures of Moniko: Evolution of the Soul Through the Spirit of the Child
L S Myers
What if you could read a book in the innocence of the child spirit of each of us, capable of taking you on adventures which could change the way you perceive life and creation? Are you up for the ride? Catch the wind beneath Moniko¿s wings for a few minutes. I promise you will not be unchanged by the experience.
Within the chapters of the Adventures of Moniko, you will find a part of yourself, a part of the energy of Moniko. His adventures range from a journey to his soul star, earth, and the Crystal City that resides in the Sun. Moniko¿s only quest is for the knowledge and understanding of his creation, to do so in a way that learning is always an adventure of the heart. As he learns/travels with the Elder, speaks to all beings in his home in the Sun, his adventures will take you possibly where you have yet to fly in this world.
This story of Moniko reminds me of one of my all time favorite books "The Alchemist", which is a story about a boy who travels across the African desert in order to search a sense of "oneness with the Universe".
To me, the storyline is a bit more sophisticated and advanced. It seems like one of these books where every time you read it, you'll receive some new insights. Kind of like the movie the Matrix.
So needless to say, I can't say that I've obtained everything there is to obtain during my first reading session.
But more importantly, the energy contained in this work is simply indescribable. It's like...as I go through each paragraph or sentence...I feel something within me getting healed. I know this is totally radical and unconventional...but this is really how I feel. There must be some kind of spiritual magic contained within these pages.
Just earlier, I was walking down the streets of downtown Seattle during my lunch break and I feel that I'm viewing the outside world from a "place of love and oneness". An incredible feeling...
Obviously, each reader will have their own reaction by being exposed to these pages. But for me, "The Adventures of Moniko" is like an incredible meditation session...or a good time spent with a powerful energy healer without having to spend $150 per hour :-P
I would say it's certainly worth a shot.
I highly recommend my first published book to all readers, "Hear My Voice: Speaking Life through Poetry"
This book is not the ordinary poetry book. It is very unique and has an "in depth emotional driven" meaning for all readers to be touched emotionally.
"Hear My Voice" is an inspirational book that focuses on life's daily issues, situations, and struggles in the form of poetry. This book is true to its title and opens an avenue for the thoughts and emotions that people are normally reluctant to express. As you turn the pages of Hear My Voice, you will realized that the things that we try to hide are the things that hurt inside. But through our silence, our growth can be stunted and our joy can be deprived.
Dana takes you on a mission of experiencing growing pains, love, hate, and other feelings that one may go through. She is the voice that speaks out. She demonstrates how going through the motions can lead to capturing a personal relationship with God. Beginning with common childhood experiences, transitioning to adulthood, and traveling through life journeys of circumstantial growth, her poetry can be understood and appreciated by readers throughout the world.
"From growing pains that leaves stains, to love and lust
To relationships that remain and to those that rust.
From the wrath of judgement and imperfection,
To redemption and rebirth that follows God's direction."
Give it a try, I'm sure you won't be disapointed.
Dana
I¿m not a writer but here are some books about Africa that I think should be on Oprah¿s book club-
-Around Africa on My Bicycle - Riaan Manser
-Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the game that made a nation - John Carlin
-Mukiwa: a white boy in Africa - Peter Godwin
-Long Way Down - Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
-The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency - Alexander McCall Smith
-28 Stories of AIDS in Africa - Stephanie Nolen
The Elephant Whisperer - Lawrence Anthony (animal lover or not everyone has to read that)
The Last of the Free - Gareth Patterson
I have read some really good books in the past 9 months. A friend of mine told me about an author named Paulo Coelho. His best seller is "The Alchemist". This book is very well written. All of his books have a lesson as part of the book (I have read 4 of them). They are fictional books but the lessons that you learn are real.
I have found another author recently who wrote books that may be of interest to Oprah. The author's name is Lawrence Hill. He is a Canadian author (he actually lives in my area...although I have not met him). His first book "The Book of Negros" is very well written and contains a good rendition of a young girl who is stolen from Africa and sent into slavery. I am 3/4 through reading Lawrence Hill's book "Any Known Blood". This book is about 4 generations of a black family who lived between Baltimore, MD and Oakville, ON (near Toronto). In the book, the story teller (the youngest Langston Cane...the fourth) is researching information about his family while learning different tidbits of his family's past. I recommend either of these two books by Lawrence Hill to anyone who is interested in black history...very good reads...
My name is Bernice McWilliams and I am the author of a new and compelling novel entitled A Quiet Storm.
A Quiet Storm chronicles Monique Thompson¿s quest to achieve her dreams while combating physical abuse by the hands of her step-father. Her journey of self-empowerment leads her down an intriguing path of: suspense murder, romance, and adventure. It would be a great selection for the Oprah Book Club.
"Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids about Divorce" by Sandra Levins was published in 2005 by the American Psychological Association's Magination Press. This is a charming story for children aged 3-8 about a serious topic. When a young boy's parents divorce, he thinks it's because of the chocolate pudding he and his brother smeared all over the wall. Told from the tender perspective of an engaging young narrator, readers receive age-appropriate explanations of what is happening regarding issues such as divorce, single parent homes and joint custody. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the narrator explains that divorce is not the child's fault -- it is a grown-up problem!
A review on Colorado DivorcePoint website says: "As a divorce professional, I don't often fall in love with new children's books about divorce; there are simply too many fine ones already out there. Sandra Levin's "Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce", however, is a welcome exception, a total delight!
"Chocolate Pudding perfectly captures the powerful confusion divorce ushers into the world of a six-year-old boy and his little brother. The boy just knows his mom moved out of their home, suddenly and without explanation ¿ because he smeared chocolate pudding all over his brother one day. After all, he muses, "I'm in big trouble mister!" for getting carried away in what seemed like just so much fun.
"Gorgeously illustrated by Bryan Langdo, Chocolate Pudding's punchline is the boy's huge relief upon discovering it was NOT his pudding antics that led his mom to leave the family. In fact, he learns, he and his brother didn't have a darn thing to do with his family's breakup! (And just to be sure that all kids hearing the story understand: "Relief," he notes, "is the grown-up word for feeling like you're carrying a big heavy book bag and someone takes it off your back.")
"Levin's premise is that 'big stuff like divorce needs some explaining,' and Chocolate Pudding is more than up to the task."
Chocolate Pudding is a must-read for children with divorce in the family; a way to help children and their parents heal a tremendous hurt. Please take a look...
I am so thrilled to see that you are blogging about books! I have been faithfully following the Oprah Book Club since it began. I have read every single Oprah Book Club selection! It is amazing to follow my life through the book club selections, where I was, who I was, where I was going. Oprah's Book Club selections have played a large part in my life and my love of literature.
I can't wait to discover what the newest selection will be on Friday...and you can bet I will be hitting a bookstore immediately to pick up a copy.
Keep up the great work!
best wishes always,
Jocelyn