Category: Uncategorized

The Gypsy: A Romantic Thriller so designated by the author T.  J. Jones. Assumed published, copyright and written by the author

This is an unusually presented volume that opens immediately with a prologue describing the protagonist’s situation tied in a torture chamber, being provided a possible means of escape by “The Gypsy’.

From this and ensuing action, the story expands as the reader is introduced to and learns about (Adam) Cain, the protagonist who seems to function in a somewhatsecondary capacity, his girlfriend Jenny, and brother Jack, The Gypsy, whose forte is stock, bond and similar negotiations and the ‘round-about’ manner in which her name has been coined. Other characters gradually appear and lead the reader to surmise some type of uprising is being planned by an international group that is attempting seriously destructive caos.

All the characters exhibit interestingly emotional instability that leads to fascinating situations and the Gypsy gradually evolves to be a most interesting notable part of a significant international family that long has functioned ‘behind-the-scenes’ as well as being the main ‘love interest’ in the story

Summary: As the author describes, this is a Romantic Thriller, but perhaps  not one that may be thought of in the usual manner. It might be described as ‘tough’ love.

Highly recommended as a ‘different’ Romantic Thriller.

Jenny lost girlfriend.  Gabriel (the Gypsy) so called because she has had a tremendous run on the Market. He is emotionally incapable of sincerely dedicating his relationship to a particular woman. 10 years in Army, just barely honorable discharge allowed him to obtain ‘Permit-to-carry’ and a job as a security officer in Las Vegas Strip Clubs. Mother died when he was 12. Father missed her but as Navy ‘Lifer’ was never home. Raised by Grand mother but had left for Army. Adam Cain goes strictly by Cain. Chapter introduces Cain, 2 introduces Gypsy. Chapter 3 all hell breaks loose as four gunmen with Ak-47’s start shooting. Chapter introduces the l\Local Law and the story evolves.

Vicious Ripples: A suspicious Thriller (The Desire Card Book 4) Kindle Edition eBook ISBN: 9781685491390 copyright and written by Lee Mathew Goldberg.

Story opens with the brutal kidnapping of the daughter of a divorced couple travelling from the Central Park apartment of one parent to the other. The story then begins with the introduction of Detective Monica Bonner who has just transferred into the area from the Northwest of the country. From this opening the reader is introduced to a most unusual plot, that hinges on a basic power struggle among the rich and powerful Hollywood characters whose names all readers have been acquainted with for many years. The kidnapped child is not part of the scene, per se, but is the granddaughter of a seemingly still powerful part of the overall picture and is the present victim. Monica is an introspectively psychological involved individual whose idiosyncrasies perform perfectly for the role she plays in the tale. The entire unit of presentation is as suggested, set forth as a Book of Desirable books, this volume is the fourth.

Discussion: A well-written, uniquely thought-out and plotted fantasy thriller, beautifully but most unusually characterized. Specifically, the weight of discussion appears to concentrate upon presenting evidence or even vicious aspects of personality exhibited by well-known and/or remembered celebrities. Another noteworthy item: the reader may have benefitted by reading the entire series in order. However, all is sufficiently clear so reading this individual volume alone leaves nothing to be desired. A most interesting read especially from the unusual psychological aspect.

5* especially for readers who enjoy unusual thought patte

 POP SMOKE Palmetto Publishing eBook ISBN: 9781641119788. A Memoir Copyright and written by Bill Lindsay.

   Overall, the author has written a book that anyone with no knowledge of what the Marine or Army foot soldier endured daily in combat situations must read. It is a simply told presentation of facts dealing with how bodily functions occur and must be dealt with as time and the occurrence of deadly circumstances simultaneously must be dealt with. The author has set forth the facts of this type of warfare in a unassuming manner that the reader is aware of only if he/she reads the account thoughtfully.    

   Discussion: This entire book is a thoughtfully and empathetically written book by a man who was recruited while in college and exhibited the same empathetic attitude toward his Platoon during his entire term of service. It also provides many interesting additions for the reader only vaguely familiar with much of the Vietnam Conflict. It provides a verbal explanation of the country and those associated with it; a glossary of terms for the uninitiated; a manner of looking at the ‘cost’ of war from several different aspects and it describes the author from a different aspect than usually presented. Overall, a must read for any person interested in this portion of our history but additionally a description of warfare from the perspective of the foot soldier.

5* A must read for reasons presented.

The Tom Brady by Alex Diaz. Football Biography Books Published, copyright and written by the author

This book, sub-titled The Best Story of Tom Brady – one of Football’s Greatest Quarterbacks is typical of the importance attached to athletes who are elevated to heroic status by segments of the American public. Tom was not a particularly outstanding choice in his first draft and more specifically was selected very late in the draft at a very high number. He has since reached heights in Football not previously attained by other quarterbacks. This book details his growth and accomplishments through his entire life as a young man growing up in California along with discussions and instructions with respect to ‘what makes a good quarterback especially in the school system as it is set forth and utilized today.

Discussion: The author is an individual heavily involved in teaching the fundamentals of the game as provided in the modern system and attempts to illustrate the fundamentals required for an individual to reach the height of attainment exhibited by Brady. The lessons provided along with the changes that have occurred within the game are employed here to explain his hypothesis.  In general, the presentation is acceptably provided and sets forth the author’s point to use a particular high achiever to demonstrate the results he is attempting to explain. Unusual but acceptable presentation of particular facts about one superior athlete’s attainments to simultaneously explain the necessities of teaching modern football.

4* Unusual presentation using an outstanding athlete’s accomplishments in reaching a controversial position.

My Life in the Wilderness. An Alaskan’s Story by Robert L. Hilliker. Written and copyright by the author in 2016. Ebook version published by Alaska Dreams Publishing (First eBook publication May, 2016. Print version ISBN: 978-0692642634 by author).

This is one man’s story beginning with his hopes and dreams of living in Alaska in some of the early days. After a number of preparatory moves educating himself in the ways of the early Mountain Men and concentrated activity in practicing these activities, he was ready to make his move. Now a middle-aged man with a family, he embarked upon a first year-long attempt beginning in December 1980 for a sojourn in Alaska. This gradually progressed to the establishment of life as his preferred way of living with a new family, personal construction of a home and a lifetime of satisfaction.

Discussion: This is an interesting tale describing many of the features of Alaska from the trip up the Alaskan Highway into many different parts of the intriguing land by “a normal work-a-day man who was able to realize his dreams by sheer perseverance.” The story is simply written and loaded with activities about which most people only dream. There is much repetition and or redundancy, but acceptable because of the occurrences in different settings and involving different individuals. The book is not for everyone, but especially of interest to readers who think about unusual places, participate in ‘specialized fun groups’ and even dream about actually making the same ‘break-from-reality’.

5* Of special interest to readers noted.

This is NOT a review, but rather an Addendum that has been added to the recently published book – The END of an ERA

     Note! So much has occurred within the relatively few months since delivery of The END of an ERA to the publisher (Nov. 2021 to now Feb. 2022) with respect to the direction the U. S. appears to be heading. The long associated attendant politics to decide who is to direct the country’s direction has always been regrettable, but particularly if rising to a position of dominance. Today, those dwelling in the U.S. constantly are assailed not only by the obvious differences exhibited within the party handling the direction the country is heading but also by chaotically diverse ideas on what to do to correct concerns exhibited by the entire population of the country with respect to a number of subjects – civic matters, policing within cities, inflation and shortage of gas, food and other supplies, the lack of enforcement of existing immigration rules along with associated policing problems, voting rights, education, and even a large amount of distrust of the country’s legal system and its practitioners all of the way up to and including the Supreme Court. Health experts including those of the CDC and World Health Organization seem to fare no better. Worst of all perhaps, is that much of the unrest and actual fear seem to be generated and even exacerbated by the open discord so prominently displayed by members of the political party in charge of the direction the country now is headed.

The way of life that has been forged within the United States of America is too valuable to allow to disappear.  BUT, to regenerate its health, it may well be necessary to reexamine and even reinstall much of the thought and activity patterns that brought the country to the pinnacle of success it had reached. And yes, the thought of any regression to these “ancient” patterns of the beginning of the last century certainly are an anathema to the more recently arrived generations and their newly invented utensils that already they have ‘set in stone’ as the way to proceed. And yes, the ‘old’ mores are antiquated and require modifications, but certainly should not be rigidly denied a consideration when attempting to find a solution.

Why not at least reexamine some of the ideas set forth and utilized by the dwellers of the early part of the last century?  A brief “Addendum” to this book “End of an ERA is offered here to suggest a few features that in the first third of the preceding century appeared to be very effective to produce a most satisfying result for the ‘good of the country as well as for the individual’.

The book’s Introduction sets forth several examples of activities that are heralded as some of the problems “for which no one seems to be able to find an answer”.  Could simply adopting the mannerisms (manners?) of members of those who dwelled in the earlier days of the last era do wonders at correcting many? Let us look briefly at just one, the irritatingly dismissive attitude of large store workers purportedly hired specifically to be helpful to the shopper, or the AI chip incorporated to aid the telephone caller. What has happened to empathy? Are there any true professionals in today’s workforce? A true Professional is anyone professing an ability to perform a specific function in a particularly adept manner for compensation. Many claim this title but perhaps could use another observation.  Would not he/she gain immensely if exhibiting a better work ethic that will demonstrate an ability to perform at his/her top level in a disliked position until able to reach the level/type of work wished to be performed? If the situation includes dealing with people, courteously listening with empathy and understanding, if necessary, and not only listening but hearing what is being said. Actually it may go far in gaining the time and importance of the bottom line that has become the Holy Grail of the business world.

Readers should give serious thought to the existent possibilities because simple changes could provide answers to todays searched for questions and aid in restoring the States as “One great Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All” as it was known in the first third and somewhat beyond, of the last century and envied by the world.

(Book submitted to publisher, and published in July 2021.  Addendum written February 2022 and recently published. John H. Manhold.)