My Buy Essay

Archive for September, 2009

Envy of the Gods, a science-fiction novel, has a cast of five main characters that struggle through a rise to leadership, tough ethical decisions, the re-discovery and use of ancient textbooks, and a society that strives for a better, more efficient way of life.

In a ruthless and brutal age, much like our age of barbarian kingdoms, the novel takes the reader through immense social and governmental changes. Cold, power hungry Duke Atan Ishtba is on his way towards unchallenged dominance of surrounding kingdoms. Yet Raphela’s intense beauty not only brought him to his knees. All his efforts at wooing her with jewels and finery are only in vain. Her heart lay with the rightful leader who is destined to rule the land with a caring and enterprising heart. Between the two they bring education to the masses, equality to women and better economic situations for the general public.

This is not done through some kind of super-human power, but rather through genuine hard work, learning to use their minds creatively and through the generosity of the Ancients &ndash who left behind a written legacy of their advanced knowledge. The loyal support of friends like Mahtso and Fatell, help these two through their many adventures.

The author never tells us much about the Ancients, the terrain or other such background information. I was clueless, until it was made clear in the end, that the book is based in another world entirely. Certainly, the characters were quite likely to be of humanoid life. Envy of the Gods is very interesting indeed, and deserves a second read.

I do, however, feel it is necessary to voice some negative comments. The back cover does not explain the book very well at all and the front cover image does not have much appeal. I felt, that at times, some of the events were not exactly believable or could fit a realistic timetable. But then, science-fiction genres can push many boundaries that other genres cannot.

This 320-page novel by Andrea Savitch is the first in the trilogy and though it does not require subsequent novels, the author has created sufficient curiosity to entice readers to wonder where she will take them next.

ISBN#: 1-933538-11-2

Author: Andrea Savitch

Publisher: Bridgeway Books

Dragon Tales by Mary C. Fairbanks is truly and entertaining book, chock full of twenty-four dragon stories. Perfect for youth from the age of five to fifteen, even adults would be charmed by its pages. The images are unique and interesting, with a style that left me with the impression they were created on a computer.

Caregivers are likely to find the morals to each story helpful to deal with youth problems with social interaction, self-image, overcoming self-absorption, understanding others and more. The author tackles many issues through her lovable, yet egotistical dragons or even through sad and lonely dragons. She shows the importance of freedom and dictates communities working together to solve problems peacefully. The confusion between the way that dragons and humans view each other in this book will aid against racism. Her characters learn to not passively accept what everyone else believes and live by another’s prejudices. Instead, Mary has the characters find out for themselves what is the truth. Often, the young characters have to ‘think’ their way out of a situation or learn to ask the right questions – rather than fighting it or running away from problems.

I would recommend this fictional, children’s book of short stories to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

ISBN#: 1554102545

Author: Marie C. Fairbanks

Publisher: Zumaya Otherworlds

It very well could be real, but for now it’s the latest heart-pounding fiction book, Sledgehammer, about a terrorist who arrives in the ER with smallpox symptoms. An ER physician suspects it but has just six days to convince hospital executives and the U.S. Government before an epidemic breaks out.

The story is brought vividly to life by Dr. Paulo J. Reyes who obtained his MD at the UCSF School of Medicine, has 25 years in medicine and internal medicine and is a First Responder for the busiest cities in California specifically in terrorists training.

In Sledgehammer, the lead character, Max Kroose, an intuitive emergency room physician, believes terrorists are to blame for the attack and fears the more lethal form of smallpox, called Sledgehammer, will kill within days. As time progresses, the terrorists planned attacks at a sports arena, mall and airport must be stopped. The question becomes can this ER doctor convince the hospital administration and the public health care system about the presence of this deadly disease and the need to vaccinate the American public. You won’t be able to stop reading as you seek to find out the truth in this non-stop thriller.

How big a threat is smallpox? “The Federal Government should allow voluntary smallpox vaccinations to protect us from smallpox bioterrorist attacks,” says Dr. Reyes. “At the very least the Federal Government should allow voluntary vaccinations of the first responders which should include all hospital medical staff. The President and the military have been vaccinated. Why shouldn’t the American public?”

Dr. Reyes also authored Health-Care Reform or Redistribution of Cost? and in his research of the health care system, he has seen its shortcomings. Realizing there is clear and present danger of a terrorist attack in the health care system has prompted him to support voluntary smallpox vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers smallpox as a possible danger and includes it as one of the possible agents of a bioterrorist attack, in its website under the subheading Emergency Preparedness and Response along with anthrax, plague, and tularemia.

Reyes believes the Federal Government should consider a trial program to detect the presence of the virus &ndash similar to a pregnancy test &ndash so if the disease presents itself, it will be detected before it becomes an epidemic or pandemic.

The American public is immuno-na

Fading Toward Enlightenment by Wayne Wirs is definitely a well made book of excellent quality &ndash it will certainly endure multiple readings. I loved the feel of the pages as I turned them. I would classify this book as a useful, inspirational, self-help tool for those searching for inner peace. Wayne shares his personal experiences while he searches to come to turns with himself and life in general through this beautiful work of art.

Wayne is truly a seeker of understanding. I was reminded occasionally of Joseph Campbell throughout the book, as the two focus on similar themes. Wayne shares his journey towards understanding that takes him through vigorous studies of mystic and myths, traveling into himself and then out again. He dreams of being able to reach beyond the ego.

Attractive, attention-demanding black and white photographs are enhanced by the deep-thinking quotations and the author’s excellent discussions. Each stage in his journey is accompanied by the exquisite photos, and the photos add depth to the text &ndash feeding each other. I found that I would read a sentence and then look at the photo; back and forth – each page a slow and rewarding process to savor. Written to inspire others to delve deep into discovering who they are, Wayne asks us (as he asks himself) “Who are you behind those busy thoughts?”

The question and answer interview at the end of the book was quite helpful in finding out more about the author’s personal side and his particular views. He also includes a list of resources to aid the reader interested in furthering their journey.”

ISBN#: 0976358107

Author: Wayne Wirs

Publisher: Missing Man Press

Fern’s Dragon is a wonderfully fun read that stimulates the imagination of both young people and the young-at-heart alike. It is a good mystery-fantasy story that is artfully composed.

Fern is a bright, artistic young girl who is utterly fascinated with dragons. One day she created a masterpiece with beach sand and loved it so much that she was reluctant to leave her dragon, Nogard. When her mother brought Fern to visit Norgard, they were shocked to discover he was missing. Later that night, Fern is visited by Norgard, who begs for her help in saving dragon-kind.

Little Fern finds herself leading the last of the race of dragons, following clues and trying to piece together a way to save the dragon king &ndash the only dragon with the power to stop the catastrophe about to fall.

David Wills has done a superb job on this children’s book. His use of colors and visually stimulating words is sure to spark the imagination. The light ending will leave a smile on the readers’ face.

I highly recommend this book to parents, as they are unlikely to become bored with their children begging to have the story repeatedly read to them. I know I certainly enjoyed it.”

ISBN# 1413770177

Publisher: Publish America, Inc

Author: David Wills

A new world take on an old-world way of eating can be better than the many diets that are extreme and difficult or expensive to follow, and gives results in just 10 days. It’s “The Sonoma Diet” (Meredith Books, $24.95) by Dr. Connie Guttersen, R.D., Ph.D.

Ordinary weight loss plans can be uncomfortable or even unhealthy, asking you to cut out certain ingredients, and it can be hard to find out exactly what’s in everything you eat-particularly if you want to eat out or at someone else’s table.

Now there’s a medically proven powerhouse program that has already helped countless dieters lose weight without counting calories or eliminating a single food category. This is the rejuvenating, sun-drenched cuisine you can savor without guilt while staying lean for a lifetime. It turns mealtime into a celebration, not a deprivation.

That’s because across the Atlantic a timeless Mediterranean approach has consistently been linked with weight management and excellent overall health. Now the science behind these miracle foods has at last been translated to another sun-drenched locale closer to home: Sonoma County, California. The result is a proven, sane and completely savory way to stay fit for life.

Dr. Guttersen was a weight-loss counselor and nutrition researcher for many years and she is now on the faculty of the renowned Culinary Institute of America. She was inspired to develop a cutting-edge program that would reflect and perfect a celebration of food for people who love to eat and offers flavorful food good enough for guests. A recent study found that increasing carbohydrates with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits and grains, in fact does not promote weight gain. The Sonoma Diet doesn’t call for any diet foods, just satisfying, easy-to-prepare meals that will actually program your body to lose weight. Flavorful recipes the whole family will love are portioned out so you won’t overeat. Busy dieters can enjoy express salads even if they’re always on the go.

You can enjoy such a carefree experience on The Sonoma Diet because Dr. Guttersen has done all the science for you. Her recommended meals offer a range of delicious “power foods” that deliver maximum disease-fighting nutrients, infused with robust flavors and plenty of variety. Eaten in the correct combinations, these power meals will keep you feeling full while shifting your body’s metabolic levels into high gear.

An excellent novel that will wring tears of frustration and pain and then tears of joy from the reader.’Fire in the Ice’ is a perfect title for this book.

The passion, confusion and anger that the main character (Deedra) felt, along with her pain over the loss of her parents and the death of her young husband caused her to cover her heart, lock it away and live only through a deep survival mode. (Thus the “Ice”.) Encountering Josh, she became filled with fear at what could be her first experiences with real love and true passion and she nearly loathed him for disrupting her carefully constructed world. However, Deedra was not along in her fear of feeling &ndash Josh too lived through a horrendous relationship that left him wary of commitment. Her constant rebuttal was hard on Josh, who was used to getting what he wanted, but his persistence and love released her from her own prison and helped Deedra realize that she had never really lived at all &ndash but only existed. None of Deedra’s journey through her Self was possible without the loyal support of her dear friend, Marcy.

This romance novel had some very steamy parts (the “Fire”) that, though not over-used, were certainly so well written that this shy reviewer was blushing furiously while reading them &ndash much to the amusement of my husband!

Katlyn Stewart has done an excellent job pulling the reader into the lives of her characters and feeling their pain and elation. I would not hesitate to pick up another title authored by Katlyn.

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

ISBN#: 141373278X

Author: Katlyn Stewart

For many, the first step toward better health starts with better foot care.

This is especially true for the 20.8 million Americans who have diabetes, of which 6.2 million have yet to be diagnosed.

Keeping feet healthy is an essential part of diabetes self-care. Since diabetes affects the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, a daily care regimen can help prevent such serious medical problems as neuropathy, poor circulation and other complications that can lead to amputation.

To provide practical foot care information, the American Diabetes Association has published “101 Tips on Foot Care for People with Diabetes, 2nd Edition” ($14.95) by Neil M. Scheffler, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA and Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., ARNP, CDE, BC-ADM.

The book provides the necessary information for daily care, while recognizing the changes that can lead to serious problems.

In an easy-to-read format, the book covers common foot problems, preventative measures, weight and foot problems, changes due to aging, washing the feet, preventing athlete’s foot, toenail care, wearing the proper shoes and socks, treating minor foot problems, exercising and identifying major problems.

“This book is a vital resource for people with diabetes to help save many needless amputations. Especially since the two- to five-year mortality rate is so high following amputation, we wish to also save many lives,” said Dr. Scheffler.

Here are a few tips to help you start caring for your feet:

• Work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in your target range.

• Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters.

• Be more active. Plan your physical activity program with your health team.

• Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

• Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub skin lotion on your feet, but not between toes.

• Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

• Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot.

Trying to lose weight? Here’s some food for thought. What if Americans were as conscientious about “spending” the calories on their bodies’ daily budgets as they are about spending their hard-earned dollars?

According to Charles Stuart Platkin, author of the new book “The Automatic Diet” (Penguin Group, 2005), there is a set number of calories in the body’s budget for the day. So how do we make the most of our “finances,” calorie-wise?

The answer lies within the pages of “The Automatic Diet,” where readers discover that all successful dieters share a common secret to consistently maintaining their weight: They do not have to think about what they are doing. Their food choices are automatic; they already know what to eat to keep off the weight.

One of the key secrets is “calorie bargains”: foods that are low in calories but still taste great and satisfy our strongest urges. They are substitutes for the “higher-priced” foods we tend to eat.

Here are a few of Platkin’s picks:

* I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Spray (5 sprays: 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 carbs).

This spray is a great way to accent food and is a tasty alternative to both butter and oil.

“You can spray it on toast, popcorn, vegetables. I use it on almost anything,” Platkin says. It is easy to control portions and even if you get up to 25 sprays (more than enough for a baked potato), it is still a clear calorie bargain and has no trans fats. Conversely, 2 tablespoons of butter have 204 calories and 23 grams of fat.

* Jolly Time Yellow Pop Corn (5 cups, popped: 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, 24 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fiber).

Popcorn that you pop yourself is a perfect high-fiber snack – you get loads of food, yet it is still low in calories.

* Miss Meringue Sugar Free Vanilla Meringue Cookies (13 cookies: 35 calories, 0 grams of fat, 9 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber).

Have a sweet tooth? These are a good guilt-free alternative. They have no fat, trans fat, cholesterol or lactose.

* Low Fat Kettle Krisps Hickory Barbeque Chips (1 ounce: 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs).

With 40 fewer calories than regular chips, these are a great alternative for chip lovers. – NU