Review: Pilgrimage of Love by Anaiya Aon Prakasha

ISBN #: 978-1460963937

Page Count: 502

Copyright: 2011

Book Summary:

Does "The One" truly exist?

This is the question that Scarlett O'Shea attempts to answer in this passionate, inspiring, and life-changing story of finding her Beloved.  As she travels around the world calling in "The One," an orchestra of events is set in motion that brings about their destined meeting.  Along the way, she discovers that her Beloved (who is a well-known International "spiritual" teacher) is far more demanding than her international celebrity yoga lifestyle could have ever imagined.  With flames licking at her heels, he invites Scarlett to leave her old life behind so she can fulfill her desire to know what happens when you say "Yes!" to love, no matter what the cost!  Ride the twists and turns of this roller coaster in this hilarious, irresistibly romantic, and soulful journey.  Pilgrimage of Love is a tale that will have you believing in love all over again.

Charlene's Review:

Pilgrimage of Love is an autobiographical story of a woman that is searching for her "beloved," someone more closely matched than a soul mate.  The book spells out all the steps one must take to find one's own "beloved," and the total surrender of one's self that is required.  Steeped in eastern religious views and meditations, Pilgrimage of Love was at once, fascinating, while being a tad too foreign for my comfort.

The lessons Prakasha believes in have some valid truths, such as facing past hurts and those things that hold us back, and making peace with them, in order to move on.  The notion that there is one soul who can make a woman complete is a beautiful thought, but the things Scarlett O'Shea put up with for her beloved are just short of domestic abuse.  She believes that such sacrifices make her a better person, which might be true, but I found it to be painful to witness.

The end of the book holds step-by-step directions on how to heal old wounds and prepare yourself for "the one."  If you are a believer of eastern spirituality, or open to its teaching, you will thoroughly enjoy this tale.  I found it to be a slightly lengthy read, with lots of heart and soul.  I may not be ready for this type of mysticism, but it was entertaining.

Review: For the Love of Texas by John D. Schutt

ISBN #: 978-1602648005

Page Count: 282

Copyright: 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Dr. Bobby Stump, a university professor of political science as well as President of the Texas Republic Movement, has spent most of his life dreaming of a free and independent Texas.  Over the years, his movement has attracted a few hundred like-minded individuals, but the group was never a strong enough voice to be heard universally.  Now that the new Administration in Washington is determined to strip Texans of more and more of their freedoms, Bobby Stump finds that he can rally an increasing member of the kindred spirits to his cause, including some wealthy and influential people as well as the Governor of Texas.  In an incredibly short period of time, the Texas Republic Movement begins to increase its membership by the thousands of Texans unwilling to let the Federal Government strip them of their inherent independence.  The ground surge of this grass-roots enterprise builds to a momentous conclusion, changing the lives and challenging the ideas of a watchful nation.  This is a must-read for anyone who loves and believes in freedom.

Charlene's Review:

For the Love of Texas focuses on Dr. Bobby Stump, the head of a movement that wishes to make the State of Texas a free and independent nation.  Unhappy with current events unfolding in the Nation's capitol, Dr. Stump finds a renewed energy behind his dream.  William Abraham Johnston, President of the United States, is a fiercely self-centered liberal, pandering to whichever ethnic or social group will further his career, whether it be illegals, or big oil companies.  As proponents of the Texas Republic Movement sees his charismatic personality threatening their way of life, thousands jump on the bandwagon to free Texas from the United States control.

I admire Mr. Schutt for his ability to take current events in our country and write a believable novel.  That said, it was a little too much for me, even as a staunch Republican.  Whether it was the intention or not, I felt it, at times, seemed to border on prejudice.  The issue of illegal aliens in our country is a great problem, but to dwell on it being the biggest cause of our nation's spiral was a little off-putting.

The novel was well-written, and showed a tremendous pride in the citizens of Texas, for its state.  The argument for succession seemed very valid, and the emotions behind the politics, though highly charged, fit with the unrest of our times.  Whether this book is intended to be informationally entertaining, or a bleak warning, I found it to be more of a one-sided political rant than an enjoyable story.

Review: In the Dunes by John Leahy

ASIN #: B004XJ6EAY

File Size: 135 KB

Copyright: 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

When his friend vanishes into the sand dunes by a remote Irish golf course, Neil Marshall is mystified and worried.  Rejecting the local advice never to explore the beach alone, Neil is determined to discover the truth about his friend's fate.  What horror lurks in the dunes?

Mandy's Review:

Cover

I like the lettering for the word 'Dunes.'  It's incompleteness is interesting to look at.  Other than that, I would say the cover art aptly portrays the setting of this short tale.

Plot

Two guys, best friends, are on vacation in Ireland playing golf.  There are warning signs around the dunes warning golfers, mostly, not to go in that particular area alone.  The signs imply there is quicksand in the area, but there's a danger worse than quicksand in the dunes.

Main Characters

Cliff - Neil's best friend - He is retired and happily married ... although he still occasionally shows his appreciation of the female form.

Neil - Cliff's best friend - He is happily married with an irresponsible son.

Overall

Definitely a quick read, but well worth the time.  What you think is a short story about two guys playing golf, turns into a Hitchcockianesque (yes, I just made that up) tale perfect for the spooky month of October.

Review: Good Graces by Lesley Kagen

ISBN #: 978-0525952381

Page Count: 352

Copyright: 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from book jacket)

Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee's summer of 1959.  The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it's one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge.  None more so than Sally O'Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer.  Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally's confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away.  When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood - a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo - Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons.  She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can't break, even if her life depends on it.  But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices?  Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

Charlene's Review:

Good Graces is the sequel to Ms. Kagen's novel, Whistling in the Dark.  I have not read her first book, but was glad to find that Good Graces stands on its own.  The main characters of the book are the O'Malley sisters, Sally and Troo, although it is narrated through Sally.  Sally spends the summer of 1960 trying to keep her promise to her deceased father, to watch over her sister, who makes it very difficult.  If that weren't enough, their hometown is being plagued by a cat burglar, a neighborhood bully has escaped from reform school, and an orphaned altar boy has disappeared.  Along with a ragtag group of friends, Troo hatches a plan to solve the mysteries surrounding their home.

The way the story was written, in the voice of an 11 year old girl, gave the story an innocent feel, in spite of all the drama going on.  Ms. Kagen's imagery of the town was so believable, it felt like home.  Wry humor that pointed to such "unspoken" topics of the 60's, like race, sexual orientation, unwed pregnancy, and other dirty little secrets were sprinkled throughout and gave it a charming quality that added to the innocence.

I enjoyed this story.  It was bittersweet, as Sally deals with a task that is much bigger than she is, and somewhat dark, as they face dangers even they do not understand.  I would also caution anyone sensitive to Catholicism, as the content could be seen as offensive to some.  All in all, I would say it is a beautifully written story about familial love, and the ties that bind us.

Review: Soaring Above Co-Addiction by Lisa Ann Espich

ISBN #: 978-0-615-35975-5

Page Count: 159

Copyright: 2010

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Are you in a relationship with an addict?

Have your attempts at helping that person failed?

Do you feel powerless?

Living with an addict can be crazy.  Your world becomes consumed with lies, uncertainty, and chaos.  Ashamed - you keep it a secret.  It only makes sense that in such an unhealthy environment, over time you would start to feel hopeless.

You can rise above the storm!

Mandy's Review:

Soaring Above Co-Addiction is written by a lady who is married to a recovering addict.  In this book, she gently pushes the reader, if that reader happens to be in a relationship with an addict, to open their eyes and realize how much of their life they've given up in co-dependency with the addict.

Ms. Espich offers encouragement along with possible solution starters in regaining your life.  There are journal suggestions at the end of each chapter to initiate your thought processes towards positive things.  There's even a helpful resources list and suggested reading list at the end of the book to further assist you on your newly enlightened path.

I believe this book could be a great read for people in relationships with addicts.  This book, however, was not for me.

A lot of what the author was saying coincided with my Christian beliefs, which I agreed with.  Then there were other things mentioned (visualizing an inner guide, for instance) that sounded a little too New Age-y for me.

Also, I can understand not catering to the addict's behavior, because it only encourages them to continue.  However, I have a difficult time believing that if you focus completely on renewing yourself and ignore the addict's behavior in the meantime, that will cause the addict to want to change.  Now, I believe that this does sometimes work, but it depends on the addict.  Some addicts may realize their loved one is continuing with bettering their own life and feel left out, lonesome, even depressed.  Would these feelings not also cater to the addict's lifestyle?

It appears to be a fine line one has to walk when involved with an addict.  My recommendation would be to tread carefully and seriously consider all consequences before committing to any plan of action.  What worked for one person, may not work for you.

If you are in a relationship with an addict and need assistance, please contact a local professional in your area... especially if you feel like you cannot leave on your own.

If Lisa's story and book sound like something that can help you, you can find more info on her website:

http://www.soaringabovecoaddiction.com/