Author: John H Manhold

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Restore Your Rest

Restore your Rest ISBN: 9781599328836 Advantage Media Group, copyright and written by Shab R. Krish, DDS., MS.

This is a book discussing the interrelationship between TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems and those associated with Sleep Disorders and the number of factors affecting the two often interrelated entities. It opens with how the author’s personal problems led her to further study of the situation and how to correct it. Then – Acknowledgments; a Forward by her acknowledged mentor, Steven R. Olmos, DDS, Founder, TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centers Int’l.; an Introduction; eight chapters; Closing Testimonials; “How to Contact Us” and 50 references to conclude the book. The specific chapters provide a discussion of the often erroneously offered diagnosis of “It’s All in your Head”; descriptions of TMJ and Sleep Apnea; Diagnosis thereof; The need for individualized treatment plans; Youth Snoring and its importance; Prevention by assuring proper structural/functional growth in early years; Importance of proper diet, and finally a summation detailing why “It’s Not All in your Head”.

Discussion: The substance of this presentation has much to offer persons with any of the multitudinous problems associated with inability to sleep properly. Simultaneously it provides similar material for individuals suffering from the often closely associated and undiagnosed head, neck, shoulder and arm pain, as well as occasional others as disclosed by the author. The only regrettably unfortunate aspect of the book is the overwhelming amount of repetition, occasionally even in successive paragraphs.

Conclusion: A worthwhile contribution in dire need of judicious editing.

4* Worthwhile contribution but in dire need of judicious editing.

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Returning the Guns

Returning the Guns, assumed published, copyright and written by Troy Lawson.

Kirk DeWolf is on the outskirts of a small western town as a stagecoach is being held-up. He is unaffected until he hears a child scream which changes his attitude. He spurs his horse down the hill to find 5 bandits, all of whom he rapidly dispatches with head shots. The boy and an older man are the only passengers and thank him saying he should visit them when and if he gets to their town. The man, although previously a passenger, ascends to the driver’s seat (not an easy task for anyone unaccustomed to handling a stage coach team of horses or mules) and wheels toward home. Kirk does decide to visit the town because he has been on the trail for some time without stopping anywhere. He enters the local bar/hotel but finds it very unfriendly, refusing room, food or even to sell him a drink. It seems the town has been taken over by Remus, a particularly vicious renegade and his hired guns, and the townspeople are afraid to offer anything to strangers. As he leaves he encounters Adam, the young boy he saved, who invites him home for dinner. Here he meets the beautiful Emily, who’s older brother had been the boy’s father. He also had been the town’s sheriff who was killed by Remus. The story continues as Kirk attempts to save the town and its residents as he leads by example and attempts to rally support from the townspeople.

Discussion: Upon introduction, Kirk seems to be an avenging gun fighter drifting from town to town to rectify injustices. This opening impression quickly vanishes, however, from the fact that, although he guns down 5 bandits with remarkably well-placed head shots, it is pointed out that he still has 1 round left in his revolver. Any user of a single action pistol, especially of that era, knows that only rarely does one load such a weapon with a sixth round because of the danger in carrying the weapon with a round under the hammer. Furthermore, he re-holsters the weapon without immediately replacing the spent cartridges – a definite no-no for anyone not knowing when the weapon might again be needed and there is no indication that he has a second weapon. So he definitely is a drifter, albeit remarkably proficient with a gun, on the prod and no doubt carrying a memory or memories that tend to keep him moving.

Summary: Accepting the fact of who and what he is, western aficionados should enjoy this story.

4* Interesting tale of a gun-savvy drifter in the old west.

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Blood on the Bighorns

Carson McCloud.

Brett Rawlins is a very young man who discovers his father, supposedly a suicide, a short time after his mother’s death. He is left with attempting to make a go of the Wyoming ranch that was his father’s dream. Picnicking with the girl he thought would be his bride eventually, he is shot and tumbles into a ravine where he is left for dead by gunmen who work for the expanding cattle baron who wants his ranch. He somehow survives, is nursed back to health by Lisa, part of a Mormon family living some distance away. He recovers and leaves to save Allie from the gunmen only to discover that she was part of the plan to do away with him. From this point the story evolves into his attempts to regain his ranch by any means he can devise and is helped constantly by Crow Indian Chief Red Elk and a Cheyenne/Crow Princess, Mourning Song. She is one of a group of Indian maidens whom he saves after they had been kidnapped by men working for the same employer as the gunmen who thought they had killed Brett. After numerous poorly thought-out attempts to nullify the plans of the viscous cattle baron, he finally discovers that his only recourse is to personally face him and his henchmen in a showdown.

Discussion: The author has set forth an interesting enough plot that regrettably from this reader’s perspective, has been peopled with characters with whom it is difficult to empathize. Little is offered with respect to Allie and her brief appearances and similarly Lisa. Mourning Song presents a rather enigmatic picture but some of her activity does not quite exemplify that of a Cheyenne/Crow woman, especially of her purported status. Red Elk, although briefly described, is of considerable interest but the rest of the characters are rather shadow-like. The Mormons are portrayed to exhibit all of the better qualities espoused by members of that religion, but their total surprise by, and quiet acceptance of the cattle baron’s brutality are difficult to accept with the amount of violence already absorbed and also delivered by members of their sect during that particularly chaotic period in history. With respect to the protagonist, it is granted that he is young. However, this reader’s reaction to his inability to think clearly or to devise plans other than those requiring him most frequently to be saved by circumstances and/or by others, is disappointingly irritating.

Summary: A chaotic historical era and place woven into an interesting fictional tale that, regrettably from this reviewer’s perspective, could have been enhanced by a little more thought with respect to the matters mentioned.

3* Reviewer’s thoughts on interesting tale of a chaotic time in history.

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Hunt for Harald’s Gold

Hunt for Harald’s Gold ISBN: 9780996657396, assumed published, copyright and written by Jack Dancer.

This book is sub-titled A Scottish DNA Love Story and appears in part to have some semblance to these elements. Ostensibly a group of twosomes has been gathered together who have been discovered to be DNA-matched lovers to journey to Scotland to search for a huge gold nugget that has been lost for centuries. The group’s leader is a physician specializing in DNA research who had spent time in Africa where she encountered strange characters who pop up later in the story while the couples are searching for the huge nugget. Simultaneously it seems that a large group of African school girls had been captured by Boko Haram, transferred to an evil woman doctor who dismembers them to sell body parts as requested, on the black-market. Her headquarters and laboratories are on the Isle of Skye. One of the recruited members of the DNA couples is Tucker, who is the designated partner of Billie, the DNA specialist leading the couples on the nugget search. The reader discovers that he has had a former encounter with the evil doctor that has left scars, in spite of being partially successful. The other group members are of varied backgrounds and many not what they supposedly represent. The body part suppliers and the gold hunters cross paths by design as we discover and the tale proceeds to no ending but rather this volume serves as a first installment for the next.

Discussion: On the good side, readers may find much of the book to be an amusing read with a mass of action contributing in a highly confusing manner. A caveat must be include however in that there is abundant, often irrelevant sexual activity and most graphic depiction of un-anesthetized anatomical destruction. Furthermore and regrettably, from this reviewer’s perspective, the author has written a totally confusing volume with a bizarre admixture of Scottish legend, the fairy world, romance, a bit of science, activity by an unusual transgender hero and many improbabilities typically found in the fantasy genre. It also apparently is the first in a series.

Summary: A multi-genre book for readers who enjoy zany tales and don’t mind reading serials.

3* 4* Multi-genre zany tale for devotees; others 3 – 2*.

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SLICES

SLICES, an e-book assumed to be published, copyright and written by Thomas Simon.

This is “a collection of thirty poems that explore objects, people, situations and their interplay in daily life in order to unravel an introspective view of life and its journey. Through various characters, it moves the reader from simple words to a whole different world of metaphor, conveying deeper meaning by uncovering layers of human behaviors and emotions.”

According to further brief words about the author at the end of the book, he is an avid photographer, nature lover and voracious reader who “has been writing poetry since his school days” and is desirous here to have the reader look for “fresh perspectives with varied interpretations and diverse thoughts” from the “everyday thoughts and emotions presented.”

Discussion: Regrettably from this reviewer’s perspective the author’s admirably lofty desires have not been realized. Far removed from once studying Shakespearean and Seventeenth Century Poets I did not expect especially rewarding poetry but was quite disappointed. Additionally and most regrettably from my standpoint, the author did not elicit any of his intended “fresh perspectives with varied interpretations and diverse thoughts” from his often quite unusual ruminations.

1* Regrettably and most apologetically to the author.

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Pablo’s Apprentice

PABLO’s Apprentice, Where Revenge Meets Romance, assumed published, copyright and written by Richard A. DeVall.

The book open with a quote from Pablo Escobar: “Geniuses are always branded as crazy” and follows the life and escapades of psychopathic killer Rose Alvara who idolized his thoughts and actions, and how it affected her and the people her life touched. The story opens with the death of David Turner, a California police helicopter pilot and several other police officers at the expense of Rose and her lover and former cell mate, Little Bee as they escape a somewhat botched bank robbery. The reader then is introduced to Brandy Bednarz, David’s utterly devastated love which begins a second thread to follow in this lengthy novel of revenge. She is utterly despondent and moves east to live with her parents where she finally recovers enough to obtain a job and sentimentally begins training to become a recreational helicopter pilot. On her final instructor-accompanied flight, their flight plan takes them by fate over an area where Rose and Little Bee have just pulled another bank robbery and have evaded the police. However, Brandy and her instructor catch the police report, spot the escapees and give directions to the pursuers. Rose and Bee come close to downing their plane with long range rifles, but they escape. The two psychopaths continue their flight but Little Bee is killed and Rose decides to ‘make Brandy suffer’. The story continues on a complicated and hugely Karma influenced path leading eventually to foreign lands and ends in a most interesting manner.

Discussion: This is a fascinating, albeit chilling story depending upon development of a series of fate-influenced actions that severely nudge credibility. It consists of the development of a somewhat sadistic, unusually intelligent narcissistic psychopathic killer, and her resulting activities. It also presents the evolution of a second protagonist who is confused and greatly depressed from the series of fateful actions that she has encountered and eventually sees a psychiatrist. She also has acquired a new romantic attachment who is as confused a person as she is. The two, as a result of her being the recipient of Rose’s hatred, the ineffectual police activity, and being gradually nudged by the selected psychiatrist who also seems to have been psychologically injured, eventually evolve into thinking in a vengeful manner. The characters are well-presented but the action is slowed repeatedly by rather voluminous descriptions of the individuals during their introspective or soul-searching periods. Fortunately, most is mitigated by the fast-moving tempo so the reader’s interest is retained at a sufficient level to want to continue to read to the end.

Summary: A somewhat irregularly paced novel about interrelationships among several psychologically disturbed individuals with some performing particularly vicious activity. Regrettably from this reader’s perspective, judicious editing would have provided some reduction in the plot’s overly heavy dependence upon the influence of fate. The characters are well-portrayed and their indulgence in frequent periods of self-analysis are believable, relevant and well-justified, but again judicious handling could do much to enhance the pace

3* 5* Fascinating albeit unpleasant tale rated for reasons presented.

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Ted Shepherd SLOWER

SLOWER, an e-book for young adults, assumed to have been published, copyright and written by Ted Shepherd.*

The story opens with 9th grader Emit Friend sitting completely bored in science teacher Ms. Beans’ class. He cannot understand how the other students, except for his cousin Ellen, are not also going out of their minds. He has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sleeps very poorly every night. Thus he falls asleep and is rudely awaked by Ms. Beans shouting his name. He awakens immediately and is told to report to the Principal’s Office. This is a rather routine matter for him, and besides the principal is a very old family friend whom he knows as “Uncle Dimitri” Zachs. Ms. Beans follows his arrival and accuses him of pulling a prank on her. He does remember dreaming of such activity but cannot believe that he was able to perform it. From talking with Zachs he suddenly realizes that he had done it and the tale evolves into a fast moving plot that follows his activities, some of which could turn him into somewhat of a new superhero. It is a story that includes a bit of physical science, cyber science, stock market manipulation, and history that involves Uncle Dimitri, his cousin Ellen, his Grandfather and others. Fundamentally however, it presents a seriously thought-producing for young, as well a older minds to contemplate

Summary: This should be thoroughly enjoyed, as well as providing serious thought paths by young readers.

*Amazon lists as: Ted Shepherd SLOWER

5* Young readers should thoroughly enjoy, while contemplating serious thought paths.

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Nightmare along the River Nile

Nightmare Along the River Nile, Library of Congress Control number 2009910872, assumed published, copyright and written by S. E, Nelson.

Sub-titled “A Story of Twentieth Century Slavery” the author has set forth a fictional tale of one young man trapped in the vicious slavery system. It describes his entrapment, his subsequent treatment along with others similarly gathered, his unusually fortuitous escape bolstered by his deeply held belief in God, and his eventual rescue as the result of friendship rarely of such strength as to provide unending personal help that attracted further aid by truly altruistic individuals in prominent positions.

Discussion: “Written from an African perspective and in an African voice”, “this story was inspired by actual events that happened to many young boys and girls in the 1990’s in northern Uganda, who were abducted by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) rebels.” It graphically describes the vicious activity of these, and other rebel groups, their activity with the Mullahs who are a throwback to biblical times and buy these captives as they do camels and donkeys to use them similarly on their farms and other properties. It also presents an amazingly detailed picture of the barter methods that seem to be the normal way of life in many of the under developed areas of today’s Africa as well as the wide scale corruption that pervades all commerce as well as much interpersonal activity. Additionally, it presents a touching picture of deeply held faith. My only comment of an adverse nature is that from this reviewer’s perspective the story appears to focus less attention on the stated purpose of the book apropos the dedication, i.e., “to all of the men, women and children who are still in bondage anywhere in the world”. Instead, the book’s emphasis appears to be more heavily directed toward the intensely close relationship among the close friends and the remarkable altruism demonstrated by the other characters involved and how these factors, along with a devout religious faith, were able to accomplish a miraculous reunion.

Conclusion: A book that provides a most enlightening picture of parts of Africa, its residents, and their way of life but only partially encompasses the features the author seemingly was desirous of emphasizing.

4* 5* Description of rural Africa activities; -1 seemingly short of author’s intent.

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Yankee Fighter

YANKEE FIGHTER, an e-book 2019 edition of a book published by Little, Brown and Company in 1942, by Lieutenant John F. Hasey as told to Joseph P. Dinneen.

This is the biographical description of an American who fought in the Free French Foreign Legion after the Nazis burst through the Maginot Line, invaded Paris and established the Vichy government. It is the story of a young boy growing up as the son of a wealthy and prominent American industrialist who was intrigued with France and immigrated there as a young man. Here, through social connections, he gained employment with a prominent vendor of Cartier’s jewelry largely because of his heritage. His natural abilities, coupled with social contacts acquired through family and acquaintances, proved to be most helpful in attaining a prominent sales position in Paris, as well as Monte Carlo and he proceeded to live the ‘high life’ concurrent with the position. It also served to offer wide spread introduction to many of the prominent statesmen, royal persons and movie stars of the era and close association with performers of the prominent entertainment centers, Paris night clubs and theaters. The advent of the Nazi invasion drastically changed everything. All of Europe was in trouble and America was hesitant about entering the conflict. He felt compelled to help. His first efforts took him to Finland with an ambulance corps but further delays in expansion of such services caused him to seek other means of participating. With Charles de Gaulle’s establishment of the provisional French government and the resistance movement he joined the Free French Foreign Legion and established a heroic reputation serving as an infantry lieutenant as they fought through much of the ‘backdoor’ attack on the Mussolini/Hitler Axis through Africa and Syria. He was severely wounded and finally returned to America where plastic surgery ultimately restored him to a semblance of his former self.

Discussion: This is an extremely engaging book for anyone even vaguely acquainted with, or curios about this chaotic period of world history. It provides an interesting view of the activities of certain members of the period’s upper classes and one man’s desire to aid his adopted country. Simultaneously it provides intriguing facts with respect to DeGaulle’s strategic abilities and lesser known details of France’s warfare against the Axis. Additionally, it provides an interesting look at the fantastic medical/surgical developments as a result of WW II. Briefly it describes the horrific wound suffered by Hasey and follows the lengthy treatment it required until his final return to a semblance of his former ‘normal’ appearance as result of plastic surgery provided by V. H. Kazanjian. As a pertinent aside, Kazanjian is considered to be one of the most prominent persons in initiating and developing the field of Plastic Surgery. He originally was a graduate of Harvard Dental School specializing in Oral Surgery and became a member of the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital Unit sent to Europe to treat the wounded during the war. Because of his imaginative approach and ability to devise unusual treatment techniques, he was given ‘free hand’ to attempt to make horribly wounded warriors again to become at least visually passable human beings. Upon his return to the States, he received his M.D. and continued to refine his techniques. His successful treatment of the story’s heroic protagonist, apologetically brings back personal memories for this reviewer of attending many lectures by this fantastically talented and innovative man, Veristad Kazanjian.

5* For readers interested in biography, especially of this chaotic era.

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The President’s Man

The President’s Man (Aron Hardy Patriotic Action – Volume 1-30) Copyright Jason A. Burley, authored by Alex Ander.

The story follows the activities of Special Ops Marine Aron Hardy as he engages in another clandestine mission assumedly for the United States. To his utter dismay he discovers upon its completion and an ensuing catastrophic explosion that something is horribly amiss. His ensuing action along with that of extremely beautiful but equally tough Special FBI Agent Cruz, results in a situation where the two become emotionally involved. However, difficulties are encountered in extending the relationship because of restraints provided by the head of the FBI and the President of the United States. Regardless, individually and collectively more violently involved missions are undertaken.

Discussion: An unusual format with considerable repetition of descriptions resulting from it. There are 29 chapters in the first episode, Unsanctioned Patriot; 27 in American Influence; 18 in Deadly Assignment with a 19th “Surprise Chapter” and a Preview of “The London Operation. Generally speaking, this is a first rate patriotic thriller with a romantic side issue.

4* First rate patriotic thriller with a romantic side issue.