Genre: Psychological Romance
Title: As Long as He Needs Me
Author: Mary Verdick
Author, Mary Verdick has written a romance novel for today’s times. While most romances end when the couple finally overcome obstacles and get together, As Long as He Needs Me spans thirty five years of marriage. In essence this romance is saying, “Here’s the rest of the story.”
A middle-aged couple, Clem and Kitty Johanssen, who have had their share of ups and downs in marriage, embark on a cruise to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Before the ship ever sets sail, two young swindlers get all of their cash. This incident starts their vacation on a sour note and soon through a series of slowly revealed flashbacks we learn the true history of their relationship.
Clem seems to withdraw within himself and Kitty reacts by finding solace in an array of different characters on the ship. It seems that although this marriage has lasted thirty- five years, it may not last until the end of the cruise! As the chasm widens between the couple, the reader is privy to the hard work and compromise that is takes in this day and age to make a marriage work. We see the fears, weaknesses and strengths of Clem and Kitty.
I read this book in it’s entirety in one day. I wanted to see what would happen to this relationship. By the end of the book, Ms. Verdick has created the feeling that the Johanssen’s are real people and the reader cares about what happens to this relationship. A good read and a good story.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1432724276
List price: $16.95
Nov 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thumb Flagging
Title: Thumb Flagging
Author: Jerome Peterson
Genre: Travel/Adventure
Bohemian Bum, Hippie Hobo, traveler within the American illusion of freedom. Thumb Flagging is a story of hitchin’ cross country, jumpin’ trains and hoping for the thousand dollar ride. Willy is the worldly philosopher with seemingly no roots, free and ready to hit the road. Jay is the innocent; tentative and afraid, insecure and easily led. Willy talks Jay into dumping their jobs for a few day and heading from sunny Arizona to visit Jay’s sister in Colorado, an easy trip unless your thumb flagging. Jay reluctantly agrees to the adventure and enters an entirely new world; the world of the footloose and free Bohemian Bum.
Yes, this is a story about hitchhiking, but it is more as well. It’s about one man’s growth, it’s about philosophy, it’s about psychology and sociology, and ultimately, it’s a love story. Peterson is able to wrap in about every human emotion and deal with them realistically. Jay starts out as the reluctant and fearful traveler and finishes his personal journey as king of the road. You see his strength and confidence build and feel him develop and confirm his morals and sense of place, all while friends, enemies and chance acquaintances spin in and out of his life. That’s the story of the road, a story that crisscrosses the country from Arizona to Colorado then California and all the way to Main and back.
What made the story most interesting to me was the cross section of society Jay encounters. We all have our impressions and prejudices when we see a thumb flagger. And, though our preconceived notions may be right or way wrong, this book takes you in an entirely different direction. It isn’t the hitcher that’s interesting; it’s the people that are compelled to pick them up. The sad, the disaffected, the do-gooders and the crazies, when a car stops you never know what you’ll get. And when you get that “thousand dollar ride,” it’s all worthwhile.
This is an interesting read, well written and a story with many lessons if you will let them in.
Reviewed by Allbooks reviewer Gregory J. Saunders www.allbookreviews.com
Eloquent Books, ISBN 978-1-60693-750-1
Price $32.50 US
Oct. 2009
Author: Jerome Peterson
Genre: Travel/Adventure
Bohemian Bum, Hippie Hobo, traveler within the American illusion of freedom. Thumb Flagging is a story of hitchin’ cross country, jumpin’ trains and hoping for the thousand dollar ride. Willy is the worldly philosopher with seemingly no roots, free and ready to hit the road. Jay is the innocent; tentative and afraid, insecure and easily led. Willy talks Jay into dumping their jobs for a few day and heading from sunny Arizona to visit Jay’s sister in Colorado, an easy trip unless your thumb flagging. Jay reluctantly agrees to the adventure and enters an entirely new world; the world of the footloose and free Bohemian Bum.
Yes, this is a story about hitchhiking, but it is more as well. It’s about one man’s growth, it’s about philosophy, it’s about psychology and sociology, and ultimately, it’s a love story. Peterson is able to wrap in about every human emotion and deal with them realistically. Jay starts out as the reluctant and fearful traveler and finishes his personal journey as king of the road. You see his strength and confidence build and feel him develop and confirm his morals and sense of place, all while friends, enemies and chance acquaintances spin in and out of his life. That’s the story of the road, a story that crisscrosses the country from Arizona to Colorado then California and all the way to Main and back.
What made the story most interesting to me was the cross section of society Jay encounters. We all have our impressions and prejudices when we see a thumb flagger. And, though our preconceived notions may be right or way wrong, this book takes you in an entirely different direction. It isn’t the hitcher that’s interesting; it’s the people that are compelled to pick them up. The sad, the disaffected, the do-gooders and the crazies, when a car stops you never know what you’ll get. And when you get that “thousand dollar ride,” it’s all worthwhile.
This is an interesting read, well written and a story with many lessons if you will let them in.
Reviewed by Allbooks reviewer Gregory J. Saunders www.allbookreviews.com
Eloquent Books, ISBN 978-1-60693-750-1
Price $32.50 US
Oct. 2009
The Judas Ride
Genre: Fiction, Christian, General
Title: The Judas Ride
Author: Peggy Sue Yarber, PhD
Imagine an unwed pregnant teenager, drug and alcohol addiction, rape, broken homes, abuse and the setting of a poor neighborhood ruled by street gangs. Add to the mix, Pastor Manny, an eccentric, immigrant pastor that worships John Wayne and follows sports and who wants to make a difference.
Young, 16 year-old Sonia is pregnant, with the possibility of two different fathers. She is being rebellious and leaves her middle class neighborhood to run with the “bad boys”. Once she is pregnant, she enjoys the attention, but too soon reality sets in.
“I hate this baby, I want it out of me. I want to be pretty again,” Sonia whined in a shrill voice.
“The baby is mine, right? And I say you have it and that’s final.
“You only want me to have it so I’m ugly and no one will want me….
As each chapter unfolds, in the fast paced, gripping book, we are reminded of the consequences of our actions and the dangers of going so far there seems to be no way out. Hence, the title The Judas Ride. Once Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus by kissing him on the check and the coming chain of events were set in motion, the “ride” could not be stopped.
The assortment of troubled characters seems to be taken out of the tragic headlines of the evening news, as they wind their way into the heart. The violence and darkness, if not condoned, becomes understood as each of the character’s lives comes to light. Tragedy lurks just around the corner and secrets kill; but hope lingers, as a pastor’s unconditional love and often-harsh words inspire hardened hearts to turn to God.
Miss Yarber has raised the awareness of the struggles and plight of too many of today’s youth. This novel gives the reader a conscience and we can no longer sit back in the safety of our suburban and rural homes and turn a blind eye to what is happening, a neighborhood at a time, in cities across our nation.
The eclectic cast and riveting story, not to mention the imaginative book cover, create a book that I would highly recommend to others.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60799-801-3
List price: $15.99
Oct 2009
Title: The Judas Ride
Author: Peggy Sue Yarber, PhD
Imagine an unwed pregnant teenager, drug and alcohol addiction, rape, broken homes, abuse and the setting of a poor neighborhood ruled by street gangs. Add to the mix, Pastor Manny, an eccentric, immigrant pastor that worships John Wayne and follows sports and who wants to make a difference.
Young, 16 year-old Sonia is pregnant, with the possibility of two different fathers. She is being rebellious and leaves her middle class neighborhood to run with the “bad boys”. Once she is pregnant, she enjoys the attention, but too soon reality sets in.
“I hate this baby, I want it out of me. I want to be pretty again,” Sonia whined in a shrill voice.
“The baby is mine, right? And I say you have it and that’s final.
“You only want me to have it so I’m ugly and no one will want me….
As each chapter unfolds, in the fast paced, gripping book, we are reminded of the consequences of our actions and the dangers of going so far there seems to be no way out. Hence, the title The Judas Ride. Once Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus by kissing him on the check and the coming chain of events were set in motion, the “ride” could not be stopped.
The assortment of troubled characters seems to be taken out of the tragic headlines of the evening news, as they wind their way into the heart. The violence and darkness, if not condoned, becomes understood as each of the character’s lives comes to light. Tragedy lurks just around the corner and secrets kill; but hope lingers, as a pastor’s unconditional love and often-harsh words inspire hardened hearts to turn to God.
Miss Yarber has raised the awareness of the struggles and plight of too many of today’s youth. This novel gives the reader a conscience and we can no longer sit back in the safety of our suburban and rural homes and turn a blind eye to what is happening, a neighborhood at a time, in cities across our nation.
The eclectic cast and riveting story, not to mention the imaginative book cover, create a book that I would highly recommend to others.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60799-801-3
List price: $15.99
Oct 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Land Beyond Ravens
Genre: Historical Fiction
Title: A Land Beyond Ravens
AUTHOR: Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Fifth century master spy, Marcus ap Iorwerth, enjoyed being the go-to man for ferreting out information. He is a master of disguise and was trusted by many for thirty years. But now he knows too much about everyone and one slip of the tongue can mean his death.
During this time of King Uther, Marcus constantly blends into the landscape to find answers to looming questions that give men power. Uther’s teenaged son, Arthur, is next in line to the throne most people think will be available with Uther’s pending death.
Marcus supports Arthur moving into his rightful place, however Marcus’ wife’s psychic visions forecast the toughest battle and not the most pleasant outcome.
Novelist Kathleen Guler presents a clear portrait of this historical time period and the people who lived it. Her combination of verifiable research and use of myths from the time period are woven together to create a story from the perspective of other characters living in the time building up to King Arthur, Merlin, and the knights of the Roundtable.
Kathleen Cunningham Guler is the author of the award-winning Macsen’s Treasure series that includes Into the Path of Gods, In the Shadow of Dragons, and The Anvil Stone. She studied Celtic history and Arthurian legend for almost thirty years in the U.S. and Great Britain. She has published numerous articles, essays, reviews, short stories, and poetry.
A Land Beyond Ravens is a recommended read for anyone interested in Arthurian legend, mystery, spy, adventure, or romance. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.
Available through Amazon.com and other online venues.
Title: A Land Beyond Ravens
Author: Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Publisher: Bardsong Press
ISBN: 978-0-9660371-6-6
Pages: 384
Price: $25.95
October 2009
Title: A Land Beyond Ravens
AUTHOR: Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Fifth century master spy, Marcus ap Iorwerth, enjoyed being the go-to man for ferreting out information. He is a master of disguise and was trusted by many for thirty years. But now he knows too much about everyone and one slip of the tongue can mean his death.
During this time of King Uther, Marcus constantly blends into the landscape to find answers to looming questions that give men power. Uther’s teenaged son, Arthur, is next in line to the throne most people think will be available with Uther’s pending death.
Marcus supports Arthur moving into his rightful place, however Marcus’ wife’s psychic visions forecast the toughest battle and not the most pleasant outcome.
Novelist Kathleen Guler presents a clear portrait of this historical time period and the people who lived it. Her combination of verifiable research and use of myths from the time period are woven together to create a story from the perspective of other characters living in the time building up to King Arthur, Merlin, and the knights of the Roundtable.
Kathleen Cunningham Guler is the author of the award-winning Macsen’s Treasure series that includes Into the Path of Gods, In the Shadow of Dragons, and The Anvil Stone. She studied Celtic history and Arthurian legend for almost thirty years in the U.S. and Great Britain. She has published numerous articles, essays, reviews, short stories, and poetry.
A Land Beyond Ravens is a recommended read for anyone interested in Arthurian legend, mystery, spy, adventure, or romance. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.
Available through Amazon.com and other online venues.
Title: A Land Beyond Ravens
Author: Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Publisher: Bardsong Press
ISBN: 978-0-9660371-6-6
Pages: 384
Price: $25.95
October 2009
Beyond the Maps Boundary: A Timely Adventure
Genre: Fantasy/ebook
Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary: A Timely Adventure
Author: Nibi Soto, Illustrated by Chris Humphreys
They are the protectors and guardians of those trapped in time, and in each generation their journey begins again.
Mattie has grown up knowing nothing of her Inheritance, the complicated gift that will be bestowed on her upon her mother's death. She has never had any idea of the high destiny people in her mother's line have had for ages. When her mother disappears, she is forced to learn all this the hard way, and there is someone who does not want her to live to use her new talents.
Beyond the Map's Boundary is somehow both charming and tense, and the world the characters inhabit is deep and complicated, perfect for realistic fantasy. The only dark spot is that the characters are never allowed to flesh out as "real" people. Soto seems to wish for simplicity in the personalities of her creations, but what results are two-dimensional people who act in ways that seem to have no reason. The reader may get the sense that the author wanted something to happen, and made her characters do whatever it took to achieve that, even if this meant strange or contradictory behaviour. This could perhaps be linked to the author's desire to make this a tale for all ages, but this method does not quite succeed. If Soto continues the story in another book (and I hope she does), more emphasis on the characters will lead to a much more fleshed out narrative, and more compelling dialogue.
Nimi Soto's education has been varied and eclectic, and she draws on this wealth of experience in her creative projects. She currently lives in Utah, surrounded by family.
The action is riveting, and the plot will absolutely draw the reader in. The level of detail demands that this story be re-read and appreciated for its nuances. However, the weakness of the character voices and personalities make this an Average read.
Reviewer: J.Blackmore, Allbooks Reviews. www.allbookreviews.com
Available at: http://beyondthemapsboundary.com, www.Amazon.com
Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary
Author: Nibi Soto, illustrated by Chris Humphreys
Publisher: Thornock International Productions, Inc.
ISBN: 0-6152882-51
Pages: 309
Price: $9.95
October 2009
Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary: A Timely Adventure
Author: Nibi Soto, Illustrated by Chris Humphreys
They are the protectors and guardians of those trapped in time, and in each generation their journey begins again.
Mattie has grown up knowing nothing of her Inheritance, the complicated gift that will be bestowed on her upon her mother's death. She has never had any idea of the high destiny people in her mother's line have had for ages. When her mother disappears, she is forced to learn all this the hard way, and there is someone who does not want her to live to use her new talents.
Beyond the Map's Boundary is somehow both charming and tense, and the world the characters inhabit is deep and complicated, perfect for realistic fantasy. The only dark spot is that the characters are never allowed to flesh out as "real" people. Soto seems to wish for simplicity in the personalities of her creations, but what results are two-dimensional people who act in ways that seem to have no reason. The reader may get the sense that the author wanted something to happen, and made her characters do whatever it took to achieve that, even if this meant strange or contradictory behaviour. This could perhaps be linked to the author's desire to make this a tale for all ages, but this method does not quite succeed. If Soto continues the story in another book (and I hope she does), more emphasis on the characters will lead to a much more fleshed out narrative, and more compelling dialogue.
Nimi Soto's education has been varied and eclectic, and she draws on this wealth of experience in her creative projects. She currently lives in Utah, surrounded by family.
The action is riveting, and the plot will absolutely draw the reader in. The level of detail demands that this story be re-read and appreciated for its nuances. However, the weakness of the character voices and personalities make this an Average read.
Reviewer: J.Blackmore, Allbooks Reviews. www.allbookreviews.com
Available at: http://beyondthemapsboundary.com, www.Amazon.com
Title: Beyond the Map's Boundary
Author: Nibi Soto, illustrated by Chris Humphreys
Publisher: Thornock International Productions, Inc.
ISBN: 0-6152882-51
Pages: 309
Price: $9.95
October 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Genre: Health/Psychology
Title: How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Authors: Richard P. Brown, MD Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD Philip R. Muskin, MD
This impressive, essential guidebook made me really take the time to read. As someone with a health care background and a person that suffers from some of the problems discussed, I learned and absorbed a great deal of useful and new information.
Striding along with today’s world of knowledge, where the consumer has the option of taking care of their own healthcare choices, these doctors/teachers have collectively researched, shared their outstanding knowledge, added a large dose of experience and produced an encyclopedia style, resource book. Their work instructs us on the integration of herbs, hormones, vitamins and Yoga with Western Style pharmaceuticals. The empathy is directed towards Mental Health Care.
Instead of just suggesting the herbs are good for a certain affliction, they systematically explain how each one works and why. They are not shy about the possible adverse effects, especially when mixing with medications or physical problems. I now have further insight into many subjects such as Alzheimer’s disease and what really happens to the brain. Using concise points, called Clinical Pearls, Case Studies and Tables, we learn how an herb like Rhodiola rosea can be taken alone or in combination with other medications. I believe I now truly understand how long term effects of continuous trauma or stress can physically affect our brain.
Ultimately the goal is complete remission, but even if the amount of prescription chemicals consumed could be cut down or the benefits enhanced with fewer detrimental side effects to the physical body, a huge benefit would be achieved. Am I passionate about the possibilities? Yes! I watch someone close to me deteriorate on a daily basis, her condition now being blamed on the adverse effects of years of the ingestion of pain medications, after multiple invasive surgeries.
Written in understandable layman’s terms, it is precisely detailed and should be an addition to the library of all mental healthcare providers, educators and health resource facilities. Many subjects are covered including ADD, Menopause, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and more. With textbook accuracy, the authors include a resource guide, glossary and index.
Dr. Brown is an expert in herbal medicine, first learning about plant medicine from his grandfather, in the hills of Kentucky. He teaches full-day courses on Integrative Psychiatry.
Dr. Brown has participated in yoga and meditative practices for over 30 years and is a certified teacher.
Dr. Gerbarg has lectured on a range of topics in psychiatry and psychoanalysis. She has become increasingly involved in research and writing about alternative and complementary medicine as well as the health benefits of mind-body practices.
Dr. Muskin’s specialties are psychosomatic medicine, psychopharmacology, and psychological aspects of medical illness. He teaches subjects such as mood disorders, AIDS, panic disorder and much more.
It is with applause, that I Highly Recommend this book. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbook Reviews www.allbookreviews.com
Available through Amazon.com or your local bookseller.
Title: How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Authors: Richard P. Brown, MD Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD Philip R. Muskin, MD
Publisher: W. W. Norton
ISBN-13: 978-0-393-70525-6
Pages: 441
Price: USA $34.95 CAN $38.50 July 2009
Title: How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Authors: Richard P. Brown, MD Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD Philip R. Muskin, MD
This impressive, essential guidebook made me really take the time to read. As someone with a health care background and a person that suffers from some of the problems discussed, I learned and absorbed a great deal of useful and new information.
Striding along with today’s world of knowledge, where the consumer has the option of taking care of their own healthcare choices, these doctors/teachers have collectively researched, shared their outstanding knowledge, added a large dose of experience and produced an encyclopedia style, resource book. Their work instructs us on the integration of herbs, hormones, vitamins and Yoga with Western Style pharmaceuticals. The empathy is directed towards Mental Health Care.
Instead of just suggesting the herbs are good for a certain affliction, they systematically explain how each one works and why. They are not shy about the possible adverse effects, especially when mixing with medications or physical problems. I now have further insight into many subjects such as Alzheimer’s disease and what really happens to the brain. Using concise points, called Clinical Pearls, Case Studies and Tables, we learn how an herb like Rhodiola rosea can be taken alone or in combination with other medications. I believe I now truly understand how long term effects of continuous trauma or stress can physically affect our brain.
Ultimately the goal is complete remission, but even if the amount of prescription chemicals consumed could be cut down or the benefits enhanced with fewer detrimental side effects to the physical body, a huge benefit would be achieved. Am I passionate about the possibilities? Yes! I watch someone close to me deteriorate on a daily basis, her condition now being blamed on the adverse effects of years of the ingestion of pain medications, after multiple invasive surgeries.
Written in understandable layman’s terms, it is precisely detailed and should be an addition to the library of all mental healthcare providers, educators and health resource facilities. Many subjects are covered including ADD, Menopause, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and more. With textbook accuracy, the authors include a resource guide, glossary and index.
Dr. Brown is an expert in herbal medicine, first learning about plant medicine from his grandfather, in the hills of Kentucky. He teaches full-day courses on Integrative Psychiatry.
Dr. Brown has participated in yoga and meditative practices for over 30 years and is a certified teacher.
Dr. Gerbarg has lectured on a range of topics in psychiatry and psychoanalysis. She has become increasingly involved in research and writing about alternative and complementary medicine as well as the health benefits of mind-body practices.
Dr. Muskin’s specialties are psychosomatic medicine, psychopharmacology, and psychological aspects of medical illness. He teaches subjects such as mood disorders, AIDS, panic disorder and much more.
It is with applause, that I Highly Recommend this book. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbook Reviews www.allbookreviews.com
Available through Amazon.com or your local bookseller.
Title: How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care
Authors: Richard P. Brown, MD Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD Philip R. Muskin, MD
Publisher: W. W. Norton
ISBN-13: 978-0-393-70525-6
Pages: 441
Price: USA $34.95 CAN $38.50 July 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Short stories collection with outstanding characters!
Genre: FICTION (collection of seven short stories)
Title: SCREWING THE POOCH
Author: J.B. BERGSTAD
The best thing about this collection of short stories is the author’s outstanding skill at character development. I’m a huge fan of books that are character-driven; in fact, much more so than plot-driven. The reason for that? Well, if the characters captivate me, then I’m happy with the story, no matter what happens. And Bergstad’s seven short stories are definitely page-turners, for exactly that reason.
Screwing the Pooch features stories built around themes such as coming of age, romance, truth and humility, alcoholism, rape, murder, horror and redemption. In virtually all of the stories, the author employs characters that leap off the page, along with compelling narrative, vivid use of sensory scene setting, and rich metaphors, successfully drawing us into his worlds. A couple of his stories required extensive backstory, which the author was able to skillfully disperse, yet not detract from the story flow. Ask any writer, this is not easily done. The first tale, Milton’s Pickle, has a coming of age theme revolving around a seven-year-old boy who comes to terms with a neurotic, imbalanced mom and schoolyard bullies. The next story, Bear Claw at the Coffee Caker, is a romantic tale involving a blind ex-football star and a waitress with a damaging and shameful past. The Puppy Murders is another coming of age story, dealing with boyhood bravado. I particularly liked the way the author handled the prepubescent dialogue and emotions. The fourth yarn, called The Brass Rail, was my favorite: a naked and shocking yarn about an alcoholic. Bergstad knows the disease of alcoholism well and it shows in this gritty, realistic portrayal, which culminates in a very sobering ending. Rot Like Me, the next story (and my runner-up favorite), is just Pure-D ol’ fantastically written horror. The author treats us with his excellent grasp of locker room banter and some chilling, gruesome scenes that’d make Stephen King squirm. And just when you think the horror has ended, there’s more to come. The sixth tale, Dear Daniel, deals with a letter from a remorseful father to his son and harkens back to the 1950’s: cherry hot rods, Ethyl gas, Glasspack mufflers, drive-in movies, Lucky Lager beer, ‘church keys’, and Pall Mall cigarettes. Toss in the horror of a hit and run accident and you’ve got an engaging premise. And the final story, Hank Straker, SA, starts out as a depressing tale of unendurable loss but ends with an ironic twist and a terrific, satisfying ending.
Well, by now you’ve probably guessed that I’m recommending this collection of short stories. In all honesty, I have to tell you that I thought a couple of them ended a bit too abruptly, but it didn’t matter because the author’s superb character development and scene-setting skills completely compensated for it. Pick up a copy of Screwing the Pooch. You won’t be sorry.
Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews
Published by: Woodside Publishing Group Books. ©2007, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-615-28406-4 Trade Paperback
208 pages
Sept. 2009
Title: SCREWING THE POOCH
Author: J.B. BERGSTAD
The best thing about this collection of short stories is the author’s outstanding skill at character development. I’m a huge fan of books that are character-driven; in fact, much more so than plot-driven. The reason for that? Well, if the characters captivate me, then I’m happy with the story, no matter what happens. And Bergstad’s seven short stories are definitely page-turners, for exactly that reason.
Screwing the Pooch features stories built around themes such as coming of age, romance, truth and humility, alcoholism, rape, murder, horror and redemption. In virtually all of the stories, the author employs characters that leap off the page, along with compelling narrative, vivid use of sensory scene setting, and rich metaphors, successfully drawing us into his worlds. A couple of his stories required extensive backstory, which the author was able to skillfully disperse, yet not detract from the story flow. Ask any writer, this is not easily done. The first tale, Milton’s Pickle, has a coming of age theme revolving around a seven-year-old boy who comes to terms with a neurotic, imbalanced mom and schoolyard bullies. The next story, Bear Claw at the Coffee Caker, is a romantic tale involving a blind ex-football star and a waitress with a damaging and shameful past. The Puppy Murders is another coming of age story, dealing with boyhood bravado. I particularly liked the way the author handled the prepubescent dialogue and emotions. The fourth yarn, called The Brass Rail, was my favorite: a naked and shocking yarn about an alcoholic. Bergstad knows the disease of alcoholism well and it shows in this gritty, realistic portrayal, which culminates in a very sobering ending. Rot Like Me, the next story (and my runner-up favorite), is just Pure-D ol’ fantastically written horror. The author treats us with his excellent grasp of locker room banter and some chilling, gruesome scenes that’d make Stephen King squirm. And just when you think the horror has ended, there’s more to come. The sixth tale, Dear Daniel, deals with a letter from a remorseful father to his son and harkens back to the 1950’s: cherry hot rods, Ethyl gas, Glasspack mufflers, drive-in movies, Lucky Lager beer, ‘church keys’, and Pall Mall cigarettes. Toss in the horror of a hit and run accident and you’ve got an engaging premise. And the final story, Hank Straker, SA, starts out as a depressing tale of unendurable loss but ends with an ironic twist and a terrific, satisfying ending.
Well, by now you’ve probably guessed that I’m recommending this collection of short stories. In all honesty, I have to tell you that I thought a couple of them ended a bit too abruptly, but it didn’t matter because the author’s superb character development and scene-setting skills completely compensated for it. Pick up a copy of Screwing the Pooch. You won’t be sorry.
Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews
Published by: Woodside Publishing Group Books. ©2007, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-615-28406-4 Trade Paperback
208 pages
Sept. 2009
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