Postcards from the Boys by Ringo Starr

April 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Postcards from the Boys by Ringo Starr
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Whenever John, Paul, or George went on a trip, they would send Ringo a postcard. Now, for the first time, Ringo Starr is opening his private archive to share this delightful and very intimate correspondence. Whether it’s John advising Ringo to record a “great & simple” song like Blondie’s Heart of Glass, Paul and Jane Asher dropping a note from Rishikesh to report on their meditation lessons with the Maharishi, or George writing from the Great Barrier Reef to confirm plans for Christmas dinner, each postcard is a warm and personal snapshot of life in (and after) The Beatles. The 51 postcards — many of which are covered in whimsical drawings — are colorfully reproduced, both front and back. Ringo’s droll commentary fills in the blanks, though he does confess that at times he had to consult the Internet for details! Often funny, occasionally bittersweet, and always revealing, Postcards from the Boys is a must for Beatles lovers.

Ringo and his mail. How can you go wrong?

I’ve mentioned before that I love the Beatles and I have a soft spot for Ringo Star. Want to know why? He’s a riot. I love his sense of humor and it shines through in the stories to go along with these postcards.

These are all postcards sent to him from George, Paul and John. It’s kind of neat to see how they took on the task of writing to him. It’s definitely chatter among friends, but I enjoyed Paul’s little drawings, John’s sometimes nonsensical writings and George being more than the quiet Beatle. He’s quite funny, too. There is a variety of images and witty little stories to go with the images.

This is a must for Beatle fans and those of Ringo Starr. This is sort of a peek behind the curtain kind of book, so be sure to check it out!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Man Called Teacher by David Poulsen

April 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Man Called Teacher by David Poulsen
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Genre: Historical, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

One man. One town. One almost forgotten crime. When the stranger who has answered the ad for the teaching position at Kecking Horse School climbs down from the stage on a sleepy Montana afternoon, things are about to change.

With Virgil Watt, cowboy, horse-breaker and the first black man in the history of the town by his side, the stranger quickly upsets the tranquility of the town’s leading citizens, administers a vicious beating to a couple of the town’s toughs and sets out to avenge a long neglected wrong. A reader of books, a lover of laughter, a lawman/lawbreaker with a .44 strapped to his leg–he is the man called Teacher.

This is really an easy and quick read. It was quick because I just couldn’t seem to put it down. I love westerns and this was a good entry into the genre. It’s a story told by what I first pictured as a rancher on the porch. A grizzled old rancher. As I got into the story, I realized the POV of the story (my narrator) was coming from a man who lived with his mama and worked in the general store, one of the few stores that exist in Kecking Horse. I’ll call my storekeeper the man from Kecking Horse because if the author ever actually had anyone call him by name, I can’t remember it.

There are a lot of good old stories like this and it’s true I enjoy them all. But this one’s a little different. The narrator of the story seems as if he’s right on the porch with you recalling something that happened in his life. The plot of the story is somewhat different as teachers usually weren’t tough guys back in the days of the old west. Teachers were usually women and not the ones carrying the guns. There is also some humor in this story. There would have to be in a town called Kecking Horse. A town named only because someone couldn’t spell. But the ability to keep the reader so drawn to the story must be in the writing. The same writing that made Teacher and the man from Kecking Horse seem real. Made the man from Kecking Horse’s narration help you see the characters and walk back through his life.

David Poulsen has several other books published. Check them out.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Photograph by Ringo Starr

April 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Photograph by Ringo Starr
Publisher: Genesis Publications
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From behind the drums to behind the lens, in PHOTOGRAPH Ringo Starr opens his archives to share memories of his childhood, The Beatles and beyond.

Rare and unseen photographs taken by Ringo, with others reproduced from his family albums, are showcased here for fans of The Beatles and anyone passionate about modern music. Accompanied by Ringo’s original manuscript of over 15,000 words, PHOTOGRAPH gives unprecedented insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest musicians.

From Pwllheli to Delhi, obscurity to superstardom, join Ringo on his travels in his photographic memoir.

Photographs by and of Ringo Starr…with his explanations. Oh my!

I love the Beatles, so it wasn’t a hardship to read this book. It’s delightful the little stories given with the photographs. I love that it’s like listening to a friend discuss holiday photos. There are some he doesn’t remember, some he does and some that are just zany. There are some seen a few times images, but many behind the scenes and never before seen ones, too.

The writing flows well, but this is truly a photographic memoir. It’s cool to see how Ringo Starr changed and matured through the photographs. It’s like a diary in photos.

If you like the Beatles, Ringo and rock & roll, then this is one to check out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss

April 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Economics, Business
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

Teach your kids about business and economics in a fun, meaningful way and inspire them to be entrepreneurs. Millions of Americans are small business owners or work at companies, yet there are not many books that explain to kids what business is about, the way there are books for kids about being a firefighter, farmer or astronaut. Beyond basic business concepts, KidVenture shows that character matters in business. The ability to persevere when there are setbacks and being someone who is trustworthy are key ingredients of success.

In Twelve Weeks To Midnight Blue,Chance Sterling launches a pool cleaning business over the summer. Join Chance as he looks for new customers, discovers how much to charge them, takes on a business partner, recruits an employee, deals with difficult clients, and figures out how to make a profit. He has twelve weeks to reach his goal. Will he make it? Only if he takes some chances.

KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.

The synopsis of this book tells you much of what this book might be about. However, I think I can tell you what this book seemed like to a “grown-up”. One like me I suppose. I think this is reading for a 10- to 14-year-old depending on their reading skills. Although there is a theme of learning to manage and understand money, there is also a story here. Making it flow. Making it read like a story about a boy and his family and friends. This is not a textbook. It might accomplish more than a textbook, but it doesn’t have that somewhat dry academic type of flow. The POV is always from Chance, the kid who wants a new bike and wants to find a way to buy it. I think this kid’s perspective is what it needs to hold the attention of middle grade or young YA readers.

While this is well-written and easy to read, there is something it accomplishes much more than merely learning about money, or math, or business. It provides numerous opportunities for conversation between parents and children. Short sentences like “What would you do?” “What would be the benefits?” leave open doors for discussion. What is a short 128 page book, can be shaped in many ways.

No wonder Steve Searfoss is such a successful entrepreneur. It takes the ability to communicate on many subjects to many ages, and he seems to be able to do so. I hope more KidVenture books are forthcoming.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig

March 30, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig
Publisher: William & Morrow
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among Smith’s Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit.

Four months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money, supplies, and good intentions—all of which immediately go astray. The chateau that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.

Despite constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid—and hope—to the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of the Unit.

With the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull together and be truly a band of sisters?

A war, women and danger…it’s all in this book.

I’ve never read anything by Lauren Willig before this book and I’m glad I rectified that. This was an interesting book. It’s not for everyone, in that it describes war times and could be a trigger for some readers, but honestly, it’s a fascinating read.

The plot moves along well and kept my attention. I rooted for these women. They’re in a difficult place trying to make the world better, in their own little fashion. I liked the variety of characters, despite the fact that there are a lot of characters and it can be a little confusing trying to keep them all straight. Still, the story plugs along just fine and kept me interested.

There is a lot of description about war and the destruction that comes with it. As I’ve noted, this might be a trigger for some readers, as there is mention of injury, death and the death of children. Read with caution, but do let the story take you away.

If you’re interested in a book that’s a good mix of history, war and a little bit of romance, then this might be the book you’re looking for.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West

March 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West
Publisher: Open Road Media
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families.

J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.

J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.

What a glimpse into the world of the White House.

First, I have to say this isn’t a political book. It’s got the words White House in it and First Lady, but honestly, it’s not a political book. It’s about the women who ruled the White House, no politics involved. I have to also admit right off that it’s the end of FDR’s presidency through the beginning of Nixon’s presidency. It’s dated. It’s long before my time and can come across as old. But it’s also a snapshot into the lives of these people.

The writing is somewhat simplistic, but oddly, it worked. The book was originally published in 1973 and the author is dead, but that didn’t bother me while reading. I enjoyed the sneak peeks into the lives of these ladies. There isn’t much about the presidents, but more of the first ladies, as the title states. Yes, there is a lot about how the ladies decorated, but it’s of the time. The ladies of the era the author worked in weren’t concerned with social causes, per se. Their domain was making the White House a home for them and their children. That’s not to say they didn’t have causes, but if there seems to be a big chunk of description on the decor and furnishings–that’s why.

I rather liked learning about the presidents as people through the eyes of the author and the first ladies. I loved that Johnson had dogs named simply Him and Her. It’s cute. Or that Eisenhower loved watching westerns and that the staff had to hunt down new ones because he’d seen the rest at least a half dozen times. It made them seem more like people than simply names in a book.

If you’re looking for a book that’s an easy read, engrossing, but somewhat tedious at times (the descriptions of the decor can get tiresome), yet a book where you’re going to learn about the presidents and first ladies, then this might be the book for you. I enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Tumor by John Grisham

March 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Tumor: A Non-Legal Thriller by John Grisham
Publisher: Focused Ultrasound Foundation
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

John Grisham says THE TUMOR is the most important book he has ever written. In this short book, he provides readers with a fictional account of how a real, new medical technology could revolutionize the future of medicine by curing with sound.

THE TUMOR follows the present day experience of the fictional patient Paul, an otherwise healthy 35-year-old father who is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Grisham takes readers through a detailed account of Paul’s treatment and his family’s experience that doesn’t end as we would hope. Grisham then explores an alternate future, where Paul is diagnosed with the same brain tumor at the same age, but in the year 2025, when a treatment called focused ultrasound is able to extend his life expectancy.

Focused ultrasound has the potential to treat not just brain tumors, but many other disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer.

For more information, you can visit The Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s website. Here you will find a video of Grisham on the TEDx stage with the Foundation’s chairman and a Parkinson’s patient who brings the audience to its feet sharing her incredible story of a focused ultrasound “miracle.”

Readers will get a taste of the narrative they expect from Grisham, but this short book will also educate and inspire people to be hopeful about the future of medical innovation.

The name John Grisham is sure to catch eyes; however, this work, The Tumor, is completely unrelated to his previous books. Grisham states that this is his most important work. He presents the case of a family man born in 1980 who develops brain cancer, and his story is a sad one. Next, Grisham rewinds the tale in a fascinating way and asks the question, What if this man had been born ten years later?

In a form of reimagined history, he goes through this man’s altered history, one that is brighter due to his updated birth year. How is this so? Well, a new medical procedure is available to this man of a later generation: focused ultrasound.

This medical technology is real. Grisham offers this story to give patients hope. He explains through the use of a fictional man’s story how his life would change through the use of the new technology. He would live longer, his ordeal in the hospital would be quicker and easier, and he would save a lot of money.

This is a quick story but an interesting one. It is bringing to light a new medical breakthrough that people could ask their doctors about.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

March 17, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics is a landmark celebration of the remarkable life and career of a country music and pop culture legend.

As told by Dolly Parton in her own inimitable words, explore the songs that have defined her journey. Illustrated throughout with previously unpublished images from Dolly Parton’s personal and business archives.

Mining over 60 years of songwriting, Dolly Parton highlights 175 of her songs and brings readers behind the lyrics.

• Packed with never-before-seen photographs and classic memorabilia
• Explores personal stories, candid insights, and myriad memories behind the songs

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics reveals the stories and memories that have made Dolly a beloved icon across generations, genders, and social and international boundaries.

Containing rare photos and memorabilia from Parton’s archives, this book is a show-stopping must-have for every Dolly Parton fan.

• Learn the history behind classic Parton songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more.
• The perfect gift for Dolly Parton fans (everyone loves Dolly!) as well as lovers of music history and country.

Dolly can do anything, but she’s one heck of a story teller.

I love Dolly Parton and when I saw this book had come out, I had to grab it. I’m glad I did. This is Dolly talking about her songs and the stories behind them. She doesn’t hold back, either. I loved how she gets right into the thick of the stories and explains why she wrote the songs she did. I liked how she talked about the different parts of her life, too. She talks about her husband, her life and how she put in the work to get where she did.

The writing flows well and it’s believable. It’s like reading conversations with a friend. Plus, there are photos of her gowns and other memorabilia that goes with the stories. I liked how she talked about why she wore what she did and where her mind was at the time she wrote the songs. She’s not always easy on herself and not always mean towards those she dislikes. She’s telling stories through those songs and it shines.

If you’re looking for something that’s a must for Dolly Fans, then this is the book you should pick up. Recommended.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Careless Whiskers by Miranda James

March 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Careless Whiskers by Miranda James
A Cat in the Stacks Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When librarian Charlie Harris’ daughter is falsely accused of murder, he and his faithful feline Diesel must leap forward to crack the case in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling series.

Charlie Harris has sworn off investigating murder and mayhem after a recent close call. Instead, he’s delighted to cheer on his daughter, Laura, who’s starring in a production of Careless Whispers. The theater department at Athena College is debuting the play written by a fledgling playwright with local connections and Charlie’s son-in-law, Frank Salisbury, will be calling the directorial shots.

Laura is upset to learn that Luke Lombardi, an overbearing actor she knew from her time in Hollywood will also be taking part in the production as a guest artist. Lombardi arrives with an entourage in tow and promptly proceeds to annoy everyone involved with the production. When he collapses and dies on stage, after drinking from a glass Laura handed him, she becomes the chief suspect in his murder.

Charlie knows his daughter is innocent, and he’s not going to let anyone railroad his little girl. So, despite his intentions to put his amateur sleuthing days behind him, Charlie has to take center stage, and with Diesel’s help, shine a spotlight on the real killer.

There’s a murderer on the stage and Charlie’s intent on saving the day!

I like the Cat in the Stacks mysteries. They’re comfort food in book form. The writing is good and drew me right in, plus there are cats. The pacing was a little uneven at times, but I could overlook it because I wanted to know what happened.

Charlie is a sweet older man. I’m not entirely sure how old he is, other than he’s a widower and has an adult child, but I never really got a good picture of him. I did get a great picture of his cats, Ramses and Diesel. I’d love to live somewhere that allows cats that readily around town. Then again, I’d love a Ramses and Diesel of my own, as these cats literally follow him everywhere like a pair of dogs. I’ve never had a cat that would listen to commands and wasn’t so headstrong that commands didn’t mean anything. These cats are different. Then again, this is fiction, so it’s okay.

The mystery is interesting and I had no idea whodunit. I had to read through and it was quicker pacing near the end when the ending is revealed. I did like that the story picked up that way. I do have to admit I got a bit tired of the various meals Charlie ate, but again, it could be overlooked because the mystery was interesting.

If you’re looking for a comfort style story, something to pass an afternoon and that involves cats, then this might be the one for you.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Do No Harm by Christina McDonald

March 4, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Do No Harm by Christina McDonald
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Emma loves her life. She’s the mother of a precocious kindergartener, married to her soulmate—a loyal and loving police detective—and has a rewarding career as a doctor at the local hospital.

But everything comes crashing down when her son, Josh, is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Determined to save him, Emma makes the risky decision to sell opioids to fund the life-saving treatment he needs. But when somebody ends up dead, a lethal game of cat and mouse ensues, her own husband leading the chase. With her son’s life hanging in the balance, Emma is dragged into the dark world of drugs, lies, and murder. Will the truth catch up to her before she can save Josh?

How far would you go to save your child? Would you give up your integrity, everything to do this? Emma is a doctor, happily married and with a beautiful little boy. Emma and her detective husband, Nate, and their little boy, Josh, are struggling financially but are still content with their lives. Then they get horrible news: Josh has cancer, and his best chance of survival depends on a new, experimental procedure with highly good results. Unfortunately, the cost is prohibitively high, beyond their means.

Nate decides to crack a case so he could get a promotion to be better able to pay the escalating hospital bills. The trouble is that he must investigate Emma’s brother and try to bring down a drug ring in their town. Many people have been dying from overdoses. He is a complex character and extremely likeable. He has must face demons from his past as he tries to solve the case facing him.

Emma is great—at first. She is a desperate mom who will do anything to save her child. How does one go about getting a large sum of money in a short time? She enters a world she thought she never would and becomes darker in the process. She constantly faces hard decisions and does despicable things, for a good cause—to save her child. However, does the end justify the means? That is the big question, the point of the book. Her character is well drawn as well, and her demons from the past are even greater than Nate’s. By the end, readers will either understand her decisions or hate her. The secondary characters are described enough so that we understand even their motivations.

Tension constantly builds in this nail-biting drama. Emma tries to keep her activities away from her husband, and it is getting ever more difficult.

Other themes come into play: family, friendship, right versus wrong, health care, and addiction. These themes are treated with sensitivity and respect and offer readers much to think about. The decisions are complex, for all the major characters.

Christina McDonald has done a great job writing an entertaining book while giving it depth. I recommend this book for those who want a page turner with substance.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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