On Their Own

On Their Own

by Joyce Hoffman

De Capo Press - 2008

ISBN: 978-0-306-81059-6

I purchased this book a few months ago, out of the bargain bin at one of our local stores. I was all set to relive the woman journalists experience of Vietnam! Excitedly I tore into the book immediately when I got home, only to find myself bogged down in the political drama of the 1950's and the McCarthy era.

It's now been nearly three months since I purchased the book, and I find myself totally unable to finish this dull and boring socio-political study of the Vietnam War!

I wanted first-hand knowledge of what these women went through. What they suffered. What they saw.

I want their experiences!

And so I've closed this book, unable to get more than a little over half-way through it.

Perhaps if Hoffman had written a little more about the actual female experience as a journalist in a war torn country, rather than the politics I would have been able to complete this.

I do give this one star for the great photos of the journalists. But overall, I give it my "thumbs down" award.

Still House Pond

Still House Pond

By Jan Watson

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

2010

ISBN: 978-1-4143-2386-2

Due to a hectic schedule, it took me a while to find the time to actually sit down and read this book. But from the moment I opened the front cover, to the moment I closed the final page, I simply could not put it down!.

Watson does an exemplary job at telling us a story of family love. Of growing into a woman of God. Of loss. Of grief. Of joys. Of heartaches. Of laughter. And of tears.

Copper is a woman who knows all of these emotions. And her young daughter Lilly is coming of age and experiencing the same.

I don't want to give away any of this book's secrets, as this is simply a story you'll want to experience for yourself.

I give this my "thumbs up award" as well as 5 stars

I highly recommend this book for teens and adults alike.

This would also make an excellent book for a group read for young teens and adults!

****Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale Publishers for review.

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect

by Andy Andrews

Published by Simple Truths LLC - 2009

ISBN: 978-1-60810-028-6

This little book will inspire you to heights you never dreamed possible before!

Andrews brings us anarrative that teaches us all how special we truly are. He states, " You have been created as one of a kind."

"You have been created in order that you might make a difference."

Based on the principle of the butterfly effect that basically states that even the smallest motion can and will result in a much larger happening in its eventuality, Andrews encourages each of us to do and be the best we can possibly be each and every day so that those who are influenced by the effects of each of our actions, will be impacted with a result worthy of us, and of them.

I give this book five stars and my "Thumbs Up" award.

**Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publishing for review.

Lee - A Life of Virtue

Lee

by John Perry

from The Generals series

Thomas Nelson Publishing - 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59555-028-6

I have been held captive by tales of the American revolution and the Civil War since I was a child! Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, near the heart of the birthplace of our country, visiting Jamestown, Williamsburg, Richmond, Lexington, Charlottesville, Gettysburg, Antietam, Washington, D.C., and so many other sites, as a child... surely influenced me!

Today I am a genealogist by profession, and as such, I am drawn to the histories of great families for my reading pleasure.

What a great read this was, following my last biography on Robert E. Lee!

Perry covers the "General" as few others did. While skipping over the details of an illustrious military career, yet still bringing mention, and to give the reader a verifiable timeline to establish a time frame, Perry gives one a glimpse into the life, emotions, loves, and faith of this great American icon.

One is given insight to the thoughts and worries that plagued this great man who was torn between love of country, love of state, and love of family.

I cannot recommend this read enough, and give it my thumbs up award

***Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.

Jesse James' Secret

Jesse James' Secret - Codes, Cover-Ups & Hidden Treasure

By Ron Pastore and John O'Melveny Woods

Intellect Publishing, LLC

First Edition: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-9729761-6-9

I found this book engaging. I simply could not put it down from the first page to the last!

I'm not sure what held me spell-bound... the chance to know more about Jesse James', who has held me spell-bound since a kid... or the chance to learn there really was a cover-up of sorts regarding Jesse James!

It certainly wasn't the author's writing style that held me. I found a preponderance of evidence that he would never become a true author of reknown. But then, he never claims to be, nor aspire to be!

He never truly unveils the secrets he claims to have uncovered. He simply implies and allows you minuscule glimpses into this "evidence". Full views are never uncurtained!

Throughout the entire book, one is given a "woe is me" look at the author's struggles to bring about this great tale of espionage, mystery, codes and hidden treasure. From one turn to another, the author is attacked, thwarted or disavowed. At times... it is nearly comedic!

Did I truly learn anything of value from Jesse James' Secret ? Can I tell you that the man believed to have died is or is not the real Jesse James?

No.

And while the author explains useage of DNA, and facial recognition software useage, and a dozen or so other methods, I am STILL left pondering... was it Jesse James that Bob Ford killed, or not?

I agree circumstancial evidence leaves one wondering...

...

...

...but then... I can take a 20-dollar bill and show you the prediction of the Twin Towers being struck on 9-11! Does that mean the prediction was real???

While the author may, or may not, be qualified to verify his allegations, he has not convinced me.

But then...

...

...

...I'm a "see it to believe it" kinda' girl.

*Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this text for review. This review is not influenced in any way, but is my own observations. - cbh