Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
hag
Hag
Rachel Rueben
Labels belong on cans, cigarette packages, medicine bottles to warn us of the dangers and side effects before taking a specific drug, liquor bottles to enlighten consumers as to the ingredients they are about to imbibed and boxes of foods informing us of the number of calories, fats, trans fats and sugars in the cereal you might want to eat for breakfast. Labels are not supposed to be placed on people but they are. Black, white, fat, thin, old, young, straight or gay why are we often differentiated by our outer appearances, personal preferences or social choices? Audrey Saldano is about to learn many lessons in life. Audrey has become very complacent. She has disregarded her appearance, lost weight, anti-social, feeling ostracized and definitely not focused on anything dealing with that E word Education. Audrey seems to be in her own form of doldrums and why? Teenage boys and girls fall prey to social acceptance and peer pressures. When Audrey’s boyfriend decides to find another girlfriend rather than chalk it up to no big deal, or his loss, she reverts into herself, forgets who she really is and hopes to be able to walk that path already beaten and trodden and get the same guy back. But, Audrey will learn before all is said and done that some paths are so worn that you need to start your own in order to work your way back up to who you really are. Like a pyramid formed by 25 kids and you are the one at the top and fall the hardest when the pyramid comes down and the base gives way. Hag, by Rachel Rueben you don’t want to miss a word of this one.
As Audrey walks through the double doors of her High School her mind is focused on other things and not on Mrs. Goldman the guidance counselor’s forms that need to be turned in or the gym teachers 50 question quiz that no one expected. Life presents many challenges and it is up to you to decide how to handle them. Taking the impromptu test Audrey flashes back to Desmond, her ex-boyfriend and the impact it has had on her many friendships. Some friends remaining and others lost because of the breakup. Sad, what teens have to endure but what happens next is tragic as a secret is revealed, lives are changed and Audrey’s world will be shattered, changed and destroyed with one simple word. Low expectations is what others had for her and she did nothing at the present to change their perceptions or even her own. Parents that were stressed, money that was tight and arguments that ran high as one day blended into the next. The following day was not any different than the day before. Meeting a cute guy, blowing him off and the anger she focuses on everyone lets the reader know that before all is said and done Audrey’s life will definitely take a downward spiral along with so many others.
School becomes a nightmare but Audrey decides to teach Desmond’s girlfriend a lesson she will never forget resulting in her new found popularity. Meeting a great new guy who sizzles and pops when you look at him, Roddai cannot take the place of Desmond even though she finds him interesting. But, something happens and Desmond calls to apologize and a new friendship blooms but not for long. Asking her to join him at a carnival should have been two friends just having some fun but when they jumped by a group of boys from a posh school what happens would change the course of their lives forever. Roddai jumps in to defend Desmond he winds up in the hospital along with Audrey. Retaliation comes at a high price but not before we learn that Audrey’s grandmother is coming to live with her family after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Life takes a different turn for Audrey, Desmond, Carmen and their friends when Desmond decides to go after the boys he jumped him and Audrey. The end result might make teens think twice before going off headstrong. Desmond is seriously injured and dies hours later. One Winter Carnival that was supposed to be fun and one young man’s life lost as hidden secrets are about to be revealed and once again Audrey comes face to face with tragedy and has to learn to deal with lies and deceits that were so well defined and covered up she never saw what was right in front of her.
When the reader listens and revisits some of the final conversations between Desmond and Audrey you can sense that he wanted to tell her something but never did. All too often words and feelings are kept hidden from those we care about the most in order to spare them the hurt and pain that will follow.
As Audrey and Roddai develop a friendship they move at a definite slow rhythm. Audrey gets a job and soon gets fired when Desmond old girlfriend makes a comment about Roddai and she won’t take it. When the truth about him comes out and the gossip comes full circle just what will Audrey do next? Her highly volatile temper keeps rearing through and learning the truth about why the original fight happened and that they were after Roddai and not Desmond. Learning the truth about him and Desmond reading over the texts and looking over what his mother gave her many truths come to light but what she does next proves that she has a long way to go.
But, things get out of hand and seeing Roddai while shopping with her mom does not change the way she feels and only ignites her even more. Things change and Audrey sees life in a whole other way when Roddai is gunned down and the end result will surprise the reader. Friendships end, trust are betrayed and one young woman named Audrey needs to find her place in this world but will she? An ending that will definitely keep you guessing and wanting more and a girl who comes full circle with her feelings, tolerance of others and a new perspective about life.
Hag is filled with strong language, descriptive dialogue and plot that really hits home and characters that just might be living next door to you. What do you do when you know someone is guilty? Do you tell? What do you do when the world seems to be filled with so many obstacles that you do not know which way to turn? Find out when you read Hag. Audrey is one self-reliant, tough and no holds barred young woman who fights for what she thinks is right and goes to bat for those she loves.
This is one book that teens, YA’s, educators, guidance counselors, libraries, church and discussion groups should have on their shelves. This is one intense novel and Rachel Rueben’s debut as an author is definitely FIVE STAR. There are many definitions of a hag that can be applied to this book. Just which one you need to find out for yourself and learn that differences are to be embraced and if I tell you which definition applies it would take away from deciding if what it means really matters. Labels belong on soup cans, envelopes when they are addressed, mailing lists and of course medicine bottles as I stated before. Labels do not define a person. Appearance does not define who you are. Hag: read it: You won’t be disappointed.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Out of His Mouth
Out of his Mouth
Logan Rogers
Before reviewing this book I have
to state the following: I am reviewing this book based on what the author has
shared about his experiences with Fred and Marcella Williams and his Glory in
the Lord sermons. I will not state in this review whether I agree or disagree
with what he is saying about Fred Williams and his manner of prayer. I am
strictly sharing the letter from Fred Williams as told by our author Logan
Rogers.
Some events that you experience can
change the way you look at life and your perspective at the same time. Meeting
one person can teach you many different ways to understand the meaning of many
truths that you failed to realize before. As the author introduces not only
himself and Maureen to Fred Williams we learn of how he helped those he greets
and encounters to experience the Freedom of Worship, the bliss of the Glory
Gatherings and the words he bestows on each person as he places his hands on
them and restores the many gifts, he as the Lord can that day. The man, Fred
Williams, his letters and words and understandings written by first time author
Robert Logan Rogers.
As the author describes the energy
and the way Fred captures and envelopes those coming to hear his sermon you can
feel the fire the fervor and the joys that he bestowed on others as we get to
know Fred Williams. With his prayer partner Peggy our author invited Fred
Williams to a weekend in the mountains. Sharing his life as he dealt with a
divorce, his dark hours and finally releasing himself as spirit sings out the
darkness would break. Entering Logan’s house Fred not only made his presence
known but that or the Lord too by saying his presence was there in a big way.
Reaching out to them and sharing his message about communion, the elements and
“our tasting of God’s goodness,” would start the weekend off in a huge way.
The author’s journey did not begin
with meeting Fred. It began with a vision that he had before meeting him. A
vision that encompassed something so powerful that most people would deny it
ever happened yet it did. Imagine seeing people releasing a sound in unison as
the crickets did when he broke through the darkness worshipping at home. Powerful
and definitely life changing as he would experience this once again with his
wife Maureen many times over. Music seems to play an important part and when
hearing a song or a tune on the radio, the author states that with Fred, if
your “doctrine was established and the need to find it in the Bible critical,
the your reference point would be challenged.” If seems that Fred would place a
boulder or obstacle in your path in order to challenge your patience. Fred was
known as the man who knows all things.
The author includes a short
subtopic in Chapter Five titled, “Stumbling Blocks,” which allows the reader
along with the others to see if the “subtleness of idolatry existed.” Interestingly
enough he sates that many do not believe unless they see it in the Bible. His
challenge to those present was whether the Lord’s voice comes through without
focusing on his outer appearance. Several though provoking questions follow and
the reader can decide their own response as he continues with several other
subtopics, such as Nokomis Came by Night, the Kingdom of Heaven Suffers
Violence and Rejoice in the Lord. But, what follows next explains their meeting
on one Sunday where the wine was starting to turn from water and when he and
the others drank is there was a grape aroma, no alcohol taste and the
“intoxication from heaven began.”
A Time for Everything Under Heaven,
But Be Filled with Spirit focusing on the breaking of the curse, drinking wine
not made3 from the elements of earth and therefore not subjected to the curse.
Drinking Heaven’s wine and sharing his stories enlightens the reader about the
author’s experiences with Fred and many others. But, when Fred refers to the
angels he refers to them by name and the author related a story early on in
this book and revisits it in this chapter. When Maureen, his wife, that the
sign of Heaven fell from the sky in the form of a gemstone as diamond fell at
the foot of a pregnant woman, he was skeptical.
The author’s voice comes through
loud and clear and his thoughts about Fred, his sermons and much more are
discussed and questioned. In Chapter 8 the author shares Fred’s thoughts on
jealousy and defines it as a poison feeling in insecurity. He once again refers
to the gemstones and questions as to whether these stones who these stones are
for what they are missing when listening to Fred as well as doubt being cast as
to the value of the diamond that fell being worthless. Fred and his wife
Marcella were accused of using sleight-of-hand magic. They would respond by
keeping silent. Anger engulfed many of the followers and one follower named Alan
stated that darkness came over him and could not understand why. Leaving the
trial in pain of rejection both Fred and Marcella could not believe the turn of
events. What followed would be numerous phone calls from their leader demanding
that they both repent. Their leader, believe it or not was their main accuser
and many calls of warnings were received as both refused to repent. Meetings
were canceled and doors slammed and Marcella seemed to be affected the hardest
by the personal attacks on Fred’s character. Fred was not accepted within his
own town and there is much more to come as the author shares Fred’s reflections
on his time in prison.
The author is sharing the events
that he documented first hand as a journalist and have seen and witnessed from his
own experiences. He included eyewitness accounts of what he experienced. He is
not trying to convince the reader or anyone else to believe in the super
natural or in the possibility of miracles. His voice and thoughts are
interesting, honest, truthful and quite insightful.
His prison sentence seemed to be
the start of his enlightenment as he had gone through four marriages, four
homes, fathered children that he never would know except to provide for them
and had time to contemplate his actions and fate. Then, a new cellmate arrived
who was a former Assistant Pastor and he asked him poignant questions for the one-month
he was there
As the author brings to light the
issue of Angels that many people speak to and believe in. Angel of light can
appear as an angel of deception and the author discusses the many different
controversies about Angels and how they appear and learning to know the
difference of each Angel which he states requires intimacy with the Lord to
help sharpen out skills in telling good from evil. He follows with other
references in the chapter to Angels, Fred’s understanding of Angels and the
many that we need and that came to him.
Attending a black Pentecostal
church Fred seemed to be accepted at first. But, with so many accusations
following him they never knew what would happen next it would resemble a witch
hunt and the leader was pursuing him the most and know one knew when the other
shoe would fall. Therefore, Logan and many others decided to attend a biker
church and the friend who invited Logan invited some of the worship leaders
that he knew. Fred would be there too. But, the reception for Fred and the
restrictions placed on him were not what Logan expected. But, Fred adhered to
them and sat in the rear of the church but our author was angry. There is much
more that the author shares about this meeting, the pastor of the church and
the warnings she received about Fred. What they decided to do about to this and
whether they would fight back was discussed on pages 58-59. In Chapter 12 the
author shares some really interesting stories about a man named Joshua Mills
and his account of being translated to China and a group of Asian people and
the experience was eye opening and the end result you will have to read for
yourself. Other references to the Bible are sited within this chapter. With his
relationship with Maureen strained he leaves for a retreat with this friends in
Kentucky hoping that she will change her mind join him. One phone call and a
vivid description of a dream would drastically change things for both Logan and
Maureen.
William Branum’s angel came to Fred
and he shared his message with the congregation. The message as Fred relates it
to the congregation was that there would be a ten -year period of blessings,
including unusual signs and wonders. The angel brought this message to everyone
through Fred. But the strongest and most powerful part of this chapter was his
description of Fred when he anointed people and their reactions including his.
There is so much that I could share with you but you need to experience some of
this yourself as you read the book, hear Fred’s words and how the author brings
them to you in his amazing way. Angels Communicate in Hebrew, Wise Virgins, A
special letter from Logan to Fred, A Trip Up North including Fred praying with
a waitress, gathering at a kitchen table and feeling the weight of God’s glory
in the room and finally Validation and Endorsements ending with the story of
the gemstone and how it came out of a man’s mouth and where the stone winds up.
The final story about a little boy witnessing or seeing gemstones coming out of
Fred’s mouth as a little boy stated that “angels were throwing them at Fred.”
You decide for yourself as you read this book what you believe and what you
might be skeptical about. Out of His Mouth is where these stones came from as
related by our author who witnessed it first hand. A very though provoking book
about a man named Fred Williams as told by our author Logan Rogers.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Red White and Dead Again
Red White and Dead Again:
Author: Jeffrey A. Friedberg
From the rooftop she sprinted with
the stolen nuclear weapon files tightly fastened in her leader vest. Risking
everything 16-year-old Shanna made sure that she was not seen. But, something
stopped her cold. The face of the man who created these files, Robert
Oppenheimer was somehow drawn out of the safety of his compound and now was in
dire danger. Accosted by two men and held under water hoping his lungs would
fill with water ending his life, Shanna witness this act and had to make a
flash decision. Realizing the immediate danger she was in did not stop her from
taking action. But, the end result was not exactly what she expected when she
realized just who was behind the attack and why. Facing her was a 17-year-old
teen named Yaakov who saved the day and the files. But, why didn’t they return
them to the creator and what was in store for them next.
Mercenary turned PI Jack Vane is
about to be made an offer he cannot refuse. Jack is down on his luck and his
favorite lunch seems to be M&M’s or chocolate kisses. Jack is in debt, good
at what he does but when he failed to find a lost treasure he wound up in
prison, dealing with an international cabal and tried to steal the mineral
wealth or New Mexico. But, let’s not forget that he managed to catch a serial
killer and much more. But, here is where our story takes a different turn.
Sixty-six years later from when the nuclear files were stolen the following
events would occur leading back to where it all began.
Imagine Jack’s face when the Mafia
Baroness Sophia Gambeno-Lanksie enters his office and presents him an offer
that he at first refuses. Stating his reasons and presenting his case to her
did not seem to make a difference. Blackmailing him and reminding him of things
that she knew he did not faze Jack. But, he needed money and he was terrified
of the old tapes and information the mob had at its fingertips on him. Refusing
this deal was the only way to go. One phone call changed it all as Jack picked
up a pad and pencil and started to write.
Flashback to 1945 to our young
teens and their quest to keeping safe from the submachine gun fire and not
allowing the files to get into the wrong hands. With the assassin plane right
on their tail how would they escape? Yaakov was assigned to protect her which
did not seem to upset our teen. Taken with her at first sight he did everything
possible to get away from their attackers. One fighter pilot whom thinks he has
them cornered and two teens that might prove him wrong.
Let’s fast-forward to the present
and jack to learn more about what he is expected to do and meet Yaakov Irgun,
the boss or head of the Jewish Mob our young teen 66 years later. Facing this
man Jake is about to learn more about his assignment as the author briefly
shares Yaakov’s past as an assassin for the CIA, OSS killer and much more. The
assignment would wipe out many of Jake’s debts and bring him a hefty fee but
questioning this man would bring down his wrath and although he is now 79 the
power he yields is strong and definitely terrifying.
The author enlightens Jake and the
reason to the reasons behind his mission and flashes back to the past to where
it all began. The secret super weapons plans were stolen from Oppenheimer’s
office in 1945 by Shanna where are they now? These top-secret papers are
dangerous. While thinking about the past Yaakov allows the reader into his
former world, his feelings for Shanna, their relationship and the roles of the
spies and the U.S. government. Back then an unholy alliance was formed between
the FBI and the families. Secrets were kept, not all revealed, debts paid and
cover-ups sealed as the U.S. government and the mob both committed heinous
crimes and atrocities left unpunished. But, if these papers were not located
the end result would be catastrophic as implied by Yaakov. Learning more about
the both Santé Fe and his close call with death, both he and Shanna formed a
brief bond for a while ending in her mistrust for him and Yaakov revealing his
time in the prison camps. The author includes quotes at the top of each chapter
from Sun Tzu related to the events to come.
Flashing forward to the present he
includes extensive research that he shares with Jake and the reader regarding
some political figures, the FBI, WWII, the KGB and much more. Blending history
and the events in this novel into an intricately woven plot keeping the reader
glued to the printed page to find out more as the Baroness of the Mob, Sophia
returns to the spotlight to explain the mission or job at hand to Jake in more
detail. Hoping to learn more about the secret plans and the weapon of mass
destruction, Jake becomes enveloped in a plot to find the secret plans for a
super bomb more powerful that the hydrogen or any other bomb. But, the story is
not only centered around Jack and the mysterious papers it centers around two
young people who fell in love, separated for so many years and just might
reunite decades later. Shanna is bright and quite astute at the time and
although she was only 16 when they met she realized that there was much more to
Yaakov then on the surface. Thinking he was hired to o kill her Shanna overhears a
conversation between Yaakov and another man which sets off a chain of events
that changes the course of their relationship and causes her to disappear.
As you hear the voice of Sophia in
the present and meet her extremely tall daughters, you learn more about the
hidden truths behind the plans, who might have them and whether one set
destroyed. Dr. Edward Teller is one diabolical mind behind this plot and
Oppenheimer the other. Just what happens when Teller is given his own lab and
Oppenheimer continues his project will terrify the reader as both have a
similar vision in mind but will they succeed? What if I told you the ultimate
goal is to create a bomb so powerful if found in the wrong hands it might be
used for World Domination.
Added in the story is the history
of Santé Fe and the many photos included at the end of the book allowing the
reader to actually see the many places discussed and described by the author
and feel as if you are experiencing the journey first hand. We meet the
investigative team that Jack has put together to help work on this case.
Tiffany Chablis who runs a delivery company. We meet Little Boy, a Native
American Police Officer, his sister Diana, Adrianna Crow another officer and
Captain Roberts. We also meet the FBI link that is not out for his best
interest, Christian Cake. The author introduces these players and then
brilliantly flashes back to Shanna and her injuries and we learn more about her
life and what she learns about Duncan Pike from his son. The plot thickens as
we once again find out more about Irgun or Jake “the Ghost” Irgun and his link
to what happened in the past and the fact that he just might not be what he
appears to be in the present.
One news article would enlighten
everyone and bring to light a man named Valentino Reefe and his connection to
the original project. This information remains classified so you won’t get any
more information from me unless you read it for yourself and make all the
connections on your own. Enter a man named Romulus who just might help Jack put
the entire situation in perspective since he wants the plans too. Betrayals,
mistrust, deceit and one man who was behind it all and it is up to Jack to
teach him and many others a lesson they won’t forget but what happens next will
surprise the reader and Jack too.
When all of the pieces of the
puzzle finally come together and the past comes full circle with the present in
more ways than one just where are those plans and will Jack find them? So, what
does the sun and the song Let the Sunshine In have to do with the missing
plans? Just who has them and how does this all link together? An ending that
will keep you guessing and make you wonder what will happen next for Jack and
the rest of his team.
What happens when Shanna faces
Yaakov? Who is the mastermind behind this devious plot and who wants World
Domination? What happens to the plans and the plates? Is this the beginning of
the end or the start of more to come? Red White and Dead Again or are they?
Read this fiery hot novel and find out just who lives, who dies and who makes
it into the next book by our outstanding author. Take the journey into New
Mexico and the past with Jack, his team and the others and experience the
excitement yourself.
Let’s give this book: FIVE
SUNSHINES TWICE IN ONE DAY!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
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