Book review - The Stolen Manuscript by Ray E. Spencer

Tim Tender, the main protagonist, had studied criminology at college, which is where he learned to unravel mysteries. He enjoys reading detective novels by Raymond Chandler and aspires to be a Private Investigator. The body of prize-winning writer Jake Venom has turned up, and the manuscript he had gone out to post has disappeared! Mrs. Vicki Venom employs Tim to solve the crime. However, not only did Vicki not report her husband missing for two days she also did not seem that upset or surprised at her husband's murder. Who does Vicki fly off to stay with once the funeral plans are in place? Why was there a dictionary with highlighted words placed on Jake's body? Furthermore, what do these words spell out? 

I love Raymond Chandler's books, and this is written in a similar vein. It was very clever how the author hinted at writers of detective novels, their books, and films in this genre. For instance, he names his main character Tim Tender after the film Tender Nightmare. Tim likes to dress like Philip Marlowe, and this is remarked on several times in the book. However, because the author puts so many quotes and references in the book, it felt like he was reviewing these books rather than writing his own. Ray E. Spencer needs to concentrate on his own ideas! 

More things that I disliked about this book are that Spencer fills it with unnecessary detail. When the characters go to restaurants, we learn very little from their conversations, but we know every minute detail about the food, the waitress, and the decor. Due to this, I kept losing track of the story and had to reread chapters, making the book a slow and tedious read! Also, I didn't particularly appreciate that there were many unnecessary conversations. This book would be much more enjoyable if the author cut down on all the boring conversations and used them to give details that help move the story along. I read the Kindle book, which has yet to be edited or proofread, as I found grammar errors throughout! There are also details in the book which have not been checked for accuracy, such as the ashes from a cremation being collected the same day for scattering; this could not possibly happen! 

Due to all the negatives and the fact that I did not enjoy The Stolen Manuscript by Ray E. Spencer, I give a rating of 1 out of 5 stars. Spencer needs to rewrite this book and get a professional to thoroughly edit and proofread the new copy before publishing!

Book review - The Protectors by Ray Hodgson

Ray Hodgson has written The Protectors as if he is Jack Walker writing his memoirs. Jack's parents are registered blind, and Jack was born partially sighted. When he is six, he is enrolled at a school for the blind. Jack is 8 when he and his dad are crossing the road with his dad's elderly dog, who is long past retirement age. The dog makes a fatal error, and he and Jack's dad die when a driver can't stop. Jack witnesses the whole thing and has trouble with nightmares and OCD from then on.

Jack's life changes forever; when age 20, he falls over and hits his head; overnight, he goes blind. At this time, he meditates hard and realizes that he can see shapes as a red glow and move things through telekinesis. Having faced much bullying throughout his life, Jack decides his mission is to help vulnerable children by putting his new powers to good use. He gathers other blind and partially sighted friends, and they become The Protectors. What happens when Jack becomes a single parent to his partially sighted son Jacob? What happens when Jack joins friends at a local strip club and asks one of the strippers if she does a Braille version? Furthermore, why does Jack get covered in blood and brains when eating with a friend? Read The Protectors by Ray Hodgson to find out.

I liked that this book made me think. I take for granted that if I meet someone, I will see them. Jack doesn't have this ability; he recognizes people by the way they smell and the sound of them walking. I also appreciated the scene when Jack is helping a person with mental health problems and depression, and the psychiatrist says that he tries not to treat people with medicine. Instead, he tries to find them a purpose in life, giving them a reason to get up in the morning. It may be having a pet or a hobby. This resonated with me as I know many people who suffered from depression during COVID when they were put on furlough; they no longer had a purpose in life. I also enjoyed Jack choosing his guide dog and the training they go through to make the dog fit to guide but also to protect.

There were many things I disliked about this book. The details of Jack's life growing up partially sighted and then his life once he is blind were interesting, but once the protection group is set up, there are lots of incidents that could have been exciting, but they were bland. The incidents started and finished with no exciting meaty middle to draw me into the book. There are also many errors. Jennifer's brother Walter is married to Sally, but Hodgson calls her Sarah in one conversation. Jack is signed to a school for the blind, but he is bullied at school by children who are not blind. In chapter twelve, Jennifer's aunt comes to visit part way through. Hodgson refers to her as Jennifer's mother, but her mother died when her brother Walter was born! Chapter sixteen mentions that Jack's son's nanny is under surveillance, but this is never mentioned again, and Jack is happy for her to continue looking after his son! These are just a few of the errors I found.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about life for blind and partially sighted people. As a memoir, it is interesting, but I would not recommend that people looking for an exciting adventure read this book as it does not live up to this description. There are sexual references and some swearing, so I would suggest an adult audience reads it.

I give The Protectors 2 out of 5. This is Ray Hodgson's first novel, and I greatly admire the first half of the book, which gives an in-depth account of the life of blind and partially sighted people. This must have needed a great deal of research, and if Hodgson had described his book as a memoir about a blind person, I would have given a higher score. However, Ray Hodgson describes The Protectors as an urban paranormal adventure. I found very little adventure! Hodgson seems to think that having everyone wielding guns is enough to be exciting, but there needs to be a great story too. There are also many things that could be improved in the book, some of which I have mentioned. 

I want to thank Ray Hodgson for a copy of The Protectors in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

book review of Voices From a Forgotten Letter: Poems on the Syrian Civil War by Seif-Eldeine

 

This collection of poems shows how war impacts Syria and how life continues. They describe the Syrian people's everyday life, and some depict the lives of people who will die despite the war. There is an elderly mother who has diabetes and is being kept alive with insulin. There are tales of men breaking the rules playing a dice game and smoking heavily under a "No Smoking" sign. They also tell of the slave labor of refugees forced to work in sweatshops. Furthermore, a woman is forced to marry a man she does not love and endure his nightly assaults on her body.

We have all seen the Syrian Civil War reported on news stories. We are appalled at what is happening. Gasping with disbelief at the war-torn scenery and saddened by refugees escaping from their homes. However, this collection of poems gives the other side of these stories. People's lives continue. They have to work, marry, care for their families, and try and keep themselves safe and sane. 

I found the imagery conjured up by Seif-Eldeine of life going on despite the war very intense. The pictures created of children playing on rubble where their neighbor's houses once stood made me think. The bitter-sweet poem of a refugee bride far from home and mourning her father's arrest by the security forces broke my heart. She wants her father with her on her special day. He has always been her rock, and then she looks at her husband-to-be and realizes she will be safe with him.

One of the poems that resonated with me the most was about the last thoughts of a dying soldier. He looks up into pine trees and thinks about Christmas and his young son. There is the red of decorations like the red of his blood. Gradually the reds and greens merge until there is a ball of light above him, and then .... death!

I appreciated the addition of a glossary at the back of the book. Some terms and words used are in Arabic, so this resource was invaluable. I have learned a lot more about the Syrian conflict, and I am grateful to Seif-Eldeine for giving me a chance to learn through the power of poetry.

These poems are perfect as they are. I would change nothing about Voices From a Forgotten Letter: Poems on the Syrian Civil War and give a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. Seif-Eldeine captures the very troubled lives of the Syrian people. His imagery is intense; you are a part of the scene being played out. I learned about the soldiers on the front line, and the lives of the everyday people trying to keep life as normal as possible for the future they all dream of!

Book Review - The White Coat Effect by L.B. Wells

The white Coat Effect tells the story of Rory Webber. Strict Jewish parents bought Rory up in a house where she was not allowed to touch anything, and with a garden, no one was allowed to walk in. She has spent her life studying to please her parents by entering medical school. The book begins with Rory's first day at medical school, which is her first day of freedom. Rory is determined to find herself and step out of her parent's control.

When she becomes a surgeon, Rory finds herself up against forceful men. Her mother constantly told Rory that she was ugly, so she expected to follow her parent's plans to become a doctor and then a good Jewish wife! Does this ugly duckling become a beautiful swan? What effect does senior resident Amir have on her? Can Rory find the satisfying and happy life she craves while pleasing her parents? Read The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells to find the answers to these questions.

The White Coat Effect is the debut novel by L. B. Wells, who navigates the complexities of the operating theatre equally well with the erotically charged and intimate bedroom chapters. I enjoyed the development of Rory's character as she enters womanhood and realizes that men are attracted to her. L. B. Wells dealt with this very sensitively. The story flowed well, and I could easily imagine the different situations that Rory has been in throughout her life.

L. B. Wells describes a very toxic environment that female medical students have to deal with, and I would have liked to know if the author has personal experience with this. I did not particularly appreciate the lack of proofreading and editing in The White Coat Effect. I found grammar and spelling errors throughout, which was disappointing.

I would recommend The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells to older teenagers and young adults as I feel this is a coming-of-age story. We learn about Rory's childhood, her parent's forcefulness, and their determination for her to become a Dr. and a good Jewish wife. Mainly, this story is about Rory's blossoming womanhood, how she deals with her hormonally charged body changes, and realizes that she is not ugly as she has always been told. Rory then discovers sex, and these conquests are described in much detail, so I would not recommend this book to anyone younger than sixteen. Swearing is also present throughout this book.

I want to give The White Coat Effect by L. B. Wells 4 out of 5 stars. The book is engaging, and the story flows well, but I have had to reduce the score by a point due to the need for more editing and proofreading. This is an excellent debut novel, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I want to thank L. B. Wells for a copy of The White Coat Effect in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

 

Children's book review - Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner

The animal friends are playing basketball at home in Australia when Louie Llama gets a call from America. Bernie Bear and Penny Pelican are planning a Fourth of July picnic with entertainment but the bear cub entertainers, the Potomac Pirates are sick and not able to do their tumbling act. They need the urgent help of Doctoroo. Why do the friends get frustrated with Terence Toad? What does Betty Bluebird think is wrong with the cubs? Moreover, will the picnic go ahead? Read Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner to find out the answers to these questions whilst having fun along the way.

I liked that this modern story deals with problems like not sleeping due to too much screen time and putting on weight because of unhealthy eating habits. It educates young children in a fun way using colorful and appealing pictures to help tell the tale.  Children also learn about animals' habits and behavior including hibernating in the winter months. 

Words and sentences are repeated throughout the book which small children will enjoy as they will be able to join in with the story when adults read the book to them. There is a lot of humor especially when the animals eat out and enjoy food like sardine sausage sandwiches. Things like this open up more discussions and learning opportunities between adults and toddlers. 

I disliked the 'Food Pyramid Rap' it does rhyme which children will enjoy but it is difficult to read as it doesn't flow very well. It is not the best introduction to poems and rhymes for children which is disappointing as this is an educational book! 

I rate Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates 4 out of 5 stars. I have reduced my rating by one star as I found a grammar error and the rap needs more work so that it is easier to read. This is one of a series of books that Dr. Rachel B. Wellner has written to help educate young children to develop healthy habits and to be aware of health issues. I recommend this book to young children, parents, and teachers who will be delighted by the beautiful illustrations and will enjoy learning from the story.

I want to thank Dr. Rachel B. Wellner for a copy of Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Children's Book review - Elizabeth Munk's Forest Edge Adventure by Faye McFarland

Elizabeth Munk is the youngest of four chipmunk siblings. She is excited when her mother says she can go on her first trip to Forest Edge with her brothers to gather food for the pantry. The brothers do not want to take Elizabeth with them as they say she is too young and will not listen to them, but their Mum insists they need all the help they can get to prepare for the winter. Elizabeth does not understand that she should be looking for food. She collects decorative items she likes the look of. She is delighted with her efforts and all the pretty items she has found. What happens when Elizabeth arrives home without any food? Why does the family laugh at her finds? How does Elizabeth's stash turn out to be a valuable contribution? Read Elizabeth Munk's Forest Edge Adventure by Faye McFarland, illustrated by  Wesley Lowe, to learn the answers to these questions.

This sweet tale of the forest life of a family of chipmunks preparing for winter has beautiful descriptions. I particularly enjoyed seeing the forest through the eyes of Elizabeth as she sees it for the first time, which helps to picture Elizabeth's character. The delightful artwork works well with the writing to build a magical world of forest creatures.

Faye McFarland has done a fantastic job by using the story to explain to young children that everyone is different, as shown in the way Elizabeth's brothers get stuck into looking for supplies in the forest. In contrast, Elizabeth is taken by the beauty around her and wants to return some of that beauty to brighten the family home. McFarland shows with her words and Wesley Lowe's illustrations that Elizabeth is just as valuable to the family despite her different outlook. She provides beautiful items to decorate the home and make it a much prettier place to live in over the winter. 

It was a great idea of Faye McFarland to include a page giving details of the type of chipmunks Elizabeth Munk and her family were based on. I had never heard of Least Chipmunks and appreciated this addition, which I learned much from. There is also a glossary at the end of the book explaining some of the words used in the story; this is also well presented with illustrations.

Elizabeth Munk's Forest Edge Adventure is a beautifully written and well-presented book that I recommend to young children up to eight. Parents, and children up to six, will enjoy reading this book together and learning about forest life for the chipmunk family. Children aged six to eight will love to read this book by themselves. The illustrations and simple language work well together, and I loved that this is also an informative book. Children will learn while they enjoy the story; the illustrations are just as much a part of the story as the words.

I want to give Elizabeth Munk's Forest Edge Adventure by Faye McFarland 5 out of 5 stars. There was nothing I disliked about it. The editing and proofreading were perfect, and the story was entrancing. This is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book.