“Sha'Daa: Last Call” is a shared world collection of stories centering on the concept of a Salesman. He offers the protagonist of each story a trade that will allow them to survive and/or defeat the horror they will soon encounter. Each protagonist must rise to the challenge to prevent the unleashing of horrific C'thulian beings. I enjoyed the writing and the characters but a few of the characters choices seemed outside the range of their suggested intelligence for better or worse. I'm not sure about the military response to a noncombatant in “Deathstalk” by Bruce Durham. I like that the authors did not put a lot of effort into trying to make all the traded items match up but left the story open to many more trades but seeing them come up was a good way to remind the reader of prior trades and leaves them wondering who is going to need the item that I being traded for and what the current hero will need their “new” item for.
4 Bookmarks
Paul Cherry II, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
Thursday, April 28, 2011
29 Days...to Save Money and Financial Independence by Richard Fast
This appears to be two books “29 Days” and “...to Saving Money and Financial Independence”. The first book is all about the process of habits and how to to change them with scattered detail. He quotes from several psychological models and theories as to why his method will work. He uses excessive quoting and anecdotes with very little citing of sources. The various models and theories are not explained well enough in the book but appear to be taken out of other books like some people quote scripture. He seems to assume that the reader understands the context. The other books in the series are all letter for letter the same book until page 109 when the “...to save money and achieve financial independence” part starts. When reading this book I had the feeling of one book grafted onto the second.
The second book was actually a lot better. It has a lot of common sense ways to save money and become more aware of spending. Quotes were again not cited. While the front matter gives you everything you would need to put together a way to put together a plan to form or break most habits the back actually does a god job with creating and suggesting a plan. I found the constant congratulations annoying but can see were some people might need the encouragement. The whole book felt like he was targeting a below average intellect reader using formating gimmicks and attempting quotations of intellectual giants to convince his audience he was right and that the program would work. In several places he made the suggestion that opportunities would open up if the reader had the money saved to invest but did not explain what constituted a good opportunity and how the reader could determine good from bad. He did mention the importance of not being guided by someone who was not an expert but did not go into how to find the right person to be guided by. This book would be good for someone with an above average job trying to save money but would be of less use to someone living minimum wage.
2 Bookmarks
Paul Cherry II, reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
The second book was actually a lot better. It has a lot of common sense ways to save money and become more aware of spending. Quotes were again not cited. While the front matter gives you everything you would need to put together a way to put together a plan to form or break most habits the back actually does a god job with creating and suggesting a plan. I found the constant congratulations annoying but can see were some people might need the encouragement. The whole book felt like he was targeting a below average intellect reader using formating gimmicks and attempting quotations of intellectual giants to convince his audience he was right and that the program would work. In several places he made the suggestion that opportunities would open up if the reader had the money saved to invest but did not explain what constituted a good opportunity and how the reader could determine good from bad. He did mention the importance of not being guided by someone who was not an expert but did not go into how to find the right person to be guided by. This book would be good for someone with an above average job trying to save money but would be of less use to someone living minimum wage.
2 Bookmarks
Paul Cherry II, reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Military Brats: After Burn by Sherry D. Ficklin
“In Military Brats: After Burn” by Sherry D. Ficklin we see Reece who is a military brat and whose father just got re-stationed at Cherry Point Air Station. Reece, just after a few days at school, has two boys interested in her. As she gets to know them there is a bomb scare at the Base and she doesn’t think the MP’s are taking it seriously enough so she starts her on investigation. After an explosion there her father was hurt. Now she must find the person who did this before more people are hurt. The only problem is all the evidence is pointing to Greg, one of the boys she likes. Is Greg the culprit or is someone else framing him?
Sherry D. Ficklin’s book is a wonderful young adult book that isn’t just about romance but also has a mystery that needs to be solved. It intrigued me to the point where I had to keep reading to find out who was causing the trouble on the Base. Reece’s character was well written and I could picture the characters and the scenes in my mind. I personally think this would be a good book for everyone to read, not just young adults. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
4 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
Sherry D. Ficklin’s book is a wonderful young adult book that isn’t just about romance but also has a mystery that needs to be solved. It intrigued me to the point where I had to keep reading to find out who was causing the trouble on the Base. Reece’s character was well written and I could picture the characters and the scenes in my mind. I personally think this would be a good book for everyone to read, not just young adults. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
4 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
The Pawn by Nancy Minnis Damato
“The Pawn” by Nancy Minnis Damato is a story about a young girl named Josefina who trusted Francois DucLafevre’s word that if she would give him an heir then she would be free to marry her true love Jacob. Three months into her being pregnant she realizes that Francois has no plans to honor his side of the agreement.
When she tells her father, he throws her out. She must now protect and provide for her child as her brother wants her dead and she doesn’t want Francois to know about the child’s whereabouts. Will she be able to avoid the powerful men that seek her?
Although Ms. Damato gives a lot of detail to her characters, I felt the story was very slow in the beginning and middle, but toward the end of the book it took off like a rocket. Since this is a part of a series I look forward to reading the next one that will hopefully tell us what happens when she tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter. Overall I thought this was a decent book to read as I love reading period romances.
3 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
When she tells her father, he throws her out. She must now protect and provide for her child as her brother wants her dead and she doesn’t want Francois to know about the child’s whereabouts. Will she be able to avoid the powerful men that seek her?
Although Ms. Damato gives a lot of detail to her characters, I felt the story was very slow in the beginning and middle, but toward the end of the book it took off like a rocket. Since this is a part of a series I look forward to reading the next one that will hopefully tell us what happens when she tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter. Overall I thought this was a decent book to read as I love reading period romances.
3 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
My One True Love by Stephanie Taylor
In “My One True Love” by Stephanie Taylor, we find Jason who can see and feel an avalanche heading for him. He climbs up a tree where he thinks he will be safe. As he is watching the avalanche he notices that there is a person who is stuck in the avalanche, so he goes to help the person and get them to safety. The problem is he saved his ex, Liz, who came into town to be married to another man. Can she marry another man knowing in her heart that she may still love Jason? And how does Jason feel about this turn of events? You will have to read to find out.
I thought this was a cute little book for those that need a little romance in their lives. It has chemistry, friction between the characters and a lesson in it. I love romances that show romance and not a lot of hot heavy sex scenes because these books are more about the characters than sex which, in my opinion, is the way a book should be written. I give this book 4 bookmarks and can’t wait to read Ms. Taylor’s next book.
4 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
I thought this was a cute little book for those that need a little romance in their lives. It has chemistry, friction between the characters and a lesson in it. I love romances that show romance and not a lot of hot heavy sex scenes because these books are more about the characters than sex which, in my opinion, is the way a book should be written. I give this book 4 bookmarks and can’t wait to read Ms. Taylor’s next book.
4 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
Second Rate Groupies by Brieanna Robertson
Second-Rate Groupies by Brieanna Robertson is a book about three women who decide to take a week off and hit the road to attend five concerts by their favorite band the Escape. During this crazy week Robyn does a lot of soul searching when she meets Ethan…a security guard for the shows. He shows Robyn things and teaches her that its time to start taking some chances in her life.
Will Heather, Dee Dee, and Robyn make all 5 shows and get to meet the band, and will she start to realize that life is just passing her by?
I have to say I thought this was a really cute romance. It was about two people getting to know one another and didn’t have a lot of heavy sex scenes found in other romances.
Dee Dee’s character was a hoot to read and I love the fact that it also taught people a lesson. (To find out what the lesson is…you have to read the book). I also like that it was mostly based on fact. I hope Mrs. Robertson does more writing and that a lot of women will read Second-Rate Groupies.
4 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
Will Heather, Dee Dee, and Robyn make all 5 shows and get to meet the band, and will she start to realize that life is just passing her by?
I have to say I thought this was a really cute romance. It was about two people getting to know one another and didn’t have a lot of heavy sex scenes found in other romances.
Dee Dee’s character was a hoot to read and I love the fact that it also taught people a lesson. (To find out what the lesson is…you have to read the book). I also like that it was mostly based on fact. I hope Mrs. Robertson does more writing and that a lot of women will read Second-Rate Groupies.
4 bookmarks
Carol A. Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
The Charlie Factor by Diana DeRicci
In "The Charlie Factor" we have a M/M romance that involves two men who are fighting their attraction for one another. Charlie is a former fireman who was hurt when his own house was on fire. He suffered severe injuries not just to his body but to his mind. Enter one Gregory who just wanted to be Charlie’s friend as he is straight. But as time goes on Gregory isn’t sure about anything other than he feels attracted to Charlie? Will these two get over both of their issues?
I read the book and found it nice that they just started out being friends as that’s the way relationships are supposed to work. And the sex scenes were defiantly hot (you will need a hose to cool you down) and the difficultly in which Greg had to tell his parents was as honest as you can get. It has shown us almost the whole lifestyle of being gay, the good and the bad parts. I give Ms. DeRicci kudos for writing such honest book about a gay relationship.
3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
I read the book and found it nice that they just started out being friends as that’s the way relationships are supposed to work. And the sex scenes were defiantly hot (you will need a hose to cool you down) and the difficultly in which Greg had to tell his parents was as honest as you can get. It has shown us almost the whole lifestyle of being gay, the good and the bad parts. I give Ms. DeRicci kudos for writing such honest book about a gay relationship.
3 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
29 Days…to Your Life Without Cigarettes by Richard Fast
Richard Fast's “29 Days...to Your Life Without Cigarettes” is the best book in his 29 Days series. While still a bit overburdened with poor citations and anecdotes, Fast's personal experience with addiction adds to the effectiveness of the program. The program, overall, seems more effective in its structure and approach than many self-help books. Best of all, it doesn't require a reader to engage in any other programs or strategies which may add prohibitively to cost. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wishing to break free of their addiction.
4 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
4 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
29 Days to...Becoming a Great Listener and Communicator by Richard Fast
Richard Fast's “29 Days...to Becoming a Great Listener and Communicator” tries to show readers how to open their minds and listen, not hear, the people around them. Fast goes through the most basic mistakes people make, not paying attention, to some they do out of habit or poor sense of manners, like giving 'me too' stories. While his 29 day structure could help others bolster their abilities, it is unfortunately encumbered with a few too many anecdotes and studies with incomplete citations. I started to doubt the value of the data after the first few with vague references to sources. Furthermore, the main quiz in the book has an awkward format for filling it out.
I recommend this book for its main content, but I would recommend supplementing it with stronger works for a real test to those bad communication and listening habits.
3 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
I recommend this book for its main content, but I would recommend supplementing it with stronger works for a real test to those bad communication and listening habits.
3 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
29 Days to...Your Perfect Weight by Richard Fast
Richard Fast has compiled a unique approach to weight management in “29 Days...to Your Perfect Weight”. Fast provides a psychological approach to breaking down the mental blocks which thwart would-be dieters. Instead of seeing a list of arduous tasks, Fast tries to help a dieter create a list of small, sustainable changes which lead to an overall healthy lifestyle. His process could work while trying to form any good habit, and his wife, Michele Bertolin, takes readers through more specific changes geared toward weight-loss.
Any one of Fast's “29 Days to...” books start with him explaining the psychology behind bad habits and why they are so hard to break. Unfortunately, you have to take most of this information on his word. While he does reference many modern authorities respected for their words on wisdom itself, or healthy eating, Fast does not properly cite any of his sources. With few exceptions, Fast's academic support relies on name dropping quotes, and when he does tie a work to the author, you'll find no information on where the bit of wisdom lies in the alluded pages. Moreover, the advice to speak to a medical professional comes late within the chapters; a scary thing seeing as how Fast never sets a guide for when to stop cutting calories.
Since his references are far too incomplete, I suppose it serves Fast well that his book also physically demonstrates his points. All the chapters are noticeably short and repetitive in their subjects. It gives a reader the feeling that they've divulged much more than they actually have. Moreover, readers spend more time on psychological reprogramming in the “29 days” than anything else, so the book ends in about your second week of initiating the small changes. Need more support? Just rinse and repeat the instructions in the last couple of weeks, or go to the online coach that will be there to help for a few months at the start of the rest of your life.
Overall, if you know someone who needs to get rid of a mental block to break a bad habit, “29 days” is a good start, but don't count on its directions to provide a comprehensive guide.
2 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
Any one of Fast's “29 Days to...” books start with him explaining the psychology behind bad habits and why they are so hard to break. Unfortunately, you have to take most of this information on his word. While he does reference many modern authorities respected for their words on wisdom itself, or healthy eating, Fast does not properly cite any of his sources. With few exceptions, Fast's academic support relies on name dropping quotes, and when he does tie a work to the author, you'll find no information on where the bit of wisdom lies in the alluded pages. Moreover, the advice to speak to a medical professional comes late within the chapters; a scary thing seeing as how Fast never sets a guide for when to stop cutting calories.
Since his references are far too incomplete, I suppose it serves Fast well that his book also physically demonstrates his points. All the chapters are noticeably short and repetitive in their subjects. It gives a reader the feeling that they've divulged much more than they actually have. Moreover, readers spend more time on psychological reprogramming in the “29 days” than anything else, so the book ends in about your second week of initiating the small changes. Need more support? Just rinse and repeat the instructions in the last couple of weeks, or go to the online coach that will be there to help for a few months at the start of the rest of your life.
Overall, if you know someone who needs to get rid of a mental block to break a bad habit, “29 days” is a good start, but don't count on its directions to provide a comprehensive guide.
2 Bookmarks
Sara Messina, Reviewer
Mind Fog Reviews
Appalachian Justice by Melinda Clayton
Appalachian Justice by Melinda Clayton tells the story of a Wilhelmina Platte a.k.a. Billy May from the time when her dad died in the mines to her death and everything in between. It shows the ugly side of people as well as the compassionate side. It also has the lesson that people will help if you let them in.
I have to confess I love the format that this story is written in. It’s told from Billy May’s memories as she is dying. Sifting through her memoires is like reading a diary. The characters are well rounded and they jump at you throughout the story. When she is remembering the mountain itself you can picture it in your mind very easily. There were times (especially toward the end) that I felt I was there.
Melinda Clayton did a wonderful job and I hope to read more of her work.
4.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
I have to confess I love the format that this story is written in. It’s told from Billy May’s memories as she is dying. Sifting through her memoires is like reading a diary. The characters are well rounded and they jump at you throughout the story. When she is remembering the mountain itself you can picture it in your mind very easily. There were times (especially toward the end) that I felt I was there.
Melinda Clayton did a wonderful job and I hope to read more of her work.
4.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
A Review of Jonathan’s Cross by M.L. Gardner
Jonathan’s Cross by M.L. Gardner is a one of a kind historical fiction that one doesn’t see every day. Set to what I believe is 1929 when the big Wall Street crash happened. Jonathan is a broker who lost everything after the crash. His wife and his three friends’ families are forced to rent from an enemy of Jonathan’s. They take a job on the docks that they are not prepared for. Meanwhile Jonathan’s enemy, Victor, is doing anything to make Jonathan’s life a living hell. Will Jonathan and his friends survive their new life? Will they find a way out? And just what does Victor have up his sleeve?
I have been a huge fan of historical fiction since I was a teenager and Jonathan’s Cross has fed my addiction thankfully. It has action, and suspense, and you can feel the love that all three husbands have for their wives. Ms. Gardner brings all of her characters to life and brings wonderful details when she introduces more characters. I cannot wait to read the sequel to this book and I hope that that Ms. Gardner allows me the honor of reviewing the next one.
4.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
I have been a huge fan of historical fiction since I was a teenager and Jonathan’s Cross has fed my addiction thankfully. It has action, and suspense, and you can feel the love that all three husbands have for their wives. Ms. Gardner brings all of her characters to life and brings wonderful details when she introduces more characters. I cannot wait to read the sequel to this book and I hope that that Ms. Gardner allows me the honor of reviewing the next one.
4.5 bookmarks
Carol Langstroth, Manager
Mind Fog Reviews
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