KTBR - NONFICTION & POETRY REVIEWS

BOXER'S START-UP: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BOXING by Doug Werner

2007-03-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Tracks Publishing
140 Brightwood Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
www.startupsports.com
Genre: Sports/Non-fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1884654096, $12.95, 160 pp.

For those interested in physical fitness, this may be just the book for you. The sport of boxing has grown in popularity over the past few years, not so much to fight, but as a general good workout with the added benefit of learning to defend oneself.

Boxer’s Start-Up is well organized and will provide the beginner with sufficient basics to get started. There are lots of pictures to help you learn about the gear, stances, basic footwork, punches, combinations, working with the heavy bag, basic defense and counters, the boxer’s workout, and sparring.

Werner has added some history and a boxer’s journal to complete this little book. For the price, you’ll get a lot of punch for your buck.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 7, 2007

THE AMERICAN PROBLEM by Thomas J. Roatch

2007-03-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

Llumina Press
PO Box 772246
Coral Springs, FL
www.llumina.com
Genre: Non-Fiction/Opinion/Politics
Rating: Highly Recommended
ISBN: 9781595266774, $9.95, 96 pp.

In this compact little book Thomas J. Roatch addresses many of the problems we face in America today–eleven to be exact: automotive/energy, health, politics, air travel, the internet, borders, drugs and crime, space, Iraq and Afghanistan, racism and gender ignorance, and education.

He presents these problems in a precise, clear manner and adds documentation to inform and support his position. On the back cover it states: "Tom claims he wrote The American Problem ‘because I was raised never to complain about anything unless you had a solution for that problem.’" The problems may seem overwhelming to the average American, and they are indeed complex.

This little book, however, does not tell us "how to solve the problems" in the matrix in which they exist. Tom has his opinions, as we all do, but his little book may be one of many to be written to help us clarify the issues and inspire ‘the people’ to find the strength to stand up and say, "Enough is enough", particularly in regard to our energy problems. When the people have had enough, they will stand up, as they did in the Soviet Union.

Of particular interest are the facts presented about our energy problems and how our leaders have neglected to deal with them because as JP Morgan said to Nikola Tesla in 1905, "If anyone can draw on the power, where do we put the meter?" And, are you aware that the ‘country’ of Brazil does not use gasoline; they use ethanol make from sugar. Realistic solutions are out there to solve our energy problems, but it’s difficult to get around the greed of the automotive and energy monopolies.

Thomas J. Roatch has cared enough about our problems to write this book. If I were to make a constructive criticism, it would be that he has not provided us with a constructive means to unite the people to bring about the needed changes.

I highly recommend this book as an informative delineation of America’s problems and for the price of $9.95, it is well worth the price.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 1, 2007

PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS & OPTIMUM HEALTH by Billy C. Johnson MD, Phd and Daniel Chong-Jimenez, B.S.

2007-02-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

Llumina Press
PO Box 772246, Coral Springs, FL
Genre: Health/Diet
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1595263918, $27.95, 432 pp.

This is a large book filled with lots of information about diet, health issues and dieting. The authors have presented this information in a logical, organized manner. The essence of this particular diet is "balance your carb intake with how active you are" as carbs are necessary for energy and good health.

I can certainly recommend this quality publication to those interested in their health and to those who want to read another book about dieting. The authors have included a 30-day meal plan to assist you in trying their program. It is always interesting to read another diet plan to help us over weight Americans find some balance in our lives.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 17, 2007

LYNCHED BY CORPORATE AMERICA by Herman Malone & Robert Schwab

2007-02-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

HM-RS Publishing
3840 York Street, Denver, CO 80205
www.LynchedbyCA.com
Genre: Nonfiction/Business/Law
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 0978509447, $15.95, 111 pp.

Lynched by Corporate America is a true story about African-American business leader, Herman Malone, and his race-discrimination lawsuit against US West (now Qwest Communications International, Inc.). After Dick McCormick became chairman of US West in 1992, the company began terminating contracts with African-American-owned businesses and later settled with six out of the seven plaintiffs. Malone was the sole holdout, and this is his story.

The book is well organized, concise and well written. He has put it all out there for you to decide–a case study in the reality of our legal system.

Herman Malone is the President and CEO of RMES Communications. He is the former Chairman of both the National and the Colorado Black Chambers of Commerce. Robert Schwab of Colorado Biz and former editor for the Denver Post helped get this book to press.

Lynched by Corporate America is a story about contemporary racial discrimination and shortcomings within our judicial system. If you’re interested and care about such things, I can highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - February 12, 2007

SUPERVISING SOLUTIONS - MANAGING PEOPLE MADE EASY by Tuwanda Jenkinson

2007-02-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

PublishAmerica, LLLP - Baltimore
www.publishamerica.com
Genre: Nonfiction - Self Help
Rating: Fair
ISBN: 1424156122, $12.95, 48 pp.

Supervising Solutions is a very small book and really should be a chapter in a larger text book on the subject. Tuwanda breaks down management styles into three types: aggressive, passive and assertive. She then explains a little about each one.

It is my opinion that most of what was written would be common sense to anyone interested in the subject of management. In the last chapter she present a number of problems a manager might face but gives no solutions to those problems, only "How would you handle that?"

It is not clear to me why this book was written as it certainly is not substantial enough to provide assistance to someone in a management position. The price of $12.95 is high for a 48 page book with little substance.

Review by Kaye Trout - February 10, 2007

WINNING OR LOSING - THE FINANCIAL & RETIREMENT RATE by Robert Lamoreaux, JD

2007-01-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

Devere Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 970965, Orem, UT
Genre: Self-Help/Financial Guidance
Rating: Good
ISBN: 0978798805, $24.95, 165 pp.

Robert Lamoreaux shares with us some of the knowledge he has acquired during thirty-five years of estate planning. This is a hard cover book written in a logical manner to help guide you through the complexity of working with your financial situation. It is a well-written book and touches on pertinent subjects.

I have read many such books and am always looking for new and updated information. If I were to make one constructive criticism of this book, it would be that it could have gone into more detail in general. Robert Lamoreaux recommends that you use the services of professionals for your taxes and accounting, etc., rather than try to learn, understand and do it yourself. Personally, I like to try and do it myself and believe what Bob Brinker, a well-known financial adviser, said years ago: "When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you’re looking at the only person you can trust with your money. So, you’d better learn how to manage it." Good advice.

Winning or Losing will help you to get an initial handle on your financial situation and if you’re not up to the financial challenge, then, by all means, find the professionals with whom you are comfortable to help you.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - January 3, 2007

SNOT BUBBLES! A Football Primer for Moms, Wives & Significant Others by Helma Clark

2006-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Jersten Press
PO Box 688, McDonough, GA
Helmaclark@aol.com
Genre: Sports
Rating: Good
ISBN: 0970279302, $8.50 (lst Ed), 128 pp.

This book is a basic primer for people who want to know a little something about football. It is very basic, but it will help you to understand the language, player positions and signals in the game. Actually the "snot bubbles" is a real term.

I can recommend this book as a rudimentary primer; however, the drawings of the figures demonstrating the signals are poorly done.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - December 12, 2006

CIRCLING SAN FRANCISCO BAY by Ginny Anderson

2006-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

A Pilgrimage to Wild and Sacred Places
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Rd, Lincoln, NE
www.iuniverse.com
Genre: Spiritual Self-Help/Travel
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 0595391915, $18.95, 212 pp.

Circling San Francisco Bay is a spiritual travel guide. It focuses on sacred sites in nature around San Francisco Bay, but the basic concepts can be used anywhere, really. If one is interested in connecting with nature to find what insights into life nature may share with us, this book will provide some guidance.

Ginny Anderson is a Stanford graduate, a psychotherapist, spiritual guide and teaches shamanism and feminist spirituality. She helps people to connect with nature. The book is professionally written, edited and well organized, and I can certainly recommend it to readers interested in developing a more intimate relationship with the natural world.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - December 7, 2006

CREATE, SELL AND GROW RICH by Dr. Jan Cooper

2006-10-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Outskirts Press
Parker, CO
www.outskirtspress.com
Genre: Self-help
Rating: Good
ISBN: 1598003690, $13.95, 144 pp.

Create, Sell and Grow Rich is a self-help book which is well-designed and organized. It is divided into three parts, easy to read and inspirational. Dr. Cooper has an expensive background to assist you in your efforts.

If you’ve read other self-help books, I don’t think you’ll find anything significantly new in this one. However, you may find that Dr. Cooper presents his motivational material in a way to which you can relate.

As far as self-help books go, I have rated this one as good.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - October 12, 2006

REAL ROOTS OF GERMAN, GREEK, LATIN & ENGLISH by Rangi Ranganath

2006-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Authors OnLine Ltd
19 The Cinques
Gamlingay, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG193NU, England
www.authorsonline.co.uk
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: Good
ISBN: 0755202422, $21.95, 512 pp.

Rangi Ranganath wrote One People One Language which I reviewed in March 2006. In both books he addresses what he calls "The two great hoaxes of today:" 1) All human life began only in Africa and 2) Language and agriculture were developed in the Middle East.

Real Roots of German, Greek, Latin & English is a mini word origin directory and adds support to his theory, as described in detail in his first book. If you are interested in Rangi’s work and the evolution of language, you will find this book very interesting, and on that basis, I would recommend it.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - September 26, 2006

ARTHRITIS - A New Look by R. J. Murphy, Ph.D.

2006-09-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Dr, Ste 200, Bloomington, IN
www.authorhouse.com
Genre: Nonfiction/Health
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1425938191, $38.99, 108 pp.

"A new and exciting insight into the world of natural healing for arthritic problems using the science of iridology."

To tell you about this book, I quote several paragraphs from the Introduction:

"Many of you I hope have picked up this book with open-minded inquisitiveness. ‘Arthritis a new look’ is exactly what this book is about, a new look at looking into the iris of the eyes and identifying the genetic markers which can pinpoint arthritic conditions, or one’s predispositions to arthritis. The knowledge in this book is sourced from a science called iridology. The iris is a complex map of the body’s inherited constitution, that is, your inherited strengths and inherited weaknesses. The eyes are precious in function, gemlike when magnified and this complex organ drives a visual system that makes billions of calculations every second.

"Arthritis has been termed a disease; however, with the aid of Iridology this book will show that arthritis is not a disease but a systemic disorder which affects the whole body...."

The author has organized his book into seventeen chapters in a logical, informative progression and provided photographs of patients’ eyes to illustrate how Iridology reveals problems within the body. Arthritis - A New Look is well-written and provides considerable support for this approach to dealing with arthritis.

Dr. R. Murphy is a registered British nutritionist and studied at Westbrook University, USA, where he received his BSc, Msc and his PhD in Nutrition and Iridology. In closing, quoting from the back cover, "The proven knowledge in this book will help you in your quest to overcome the pain and discomfort of any arthritic complaint."

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - September 13, 2006

EFFORTLESS MASTERY by Kenny Werner

2006-07-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Liberating the Master Musician Within
Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc.
PO Box 1244, New Albany IN
www.jazzbooks.com
Genre: Meditative Approach to Music
ISBN: 156224003X, $20.00, 200 pp

More than an instruction or how-to book on learning to play music, Effortless Mastery is a spiritual journey to the higher Self, and once there, you are but the instrument through which the music will be expressed. The concepts presented here are applicable to every aspect of life where there is a need for free-flowing, effortless thinking. And I quote from page 185:

"I recently read a quote by Samuel Smiles that inspired me greatly. It said:

Sow an act, reap a habit,
sow a habit, reap a character,
sow a character, reap a destiny.

If you are building new patterns of success in your life, BE PATIENT. There is a time delay between planting new messages and their coming into fruition. A farmer does not go into his fields to tug on the shoots of his crops. He knows that growth happens in its own time.

During the middle and late eighties, I started to practice new patterns of thought that would eventually yield the successful results I had craved all my life. When new opportunities came my way, I maintained my interest in self-improvement, higher consciousness and growth in general, and those opportunities came to fruition.

I then knew that the curse was finally over! I could attract abundance and success into my life! Lo and behold, it works! I’m functional! I can Learn!"

Kenny Werner is an accomplished pianist who began performing at age 4. He was inspired by masters of the craft to rethink the technical aspects of creativity, as well as the spiritual aspects.

If you are a musician or thinking about becoming one, you could benefit by reading this book. Effortless Mastery was recommended to me by Ed Fotheringill, author of Lanterns in the Mist, who is also a drummer in his jazz group Ten Directions.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 29, 2006 - Copyright

EVERYTHING YOU WILL EVER NEED TO KNOW TO START DRIVING A BIG TRUCK or HOW I BECAME A PROFESSIONAL TOURIST by Steve Richards

2006-07-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Road - 515, Parker, CO
www.outskirtspress.com
Genre: Nonfiction/Transportation
Rating: Highly Recommended
ISBN: 1598006169, $14.95, 228 pp, 2006

Here are revealed the mysteries of the eighteen-wheeler world!

If you have ever thought about driving the big trucks, then this is the book for you. Steve Richards tells it like it is with a strong voice, good judgment and sound advice, served up with a sharp sense of humor. He covers every aspect: company selection, driver training, learning how to drive, miles equal money, log books, weigh stations, CB’s, cell phones, Qualcoms, directions, getting loaded/unloaded, wasting time, truck stops, mirrors, chains, hot brakes, DAC reports, protecting your CDL, big blowouts, time management, don’t let them cheat you and the best reason to drive a big truck.

Let me give you a sample of Steve’s writing from pages 136-137:

"While these tire explosions aren’t going to happen often, they will always happen at the most inconvenient moments, that is when you are driving your truck. How unusual.

One of my first blowouts happened on Interstate 15 about fifty miles or so east of Las Vegas. It was summertime and the temperature was well over 100 degrees making the highway into a veritable frying pan on which you could possibly torch a nice T-bone. It was hot! On top of that I had a near capacity load on the order of about forty-five thousand pounds in the trailer. A heavy load and a hot road is a good recipe for a tire to explode. There we go with the poetry again.

As for having the correct tire pressure in my trailer tires I do in fact confess to a certain laziness in that department as I believe do the vast majority of drivers out there. This is clearly visible in the huge number of "gators" littering the highways. I have a reasonable degree of certainty that such practice or lack thereof is more than the norm in the transportation industry. . . .

You never really know what will happen to your tires. One time I actually found a seven inch long railroad spike sticking out of one of my drive tires. Fortunately I was in close proximity to my home terminal and got it fixed fast. Your tires are of great importance as they are your one connection between your tractor trailer and the highway. Do not take them for granted. Check them frequently and it will pay off. Ignoring them can provide you with dire consequences."

After you have read this book, you’ll have a better understanding of the trucking world and if such a life would appeal to you. If you decide to become a truck driver, you can thank Steve Richards for sharing his knowledge and experiences with you by writing him at srric@hotmail.com or PO Box 1111, Fallbrook, CA 92088.

Steve Richards is a busy guy into many things. He’s a real estate broker, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, former Denver radio announcer, guitarist & composer, private investigator and published author.

I’m certain Everything You Will Ever Need to Know To Start Driving A Big Truck or How I Became A Professional Tourist will appeal to a wide range of readers–men and women fascinated by the powerful mystique of eighteen wheelers.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 23, 2006 - Copyright

NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION - A Language of Compassion by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

2006-07-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Riddle Dancer Press
P.O. Box 231129, Encinitas, CA
www.nonviolentcommunication.com
ISBN: 1892005026, $17.95, 212 pp, 2002

This is not a new book and it is not a POD published book, but it is a significant book for the times in which we live–violent times. Dr. Rosenberg has been working for many years to help people communicate in positive ways. He founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) in 1984, and it has grown into an international nonprofit organization which provides training in 30 countries around the world. CNVC offers workshops for educators, counselors, parents, health care providers, mediators, business managers, prison inmates and guards, police, military personnel, clergy and government officials.

His NVC Model has four simple components: 1) observation, 2) feeling, 3) needs and 4) request. The NVC Model: The concrete actions we are observing that are affecting our well-being; how we are feeling in relation to what we are observing; the needs, values, desires, etc. that are creating our feelings; the concrete actions we request in order to enrich our lives. In other words, you observe something, think about how you feel, determine what your needs are and make a request. However, it’s a little more complicated than that and explaining what these four words mean is what this book is about.

Allow me to quote from the back cover:
"Nonviolent Communication is the lost language of humankind, the language of a people who care about one another and long to live in harmony. Using stories, examples and sample dialogues, Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D. provides everyday solutions to perplexing communication problems. Dr. Rosenberg has brought these simple, yet revolutionary, communication skills to tens of thousands of people on five continents."

As I mentioned in my June review of Aurora Borealis by Kristin Shoemaker, violence is the No. 1 killer of teenagers and young adults in major cities. The disease-causing agent is not a microbe but a thought. Gary Slutkin, founder of the Chicago Center for Violence Prevention, thinks violence is unhealthy behavior which can be changed. It would be my hope that these two leaders in the fight against violence might join forces and help each other.

I highly recommend this book, as does Deepak Chopra, MD, John Gray, Ph.D. and Vicki Robin.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 17, 2006 - Copyright

TAKE-CHARGE LIVING How to Recast Your Role in Life . . . In Six Acts by Marion Kramer Jacobs, Ph.D.

2006-07-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE
www.iuniverse.com
www.take-chargeliving.com
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help
ISBN: 0595372600, $15.95, 152 pp, 2006

I receive quite a few self-help books to review and have written one myself, Ladies Are You Lost? Options for Women in Unhealthy Relationships. But, Dr. Jacobs’s book is exceptional and stands out from all the rest. It’s exceptional on many different levels–for its content, for the years of experience Dr. Jacobs shares with us, for its presentation and creative style.

It is well-organized, well-written and designed to be a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to making constructive changes, of any kind, in ones life.

Marion writes, and I quote from page 5:

"Without getting technical, Take-Charge Living: How to Recast Your Role in Life . . . In Six Acts connects provocative findings from brain research with the best of my clinical knowledge. The result is a book that explains the dynamics of how people change and offers you, the reader, an easy-to-follow, carefully mapped out, six-act program for overcoming emotional resistance to change and successfully guiding yourself through the change process.

"Beyond changing any specific pattern of thinking or behavior, the overarching message of this book is that you can change the whole tenor of your life by adopting what I like to call a take-charge living perspective. That perspective says, as long as more than one way to handle a situation exists, the way you go about it as well as how you think, feel, and act is a choice you are making. Because many of our ways have become so habitual, it may not feel like a choice. But it is. . . ."

"Changing can be an exciting journey. I very much hope you will choose to make that journey with me. We only get one life, so please do not squander yours on endless mental dress rehearsals. The time to move forward is now."

Quoting from the rear cover:

"Dr. Jacobs is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Laguna Beach, California and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at UCLA. She was Coordinator of UCLA’s Psychology Clinic for 19 years as well as Co-Director of the California Self-Help Center at UCLA. . . ."

For anyone looking to make a positive change in their life, I would highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 14, 2006 - Copyright

FERAL COUNTRY by David Morris

2006-06-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

Feral Country
by David Morris
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker - 515, Parker CO
http://outskirtspress.com/feralcountry
Genre: Poetry
ISBN: 1598004247, $10.95, 72 pp, 2006

This is a book of poetry containing some of the author’s thoughts and feelings about the High Western Desert country of Northwest Colorado and Southern Wyoming. David Morris is a man concerned about the negative impact rampant development is having on the native plants, animals and archeological sites in this unique territory.

Reviewing poetry is not my forte, but I try to review all print-on-demand (POD) books sent my way. So, I will tell you what I know, observed and experienced while reading this book.

David’s style is more free verse than rhyming words. The book is well laid out, the cover is particularly attractive and besides the poems, David has included some photographs. His poetry is understandable and not filled with verbal imagery beyond the average person’s ability to grasp.

Allow me to quote one of his poems, but I will use a slash mark to indicate the end of a line and two slashes for a double space instead of presenting it as shown in the book. The title of the poem is "Beyond Quiet".

"I tell myself/ Stand still awhile// Listen hard and could be hear// the soft anguished sigh/ of snow melting// the scratch and pop of gnarled roots/ stretching awake/ in cool wet ground// the sound of water fed grasses fattening// the quiet hiss of high gray tinged clouds/ sliding in from the west// all that and more to listen for/ yet I must ruin/ an almost perfect silence/ with the sodden sucking sounds/ of my own footsteps// too ADD/ to stay stopped/ long enough to really listen/ to any one/ place or thing."

If you like poetry about landscapes, wildlife, Native Americans and early pioneers and are interested in preserving this High Western Desert country, you might add your support to David efforts by reading his book and contacting him directly as he invites you to visit him in Craig, Colorado for an afternoon of hiking.

David Morris is a school teacher who has written these poems with humor, honesty and sensory detail for you to see and feel this unique desert country he has come to love.

Glad you made the effort. Thank you, David!

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - June 2, 2006 - Copyright

JOY-FULL HOLISTIC REMEDIES by Georgie Holbrook

2006-05-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Joy-Full Holistic Remedies
Georgie Holbrook
Joy-Full Publishing Company
P.O. Box 591661, Houston, TX 77259
www.joy-full.com
Genre: Self Help/Holistic Remedies
ISBN: 096687420X, $ $9.97, 144 pp, 1999

This book is about holistic remedies with a strong emphasis on a Christian God. It is divided into four sections: Georgie’s Story, Your Spiritual Self, Holistic Remedies and Principles to Live by.

If you are into holistic health, as I have been for many years, you won’t find anything new or particularly unique. It’s pretty standard stuff, but there is always room for another book as an author may write in such a way as to touch you personally.

It is wonderful that the Georgie recovered from her "incurable" disease of Rosacea, and I’m certain that her story will give inspiration to others.

The author is a national holistic educator and Glyco-nutrition consultant. Her healing articles have appeared in magazines such as Evolving Your Spirit, Natural Awakenings, West Cost Woman, Huston Business Journal and Attitudes Magazine.

Thank you, Georgie, for sharing your experience and inspiration with us.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 21, 2006 - Copyright

INFORMATION SYSTEMS 101: A Business Owner's Guide for Staying Afloat by C. Oakes Templeman

2006-05-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Information Systems 101:
A Business Owner’s Guide for Staying Afloat
C. Oakes Templeman
Booklocker.com, Inc.
Genre: Self Help
ISBN: 1591138698, $19.95, 132 pp, 2006

From the back cover:
"Information Systems 101: A Business Owner’s Guide for Staying Afloat put into the hands of business and organization leaders a compass for navigating the high seas of computerized information systems with the most profitable rewards.

Packed with real life cases of information system disasters, Information Systems 101 guides the reader to:

- Establish Information Systems Cultures and Communications Standards
- Create Hardware, Software, and Network Documentation
- Generate Information Systems, Business, and Records Procedures
- Develop a Disaster Preparedness Program

Templeman’s 30-year career in accounting, information systems, and document management, affords a unique perspective on the crucial role information systems play within a business or organization, and the havoc wreaked when holes spring open in the IS ship."

This is a well-organized and understandable book about protecting your information systems. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 4 - Service Providers not Gods. She wrote that there is a cancer in the information systems profession–some IS people think they are or are perceived to be gods.

When your system is down and you have a good tech who comes through for you regularly, my vote is that he is a god (and I don’t even care what time he shows up . . . as long as he does show up).

She states that this little concise book is "to complement, amplify and supplement other texts." She encourages you "to read all the available material, learn as much as possible about safeguarding information systems procedures and developing disaster recovery plans, and tailor the information to your individual needs."

So, my only constructive criticism would be to include a list of resources at the end . . . for further reading.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 20, 2006 - Copyright

HOME IS WHERE THE LEARNING IS by Valerie J. Steimle

2006-05-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Home Is Where the Learning Is:
Homeschool Lifestyles From Homeschool Moms
Valerie J. Steimle
Booklocker.com
Genre: How to
ISBN: 1591139387, $14.95, 204 pp, 2006

This book is about homeschooling–about parents taking the time to educate their children. The information is presented in a logical, understandable manner and begins with Chapter One: The Basics of Homeschool by Valerie J. Steimle. Valerie has written the Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Ten: The Final Word and Chapter Eleven: Homeschooling Resources.

The other chapters were written by other women homeschoolers: Cherie Logan, Lisa Odaffer, Gail Thomas, Donna Knox, Karen Gibson, Debbie Hanson and Lisa Hyman Johnson, plus a chapter by the Baldwin County Homeschoolers.

This is an excellent book if you are considering homeschooling your child/children and provides just about everything you’ll need to know to make an intelligent decision. The Homeschooling Resources chapter is extensive and includes books, magazines, catalogues, curriculums and websites.

Valerie J. Steimle has been homeschooling her children since 1990 and has had numerous articles about family issues published. She is also the author of Home Is Where The Heart Is.

I'm certain this book will be much appreciated by those considering such an option.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 15, 2006 - Copyright

THE JOY OF GROWING UP: Growing Up for Grownups Who Haven't Grown Up Yet by Wendy Freebourne, MSc

2006-05-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Growing Up:
Growing Up for Grownups Who Haven’t Grown Up Yet
Wendy Freebourne
Authors Online Ltd
40 Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR, England
Genre: Self Help
ISBN: 0755210298, $14.95, 156 pp, 2005

Wendy Freebourne, Msc is a psychotherapist who has worked with individuals, couples and groups for twenty-five years. She has a varied, rich background and shares her knowledge and experiences through this book, and I quote:

"She has produced a series of CDs, The dependency Talks, dealing with recovery from codependency, dysfunctional families and the underlying cause of dependencies and additions; and a psycho-spiritual report, Pathfinder Workbook. She has also had magazine articles, short stories and poetry published. Currently, she has a novel about relationships in progress and is taking herself seriously as a textile artist."

The book is divided into three sections: Part I: Becomeing Your Own Person, Part 2: Using What You’ve Got and Part 3: Becoming More Of Who You Are. It is well-written and the author may just say something you needed to hear . . . that is, if you are currently looking to improve your life.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 7, 2006 - Copyright

UNACCEPTABLE - The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina by Walter M. Brasch

2006-05-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

'UNACCEPTABLE':
The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina
Walter M. Brasch, Ph.D.
BookSurge, LLC
5341 Dorchester Rd, Ste 16
Charleston, SC 29418
www.booksurge.com
Genre: Nonfiction/Social Commentary
ISBN: 1419618393, $12.99, 96 pp, 2006

Walter M. Brasch, Ph.D., is a social issues columnist and satirist, author of 16 books, and a university journalism professor. He has also spent 10 years working in the field of emergency management. This book, based upon extensive observation and documentation focuses on the problems within our current government organization--a systemic failure--which allowed two million Americans to be put at risk. Evidently, the relatively new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is at the heart of the problem instead of the solution. Dr. Brasch lists the primary issues contributing to the problem as:

"-Political policies that disregarded global warming and which resulted in warmer sea levels that facilitated catastrophic hurricanes;
-Policies that permitted oil companies to drill into the wetlands of the Gulf Coast and, thus, reduce protection against hurricanes and floods;
-Policies that substantially reduced funding for natural disaster protection, while hyper-inflating funds for the War in Iraq;
-Policies that downgraded the efficiency and response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pushing new resources into the President's anti-terrorism campaigns;
-Policies that allowed a willful neglect of certain populations;
-Policies that emphasized the "PR mission" and "photo-ops" over actual command;
-Policies that allowed willful neglect of critical warning by government scientists and engineers; and
-Policies that allowed waste and corruption to infiltrate the nation's federal response."

'Unacceptable': The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina is a well-documented, concise book on the geopolitics contributing to dangerous problems within our current government. It is, indeed, a clear reflection of the misuse of power and resources. After reading this book, you may also believe that there is sufficient evidence to indict President Bush, or at least add your voice to the opposition or get in line to volunteer. Volunteer for what? For the suggestion floating around in the e-mail world: "Will someone please give this man a '. . . job' so that we can impeach him."

I'm certain that it was not an easy job compiling and organizing all the information documented in this small book, and it is important that someone cared to compile it for us and present it in a concise, understandable way. It is, however, always easier to criticize than to offer realistic solutions.

It is my belief that fewer people read newspapers or listen to the political news today. Fewer people care to be involved because they feel the problems are too overwhelming and out of control. Government has become too large, too complex, too corrupt, too greedy to think about, and the average person can hardly manage their own affairs. Possibly we need another Gaius Julius Caesar with a new vision, but then 'the powers that be' would soon put an end to such a man, as they did before.

My suggestion for change, which I'm certain we are not ready for, is to put a computer in every home and let the people run the country by majority vote on all issues (prohibiting organized special-interest groups) with the votes tallied by a central computer and policy made based on majority rule. This might excite people to take a renewed interest in the well-being of their country and planet. The men we elect, even if they were good to start, can hardly stand up to the power pressures they experience in office, and in the end, I think the average person has more common sense than our elected representatives.

So, let's get out of Iraq and put some serious pressure behind developing alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and setting up the necessary systems to make it work.

Thank you Dr. Brasch for your very provocative account of our government's serious problems.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 7, 2006 - Copyright

115 WAYS TO REDUCE ANXIETY by Mike Marcoe

2006-05-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

115 Ways to Reduce Anxiety
Strategies for dealing with an anxiety disorder
Mike Marcoe
Booklocker.com
www.mikemarcoe.com
Genre: Self Help
ISBN 1591138728, $12.95, 108 pp, 2006

This is a concise little book specifically written to deal with the problem of anxiety. It first helps one to identify anxiety–to distinguish between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder. From there it is divided into four sections–using your mind, physical approaches, dietary approaches and spirituality.

It is well organized and clearly written with chapters and topics in bold print. Mike states that this book will help you find solutions to both the symptoms and underlying causes of your anxiety disorder. It’s certainly worth a shot.

Mike Marcoe has been a long-time anxiety sufferer and has participated in all 115 methods described in his book. He is a writer/editor from Middleton, Wisconsin, and has worked for the University of Wisconsin, plus various other occupations.

Thanks, Mike, for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 7, 2006 - Copyright

PHILOSOPHER'S STONE by Hank Kroll

2006-04-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Philosopher's Stone
Hank Kroll
Infinity Publishing.com
1094 New DeHaven Street, Suite 100
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
www.alaskapublishing.com
PO Box 526, Kasilof, Alaska 99610
Genre: Self Help/Health
ISBN: 0741422352, $9.72, 212 pp, 2004

This book is about an orbitally rearranged monatomic element (ORME) which Henry Kroll tells us will extend life. The book is the result of thirty years of study on the m-state also know as the white-powder-of-gold which was carried in the Ark of the Covenant. The book contains seven recipes which your can make in your kitchen.

Mr. Kroll says that the particle exists everywhere in ratios of 10,000 to one and can be flipped or transmuted into various elements depending on how many protons are available. It is about 100 times larger than atoms and its physical shape determines its unique superconducting properties. He also claims that it increases the brain's power and can be used to cure many illnesses.

The majority of the book is concerned with providing evidence and explanations regarding this material in support of the author's claims.

For people interested in prolonging life and increasing their brain power, he provides many references and contact information. It would be my suggestion that he have the book professionally edited, as there are spelling and punctuation errors.

Henry Kroll has had many occupations. Currently he is doing motivational speaking and lecturing on the white-powder-of-gold, the mfkzt powder carried in the Ark of the Covenant. His latest book, co-authored with Brad Guth, on astronomy details the discovery of a neutron star which he believes is responsible for ending ice ages, by mopping up CO2 every 105,000 years. He discovered that the invisible ultraviolet light from the star creates limestone, crude oil, and coal beds. The title of this extreme documentary is Cosmological Ice Ages and Global Warming. He is currently writing a book about his voyage down the Mississippi titled Mississippi.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - April 19, 2006 - Copyright

LADIES, ARE YOU LOST? by Victoria Rose & Helena Gunther

2006-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Are You Lost? Options for Women in Unhealthy Relationships
Victoria Rose & Helena Gunther
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd #515, Parker, CO,
http://outskirtspress.com/ladies
http:victoriarosebooks.blogspot.com
ISBN: 1598003585, $9.95, 132 pp, 2006

REVIEWED BY: NICKI VAN NESS for KATE TROUT’S BOOK REVIEWS

This is a small, compact book with 10 clues to help women find their lost or stolen identity–their sense of "self." It is an open, easy read written in a familiar, understanding manner and includes contributions from other women . . . just average women reaching out a hand.

The contents of this book are: Chapter 1 - Are You in an Unhealthy Relationship; Chapter 2 - Ten Clues to Find You; Chapter 3 - Short Personal History; Chapter 4 Evolution of my Occupations; Chapter 5 - Contributions from Other Women; Chapter 6 - Options and Opportunities; Chapter 7 - Failure is Not an Option; Chapter 8 - Education Fund; Chapter 9 - Resources; and Chapter 10 - Conclusion.

Here is an excerpt from page 2:
WHAT IS THIS BOOK? . . . it’s a solid object in your hand which contains my thoughts, refined thinking, and mental telepathy transcending distance and time.

When you picked up this book and began to read, you became a participant in a miracle and the receiver of a message that I wanted to send. Thoughts from my mind are being telepathically transmitted to your mind through the medium of this book, and more amazingly still, this connection transcends distance and time–you being farther up river in the stream of time. I sent this message in March 2006, and you are receiving it in? . . . . You don’t know where I was when I sent it, and I don’t know where you are while you’re receiving it. Telepathy!

And a second excerpt from page 3:
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? . . . your identity (the real you) has been lost or stolen, and we need to go to war to get you back. I use the concept of war because war is serious business and we are serious. Right?

Richard Marcinko, in his book Leadership Secrets of the Rogue Warrior-A Commando’s Guide to Success, writes: "Life is a struggle for survival, for success, and for dominance. Life is war." If this is so, then let us prepare for war.

Somewhere, in each of us, beats a warrior’s heart. During our time together, I am going to provide your warrior mind with ten clues to finding you. I will list them briefly and later go into more detail. Once you have discovered or recovered yourself, you will no longer need our guidance, but you will need to protect this "identity," as it can be lost or stolen . . . again.

The focus of this book is not healthy relationships, the focus is finding you. Once you have a stronger grasp on who you are, the opportunities for a healthy relationship will materialize. Financial independence is an important part in this struggle, and that is what the "options" part of this book is about.

The book is addressed to women in unhealthy relationships who feel they have no options. The purpose of the book is to help them get back on track and take control of their lives. If they are serious about change, want a better life, and follow the 10 clues, the author guarantees they won’t be disappointed. There are just 10 clues, but the courage to change is the challenge. As education is a key to improving one’s life, any profits from the sale of this book go into a special education fund for women working toward a better life.

The author, Helena Gunther/Victoria Rose, her alter ego–the writer within, has written this book to tell women where she saw the opportunities, what she did when she saw them, how she faces her fears, and how she moves from the negative into the positive. This is her first nonfiction book. Her fiction novels include Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown; Christina; Toni; Josy (Sci-Fi Fantasy Romances); The Rose Sisters Trilogy and Trust Me, the Devil Said.

If you have a lady friend who is in an unhealthy relationship, this is the perfect gift. If your friend connects with what the author has to say, it just might help.

Reviewed by Nickie Van Ness - April 8, 2006 - Copyright

A COLORADO SUNSET by Helena Gunther

2006-04-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

COMMON SENSE: MANUFACTURING MANDATE

2006-04-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Common Sense: Manufacturing Mandate
James Forbes
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker Rd - 515, Parker, CO, USA
Genre: Business/General
http://outskirtspress.com/commonsense
Email: jim@forbesgrip.com
ISBN: 1598003240, $12.97, 168 pp, 2006

James Forbes has worked with both automotive and non-automotive manufacturers for over 30 years. He has written this book about the archaic operating policies employed currently in manufacturing which are counter productive in today’s competitive environment.

You might say that "Common Sense" is the author’s effort to bring the problem of our manufacturing crisis to the foreground as manufacturing is the heart of our economy and standard of living. He hopes to provide motivation and direction as Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" once did.

His challenge to the manufacturing world is that we must change from a "push" production system (MRP) to a "pull" system with less variability, similar to Toyota Production System. Attitudes within the manufacturing culture must change so that there are no longer divisions and conflict between management and labor and that both work towards the goal of moving the company ahead. CEOs and officers must get real and fair about their compensation which is way out of line, which in the end will kill the golden goose.

James Forbes states that addressing this problem to protect the manufacturing industry in the United States and our standard of living is imperative. The brevity of his book is by design and meant to be read in a relatively short period of time. The issues discussed are clear but not meant to be comprehensive. In the back of the book he provides a list of References, so that one can further research the issues discussed. In his Foreword he states:

"The notion that U.S. companies cannot compete because of legacy health care and pension costs has been batted about for the past five years. This notion now comes to ahead with the 10/8/05 filing of Chapter 11 by Delphi, the world’s largest producer of automobile components. Delphi has 44 domestic plants, and the filing represent the largest industrial bankruptcy case in U.S. history. This event takes place after the company failed to gain concessions from the United Auto Workers and a bailout from GM, its former parent. Delphi became autonomous in 1999 when it was spun off from GM. The bankruptcy is a staggering blow to the economy of southeastern Michigan and the country and may mark the beginning of a treacherous downward cycle."

This book is well-written, presented in a logical, understandable manner, and it would be my recommendation that a copy be sent to all CEOs and union leaders. The author encourages motivated manufacturers considering change to contact the Forbes Group by emailing him at jim@forbesgrp.com. Thank you James for taking the time to put your concerns in this book and to inform the public as to the problem and possible solutions.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - April 10, 2006 - Copyright

ONE PEOPLE ONE LANGUAGE by Rangi Ranganath

2006-03-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

One People One Language
Rangi Ranganath
Authors OnLine Ltd
40 Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HR, England
Contact Author: rangiranganath@yahoo.com
ISBN: 0755201736, $17.95, 284 pp, 2005

Quoting from the back cover of this book:

"The two great hoaxes of today: 1. All human life began only in Africa 2. Language and agriculture were developed in the Middle East

This book shatters both"

What is this book about, who is this man who refutes these theories, how does he substantiate his hypothesis, and who would want to read this book?

What is this book about?
Rangi Ranganth’s theory, which briefly stated is: Around Circa 200,000,000 years ago, three tectonic plates of the super landmass Antarctic split from the mother plate and started drifting carrying common elements. The largest of them drifted to the northwest and is now Africa. A smaller plated drifted northeast and is Australia. The smallest plate, in the shape of a triangle, drifted directly north towards Asia and is now India. When it crashed into Asia, it created the greatest mountain range in the world–the Himalayas, along with the Hindu Kush in northern India, the Caucasus in southern Russia, and the Alps in Europe.Prior to the crash, Earth had a temperate climate with warm winds and spun clockwise creating western wind movement. There were no large mountains in Asia and Europe at this time. Much of the northern hemisphere was covered in ice. At the southern fringe of this ice was Siberia–a land of forest. Much of Arabia was under water. Earth was home to large reptiles called dinosaurs, which could exist only in warm climates.After the crash, the tall Himalayas blocked the moisture-laden clouds and northeast India developed into a rainforest wherein life began–from the lemurs and bush babies to human beings. The giant dinosaurs living in north India, China and Europe perished due to the change in climate. Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus, great apes, roamed in the land of India 15,000,000 year ago.Apes, Neanderthals, and Cro-Magnons traveled from India to Central Asia, Persia, Arabia and parts of Europe. Around 50,000 years ago, fully developed people of Indian origin trickled into Persia, Arabia, Central Asia, ancient Anatolia, and the Pyrenees mountains in western Europe. Around 8000 B.C. a small group of Caucasians from the southeastern section of the Caucasus mountain range settled at the eastern shore of a fresh water lake in southern Russia. A small river fed into the lake and the lake fed into the Mediterranean Sea.It was around 5550 B.C. when the northern glacier melt caused The Great Flood–the greatest diaspora in human history. Within days, the lake had become a major sea and ocean levels rose 600 feet. The people fled in all directions and from these people developed thousands of tribes over time with different cultures and languages--mistakenly construed to be different races. When in truth, they are all one people.

Who is Rangi Ranganath?
He was born in India where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. He came to the United States in 1963 and acquired a Master’s degree in engineering from Columbia University. He specializes in energy and energy conservation and is a self-employed energy consultant in New York. He has traveled to Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and Venezuela, and is currently a citizen in the US living in Uniondale, New York.

How does he substantiate his hypothesis?
The heart and soul of this book is his in-depth study and presentation of the evolution of languages starting with the Tamil of India and including Sanskrit, Basque, Russian, Greek, Arabic, German, Italian, English, Finnish, Latin, Spanish, Persian, Urdo, Polish, Turkish, French, Irish, Armenian, Hindi, Hebrew, Japanese, Gaelic, Estonian, Lithuanian--how all these language evolved from one language.

Who would be interested in reading this book?
All cultural and physical anthropologists, anyone interested in the evolution of man and his cultures, students of linguistics, lovers of language. His theory, as presented in the book, would be clear to the average reader. However, his presentation of the evolution of language is really for serious students. I have a degree in anthropology and have studied linguistics myself, as it is a significant tool used in studying the movement, cultures, and history of man. One People One Language–an appropriate title for this book.

Congratulations, Rangi. One certainly can appreciate the amount of hard work and dedication it took to put this book together. I wish you much success!

Reviewer: Kaye Trout - March 18, 2006 - Copyright

BREASTFEEDING: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE by Sharon Trotter

2006-03-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

Breastfeeding: the essential guide
Sharon Trotter
TIPS (Trotters Independent Publishing Services Ltd
1 Mennock Lane, Troon KA10 7HQ
www.tipslimited.com
ISBN: 0-9548381-0-6, $12.95, 100 pp, 2004

Sharon Trotter’s goal was to write a book about breastfeeding which was easy to read, inexpensive, and small enough to carry anywhere. She wanted it to answer all your questions, which I believe it does . . . plus more. She is enthusiastic about the subject, and this definitely comes through in her writing.

Sharon is a midwife, mother, breastfeeding consultant and neonatal skincare specialist. She is also an RN RM BSc and founder and director of TIPS Ltd. She trained as a general nurse at the Dorset School of Nursing in 1979, and moved to London in 1983 to complete the midwifery training at Queen Charlottes Maternity Hospital. In 1984 she moved to Scotland where she and her family now live on the west coast. She has been involved with the education and support of breastfeeding mothers for well over 20 years.This little compact book is well organized and easy to follow.

She starts with the history of breastfeeding and then explains all the benefits for the baby and for the mother. Next she goes into the preparation and process and finally covers problems and their treatments. The book is filled with references, resources, helpful websites, and suggested further reading.She hopes that her enthusiasm will rub off and give you confidence to succeed.

She wants you to enjoy the experience. She understands that ‘real life’ means juggling work, home, other children, partners, and that it can be exhausting. She states that once you’ve established breastfeeding, there is no better stress-buster around. The natural ‘high’ that occurs with every feed is available on tap whenever you and your baby need it.

Sharon’s book went on sale at www.amazon.co.uk in November 2004 and soon entered the top 10 bestselling titles out of 424 books on breastfeeding, where it has remained. It now has eight 5-star ratings and received an excellent review in the August 2005 issue of Journal of Human Lactation.I found this book to be everything that Sharon Trotter had hoped to achieve and highly recommend it.

Review by Kaye Trout - March 21, 2006 - Copyright