Month: February 2011

memoir

Norma Jean’s Sun

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kris Courtney
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 978-0-578-02059-4
Pages: 290
Price: $17.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Kris Courtney’s grandparents made a decision that would have terrible ramifications. As first cousins, their relationship was forbidden, but even though they were aware of the consequences of their actions, they chose to marry anyway.

Because of the choice they made, Courtney and his cousins were affected, though none as much as Kris himself. Birth defects too numerous to list here have plagued him his whole life, and surgery after surgery couldn’t correct what nature had done to his body.

As a result of his physical deformities, Courtney had to develop a coping mechanism, and his choice turned out to be his undoing. In Norma Jean’s Sun Kris Courtney details his struggles with his disabilities as well as his uncontrollable alcoholism and drug addiction.

Although it would be tempting for the author to blame those directly responsible for his misfortunes, Courtney shows refreshing forgiveness to those family members who had no idea what they would ultimately do to him. He is gracious in praising those who assisted him in his lowest times, acknowledging the sacrifices they made for him. And he also gives credit to his Higher Power, whom he calls God, in saving him from himself and his addictions.

Ultimately, Courtney is still dealing with his disabilities, but through God’s grace, he has been sober and functioning for many years now. He thrives as an artist in Ohio, and he is attempting to give back to those organizations who are working on cures for the ailments his family has suffered from.

Norma Jean’s Sun is no light reading. In fact, you’d probably hear a story like Courtney’s if you walked into an open twelve-step meeting. But there’s always hope, even for the most hopeless case, and Courtney proves that no matter how far down a man goes, he can still turn it around and have a good life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

What’s the Trouble In the Forest of Kerfubble?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: Roger & Jennifer Sulham
Publisher: Inkblot Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0982641491
Pages: 32
Price: $9.99

Buy it at Amazon

A tree falls in the forest, scaring a burrow of hares. Fearful of the noise, they scurry away, wondering what could have caused such a ruckus. Before long, other animals join them in their headlong flight, each with a more monstrous idea. Panic in the forest of Kerfubble has the animals on a wild run to escape.

Finally the voice of reason is heard from a local farmer, who explains to the scared animals what caused such a crashing sound, and reminds them not to jump to conclusions.

Reminiscent of Chicken Little, What’s the Trouble in the Forest of Kerfubble? shows us how easily we can blow the smallest things out of proportion and drag others along in our fears. Told in rhyming verse, this cute story is uniquely illustrated with textured cutouts of the forest animals.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

tween

I, Emma Freke

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Elizabeth Atkinson
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Genre: Children’s fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7613-5604-2
Pages: 234
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

It isn’t easy having a name like Emma Freke – which when said out loud sounds like am a freak. But it’s even worse that Emma is too tall, has too red hair, and suddenly finds herself a social misfit in sixth grade. She has no idea who her father is, and her mom is too New-Agey and insists on being called by her first name.

So when Emma is invited to the Freke family reunion, she’s finally given the chance to find out more about the other side of her family – the one she knows nothing about. And for the first time, she realizes that she’s not as freaky as she thought.

Now that Emma has been accepted by her new family, she embraces her mother’s wisdom in raising her, and returns home with a new sense of self-confidence. After being judged herself, she learns an important lesson about what it means to judge others, and that sometimes it’s better to keep an open mind.

I, Emma Freke is an enjoyable read for all middle-schoolers, but especially those who just don’t seem to fit in, no matter how hard they try. Elizabeth Atkinson has a great understanding of the trials and tribulations facing pre-teen kids, and it comes through in Emma’s thoughts and actions. I highly recommend this fun and well-written story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Snow White

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator:  Susan Meredith
Publisher: Rocking Chair Publications
Genre: Children / Fairy Tale
ISBN: 9780984286638
Pages: 42
Price $7.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

When a beauty and talent contest is announced, the Amber Queen is sure she’ll win. After all, her magic mirror always tells her she’s the fairest in the land. The prize of a wish come true is too good to pass up. So when she realizes Snow White has a good chance of winning, she needs to take some action.

Sneaky and determined, the Amber Queen disguises herself and shows up at Snow White’s home, trying to sell her magic potions that will stop her from winning the contest. But the beautiful and domestically talented lady of the house never bothers with these things. Instead, her companion seven dwarfs suffer the consequences of using them.

Snow White’s wish is to share her home with a prince of a man who will truly appreciate her domestic skills. Is it possible her wish can come true without winning the contest?

Some of the old fairy tales were frightening for kids, but you won’t find any of that scary stuff in Gram’s Fairy Tales. Kid-friendly, cheery and fun, they’re safe for everyone.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Rudy and Cirrus of Karma

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: R.M. Smith
Publisher: Clarence-Henry Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-578-05235-9
Pages: 32
Price: $14.95

Buy it at Amazon

Rudy isn’t a nice boy. He steals his sister’s things, makes his brother clean his room, and blames his siblings when he breaks a family heirloom. But just as Rudy thinks he’s gotten away with his scheme, he falls into a huge hole in the ground. And while Rudy is lying at the bottom of the hole, a cloud named Cirrus grants him three wishes. Cirrus shows Rudy the consequences of his actions, and soon Rudy decides to change his attitude.

Rudy and Cirrus of Karma is written in rhyme, which isn’t my favorite choice for most picture books. Some of the lines are forced and don’t have the right rhythm to make it an easy read. But the illustrations are nicely done, and the story sends a good message without being overly preachy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

Oh Where, Oh Where Is My Swallowtail?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kaleela Thompson
Illustrator: Trevor Lucas
Publisher: Eggleston Services
Genre: Children / Nature
ISBN: 978-0-9845694-0-3
Pages: 24
Price: $10.95

Order from publisher

Where is Kaleela’s swallowtail hiding? As she explores her garden she searches for the missing butterfly,trying to locate him. The reader is invited to come along, answering questions about where he might be. Once he is found, interesting facts about the swallowtail butterfly, along with other critters is provided.

Kaleela Thompson was born in 1999, and already she’s working to make a difference in the world. She’s founded My Home, My History, and Our World, which helps Virginia youth through interactive historical gardens. In her quest to educate children about the natural world around them, she created Oh Where, Oh Where Is My Swallowtail?

This unique book was printed by Eggleston Services, which helps people with physical and mental challenges perform work geared towards their needs. Illustrator Trevor Lucas is colorblind, and he was able to use his own disability to create drawings that could be easily read by those who have vision impairments. Others also helped in the assembly of the book, and will assist in distribution.

It’s great to see our youth today take an interest in nature and helping others. I applaud Kaleela Thompson and Eggleston for putting together such a helpful and worthy production.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian

Someone to Blame

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: C.S. Lakin
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian fiction
ISBN: 978-0-310-32739-4
Pages: 368
Price: $12.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The Moore family has been hit hard by tragedy. In a desperate attempt to recover, they move to a small town near the water. No one knows their circumstances, and they hope to have a chance to finally heal.

But soon after they arrive, a young man shows up, causing a stir of hostility. Billy Thurber wears a chip on his shoulders that no one will knock off, and he doesn’t intend to back down from anyone. Billy reminds Matt and Irene Moore of their son, Daniel, and their feelings are stirred up in their interactions with him.

Things finally come to a head with Billy and Irene faces a decision that could cost her life. But she does the only thing she knows to do, fully willing to risk the consequences.

Matt and Irene both have demons in their closets reminding them every day of their failings as parents and all they did wrong in raising their family. Now they’re struggling with their faith, wondering what God plans to do with their pain and heartache and how He can use it for good.

Someone to Blame shows us our dark and sinful nature, while also reminding us that we have the light of God within us, if we remember to let it shine. I highly recommend this powerfully moving novel.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, marriage

Discovering Your Amazing Marriage

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Jason & Debby Coleman
Publisher: Seraphina Press
Genre: Marriage / Christian
ISBN: 978-0984196531
Pages: 186
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Do you have an amazing marriage? If you don’t, would you like to have one? After twenty years together, Jason and Debby Coleman have discovered how to keep their marriage going strong, and they want to share their ideas with us.

Discovering Your Amazing Marriage is written from a Christian perspective with a Biblical view of every topic. These include communication, forgiveness, resolving conflict, protecting against infidelity, and agreeing in advance that no matter what, you’ll stay married.

Jason and Debby share some of their struggles and how they learned how to handle them while making their marriage even better. And they share how God views marriage, and what He expects from us once we take our vows.

The advice the Colemans share is sound, and for the most part, healthy for a marriage. But in the area of infidelity, I felt some of their advice was fear-based, as a result of their own infidelity issues, and a strong marriage didn’t need such safeguards.

Even if you’re not a Christian, the Colemans believe you can benefit from this book. Just skip over the Biblical perspective sections if they don’t pertain to you. But don’t just read it – put these ideas into practice, and you can’t help but have an amazing marriage, too.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration

The Little Hope Book

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Josh Hunter and Leah Alagna
Illustrator: Josh Hunter
Publisher: Ecliptic Visions
Genre: Inspiration
ISBN: 978-0-578-03930-5
Pages: 44
Price: $20.00

Author’s website

Josh has always dreamed of becoming an artist. His best friend, a calico cat named Hope, keeps him company as he draws. He relies on her support, since the adults in his life don’t understand his passion. But one tragic day he loses Hope, and almost loses his dream.

Despite losing Hope, Josh keeps trying, and one day he finally succeeds. And just as he thinks he’s created his greatest masterpiece, he realizes Hope never really left him, and she will be with him forever.

Anyone who has ever loved and lost a special pet will relate to Josh’s feelings at losing Hope. And any child or adult with a dream for the future understands how easy it is to let setbacks and criticism deter us from succeeding. In this oversize book with vivid and dramatic illustrations, the authors immerse us in Josh’s world and give us the opportunity to share in his dreams and accomplishments.

The Little Hope Book reminds kids that it’s important to dream big, and to believe in their dreams. If they believe, they can achieve wonderful things.

Dream ~ Believe ~ Hope. You can do it!

Reviewer: Alice Berger