On the Road to Success (With Self-Analysis Exercises) by Eunice Elizabeth Nash

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2010

Format: eBook

Pages: 52

ISBN: 978-1434907783

List Price: $5.00

On the Road to Success (With Self-Analysis Exercises) encourages people in their personal and professional endeavors. Attaining success isn’t something that happens overnight: it requires preparation and determination. Eunice Elizabeth Nash gives readers the insight needed to excel at all pursuits.

Nash’s book is brief and useful. Her advice is clear. She urges readers to set goals, take steps to achieve them and keep an upbeat attitude. Although the information isn’t new, it's a good reminder of the simple things forgotten as we struggle to achieve success. The self-analysis exercises set the book apart. The questions really help readers determine their goals and track their progress.

Rating: 4 / 5 - Useful, but common advice

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 On the Road to Success 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.

Self-Imaging from Head to Toe by Ainsley E. de Salazar, R.N.

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Publication Date: 2009

Format: eBook

Pages: 82

ISBN: 978-1-4349-0178-1

List Price: $5.00

Every woman wants to look and feel her best. Ainsley E. de Salazar helps women with cosmetics, clothing, fitness, proper eating habits, hair care and other important issues. Salazar even addresses plastic surgery and home decorating. Although much of the information is basic, it is a useful reminder for some of things women tend to forget. For example, Salazar explains how the body uses specific vitamins and nutrients. She also provides a guide to the different moisturizers, toners, and facial masks women should use to maintain youthful skin. Self-Imaging from Head to Toe is very clear and can easily be completed in one sitting.

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 Self-Imaging from Head to Toe 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.

Like a Thief in the Night: Stolen Soul Book II by S.R. McDanniel

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Publishing Date: May 19, 2011

Format: eBook

Pages: 178

ISBN: 9781456099657

List Price: $24.95

With mass murder-suicides happening across the planet, Dr. Matthew Reiber is recruited to find a solution because of his expertise in thought transference and telepathy. As the second installment in S.R. McDaniel’s series, this book makes several improvements over the first. He steps away from his overly descriptive writing and focuses more on the book’s plot. Although this makes for a faster read, fans of McDaniel’s incredibly descriptive passages may be slightly disappointed. The book is much easier to follow and get into than the first. I did not find myself lost, confused or having trouble keeping the characters straight. The overall plot surpasses Book 1. McDaniel’s combination of mass murder, telepathy and religious cults makes for a pleasurable read. The book is creative and easily holds the reader’s attention.

However, I did find several small problems with the book. During a couple crucial points in the plot, McDaniel stops to include background information. For example, when the protagonist is searching for a missing person at the Old Irish Church, the book cuts away to a detailed description of the text the religious cult follows. The information is interesting, but I wanted to quickly get passed it and return to the plot. The book also needs to be edited more carefully. Although slightly annoying, the typos do not make the book unreadable. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Like a Thief in Night and would recommend it to others because of its thrilling storyline.

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!