Authors Books

Thao thank you for showing Michael all of this. I am greatly inspired by the truth being shared in this manner.

I am blown away by this book, and what the author describes he was shown during his trip. His account confirms living in lower gravity, in harmony and love, the way of living, all serving one intention without monetary system, the dwelling places, Earth politics compared to true governing, the history of our planet, so much of what many of us have seen ourselves. The loving light energy he describes is very real. I bless and thank Michel for publishing his report. Read it, you will love it, it will open your eyes!

The book advises us that we should understand and know using your logic rarther than blind believing.There are military secrets that were classified that the author shouldn't have any knowledge of them when it was written.The proof exists in your mind.The book is great to be read along the freedom of choice.(thiaoouba.com)

There will always be sceptics. No matter what proof you give them they won't believe you. This is why Michel Desmarquet from Australia were given no physical evidence about what happened to him in 1985. Instead, he wrote a book about his experience: A journey to another planet on the other side of the galaxy. There he met advanced beings, the supervisors of the planet Earth, and was told to write a book with a message they have to the people of our planet.

The beings watching us won't make our homework for us. They would love if all people on this planet woke up and if the leaders knew the direction to lead the people, but it doesn't work like that. People need to wake up individually, and realize by themselves that going against nature won't bring anything but misery to this civilization. They would never show themselves openly here, because it will just create another flock of followers.

When you read this book, aside from getting explained about Earths history from the first man on Earth to present time, you will know what can be done and what you can achieve all by yourself, and together with people, without having to surrender your free will to anyone. If you can push the sceptic aside and realize that proof need to arise nowhere else but in your own intellect.

Remember that the sceptics have limited knowledge. Whereas your imagination is unlimited...

This book is incredible!. You will have a hard time putting it down on the first read and having to come back to it for 2-3 re-reads to fully digest the content. For those who can fathom a reality as outrageous as the size of our universe (billion stars in each of a billion galaxies etc) you will find the details in this book give perspective on earth and human history on it. It also gives a spiritual perspective beyond a single life giving perspective to one's soul journey. The cost is small and the effect on the reader's paradigm shift is immeasurable, buy it, read it, consider its truth's. Even if you take it all as fiction your life will be profoundly affected by this story.

Maya Angelou's poetry is so phenomenal. And the power of her voice reading her own words, is really moving.

Maya Angelou's reading of poetry is moving to the point ot tears and laughter. I highly recommend it.

This audiobook arrived in about a week and was in the condition advertised. Overall, I was satisfied with the transaction and would purchase from this seller again.

This book is filled with wonderful, powerful poetry that really awakened me to the troubles of African Americans in that time of history. Diego Rivera's paintings in the book are staggering and breathtaking. This is a must-see for any ameteur or lover of poetry.

...Invictus is by William E. Henley......I do not like much poetry.....but 'Still I Rise', is one of the most moving and powerful pieces of literature of our day. You can feel the rumblings of motivation rising within you as you read it---it summons the power of our ancestors as you read it... YOU FEEL this poem with all your heart--or I fear you have no heart and you remember that feeling for years after you have read it!
It is a magnificent poem that the author not only wrote, but earned through her own life.
This book would make excellent Christmas gifts of inspiration.

The book definitely wears the title well. A wonderful truth revealing walk in the thoughts and reality of the community and a home in the average life of a strong and motivated against the odds woman.

If you wanna know a real "Woman's Worth", then the journey Stacey McAdoo takes you on in "Baring My Soul" will give you the true meaning of the trials and tribulations not of just a black woman in the south,but as a woman period. Many of you who take this journey with her, may not be able to relate to her experiences, but you can learn from them. Mrs. McAdoo puts herself out there on the line in ways most people wouldn't dream about. It was refreshing to see someone who has nothing to hide and her words may well force you to deal with difficulties of your own. Wonderful job!

I really enjoyed the book. When I need a reality check or some uplifting, I pick up the book and re-read specific chapters. The book "Baring My Soul" is very inspirational. It made me laugh, cry and go hmmmmmmm! I am waiting on "Baring My Soul II" because I feel that there was so much yet to be told and now I would like to know about how Stacey & her family have dealt with the loss of her brother.

In a crowded airport, as I sat impatiently awaiting my delayed flight, I began to read "Baring My Soul". I thought I was just going to skim through a couple of pages and just sorta waste time. I bought the book outta of support and because of a referral, without having a clue as to what it was going to be about. And boy, was I in for a shocker. The people at the airport probably thought I was CRAZY because I was literally talking outloud. I finished the entire book at the airport...and it is the best book I've ever read. I'm going to re-read it so that I can let certain parts soak in and make sure I didn't miss anything! Stacey is one extraordinary lady...and a BADDDDD [meaning good] writer! Good luck and I wish you much success.

I loved this book. I initially sat down to read a couple of chapters, and before I knew it, I was through! I thought the book was intelligently written, yet at the same time, it was written in a "down to earth" understandable language where everyone could relate and comprehend. The whole time I was reading, I just kept shaking my head and thinking to myself, "this sister is deep". At times I found myself talking outloud to the book...lots of the stuff I just couldn't believe! This book stirred up a lot of emotions...I often found myself getting angry, crying and even laughing. This is a heavy book and everyone should buy a copy. (I wish I could convey that my momma, my sister and my daddy - because right now it's rotating through my family!)

I ordered this edition of the collected poems of Robert Service to read ont0 tape, his poems for our grandson and grandaughters. I received a handsome, easy to read edition that was more beautifully edited and presented than I had expected. I may keep this and obtain another for them. Thank you.

I was actually very disappointed with the condition of this book when I received it. It had been packed in an envelope that was close to being too small, and the jacket was torn in several places. I purchased this book among others, as a 45 year anniversary gift to my wife. Robert Service had been a particular favorite of her father, and I knew she would treasure the book. I will just have to tell her that I meant well, but it didn't turn out so well.

I am very happy with this book. It combines a lot of Service's greatest poems with great Photos of the land and people he wrote about. It is a lovely book that you can be proud to have in your collection.

I love Robert Service's raw tones and poems. He tells them with a grit that is true to heart and really just gives you a feel for what is going on and what it was like to be in the real wilderness days. I have heard he described as crude and if that's how you want to view it...go ahead but these poems aren't crude...they tell the true spirit of the classic days with great detail and life.

I first stumbled upon Robert W. Service when I found a small volume of his poetry from before and during World War One in an antique shop in Maine. I hungered for more, searched the internet, and was thrilled to find this book available, as well as others. Service's poetry is what poetry should be, at least in my mind. It flows evenly, it rhymes, it tells stories about human beings' lives, feelings, and struggles. Plus, he deals with people, places, and times in history that interest me, especially World War One, northern North America, Europe, etc. This is an excellent, excellent collection of his works.

This is an excellent book detailing Bill Peet's life from a small town in Indiana to becoming an award-winning children's book writer/illustrator.

I am a children's librarian and I am often perusing our collection for items that look interesting. I recently discovered an extremely old copy of "Capyboppy" by Bill Peet and absolutely loved it! As a result, I decided to look for other titles and realized we had his illustrated autobiography. His drawings are heartfelt and comforting and his (seemingly) effortless talent is stunning. His description of various parts of his life are engaging and I believe that children and adults will enjoy the book equally. I can't recommend this book enough.

Bill Pete started out as a daydreaming, doodling boy, and made it all the way to Walt Disney! Bill was born in Grandview and was raised in Indianapolis. He lived happily with his Mother, two brothers, and grandmother. His father was a traveling salesman, and didn't really come into his life until later. Ever since Bill was young, he loved to draw. During class, he would doodle in between the margins, and his books were a big favorite amongst the other kids when he sold them as second-hand. His childhood was fun filled, and he had some big hopes and dreams. First of all, he wanted to go on a safari and sketch the animals, but most of all, he wanted to be an artist. One day, in the summer of 1928, Bill's father returned "home" broke, travel weary, and demanding money. After arguing for many days, Bills mother gave in and paid his father. With that, his father drove away. Not long after that, Bill's grandmother tragically died, which put the family in complete shambles. They had to move, and everything changed. The Great Depression started, and Bills father kept taking money, so he kept them poor. Bill went through school well as a student, graduated, and went to college. That was when the work became harder. Bill was facing flunking some of his classes. One night, he ran into an old friend from school, and was persuaded to start taking some arts classes. Bill began painting, and it is there that he met his beautiful wife Margaret Brunst with which he eventually had two sons. He graduated with flying colors, and took a job as a painter. Finally, he realized he didn't have a steady income, and applied for Walt Disney Productions. He became a good friend of Walt Disney himself! Bill helped create many classics starting with Snow White, and going all the way to Jungle book. As time went by, Bill decided that after 27 years, it was time to leave. Bill had become attached to the company and his job, but mostly Walt. It was hard to say "good bye." About one year later, Walt Disney died. Bill went on to writing stories and illustrating them for children of all ages. They all relate to him in one way or another, but the one that felt the most connected to him was "Chester the Worldly Pig". Chester was who he was, and he had always been so. And like Chester, Pete "had grown beyond his expectations."

I can see myself in Pete sometimes. He never gave up and kept dreaming and kept his spirit alive. He has an easy flow to his writing that makes you feel relaxed and know that you're in for one heck of a good story. I loved his book for the truth that it told, and for the wonder that makes up Bill Pete. Keep dreaming, if you strive, you can reach the stars and soar beyond.

The book that introduced me to Bill Peet as a child and helped in inspiring me to push my art and chase my dreams. A must have for any lover of original Disney art or aspiring artist.

I nevertheless found it quite fascinating and engrossing.

Peet is a self-professed reluctant student, especially of English classes, but he is nonetheless quite the good writer. Peet's illustrations add a lot to the pace and feel of the book and are a joy in their own right. His stories of life in Indianapolis before World War II will be interesting to any native Hoosier (as am I).

However, the most interesting part details his jobs at Walt Disney studios. His descriptions of how they made movies in the old days as well as the insider's look at Walt Disney himself are fascinating. Peet worked on several Disney movies, including Pinnochio, Fantasia, Cinderella (he created the lovable mice) and the original 101 Dalmations.

Peet brushes over his life after he left Disney a little too quickly. I would have liked to have read his descriptions of life in the publishing world as well. Also lacking is much history of his family life.

That being said, it was still fascinating, entertaining and totally worth the reader's time.

I give this one a grade of A-

I thought this book was great. If your a fan of Forester, or just like naval stories, read it!

This is a fine novel by CS Forester, the author of the magnificent Hornblower series of novels. It tells the story of a fictional American naval sea captain during the War of 1812, one Captain Josiah Peabody--an American charged with the mission of breaking the British blocade of the fledgling United States and wreaking havoc with the British sea lanes. This, he understands, will give America leverage against Britain and perhaps help motivate it to make peace.

As Forester explains, America had failed to prepare adequately for the possibility of war, had not built up much of a Navy, and paid a thousandfold for this folly. Although Peabody is a fictional character, real life American captains like him did exist, and in fact the American Navy won glory against England in the War of 1812 in numerous ship actions that pitted a plucky but weak United States against the world's most powerful sea power.

The story is very well-told, and Forester's insightful portrayal of Captain Peabody is a fine examination of the American character as it is often perceived by Britons. As always, Forester spins a great sea yarn, with all of the technical details perfect (I'm taking other people's word for this, but I know it is true!) and you can practically smell the salt water and hear the waves.

An enjoyable yarn that ranks with the very best stories of naval adventure.

Cecil Scott Forester is, of course, best known as the creator of the Horatio Hornblower adventures in the era of fighting sail. The majority of the heroes of C.S. Forester's books, not just Hornblower, were British fighting men.

However, he also wrote several stories, of which this was the first, with Americans as the central figure. So "The Captain from Connecticut," Josiah Peabody of the U.S. Frigate Delaware, is by no means alone in being an American: however, he is the only hero of a Forester book who actually has to fight the Royal Navy.

The book is set during the war of 1812: the first challenge which faces Peabody and the Delaware is to escape the Royal Navy's blockade of Long Island in terrible weather. Then Peabody has to deal with pirates, a traitor very close to home, and a British squadron which outnumbers him three to one and is commanded by a very dangerous opponent.

Peabody also encounters, and nearly accidentally attacks, a Royalist French governor appointed by Louis XVIII after Napoleon's first downfall. The governor has a ticklish sense of French honour and neutrality, and is accompanied by his attractive sister and beautiful daughter.

Although this isn't quite up to the standard of the best of Forester's Hornblower books, it is an entertaining and exciting story of war at sea in the era of sail, which holds your attention right up to the surprise ending and the twist on the last page.

This is a good piece of writing. Too bad Forester only wrote this and the Hornblower series for he was great in this genre. A good book to read in the dreary days of winter. I'd recommend it to anyone.

I respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who say this is just as good or even better than Forester's Hornblower novels. It's pretty clear Forester was having an off year in his writing. First, the research is atypically flawed: The American captain Peabody knows Long Island Sound well because he served in the "Coastguard Service," something that did not exist at the time (there was a Revenue service, but a "Coast Guard"--two words, not one in British style--didn't exist until 1915). Second, the writing is just clunkier than in the Hornblower novels; at one point Forester uses "fathoms" as a unit of distance rather than depth. Third, Peabody is mildly interesting as a character but is a long way from being as fascinating as Hornblower was even in his first appearance. Whereas Hornblower is constantly in turmoil over his shortcomings, Peabody is a rather predictable fatalist (and the many and annoying references to Providence underscore Forester's own personal disdain for religion).

Still, I found the novel entertaining and worth a read. Just don't expect 'an American Hornblower.'

I was just looking for a story about animals for entertainment. I didn't expect to learn so much about primates and research and I never expected such a complex weave of animal and human behavior in a novel. The author maintains, like I do, that without understanding animals we won't be motivated to save their way of life, which is important to us in ways we don't normally comprehend. That is to say that when "one of us is chained, none of us are free." And we are animals too, which we often forget. The human side of this story could have only been crafted by a wise, deep thinking author who understands the complicated makeup of humans. The ending was thought provoking, educational and unexpected. The information about the animals was an
in- depth insight someone could have only gained by close personal observation. I came away from this read much richer.

Born to a middle-class academic family, Dana Armstrong might have expected to lead a sedate life. She had loving parents, a younger brother, Zack, and a "sister" - Annie. Interacting with loving care to each other, they seemed the ideal family. But there was a discontinuity - Annie was a chimpanzee. The trio was part of an experiment by Dana's father Reginald. Primate researchers in the 1960s were eager to learn if human-chimp communications could be achieved. Living with a human family continuously instead of in a labatory facility seemed the best opportunity. Wesselmann, in a finely wrought tale of the experiment and its consequences has provided us with a stirring, yet sensitive tale.

She opens with Dana well along in her life. She's gained a PhD in Primatology, following her father's path, and operates a sanctuary for chimps that have been subjected to a range of medical experiments, including being given AIDS. Her South Carolina site seems ideal, isolated, well protected to reduce outsider concerns, and supplied by caring donors. She's on the local university staff, keeping her academic foundation sound. Yet, somebody has gained access to the site, releasing the chimps. In the course of recovering them, one of the chimps is struck by a car and killed. The facility is hardly a secret, but the community rises in protest. It also garners the attention of somebody Dana had been trying to forget - Prof. Richard Lamier. Complicating her circumstances yet further, a new element enters her life in the person of Sam Wendt. Just what she doesn't need now is a critical journalist writing to an already hostile community. But Sam says magic words about her childhood with Annie. He's not to be summarily dismissed.

Wesselmann builds her story and her characters with seemingly effortless grace. It is only as event progress and interaction builds that the power of her prose emerges. The pace is swift and furious - this is not a book easily set aside - but nothing is forced or contrived. Dana is beset by many foils - Lamier emerges with increasing presence from the background, but it's her own brother Zack on whom much of this story hinges. He's a wastrel, an emotional nomad, and a constant pressure on her goodwill and energy. There's a hint that he may have had something to do with releasing the chimps, although motivation seems lacking. The chimp release leads to widespread implications with the future of the sanctuary and Dana's own career hanging over an abyss. She has little but her own resources of strength and cunning to draw on. Can that possibly be enough with all that's arrayed against her?

The author's account goes beyond prose skills. Clearly this work rests on a solid research base. It's easy to believe Wesselmann was at the side of more than one primatologist, likely in a refuge such as the one depicted here. Chimp behaviours - including one young one obviously brought up among humans, who insists on clothes and a potty, are too vividly depicted and explained to be fabricated. Her research points up the underlying importance of the subjects in this tale - can we justify what we do in experimenting on animals. Especially our closest living cousins [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Debbie Lee Wesselmann provides a spell binding novel which sheds light on the precarious plight of chimpanzees which are raised in captivity and after having served the purpose of humans ... their lives are left in limbo. In a world concerned with saving our planet by going green, decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from gas-guzzling automobiles to keep our air cleaner and prevent global warming from destroying everything - here is another cause which deserves our attention and support with economic resources. The book is written with sensitivity, compassion, and knowledge about the lives of chimpanzees in captivity. It is a superbly written highly original novel which combines adventure, romance, and human interest, maintaining the reader's attention from start to finish.

Essentially, the book is about the scientist, Dr. Dana Armstrong, Director of the South Carolina Primate Project and her attempts to keep afloat the sanctuary which serves as home to chimpanzees who have been discarded after being involuntary participants in scientific experiments at labs or residents at zoos which have closed. The major problem she is facing is how to convince the Unviersity president and a major donor that her facility is a safe place for the animals and is not a threat to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there was a break-in at the sanctuary and the animals were freed ... someone obtained a key and simply opened up the cages, letting the animals roam about the offices, sanctuary and beyond, into the nearby family neighborhood.

Dana, Andy, the vet for the animals, Mary one of the research associates and graduate students helped round up the missing animals - all except one - the most dangerous, named Benji. Benji had been owned by a cruel animal trainer and had unpredicatable behavior as a result. Dana had to call the local sheriff to help find him and she had to admit Benji could be dangerous. Sadly, when Benji was found - he was dead, having been hit by a car. It caused Dana much grief because it reminded her of Annie, a chimp with whom she was raised as a child. The chimp came into their household as an experiment by her psychologist father, who wanted it treated as a family member. Annie was taken away after an unfortunate incident occurred to Dana ... Annie was supposed to have gone to a lab for experiments but the trail as to what really happened to her led to a dead-end. No one knows whether Annie was alive or dead. No one knows what kind of experiments were performed on Annie. This incident haunted Dana ...

Unexpectedly, a free lance reporter Sam Wendt entered Dana's life. He threw her world upside down. Initially, he asked questions about the experiment led by her father, regarding teaching chimps the use of language. Later, after learning about the break-in and delving deeply into the politics of animal research and competition for funding, Sam became a willing accomplice in her quest to save the chimps and discover who was behind this disastrous event. The author deftly connects a haunting past event in Dana's life to her present predicament, where her qualifications to lead and direct this sanctuary are being seriously questioned ... The reader will learn much about the sad circumstances which surround the lives of these most endearing animals, chimpanzees. Most readers will empathize with their condition and be hooked on this story where the goal is to keep this non-threatening primate sanctuary thriving and maintain the safety of its residents. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

I gave this book four stars because it's not Pulitzer material. But it's an excellent novel. The story unfolds with enough background to allow us to begin immediately to feel involved, and builds on the basic information with just the right amount of well-timed exposition. Each character "unfolds" exceptionally well so that the reader definitely experiences "getting to know" them moments. It's a skill to be able to do that well, and Debbie Lee Wesselmann is a skilled story-teller.

The basics of the story have been outlined well by other reviewers so I won't recap those. What I will say is that the book is one to be savored because the themes the author offers us are worthy of careful consideration. As I savored this book, I realized that it's not just about the "captivity" of the primates... or, rather, it IS about the captivity of ALL of the primates, including the human ones. And the careful reader will be fascinated by how each handles their "imprisonment" and if or how each escapes.

And, in the meantime, reading about ape behavior is fascinating and great fun. And you may also enjoy the irony of learning about how university boards and funding committees can behave.

Good book. I recommend it.

In Dr Dana Armstrong's world, as the director of a sanctuary for chimpanzees in South Carolina, she is doing the best she can for those chimpanzees damaged or exploited by their interaction with humans. Unfortunately, the sanctuary is vandalised, chimpanzees are set free and the resulting publicity threatens to destroy everything that Dana has worked towards. In addition, echoes from Dana's own childhood are threatening to place her career in jeopardy.

In this moving novel, Ms Wesselmann gives life to an engaging cast of characters, include chimpanzees and their carers as well as activists, academics and villains. In confronting her past, Dana also learns to face a different future. This story is both heart warming and heart wrenching. It invites readers to think beyond the fiction. Deftly written, without extraneous verbiage, Ms Wesselmann writes a powerful novel where not everything is as it seems. Family secrets, power struggles, romance are issues in the human and chimpanzee worlds as well. I finished this novel some days ago but will continue to think about the messages and their ramifications for some time to come. And that, for me, is usually the difference between a 4 and 5 star novel.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Thirty short stories by W. Somerset Maugham including "Rain" which is about a prudish missionary and a prostitute and "The Three Fat Women of Antibes" which is an ironic story about self-denial and greed.

I came to know Maugham through his novels, especially The Razor's Edge, Of Human Bondage, and Cakes and Ale. I purchased this collection not knowing what to expect. The stories are character focused, at times incredibly witty and amusing, at times melancholy and near heart-breaking. As in his novels, Maugham has the ability to make the reader see what is not written. Highlights include The Rain, a commentary on the work of missionaries, and The Pool, one of the saddest shorts ever written. Others, such as The Three Fat Women of Antibbes, will probably make you laugh out loud. A first rate collection.

Somerset is an amazing writer whose words flowed so freely and expressively it makes you want to cry. This book of shorts is classic Maugham and un-put-downable. You'll love it.

The story" Fall of Edward Barnard" is a confrontation between what is called'the Civilized World' and the indigenous, the savage, the primitive world. Edward, thankful to a relative already fascinated by the beauties of the islands around tahiti, had a one life opportunity to have a very introspective reflexion about the meaning of his life. Sent from Chicago for two years, he will delay his return and the promise he made to his bride Isabelle. Why ? Because facing the natural beauty, almost thunderstruck by such simplicity, he wonders what the use of all this hustle and constant striving in our cities which are all but stones with ceasless turmoil. After a unsuccessful beginning in working, he chose a simple life based on beauty, truth and goodness. His thoughts reach the universal when asking himself ( throughout the author's philosophy ) why do we come into the world for to hurry to an office and work hour after hour

As a writer, Maugham considered himself "on the first row of the secondraters". I think he was being modest. Maugham has written some of the finest short stories ever written. His purpose was to do no more than tell an interesting story, but the reader gets much more. Each story is perfectly told; not one word is wasted, each character is fully realized. Maugham observes and never judges his characters. His short stories can be read many times and with each reading the reader finds something new and interesting. Somerset Maugham's short stories takes the reader to a time that is now past but still very relevant.

I bought this as a gift for my mom, and she loved it. It is a great book that keeps you interested, you won't want to put it down.

No te arrepentiràs, me encantan todos los cuentos de este libro, so tan originales y tan fuera de lo común, que te transportan a otro mundo en tu imaginación!!

Cuentos de Eva Luna arrived rapidly. I am reading it for pleasure and I'm not being disappointed. The book is well bound for a paperback, comfortable to hold, easy to read for a student of a second language.

A friend introduced me to this collection this summer. It's a relatively easy read for anyone with a college education in Spanish. Allende uses modern stylistic devices and vocabulary.

The frame is a Scheherazade set up... a series of stories about love relationships.

Some stories are a bit schematic and unsatisfying but when she hits paydirt, it's killer. I especially liked the stories 'Si me tocaras el corazon' and 'Walimai.' These felt almost like deep folk/ fairytales.

If you enjoyed A.S. Byatt's "The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye," you'll like this one too.

What a collection of characters! An illiterate woman who sells words. A man obsessed with a little girl. A woman whose marriage was based on letters written by the wrong man. A woman who spends her life waiting for revenge. A rich man who keeps a girl prisoner. Rascals trying to break into society. A lonely dictator. Invisible Indians. Every character is flawed in some terrible way, and yet, somehow appealing. Somehow you become attached to each of the characters and you want to hear their stories. There is something absolutely magical about these stories by Isabel Allende, stories you can't put down.

What is her secret? I don't know. I think she writes with magic ink. But, there is something else, too. Her characters never give up. No matter how bad, how flawed, how actually depraved they may be, they keep struggling toward the light. And so, each of us, with our own struggle to escape from darkness, can relate to these people and their stories.

These are some of the finest stories I have ever read. I recommend the collection most highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

Diva NashVegas is a good, fluffy read but it's not quite as good as Lost in NashVegas. As a heroine, I found Robin Rae to be more relatable than Aubrey James. Honestly, in the beginning chapters, I didn't like Aubrey very much at all- she seemed too cocky (I realize that she is supposed to be a `diva'- so this characteristic is fitting but still annoying), pessimistic, and at the same time, weak and spine-less (had a hard time standing up to her schmoe of a boyfriend/fiancé/live-in lover). There were more than a few instances where I tried to yell through the book at her for not making a bigger deal about things that were in fact a big deal. Another point of contention was her living with her boyfriend- granted, her faith wasn't that strong in the beginning but, still, for a Christian fiction book it bothered me how sugar-coated it all seemed- it was written and handled in too blasé a manner, as if it wasn't a big deal that they were living and sleeping together. And there was really no remorse, regret, or anything from Aubrey after the fact, never realizing or admitting that it was a mistake.

Still a good quick read but a disappointment after the fun of Lost in NashVegas and the plucky Robin Rae. Although the plot was predictable, I'm not giving up on Ms. Hauck; I just hope the next story in more in the lines of the first and not this mediocre second installment.

Exactly what, I asked myself, is a Diva?

Well, according to most dictionaries I checked, Diva is a noun, and it describes a "distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star." Synonym: prima donna

Hmmm. I've noticed in today's usage, Diva seems to be applied to anyone who is at the pinnacle of their career, or knowledge, or special in some other way. Let's find out if it applies here.

Our Diva in this book is one Aubrey James, the reigning Queen of Country, residing at the top of the charts for over ten years. We meet Aubrey onstage at a CMA special. She's exhausted. Her boyfriend pops out onstage and publicly proposes. The ring is thrust on her finger. He leaves, she steps up into the spotlight - and the Diva takes a dive. Total wipe-out.

As she recuperates, she learns she has been cruelly betrayed by a former band member. Her "story" has been sold to a major tabloid. Up to this point, Aubrey has kept her very public life separate from her private life. Now, she realizes she's going to have to open up and talk about the real Aubrey James.

She chooses the venue for her interview, but they change her scheduled interviewer. A person from her past she'd rather forget. Now she faces her past--her personal life--on more than one front.

Aubrey James refuses to become a victim. She is strong. She faces everything head-on. No hiding, no prevaricating. Brought up by Christian parents, at their death, Aubrey moves away from her faith. Yet, though she doesn't realize it, her 'faith' never left her. When things happen to her, accusations thrown at her, she handles them with grace, though she doesn't realize that. Some of those things made ME angry. I wanted Aubrey to lash out in anger, throw something, do something--anything. But she didn't.

And she remains a Diva.

I loved this book. I highly recommend this title, even if you don't reach much Chick-Lit.I believe this is Rachel's strongest book to date It is not a "girlie" book - it is full of depth and rich with symbolism. Get it!

extremely well written. the characters dont feel like they were pushed and forced into being and the conversations and story feels natural. extremely good book and i would recommend it to everyone. i enjoyed the storyline in that it could be read by anyone, man or woman. its a chick lit thats not too romancey.

Diva NashVegas is the touching story of a country music superstar trying to get back in touch with herself, her faith, and her love for music. In the first few pages of the book, the main character, Aubrey James, bursts forth as a glitzy, glamorous star of the stage who has everything that anyone could ask for - love, money, success. But it doesn't take long for the reader to get to know the inner turmoil of Aubrey's life as she has learned to deal with the loss of her parents, the betrayals by lovers, and the duplicity of former band members, all while under the bright spotlight of the public eye. Now, recognizing that there is nowhere left to run and hide from the mistakes and misfortunes of her past, Aubrey decides to face them head on by doing a one on one interview with Scott Vaughn, one of the co-anchors of Inside NashVegas. Rachel Hauck does an amazing job of bringing to life the complex character of Aubrey James whose larger-than-life, diva persona is balanced perfectly with that girl-next-door, down to earth quality that makes Aubrey irresistibly relatable despite her status as a country singing legend. Aubrey's encounters with Scott span the gamut of emotions from embarrassing and nerve racking, to compassionate and even comedic. The moments where Aubrey dreams of her mother will touch the heartstrings of anyone who has ever felt sad and alone and wanted nothing more than to crawl inside a warm, motherly embrace. Turning the pages on the growth of a woman on the brink of a breakdown as she turns into someone enjoying the process of regaining her faith is a joy to witness!
--Amey Libman, Author of Heart of Blue

I loved this book. I read it during down time at work but had to be very careful... due to the fact that I busted out laughing at the antics between Aubrey and Scott. Singed eye-brows, the driving lesson, teaching Aubrey to cook.

I found Hauck's writing to be down to earth, weaved with love and humor. Aubrey was so well-rounded that I could relate to bits and pieces of her personality. Scott was such an easy character to love. He would be a lot of fun to hang with. When I neared the end of the book, I found myself procratinating to finish it. I didn't want the story to end.

I am going to buy this book for my 12 year old niece. I know she will love it.