Month: October 2010

adventure, tween

The Silent Sphinx

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Michael Khort
Publisher: Excursion Press
Genre: Adventure
ISBN: 978-0982632505
Pages: 244
Price: $9.49

Buy it at Amazon

Robby is on a field trip with his fifth-grade class when he sees the black sphinx for the first time. Along with his teacher, Mr. Reynolds, they talk to a mysterious stranger, who has sinister plans for them. They soon find themselves on a journey to Egypt, in search of the lost tomb of the pharaoh Setmesses.

Mr. Reynolds holds an important clue the Greek smuggler, Straticus, has been looking for all his life. Now the teacher and student are key players in this dangerous quest. Can they find the missing tomb before Straticus determines they’re irrelevant and decides to eliminate them?

As an avid student of ancient Egypt, I was fascinated by the turn of events in this story, leading to this unknown tomb. It’s always fun to imagine how it would feel to make such a discovery, and this aspect of the story didn’t disappoint. But I did have questions about why Straticus would decide to take these two people with him. It seems it would have been simpler to just steal the necessary fragment from Mr. Reynolds and go without them.

While the fast-paced adventure and fascinating discovery in The Silent Sphinx would appeal to a reader of Robby’s age, Robby himself was not a very admirable character. He played such a small part in the story, being more of a spectator than a participant, and he showed very little courage. Kids prefer to read about strong main characters who become major players in adventure, not just sitting on the sidelines watching the adults handle things for them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

classics, holiday

Christmas Classics (Graphic Classics Vol. 19)

Bergers Book Reviews


Editor: Tom Pomplun
Illustrators: Anton Emdin, Micah Farritor, Florence Cestac, Hunt Emerson, Cynthia Martin, Evert Geradts, Simon Gane, Rick Geary
Publisher: Eureka Productions
Genre: Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9825630-1-4
Pages: 144
Price $17.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Stories included in this volume:
A Letter From Santa Claus by Mark Twain
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Chaparral Christmas Gift by O. Henry
The Strategy of the Werewolf Dog by Willa Cather
A Luckless Santa Claus by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Wondersmith by Fitz-James O’Brien

As Christmas approaches, what better way is there to get in the holiday mood than by reading some of the classics? If Christmas tends to bring out your darker side, you’ll enjoy the stories included in this volume.

In the opening letter from Mark Twain to his daughter, she is warned that if George doesn’t follow certain specific instructions, “he will die someday.” The Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, then sets the stage for some of these unusual and sinister seasonal tales. A werewolf dog tries to sabotage Christmas by leading Santa’s reindeer astray, a western villain tries to leave a “Christmas present” for his love but has second thoughts, and the Wondersmith’s plans go very much awry.

These seasonal classics are richly illustrated by several talented artists. The use of color is especially unique in The Strategy of the Werewolf Dog, and Jacob Marley’s ghost is quite scary in A Christmas Carol.

Enjoy these classics by a fire with a warm cup of cocoa on Christmas Eve. And once you’re snug in your bed waiting for Santa to arrive, remember to wish everyone, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Reviewer: Alice Berger

cats, children

Purrsnikitty

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kathy Brodsky
Illustrator: Cameron Bennett
Publisher: Helpingwords
Genre: Children / Cats
ISBN: 978-0-578-05059-1
Pages: 40
Price: $19.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Purrsnikitty has been chosen from the shelter as the new family cat.  Now’s she’s moved into her new home and settles in quickly. Fully confident in her charms, she does whatever she pleases, sometimes to her new family’s dismay. But when someone new joins the household, Kitty is not happy. What on earth were they thinking, getting a dog? But maybe – just maybe – this new dog isn’t so bad after all.

Told in rhyme, this book shows us all the joys of sharing a home with a cat. Cute illustrations bring this story alive, as children can join in Purrsnikitty’s adventures. Cat owners and kids will appreciate her sometimes destructive antics, while understanding why her family loves her anyway. The last two pages include conversation starter questions about cats and family. Purrsnikitty is a fun read for all ages.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Amish fiction, Christian

The Courtship of Nellie Fisher

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0310-7 / 978-0-7642-0311-4 / 978-0-7642-0312-1
Pages: 352
Price: $13.99

Author’s website
Buy them at Amazon:
The Parting
The Forbidden
The Longing

At seventeen years old, Nellie Mae Fisher is at the courting age, and has her sights on a beau. Caleb Yoder is just the man Nellie Mae wants to get to know better, and she’s pleased when he invites her to go riding after Sunday Singing. But her heart is still heavy after losing her sister Suzy just a few months prior, and she’s consumed with knowing what happened to her before she died.

When the Old Order church is split, Caleb and Nellie Mae find themselves caught in the crossfire, and their relationship is sorely threatened. Can their love persist, or will Nellie lose her heart to the new man who declares his interest? Decisions must be made by all, and not only on whether or not to join the New Order church. Nellie’s dearest friend wonders if adopting another woman’s child is the answer to her barrenness. And her sister Rhoda uses her time of Rumschpringe to decide if she wants to stay Amish or go out into the world.

This was the first Amish fiction series I’ve read, and I have to admit I finished these three books in about a week. This story really pulled me in and I felt such a part of the Honey Brook community where it takes place. While the story is centered on Nellie Mae and Caleb, we also learn so much about the Fisher family and their relatives and friends. I simply couldn’t put these books down. I’m really looking forward to reading other Amish fiction by Beverly Lewis. If they’re as good as this series, I’m in for a real treat.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

spirituality

Shamanic Meditations

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sandra Ingerman
Publisher: Sounds True
Genre: Spirituality
Format: 2-CD set
Price: $19.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

In certain cultures, shamanic journeying is a normal part of ritual life. While certain people seem to have more of a knack for receiving messages and interpreting them, all can experience meaningful journeys. In Shamanic Meditations Sandra Ingerman explains the shamanic process and guides the listener on his own journeys.

There are three main worlds that can be journeyed into – the Lower World, the Middle World, and the Upper World. Depending on the type of journey you are looking for, you can choose where you want to go. These CDs will guide you to each of the three worlds. Ingerman helps the listener to relax and put himself into the mindset of a successful journey, and then guides him to the world he’s chosen. Rhythmic music accompanies her voice, lulling the listener into a more relaxed and open state. At the end of the journey, the rhythm speeds up and becomes louder, “waking” the listener so he can return to this world.

Allowing yourself to journey in this way will bring you to meet your helping spirits – power animals and spirit teachers who can lead and guide you in your life. You may receive clear messages about a decision you need to make or an insight about an action you need to take. Or you may simply return more centered and grounded than when you began your journey. Whatever happens, it’s always for your highest good.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration, non-fiction

On Admiration

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: W.D. Wetherell
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Genre: Non-fiction / inspiration
ISBN: 978-1-61608-071-6
Pages: 208
Price $14.95

Buy it at Amazon

Today’s media sensations dazzle us with their talent, but do their lives bear emulating? While we can appreciate what they do in front of the camera, it may be hard to admire what they do in private. W.D. Wetherell has spent a lifetime watching others and formulating his opinions on why he admires certain people, and he shares them in this book.

Beginning in his youth, Wetherell has been making determinations about folks in the limelight. On Admiration takes us on a journey through his own life story, looking at some of these people. Writers, singers, athletes, cartoonists, and others have been influential, and he shares a little about each and the impact they had on him.

Rather than biographical sketches, we’re given only the information that was important to Wetherell. What he saw may not have been what the camera picked up, or what the critics pointed out, but these people demonstrated something that touched him in a deep way. And in writing this book, he shares about himself and his own hopes and dreams in learning from them.

On Admiration isn’t about today’s pop culture icons, but goes deeper than TV and movie talent. Instead it touches the heart and soul of art, as it used to be. If you’re looking for folks to emulate, you can’t help but be inspired by the list Wetherell has given us in this book, and maybe you’ll find some of your own heroes along the way.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy, teen

The Time Traveller’s Assistant

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Ian O’Neill
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Teen / Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-4490-7173-8
Pages: 152
Price: $11.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Jimmy First isn’t thrilled when his mum arranges a part-time job working for Henry Crumble on Saturdays. His right arm is disabled by cerebral palsy, making it difficult for him to handle the small work on watches and clocks that his new job demands. But Henry is kind and treats Jimmy with respect, unlike the bullies who torment him.

One day Jimmy discovers Henry has a secret, and ends up on a journey through time to discover his destiny. Will Jimmy be able to return from the future, to live the life he now knows he’s meant to enjoy?

The Time Traveller’s Assistant pulls us into Jimmy’s world, immediately capturing our sympathies for the difficulties he’s endured as a result of his cerebral palsy. Jimmy is a smart and good-looking boy, but he doesn’t see his own worth until he visits the future and encounters a girl who likes him just as he is. This is a well-written fantasy with a positive message of self-worth for all who struggle with feelings of not fitting in. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Castle In the Mist

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 978-0-9786928-1-0
Pages: 112
Price $14.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Prince Ukko is a warrior and the leader of the Black Hawk tribes. He is disturbed by the peace declared by Bik and the Stone City warriors, after the Day of the Dogs. Now he wants to go to war, and he wants Bik’s help. But Bik isn’t interested in war anymore, and he turns down Prince Ukko’s request.

Determined to win Bik’s assistance, Prince Ukko comes up with a plan that will force Bik to comply. But Prince Ukko doesn’t realize Bik now has the dogs on his side, and the dogs have other ideas.

In this sequel to Planet of the Dogs, the dogs have yet another challenge in keeping peace on earth. The Stone City warriors have realized that war doesn’t solve anything, and they’re enjoying the peace they have with the people of Green Valley. But can the dogs stop Prince Ukko from threatening that peace?

Castle In the Mist continues the theme that it’s better to have peaceful relationships with our neighbors than it is to be constantly at war with them. Although Prince Ukko acts in a threatening manner to Bik, the dogs know that fighting back isn’t the answer, and they come up with an even better solution to this problem. Humans today could learn something from their wise counsel.

Reviewer: Alice Berger