Bergers Book Reviews

Terratorva


Author: Laura Rotter
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Children / Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-4490-3092-6
Pages: 30
Price: $12.99

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Wix, the cat, can talk, and he’s from another planet. Terratorva needs help, and Dan, Sarah, and Sean have to save it. When Wix leads them through the portal to another world, they have no idea what awaits them.

Evil dragons threaten to take over the whole planet, but the Rimoras are in hiding, hoping for someone to come and rescue them. The three kids come up with an idea, and set off with Wix to put the plan in action. But if they’re not successful, they may perish along with the Rimoras.

This novel shows some imagination in some of the beings the kids encounter. But there are several things that didn’t work for me. The story isn’t told from any one character’s point of view, and the three kids never develop distinct personalities. The book is short and the plot isn’t very well developed, either. The scenes progress quickly, with no sense of the impending danger or relief at escape. And the typeface may look cool, but it’s a little hard on the eyes – especially for children who may have difficulty reading.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 30, 2010 Posted by Alice | children, science-fiction | Leave a Comment

The Greenzys


Author: Danielle Mentzer
Illustrator: Cris De Lara
Publisher: DK Publishing
Genre: Children / Nature
ISBN: 978-0-7566-6911-9
Pages: 44
Price: $17.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

An old pine tree named Orinda is suffering from the pollution of the nearby river. Her only hope of a legacy is her last pine cone. But Grimy has stolen it. In a last tearful effort, Orinda reaches out her branches to the animals of the planet for help.

Coming from all over the world, the animals rush in to save her. And as they commit to stopping Grimy and his dirty habits, their fur becomes green. They’ve become the Greenzys. Grimy is the symbol of all those who choose to pollute the environment, through negligent trash disposal and failure to recycle. And the Greenzys are the hope for Earth’s future.

In The Greenzys, kids will see why it’s important to protect our environment from those who want to do it harm. This cute story shows us how to be environmentally conscious in a way kids can relate, and the beautiful illustrations by Cris De Lara enhance this green message.

The book is printed in an eco-friendly manner, and a portion of the proceeds from book sales benefits the Environmental Media Association. And in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, for every Greenzys book purchase made between April 5 and December 31, 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in our nation’s forests.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 29, 2010 Posted by Alice | children, nature | Leave a Comment

Bigger Damner Book of Sheer Manliness


Author: von Hoffmann Brothers
Publisher: QNY
Genre: Men / Humor
ISBN: 978-0843-717846
Pages: 256
Price: $29.99

Buy it at Amazon

Men’s tastes are different from women’s, and the von Hoffmann brothers know it. So to celebrate men and the things men like, they created a compilation just for men.

This wonderful coffee table book covers a century of men’s interests, grouped into categories. These include sports like boxing, racing, football, and the world’s strongest man contest. Movies feature strong male characters and heroes, as well as their sexy leading ladies. Hobbies like gambling, fishing, smoking cigars, and drinking – and even pumpkin launching trebuchets – are all in this volume.

Check out some of these classic movies. Try a cocktail or chili recipe. Laugh at the Darwin Award winner, or offer tribute to man’s best friend, the dog. Whatever your taste, if you’re looking for a real man’s book, Bigger Damner Book of Sheer Manliness is the perfect addition to your collection.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 27, 2010 Posted by Alice | humor, men | Leave a Comment

Fragile


Author: Chris Katsaropoulos
Publisher: Luminis Books
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-935462-27-9
Pages: 212
Price: $14.95

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Amelia Geist fell in love as a teenager, and has chosen to remain a virgin in honor of that love. Now an old woman, she pines for the man who left her so many years ago.

Tris Holloway, the man Amelia loved, is caught in an unhappy marriage and is nearing retirement. As he contemplates the years of his life, he can’t help but reflect on the innocent beauty of his time with Amelia.

Holly Schenck, a single mom and hairdresser, meets Amelia just before the older woman’s 50-year high school reunion. As she fixes Amelia’s hair for the event, she schemes to let this stranger babysit her girls so she can have another late night tryst with her bartender lover.

In Fragile, Katsaropolous weaves together these three lives. Using broken sentence fragments to lead the reader from one point of view to another, we see all three fragile beings trying to survive. As each is caught up in his or her own pain, the pain is somehow shared by the others, through the web of humanity.

In reading Fragile, it’s hard not to identify with the broken parts of our own lives. We see deeply into the lives of these three characters, through their thoughts and words. But somehow this web becomes twisted, as strange decisions are made and lives go in unexpected directions. Many unanswered questions remain at the end, as in life and death. But through it all, hope remains for a brighter future.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 23, 2010 Posted by Alice | literary | Leave a Comment

How to Thrive in Changing Times


Author: Sandra Ingerman
Publisher: Weiser Books
Genre: Spirituality / Nature / Health
ISBN: 978-1-57863-466-8
Pages: 176
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

As our world changes at an ever more rapid pace, thriving sometimes feels like an insurmountable challenge. Sandra Ingerman believes it’s a lot easier than we think, but first we need to know what to do, both as individuals and as a community.

Spiritual masters over the years have taught that our thoughts determine our lives. Now we also know that these thoughts can even affect the environment around us. And if we can get together as a group, these healing thoughts are even more powerful.

How do we do this? Ingerman provides rituals and exercises designed to bring about positive changes in our lives and in the world. These can be done alone or in a group setting.

How to Thrive in Changing Times reminds us that we have the ability to do so much more than we believe. We may be the limiting force in our lives, but we can change our thoughts and the outcomes of those thoughts. And in changing ourselves, we can help to change the world.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 21, 2010 Posted by Alice | health, nature, spirituality | Leave a Comment

Black Dog, Brown Dog


Author: Nina & Derek Zaragoza
Illustrator: Tominda Adkins
Publisher: Creative Curriculum Connections Publications
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 978-0-98432-408-8
Pages: 24
Price: $11.99

Author’s website
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Tasha and Lady are Labrador retrievers. Tasha is black, Lady is brown, and both dogs have their own distinct personalities.

Tasha is neat. She has nice manners and comes when called. But Lady likes the mud and wants to do as she pleases. Both dogs are loved by their owners, even though their temperaments are so different.

Black Dog, Brown Dog shares the differences between these two Labs in contrasting pages. But even though children love dogs and will readily pick this book up, it doesn’t have enough of a plot to hold their attention for long. The illustrations are very simple in neutral colors, and don’t add any additional dimension to the story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 10, 2010 Posted by Alice | children, dogs | Leave a Comment

The World


Publisher: Hammond
Genre: Atlas
ISBN: 978-0843-709094
Pages: 288
Price: $19.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

If you wanted to explore the world, you’d pull out your trusty atlas for guidance. And there is none better to reach for than one created by Hammond, the leader in maps.

The World is up-to-date as of 2009. This imitation leather travel guide is broken down into sections by continent. Within these sections, each country is shown with major cities labeled. The United States, Canada and Mexico are also shown at the state and province levels. In addition to these maps, the reader will find suggestions of places to explore, and a little history is also included.

Discover, explore and experience the world with Hammond. Maybe you’re only traveling in your armchair, or you’re planning to see some of these recommended sights in person. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this quality atlas.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

July 6, 2010 Posted by Alice | atlas, travel | Leave a Comment

The Forever Friends Club


Author: Sue Gainor & Sarah P. Gibson
Illustrator: Miranda R. Mueller
Publisher: DRT Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1933084-02-2
Pages: 48
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Sam is thrilled when three new kids move to his street. Madison, Nick, and Isabel all become fast friends, and the four play together every afternoon. But one day Sam’s new friends decide to form a club – the adopted club.

Only trouble is, Sam is the only one who wasn’t adopted. He lives with his birth parents, and he feels left out of the club. But Madison, Nick and Isabel have a plan for Sam – a plan to adopt him as a member.

In The Forever Friends Club, Sue Gainor and Sarah P. Gibson offer a new twist on adoption. Sometimes adopted kids can feel awkward around kids who live with their birth parents, but in this story, Sam is the one who feels like he doesn’t belong. As family structures change and evolve, it’s important for all children to feel accepted. And in this story, being adopted – by their parents and by each other – is what makes them all special.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

June 30, 2010 Posted by Alice | children | Leave a Comment

Saved By Her Enemy


Author: Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak
Publisher: Howard Books
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5910-1
Pages: 321
Price: $24.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Don Teague, former news correspondent for NBC, was sent to Kuwait, just after 9-11. In his first visit, he spent several months traveling in and out of Iraq, reporting on items of interest. When he reached the end of his tenure there, he returned home, happy to be alive. But NBC still needed him to go back, and this time it would be to Baghdad.

Rafraf Barrak grew up in Baghdad with a strong nationalistic pride in her country, and a respectful fear of Saddam Hussein. She despised the Americans who had invaded, and thought they humiliated Iraq. But Rafraf spoke very good English, and she decided to put aside her prejudices and take a job as translator for NBC, when she was offered it. But then she found herself a target when Iraqi insurgents determined she was working for the enemy.

After one incident where both Don and Rafraf were nearly killed in a school explosion, Don decided he needed to get Rafraf out of Iraq. But this would prove more challenging than he initially expected, and keeping her in America would be even more difficult. But would Rafraf adjust to life in the US after so many years of repression in Iraq?

In Saved By Her Enemy, Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak tell their stories. Rafraf shares her experiences in Iraq, leading up to her decision to come to America, and how she ultimately converts to Christianity. Don explains how he knew God led him back to Iraq on that second tour of duty with NBC for the sole purpose of rescuing Rafraf and bringing her home with him.

Both Don and Rafraf are wonderful story tellers, and the backdrop of violence and fear in Iraq come alive for the reader. It’s easy to understand why Don felt protective of this intelligent and unique Iraqi woman, and why he would be willing to put himself out to ensure her survival. And Rafraf is strong and courageous in the face of unknown terrors.

We may never know what good things God has planned for our lives, when we leave ourselves open to His leading. Don followed the direction he knew he had been given, and was able to save Rafraf – both in body and soul. If you’re looking for an inspirational read with a great message and a happy ending, I highly recommend Saved By Her Enemy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

June 24, 2010 Posted by Alice | Christian, memoir | Leave a Comment

The Clumsy Stork


Author: Celina Penovi
Illustrator: Lucas Penovi Orjales
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Children / Bilingual
ISBN: 978-1-4490-2746-9
Pages: 32
Price: $17.50

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The stork has stayed out too late partying, but duty calls and he must bring three babies to their new homes. So he gets ready to go out and makes his first two stops. But then he rationalizes he has only one more baby to drop off and he has all day to do it. When he naps longer than he wants to, he suddenly has to rush to deliver his last little bundle of joy.

The Clumsy Stork is written in rhyme, in both Spanish and English. My high school Spanish is rusty at best, so I am not able to comment on how well it’s written, but it’s clear from the English section that Spanish is the author’s first language. Some of the phrases are “backwards” from an English speaker’s perspective, such as “a trip really long.” And the wording is awkward, in trying to force rhymes where they may not be any.

The illustrations are amusing, and the premise of a stork nearly missing his delivery is humorous. Kids will probably laugh at his near-disaster, knowing it would have been prevented if he hadn’t dawdled. And if they read along with the language that’s foreign to them, they’ll get to learn something new.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

June 22, 2010 Posted by Alice | bilingual, children, poetry | Leave a Comment

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