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The Complete Collection of Short Stories assumed published, copyright and written by Paul Michael Peters.

The book contains eighteen short stories on various subjects created between 2012 and 2018. It opens with an overriding opening quote from Jean Paul “Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be driven.” The opening story, Hickory Switch, is a quite fascinating look at human frailties when faced with a momentous decision. The second, Fukushima Gold, an interesting story about the fallout from the atomic residual. The 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th are stories from the mind of James Hollins, more easily recognized as “Mr. Memory”. He was born with synesthesia, an unusual condition in which the senses cross and interconnect. Some experience an ability “to taste words, see music or feel smells”. One ability is rare, two are extraordinary. Holland had multiple connections. Thus, “he remembered everything about everything” even to the smallest detail. The first tale introduces the man and his abilities. The second is tied to the once extremely well –known song made particularly famous by Nat King Cole and dealing with the Great War in Poland and attempts by smaller countries to exit soviet dominance. The 7^th an interesting ‘take’ on Robots and AI. 8^th a tale that looks at transfer of human frailty to an AI component. 9^th interesting look at the importance of performances of ‘small helpful activities’. And the stories continue for a total of 18 with 17 an amusing tale of ‘sanctuary’ and 18 another short treatise that follows another strange train of thought. A series on the Devil explains a simple fact that “you can’t kill the devil without facing your own hell.”

Discussion: The author has a very fertile mind that often proceeds in rather unusual directions. It is a book that will be most enjoyed by readers who have similar thought patterns. The book’s offering of largely short, self-contained subjects makes it excellent reading for the person who finds him/herself with short intervals of ‘time-on-their-hands’.

4* Of special interest to similar thinking individuals.

In Search of Natural Support for Diabetes Wellbeing ISBN: 1950336043 The Books Factory copyright and written by John F. Burd, PhD.

Subtitled “The Discovery of Lysulin” the book contains 15 chapters, a Conclusion, an Appendix containing four impressive studies of the effectiveness of this new substance in treating the cause of Diabetes, several Testimonials and “About the Author”. Included are an explanation of Diabetes, Obesity & Heart Disease; the Misinformation Campaign on Diabetes; the Culprit: Glucose Toxicity; the Symptoms and Complications of Type 2 Diabetes; the Discovery of Lysulin; the Unfavorable view of Natural Supplements; the Politics of Food, Science and Diabetes; Putting Lysulin to the Test; Diabetes Drugs and Advertising; Metformin and Insulin; comparison of Effectiveness of Lysulin to Big Pharma’s Drugs; the Fundamentally Misguided approach to Medical Education; Where do we go from here? And the concluding chapter summarizing and amalgamating all of the material provided within the individual chapters.

Discussion: The author is an entrepreneur with an impressive record of successes in discovery, use and/or advancement of worthwhile biochemical elements. The thrust of presentation is obvious from the chapter contents. There is a certain amount of repetition and redundancy. However, the overall impression is highly favorable in that the activities of the pharmaceutical industry are well known and now under investigation, the gullibility of consumers obvious and the prevalent lack of attention to nutrition in medical and dental education shamefully apparent. The reasons advanced by the professions for these missing educational inclusions are just as inexcusable as the probable influential feature suggested by the author. Further, the missing instruction is a sad commentary (along with much that is occurring in these schools today) because, from personal experience, nutritional lectures still were a large part of instruction sixty – eighty years ago.

5* Highly recommended for ALL readers.

(Note – search for title may be easier using sub-title – it’s shorter)

The Robot and Automation Almanac 2019 ISBN: 9781946197153, Published and Copyright by Prestige Professional Publishing. Edited by Jason Schenker,

The mission of this book is to offer predictive information “For automation and robotics futurists everywhere.” It consists of several descriptions/analyses/conclusions independently written by prominent individuals considered to be most knowledgeable in their particular field of endeavor. The essays are gathered together by the editor who is Chairman of The Futurist Institute and a man who is one of the most eminent in the field. It is divided into four sections; One – Outlook for Robotics, that offers an ‘overview’ of Automation and AI in 2019 including a look at the vectors for robotics advancement and a coming ‘day-of-reckoning’, and also predictions for the future of AI as well as robotics growth and quantum computing’s future in 2019. Two – examines Socializing Robots where various aspects are analyzed from the viewpoint of evolving perceptions, their ability to bridge industry and steam education, the fact that every chatbot now is a voicebot, who’s collaborating with whom and most importantly the need to overcome existing fear with respect to robot/human interoperability and labor replacement fears. Three – examines Socializing Robots from the perspective of how these factors will power innovation, be it in transportation, construction or the advent of “smart cities” and also the further advance of Blockchain and automation in the financial services sector. Section Four – Robots in the Supply Chain examines/ analyzes/ predicts the effects that will result from advancing innovation in this necessary section of the economy. Relatively brief material About the Futurist Institute, About the Author, About the Publisher and Disclaimers terminate the book.

Discussion: The selection offers an interestingly varied view of these rapidly advancing technologies by several individuals prominent in their respective areas. As quoted above, the selection has been offered to update “futurists everywhere” with what is transpiring to treat the environmentally unsustainable and thus totally disastrous worldwide “tsunami of data” that “is expected to consume one fifth of the world’s energy use by 2025.” A few of the more interesting suggestions from this reviewer’s perspective: discussion of the fusion of the physical, digital and biological world by this “fourth Industrial Revolution”; the manner in which robot-human interrelationships will be developed for greatest gain and little actual loss in human man-hours; the growth of presently functioning “smart pilots” into fully developed “smart cities”. However, generally speaking and most regrettably from this reviewer’s perspective, this book provides a rather superficial overview with a considerable amount of repetition, Further, there often is a seeming suggestion that each essayist and/or the approach offered can provide the most authoritative answers. Thus, judicious editing and perhaps greater essayist coordination would seem to have eliminated considerable portions of both problems, although having read several of the editor’s books, a similar inclination also seems to pervade his writing. But perhaps his impressive qualifications and positions make his stance more acceptable.

3* Interesting, but rather superficial discussion/predictions for 2019 technology.

Mask of Bone, Book III in the Chemist Trilogy. Fearless Publishing, copyright and written by Janson Mancheski.

Although a standalone book published first in 2011, this series of activities follows Cale van Waring, Senior Detective Investigating Officer of a series of kidnappings in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Through grinding detective work, a little luck and strangely a little help from his significant other’s clairvoyant sister, he manages to apprehend the perpetrator in a shoot-out, saving his loved one’s life while doing so. In the second volume, the reader discovers that, even though receiving commendations for his heroic activity, he is relieved from duty for two weeks for ignoring basic police rules. The kidnapper, after his incarceration, attempts to avoid a murder charge for the death of his first victim, by providing the name of a man who had been deported from Great Britain as a Liberian National associated with human trafficking. Through FBI connections Cale discovers that this is not a ploy but that the man actually exists. Thus, in typical Cale fashion, he decides to follow the killer named by the serial human bondage kidnapper and return him to the U.S. In this third volume Cale, with his group of mercenaries move from their headquarters in Italy to Belgium where the killer is attending a party held by an extremely wealthy and prominent buyer of trafficked women. Not only is the killer a guest at the man’s Chateau, but there is additional information that one or more of the Green Bay captives also are there. It seems that the Chateau owner is especially prominent in, and holding a week-end soiree, for other fetish lovers from numerous countries, and where his specially attired and trained team of trafficked women is the favorite to win the featured race. It further is reported that one of the Green Bay captives is a member of this team. So Cale’s objective becomes first to rescue the girl and another of the green Bay women also reportedly there. Simultaneously with these activities, Colonel Tazeki “Taz” Mabutu, the head of the Liberian National Police with whom Cale tangled so nearly disastrously in Liberia is moving further on the attack of Cale and those close to him for wrongs he unknowingly performed against the colonel. It seems that Taz also is an extremely highly placed African voodoo priest, a botono or master of all loa, especially the petro loa or dark gods. As such, it is believed Taz can possess another person’s body turning them into a zombie slave to do the botomo’s bidding as well as perform other dastardly effects. The abundant action is concentrated first on the attempt to rescue the girls followed by Taz’s strange and gruesome voodoo activity with Cale’s love, her clairvoyant sister and Cale’s long-time partner heavily involved.

Discussion: This third volume follows the high octane activity established and carried through the first two volumes and again should be sufficient to satisfy the suspenseful thriller devotee. Regrettably, for this reader and perhaps unfortunately for other more pragmatic individuals, several features have lessened appreciation of this series. The supportive procedural police work presented in the first volume was gradually replaced by less credible activity in volume two and this volume seems but an extension of the same with final concentration on the occult. Granted, the action still is intense and to reiterate no doubt manages to retain this element sufficiently to satisfy devotees, although these individuals now must also lean heavily toward tales of the occult for their satisfaction.

3* 4*for continued action; 3* or less for reasons described.

A Place to Stay Forever ISBN: 9780228809944 Tellwell Talent copyright and written by Mark L. Lloyd.

After finishing this book, this reviewer finds himself in a remarkably unusual position of attempting to present an intelligible description of a plot to prospective readers. A prologue depicts a man ruminating on facing death at the age of 22 years with an opening statement “You must be bold to face certain death by a god you hold no love towards. Twenty-two years old, twenty-two years old, my time living any longer in this realm is now at a close. The magic which grants me a glimpse at God’s real potential, only to snatch it from my gaze using the cold hands of death.” Twenty-one chapters follow as this individual mostly is ignored until quite late when he experiences a biological love that is worth giving up the unusual state of eternal life that is being thrust upon him and many inhabitants of the small area in which he resides. He does not speak the necessary word at the prescribed time to bring the affair to fruition. And the Epilogue describes his death as occurring as a result of his breaking the rules of the society into which he has been thrust. Between these ‘Book Ends’ the reader is presented with philosophical meanderings with respect to immortality in general and the meaning of life.

Discussion: If the prospective reader enjoys philosophical ruminations following a rather vague pattern, the book will be for you. Regrettably for this reader the progression was somewhat difficult to follow, there was considerable redundancy and a degree of confusion. However if the story is begun, it did offer enough of interest to urge one on in an attempt to see exactly where the story was headed.

3* For the devotee of philosophy; rating explained above.

Forget-me-not, AMERICAN CROW, assumed published, copyright and written by Shara B. Allen.

This is a strange and rather difficult to read, but interesting book. It is difficult to read because of its configuration in split and attenuated words that frequently make assimilation of the author’s meaning difficult to discern or at least requires after thought to acquire. It is particularly interesting however, because immediately it brings to mind Hebert specifically and other Elizabethan and seventeenth century poets. Poets popular in this period not infrequently indulged in presenting poetical thoughts in unusual forms, e.g. the form of a cross, a capitol I, hour glass or other. Thus, from this reader’s perspective, the poems presented here are fascinating because the author admits to not being a traditional author but “writes her books in poetry format”. But further, she is a veteran U.S. Army animal technician who “writes about love, nature, animals and mental health” with completed course work in all appropriate subjects. “She used her educational background to describe and illustrate symptoms of mental disorders that patients like herself deal with on an everyday basis in hopes to spread awareness.” So to reiterate, the thought of an author with no indication of familiarity with the works of these poets providing such unusual formatted poetry indeed is most intriguing.

4* Difficult but fascinating as described.

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.

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.

Cast a Long Shadow, an e-book assumed published, copyright and written by Kwen D. Griffeth.

The reader is introduced to the protagonist, ‘Bad Bobby Trent’, son of a Montana County Sheriff as he is engaged in a fist fight at a popular bar, somewhat distant from the area’s main town of Wapiti. The bar attracted men with occupations such as cowboys, sheep men, roustabouts and similar and the women who enjoyed their company. Bobby was a local, almost legend, star high school athlete who after a short stint in college was a popular Rodeo Cowboy with a devil-may-care attitude and a smile and piercing eyes that women found irrestible. His father arrives, jails him in just one more effort to make him ‘grow-up’ and attain his real potential. Shortly thereafter, a trailer truck suspected of carrying heroin is disabled passing through the area and must stay for repairs. Suspiciously it catches fire which destroys any evidence. The sheriff dies with a gunshot to the head and rumor suggests suicide because he was involved. The story moves into high gear with Bobby pulling out all stops to find his killer and slowly maturing to be the person whom his father believed he could be. Along the way he is helped greatly by a Cheyenne Nation Chief who is an FBI criminal investigation training graduate and now Head of their Police Department as well other members of the nation, an old flame, a young woman police officer and several other interesting individuals. The tale is replete with unexpected twists as Bobby ‘goes-with-the-flow’ of what life offers until finally attaining enough maturity to realize that he still has much to learn.

Discussion: This is a most interesting story whose genre defies specific assignment and is filled with fascinatingly described characters. It has a western setting, but should NOT be characterized as a ‘western” per se. Fundamentally, this would appear to be more of a character study where each has a story contributory to the main plot that contains large elements of crime, mysticism, romance and suspense moving inexorably toward a somewhat unexpected finale. It is another well-written, unusual tale by this author that is difficult to put down.

5* Multi-genre character study difficult to put down.