Author: Bergers Book Reviews

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spirituality

Shamanic Meditations

Bergers Book Reviews


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

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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

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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

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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

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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

inspiration, self improvement

Giving You the Wow and the How

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sharmen Lane
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Genre:  Self-help / Personal growth
ISBN: 978-1-60037-676-4
Pages: 172
Price $14.95

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Having the life of our dreams feels out of reach for many people. We may be stuck in ruts of our own making or feel as if we have little choice about making changes. But Sharmen Lane believes we can improve our lives, and if she could do it, so can we.

Lane dropped out of high school to become a manicurist. Although at the time, she thought she had no other options, she quickly realized this had not been a smart choice, and she set about changing her life. Getting her high school degree then led to a college degree, and eventually to a job paying more than a million dollars a year. And since she knew how she achieved her goals, she also wants to show us how.

Although Lane presents what she considers a simple plan, she acknowledges that putting this plan into action isn’t always easy. It requires us to change the way we think along with changing our actions. But if we have a solid plan and take action to move us towards our goals, we have a much better chance of success.

Lane’s style is upbeat, friendly and casual, but her words carry a strong message. We get what we put into life. She wants to show us how to make it the best it can be. Giving You the Wow and the How may not present a lot of new information, but what Lane does share is simple, direct, and most importantly, very do-able. If you want to make changes in your life, this book would be a great inspiration in getting you moving towards your own goals.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

nature

Partnering With Nature

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Catriona MacGregor
Publisher: Atria Books / Beyond Words
Genre:  Nature
ISBN: 978-1-58270-219-3
Pages:304
Price $16.00

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The world has become more complex and industrialized, and humans are losing their connection with nature. Being in tune with the seasons, the plants, and animals was what gave our ancestors the ability to survive. But even though we may not need to hunt for food anymore, that connection to nature helps us thrive, even in this modern society.

Catriona MacGregor has always felt a strong affinity for nature. Now she leads adults and youth on quests, in the attempt to bring our spirits back into alignment with the natural world. In Partnering With Nature, she shares some of her insights on why we still need to stay in tune with nature, and how we can do this, given the constraints of our current lifestyles.

Global warming is a real threat to us and the animal population. We continue to destroy natural habitats and pollute our land and water supplies. We’ve finally realized the destruction we’re causing, and we’re trying to reverse these alarming trends. But we also need to fully connect with the natural world, in order to heal the planet and ourselves.

In looking at the earth as Mother, we create a new relationship with her. When we act from love, rather than greed, we can restore her to health. And in restoring her, we restore our own souls. Partnering With Nature is a strong reminder that we need Mother Earth as much as she needs us. We have a responsibility to protect her, and her survival is key to our own.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger

birds, children

A Bird in a Bathing Suit

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Dawn Mitchell
Illustrator: Josh Will
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4327-5404-4
Pages: 26
Price $12.95

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A bird in a bathing suit? Could it really be? What a silly sight to see! But that’s exactly what this group of kids notices playing in the bird bath. At first they point and make fun of him, but then they realize he’s pretty cool after all.

Told in rhyming verse, A Bird in a Bathing Suit is fun to read and laugh along with. It looks at the possibilities of birds in clothes with cute illustrations to bring home this humorous point. But although it’s amusing to giggle at this bird in unusual attire, the kids finally notice they’ve hurt his feelings, and that’s simply not okay.

Acceptance of diversity is demonstrated in a non-preachy and enjoyable manner in this fun picture book. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger

fantasy, tween

Dream Share

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Rita Milios
Publisher: Cypress
Genre: Tween
ISBN: 978-0-9822337-2-6
Pages: 108
Price: $12.95

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A baseball game turns tragic, and fifteen year-old Nathan is left in a coma. Sam idolizes his older brother, and spends as much time as possible at Nathan’s side. Suddenly Sam is pulled into his brother’s thoughts and experiences, entering Nathan’s dreams.

In this dream state, Nathan and Sam experience a whole different world. In this alternate reality, their thoughts influence the things around them, and how they react will determine if they can survive. But can Sam make it out, and will he be able to bring Nathan with him? Will Nathan recover?

Dream Share is an interesting look at the dream state, especially when in a coma. It also explores the idea of being able to enter another person’s dreams and share that dream experience. The story is told in a fast-paced and engaging style that pulls the reader in to see what will happen next. There is also a section at the back that explains certain dream phenomena, and helps to interpret some dreams.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger

bilingual, children

Guess It If You Can!

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Celina Penovi
Illustrator: Dario Salvi
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Genre: Children / Bilingual
ISBN: 978-1-4490-2744-5
Pages: 24
Price: $15.99

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Can you guess what classroom items are described in these poems? In both English and Spanish? Cute pictures give clues to these riddles, but you’ll have to read them closely to figure them out.

Guess It If You Can! challenges us with eight different items to discover. On one side the poem is in English, and on the other side in Spanish. Kids can work through the puzzle in the language they’re most familiar with, and then look at the other to learn something new. Although the poems don’t translate word for word, it’s fun to see how a phrase in English is spoken in Spanish.

Creating rhymes in two languages isn’t the easiest of feats, but Celina Penovi does a nice job in this book. Although at times the lines are a bit forced, the message comes through clearly, and kids will have fun trying to figure out what classroom items are suggested. This book is a great tool for kids and adults to learn some new words and phrases in a second language – either English or Spanish.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance

Putting It Back Together

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Rhonda M. Lawson
Publisher: Urban Soul
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-1-59983-082-7
Pages: 320
$6.99

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Dr. Alexis White has returned to her beloved city of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. She’s determined to help those still living in poverty and rebuilding their lives, and offers health care to those who have trouble paying. But even though her sacrifice means she’s still living with her parents, her friends and family are around her and she’s proud of what she’s accomplished.

But the one area Alexis still struggles with is her love life. Twice burned, she’s now reluctant to give her heart fully, and she keeps her long-standing boyfriend Jamar at a distance. And when her old college flame, Reggie Morgan, reappears in her life, she’s forced to make some important decisions.

In Putting It Back Together, Rhonda M. Lawson doesn’t paint a rosy tint on her characters, but instead shows them in all their humanness, flaws and all. Alexis is a strong woman who doesn’t always know her own mind, but she tries to do the right thing in her life now, after making bad mistakes in her past. I enjoyed getting to know her, and kept hoping she would make the right choice in the end. This was a great read, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger