Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Review // Shakedown
Genre: Fiction
Title: Shakedown
Author: Erica Fuentes
Four women, who are very close, are also close to high-powered decision makers in Mexico. Follow these women, as they proceed with their lives and their jobs during a very important Summit meeting in Mexico City. Here, they will discover what really defines power as they uncover layers of deceit and corruption at all levels of a nation (and international relations).
Overall, the book flowed well with the exception of the multiple editing errors and near the end, where the author jumps forward in time without informing the readers. The four women portrayed in the novel are quite close, and this is evident throughout the novel as they unravel the layers of corruption within their nation (and at an international level as well). When they are together, they share stories of their personal lives and have good times together with lots of laughs.
In terms of how the four-some uncover or discover the corruption, I would say it is mostly one character, Carolina, who really does the work. And there are plenty of layers of corruption. The layers of corruption and the consequences if this information were to be let out are all well portrayed in this book. The window to true ‘power’ is what these women are reaching for as they aim to manipulate and influence to meet their own goals. These women are, also, very patriotic to their country, Mexico. The descriptive passages of Mexico and their culture definitely also show the patriotic nature of the characters.
Erica Fuentes, a lawyer, is the author of several books (both fiction and non-fiction), including Island Dreams, Salve Regina, and Hearts Ahoy! to name a few. Her books are written in both Spanish and English.
Overall, this book is interesting and entertaining (if a bit scary due to the ‘puppet master’ who controls all). This book is recommended by: Margaret Orford, Allbooks Reviews.
Title: Shakedown
Author: Erica Fuentes
Publisher: Casablanca
ISBN: 978-607-8125-00-5
Pages: 243 pages
Price: $12.49 US
Mar 2011
For more info: www.casablancapublishing.com
Title: Shakedown
Author: Erica Fuentes
Four women, who are very close, are also close to high-powered decision makers in Mexico. Follow these women, as they proceed with their lives and their jobs during a very important Summit meeting in Mexico City. Here, they will discover what really defines power as they uncover layers of deceit and corruption at all levels of a nation (and international relations).
Overall, the book flowed well with the exception of the multiple editing errors and near the end, where the author jumps forward in time without informing the readers. The four women portrayed in the novel are quite close, and this is evident throughout the novel as they unravel the layers of corruption within their nation (and at an international level as well). When they are together, they share stories of their personal lives and have good times together with lots of laughs.
In terms of how the four-some uncover or discover the corruption, I would say it is mostly one character, Carolina, who really does the work. And there are plenty of layers of corruption. The layers of corruption and the consequences if this information were to be let out are all well portrayed in this book. The window to true ‘power’ is what these women are reaching for as they aim to manipulate and influence to meet their own goals. These women are, also, very patriotic to their country, Mexico. The descriptive passages of Mexico and their culture definitely also show the patriotic nature of the characters.
Erica Fuentes, a lawyer, is the author of several books (both fiction and non-fiction), including Island Dreams, Salve Regina, and Hearts Ahoy! to name a few. Her books are written in both Spanish and English.
Overall, this book is interesting and entertaining (if a bit scary due to the ‘puppet master’ who controls all). This book is recommended by: Margaret Orford, Allbooks Reviews.
Title: Shakedown
Author: Erica Fuentes
Publisher: Casablanca
ISBN: 978-607-8125-00-5
Pages: 243 pages
Price: $12.49 US
Mar 2011
For more info: www.casablancapublishing.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Sometimes a man wants to be stupid if it lets him do a thing his cleverness forbids. -John Steinbeck, novelist, Nobel laureate (1902-1968)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
RE: English
English is a funny language;
that explains why we park our car in the driveway and
drive our car on the parkway..............author unknown
that explains why we park our car in the driveway and
drive our car on the parkway..............author unknown
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March reminder
Remember Allbooks Review International has serving authors around the world since 2000.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Genre: Memoir/Inspirations
Title: Please, God, Not Two
Author: Alberta H. Sequeira
“I wish I had known more about the disease so that I could have spent less time being mad at you, and more time trying to help you.” Meagan Cahill
In a previous memoir, Someone Stop this Merry-go-Round, the author Alberta Sequeira bared her own tragic personal life. Married to Richie Lopes, with two daughters, Debbie and Lori, she thought they would have a good life. Expecting the ups and downs of family life, Alberta was not prepared to cope with her husband’s increasing use of alcohol. She could no longer recognize the man she had married and spent much time trying to shield her daughters of the impending doom.
He was not a ‘happy drunk’ as he continued the path to alcoholism. In his own denial he became abusive, his decisions erratic, lost his business and pride but more importantly, his family. The only important thing in his life was finding a drink. Alberta and Richie divorced, both moving on to a new life, but Richie did not stop drinking until he died. He was forty-five years of age.
Sixteen days after the memoir was published, their daughter, Lori Cahill died a horrific death. Diagnosis: Alcoholism. She was only thirty-nine years old.
Delving deep into her own well of pain and confusion, Alberta writes with point blank detail. Emotions, including her own doubts, guilt, regrets and hindsight are written from her heart.
Lori had been seventeen years old when her father passed away. It seemed as if she was getting on with life, school, job and aspirations of nursing. She had gone through the usual trials of a teen with peer pressure. At eighteen years old she moved in with a boyfriend, only to return home after a few months, pregnant. What seemed to be the best solution at the time would haunt both Alberta and Lori for the rest of their lives. Lori married, had two children but alcoholism is considered hereditary and had already taken hold of her. There were several upheavals in her life as the demon took control, her children moved in with sister, Debbie and her family.
Lori attempted rehab three times. Perhaps it was too late or she was not emotionally strong enough, she was unable to conquer the disease. Her physical and mental capabilities plummeted. Alberta vividly describes what the scene really looks like behind those hospital curtains. You are brought so far into this story you feel part of the family in the waiting room, hoping for a thread of good news.
Alberta’s faith and family support especially from her husband, Al gives her the strength to not only write to educate readers but she has become a public speaker about this terrifying, deadly disease. Alberta, her immediate and extended family believe that communication, knowledge about the disease, persistency and love are essential in the fight against alcoholism. Many family photographs are included. Alberta and husband Al Sequeira, live in Rochester, MA
I will not lead you astray; this is an enlightening but emotionally a difficult read, a reality for far too many people. Highly Recommended.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review
Title: Please, God, Not Two
Author: Alberta H. Sequeira
“I wish I had known more about the disease so that I could have spent less time being mad at you, and more time trying to help you.” Meagan Cahill
In a previous memoir, Someone Stop this Merry-go-Round, the author Alberta Sequeira bared her own tragic personal life. Married to Richie Lopes, with two daughters, Debbie and Lori, she thought they would have a good life. Expecting the ups and downs of family life, Alberta was not prepared to cope with her husband’s increasing use of alcohol. She could no longer recognize the man she had married and spent much time trying to shield her daughters of the impending doom.
He was not a ‘happy drunk’ as he continued the path to alcoholism. In his own denial he became abusive, his decisions erratic, lost his business and pride but more importantly, his family. The only important thing in his life was finding a drink. Alberta and Richie divorced, both moving on to a new life, but Richie did not stop drinking until he died. He was forty-five years of age.
Sixteen days after the memoir was published, their daughter, Lori Cahill died a horrific death. Diagnosis: Alcoholism. She was only thirty-nine years old.
Delving deep into her own well of pain and confusion, Alberta writes with point blank detail. Emotions, including her own doubts, guilt, regrets and hindsight are written from her heart.
Lori had been seventeen years old when her father passed away. It seemed as if she was getting on with life, school, job and aspirations of nursing. She had gone through the usual trials of a teen with peer pressure. At eighteen years old she moved in with a boyfriend, only to return home after a few months, pregnant. What seemed to be the best solution at the time would haunt both Alberta and Lori for the rest of their lives. Lori married, had two children but alcoholism is considered hereditary and had already taken hold of her. There were several upheavals in her life as the demon took control, her children moved in with sister, Debbie and her family.
Lori attempted rehab three times. Perhaps it was too late or she was not emotionally strong enough, she was unable to conquer the disease. Her physical and mental capabilities plummeted. Alberta vividly describes what the scene really looks like behind those hospital curtains. You are brought so far into this story you feel part of the family in the waiting room, hoping for a thread of good news.
Alberta’s faith and family support especially from her husband, Al gives her the strength to not only write to educate readers but she has become a public speaker about this terrifying, deadly disease. Alberta, her immediate and extended family believe that communication, knowledge about the disease, persistency and love are essential in the fight against alcoholism. Many family photographs are included. Alberta and husband Al Sequeira, live in Rochester, MA
I will not lead you astray; this is an enlightening but emotionally a difficult read, a reality for far too many people. Highly Recommended.
Reviewer: Cheryl Heinrichs, Allbooks Review
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Review // A Puppy for the White House
Genre: Children’s Book
Author: Kathleen Smith
Author Kathleen Smith has written a delightful children’s book. A Puppy for the White House was a great reminder that the Presidential family is in many ways like any other ordinary family. She starts her story with a teacher asking her fifth grade class about the President’s acceptance speech. The President says to his daughters, “Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that is coming with us to the White House.”
The teacher asks the children to write a story about the imagined journey of the First Family adopting their dog. After months of research, hard work and many revisions the class story is finished. The endearing tale that follows is a great learning tool. Older youngsters can read the book themselves and have an enjoyable story and learn a little history. Or, this would be a great book to read to younger children.
Adding to the simple charm of this wonderful hardcover book are the illustrations by Laurie Hansen. This book has it all; great story, good quality paper and beautiful images. All the reader needs to bring is a little imagination.
I highly recommend this enjoyable book to young and old alike. It was truly a pleasure to read and review A Puppy for the White House.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
Author: Kathleen Smith
Author Kathleen Smith has written a delightful children’s book. A Puppy for the White House was a great reminder that the Presidential family is in many ways like any other ordinary family. She starts her story with a teacher asking her fifth grade class about the President’s acceptance speech. The President says to his daughters, “Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that is coming with us to the White House.”
The teacher asks the children to write a story about the imagined journey of the First Family adopting their dog. After months of research, hard work and many revisions the class story is finished. The endearing tale that follows is a great learning tool. Older youngsters can read the book themselves and have an enjoyable story and learn a little history. Or, this would be a great book to read to younger children.
Adding to the simple charm of this wonderful hardcover book are the illustrations by Laurie Hansen. This book has it all; great story, good quality paper and beautiful images. All the reader needs to bring is a little imagination.
I highly recommend this enjoyable book to young and old alike. It was truly a pleasure to read and review A Puppy for the White House.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com
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