Miles Away…Worlds Apart by Alan Sakowitz

Publisher: Legacy Series Press, LLC.

Publishing Date: 2010

Format: eBook

Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0-615-38240-1

List Price: $27.95

There is risk with any investment. Unfortunately, too many investments are schemes run by dishonest people willing to steal the life savings of others. In his book, Miles Away…Worlds Apart, Alan Sakowitz reveals his role in taking down the largest Ponzi scheme in South Florida’s history. Through his book, he also manages to provide an introduction to the Jewish faith and an overview of his close-knit hometown.

Sakowitz provides background information for readers not familiar with legal and business concepts. This information is always clear and does not distract from the book. He does the same for important holidays and features of Judaism. Sakowitz juxtaposes the scheme run by Scott Rothstein with the kindness found in his own community. Whereas Rothstein willingly steals from anyone, Sakowitz’s community is focused on helping everyone in need.

Anyone interested in current events will enjoy this well-written book. The suspense of the book will even interest readers who prefer fiction. Highly recommended.

Opusland by Stephen Beever

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.

Publishing Date: July 28, 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 82

ISBN: 978-1434901828

List Price: $5.00

Imagine planet Earth and its inhabitants after a global catastrophe. Humans evolve and mutate into new species. Land, cattle and other food sources slowly wither. Although survival is the primary goal for many, some still desire money and dominance in this horrid setting. Talented author Stephen Beever explores what happens as a clan flees their homeland as it is being pillaged. He provides vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and animal-like characters. Readers see exactly what the characters see and feel the tension of the landscape as the characters journey onward. Although the descriptions thrive through the entire book, the plot lags somewhat in the beginning. It is difficult to connect all the characters and follow the plot. As the book moves forward, the focus of the plot becomes clearer. Once things get moving, it is difficult to put the book down. Readers who enjoy fantasy and science fiction will enjoy this short futuristic work.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Opusland as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Stolen Soul: In The Beginning by S.R. McDaniel

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Publication Date: April 19, 2010

Binding: eBook

Pages: 130

ISBN: 978-1448955312

List Price: $24.95

This modern retelling of Saul turned Paul chronicles the 30 year killing spree of Preacher as he attempts to murder the last remaining Tinsley heir. S.R. McDaniel craftily interweaves elements of fantasy into the book to create a thrilling tale that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat.

Although the plot is good, it is sometimes hard to follow. At times, I had trouble discerning the flashbacks from the current plot. The beginning chapters are focused on different characters. It was somewhat difficult at first to connect the different stories together. This made the book seem jumpy. However, everything smoothed out as I continued to read.

McDaniel has a knack for descriptive writing. He provides beautiful descriptions of mundane parts of the plot. For example, he provides a wonderful description of coffee brewing. These scenes are especially great for literary analysis and close reading

The book really sparkled towards the end when more information is given on Preacher and his cult. While I struggled through the beginning if the book, I couldn't put it down at the end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian thrillers with lots of descriptive writing and fantasy.

Just a Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: May 4, 2011

Binding: eBook

Pages: 362

ISBN: 978-1456499051

List Price: $12.98

Phil Torcivia is truly hilarious. In his book, Just a Nice Guy, Torcivia explores relationships and the difficulty of finding love. He provides a collection of funny anecdotes, crazy lists and odd tidbits that come together to form a great book. He even gives some positive, uplifting advice, especially for people suffering from low self-esteem. Just a Nice Guy is one of those books you can’t summarize: you just have to give someone a copy and say “read this.” Torcivia’s book actually made me laugh out loud every few pages. Every few chapters, I wanted to hunt down Phil on Match.com and slap him for his mischievous comments. Other times, I had to just nod and agree with Phil. Unless you are put off by books with profanity, sexual jokes and crude humor, you absolutely have to read this book!

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

Publisher: NavPress
Publication Date: August 2007
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-1-60006-091-5
List Price: $12.99

At fifteen years old, Scotty Dawn has more freedom than she desires. She sporadically travels to different movie sets as her mother prepares food for films. Even though her mother is not involved in Scotty’s schooling, she manages to home school herself. As she files her assignments away into scrapbooks that are not read by anyone, she plans to attend college. Life gets lonely for Scotty. She turns to her blog, Hollywood Nobody to connect with other people. Her life on the road exposes Scotty to many people, some who become like family. Unfortunately, Scotty experiences some distance with her mother, whom she calls Charley. Scotty knows her mother is keeping some huge secret from her. Scotty suspects it has something to do with her non-present father. As Scotty learns more of the secret, she realizes how dark it really is.

Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody is written for a young adult audience. Samson does an amazing job connecting with teenagers. Scotty’s dialogue and action—from blogging about celebrities to love and dating—accurately resemble the average teen. Samson also motivates teenage girls to embrace their natural beauty rather than mimic the appearances of actresses and models. She even sneaks in lessons about drugs and alcohol. Samson’s book, however, does not come off as preachy. Although the book reveals Scotty’s struggles with finding Jesus, the book does not try to force religion on teenagers. On the other hand, Scotty has the same hesitations and questions about Christianity that an average young adult would have. Overall, young readers and adults will enjoy Lisa Samson’s Hollywood Nobody.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Dumpster: One Woman’s Search for Love by Becky Due

Publisher: Due Publications

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: eBook

Pages: 202

ISBN: 978-0984621408

List Price: $12.95

Everything seems to be going wrong for Nicole in Becky Due’s humorous novel, The Dumpster. Nicole is a twenty-something year old banker who is slightly overweight and suffers from low-self esteem. Having been recently dumped by her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day via DVD, Nicole is on search for a new love. Unfortunately, her troubles are only made worse by a smelly dumpster placed outside her bedroom window. Little does she know, this disgusting dumpster is the solution to her problems.

The Dumpster is a humorous, quick read. The characters—with the exclusion of Nicole’s worse dates—are all lovable and realistic. Most women will be able to identify with Nicole in some way: failed dates, envious of best friend’s marriage, lack of self-esteem, weight problems, or other issue. Since Nicole’s character is rather promiscuous, the novel gets racy at times. The novel also relies on bathroom humor quite often. Still, Due’s novel is a great fun, light read. If you enjoy reading romantic comedies and are not bothered by mature content, you will want to check out The Dumpster.

Conspiracy on the Hudson by Donald R. Keelan

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2010

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 254

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0866-7

List Price: $25.00

German Nazi assassins are placing explosives in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home at Hyde Park and poisoning New York’s water supply in Donald R. Keelan’s novel, Conspiracy on the Hudson. To make matters worse, the deadly scheme is planned to take place while Winston Churchill is visiting FDR. With little information about the attack, Secret Service agents must protect their President, Churchill and the country. The truth of these events is finally revealed 70 years later by Professor Michael Ferguson during a meeting with the current president.

Since the events are described as a failed assassin attempt against FDR, the conclusion to the novel is obvious. However, the suspense of the novel is in no way reduced. The entire book is action-packed; rarely a page goes by without some twist or crucial information. The characters, setting and events are so believable, that you nearly forget you are reading a work of fiction. Conspiracy on the Hudson is a great read for anyone interested in political-thrillers, historical works, or fast-paced fiction. I will definitely be re-reading this novel as well as Keelan’s other books The Secret of Camp David and Robert Todd Lincoln’s Hidene and How It was saved 1975-1978.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Conspiracy on the Hudson as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.