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Sunday, 13 September 2009

I Stole the Turtel and the Octave Rule

George Norton had me laughing from the first page. He begins his book by telling about his mother and grandmother giving him a bath. He shares the joy of changing his son's diaper and getting hit in the face with a stream of urine. Norton continues telling stories on himself. How he put a broom handle in a girl's mouth (strange). The story of playing doctor was hilarious.

Like George, I grew up in a much more innocent time. Parents were not afraid to “drop us off” somewhere. We played on the railroad tracks. Boys, who I will not mention by name, peed out the upstairs window and killed all their mother’s flowers.

George is right. Things certainly have changed. We need back ground checks to keep the nursery at church or to work with any children. I’m not disagreeing with the need; I’m just saddened by it.

George speaks with profound wisdom. He throws in scripture at just the right spots. He shares the meaning of happiness and true joy.

I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule is an odd title for a book. It grabbed my attention. I Stole the Turtle and The Octave Rule will make you laugh a lot and ponder a lot. Well done, Mr. Norton.

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

The Medusa Strain

Terrorists develop a new airborne strain of anthrax. Six of the terrorists are unknowingly infected with the anthrax and placed on separate flights to the US. The symptoms mimic the common cold. The terrorists’ coughs and sneezes spread the virus to those trapped in the plane with him.

Dr. Gil Martin is a down-on-his-luck ER physician. He’s divorced and drowning his problems in a bottle. His ex-wife, Tara, works with the CDC and still owns his heart. A patient comes into the ER with what appears to be an URI, but he turns out to be infected with a new strain of anthrax. Gil sobers up and gets his head on straight. He turns to Tara for assistance. The search for the source of the anthrax and the effort to inform the public leads to danger for Gil. He and Tara begin to work out their differences, but is it too late?
Dr. Chris Holmes brings his expertise to his first novel Mosquito Tapes. Holmes deftly creates a convincing plot. His use of medical terminology lends to the believability of this work of art. Holmes’ characters are interesting. The combination of mystery and romance are perfect. The romance adds depth to the lead characters, Gil and Tara. However, Holmes never lets romance over power the mystery. Holmes is a talented author, and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Sunday, 28 June 2009

Mosquito Tapes

A plot filled with intrigue, mystery. and romance. Move over Dr. Quincy, there is a never Forensic Pathologist in town….Dr. Jack Youngblood.

Dr. Jack Youngblood had long been fascinated by the dead; which is handy, since he is a forensic pathologist. His fascination earned him the nickname the Ghoul. He’s been married twice. The first ended in divorce; his second wife died of leukemia. He now finds himself falling in love with co-worker Jill Hanraty. When Jack finds a John Doe on his table with a bullet hole in his forehead, he is determined to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, how, and by whom. The case was like a jigsaw puzzle. It leads him to Biologistics, a mosquito, and more questions. Who in his office was leaking information? Could he and Jill work together and still have a relationship? What did mosquitoes have to do with two dead men? What was really going on at Biologistics? The search for the answers to these questions could be very dangerous.

Chris Holmes put his medical training to use in his latest book Mosquito Tapes. He offers readers a plot filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance. Dr. Jac k Youngblood is an interesting character. Holmes brings this character to life, allowing readers a peak into what makes him tick. While there is more than a hint at romance, Holmes never lets that get in the way of the purpose of the plot…mystery and intrigue. The plot of this mystery demonstrates the possibility of a terrorist plot.

Could Dr. Jack Youngblood be the next Kate Scarpetta? I see the possibility. I’ve long been fascinated with Forensic Pathology. I’ve read every Kate Scarpetta mystery. I’m actually reminded of the Jack Klugman series Quincy. I’ve eagerly tuned into the CSI series. Grisham, move over there is a new Forensic Pathologist in town. Jack Youngblood will become a favorite. I hope Chris Holmes plans a series of books with this character as lead. I can see Jack and Jill’s romance slowly developing while they work together to solve mysteries.
Blest Atheist

Elizabeth Mahlou grew up in an abusive home. She tells of her mother stabbing her brother with a knife in the buttocks, and her father throwing a pitchfork and stabbing him with it. Taking an airplane ride had a whole new meaning in this family. The abuse was physical, emotional, and sexual. “The wounds were in the heart and mind and covered parts of the body.” Like most bullies, their mother blamed them for the pain she inflicted.

Did Mahlou’s mother have PMDD? Possibly, however, medicine was not available at that time. Elizabeth knew that she had a problem with rage. She took it out in different ways. She did not beat her children. She believes that rage can be inherited. Perhaps it can, or perhaps it is a learned trait.

I can hardly blame her for the sermon the young Elizabeth unleashed on the congregation of her church. She must have seen them as evil to sit by and allow the abuse to continue. She saw them as hypocrites. Mahlou turned her back on God, because she thought he had turned his back on her.

Mahlou continues to share bits and pieces of her adult life, including her stint in the army. She speaks of her handicapped children. Mahlou fought for equality for her children. Time after time, things happened that many would call coincidences. Eventually, Elizabeth Mahlou came to know them as blessings from God.

One of the most astute statements in this book is “There is a clear difference between an easy life and a good life.” Elizabeth’s life has not been, easy but her adult years have been good.

Blest Atheist is an unusual book. Elizabeth Mahlou has led an unusual life. It is easy to see how intelligent she is. 2/3 or more of this book is spent discussing her childhood. I hope that putting all of that terrible time on paper gives her closure. Many would never be able to forgive such abuse. As Elizabeth has discovered, with God all things are possible. I wish her well and all of God’s blessings.
Have Your Been Royally Screwed?

How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods, and Services…

Have Your Been Royally Screwed? May sound like a comical title, but this is a very serious topic. Most of us can answer this question with a resounding YES! Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate. Did he plan to be one? I am not sure, but I don’t think so. I think he became an advocate out of necessity. Everyone needs to be an advocate. Despite the term “Customer Service”, few companies care about you. Their goal is to make money--even if they means cheating you. Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”

The reader will be shaking their head “yes” while reading some of the examples in this book. Myron is sharing situations most readers have faced. The difference between most consumers and Myron is –HE FIGHTS BACK—and he WINS. I admire Bernstein’s tenacity. Have Your Been Royally Screwed? Is filled with wisdom and expertise. The next time I deal with a customer service representative, I will be armed with Bernstein’s strategies and techniques.

Bernstein writes in an interesting, easy-to-read style. I felt as though I was sitting across the table, sharing a cup of tea with a good friend as he shared his vast knowledge with me. Don’t be victim to customer service again, purchase you copy at Amazon.