Month: October 2012

The Reckoning: A Father And Son Battle As the Civil War Erupts

Featured Book Review: The Reckoning: A Father And Son Battle As the Civil War Erupts
Bob Larranaga (Author)


The Reckoning is an action-packed thriller by Bob Larranaga about the misery of the Civil War. Set on Florida’s gulf coast, The Reckoning combines rich story-telling and real characters into a fast-paced adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Reckoning tells of Ed Canfield, a war veteran with a haunted past. He is suffering from Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD), also known as soldier’s heart. Ed is a likable, strong character. He fights through his PTSD and emerges a stronger man. Although it is a Civil War novel, The Reckoning is not short of heart, which is added to the story through a budding romance. By Ed’s side is fearless, strong-willed Maureen, Ed’s target of affection. Maureen adds a welcome dash of femininity to the novel, as well as a touch of romance to strike a balance between action and emotion. The Reckoning also presents a touching account of a father-son relationship that blossoms in the face of danger and survival. Ed’s son from a failed marriage, Jesse, arrives to live with him. The two share a cold relationship at first, but that soon changes as Civil War erupts and the two are forced to support each other through the ordeal.

Ed and his comrades are faced with numerous tribulations and readers are given a rich description of Civil Wars and their going-ons. Larranagas impeccable detail paints a clear picture of the story in a readers mind: I wore a soiled cotton shirt, pants stained with fish blood and pine tar. The setting is well-developed, and situations are very real; a reader is plunged into the action and despair. Warning you may feel anxiety, but that is normal. Larranaga’s in-depth research into the Civil War history shows in the intricate way he weaves knowledge into The Reckoning. Larranaga impresses with his highly-polished, well-edited book. The Reckoning is recommended for history buffs and any reader who loves a well-written action novel.

The Reckoning: A Father And Son Battle As the Civil War Erupts
Bob Larranaga (Author)
ISBN: 978-1434866066

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“On A Poetic Life”: Essays in Rhyme

Featured Book Review: “On A Poetic Life”: Essays in Rhyme
Mr. Arnold P. Abbott (Author)


Arnold Abbott’s book, On A Poetic Life: Biographic Essays in Rhyme features almost episodic short stories within the artfully written poems presented. Eloquent and extremely profound, the author often uses more light hearted imagery to push forth what he is trying to say, yet at other times pulls no punches and instead tells the concept quite bluntly. On A Poetic Life is a very personal work, yet it speaks to generations of readers. Those interested in politics, current events, human rights activists, history and civil rights should pick this book up for a read. Sincere, intelligent, thought provoking and unapologetic, Abbott still manages to delicately put some of the harsher concepts of the world onto paper.

Poetry is being used here in a brilliant way, for as a medium, it is not so overbearing or droning a read as the average book on the same material might be. It keeps the concepts easy to digest and flowing, while allowing the reader plenty of space to put in a bookmark without feeling disjointed upon picking it up again later. As much as the author speaks of the darker aspects of this country and the misery these things have wrought, it is a hopeful and positive work. The author gives a thoughtful look at ways to better the life of anyone who reads it, and gives suggestions to better the lives those people will then affect. This work will make an excellent conversation starter and guide on even the most difficult of political subjects. Teachers, both of History and English may think of having this in their personal libraries or on shelves at school. Arnold P. Abbott’s On A Poetic Life: Biographic Essays in Rhyme features stories and general life advice, as well as articulately voicing a well versed frustration on the current state of the world, and how to fix it.

“On A Poetic Life”: Essays in Rhyme
Mr. Arnold P. Abbott (Author)
ISBN: 1-4775-7001-2

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Bending the Boyne: A Novel of Ancient Ireland

Featured Book Review: Bending the Boyne: A Novel of Ancient Ireland
J.S. Dunn (Author)


Part fantasy, part historical fiction, J.S. Dunn’s Bending the Boyne is a tale of twisted Ireland myths, a unique take on archeology and new legends that is sure to entertain readers of a wide spectrum of ages and interests. Maps presented at the beginning of the book are quite useful in allowing the reader to follow along with the physical journey of the characters. What follows is elegant prose and detailed, flowing descriptions to set the stage for the intricate, meticulously thought out story ahead. The story itself is one of invading forces versus those people who had built their lives, homes and history on Ireland far before even the Celts were present. Even though the story takes place so long ago in a historical context, the feeling of the story will still resonate within the hearts of the people of today’s world. Whether one has a rich knowledge of Irish folklore or not, this will still be an entertaining and thought provoking read. The language the author uses is gorgeous, such that the prose of it all is perfect for articulating this particular tale, and the words chosen eloquently fit the tone and pacing of Bending the Boyne. The way in which history and fantasy are interwoven is astounding and will keep a readers attention throughout the story.

When Boann runs, the reader is not merely reading along, but running beside her. Her desperation is felt in vivid detail as the audience is thrust head first into the action right at the beginning of the involved plot. What is unique about this character of Boann is that even in a moment of sheer panic, she is strong willed and a force to be reckoned with. In this sense, she is a fitting heroine to follow in this tale of ancient Ireland, wrought with real history as well as legend. Well researched historical fiction at its best, J.S. Dunn delivers an intelligent and fantastical read in Bending the Boyne.

Bending the Boyne: A Novel of Ancient Ireland
J.S. Dunn (Author)
ISBN: 978-0983155416

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A Speechwriter’s Tips for Authors on the Speaking Circuit

A Speechwriter’s Tips for Authors on the Speaking Circuit
By Cynthia J. Starks

Last October, I drove through heavy rain to a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Clifton, New Jersey, to wait in line to meet televangelist Joel Osteen, buy his latest book, Everyday a Friday, and have it autographed as a present for my cousin Karen’s upcoming 50th birthday. Karen is a big Osteen fan and I knew she’d be delighted to have a personally autographed copy of his book. Osteen sat at a desk, smiled and was polite as he signed books for exactly an hour, then left, accompanied by a few large-sized gentlemen I assumed were bodyguards….Read More