John H Manhold – Page 32

March 25, 2019February 17, 2021

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*.

March 24, 2019February 17, 2021

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.

March 20, 2019February 17, 2021

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.

March 12, 2019February 17, 2021

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.

March 11, 2019February 17, 2021

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.

March 7, 2019February 17, 2021

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.

March 1, 2019February 17, 2021

Do Good to Lead Well

DO GOOD to LEAD WELL ISBN: 9781946633026. ForbesBooks, copyright and written by Craig Bowden, PhD.

Subtitled, The Science and Practice of Positive Leadership, the book opens with a quite extensive list of persons acknowledged to be helpful in the author’s journey followed by an admission that he always has been “fascinated by how people related to one another and how that differed so much from person to person, even when faced with the same situation”. Resultantly he majored in psychology “to learn more about the perceptual and emotional elements of human behavior”. An introduction to industrial-organizational psychology resonated particularly well because “Although people have personalities that are fascinating and diverse, organizations also have personalities (i.e. cultures) that are just as complex.” Studying the two simultaneously presented an irresistible challenge that led to extensive study and culminated in his eventual establishment of “a firm focused on supporting clients in achieving leadership and organizational excellence by leveraging the science of peak performance.” The substance of this volume provides the basics upon which he believes this achievement of excellence rests. Specifically, 6 Pillars – Self-Awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on the Positive, Meaning and Purpose, and Empathy – each of which he discusses at length with supporting evidence gained from numerous scientifically designed and validated tests. An Appendix provides valuable assessment details of the meaning of scores obtained on selected tests; then an extensive list of references follows and the book concludes with a few notes About the Author.

Discussion: The author has published another in the increasing number of books to provide help to companies, their CEO’s and their various team members as they attempt to stay abreast of their fast moving and rapidly changing work environment. Many have provided valuable material. This particular volume would appear to provide a much greater quantity of helpful material than the others, however, simply because it is not based on one person’s discoveries. Instead the lessons provided here are based on well-designed tests repeatedly given and re-analyzed until results could definitely be validated. On a personal note, two features discussed here were most interestingly presented – the fact that Empathy can be learned and that the Golden Rule might be re-examined from a different perspective; viz. Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you might not be compatible with what they believe is what they might want. One example provided was a manager who thrived on recognition might not be providing a thoughtful ‘award’ by bringing a person who preferred to be more reclusive to a prominent stage to receive the ‘award’.

5* Important must read for every ‘thinking’ person.

February 28, 2019February 17, 2021

Apache Jack

Apache Jack: A Legend is Born. An e-book published by Brent Reilly via KDP, copyright and written by Brent Reilly.

This is a story of the period of strife in the American Southwest in the mid-nineteenth century among the Mexicans, the newly formed United States, the Texans (often referred to as Texicans) and the Indian nations of the area. It opens with excerpts from activities of the Miller family, led by their talented, charismatic, entrepreneurial patriarch. He convinces the Indian Tribal chiefs to aid him in fighting their hated Mexican enemies in a manner most beneficial to him, his family and their amassing of personal wealth and power throughout the Baja Peninsula, and what is now New Mexico, Arizona and parts of California. It begins before, continues during and after the Mexican War, the Gadsden Purchase and associated developments. It introduces Jack as a precocious child equally at home with Apaches and Caucasians and with both the good and bad talents of both. The child is introduced relatively late in the book where it sporadically refers to his activities through the age of seven. Thus, this volume largely seems to be an introduction to the next volume. To quote the author’s final lines: ”The war between Mexico and Apaches ended, but the war between and Apaches and Americans began. THE END OF PART I. NOW GO BUY THE SEQUEL!”

Discussion: As titled, the book’s purpose is to introduce a character, little of whom is presented in this initial production. It presents much repetitive description of construction efforts by the Millers as they work their way westward increasing the size of their power and wealth. Similarly, repetitive depictions of violent activity performed in a bloody time in a historically brutal era peopled by viscous individuals. If this offers appeal, this book is for you.

3* Should appeal to a particular type of reader.

February 26, 2019February 17, 2021

Wasted Pain

WASTED PAIN, a novel in e-book assumed to have been published, copyright and written by Ken Ross.

A man in his early fifties with an apparently unfortunate ability to attain any type of meaningful relationship with women hears a whimpering sound emanating from a dark alley while visiting the city where another computer-generated date has proved to be a disaster. Cautiously he proceeds to investigate and finds a very attractive, young female, seemingly probably in her late teens or early twenties huddled against the cold and alive but barely responsive. He picks her up, puts her in his car and takes him to his small suburban home. He really is a nice, moral guy who restores her to health. She is a complete enigma. She will not even tell him her name. Shortly thereafter, he awakens to find her gone. She calls him from the city a little while later. He picks her up and again they return to his home. These episodes continue with him gradually becoming more in love with her. The charade continues with the girl gradually gaining trust in the man who had not made any sexual advances and development of an intensely sexual relationship results that also waxes and wanes. The story continues with the reader constantly wondering if the two actually will be able to reconcile their differences until the very end when all is resolved in an unusual finale.

Discussion: This is an unusual tale that generates interest as to how it is going to terminate and is able to sustain the reader’s interest from this perspective. The author’s narrative is replete with knowledgeable description of how a protagonist such as presented would think and act/react in the situations presented. However, the material is presented mostly in large blocks of this descriptive verbalization with only rather sparse sections of dialogue introduced. This reviewer found much of the book ponderous reading at best, although stimulated to continue to discover how the relationship would end. A caveat must be included for the explicit sexually described sections.

3* 4* Strangely interesting suspense romance(?) 3* ponderous narrative.