| Blog
REVOLUTION?
my views
Why is it that when cuts need to be made -- it's the poor or the seniors that have to pay the price? Why is social security the 'entitlement' that republicans always target? We the poor -- barely recognizable 'middle class' have bailed out the rich -- year after year. We bail out their banks -- we bail out their corporations -- we pay them not to plant crops -- we pay them to drill for oil and gas the richest resources that we have -- then turn around and pay them the highest prices for the final product. Why do we constantly hear that Medicare -- Social Security and Medical Coverage is too expensive -- but the research and development of better war toys is something none of us can live without? I am so sick and tired of the entire political circus. We have idiots running for president and idiots stopping any forward progress that our first decent president in years is trying to implement.
When Bush won the presidency in 2000 I predicted that America was on its way to "hell in a hand basket." And sadly to say, I was right. Visions of France when the peasants were told to eat cake come to mind. The French Revolution (1789–1799), was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that had a major impact on France and indeed all of Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years. French society underwent an epic transformation as feudal, aristocratic and religious privileges evaporated under a sustained assault from radical left-wing political groups, masses on the streets, and peasants in the countryside. Old ideas about tradition and hierarchy - of monarchy, aristocracy and religious authority - were abruptly overthrown by new Enlightenment principles of equality, citizenship and inalienable rights.(Wikipedia)
Is that really where were headed? Probably not but then again I know the first list of aristocrats I would line up at the guillotine. (Yes, I admit it -- I am that angry -- and I don't think I'm the only one!)
The 'aristocrats' are killing this country -- the people with the most -- have the least compassion, or empathy -- a new class of sociopaths (someone whose personality makes them behave in ways that are dangerous to other people). This is more dangerous and frightening to me than any crazy mass murderer that ever lived because it applies to such an influential group of individuals. These are people who have mastered the art of propaganda. They simply lie and sadly millions believe it. I always thought education was what made people less sheep like -- somehow we have failed to teach folks to think for themselves. Not all folks of course, but a great number -- a number that will make this election more scary than the last one.
One such 'aristocrat' is a man that I will not name but he owns his own television stations, newspapers etc. and has more money than sense--he tweets that Santorum is a great guy. Suddenly his campaign is making a million a day. A man who is clearly a bigot, a homophobic, and completely clueless to the needs of a nation fighting for its life -- yeah that's what we need for president. Although the way it looks some folks would vote for a robot as long it was made from white metal and not black metal.
I hope I'm wrong -- I hope those that folks that slept through the last election -- the one where all the republicans won -- wake up and make their voices heard! If you snooze through this one our country will sorely suffer!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Renée's 2011 Top Ten List
1. Potter's Field by Gina Gaudet, Phil Bannister, Autumn Rose Wood, T. G. Reaper, Cindy Parker, Devlin Giroux, Leah Kalis-Denda, Dennis Neely, Donrad, John Schwabe -- anthology
* http://shop.accentalley.com/Lost-Word-Writers-Artists-Shop_c2.htm
2. Lost Angel Walkabout by Linda Ballou -- travel log
* www.lindaballouauthor.com
3. Island Girl by Lynda Simmons -- literary fiction
* http://www.lyndasimmons.com/
4. Follow the Falcon by Steve Kendall - mystery
* http://www.clublighthousepublishing.com
5. The Widow's Walk League by Nancy Lynn Jarvis -- mystery
* http://goodreadmysteries.com/
6. Murderous Intellectuals by Jonathan Maxwell -- historical literature
* http://www.amazon.com
7. The Farm by Walter P. Honsinger -- literary fiction
* http://www.amazon.com
8. Songs From the Heart: Melodies of the Soul by Byron Garrett -- poetry
* http://www.amazon.com
9. The Movie by Bosley Gravel -- literary fiction
* www.ripcot.com
10. Torture at the Back Forty by Mike Dauplaise -- true crime
* www.mikedauplaise.com
* A place to learn more about the author and to buy their book!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee
My Review:
The Widow's Walk League
By
Nancy Lynn Jarvis
The Widow's Walk League is the fourth book in the Regan McHenry mystery series. Real Estate has never been more deadly than when a real estate agent is approached at a funeral service by the friend of a recent widow. Olive is a character that immediately rankles Regan's nerves and that annoyance continues to until the last page, in the most entertaining way. Nancy Lynn Jarvis has outdone herself with this book. The Widow's Walk League takes you on a journey of murdered husbands, rich widows and a motive you'll never see coming!
Several times throughout the book I thought I had it all figured out. I didn't, and there is nothing better than reading a good mystery that you can't put down! Nancy has done it again, her Regan McHenry cozy series based on her former career in real estate is made all the more interesting because of her willingness to take what she's seen, and what she's experienced and put it imaginatively in her books. This is what makes good writing, this is what makes a good read, and this is why The Regan McHenry series is something you will want to add to your library, whether it's on your Kindle or on your bookshelf. I highly recommend The Widow's Walk League.
Yolanda Renee
8/19/2011
My Review:
Potter's Field
The Lost Word Writers Group
If you love poetry, enjoy horror, or if you just appreciate a good read, then Potter's Field by The Lost Word Writers Group is the book for you.
From the opening Iron Gates by Gina Gaudet, the Director of The Lost Word Writers Group, and the author of the haunting poem A Lonely Passage, to the humor of Phil Bannister author of the short story Fat Freddie Wilson, to the seriousness of Autumn Rose Wood's piece called Serving Life, to the pure horror of T. G. Reaper's tale A Small House In The Country, to the patriotism of Cindy Parker's poem To A Soldier Unmourned, or the sadness of Discarded Little Things by Devlin Giroux, and the history found in the story The Innkeepers Daughter by Leah Kalis-Denda, to the beauty of nature described by Dennis Neely in Beside Still Waters, or the truth found in Crazy Mary by Donrad, or by questions that will never be answered in The Passing by John Schwabe, this anthology has something for everyone. I am proud to say my copy of this book is signed by each of the authors, and that it sits on a book shelf where all my favorites reside.
Poetry is one of the most honest forms of expression, while horror is something many of us find cringingly fascinating but ultimately powerfully entertaining. Combine the two and you have a book that will surprise you from page one. The Lost Word Writers Group of Potter's Field have an anthology full of good writing, unsurpassed storytelling, with prose that entertains, causes you to pause and think, and inspires you to look at the headstones behind cemetery walls with a new appreciation, curiosity, and caution. Potter's Field is an exploration by each author of the unknown, the fears that haunt, and the compassion of death that awaits us all.
I highly recommend the book Potter's Field, and The Lost Word Writers Group as a collection of talented folks to follow, just to see what they produce next. Besides the excellent writing, the interesting stories, and poetry that touches the soul, this book is a wonderful work of art by a group of people who have mastered the talent of collaboration. My recommendation is a new book on how to successfully form and manage such a Creative Community.
Learn more about the group here: http://www.lostwordwriters.com
Listen to an interview with the authors here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee
Yolanda Renée
7/31/2011
Collaboration Creates!
The Lost Word Writers Group welcomes you to their second anthology, "Potter's Field: Voices From a Creative Community."
Come stroll with us into the cemetery...Within Potter's Field a spirited group of writers share their stories and challenge notions of the ordinary, of the conventional, and of the norm. Here lies murder, tragedy, horror, humor, sadness, and adventure with a spoonful of self-reflection, and another book from the Lost Word Writers Group to whet the appetite and stir the scope of human emotion.
The Lost Word Writers Group is a writer's support network in Jackson, Michigan. The group is uncensored and dynamic in nature. Personalities come together to clash, conflict, ignite, inspire and even surprise. They always support. This is their theme.
The group published their first anthology "Within These Walls: Voices From a Creative Community" in 2006. They have recently released their second and current anthology "Potter's Field: Voices From a Creative Community." Using a successful strategy, groups were elected and stages of book development began.
The Potter's Field theme was brought to light at a Lost Word Writer's meeting long ago. Whatever Potter's field meant to the writer, this was criteria for the "Potter's Field" anthology. The result is a completed anthology from writers of a wide range of writing styles and genres. The audience can read through the book as if walking through a cemetery with chapter names such as: The Iron Gates, Unmarked Graves, Ghosts, Humor in the Boneyard (one of my favorites), Tortured Souls, Wrongful Deaths, and Eulogies. A Word From the Lost Word Writers Group and author Biographies sum up this intriguing collection of works. It also boasts wonderful photographs from two of the authors. The reader has a chance to guess which author adorns the front and back covers depicting a character walking among cement and marble stones lined by lush green grasses and towering leaved trees.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lost Word Writers Group, or in purchasing the book or contacting authors, you can surf the Lost Word Writers Main Navigation Web-page at www.lostwordwriters.com. The site is under construction and more authors are being added. With that said, the site is interesting and surf-able, plus you can order a copy of Potters Field direct from the group.
The Introduction Iron Gates was written by the group's Director Gina Gaudet:
IRON GATES
"Step through these gates into another world. Lock down your fears. Hide away bias. All that you know, all that you believe may be challenged once you gather to hear what is said. Only truth needs telling, for no harm will come to those who rest in the grave. Come, the time is near. Take a deep breath, step forward and enter into The Lost Word Writers Potters Field. . . "
Potter's Field is an anthology of short stories and poetry, poet Cindy Parker introduces us to the book with one of her contributions called These Grounds:
THESE GROUNDS
"This is the place where they rest, where all their stories converge and their bones speak to the earth, rematerialize in the wood, and soak up the rain to reappear in endless shades of green.
And I come to listen sometimes as the leaves talk, or as the grasses sigh secrets too deep for this world.
Too deep for philosophy.
Too deep for me.
But . . . I come, hoping to leave with a better sense of myself."
Meet Gina and Cindy, along with Donrad, Thom, Autumn, Devlin, Phil, Dennis, Leah, and John on Saturday, May 14, 2011 @ 7:00 PM EST. Join us for a discussion about creativity with this very talented group of people. Some will read their words, some will explain their journey, but all will share their inspiration! Listen via the internet or call in at (347) 215-9536 to listen or to speak with the authors personally. Just use this link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/05/14/a-conversation-with-the-authors-of-potters-field
Blues Musician Ken Tucker will play live on the Blog Talk Radio Show Conversations with Renee.
Mark your calendar for May 4, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST and tune in to hear a blues great discuss his journey, play his music live, and answer your questions. Just call in at (347) 215-9536 to speak to Ken in person!
Ken Tucker has 27 years' experience as a guitarist, songwriter, and performer. He has played for several groups over the years including, Christian Music Legend, Larry Norman, and Canadian Rocker, Lindsay Ell, Darrell Mansfield, as well as sharing the stage with the extraordinary, Shawn Mullins. Josh Hammond, Ken's occasional music partner and collaborator, is a harmonica playing and guitar picking force of nature. In spite of their diverse musical upbringings, they complement each other amazingly well. Ken's gravelly; baritone voice is a perfect blend for Josh's high tenor harmonies. They have been getting lots of airplay in the US and overseas. If blues, gospel, folk, Americana, and old school country is your forte', then you will find a musical friend in Back Porch Pilgrims. Check 'em out. Go ahead... you know you want to.
And on May 4, 2011 we are inviting you to an hour of great listening on Blog Talk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee where you can listen to Ken Tucker perform live, talk about his journey and answer direct questions from the listeners. Just call in at (347) 215-9536 and speak to Ken yourself -- or participate in the chat room where fans will keep the discussion going.
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/05/05/a-conversation-with-blues-great-ken-tucker
To learn more about Ken Tucker and his recent release Juke Joint Serenade read the review printed at FullTimeBlues.com. Where it's reported: "Brother Whiskey" starts the set, with what is arguably the best of the bunch right off the bat. This song is a monster, both sonically and lyrically. It's well written and well played, and in my opinion, it's the standout track from Juke Joint Serenade.
http://www.fulltimeblues.com/blues_music_review_062310.html
Or read Jazz News by Gary Tate
He says: "For those who crave honest, unadorned Blues that rocks out and can excite a crowd by packing an unforgettable wallop, here's "two-thumbs-up" to Ken Tucker's "Looking For Another Day".
http://www.jazzreview.com/article/review-5499.html
Ken is now on Benevolent Blues Records (www.benevolentblues.com) with latest CD, "Juke Joint Serenade". Booking and representation is through NAF Entertainment, and if you would like Ken Tucker to make an appearance at your event or in your club or joint just write his representative, Holly, at holly@nafentertainment.com or call her at 952-846-8903.
A Conversation and some great blues music with Ken Tucker: May 4, 2011
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/05/05/a-conversation-with-blues-great-ken-tucker
The Novel Murder, Madness & Love by author Yolanda Renée for eBook Readers is FREE until the end of April.
Anchorage, Alaska and the West Coast of Washington State—no setting is more beautiful or more mysterious, and with the addition of romance, nothing is more satisfying! Unless it's the ease of reading a good book anywhere with ePublishing and EZRead.com or Smashwords.com!
Pennsylvania: Yolanda Renée has just recently had her first novel, Murder, Madness & Love re-released on the website for eBook Readers www.ezread.com by EZRead Publications and at www.smashwords.com. The world of publishing is changing and EZ Read and Smashwords are taking knows this better than most.
USE ONE OF THESES PROMOTION CODES!
For the next three days, until midnight April 30th you can get a copy of Murder, Madness & Love for free at both EZRead.com or Smashwords.com. At EZRead.com just use the promotion code APR0404 and on Smashwords just use the promotion code TS95A.
Yolanda Renée chose to follow her adventurous spirit, which led her to Alaska and the setting of her novels and to EZRead.com a wonderful new site for both writers and readers: a site full of new opportunities. Writers of all varieties can use either the EZRead or Smashwords writing tools to create or convert an eBook in PDF or ePub format, perfect for reading on any device. The process is simple, easy, and quick.
Staying on top of the changes in both the publishing industry and the market place, Yolanda Renée has shown her own rebelliousness in her attempt to get her book to the fans. If you have any questions regarding Murder, Madness & Love send Renée an email at yolandarenee@hotmail.com .
Yolanda Renée is also the host of Blog Talk Radio's Conversations with Renée. A show dedicated to learning and sharing the secrets to writing, publishing, and marketing. Renée interviews a variety of artists: authors, poets, publishers, and movie producers almost every Thursday. You can listen to all the shows in archive at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee
About Murder, Madness & Love:
In this suspenseful novel, a killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. However, the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered. A killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the 14th of each month, taunting Sarah with a Valentine of evidence. After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid, who is called on to protect the beautiful widow from a stalker intent on her destruction. Steven is not entirely sure she is not behind the scheme herself, and before long Sarah has him wound up tighter than barbed wire. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?
Written purely for entertainment, this novel will keep the reader guessing and the main characters, Detective Steven Quaid and Sarah Davis Palmer will keep you wishing for more.
If you would like to know more about Yolanda Renée and all her books, or her BTR show Conversations with Renée —check out her website at www.yolandarenee.com .
A Conversation with Yolanda Renée: April 7, 2011
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/04/07/a-conversation-with-renee
Join us and bring all your questions — call in at (347) 215-9536
Paranormal expert and BTR host E W Bradfute will share his journey to success on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST. Call in with your questions at (347) 215-9536
San Antonio, Texas: E W Bradfute author of The Mortal Vampire, producer of the movie The Mortal Vampire, and Blog Talk Radio Host for the highly popular show Pairanormal will be on Conversations with Renee to discuss his journey to success. E W claims that The Mortal Vampire is a psychological thrill ride that will have you speculating till the end, which promises a surprising twist. Set in the thriving outskirts of San Antonio, Texas this thriller will have you second guessing your reasoning and leave you thirsting for more. The story is based on the novel by E W Bradfute.
About The Mortal Vampire:
Detectives, Alexander Stephens and Jennifer Hill investigate a new string of murders being done in the fashion of a vampire draining the blood from the victims through two punctures in the neck and in daylight. Weird things begin to happen and it all seems to center around the local hospital. Hill finds herself romantically involved with a rookie officer who is the focus of Stephens' suspicion until a second vampire releases his animalistic urges and crosses the line. Stephens and Hill find are now in the middle of a battle between two vampires, one that is obvious and one that remains out of their grasps. Can Stephens and Hill track down the elusive vampire or are they in for a brand new terror that they could never be prepared for?
The Mortal Vampire is set to be a three part series and will continue to be a psychological thriller all the way. Within the second of the series the actual medical terms and myths of vampires will be revealed forcing the audience to take a new look at their view of vampires and begin to question if the person sitting next to them in the theater is a vampire or not.
Follow The Mortal Vampire today on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mortal-Vampire/408245774971
http://www.themortalvampire.net/Home.html
About Pairanormal:
E. W. wears many hats, and is also known for his extremely popular BTR Show Pairanormal. Pairanormal, spelled funny but has a very serious research team. Pair is 2 and your hosts bring you informing and intriguing investigations each week. They are A Normal pair that really gives you the version of the X-Files in REAL LIFE situations. Together, with their team of Ghost Hunters, Clairvoyants, Believers, and Skeptics, they will give you the most entertaining investigative shows around. You as a listener can join in LIVE each time as they have an active chat room, open phone lines, and emails (pairanormal@ymail.com) that constantly give you the opportunity to tip them on new paranormal events.
Join us Wednesday evening for a fascinating conversation.
Just follow this link to listen via your computer:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/03/24/a-conversation-with-the-mortal-vampire
Or call (347) 215-9536 — you can listen to the show or ask E W a question. All shows are downloadable from iTunes.
EZRead.com—a rebellious new eBook publisher on BTR Show Conversations with Renée
Amelia Albanese & Jenifer Avery, eBook Specialist's will answer your questions about publishing on-line—Thursday, March 17, 2011 @ 3:00 PM EST. Call in with your questions at (347) 215-9536
San Jose, California:EZ Read Inc. was founded in 2010 as an eBookstore and a rebellious new eBook publisher. With the simple goal of uniting writers and readers, we strive to clear the storm clouds of publishing and bring eBook content to readers without proprietary restrictions, without any fuss.
With over 200,000 pay titles and the entire free Google library, eBooks are sold in PDF and ePub and can be read on a massive selection of devices. But more than this, our eBookstore strives to provide personal recommendations and thoughtful book selections that can rival any independent bookstore or bespectacled librarian. With author interviews and book reviews, our site is managed, maintained, and loved by employees who are as crazy about reading as you are.
EZ Read also is proud to host a full assault on expensive self-publication fees, rejection letters, and all around unhappiness with our new writing and publishing template. Writers of all varieties can use our writing tool to create or convert an eBook in PDF or ePub format, perfect for reading on any device. They can then choose to name their price and sell their work on our eBookstore's Indie Marketplace. Or, if they are feeling especially nice, share their work for free. Our eBook service welcomes risk takers and free thinkers, and scoffs at tidy "safe bets" big publishing houses want you to believe is the only way to success.
In short, we hope that readers and writers of every sort will find an "EZ" connection, and find exactly what they were looking for on our site. http://www.ezread.com
Join us Thursday afternoon for a fascinating conversation.
Just follow this link to listen via your computer:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/03/17/a-conversation-with-ezread-publishing
Or call (347) 215-9536 — you can listen to the show or ask Amelia or Jenifer a question. All shows are downloadable from iTunes.
REVIEW OF
ISLAND GIRL
by
LYNDA SIMMONS
It is a question that makes you think — What Would You Do If You Were Told You Had Alzheimer's — it is also a question that Lynda Simmons answers, at least for her protagonist Ruby Donaldson.
Ruby has just learned that she has a new friend, Big Al, (Alzheimer's) and her immediate thoughts are of her family. How can she prepare them, protect them, and still maintain her independence? However, her family is estranged and stubbornly uncooperative. Even after they find out that she is ill, they find it hard to be sympathetic. Raising yet another question-- when a terminal illness hits is it really that easy to forgive and forget the misdeeds of the past.
Lynda delves into all those questions with skill, heart, and thoughtful reality. Her characters are people you know, the family dynamics genuine, but with any terminal illness, there is no happy ending. Yet Lynda Simmons gives you an ending that you will find satisfying, because it is selfless and filled with the warmth of genuine compassion. It brought tears to my eyes and required a handful of tissues to get through, but it was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read of love and forgiveness, while staying true to the strength of its main character.
I highly recommend ISLAND GIRL. Ruby Donaldson will be someone you will recall fondly as a friend who touched your heart because Lynda Simmons created her that way.
Yolanda Renee
02/24/2011
To learn more about Lynda Simmons and her book ISLAND GIRL go towww.lyndasimmons.com
Join us Thursday afternoon for a fascinating conversation.
Just follow this link to listen via your computer:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yolandarenee/2011/03/03/a-conversation-with-author-lynda-simmons-1
Or call (347) 215-9536 — you can listen to the show or ask Lynda a question. All shows are downloadable from iTunes.
REVIEW OF:
FOLLOW THE FALCON
by
STEVE KENDALL
What does the Gladstone Museum, the Red Sox, the winding roads of the Cote d' Azur, Mafia goons, and a 350 million dollar heist have in common? In FOLLOW THE FALCONby Steve Kendall, you will find that it is his protagonist Brooke Lancaster. A struggling artist, Brooke works as an escort. It is all on the up and up, no sex involved, she is a classy girl just trying do what she loves the most—paint. Eventually Brooke meets the Falcon—a man who led a distinctly mysterious life—a life that includes masterminding one of the biggest art heists in history?
When one of her dates unexpectedly dies in her arms, he gives her a key, and with his dying words sends Brooke on an adventure that will either give her everything she could hope for, or make her role as a struggling artist the real blessing. Brooke is talented, but she is a novice when it comes to detecting. However, with the help of her friends, the well-crafted characters of Maggie, Bubba, Nick, and the mysterious "Sore Throat" she follows the clues to solve the mystery.
I highly recommend that you to pick up FOLLOW THE FALCONand relive the glory of the curse ending Red Sox season, experience the beauty of the French countryside, and travel through the pages of a mystery artfully crafted by début author Steve Kendall. FOLLOW THE FALCONis an intriguing page-turner that left this reader wanting more from the talented Steve Kendall and he promises that Brooke Lancaster will be returning for more adventures in his next novel.
Yolanda Renée
2/4/2011
Review of:
SONGS FROM THE HEART: MELODIES OF THE SOUL
by
Byron Garrett
When you receive a book of poetry, as you read each poem you look for meaning and how it relates to you and your life. Byron Garrett's book "Songs from the heart: Melodies of the Soul"goes a little further than the typical book of poetry. He tells us what he was thinking when he wrote his selfless words. The lessons he has learned, the instruction his beloved Mother gave him, all come through on the pages of his beautiful tome.
Byron had a hard life, disabled at the age of twelve, raised by a single mother, he explains on the first page of his book part of his take on life. "...born with twelve fingers, I guess I was supposed to have more of a "grip on life," but since "life" was not designed for people with twelve fingers, the doctors cut two of my fingers off. That taught me one lesson on life right away. Just when you think you have a "grip on things" something could "snip away" at your grip."
It is because of that attitude and his determination not to allow his "disabilities to disable his abilities," that he was able to create a charming book of poetry where he shares his hopes, dreams, and angst. He does it all with thoughtful consideration for the woman he credits for his existence, his Mother.
I highly recommend "Songs from the heart: Melodies of the Soul." It is a beautiful tribute to a loving Mother from a son who has surpassed all expectations. Byron Garrett is to be commended for a delightful book of poetry that will touch the heart, sooth the soul, and inspire the mind.
Yolanda Renee
1/21/2011
REVIEW OF
MURDEROUS INTELLECTUALS
by
JONATHAN MAXWELL
MURDEROUS INTELLECTUALS — GERMAN ELITES AND THE NAZI SS is a book that makes you think, makes you take a second look at the atrocity--the holocaust. Jonathan Maxwell takes on the top players—the physicians, the scientists, the educators, the lawyers, the soldiers; he investigates and documents their motivations.
It was the intention of Adolf Hitler and his henchmen to eliminate the socialists, communists, democrats, Gypsies but especially the Jews. The thing we all have tendency to forget is that his henchmen were the elite in their society--the physicians, scientists, educators, lawyers, and soldiers. As Jonathan points out, the extermination of millions required organization, structure, and planning. It required men with skill, with education, and men of intent, and despite the claim they were only following orders, it took dedication to the cause.
In this book Jonathan Maxwell, details the backgrounds of these men, and while some of them can be labeled sadistic, most were just ordinary men in non-ordinary jobs. Jobs they were good at, jobs they wanted to keep, and jobs that meant the death of millions.
We tend to forget their backgrounds as we try to explain their crimes. Jonathan explores what made them who they became and what he discovered is that the answers are not so easy to compartmentalize. Labeling them as sadistic, cold-blooded, or sociopaths does not explain the number of men and women who took lives as if they were taking an order for widgets.
Jonathan Maxwell's book MURDEROUS INTELLECTUALS is a must read for any history buff, and it should be required reading for all students. Forgetting what happened is not an option, finding out why it happened is important and we once believed necessary to keep it from happening again. However, current history proves it continues. Only when all humanity believes in the sanctity of all life will the lessons learned mean the end of holocausts worldwide.
Yolanda Renee
1/19/2011
REVIEW OF
TORTURE AT THE BACK FORTY
by
MIKE DAUPLAISE
TORTURE AT THE BACK FORTY, a true crime drama, is one of the most difficult books I have ever read, not because of the writing, but because of the subject — gang rape, torture, and murder. This atrocity took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1983. Margaret Anderson was on a date, it went bad and her escort left her alone at a biker bar called the Back Forty. Margaret would not survive the night. Even though there were witnesses, few came forward. It was the dedication of the officers who investigated that got Margaret Anderson justice. They doggedly pursued the men responsible.
The most appalling thing about this book is the number of people who knew what happened to her and lied or simply kept quiet. One of them abandoned her to this horror, the man she considered a friend. He was her date that night. Weasel, a name that befits the owner, began a fight with her after they left the bar. Instead of taking a very inebriated woman home, he yanked her from the car by her hair and began kicking her with his steel-toed boots. Then he told the men watching, "she's yours..." The bartender watched these men continue to kick her senseless, even heard Margaret's ribs cracking under their brutality. If only one of these people would have intervened, Margaret may have survived the night.
Mike Dauplaise has written about something none of us wants to think about — TORTURE AT THE BACK FORTY describes for us the real life monsters that live among us, and the people who protect their existence through silence, and lies. Reality is often hard to accept, but when it is this meaningless, this unforgivable, and barely punished — it is near impossible.
While I found it difficult to read this true crime story, I also found it impossible to put down. I wanted; no, I needed to know the outcome. I wanted these men caught, I wanted them punished, and I wanted Margaret's horrific death to mean something. Three of the four men convicted are or soon will be walking the streets, except for one, the man who practically beheaded her. He still claims his innocence.
"Margaret Anderson's favorite color was yellow"-- so is mine.
Yolanda Renee
1/19/2011
REVIEW OF
THE MOVIE
by
BOSLEY GRAVEL
THE MOVIE stars a young man, Stewart A Smithee, who hails from a small nowhere town referred to as Podunk. Stewart decides to add some spice to his life and his friend's lives by writing, producing and directing a movie. The movie is the type most adolescents adore, and most adults abhor called Cannibal Lesbian Zombies from Outer Space —vs--Doctor Clockwork and his Furious Plastic Surgeons of Doom.
This unique look at small town life and the ends some inhabitants pursue to make the journey more interesting is a fun read. Stewart A. Smithee lost his father to cancer via suicide, shields his mother until she proves she can make it on her own, all the while searching for answers to life's questions through the production of his movie. What he discovers is what we all eventually find — "Being alive is just like . . . making a movie — you can't do it alone. You need help. And you need the wisdom to know that it's valuable." Stewart A. Smithee.
Bosley Gravel's illustration of life in a small town through the eyes of the young Mr. Smithee is tongue-in-cheek humor, and yet full of insight, compassion, and hope. It is a fun easy read, about a time in life most of us can empathize with. Mr. Bosley did a wonderful job of making Podunk and its populace comes to life through his well-crafted characters.
I highly recommend THE MOVIE. As literary fiction, it reveals much about its author, as it entertains and enlightens the reader. Check out Bosley's website www.ripcot.com for all his other writing credits.
Yolanda Renee
1/9/2011
REVIEW OF
BEGONIA BROWN — A PHILADELPHIA STORY
by
Julia Press Simmons
Growing up in a place called Strawberry Mansion fosters the impression of comfort. The naming of daughters after the flowers in a garden, Violet, Daisy, and Begonia, further encourages that image. But we quickly learn in Julia's latest book Begonia Brown—A Philadelphia Story, that pretty names do not assure a pretty life.
The mean streets of North Philadelphia harbor a harsh existence, especially for the young, and especially for young women. After the death of a caring Grandmother, Begonia has to learn to survive in the harsh world of homelessness, drugs, and violence. Using the unorthodox means of a hustler, this intelligent young woman does just that—she survives. The price she pays for her fortitude would stop most adults in their tracks. However, Begonia has two younger sisters, Violet and Daisy, who rely solely on her. They give her purpose and courage. They give her life meaning, but will her sacrifices achieve for them or for her, a life free from the want that all children deserve? I wish there were a pretty ending, but life is harsh, and survival is not all it is cracked up to be.
Julia Press Simmons grew up on the streets she writes about and knows firsthand of the struggle. She skillfully continues the series, with memorable characters and horrifying truths. Her book Strawberry Mansion—A Philadelphia Story was a surprising first novel from a very skilled writer. She follows that up with a remarkable second book. I highly recommend Begonia Brown—A Philadelphia Story. It is a book of fiction, taken from the cruel reality of life, but told with the heart and soul of a true wordsmith.
Check out Julia's website at http://www.queenmidasbooks.com
Yolanda Renée
1/1/2011
AN ADVENTURE WRITERS BEST
REVIEW OF
LOST ANGEL WALKABOUT
One Traveler's Tales
by
Linda Ballou
Recent poor health had me looking for an escape. When I picked up Linda Ballou's book LOST ANGEL WALKABOUT, I found my salvation. Linda combines her most favorite things to create a book of adventures like nothing I have ever read. She blends her love of travel, and writing, and in several stories her love of horses, and with unsurpassed skill she takes the reader with her to places like Raven's River, Alaska, to windswept Donegal Bay, Ireland, to Waipio Valley in Hawaii, and North Island, New Zealand to name just a few. Linda not only takes you on a journey to exciting places and distant lands she shares herself along the way. Her stories are personal, enlightening, and captivating.
Raven's River is a particularly touching tale because it is a memorial to Matthew Wayne Bell, her nephew. It is a trip that entails a 140-mile journey, on the Tatshenshini, or Raven's River and includes white water rafting and hiking on bear trails. Linda shares her adventure and her love for Matt, as she educates us on the environment. Raven's River is a beautiful story of honor and discovery that is shared with grace and love.
I particularly enjoyed her journey in Golden Horseshoe or Bust. Linda, her 83-year-old mother, and nephew take off on a road trip. Her mother is insistent on driving. It is a typical family argument that adds amusement to this beautiful journey. Linda shares this memory of a courageous woman, with adventure in her soul, with a view in to her own. We learn even more about Linda and her mother in Water Dogs. These personal insights make this book of travel stories more like a novel.
LOST ANGEL WALKABOUTis more than a travel log, it is about Linda, the family she loves, the history of the lands and peoples she visits, and the folks she admires most, including adventure writer Tim Cahill and Horsewoman Lari Shea. I highly recommend this book: whether you are trying to plan your next journey, escape from your own couch, or want to inspire a young trailblazer.
You can check out all of Linda's adventures and her historical novel Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i; Her Epic Journey at www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.
ISBN: 13-9781449971526
Yolanda Renee
12/13/2010
|
