Authors Books

I loved this product. As an English teacher in DCPS I have found my students loved being read to. Sometimes they become a little sick of me reading out loud, so having the CD accompany these fantastic poems worked out well in providing variety.

This is a wonderful book for the beginner or anyone wanting to awaken the lapsed poetry lover within. I haven't read poetry since I was in college (many years ago) and found this book an easy re-entry into the wonderful world of poetry. Everyone will have their favorite poems, but I think the ones chosen for this book are diverse and reflect a treasure of past and contemporary work. I have listened to the CD over and over again as it opens up the other dimension of poetry which has helped me fully appreciate many of the poems. John Lithgow is a wonderful host, and beckons us all to enjoy one of life's truly meaningful and mysterious joys. The brief information about each poet proceeding their poem is very helpful and there are highlighted bits of general information including further reading, links to websites etc. Warning--reading poetry can be addictive...

The most important factor in this anthology is that Lithgow is not a poet! How great is that! No name dropping, no friend of a friend, no academic postulations on the preponderances of poetry's perplexing postulations! He just loves poetry. And that frees him to choose what he likes.

The second important factor is that he provides us with audio. Poetry is an audio art as well as visual one. And it stinks to always be missing out on 1/2 of the art.

As a student a teacher of poetry I was schooled in contemporaries like Collins, Howe, Harjo, Bukowski so I always had an aversion to the masters being a lot of it was now cliche and with that annoying abab rhyme scheme. But Lithgow and company make it come alive for me. Hearing Auden read by Foster blew the doors on my poetic hinges. I think this anthology is important for anyone who loves the arts. It is not condescending or overwrought with analysis. A little history of the poet, a little nostalgia about why he like the poem, and then BAM! the poem PLUS he give you more poems by the same author after his initial pick just for exposure so you get 50 poems on the CD plus more in the book. This is the kind of book you buy everyone you know when you can't think of any really worthwhile and meaningful to give them.

It makes me want to do my own anthology poems I love. I my own quarrel is that I doubt there will be a sequel.

The Poet's Corner, compiled by John Lithgow presents an expansive collection of poetry, and is accompanied by a bonus MP3 CD featuring readings of poetry by Mr Lithgow and his friends [ Glenn Close, Morgan Freeman, Jodie Foster, Sam Waterston etc].

Though not the most comprehensive collection of poetry, it is a worthy compilation of well-known poetry written in the English language and is sure to find fans, both existing lovers of poetry and those just coming to appreciate the genre.

Each poem that is selected is accompanied by a short bio of the poet and Mr Lithgow's own explanation as to how the piece interests him or its emotional pull for him. The poems are presented by the poet [alphabetically by their last names] beginning with Matthew Arnold, and ending with William Butler Yeats. There are 50 poets in all, and the poems cover different eras, varied subjects, yet are all beguiling and unique in their ability to draw us in and affect us in different ways. Reading this compilation impacted me emotionally, engulfing me in feelings of joy, sadness and even silent contemplation. The bonus CD is another plus and together this is a wonderful and enjoyable compilation of poetry.

Lithgow was born in Rochester, New York. His mother was a retired actress, and his father, Arthur Lithgow, was a theatrical producer and director who ran the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. Because of his father's job, the family moved frequently during Lithgow's childhood. Lithgow won a scholarship to Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1967. He was in the same dorm as former Vice President Al Gore and actor Tommy Lee Jones. After graduation, Lithgow won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Throughout this child and early adulthood, Lithgow writes that poetry was an important part of his life; in particular his mother and his grandmother taught him the joys of poetry -- "My grandmother was part of the last generation who memorized poetry for pleasure."

Lithgow's love of poetry shines through the fifty short introductions to the poets on offer here: 50 classic poets, from Shelley and Wordsworth to Frost, Eliot, and Wallace Steven. Here's a short sample:

"Among the Victorian poets of England, Matthew Arnold was not as famous as Tennyson and Robert Browning. Unlike them, he did not have the luxury of being able to devote himself full-time to writing. Arnold, the son of a clergyman and private-school head- master, worked for a living his entire life. A ten-year appointment at Oxford University as a poetry professor, combined with his job as a government school inspector, meant he had to squeeze in his poetry on his own time. He wrote most of his poems before he was forty years old, when family life and work were less demanding. After that, he concentrated on writing essays about culture, religion, and literature, and his prose was better received than his poetry, at least during his lifetime. Some say it was his literary criticism that elevated criticism to an art form in its own right. Here is Arnold on poetry: "I think it will be found that grand style arises in poetry, when a noble nature, poetically gifted, treats with simplicity or with severity a serious subject."

To Arnold, no matter how beautiful its language or imagery, if a poem lacked an important subject, he found it unworthy of his attention. Serious and austere himself, he chose lofty subjects for his own poems-faith or the absence of faith, how to live in a meaningful way, politics, the individual in relation to society. He believed his work would endure because it reflected the period's big themes. "For the creation of a masterwork of literature two powers must concur," wrote Arnold, "the power of the man and the power of the moment, and the man is not enough without the moment." Arnold's moment in history happened to be one of great change and flux. You could say all his poetry was about coming to terms with the Victorian age of industrialism and the weakening of religion."

Lithgow chose poems, not necessarily the most famous, but poems that he personally enjoyed the most; for Arnold he chose Dover Beach:

The sea is calm to-night.
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits; -- on the French coast, the light
Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,
Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.

You can hear the actor's cadences as you read these lines, and Lithgow adds: "There's just no way around it, this is a downbeat poem. I hear in it a desperate, yearning gloom, a sense of despair about the Victorian world and a personal crisis of faith. But despite the poet's melancholy, the poem is quite beautiful in its specificity. Arnold reveals his feelings very directly and openly."

Lithgow is very aware of the importance of sound, and for folks like me with a tin ear, the accompanying CD is a special delight: great poetry read by great actors like Jodie Foster and Helen Mirren.

Altogether, a delight to savor and perhaps to even encourage the reader to memorize a few lines.

Cuba is in turmoil. Cuban immigrants living in the United States have never given up their Bay of Pigs dreams to regain control over that island nation and the people of Cuba continue to suffer under a brutal dictatorship. When the operatives of Room 59, a secret U.N. anti-terrorism agency, get word that a new invasion of Cuba, coupled with assassination of one or both Castros is in the works, at least some of them want to wish it good luck. But the examples of Iraq and other American adventures are clear--simply removing evil dictators is more likely to result in civil war and even more civilian suffering than in some utopian outcome.

Kate Cochran is given the task of heading off disaster and is surprised when one of her senior executives asks to be lead operative. Jonas Schrader was involved in a mission in Cuba during the 1970s and has never forgotten the near-disaster, nor what he left behind. What he doesn't tell Kate is that he just might have to compromise the mission itself for his personal goals. And neither Kate, nor the Room 59 team, allow anything to compromise the mission--ever.

Author Cliff Ryder combines solid action with just a touch of military technology and enough emotional depth to make us buy into the character in an engaging thriller. In Room 59, as in the real world, characters are forced to make choices between grim alternatives--propping up evil dictators vs. allowing anarchy and a destructive civil war--rather than idealistic but unrealistic alternatives. Both of the major operatives find themselves sympathizing with the rebel movement they're sworn to eliminate, and Jonas in particular, has personal reasons to hold his hand. The Cuban Major assigned to assassinate Raul Castro is likewise sympathetic--even though his mission is one Room 59 hopes to stop.

For the most part, Ryder's writing is smooth and engaging. Occasionally, however, Ryder's style struck me as awkward. I found the internal dialogue occasionally obtrusive. Still, THE POWERS THAT BE is an intelligent look at the real questions facing those who would battle against terrorism, where every terrorist is, at least to some, also a freedom fighter battling oppression and dictatorship.

From the opening scene to the end, this is a mad-dash action caper that kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for great escapist reading, pick up this one. I'm anxiously looking forward to the next installment.

Room 59 is a multinational covert ops organization that specializes in doing the things that nations cannot do. The members are culled from various military, police and spy organizations and are trained to be the ultimate in deniable operatives. They are equiped with the very latest in high tech gear and can get support from just about any government organization. To top off all this, there is little interference or micromanagement from the countries involved.
Room 59 takes on the hard jobs that nobody in an official government military or intelligence capacity can do. They use small hard hitting teams that can do anything, including kill, to accomplish the mission. That is their mantra, the mission comes first.
So what happens when a top operative of Room 59 gets involved with an operation where he has a personal agenda? An agenda that nobody else in Room 59 knows about?
Room 59: The Powers That Be places Jonas, a former member of the German GSG9 special operations group into that situation. Jonas is tasked to keep an rogue organization from assassinating Raul Castro, Fidel Castro's brother. A powerful Cuban-American businessman wants Castro dead and the revolution in Cuba finally ended and he is willing to do anything to accomplish this goal. He sets up a mercenary group to invade Cuba and remove the current power structure. But first he must have Raul Castro exterminated.
The powers that be, though, do not want this. It is a common belief that if Castro falls, then the tiny island nation will be thrown into more civil war and chaos that will happen if the Cuban communists fall slowly apart under their own power. Room 59 is tasked with the mission to stop the assassination.
Jonas is placed in charge of the mission. But he has his own reason for getting involved because he has been to Cuba before and has ties to the chosen assassin.
The action is great. I enjoyed the plot and characters immensely. The author has no problem killing off characters, even important ones. He holds true to the mantra, mission first--everybody is expendable. I like this as it is a truism in military circles, people get wounded and killed. Nobody is so good as to be bulletproof. It also pays homage to an old military cliche, "no plan survives contact with the enemy." The plot twists and turns were good. Once I started reading I could not put it down.
I will admit I had a bit of a problem with the Gee-Whiz high tech gear. Some of the gear was too over the top and was not very believable. Kind of like some of the Bond gadgets. But that is my only complaint and a not very big one at that.

THE POWERS THAT BE by Cliff Ryder is an awesome beginning to a new suspense series, ROOM 59, in which a multi-national and clandestine agency meets the challenges of today's world of intelligence and action. Room 59 is a high-tech, action-based agency of the best operatives in espionage and counterterrorism. With multi-national agents, Room 59 accepts the dangerous missions that individual governments cannot touch for reasons of politics or danger. Kate Cochran, the head of Room 59, consults with anonymous representatives from different countries but in the end, it is her job to call the missions that will put her agents at risk of their lives in an attempt to keep the world safe from the new threats in today's global world.

In THE POWERS THAT BE, the disappearance of a double agent in Cuba turns ominous as political events in Cuba heat up. Rumors of rebel forces, action in Cuba and Miami, and the secret past of an operative all combine in this fast-paced thriller to heighten the intrigue. As the mission unfolds and lives are at stake, Cliff Ryder allows the reader a glimpse into the conflicting loyalties of governments and within individuals. International politics are not quite so black and white, and undercurrents of practicality, personal history and emotion enter into each mission. Cliff Ryder is excellent in creating a truly thrilling espionage suspense read with multi-dimensional characters in the agents and also the underlying politics. In THE POWERS THAT BE, danger is truly danger and lives are on the line with no guarantee. Cliff Ryder keeps the readers guessing with exciting twists until the very end when tough choices must be made in the heat of action. Forced with an excruciating heart-stopping choice, will the agents choose mission over their own personal loyalties?

Although the publisher labels this book as men's adventure, this book and this series will appeal to anyone, men and women, who like heart-stopping action, intriguing characters from director head to individual agents and political intrigue. In THE POWERS THAT BE both the women and men are multi-dimensional characters, highly trained and capable, dedicated to the mission and sometimes torn by the tough choices to be made when mission strategies come face to face with the enemy.

THE POWERS THAT BE has all the very best of the genre from the early classics to modern films and creates something entirely unique. THE POWERS THAT BE has all the intriguing high tech tools of the loved classics of Mission Impossible and James Bond but in Room 59, the danger is real and ever-present and the enemy not simplistic. Lovers of MI-5, Jean Le Carre and the Sandbaggers will relish the reflections on the nature of espionage and the concept of who watches the watchers. While Room 59 recalls all the great traditions of espionage thrillers, this novel also adds a new dimension --- in-the-trenches action and a look into some of the political hot spots from both a ground-level and long-term view. THE POWERS THAT BE is a must read for espionage enthusiasts craving variety in the genre!

Sometimes there are problems, international problems, that require intervention but no government is willing to openly sanction any actions. This is where Room 59 steps in. Room 59 is a top secret black ops unit and Kate Cochrane is the director. At her disposal are a vast array of agents well trained to meet the dangers that face them.

The mission is Cuba. Colonel Jonas Schrader and Marcus Ruiz are the primary operatives on a mission that will take them into the heart of Cuba. The story isn't one dimensional however, as there is action in Florida as well as glimpses into the past. Will the mission be jeopardized by this secret past? Who will live and who will die in this first exciting Room 59 book?

THE POWERS THAT BE is one of those thrill rides that leaves you guessing till the final end. I did figure out some of the secrets, but that didn't stop Cliff Ryder from having other surprises in store for me! Without spoiling the plot, the ending is a shocker and truly sets the stage for making the Room 59 series a hit due to the author's willingness to take chances.

THE POWERS THAT BE is populated with a large number of unique and interesting characters. We get glimpses into the minds of the handlers, such as the director, Kate, and the liaison, Judy Burges, who have to make tough decisions. Will they sacrifice the one for the good of the many? And then we have the field operatives, such as Marcus and Jonas. These are not one dimensional characters as they have thoughts, feelings, and even lives outside the job that sometimes conflict with the mission at hand. What choices will they make when everything is on the line?

Cliff Ryder writes a very credible and entertaining thriller. The fast pace keeps the reader rapidly turning the pages but even more importantly, the facts are clearly articulated so that someone unfamiliar with the terminology will feel drawn into the storyline. Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about THE POWERS THAT BE is the thought provoking questions Cliff Ryder raises about international politics. Excellent start to what appears to be a promising new series!

COURTESY OF CK2 KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

It was a great surprise to not only find a compelling, page-turner, but also one that so accurately and expertly depicts some of the well-known landmarks and establishments in Southern California. Southern California natives and visitors alike will love this book and mentally picture the locale. Definitely one I strongly recommend.

I ran into a friend at a Holiday Party who raved about this new book, A Private Enterprise. She loaned me her copy and I couldn't break myself away from the unfolding thriller; I bought myself a copy to loan to my friends. I highly recommend it to anyone with a liking for the top-selling thrillers.

I picked this one up from a recent trip to Southern California and read it the entire plane trip back east--I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great surprise from a local author. Easy to read, with realistic explanations for military and aeronautical thrilling tales.

I am a tough critic, and A Private Enterprise surely passed my test. If you are looking for an intelligent thriller with action, suspense, character development, and a story that is actually evolving before your eyes so that you don't want to put it down for a second, then I highly recommend this book. Amazing this is Mr. Holt's first book.

Two excellent thrillers! Waiting anxiously for "Return for Good".....

I've always liked reading books like this is because it introduces me to authors I've never heard of. For example, one of the most phenomenal stories is by a 15-year old recently published, young lady named Tierra French with "A Difficult Lesson". I read each story and the ones I really dug include: "Something Special", "Flimsy and Raggedy", "Not Tonight", "A Crisis of Faith", "Senseless", "Queen", "First Thing Monday Morning", "If He Didn't Go", "A Difficult Lesson", "Back Then", "Dancing at Esperanza's", "The Consequence", "Young Ballers", "Panhandling", "John Q's Blissful Journey", "Trick Dice", "The Cycle", "Pass It On", "Felicia and the Prodigy", "Ultimate Forgiveness", "Dead to the World", "Detour", "Colours", "The Day Chano Died", "Charitable Roy", "The Fire This Time", "The Willow Tree", and "She Planted Faith in her Dream". You may be thinking that I liked every story in here, but believe me, there are quite a few I didn't care for. One example would be the very twisted "The Bag Lady" that I did NOT appreciate the humor about killing a dog because I am crazy about dogs the way most are crazy about babies. I thought "Sink or Swim" was an excuse for women to not lose weight. Yeah, the husband's explanation was rude but the theme behind this story is why the black community has such bad health now--we try to excuse everything. And "My Momma Said..." was a great story for golddigers. A prize is a man with money? It's like the main character didn't learn a damn thing. I hated that story. "Death of a Salesperson" needed the editor to catch that the main character said she worked at the company thirty-two years (twice!) but then switch to thirty years. And I don't know what's on Omar Tyree's bird but the use of the n-word really bugs me regardless of whether he switched it up in the end and "Playin' the Role" EMBRACED the word. Guess some people still got a lot to learn!
Anyway, I ended up joining a book club so I could buy books from each of these published authors. Thank you for all the hook-ups and the people to avoid. And Travis Hunter's story was the best of all, but I'm not surprised because I'm crazy about this author's work.

This book was absolutely superb and the best collection of short stories that I have read in my entire life. Each story had a moral from an African proverb or saying and the stories were woven magnificently around them. These stories helped me relive some lessons I have learned in my life and also opened my eyes to a lot of things that have yet to happen to me. The people who breathed life into these characters should get a standing ovation.Well Done! You will not be disappointed. By the way, I am a 20 year old college student so age doesn't matter. This is a book for everyone.

I really enjoyed Proverbs for the People. The diversity of the authors and the stories they wrote with strong lessons that jumped from the pages was nothing short of amazing. My favorite stories were "Women Drive Buses too" and "Consequences."

I recommend this anthology and applaud the efforts of the authors and diversities.

I really enjoyed this book. All of the stories are wonderful and the connection to the proverb that they all wrote about was simply masterful! I particularly enjoyed the story Franklin White gave us. His proverb dealt with "no matter how long a log stays in the water, a log it will remain." His story about a black actress in Hollywood who did everything under the sun to become more mainstream was brillant. I will not spoil it for others but the story really made me think about all the black actresses who have to jump through hoops to finally get a part in a mainstream movie. After they read this story-maybe they won't be so hard pressed to get in the mainstream!

We have all heard proverbs at some point in our lives; little truths that teach morals, tell stories, or teach us how to live. In PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE, authors take insightful African, African American, and Biblical proverbs and utilize them to create extraordinary short stories that depict truths and leave marks on the heart.

This unique anthology contains stories from well known authors such as Travis Hunter, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Pearl Cleage, and others, as well as stories from up and coming authors. Like the proverbs they represent, the stories are diverse and full of emotions. Although all of the stories were wonderful and touching, some of personal favorites were Gwynne Forster's "First Thing Monday Morning," which taught the morals that actions speak louder than words and to be careful what you wish for, because you just may get it, and Robert Fleming's "A Crisis of Faith," about a man who is wrongly incarcerated.

PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE is a wonderful novel that will teach, inspire, and entertain. It has a story that everyone can relate to, and will make a wonderful addition to any book collection.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Jack Clayton Campus Missions office staff member couldn't believe his name was associated with a scandal! How did this happen? Why did people want to know so much about him and his past? He didn't ask to be famous. He just wrote the stories of the poor in Norwood. Why couldn't they accept the fact that he didn't do interviews? In the past Jack had many skeletons. I loved it when Jack says "I don't have a few skeletons. I have enough to build a whole skeleton army, and I'm not about to parade them down main street."

The simple life that's all he ever wanted, a waitress shows him her Time magazine; she wants him to sign it. He takes a look, he's on the front cover - Person of the Year? Him? There must be some mistake all he did was write "Laborers of the Orchard" a non-fiction book that sold 18 million copies. Now Arthur his publisher wants him to write his Memoris; he says this is the thing to do. Arthur is already pre-selling it and it's not even written. Jack felt torn. Digging up the past was not what he wanted to do but he sensed that the Lord had other plans for him. The Lord's ways are not our ways Jack was finding out.Jack Clayton tries to explain this to Arthur when he says "Are there issues in your personal life, things you find particularly challenging that you scarcely have strength to face privately? Things you might speak about with a counselor or a clergy man? Now picture working through your issues in front of the whole world, surrounded by Journalists and cameramen. I don't want to go there, do you?"

A dilemma for Jack the pain of unveiling the past; he'd be reviewing things done in his youthful immaturity, things he would rather forget than announce to the whole world! Yet Jack felt this nudging from the Lord to dig and tell. He wanted to be faithful to do His will. He knew that God would forgive him for what he had done - already had. But can he forgive himself?Then an encouraging word in the middle of Jack's storm. "Do something about today. It's the only day we truly have. And if you'll make this day matter for the things Christ taught us you'll be doing what He wants you to and live with purpose. You won't have regrets". Now that was something Jack could hang onto as he faced writing of this Memories, facing the deep pain of the past, the media and Arthur his publisher.

I loved how Chris Coppernoll quickly drew me into Jack Clayton's world and his circumstances. I really enjoyed the hometown feel of the story. I liked how Chris portrayed his characters in the book. They were believable and honest. I cared about them and the town of Providence right from the start. I was encouraged by the many inspiring messages in this book like the one I just quoted. Chris has them throughout the book. You will love Providence the town Chris created, the people that live there and this book.

Providence is a sweet and mysterious story - the ending took my breath away. I loved every page of this book. Can't wait to read another by Chris Coppernoll.

These are some of the comments sent to Providencebook.com

I purchased your book on Sunday and literally could not put it down once I opened the first page. The story you have told is truly amazing and it defies logic trying to find the right adjectives to describe it. I will be expecting the next installment of the journey that Jack and Jenny have embarked upon, I am sure it will be a winner. Skip

I finished reading your book today. And there are not words to describe how profoundly it has affected my life. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I await the day where I can fully be what the Lord wants me to be. JH

I just finished reading your book "Providence". I just want to gush, I thought it was wonderful. I've never heard of you before, I was just looking for a good Christian book, and I got one. There are so many issues that you touched on in the course of this story that touched my heart. There's good truths and quotes that I will keep with me for a long time. Singleness, Selfishness, Death, Love, Forgiveness in the real world and current world. Your book has done far more than entertained me, it has blessed me! Arline

Providence was a beautifully written book and I loved it. My reading selections have become quite predictable and boring (Sorry, Karen Kingsbury) but after a while, they all seem alike. I had no idea how it would all come about so it kept me going. I loved all the descriptions and places and people. I have them all imbedded in my brain. Keep the books coming. I can't wait for the next one. Pat

My bookclub is reading your book for Monday. Wendy

I have read your book "Providence" and I have to tell you that I enjoyed reading it very much. It is well written and you are truly a gifted author. I also found myself tearing up when I read certain parts of the story. I found myself identifying with Jack in a way that stirred some things up in me. It was good that he found peace and forgiveness and got to marry the true love of his life, because of his obedience to go to a painful place, even though he didn't want to. Sally

I just finished reading your book and I loved it. I've never cried while reading a book and this one just touched me like no other. I'm single now too after two painful divorces and could relate to many things that Jack experienced. I just wanted to let you know that I think you did a fantastic job with Providence and I can tell that God has blessed you very much with the talent to bring God's teaching to others through your book in such a subtle, yet powerful way. I hope you continue to write other books! Karen

I have been married since I was 20 and read your book last night as I struggled to find renewed love for my husband of 35yrs. Stayed up half the night reading and must say I found what I needed. Your book is for any of us seeking to smooth the edges of the past so that we can live and love more fully in the present. Thank you for being faithful to share your gift. God bless you! Virginia

I just finished reading your wonderful novel, Providence. I couldn't put it down; I didn't want it to end! What a wonderful story of soul searching and forgiveness! I'm a 58 yr old homemaker with a wonderful husband, an 18yr old son and a 24yr old married daughter. I enjoyed thinking back to my youth, knowing that God and others (hopefully) have forgiven all of my mistakes. You did a great job giving the credit of Jack's success to God, as well it should be. Please do a follow up novel to Jack and Jenny's continuing life or at least another fiction novel. God Bless You, Margo

I want to thank you for allowing God to lead you into writing this book. I am a mother of 18 year old triplets that started their freshman year in college. My daughter and I love to read and I always recommend books to her. I can't wait for her to come home this weekend to give her your book. It was such an inspiration to me and a glimpse to what college life can be. I was not able to attend college so I am getting to live a little of the life through our children. I can't wait for your next book. Debbie

I read your book and thought it was awesome! How it brought back painful times in my life. I so enjoyed how Jack was real and not so "spiritual" with the situations he encountered. I just loved how Jack so loved God but he still felt the pain of life. How he still wanted God to get all of the credit even when he was such a mess. Lana

Just read your book. Excellent! It was a great read, and hard to put down once I started reading it. Thanks for a great book! Judy

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed Providence. I am the exact age of the characters in the book so the music clips took me back to that time period in a second. That was such a unique and creative way to share the story. I also work full time ministry and was blessed by the way that the characters hearts and wills were broken and put back together by the hand of a loving God whose desire was to shape and mold them. Thanks for a wonderful book! It really blessed me! - Kathleen

I can't wait for the next novel from this writer. Here is a great story from a first time Nashville-based novelist. If you love Nicholas Sparks, a moving love story or just good writing....pick this up. Spread the word - Coppernoll is an author to watch!

Chris Coppernoll has hit a home run with his debut work of fiction Providence: Once Upon A Second Chance. Chris has deftly crafted a tale of the complexities of of the Christian walk, exploring how we can do great things for the Kingdom of God while still struggling with our human weaknesses and failures. I found myself drawn into the world of Providence, it's places and characters seem so real and are thoughtfully developed. At the close of the book I was rewarded with the warm satisfaction of an unexpected and yet gratifying ending. There is nothing better than to come to the end of a good read and long to continue on.

Chris' biggest challenge now will be to find a way to top one of the best fiction releases of 2007.

Four astonishing pieces highlight this fine collection:

"Razor Fight." That's exactly what the story is about. The dialogue is thrillingly terse.

"You're Too Hip, Baby." When even the alienated find you too alienating.

"Twirlin' at Ole Miss." One of the most famous examples of Gonzo journalism. Hardcore New Yorker (actually, Southern was a Texan) heads south to research the subculture of baton twirling and finds, hilariously, that stereotypes of "The South" are all true!

"Blood of a Wig." One of the most notorious American short stories ever written. Back in the day, a college acquaintance told me what this story was about. I didn't believe him. Turns out he was right. Title refers to a very clandestine type of drug abuse -- injecting yourself with the blood of a schizophrenic. And that's just the beginning.

Terry Southern is probably one of the most creative, off-beat writers of our times. I read this book back in my college days in the early 70's and can't tell you how much this book of short stories changed my outlook on life. Having experienced the 60's as my formative teen years, I didn't think that there could be very much left to the imagination. Boy, was I wrong. Terry's stories sure opened my eyes to a broader world than was dreamed in my philosophy at the time and even now. You've heard of all the "favorites" such as Blood of a Wig, so I won't take up your time with that. But, if you liked any of his other works, be sure to not miss out on this one.

For as much fun as Terry Southern's novels and screenplays represent, this may be his best work. The opening pair of "Red Dirt Marijuana" and "Razor Fight" are about as good as short stories get. Another reviewer referenced "A Clean Well Lighted Place"; I am put in mind of the clean precision of "Hills Like White Elephants." Southern's exploration of the sensibilities of the American South, race relations, friendship, and a weird sort of honor, carve the sort of channels in your consciousness that only the best writing can do.
"You're Too Hip, Baby" is more on race and a deflation of the concept of "hip" by one of its masters.
Although best known for his outrageousness, many of these stories display the sensitivity that was at the core of Southern's greatness.

Screw prose. Screw plot. This book is so damned funny! It reminds me of the war stories of Michael Herr or the drugged ut fantasies of Hunter Thompson. What about the woman who colors her hair blond, only to return home and have her husband mistake her for a mistress. What about the irreverent humor about Hoover trying some neck-crophilia on JFK's body. This is one of the most original collection of stories I've ever read. It's so hard to find stuff like this nowadays.

Having read Candy and Blue Movie, I have wanted to read another Terry Southern book for ages. However, it has been almost impossible to obtain his other works. I came across this short-story collection at a store that sells used books and I couldn't resist giving it a whirl. Red-Dirt Marijuana and Other Tastes is full of Southern's signature dark humor and unconventional storylines. Southern has proven that he is a master storyteller with the disarming stories featured in this book. My favorites are "Twirling at Ole Miss," "The Moon-shot Scandal," "You're Too Hip, Baby," "Razor Fight," "I Am Mike Hammer," and "The Blood of a Wig." Those stories blew me away. "The Blood of a Wig" was the best one in the collection. This is the funniest and strangest book I have read in a long time! If you loved Southern's novels, you will love this collection of short stories. I cannot recommend Red-Dirt Marijuana and Other Tastes enough.

I thoroughly enjoyed Redstripe and shared it with other Dachshund friends. I giggled through the antics of the little hounds in this book. The characters are amazingly realistic to the breed and the book is very enjoyable fast reading.
I have a background in dog grooming and dog breeding and have read numerous dog books throughout my the years so I would like to compliment Mr. Magestro on his amusing compilation of stories so accurate to this strong willed little hound breed.

I totally enjoyed "Redstripe and Other Dachshund Tales". In fact, I sat down one evening and read it from cover to cover and wished there was more. It was very entertaining and made me realize that my Heidi isn't as unique as I had thought. It was fun and lighthearted. I recommend it to anyone who owns a dachshund or is thinking about getting one. My one objection (the reason for 4 stars and not 5) is that I had hoped it would be as entertaining for my grandchildren, but I don't think it is necessarily a book for young children.

I was a bit sad that the book was soo short, but I really enjoyed it. I am currently reading "Another Redstripe, Please!", and so far it is what I expected! I'll keep you posted!

This book is a real love story about the pure affection and enthusiasm that dogs, particularly our "hotdogs" (I have two), generate. And, it does so with humor and optimism in the spirit of Herriot.

I particularly liked the Christmas story which celebrated the unique gifts given to us by this breed, while humanizing-- but still respecting-- the manger scene.

Good work, Jack!

Redstripe And Other Dachshund Tales by retired educator Jack Magestro is a humorous and merry collection of five short stories about the exploits of dachshunds - a beloved breed of pet also colloquially known as "weiner dogs." Jack Magestro is a proud dachshund owner, and Redstripe And Other Dachshund Tales is a delightful and witty treat sure to resonate with people everywhere who have their own canine companions as part of "the family".

Millions of people want to get a book published. Yet they are unsure where to take their first steps and how to sort through the available possibilities. Do you take the traditional route or self-publish or use print-on-demand (POD)? Experienced author Helen Gallagher gives step-by-step advice and in the opening pages includes a large quote which says, "Attract a publisher if you can, but if not, don't wait your life away...Publish your book yourself."

Yet to many self-publishing is a scary proposition. How do you sell your book into the market and avoid a garage full of books (which don't help anyone--especially you the author)? Gallagher guides the reader to handle these questions with solid counsel. Then she covers the business of writing your book and marketing it to keep it alive and active in the marketplace.

Whether you have never been published or you are a seasoned author, you can learn some new tricks in Gallagher's book. I've read dozens of how-to-write books yet I often highlighted different pages in RELEASE YOUR WRITING. I plan to check out the websites and follow up on her suggestions. I recommend you do the same thing with the contents of this book. Don't just buy it and stick it on your shelf but study the pages.

A professional freelance writer and the author of "Computer Ease", Helen Gallagher draws upon her many years of experience and expertise in "Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way!" to provide an informative instruction manual that demystifies the publishing process, addresses the technological issues associated with publishing, and provides a profusion of effective, practical, immediately applicable marketing strategies to insure a book's commercial viability. Effectively organized into three major sections, 'Getting Published' covers contemporary changes in the publishing industry, the self-publishing option, Publish On Demand (POD) companies; and eBooks. 'You, The Word Processor' includes The Time to Write; The Writer's Toolbox; and 'Computer Power Tools'. The third section is devoted to the 'Business of Being a Writer' by focusing on book marketing and promotion, and keeping a book in print and available to the reading public. It should be noted that Helen Gallagher's writing style is conversational and engaging -- making it an ideal format for presenting her observations, ideas, and advice. Enhanced with an appendix listing writing resources, a glossary, and an index, "Release Your Writing" will prove invaluable and instructive reading for aspiring writers who have become published -- either on their own or through an independent publisher.

I admit it--although I have six books in print, I didn't know much about print on demand (POD) publishing, or what its benefits are. Gallagher's book includes everything you need to know to decide whether POD is right for you, and provides a wealth of information about how to choose the right POD publisher (love the side-by-side comparison chart of the top 10 POD firms) as well as tips on writing and marketing the book.

This book actually changed the way I think about POD--I now realize it's a great option not just for new authors, but for published authors who have out-of-print books they want to get back into the marketplace as well. Whether you're new to book publishing in general, or simply know little about POD, this is the book for you. It's a quick read, but I already have a number of pages dog-eared for future reference.

Kelly James-Enger, author, Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money (Random House, 2005)

If you're a writer who's looking for practical advice on how to write, publish, market, promote your book, and keep it alive once it's out there, Helen Gallagher's Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way! is the book for you. My yellow highlighter was flying off its 200 pages while I noted valuable tips on how to move forward with the publishing process. In fact, by the time I was finished reading this gem, nearly the entire book was highlighted. Furthermore, the book is written in such a down-to-earth tone that you'd better set an extra place because you'll feel as if Gallagher is sitting across from you at your kitchen table. So whether you're in the preliminary outline stage, in the midst of writing your manuscript, or giving it a final edit, read Gallagher's book before you launch yours. You'll be grateful you did.

Francine Pappadis Friedman
author of
MatchDotBomb: A Midlife Journey through Internet Dating

The information in this "action-packed" volume is tremendously helpful. My own book, Waltzing Australia, had been published before I found Helen's book, but I have still found it immensely valuable for the wealth of marketing ideas. I also appreciate the tips on using the computer more efficiently. This is a wonderful resource for any writer, traditionally published or self-published, because we can always use more tools -- and more market exposure.

A Christian tale on what happens when two childhood sweethearts reconnect years after being separated by well-meaning parents. The lure of a long-ago love who knew us before all the adult masks took hold is a potent exliir to many. Another love story to indulge.... of that love from back in the day ... who could still make your heart beat even after the passage of several years.

I truly enjoyed this book.

It centers around Sam Tibbits, a bachelor pastor who can't seem to forget the childhood sweetheart with whom he's lost contact. As problems swirl in his pastoral and personal life, he decides to take his troubled nephew and make his way back to the quaint Oregon seaside village where he spent his childhood summers...only to find that his childhood sweetheart has also returned.

There are complications, of course. And how Sam (who is a very likable protagonist) deals with them is both absorbing and faith-affirming.

And I love Deborah Bedford's writing. It's lovely and evocative, and makes you feel the wet sand squishing between your toes and hear the cry of the sea-gulls.

A beautiful romance story set on the gorgeous Oregon coast, Deborah Bedford's novel Remember Me tells the tale of first love, acceptance, and moving on. Sam Tibbits is a small-town pastor, questioning God's calling in his life. In a desperate attempt to reclaim the world he once knew, Sam travels to the beautiful Oregon coast he visited each summer of his youth, only to find memories of his first love. Bedford tells a beautiful tale of love, life, and God.

The author does an excellent job of incorporating past events of Sam and Aubrey's history with the lives they currently lead. However, there is little involvement between the two characters. Sam Tibbits, while taking his sabbatical on the shores of Oregon, finds not only himself and his true calling, but his first love as well. Sam is a very strong character and very much a man of God. Aubrey, however, seems to be lacking in development as a character. She does not play a very large role in the story, although one might assume she would.

Remember Me is an unforgettable tale, nevertheless. It's a story of God and love, and the choices people are forced to make in life. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of peace, having learned that we may not always get what we want, but it's only because God is holding something better for us. For those who believe in love and second chances, Remember Me, is a wonderful novel. - Emily Day, Christian Book Previews.com

Young Sam Tibbits falls in love with Aubrey McCart while sitting in a storage box full of life jackets on a fishing trawler.

Through Sam and Aubrey's early teen years, their love continues to develop, blossoming during the week-long summer visits Sam's family makes to the Oregon coast. Then Aubrey's family undergoes a crisis and she and her family disappear overnight. Sam's heart is broken, and he is set adrift on the sea of young adulthood with no answers to the loss of his closest friend.

Years later Sam still loves Aubrey. But now he's a single pastor facing crises of his own. His deacon board has lost faith in him, he's just been forced to perform a funeral for a man he begged God to heal, and his dreams for a church sponsored homeless shelter are meeting tremendous resistance.

Mary Grace, the spunky, single, colorful church secretary, provides him with strength and support, but then Sam's nephew makes a reckless decision that costs Sam dearly. Sam reaches his breaking point, spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. Finally, realizing that time and distance may heal some of his wounds, Sam flees to Piddock Beach, the Oregon fishing town where he spent his summers as a child. He agrees to take his nephew, in hopes he can reconnect with the sullen teen.

Once there, Sam meets the last person he expected to see again-Aubrey. She too has returned to her hometown seeking balm for tremendous pain. Sam and Aubrey recover some of their old friendship, but they discover boundaries that did not exist when they were teenagers.

Will Sam be able to help his nephew overcome the devastation he has experienced? Can Sam and Aubrey come to terms with their rekindling relationship while finding the direction God intends them each to take?

Deborah Bedford does an outstanding job developing the characters in Remember Me. They're real people with real problems who face personal and spiritual crises.

We have all experienced times when God was silent, even when we begged Him for answers. And many of us have had times when we felt like running away as we faced pressures too great to bear. Bedford's characters experience these emotions in heartbreaking detail. Yet their spiritual journeys from doubt to strength and faith give us hope. Anyone who has felt despair as deeply as Sam and Aubrey have, will find a calm certainty that God holds us in the palm of His hand, in the pages of Remember Me.

Deborah Bedford's Remember Me doesn't stand quite as tall in the department of Christian fiction, but I love her lyrical writing style. Her world is a bit more perfect, most people are beautiful, or at least rarely are they truly unattractive. Remember Me is the story of Pastor Sam Tibbits trying to find something he lost years ago and finds that while sometimes we can go back, God often has better things for us if we move forward to His plan. Bedford's descriptions are lovely and breathtaking, and the depth of emotion in her characters are real. Aubrey comes across as the strongest most well-rounded character so when she has a change of heart toward the end of the novel, I felt like I had missed a chapter. The ending is not the obvious one, but it felt slightly forced. The funeral scenes and final scenes at the church with Sam are very moving. For Bedford's best book, read If I Had You, this one is worth a read, but it won't stick with you when it's done.

I was going to wait to write my reveiw after my children read it but I could not wait. I absolutely love The Replacements! The book taught great lessons of loving your neighbor, being grateful, and being a good example without beating the reader over the head. I would love to see more of Malachi and Daniel, Momma D, Red and even Max. I am wondering what other lessons will they learn and how will it effect the other characters. Excellent!!!

Here is my 9 year olds review.

"IT WAS ABOUT A BOY WHO WANTED A CHANGE AND ONCE HE GOT IT IT WAS QUITE A NIGHTMARE. AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TELL THE AUTHOR THAT i WOULD GIVE HER 5 STARS AND THE BEST BOOK OF THE CENTURY AWARD IF THERE WAS THAT KIND OF AWARD."

This was a very good book the only bad part about this book was that it wasn't long enough. I like how the author made this book very detailed you were able to see everything that was going on in this home without even being there. And the life lesson in this book was just beautiful. God always show you that just when you thought you got it bad things could always be alot worse. So count your blessings and be greatful for what you have.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author's style made it possible for me to be in each moment as it was happening. When Momma was cooking, I could smell the wonderful aroma of the food. I could feel each character's emotions throughout the story. And, I like the way the author was able to include valuable life's lessons that are a good reminder to everyone.

Although listed as a children's book for ages 9 thru young adult, it is my belief anyone of any age could benefit from it.

Demetria Keys has shown up to be a clever writer with a mission to serve the Lord with her gifts. "The Replacements" makes the reader consider what he has been given and think about the consequences of his/her own possiblenever ending desires for more. A very thoughtful book!

Twelve year-old Daniel's life is anything but extraordinary: his little brother, Malachi, is a constant nuisance, his mother is a sedate stay-at-home-mom, his father is a modest bread-winner, and he's subject to the daily idiosyncrasies of Max, his chain-smoking bus driver whose lips release a perpetual stream of smoke interlaced with sarcasm. Add to that the fact that he's fallen hard for his teacher, Mrs. Fillmore - who barely even notices him - and you've got all the makings of a pre-teen drama lived daily with no happy ending in sight.

Increasingly dissatisfied with his life as is, one night Daniel says a prayer before going to bed, wishing that his life would change...well, as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for...Daniel awakens the next morning, apparently having gotten his wish - and then some. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to cope with an alternative reality, a seemingly inverted mirror image of his old life, and he soon realizes that the things we ask for are often the very things we are least prepared to receive.

The Replacements is a clever commentary on the trappings of contemporary society, most especially our constant striving to gain more than what we already have. Through the eyes of a child, Demetria Keys does a convincing job of relating the fact that the best blessings we could ever receive lie squarely within the scope of our everyday lives. An effective dramatization of the old "grass is always greener" adage, Keys's tale extols the value of the benefits readily available to us. By ignoring them, we run the risk of creating a reality for ourselves that leaves even less to be desired.

Keys most effectively conveys this lesson in Daniel's epiphany regarding his parents' love. Unhappy with his father's role as a stern, exacting disciplinarian, he quietly longs for his mother to be more assertive in challenging his father's authority; however, when he awakens to his desired reality, he finds that his new life in his parents' eyes makes his old one sparkle in comparison. The contrast helps him realize that regardless of how they choose to show it, he can never take for granted the fact that his parents love him without question.

The Replacements is an encouraging morality tale of learning to embrace the real treasures of life. If you're unhappy with the way things are going in yours, read this book before you consider making any changes...