My Buy Essay

Lucian’s Place - Book Review

Lucian’s Place is a tale of far-fetched proportions, yet so close to the possibilities of our own present technologies that it is quite believable.

The idea of three people and their immediate surroundings (a high-tech self-sustained ranch) being thrown back in time might seem a trifle wild, yet the author gives it all a sense of normalcy that distracts you from that. As the characters discover they are defending their very lives from strange creatures from another time, the dangers never relent. With the help of an aware computer that thinks acts and feels like a human, the battle to simply survive is eased somewhat, however the question of returning to their proper time is inherent.

Belle Smith gives us a great science fiction read without the typical concoction of space travel and high-tech aliens. Instead, she keeps us on Earth with a taste of what computers, combined with nano-technology and human creativity, may achieve for us in the not too distant future… or should I say past? Her unique vision of how civilization might be rebuilt from scratch with minimal impact on the environment makes for an inspiring read.

Lucian’s Place is a definite page-turner and a book I found very hard to put down. Guaranteed to make you think differently before cursing your home computer!

ISBN#: 1-4137-6963-2

Author: Belle Smith

Publisher: Publish America

Pages: 364

Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or August is like asking them to clean their room or eat their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock them with titles that are fun and challenging and encourage kids to look beyond a book’s covers.

“A Treasure’s Trove” (Treasure Trove, Inc.) by Michael Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages, it became a New York Times best-seller, captured the hearts and imaginations of children and families and, through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians, the author has read it to children at hundreds of schools throughout North America and at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The story, which appeals to both boys and girls, takes place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed, good and dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is plenty of action and suspense, plus beautiful fairies and romance. The book is all about family values, love and cooperation, loyalty and friendship. It teaches children the importance of saving the forests, about working together to accomplish their goals and that they need not be afraid of the dark.

“This book’s value is truly in the words and excitement on the kids’ faces,” said Katie Mullins, a 3rd grade teacher at Degan Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas.

Now Available:

Free Teachers’ Guide & Books

Because children quickly and easily gravitate to the book’s characters and themes, teachers asked the author if he could provide additional “Treasure Trove” material for classroom use. In response, “A Treasure’s Trove Teachers’ Guide,” developed in conjunction with a panel of leading educational advisors in the U.S., is now available for download at .atreasurestrove.com/schools.

Intended as an enrichment tool, it is chock-full of puzzles and activities in such subject areas as reading comprehension, poetry, music composition, map reading and drawing, problem solving and critical thinking. The first 1,000 educators to register online for the new guide will receive a free copy of “A Treasure’s Trove,” “A Puzzle Book Companion” and the “Official Solution Book to A Treasure’s Trove.”

In September 2006, the book’s sequel, “Secrets of the Alchemist Dar,” will be released-this time accompanied by a worldwide treasure hunt. Once again, Stadther will visit schools to read the book to students in grades 3 and up. Teachers and principals interested in having the author visit their schools should sign up early by visiting .atreasurestrove.com/schools.

“A Treasure’s Trove” is available in hard- and softcover at major bookstores and Amazon.com.

A stimulating adventure! Sabine Muir has written a wonderful children’s story that can be read many, many times. This is a time-travel, Christian fantasy novel that reminds me a little bit of one of my favorite childhood books, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.

Here, the main character, Mathew, is a young boy growing up under difficulties that are quite uncommon from his piers. Mathew’s father is missing, his mother has begun a new romance and bullying at school weighs heavily upon his young shoulders. Mathew thought he could escape it all during his stay at his Aunt and Uncle’s tranquil family farm. Unexpectedly, Mathew and his cousins are thrown into an adventure when they accidentally enter a mystery gateway into to a world of Kings, Queens, Castles and ghosts.

Sabine Muir’s use of factual, historical legendary characters brought the Canmore Dynasty to life - an era that is quickly fading from all memory. The author’s research and understanding of the historical era is evident in this excellent piece of work. Her fascination with this particular section in time has produced several works of fiction.

‘Mathew and the Highland Rescue’ is only the first in a series of adventure books. A delightful light read for the adventurous and young-of-heart. I look forward to reading her next published work.”

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

ISBN#: 1413759165

Author: Sabine Muir

Action, thriller and humor &ndash this book has it all! Men of Extreme Action by Joseph Kochanoff is one of the better books I have reviewed this year, despite its obvious need of editing. Based in the action movie making industry, Joseph incorporates murder, excellent fight scenes and sabotage.

The two main characters are action movie stars that have difficult personal issues keeping them from doing their best. Wolfe Neilson is an aging man who is losing the battle both in his career and with alcohol. Steele Taylor is an older egomaniac who has become ruthlessly rude and demanding. These two actors are forced to make one last stab at reviving their dying careers (and personalities) by making an action movie together. Neither is used to sharing the ‘lime light’ and the antagonism between these two ancient enemies is quite entertaining. Steele and Wolfe are constantly trading insulting wisecracks that had me guffawing aloud &ndash yet in the end they will depend on each other to live through another day.

Colorful characters such as Mr. Pang, the torture-trainer who forces Wolfe and Steele to cooperate, and Tina, the agent who mediates many antagonistic situations, brighten the story line. The rival -the most popular action movie star of the day - Blaze Vansome, is easy to hate.

Steele and Wolfe are soon living as if inside one of their movies. Who can they trust? Where do they go for help? How does one fight a well-connected crime organization on their own?

In their desperate efforts to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage their movie, Wolfe and Steele stumble into one hilarious situation into another. Their banter keeps the mood light and the action is so fast paced you will not want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book.”

ISBN#: 1413735398

Author: Joseph Kochanoff

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

There’s helpful news -and possibly inspiration-available to women who are trying to juggle the roles of individual, wife and mother.

A new book, described as a household handbook like no other, is said to offer a blend of encouraging chats and step-by-step game plans that address everything from phasing out clutter to revitalizing a marriage.

The book, “Woman First, Family Always” by Kathryn Sansone (Meredith Books, $24.95), is built on the principle that no woman can care for her family unless she cares for herself.

“You are important as a woman and an individual, not simply as a mother and wife. During 18 years of marriage, with children, I’ve learned that if a woman gives up an aspect of herself-either the woman in her, the mother or the wife-the other two facets will suffer,” said Sansone.

In each section, she provides gentle reflections and eye-opening techniques for keeping the peace, maintaining order, and bringing more fun into a family’s routine.

The book also offers tips on coping and thriving within three roles:

• Self. Sansone, a mother of 10, describes ways to hibernate for a few hours, exercise regularly, delegate tasks, ask for plenty of help, and even develop a personal style and beauty regimen.

• Wife. Financial pressures, disagreements over how to handle the kids, and the aging process itself can all contribute to stress in a marriage. Readers will find rejuvenating ideas for creating a true partnership in marriage, no matter how much is going on in their lives. She even offers tips for making the bedroom a sanctuary.

• Mother. A child is subject to more outside influences than ever before. Fortunately, the author provides parents with ways to be heard over peer pressure, media personalities and seductive advertising. From resolving sibling squabbles to navigating a school system, fighting childhood obesity and nurturing a genuine spirit of love and happiness at home, her advice for raising well-grounded, well-mannered children is intended to reassure and inspire.

Kathryn Sansone was recently recruited by America Online to serve as a real-life Chief of Everything Officer (CEO) for the company’s Life Management program. She has also been featured in a range of media outlets including O Magazine and Inside Edition, and has appeared on Oprah. Sansone, her husband, Jim, and their 10 children live in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bright colored sheets just inside the sturdy book cover certainly set the mood for this excellent book geared for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The main character is a young boy who is desperately fretting over the class reaction to his strange family. He dreads the day the children in his classroom are due to present their portrayals of their families. Much to his delight, he realizes his family is not so strange after all. Parents and teachers will certainly find the yoga-loving dad with orange polka-dotted socks is sure to get the giggles rolling. The impressive illustrations hold attention to the page.

As youth, we are often fascinated by other family’s doors and what lays beyond them. When we discover that all the quirks and differences reside in everyone’s family, it makes it easier to accept our families and our place in them. This is a valuable life skill that would certainly help to ground little people at this age.

Educators and caretakers may find this book useful in social and family studies.

Children are encouraged to personalize the book on the first page and create a list of their family and their personality traits on the last page &ndash thus making this book more interactive.”

ISBN#: 0974430722

Author: Kristin Joy Humes

Illustrations: Loel Barr

Publisher: Merry Lane Press