Friday, December 17, 2010

ZOMBIESTOP PARADE BY RICHARD BUZZELL

“ZombieStop Parade” by Richard Buzzell is a book about two people that try to use a forum to shed light on just how corrupt the corporate world along with the banks can be. It goes into details on how work in the corporate world needs to change. A lot of the things written in this book are true and have already happened in the business world.

I found this book to be completely engaging and most interesting. I found myself not being able to put this book down. Richard Buzzell explains his thoughts on the mess that the corporate world has made with some of the CEO’s need for greed. I think the people of our country need to read this book and help force the changes that need to be made.



4 bookmarks

BAD GIRL GONE MOM BY K.C. LAUER

“Bad Girl Gone Mom” is the true life story of K. C. Lauer. She openly talks about her alcohol abuse in her teen years and how her sexual relationships failed when she felt she wasn’t being loved enough.

In a lot of ways I could relate with the things that K. C. Lauer wrote. I loved how she opened herself to the world in this way. I imagine there are lots of girls and women that will relate to the instances that the author put forth in this story which have made her who she is today.

I felt that this book was extremely well written and being written from the heart made it all very believable and sympathetic to women every where with these issues.

5 bookmarks

Thursday, December 2, 2010

RICH AND LOST IN PROSPERIA A Tropical Tale of Market Economics” by Doramas Jorge-Calderon

I don't read many books which seem to fit between the rankings. “Rich and Lost in Prosperia A Tropical Tale of Market Economics” by Doramas Jorge-Calderon happens to sit right between what I would consider a good book and a great read. While I give him credit for genuinely taking a creative and interesting approach to his subject, I feel that the work reads as though the bulk of the creative writing came as an after thought. The choice of character names gave me unwanted pause several times. Still, as an alternative to text books or lectures, Prosperia holds its own. Despite its shortcomings as a work of fiction, I am very glad to have had the chance to read it.
3.5 OF 5
SARA MESSINA

Sunday, November 21, 2010

WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER by Elizabeth Allen

WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER by Elizabeth Allen is a first person narrative about the actions of an aspiring actress in New York City who then follows an assumed upgrade to Los Angeles as real life actors follow the same route in reality. Liz’s goals are simple…to become an actor and find a good man. Easy enough? Not really.

The sexual content is done in amongst wisecracks making it not too raunchy for the average reader in my opinion.

I laughed, cried and was not aghast about any of the truths that Liz portrayed in her actions. I think that in today’s society this story is in direct correlation with life in general in the “acting field” and/or “romance department”. I was quickly drawn into the drama of Liz’s life and her roles as a human being.

Elizabeth Allen takes the time to detail Liz’s lifestyle and it easily compares to real life dramas. Dysfunctional family life in this novel is a meager comparison to life itself.

I guess I am on the fence about this novel. I did not find it “great” but at the same time the differences and nuances of life in general do follow today’s societal behaviors and not of the “traditional” well being of a herione in any novel with romance, sex and odd ball heretics of today’s romances.

3.5 bookmarks
Anastasia Cassella-Young, Reviewer

The “Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox” by Tim Ostermeyer

The “Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox” by Tim Ostermeyer is a wonderful story of Rusty and Ginger with some interesting facts about each animal they come into contact with. I love the fact that Mr. Ostermeyer wrote the story around the pictures that he took so the children can see what the animals look like in their environment.

My hope is that children will have this book in their library. It would be a shame if it was not added there.

4 Bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager

Bobo’s Daughter by Bonnie Barnnett

Bobo’s Daughter by Bonnie Barnnett is Bonnie’s story of the painful journey that she took while searching for the why’s that kept her father out of her life. During this painful time she finds a strength in herself that she didn’t know she had.

I enjoyed reading Bobo’s Daughter. I give credit to Ms. Barnett for opening herself up to share this with the world.

3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager

Murder is a Family Affair by Heather Haven

Murder is a Family Affair by Heather Haven is a well written book that grabs your attention from the first page to the last and leaves you wanting more of the characters. Heather Haven, the author, does an excellent job of making you feel as though you are there with the characters and see what they see. This book is well worth taking the time to read!

5 bookmarks
Mariea Schultz, Reviewer

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

TALES FROM THE GUNDERLAND BY HANK QUENSE

Tales from The Gunderland is one of those books that could easily become a cult phenomenon. I really enjoyed the humor, which was sort of a cross between Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Monty Python. Each story was unique and self-contained, but still contributed to the “Gunderland Universe” as a whole. My favorite is still Quinse’s retake on Romeo and Juliet. But seriously, who wouldn’t love a book with dwarfs, pirates, and aliens?

Hank Quense has created a collection I’d be proud to not only have on my shelf, but would definitely recommend to my friends. Anyone who enjoys off-beat humor should pick up this book. I’m looking forward to seeing more of his work. Five bookmarks, for sure! ~Reviewed by Sherry Ficklin for Mind Fog Reviews!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Coming Home A Practical and Compassionate Guide to Caring for a Dying Loved One By Deborah Duda

In Deborah Duda’s book Coming Home A Practical and Compassionate Guide to Caring for a Dying Loved One we have a straight forward approach for caring for a loved one that is dying. She gives instructions on how to change a sheet while the loved one is still in bed to finding out what their last wishes are.

I actually thought at first that this was going to be a morbid book. However, I found it very well written and I learned a lot of ways to look into for both myself and my family. This book shouldn’t be just for helping the dying, parts of it should be read by everyone because it has information about Wills, Advanced Directives, and DNRs. All of us should look into getting “our affairs in order” prior to our demise which helps make things easier on the family for when the time comes.

Thoughtful, precise and informative!

4 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager & Reviewer

Friday, October 8, 2010

LOVE'S LEARNING CURVES BY DIANA DERICCI

Diana DeRicci’s Love’s Learning Curves is a story where Dario is about to become head of the family and the family has different ideas of who should be his mate. He falls for Sheridan at first sight. Will they both understand the other’s secret?”

I enjoyed the book, however, at times I thought it could have used more background into Sheridan’s family and how she is Rush’s second. I know why because I read the others in the series but others may not have had the chance or known it was part of a series.

3.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

THE HOUSE BY ANJUELLE FLOYD

The House by Anjuelle Floyd is an exceptional book that allows you to share in Anna’s journey as she finds closer relationships with her soon to be ex- husband Edward who is dying with Cancer and her children. She goes back into the house that they had in their marriage to take care of him and realizes that Edward is not the same man as the one she was married to.
I found this book to be extremely well written and I was very pleased with how the characters grew as the book went on. I have not read a book that was this enjoyable in a while. Kudos to Ms. Floyd.
I give Ms. Floyd 5 out of 5 bookmarks for her well accomplished feat of writing a good fiction story. I look forward to reading more of her works.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

THE FUN OF DYING BY ROBERTA GRIMES

 
The Fun of Dying is by Roberta Grimes is her account of what happens when we die. She said that there are many levels of which you go through to learn what you should have learned while on earth. She says that the ultimate place is what she calls “Summer Land” where everything is perfect.

I am always interested in what people think what will happen when we die. I think she is right on some things and possibly wrong on others. However, I found it to be a very enlightening book.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sculpting the Heart:While Conversing with the Masters by Joyce White

Sculpting the Heart’s: While Conversing with the Masters by Joyce White is a good book that shows us how paintings and Art can be poetry together. At times I felt like I could feel everything she felt and at times I felt lost trying to decipher what she was saying. My favorite one is called Crystalline Clear.

I think the people that love in-depth poetry would love to read such a personal book.

Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy by Joyce White

Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy by Joyce White is a book on how art therapy can heal people who have bouts of depression.

Ms. White explains how Art Therapy helps her to heal. She introduces us to the Art Therapy for the purposes of explaining what it can and will do for us. She does insert a few of her poems in there as well as the other art forms she uses to show us how it helps her.

I oftentimes feel that poetry is a good way to express depressional issues as I use it as well. A comparison between the poetry and the Art Therapy techniques helps the reader to understand the depression and what the Art Therapy can do.

Ms. White has accomplished the explanation of Art Therapy with moods and has done a fair job in explaining the events that Art Therapy will connect with. I feel that people with depression will benefit from reading this book.

3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews 

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Guns of Mars by Martin T. Ingram

In The Guns of Mars by Martin T. Ingram, we have a story of one Morgan

Asher who follows his wife to colonize Mars. While there he learns that not everything is what it seems and realizes that he has to fight for his rights and his country's.

I had to admit that I just thought this was going to be a “normal” science fiction. I found it to be a deep book that should remind us all that we should not follow what the “government” wants when it takes away from our rights as American Citizens .

3.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Review

Humorous Incidents: Short Stories and Essays by Aaron Majewsk

Humorous Incidents: Short Stories and Essays by Aaron Majewski is a mediocre book that Mr. Majewski shows a bits and pieces of his life or what he wished his life was. At times some of the stories were cute, I was left feeling that it wasn't as funny as much as Mr. Majewski thought they would be. I think some of the stories were the kind you had to be there for it to be funny.



3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Green River Lullaby by Lori Titus

Green River Lullaby by Lori Titus is a collection of very vividly written short stories. Ms. Titus captures the essence of horror and brings the reader into the story with vivid description only to be let down with what felt like unfinished endings. Ms. Titus’ characters were believable and very likable. Although this book contains several short stories, it is a very fast read. This reviewer can see great potential in Ms. Titus’ career as a writer.

3 bookmarks
Cynthia Hepner
Mind Fog Reviewser

Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery by Dr. Barbara Sinor

In Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery ,Dr. Barbara Sinor writes of other stories, including her and her son’s. It is a well written and posed book that has you crying at other people’s courage in sharing their stories. It even helped me with my own mother's illness of alcoholism.


I am pleased at the detail this book has and I hope that it gets out to those of you who need it. It will give you courage to go through your own processes.



4 bookmarks

Carol Langstroth, Manager

Mind Fog Reviews

Addiction, What’s Really Going On? By Deborah McCloskey, CADE & Barbara Sinor, PhD

 Barbara Sinor and Deborah McCloskey are two therapists that work with addiction issues. Upon McCloskey’s death Barbara Sinor takes Deborah’s journal and expounds on it in this book of stories of addicts and their journeys through heroin addiction and their progress. Addiction, What’s Really Going On? holds back nothing to let you see the progress of a caseload of patients. This is a fantastic book that lets you into the stories of said addicts. Ms. Sinor is a therapist who happened to be friends with Ms. McCloskey . Ms. Sinor and Ms. McCloskey has given us a glimpse a very detailed journey of addicts and their addictions.



I think this book needs to be read by anyone who has a family member on Heroin as it will give a small insight into the world and see that there is hope for some of them. If for some reason you have a friend or family member with these issues THEN THIS IS THE ONE BOOK THAT IS A MUST READ for you. This is a very revealing story which will detail, to you, a journey through addiction and what happens in the progress made in Addiction, What’s Really Going On? This is the one!


4 bookmarks

Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Thursday, June 24, 2010

On Gods Homor by D.C. Juris

In “On God's Honor” by D.C. Juris we have an angel being sent to earth to protect a human named Nathan Scott. The angel is doing everything he can to just do his job and not fall for Nathan.  In regards to this story being a GLBT genre I felt that the story was to rushed and could have been expanded regarding the characters and the background. This author has talent if he just practiced it more in his writing he would accomplish a much better rating than just this mediocre one. 

2.5 bookmarks

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Chill of Evil by M.A. Harkert

The Chill of Evil” by M.A. Harkert is the story of a woman and a haunted house which is very evil because of the spectres that live there.

I found the character of Sara to be great at times and at other times to be dull. The ending is different than I thought it would be, but I thought the author could have done more with the characters at the climax of the story.

This story is plain in its overall presentation.

Overall all it is a decent read for the light horror readers out there who enjoy books without all the gore and blood.

3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

The Guns of Mars by Martin T. Ingham

In The Guns of Mars by Martin T. Ingham we have a man named Morgan Asher who is a part of a colonization on the planet Mars. He soon finds out not everything is as it seems. He realizes that he might have to fight for what he believes in.



There were times that I thought this story was moving so slowly without any indication that something better was coming along.

At first look I thought this was just a regular science fiction book but, as I dug deeper into the book I realized that the underlying message is about how easy it is to go with the flow and forget to fight for our rights that we have in America. I feel that people would get a great lesson from this novel about the ebb and flow of people and their opinions and actions.


3.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dreamweek by Viviane Brentanos

Dreamweek by Viviane Brentanos is a wonderful romance about Izabella Stevens who works at Dreams which is a private island for those who need to get away from their world.

David Wells is an actor who is desperate to get away. He finds Izzy interesting and finds ways to get her to be with him. I really thought that this book was fantastic. I was so engrossed in this book that I forgot to do my other work for the day!!

Any woman that loves a good romance will love this book!

5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Herb Trader

In Herb Trader by A.R.Torsone we have a background look inside the marijuana trade. We see how one man was involved in a big treachery scheme in the world that he lived in.

I found the writing of this book to be intense and I could not put the book down. A. R Torsone gives so much background that you feel like you are there and a part of it all. Anyone that would like to see what sometimes happens in the world of marijuana distribution will find this book interesting and informative

A memoir with a magnitude of honesty is a story about A.R. Torsone’s life as such. If there was such a rating as 5+ bookmarks I would have enjoyed rating this novel as such.
5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Quest for Atlantis

In The Quest for Atlantis, edited by Jessy Marie Roberts and Alvia J Roberts and authored by various authors, is a collection of ten short stories that make you leave this world only to enter another. I found that some backgrounds were deep in their meanings and quite in-depth. At times some of characters seemed very real to me. I could not just pick one story as a favorite as they were all equally good. I can think of a few teenagers that would read this book. The collaboration between authors is quite remarkable in and of itself because getting various authors together in one project like this takes great patience and time and the tome shows that many authors took that time and effort in creating The Quest for Atlantis. They all worked as one quite well I might add! If you love to get deeply involved in a world while reading a novel or short stories then these short stories combined will keep you entertained for quite some time.

3.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Suffer The Children by Sara Townsend

In “Suffer the Children” by Sara Jane Townsend we have a chilling story of three young adults looking for answers as to why some young adults have gone missing. As they start finding out the answers the more dangerous it becomes for Simon, Carrie and Leanne.

I don’t normally read horror as it’s not my favorite genre, however this novel kept my interest and was not too gory for my taste. It is a well written book that has various degrees of suspense with a little mystery thrown into the mix. I would recommend this book for the Stephen King fans!
4 bookmarks
Carrol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Friday, April 30, 2010

HaveYou Seen My Childhood?

Have You Seen My Childhood by Alessandrina Lerner is written with some of the strongest poetry I have read in a while. The emotions that she has shared from her child abuse had me on the verge of tears at times. Her poem “What it is to be Loved” moved me the most.

Although I felt that the poetry lost the standard rhythm that a critique would, at times, find it very difficult to plot the tempo, I enjoyed the book very much so.



3.5 bookmarks

Carol Langstroth, Manager

Mind Fog Reviews

A Father's Anguish

In A Father's Anguish by R. W. Doyen we have a father's story on how he handles the emotions that he had to face with his daughter’s rape.

I found this to be thrilling from about the middle of the story until the end. R. W. Doyen wrote this novel based on true events as he recalls them pertaining to his daughter’s rape. The emotions that Doyen puts to paper about the father's feelings and thoughts are very well written and are taken from his personal knowledge of what a parent feels during these kinds of trials and tribulations. I would recommend this story to anyone that wants to read a powerful thriller as a novel based on a true story.

4 bookmarks

Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews


Monday, March 8, 2010

Entering the Age of Elegance by Chloe Jon Paul


In Entering the Age of Elegance by Chloe Jon Paul you learn the ways a woman can gracefully enter the senior part of her life. Chloe Jon Paul looks at every aspect of a woman’s life and writes a very informative book. That being said it looks like the book was hurried to get out and some of the links to the referred websites did not work. I hope that Ms. Jon Paul can make these corrections because the book could be very helpful to a women “Entering the Age of Elegance”.

 3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A Trust Earned by Diana Castilleja


“A Trust Earned” by Diana Castilleja is dedicated to every romantic thought that one could have.  Bram is an overworked doctor who is yearning for something different in his life.
Enter one Selene Aiza who has an offer for Bram that he cannot refuse. Selene is a doctor/administer who has huge secrets that she hopes that she can share with Bram.  Can Bram handle the truth that comes with Selene.

I loved the story from the first page. The chemistry between Selene and Bram is explosive from the very first page. This gifted writer will differently be another Danielle Steele if she continues to write with as much passion as Steele does.

Temptations, secrets and romance abound in this novel. Diana Castilleja has a romantic side to her that every woman would love to have and to enjoin with their own relationships!

5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager/Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews

Sardinian Silver by A. Colin Wright


Sardinian Silver is a tale of love, life, and self-discovery. It explores the moral and social dilemmas that plague our society today. A. Colin Wright addresses these issues in an interesting way through the main character and his journey through Sardinia.

Although the story line is a bit slow at first, the pace is definitely picked up in the second half of the book. Wright's uncanny ability to “transport” his readers into the action by vividly describing the Sardinian countryside also make this book an interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is into a good romance novel.

*** 3½ Stars
Raymond Teodo
Mind Fog Reviews

The Thorn at his Side by Diana Flori


In Diana Flori’s “The Thorn at his Side” you will find romance at its finest. The sexual scenes are done very tastefully.  The romantic side of Ms. Flori shows you a vivid imagination as to what romance and love should be. She stays within the historical era as she writes this historical romance.  I found this to be titalating and action packed all the way to the end. The epilogue tells of a future that was prepared for during the romantic episodes unfolded within these pages.

Unforetold writing excellence is in this novel and I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy a good, steamy love scene and romance on the high seas.  I would love to read another novel like this from Ms. Flori and I believe you would too!

4 Bookmarks
Anastasia Cassella-Young
Mind Fog Reviews

The Essence of Love by Alessandrina Lerner


“The Essence of Love” by Alessandrina Lerner is a book of poetry about the many different types of love she feels. The writer writes in such depth that it pulls you into her world and her thoughts on love.

Some of the poems blew my mind away as they are the same thoughts that I have for someone and the one poem, “Love ain’t…Love is” tells the truth about what love truly is.  I would highly recommend this book for anyone that loves poetry especially poetry about love.


4 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Review

Nacreous Verse by Sonja Smolec


“Nacreous Verse” by Sonja Smolec is a lovely tidbit of poetry.  Upon looking up the word “nacreous” it is discovered that it has a meaning entailed of “pearls of wisdom”.  This poetry book does have pearls of wisdom throughout it.  A critique of it would be hard to do in the sense of trying to find rythym and beat.  The author sometimes starts out with a great beat and then rushes wholeheartedly into verse that does not ryhme but has great meaning.  Starting with A B A B then following up with A C D E A F G H, etc.  Love and romance are the main theme of this book. 

Sonja Smolec uses some very large, intellectual words at times and uses footnotes to define them. I feel that a footnote is not appropriate in the theme of a poetry book but suggest perhaps that she should have used a glossary. 

All in all it is a read that you will find to be in depth, loaded with emotions and finally, it is thought provoking enough to make you read between the lines as such as poetry always does.  I would recommend this read to those that don’t expect a lot of prose and rhythm and beat as set forth by the standards of poetry.

3.5 bookmarks
Anastasia Cassella-Young
Mind Fog Reviews

Friday, March 5, 2010

Living the Dream by Tim Baker


In Tim Baker’s Living the Dream, Kurt thinks that a woman named Vicky is the cause of his entire problem so he hatches this plot to kidnap her and have her husband, Jimmy, pay the ransom. Except after he gets to Florida he finds his intended victim is away and that her husband wouldn’t pay the ransom as he wants to divorce her. Jimmy’s mistress, Leslie, wants a piece of Kurt’s action. Kurt never knew a simple kidnapping would be so much work.

This reviewer liked the ending of the book however the beginning and the middle were a little dry for me.  I loved the scenes with Kurt and Leslie where she would tell Kurt he didn’t know what he was doing. Over all it was a good book to read.

***3.5 Stars
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews

The Bite of the Serpent” by Sandra Crum Akers


“The Bite of the Serpent” by Sandra Crum Akers is a fun read. I went in thinking the Mound itself would be the mystery, so the murder totally threw me for a loop.  Paranormal intrigue and a killer on the loose make for a fast paced novel. There were a few places where the story started to lag in the middle, but not for long. By the time we reach the end we are reeling with anticipation. This book kept me guessing and kept me interested. There were twists and turns I never saw coming and just when I thought I’d figured out who dunnit, BAM! Totally surprised.

I had a hard time with some of the POV, particularly with the first person thoughts in an otherwise 3rd person story, and I had some unanswered questions about the Serpent Mound itself that I don’t feel got resolved. From the title I expected it to be more of a paranormal novel. I also would have liked to get to know Anne better, I never really felt like I understood her motivations. Overall, I would recommend this book to my friends and I look forward to reading the next one if the story continues, as it feels like it should. Did I smell a budding forbidden romance there at the end? 
Happy reading!

4 Bookmarks
Sherry Ficklin
Mind Fog Reviews

Frenzy by Carole Johnstone

FrenzyCarole Johnstone

Frenzy by Carole Johnstone kept me on the edge from beginning to end. The constant rush of adrenaline injected into my brain while I read was an unusual experience for me. I found myself side by side with these characters going through the same terror and feeling the same uncertainty for my survival. If you love horror, and suspense then this is an absolute must for your collection. 

***** 5 Stars
Author/Reviewer Marilyn Thompson
Mind Fog Reviews

The Chosen” by C. A. Milson


If you “believe” or whether you “enjoy” reading about demons, gathering of souls and the like “The Chosen” by C. A. Milson covers them in this tale of horror.  Almost all the vices of man are included such as sex, smoking, drinking, murder and mayhem and the like.  It even includes the “proverbial” religious connotations in whether the characters believe in “God” and his protection or demons and their villainous ways.  There is so much going on in this novel that you must read it carefully and with an open mind. 

The energy of the author is reflected very well in this tome.  One could say that you would be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next melee to happen.  Powers of energy from the author and the characters will keep you reading until the end.

*** 3 Stars
Anastasia Cassella-Young, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews