Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine

Pfeiffer, D. (2015). Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine. Eugene, OR: Luminare Press, LLC.

Adult / Memoir

I gave this book 5 out of 5 Stars

Danuta Pfeiffer's Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine is the amazing story of Danuta's life -- filled with deception, devastation, and determination -- that takes readers on her courageous journey.  Told in three parts, Danuta begins at her beginning, as a god-fearing child, living a spartan life, under a father she revered despite his abusive hands. Her father's stories of obstacles he'd overcome in the war, in the most brutal of circumstances, carried Danuta through her own travails time and again, even as her father continued to reject her.  For readers who remember Danuta (then Soderman) and her mysterious departure from being the co-host of The 700 Club with Pat Robertson, details are revealed of not only her departure, but of how CBN and Robertson operated behind-the-scenes. This provided fascinating insight into the sometimes sordid world of televangelism, and it ultimately led to Danuta's "losing God" for a period of time.  As Danuta navigates her life - out of work,  married to an addict, and questioning the very existence of God - she always draws strength from her father's challenges and perseveres.  When she finally allows friendships into her life and allows herself to focus on her own needs, she finds true love with a winemaker, Robin Pfeiffer. Robin takes Danuta to Poland, where Danuta connects with her father's family, and discovers the truth and lies of her father's past. Chiseled is a masterfully written story of a woman spending a lifetime searching to find peace, love, and acceptance within herself.

What a beautifully written, personal story Danuta Pfeiffer has shared.  At times, readers will have to remind themselves that Chiseled is a memoir and not fiction. It is unbelievable that any one person endured all of the heartache and challenges that Danuta faced, and even more amazing that she survived it and now lives a healthy, happy life.  Many of her sentences are stunning, and the imagery truly takes the story to another level. For example, in talking about her father's decline into depression, Danuta wrote, "His change took place the way a shoelace comes undone, gradually unravelling what was once secure."  Or, when she speaks of her time with The 700 Club, she summarizes it by saying, "I had become a spiritual drug dealer imbued with the halo of power and celebrity, associated with the brokers of money and politics." Her characterization was excellent so that readers not only witnessed actions, but understood and felt Danuta's emotions towards the characters who had the most impact on her life. Particularly powerful was the story of Danuta's mother, Patricia, who was truly the hero of Danuta's life. In Patricia's strength and commitment to her family, Danuta found a role model in a time when women were restricted by societal limitations. Throughout Danuta's life, her faith and relationship with God went through many iterations, and it was interesting to see her thought process at all stages and what ultimately led her back to a life of faith. Sprinkled throughout the text were photographs from various times in Danuta's life, which enriched the story even further.

I highly recommend Chiseled, as Danuta Pfeiffer eloquently shows that truth can be more dramatic and fascinating than fiction. Readers be prepared to be angry -- and possibly shed a few tears -- but in the end, feel inspired. 

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTHOR DANUTA PFEIFFER, TO READ HER BLOG OR BOOK EXCERPTS, OR TO BUY THE BOOK.

Vietnam Redux: For Some the Vietnam War Never Ended

Cohen, H. (2015). Vietnam Redux: For Some the Vietnam War Never Ended. Bookbaby.

Adult / Military / Historical & Realistic Fiction

I gave this book 4* of 5 stars

In Vietnam Redux: For Some the Vietnam War Never Ended, author Howard B. Cohen has written an historical and contemporary military fiction story that takes readers back and forth between the Vietnam War and the war that continues today between the Vietnamese and its indigenous Montagnards, allies to American soldiers in the Vietnam War. 

Politician George Darnell brings together former Special Forces buddies Benny Friedman and Frank Stone -- both retired, wealthy, single, and pushing seventy -- and proposes a plan that Benny and Frank can't resist. Darnell, a lobbyist and advocate for the Montagnards and safe emigration for them, has received information that indicates that the Montagnards are planning a violent revolt, which could compromise any progress Darnell has made on their behalf. He asks Benny and Frank, posing as old Vets touring the country, to go on a fact-finding mission within the Montagnard community and to dissuade them from any violence. With the aid of Nyugen Thi Anh, a Vietnamese woman and Montagnard sympathizer, what Benny and Frank discover is that the Montagnards have an unfathomable problem: a plot by the Vietnamese Environmental Adjustment Agency, run by the vengeful Tran van Throng, to carry out the genocide of the Montagnards. Benny, Frank, and Anh join Dan Carter, leader of the Montagnard resistance, as they set-out to destroy the death camps and document the atrocities for all the world to see.  Through flashbacks to the war, readers learn many of the characters' backgrounds -- full of heartbreak, horror, and heroics -- which molded each of them into the people they are today.  Benny and Frank, compelled by their history with the Montagnards, find themselves going back into the jungles of Vietnam to fight to save their former allies.

What is impressive about Vietnam Redux is how author Cohen must have done meticulous research in order to provide such a factual account of the Montagnards and the role they played vis-a-vis the US Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Additionally, he has pulled current events straight from the headlines, where we see as recently as early March, 2015, there were reports of several dozen Montagnards hiding in Cambodia, hoping to seek refugee status for alleged political and religious persecution in their homeland, who were sent back to Vietnam. The reports indicate that some Montagnards have disappeared and there is suspicion of Vietnamese interrogations and torture.  Cohen's story, given the current climate in Vietnam and with the United Nations, is completely feasible. Military enthusiasts will appreciate the level of detail in describing weaponry, war tactics, and engagements, which are graphic and violent and realistic. It's war, after all, but this war has an entirely new rule book, where the lines are blurry between right and wrong, good and bad. The transitions between past and present were smooth and the characters were well defined. Through the last quarter of the book, the tension builds steadily, resulting in readers rapidly turning pages to get to the conclusion.  

*A note about the writing: readers who are bothered by writing errors will be frustrated by this book. The book is in desperate need of a thorough, professional editing. Normally, I do not recommend books that are in need of substantial editing, but Vietnam Redux is an exception. 

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite, which provided me an eBook copy in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors (Vol. 1)

Warchol, S. (2014). Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors (Vol. 1). Pandas Press.

Children's / Middle Grade / Sci-Fi / Fantasy

I gave this book 5 of 5 Stars

Thirteen year old Jackson Sheppard would like nothing more than to live under the radar, spending time with his best friend, Andie, and adding to his chewed gum collection. His aspirations seem easy enough, but the truth is he as some powers that he can't very easily control and they can empty a room and end friendships pretty fast. When Jax, Andie, and Jax's little brother Sebastian sneak out for a late night swim at the local pool, disaster strikes when Sebastian dies, and Jax is thrown into the mysterious world of the Kaptropoten -- a mirror that has been broken into seven pieces, each giving an extraordinary power to the possessor.  

When Jax learns that all seven fragments together can even resurrect the dead, he goes on an epic journey that takes him around the world and beyond, where he learns who he really is and aims to set things right by bringing back his brother. Along the way, Jax makes new friends and finds he has evil enemies, discovers fantastic creatures and magnificent places, and finds that he must rely not only on the strength he has from his powers, but an inner strength that he isn't sure he has.  In Sharon Warchol's Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors, readers will travel to a parallel, mystical world of danger and deception where things are not often what they seem. 

When I agreed to read this book, I scheduled myself to read it about ten days after I received it. I downloaded it and decided to take a quick peek at it -- and ended up reading it straight through!  That's how Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors rolls. In it, author Sharon Warchol gives readers just enough background and introduction to get a feel for our protagonist and his life, but then she immerses readers right into the story. One endearing quality about Jax is his humor and how it squeaks out of him at even the most inappropriate of times.   Sharon Warchol masterfully wrote very real characters, despite some of their fantastic outward appearances, whose unique styles and personalities will resonate with readers.  And Warchol has a real gift for writing imaginative scenarios and uses figurative language to make descriptions even richer. (example: “. . . and darn it if a sneaky, nasty guilt didn’t creep up my leg and around my torso. It snaked over my shoulder and into my ear, poisoning my brain with its venom.”) Even the titles of the chapter sub-headings are cleverly written. 

Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors has twists and turns and a steady stream of hints that create a satisfying ending that also leaves readers begging for more.  I highly recommend this book for tweens and teens, and reluctant readers of all ages. 

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite, which provided me  a free eBook copy in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

Visit the Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors webpage!

• Watch a video about the amazing story behind how Jax got written
• Find out more about the author
• EXPLORE JAX'S WORLD through images and bylines of all the characters, Jax Facts, take you can even take a quiz to find out what kind of Komitari you are!

 Follow Jax & Sharon Warchol on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Treasures of the Seasons

Pittmann, J.V. (2015). Treasures of the Seasons. Eden 3000, Inc.

Children's Illustrated / Poetry / Nature

I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Treasures of the Seasons is a wonderful compilation of stunning illustrations, fun poems, and even some craft projects, all focusing on the "exciting adventures of childhood" found in each of the four seasons. Children will be drawn to the vibrant colors of the illustrations, as well as the reflections on everything from bugs to the magic of the wind.  J.V. Pittmann hits on the major joys and wonders of each season, all presented from the child's perspective, which will delight children and adults alike.

In Treasures of the Seasons, Pittmann uses interesting effects on the photographs, so that they feel almost like pop art and images feel surreal -- I am surprised that one of those illustrations wasn't used for the cover art. Though the enhanced photographs were my favorite illustrations, the drawings were also excellent (absolutely gorgeous, magical illustration with the poem "Winter") and really depicted the topics in the poems; children will definitely spend time studying the illustrations as they read and re-read the poems.

Pittmann's descriptive writing and use of figurative language really bring the poems to life in a manner to which kids will relate -- for example, saying a snail "shell-hides" is the perfect way to describe how snails disappear into their shells. "After Rain" delightfully captures the world when it's wet, and the informality of the rhyme will bring smiles.

The three craft projects provide a nice break from the poetry and will appeal to kids. Adults will likely need to supervise the crafts, as the directions may be a bit overwhelming for younger readers. Treasures of the Seasons will encourage readers to slow down and enjoy the miracles of nature, while also showing the fun of colorful, creative language. It could be an excellent springboard for kids to try writing their own poetry of the seasons.

There were a few minor errors and some interesting uses of the apostrophe, but they didn't interfere with the story. I would recommend this as a read-aloud for younger kids and on up to fifth grade.

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite, who provided an eBook in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

We Were Kings

Blotta, R. (2014). We Were Kings. Self-published.

Adult / Novella / Realistic Fiction

I gave this book 5 of 5 stars!

“Only when you’re a little lost can you start to find direction.” 

In Rafael Blotta's We Were Kings, Robert Bartholomew doesn’t know he’s lost; he is living his own life as a writer in Guatemala, far from his South Philly upbringing and the family and neighborhood ties he found a little too binding.  Robert has nothing in common with those people, especially his brother who has become a guitar god on the rock scene. Good riddance, Robert tells himself.  He has happily moved beyond his days as Robbie from Gloucester City and has no plans to look back -- that is until the arrival of the invitation to come home for his father's fiftieth birthday party.  Robert begrudgingly finds himself on an airplane back home, then facing his past which, alarmingly, is his present. Robbie soon realizes that families are bonded by things that distance can't break: love, acceptance, and understanding, and perhaps those aren't such bad ties after all. Rafael Blotta tells a poignant story about family and friendship and the perspective on them that comes only with maturity.

Blotta has a real gift for depicting reality, and his writing flows in a natural, not showy way. His characters are fully fleshed-out and easily imagined as people readers have known or met. I appreciated the adjusted phonetic spellings to help the readers "hear" the strange, exclusive Gloucester City accent described as, "the only accent of its kind in the entire world, a strange mix of South Jersey Irish-American descendents [sic] combined with a South Philly Italian intonation, all wrapped together with the slur and mindset of the dockworkers that had first made their homes here over a hundred years ago.” Blotta uses beautiful, descriptive language and also some colorful figurative language that perfectly illustrate his characters. For example, in describing his great-grandmother, he says, “She had a penchant for sprinkling the truth with flavorful bullshit.” This short description speaks volumes of the character, and really illustrates the overall impression of We Were Kings: Rafael Blotta’s story speaks volumes in just a few pages.

Fortunately, the only improvements needed are easily made with another pass by the editor. There are a dozen or so errors, which is too many for a story of this length. They are not game stoppers, but corrections would take the story to the next level of professionalism.

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite, who provided me a free eBook in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.