Blurb of New Book: She's My Dad...Review Coming Soon!

"Hate destroys everything. Don't let it destroy you..."

A cautionary tale about the consequences of blind prejudice, SHE’S MY DAD tells the story of a transsexual woman named Nickie Farrell, who, returning to her Northern Virginia alma mater to teach English to a new generation of scholars, is unaware that in the nearby town lives a son from an illicit love affair she had during her male undergraduate days.

As Nickie’s hopes to keep a low profile are dashed by an overly-ambitious lesbian journalism student, a dying reactionary billionaire hatches a scheme to obliterate the despised liberal school with a suicide dirty bomb attack. Local and college people alike become ensnared in a web of bigotry and mistrust, while one long-buried family secret may offer the only hope for everyone’s ultimate deliverance.

Filled with richly-drawn characters and building to a stunning climax, SHE’S MY DAD is a story about the destructiveness of hate, the power of love, and the redemptive triumph of good over evil.

Review: Keifer Bonvillain Blows Whistle on Disaster Recovery for Hurricane Gustav

The Broken Road:
To Disaster Recovery

By Keifer Bonvillain
ISBN: 9780980104912
389 Pages


I may be one of you out there who did not recognize the author’s name nor read his earlier book Ruthless. When I saw the synopsis of this book, I decided I’d like to read it, although at first I thought it was fiction.

The Broken Road: To Disaster Recovery by Keifer Bonvillain, however, is not fiction. Unfortunately. It just may be a totally true account, as known by Bonvillain, of the type of problem America is facing in today’s world, where the bottom line appears to be the top priority for businesses.

I am aware that all types of documentation can be “created” in support of an individual’s position, especially when it is reproduced in a book. However, Bonvillain did one thing in The Broken Road, he used actual names. Obviously, these can all be verified and, in fact, I’ve seen one reader already note on the Internet that he would be doing research related to this incident.

After all, The Broken Road is about the federal work that was done in Louisiana after Hurricane Gustav, a state that had already been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Few people have the guts to be a “whistleblower!”

But I’m one of those that tend to believe a first-line supervisor, especially, when there are people who know enough to support him in the truth...

And, besides, as an old phrase states... “I coulda been a ...” whistleblower

Only thing that stopped me was that by the time I had sufficient documentation and knowledge, I was physically unable to share/repeat/write what I knew—I was under a doctor’s care--burnout. Additionally, I was told by my lawyer that the problems I described had been going on for so long and were so complex that I would not be able to pay her fees because it would require so much of her time to prepare a case. However, I have talked with many people across the States and heard similar stories, perhaps not with as broad a scope as Bonvillain writes about...

At the end of his book, he has not been able to determine the extent to which the corruption pervades the Beck Disaster Recovery. In a way that is understandable since once somebody starts raising questions, there is a slowdown of communication and an effort made to place blame...elsewhere. He has, however, been offered money to stop his activities.

Basically, Keifer Bonvillain was hired off the street as he was seeking tarps to cover his own ruined roof at home! There was no review of credentials, little training (sound familiar?) and he was placed in a job of monitor. Fortunately, Keifer was intelligent, had experience and was able to not only handle his job, but immediately see where there were problems and suggest ways to improve things. Frankly, supervisors who did not have needed experience were quick to take advantage of his organizational skills, ability to train, and create record keeping processing. But more importantly, he was soon totally accepted by the majority of the employees and respected for his efforts in training and on their behalf.

You might say he was “used...”

Because Keifer was not invited to head over to the restaurants for meals or drinks...he was not included in the fishing trip supervisors took on company time...nor did he participate in the sexual exploits of both staff and supervisors. When he discovered that fraud and payoffs were taking place, he finally decided and took action...

And was fired, terminated, laid off, restructured, reorganizated, in a position no longer needed—whatever a company uses for getting rid of somebody that has blown the whistle...or for whatever reason they have!

Keifer Bonvillain is not a professional writer. Due to the type of book, I paid no attention to normal details about dialogue, proofreading, etc. In fact, the inclusion of Keifer’s internal mental thoughts in bold print proved to be a welcome relief to what was being described. Feeling his emotions come through in his writing was important to my opinion.

This book brought back much personal pain and anguish and by the time I was near the end, I had to take breaks from reading due to the physical turmoil it brought. Frankly, I choose to believe this book, not only because of the way it was written, but because I’ve seen or heard too many similar activities occurring in the United States. But you must decide for yourself, after reading The Broken Road by Keifer Bonvillain. Do we continue to see and never report all that we know is just...wrong...??? Keifer is one man who acts!

G. A. Bixler

Review: Dr. Nedd Shares Happiness Is Available - Now and Always!

The Time to be Happy is Now


By Kenford Nedd, M.D.
ISBN: 9780973329117
245 Pages

One day you’re walking down the sidewalk, notice you’re walking at a brisk pace, feeling slightly euphoric, and you realize—I’m happy!

Yes, many of us actually become surprised to realize that we’re having a moment of happiness! But Dr. Nedd, as he is known on television and radio programs has important news in his latest book: The Time To Be Happy Is Now!

Medical Doctor Kenford Nedd provides a beautifully presented book that provides in each chapter a short meditation or quote, an indepth narrative, and then a final “Quick Prescription.” In fact, this Quick Prescription can be used to remind you each week of the year, what Dr. Nedd has highlighted in such a fantastic manner. You will also find QuickTips and self-diagnosis questions to ponder. Additionally, there are exercises that will help relieve stress and just get your body moving!

Frankly, I wish I’d had this book in my hand about five years ago when my doctor told me, “It’s either your job or your life.” How many of us have heard similar words, or even more terrifying, know it within ourselves, but have not talked to anybody about it. I was diagnosed with clinical depression—actually I was just burned out—from my job and having nothing else in my life but my job!

That’s my short story, but you and millions of other people across the world may also realize, “I am not happy” with my life!

When you start reading The Time to be Happy is Now you may have different reactions: this is too easy, or this book is not going to help me with my problems. Guess what, it may not. “Happiness is growth. Take a hard look at yourself. The ability to see yourself as you really are is a crucial part of becoming a happier person.” (p. 6)

So, the real question is, do you want to be happier? Then, Dr. Nedd continues, “It takes guts to change and grow...” (p. 6)

Here are some guiding thoughts that were especially meaningful to me:

· Be silent, it is an important part of your life.
· You and your feelings often fall behind your job as a priority in your life!
· This is cool—“Happiness is an inside job.”
· We must work to create happiness.
· Feel your own feelings...
· Look at beauty, smell the pleasant things...all around you!
· Laugh...
· Get rid of the TV for awhile...
· When you know you are not happy, stop and think why you are not!
· Say to yourself over and over: “Happiness comes in moments...”

There is so much in this book; you may want to use it as a workbook over a period of time. But, no matter how you use it, this is a must-read addition to your personal library! You deserve to be happy! Keep this book near you until some of the activities are routine, because only you know whether The Time to be Happy is Now by Kenford Nedd is for you...

Are YOU happy?

G. A. Bixler

Writers! Attention! Tournament Like No Other! Check Out New Site!

Introducing a revolutionary new approach to the book...

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We feel passionately drawn to them. We fall in love with them. But a book is usually nothing more than text on paper. Sometimes there are pictures, perhaps even a few maps. The constraints of book technology rule out anything more.
Until now.

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Book Drum’s mission is to bring great books to life by going beyond the page. As a first step, we’re building Profiles for more than 500 classic titles.

We need writers and editors, and we're running a Tournament to find them. First prize is £1,000, and we're offering job interviews to everyone who impresses.

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Review: Thriller or Cozy Mystery - Toftoy's It's In The Eyes is Different!

It’s In The Eyes

By Charles Toftoy
Outskirts Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9781432711962
309 Pages

I think I recognized the eyes on the cover of It's In The Eyes by Charles Toftoy! Is that scary...or what? Actually, I found this book more like a cozy mystery than a true suspense novel--even if the storyline is about a "psychopath stalking coeds!"

The book was inspired and written in memory of an undergraduate student who was raped and murdered near George Washington University, as well as other women who have been victimized. Kudos to the author for this remembrance!

Lars Neilsen is a college professor and part-time sleuth, the latter perhaps due to his being brother-in-law to Deputy Chief Cory Swink. In any event, he was kneeling over the body of the latest victim, Candance, when first he realized that she looked very much like his daughter who had been killed in an accident, and second that he had received a message from her still-open eyes: "Please get him."

Although Lars was clearly told by the Chief to stay away from the case, he and his group of friends/professionals, code name Alpha Team, knew that they would be working it, one way or another! And Lars, especially, was out for revenge!

Tiger (Nate) who has been with Lars for many years tries to keep things light, even at the darkest times...so he'll share a joke just about every time the Team meets. While Doris who was with the FBI and still has many connections is able to provide the team with the right information at the right time. The last member of the team is Brenda, a reporter for The Post, who is willing and able to ensure the paper is used in whatever way possible to assist in the capture of those guilty of crimes!

Actually, there is quite a bit of side activities by Lars, the Team Leader, who is entranced by Doris who looks like Veronica Lake, but still manages to respond to Brenda "at the right time." While the mother of the victim, and the lady paying for their services, also finds a need to have personal meetings with Lars...whenever...

But The Team does get the job done, first, by having Lars travel to Dublin to follow a major clue and assist in the hunt and capture of a "Thuggee," killers who are faithful to the Goddess Kali--a very dangerous goddess indeed! And then back to find out what the team has found out!

Expect to read a different kind of book and you'll find that It's In The Eyes by Charles Toftoy just might be right for you! Because, after all, it is in the eyes--of the reader!

G. A. Bixler

Spotlighted Author: Brigadier General A. J. Tata With Acclaimed Threat Series!

BRH is Honored to Welcome


Brigadier General (R) Anthony J. Tata


Author, TV commentator, Afghanistan expert,
columnist, and public servant, Anthony J. Tata
graduated from the United States Military
Academy in 1981 and retired after 28 years of
uniformed service on 1 June 2009 as a Brigadier
General in the U.S. Army.

Among his many assignments as a paratrooper and combat
infantryman, Tony commanded a paratrooper battalion in the
82nd Airborne Division and an air assault brigade in the 101st
Airborne Division. Most recently he was the deputy commanding
general of the 10th Mountain Division and Combined/Joint Task
Force-76 in Afghanistan. BG Tata has deployed on combat
missions and operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Macedonia,
Bosnia, Panama and the Philippines. He has been awarded the
Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star, is a Master Parachutist
and graduate of the U.S. Army's Ranger School.

Tony served as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University's
JFK School of Government, has an M.A. in International Relations
from the Catholic University of America, and earned a Master of
Military Art and Science from the Army's School of Advanced
Military Studies. Notably, he is listed as a distinguished member
of the 502nd, 504th, and 505th Parachute Infantry Regiments.

Tony is currently serving as a Broad Superintendent’s Academy
Fellow with the Eli Broad Foundation, which focuses on training
leaders around the country for service as superintendents in
large urban school districts. After a career serving his country in
uniform, Tony is finding his second calling in education reform in
America.

The author of the critically acclaimed Threat Series fiction novels
featuring the Garrett Brothers, Tony donates 100% of his Sudden
Threat book proceeds, so far $27,000, to the USO Metro DC
Hospital Services fund for Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center and Bethesda National Naval Medical
Center. BG Tata's story has garnered national attention with
appearances on FoxNews' The O'Reilly Factor, America's
Newsroom, Fox and Friends Weekday and Weekend Editions, The
WB's Daily Buzz with Andy Campbell, NBC's South Florida Today
Show, local television stations around the country, and scores of
nationally syndicated and local station radio interviews.

The second novel in the Garrett Brothers Threat Series, Rogue
Threat, was released on November 15 2009 following the
recent release of the Sudden Threat mass-market paperback in
September 2009.