Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

OK, OK...I know it...it's been a long time! But it's not as if I was goofing off! Well, maybe some of the time...but most of the time I've been working!

I was honored to read/review Flying Into Tomorrow and Other Stories by long-time author, Irving A. Greenfield http://www.bookreviewers.org/flying_into_tomorrow_&_other_stories.htm and as we went on, we put together a larger book, merging more stories in and I wound up editing and getting everything read for him to submit to publishers.  His stories are funny, sad, memorable...indeed, all of them take you down a path of memories, perhaps his, perhaps those of others...but definitely there will be some "that remind [you] of the time...  What I enjoyed most about them was that they were open and refreshingly honest.  One was my favorite--a fantasy threesome with his boss as one of the lead characters.  Who of us don't have some type of images about the bosses of their past!  Well, this one is especially unforgettable!  Even though the present book is great and available, I would recommend you wait for the second edition! 

I was also pleased to once again work with Ruby Moon-Houldson.  You may remember that her first book http://www.bookreviewers.org/more_than_angels.htm was recommended for Oprah's book list...Well, her second book has been completed and will be available shortly http://www.bookreviewers.org/more_than_angels2.htm so be on the lookout for it soon!  Another of her books, The Man Within by Ruby was also a different type of book...she sure does have imagination! Take a look at this review of her "romance." http://www.bookreviewers.org/the_man_within.htm  

 

Jesus is Not in the Official Scrabble Dictionary

There I was, taking a break with an online game of Scrabble...my first move was going to be lots of points...I put in J to get a double letter on 8...and then I spelled out J-e-s-u-s and submitted my word...

And I was politely told that Jesus was not in the official Scrabble Dictionary...

I tried Jesu...

Sorry...

Surely Jesus is more than a proper name, I thought...Surely, Jesus would symbolize the Christian faith...or be listed as a great religious leader, no matter what religion...Nope!

Somehow, I couldn't proceed with that game...

Did I want to play anything where I couldn't say the word Jesus?

What is it with this world today?  You can hear lots of words that you never wanted to ever hear anywhere...and it will be said on tv, on the radio, in books, magazines...

I can read or hear those words...if I must...why can't others hear the name of Jesus?

I got an email recently where television leaders were considering not allowing "Touched by an Angel" on tv because they said the word God...

Don't you think God is chuckling just a little because this world has become so afraid that they will no longer tolerate freedom of speech...

For that is what is happening...

I have always been open to reading alternative views, no matter my beliefs.  Reading or hearing from another who does not believe as I do, does not demand that I change my beliefs or agree with what I read/hear...

How has this world come...no, specifically, how has the United States come to be so narrow-minded, fearful and ignorant, that it will no longer tolerate what a large majority is interested in? 

Myself, I find it mighty sad and discouraging...and wonder how those few who are intolerant have come to carry so much weight in decision-making...

So... Scrabble does not include Jesus in their official dictionary...that's ok, I can always stop playing Scrabble...and Jesus will still be around!  Thank God!

The Computer or the ID ten T Error?!

Old Harold
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Harold the computer guy, to come over. 

Harold clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.  He gave me a bill for a minimum service call.

As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"

He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that .. in case I need to fix it again?" Harold grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"

"No," I replied.

"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."

So I wrote down ...... I D 1 0 T      I used to like Harold.                                                             ~~~

Good Morning! 

Robert Noonan, author of the Wildflowers trilogy, sent me the above joke... I thought it was cute...you know, sometimes you have to wonder though... Notice the one black typed sentence above?  Well, I thought I'd be a little fancy for the joke, so I changed the color...except, this sentence wouldn't change!  I tried five different times!

You know, I think Harold has a very weird sense of humor!

                                                               ~~~

Speaking of Bob, he is getting read to submit his three books to a publisher!  I wish him the best in getting everything ready... Of course, he seems to feel that I should help, so I have the job of one final proofreading...of all three! 

I'm just now finishing reading an anthology on fate...interesting selections!  And have finished and am working on a review for R.D. Fresh.  At the same time, I'm doing a final proofreading for a reprint of Flying into Tomorrow.  Check out my review on this one, a favorite of mine...

 http://www.bookreviewers.org/flying_into_tomorrow_&_other_stories.htm

And while you're out there, check out an investment book for student housing/real estate if you're interested:

http://www.bookreviewers.org/university_wealth_21_success_secrets.htm

Then, if you have children or grandchildren...check out a fantastic self-learning book on financial freedom, geared toward our youth:

http://www.bookreviewers.org/map_your_financial_future.htm

In my opinion, Patrick Lyons has provided an outstanding contribution to our young people!  Do take a look at this one!

I have had the most fun with a new author whose book came in about a month ago... I liked it, but... 

Since the author was amenable, I did a critical review of his book, suggesting ways to improve it.  Since then, he's rewritten and resubmitted it for a new read and a formal review.  I can't wait!  In fact, that's the one that's next on my stack!  Will tell you more later, but it's an historical romance telling us about "black gold."  Very interesting!

                                                           ~~~

Hey, while you're out checking out my reviews, take a look at all the books highlighted on our site! http://www.bookreviewers.org/reviews.htm  We have a steady stream of submissions for review and we've added two new reviewers since the last time you might have visited. 

Our dear director has been extremely busy...she has two new books out and has a number of sites to visit!  I'll pull those together and share during your next visit here!

By the way, I have a new blog started... it had been percolating in the back of my mind, but my sister, Marlene, recently asked about a former pet column I had written...so I decided to move ahead with this one...Do stop and visit with the Cabin Cats!

http://journals.aol.com/catsatthecabin/CabinCatCapers/

A Smile, a Giggle...Get Your Grammar Book Out!

Ok, Ok...just take a break! 

My sister sent these words in an email now being sent anonymously across the WWW...

Guess why I'm sharing on this site?

Did I read that sign right?
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT (Naughty-naughty)

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

 Spotted in a safari park:(I sure hope so) ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

                                                            ~~~

Are you smiling?  Enjoying these mistakes!  Guess what?  We see a lot of them! 

Writers, don't depend upon others to pick up basic mistakes on topics of grammar and punctuation that you should know!  Ok, I have a good memory and I remember the rules...if you can't, then get your reference books out and check yourself!  And, remember, a publisher only needs to receive your cover letter and read a few pages...if there are errors, your chances that the individual will continue reading have been greatly reduced!

It's not a crime to not remember what you were taught all those years ago...it IS sad, though, if you want to be an author. Prepare yourself with basic tools!  Remember, nobody knows how many errors you make...unless you don't proofread, proofread, proofread!

And, remember, all of us makes misteaks.  That's where friends can be helpful...find a close one and ask them to read your work before you send it out...and be open to feedback!

 

God Bless!

Another Da Vinci?

I just read Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs. Sunday Times of London called it "A Spirited Rival to The Da Vinci Code...

Since Kathy Reichs is one of my "must-read" authors, I naturally picked up Cross Bones!

(By the way, have you noticed that some books are being shaped differently and are costing more from mainline publishers--this paperback listed for $9.99).

I had not yet read The DaVinci Code although I have it in my e-book library.  Maybe now I'll read it to see how it compared with Reichs.

Actually, I saw no big deal in this book...yes, there were suppositions about Jesus that most Christians will disbelieve immediately.  Actually, though, I have not found it hard or a conflict to read alternative suppositions.  The point is, my faith leads me to "know that I know" that Christ's was indeed the Son of God and that there is no question of doubt about His story.

What I did get from Cross Bones was more information about the time of Christ...and, to me, learning about history through fiction books is a great thing! 

Yes, since the main character for Reichs' books is Dr. Temperance Brennan, we automatically know, as her readers, that there is going to me at least one skeleton in the story.  Now in this one, there were two, one of which Dr. Brennan had a chance to examine and determine that it could not be Jesus.  The other one, though definitely a skeleton of someone who had been crucified, was burned to ashes before it could be further examined.  Yes, both of these were postulated to be Jesus...and, of course, the book closed with an inability to verify that hypothesis.

Hey, I enjoyed the book!  I like reading about the life of Christ, I like to learn about the disputes between different people as to why it would be a problem to this group or that...

But, for those of us who have welcomed His Spirit within our Hearts...He lives today, and everyday...and a crucified skeleton cannot ever change that.  He Lives!

So maybe I'll sit in front of my computer soon and see what the DaVinci "fuss" is all about!  LOL

 

Sooooo...I also just finished a wonderful story called, The Man Within by Ruby Moon-Houldson.  A romance story like no other!  I'll be writing my review soon, so keep posted.  The book will not be published until January, so I'll be mentioning this one again and again!

My next read, interestingly, will be a partial manuscript...and after that will be a nearly 500-page manuscript.  I must admit I'm enjoying reading books before they are published.  If an author is able to trust enough to seek a "critical review," then I find that those efforts are more rewarding as we can help new authors move forward in their careers...

Not every author can trust, though.  I found it interesting and then sad when I started reading a fine, educational self-help book and found problems in the printing as well as a couple of mistakes.  It seems the author had hired a number of individuals to edit and proofread books.

Writers!  Hear this!  When Rainbow's End Publishing Company was still publishing books, we normally had four different individuals, if not more, reading through the books.  It is natural that typographical mistakes are made.  It is also possible for individuals to "miss" some errors when they work.  In fact, this often happens when the individual has no vested interest in the book itself, but is merely proofreading.

I have found that when I review books and am reading for content, I most generally find a few mistakes...Expect this!  Don't Panic!  Wouldn't you rather know what errors are in your book so that you can either work to get them corrected or at least know the extent of the problem.  Well, I tried to do this recently...and the writer got upset...so I stopped that project.  Sometimes you can help...and sometimes, you can't...

 

Boy, my other recent read was a doozy!  Keith Ablow's The Architect is an unforgettable suspense!  Consider his profession, consider his professional need for perfection...and the possibilities...that's all I'm willing to say!  One other thing...don't read it late at night!

Keep Reading!

"The Worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it." --James Bryce

Finally, my latest reading list! Plus More!

So, what are you doing during these hot, muggy days? Here in Book Reader’s Heaven, there’s always a new novel handy to keep me busy and interested—and to forget about the weather!

I’ve just finished reading The Chalet by Susan Lynn and that review will be posted shortly. Also finished are We the People by Adolph Caso and Cold Hit by Stephen J. Cannell. It turned out that I did a short essay rather than reviews on these two books; however, each in its own way, certainly deserve your attention! Since it was combined, check my comments on Amazon under either of the books! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0828320063/sr=1-1/qid=1154877706/ref=sr_1_1/002-4786298-0679269?ie=UTF8&s=books

As always, as an avid reader, I have very few books that are turned away without my reading it...Here's those that caught my attention recently...note that I've added a few symbols as further info (see below for details).  You can see the books are arranged alphabetically for your easy use.  I've tried to write reviews for all my books...but those who ask my help for editing and reading their books keep me fairly busy...LOL... So, I'll just say, pick up--you'll like it!

A Rage in Paradise Ralph Arnote 1997

Against The Wind J. F. Freedman 1992

Always Time to Die Elizabeth Lowell 2006*

Avenger Frederick Forsyth 2003

Before I Wake Anne Frasier 2005

Bones Buried Deep Max Allan Collins 2006

Born to be Wild Catherine Coulter 2006*

Breaker’s Reef (Cape Refuge Series) Terri Blackstock 2005*#

Cape Refuge Terri Blackstock 2002*#

Cat in a Neon Nightmare Carole Nelson Douglas 2003*

Charity Len Deighton 1996

Cold Service! Robert B. Parker 2006*

Dead End Mariah Stewart 2005*

Devil’s Corner Lisa Scottoline 2006

Faithless! Karin Slaughter 2005

Familiar Escape Caroline Burnes 2006

Finding Anna Christine Schaub 2005

Fire Sale Sara Paretsky 2006*

For All the Right Reasons Elaine Coffman 1991

Fox River Emilie Richards 2001

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! J. K. Rowling 2005

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! J. K. Rowling 2003*

Houses of Stone Barbara Michaels 1993*

Killing Time! Linda Howard 2006*

Lady Thief KayHooper ` 2006*

Last Witness Jilliane Hoffman 2005

Memory in Death J. D. Robb 2006*

Moonlight on the Millpond Lori Wick 2005#

Night Sins! Tami Hoag 2006

Play Dead Anne Frasier 2004

Pursuit Thomas Perry 2001

Rage Jonathan Kellerman 2005*

Retribution Jilliane Hoffman 2004

River’s Edge (Cape Refuge Series Terri Blackstock 2004*#

Scent of Roses Kat Martin 2006

Shadows Edna Buchanan 2006*

Southern Storm (Cape Refuge Series) Terri Blackstock 2003*#

Storm Winds! Iris Johansen 2002

Straight Into Darkness! Faye Kellerman 2005

Street Dreams Faye Kellerman 2003*

Suspicion of Rage Barbara Parker 2006

The Court of Three Sisters! Marianne Willman 1994

The Witness Dee Henderson 2006*#

The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell Lilian Jackson Braun 2006*

The Cat Who Talked Turkey Lilian Jackson Braun 2004

The Closers! Michael Connelly 2006*

The Long Road Home ! Danielle Steel 1998

The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett 1911@

The Secret of the Old Mill Franklin W. Dixon 1927@

The Shaman’s Bones! James D. Doss 1998

The Wind Dancer! Iris Johansen 2002

Trial by Ice and Fire! Clinton McKinzie 2003

Under Lock and Key Sylvie Kurtz 2003

Mary Mary! James Patterson 2005*

____! after title means Wow!  I really enjoyed this one; *means that this was written by one of my "short-list" of must-read authors; # denotes Christian novels; @reprints of older books (although others might be reprinted as well, those were done by the involved authors)

Note that I wish I knew how to create a better organized blog--but, gee, that would mean that I would have to stop reading in order to learn some new process...which do you think I've chosen!  LOL

Until next time...Happy Reading!