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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/coming-through-the-fog&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NdRbD7YfL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Tami Goldstein has written "Coming Through the Fog" for readers everywhere as an informational, in-depth look at what parents of a child diagnosed with Autism should know. "Coming Through the Fog" also tells what they should do to get help for their child, and if they don't get help, where to look further for assistance. Tami's daughter Heather rea...){kind=link}
Coming Through the Fog
A Mother Shares her Journey of her Daughter's Recovery from Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder to Functioning...
Tami A. Goldstein
2013 Bronze Medal
149 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Tami Goldstein has written "Coming Through the Fog" for readers everywhere as an informational, in-depth look at what parents of a child diagnosed with Autism should know. "Coming Through the Fog" also tells what they should do to get help for their child, and if they don't get help, where to look further for assistance. Tami's daughter Heather reached the age of twelve before anyone realized that she had Autism even though she lost weight and after school headed for a cubbyhole area in her closet where she'd rock back and forth, shake, tremble, and cry. Tami went to pediatricians for help with Heather and was told she was a bad parent and that there was nothing wrong with Heather. Tami read, telephoned, networked, searched for support groups and found finally that Heather had what's called Sensory Processing Disorder. How would Tami and Heather proceed?
"Coming Through the Fog" is an in-depth, valuable and quite serious book on how parents or caregivers should proceed, how they should network when they receive a diagnosis of any of the Autism spectrum such as Asperger's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or ADHD. Tami Goldstein is certified in CranioSacral Therapy and specializes in the Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorders and is knowledgeable in the information and tips that she provides. The appendixes at the end are invaluable as are the books and lists of social networking resources. "Coming Through the Fog" should be available everywhere. Buy a copy and leave it behind at school, at the doctor's, anywhere someone might pick it up, read it, and change a life. As the author writes on page 95, "If you can find the right supports at the right time, you can achieve a degree of Functional Recovery."
Tami Goldstein has written "Coming Through the Fog" for readers everywhere as an informational, in-depth look at what parents of a child diagnosed with Autism should know. "Coming Through the Fog" also tells what they should do to get help for their child, and if they don't get help, where to look further for assistance. Tami's daughter Heather reached the age of twelve before anyone realized that she had Autism even though she lost weight and after school headed for a cubbyhole area in her closet where she'd rock back and forth, shake, tremble, and cry. Tami went to pediatricians for help with Heather and was told she was a bad parent and that there was nothing wrong with Heather. Tami read, telephoned, networked, searched for support groups and found finally that Heather had what's called Sensory Processing Disorder. How would Tami and Heather proceed?
"Coming Through the Fog" is an in-depth, valuable and quite serious book on how parents or caregivers should proceed, how they should network when they receive a diagnosis of any of the Autism spectrum such as Asperger's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or ADHD. Tami Goldstein is certified in CranioSacral Therapy and specializes in the Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorders and is knowledgeable in the information and tips that she provides. The appendixes at the end are invaluable as are the books and lists of social networking resources. "Coming Through the Fog" should be available everywhere. Buy a copy and leave it behind at school, at the doctor's, anywhere someone might pick it up, read it, and change a life. As the author writes on page 95, "If you can find the right supports at the right time, you can achieve a degree of Functional Recovery."
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/prickle-in-a-dream&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51d3KMxc6VL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=What are the dreams of a man who was once an orphan, deprived of all the good things of life? "Prickle in a Dream" by Paul Masembe adds vibrant colors to this highly emotional theme: the plight of an orphan in a very hostile social context. Set in a rural African setting, the book unfolds the dogmas, deeply etched in the conscience of the narrator'...){kind=link}
Prickle in a Dream
A Tale of an African Orphan
Paul Masembe
2013 Honorable Mention
124 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Gayani Hathurusingha for Readers' Favorite
What are the dreams of a man who was once an orphan, deprived of all the good things of life? "Prickle in a Dream" by Paul Masembe adds vibrant colors to this highly emotional theme: the plight of an orphan in a very hostile social context. Set in a rural African setting, the book unfolds the dogmas, deeply etched in the conscience of the narrator's fellow men, leading to intense suffering concerning the narrator, from his childhood to adulthood. Written in the first person point of view, the plot adopts the tone of a confession: the adult narrator, reconsidering his childhood memories. The book is in the form of a bildungsroman, as it unfolds the subtle realities of the protagonist's struggle through diversified absurdities of life. A progressive but helpless mother and a stereotypically adverse father continuously impose their impact on Masembe (Mase) since the earliest memory he has about his own life.
The novel takes the reader to a world which is fit to be called primitive, because mere existence itself was a struggle there. While existence was a struggle, people had to declare war against all absurdities, to meet their basic needs. The novel explores the emotionally disturbing plight of a child, drawn into the whirlpool of life, even before he was strong enough for the battle. The biography is motivational in its approach to the situations that the writer identifies as common in certain social contexts, even in the present days. Apparently, Paul Masembe intends to educate and strengthen the next generations of Africa, against what the society has in store for them.
What are the dreams of a man who was once an orphan, deprived of all the good things of life? "Prickle in a Dream" by Paul Masembe adds vibrant colors to this highly emotional theme: the plight of an orphan in a very hostile social context. Set in a rural African setting, the book unfolds the dogmas, deeply etched in the conscience of the narrator's fellow men, leading to intense suffering concerning the narrator, from his childhood to adulthood. Written in the first person point of view, the plot adopts the tone of a confession: the adult narrator, reconsidering his childhood memories. The book is in the form of a bildungsroman, as it unfolds the subtle realities of the protagonist's struggle through diversified absurdities of life. A progressive but helpless mother and a stereotypically adverse father continuously impose their impact on Masembe (Mase) since the earliest memory he has about his own life.
The novel takes the reader to a world which is fit to be called primitive, because mere existence itself was a struggle there. While existence was a struggle, people had to declare war against all absurdities, to meet their basic needs. The novel explores the emotionally disturbing plight of a child, drawn into the whirlpool of life, even before he was strong enough for the battle. The biography is motivational in its approach to the situations that the writer identifies as common in certain social contexts, even in the present days. Apparently, Paul Masembe intends to educate and strengthen the next generations of Africa, against what the society has in store for them.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/midnight-sun-arctic-moon&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kL-jZYyRL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Mary Albanese peels back the outer layers of her life to share an incredible journey of resilience, hardship, education, and self-discovery in her wonderful memoir "Midnight Sun Arctic Moon." Albanese is no ordinary young lady. She applies for a teaching position in Alaska, but when nothing is offered she detours into the graduate Geology program i...){kind=link}
Midnight Sun Arctic Moon
Mapping the Wild Heart of Alaska
Mary Albanese
2013 Finalist
216 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Lela Buchanan for Readers' Favorite
Mary Albanese peels back the outer layers of her life to share an incredible journey of resilience, hardship, education, and self-discovery in her wonderful memoir "Midnight Sun Arctic Moon." Albanese is no ordinary young lady. She applies for a teaching position in Alaska, but when nothing is offered she detours into the graduate Geology program instead, beginning ten years of experiences beyond most of our wildest imaginations. Besides earning her degree, working in her chosen field, meeting her lifetime companion, and suffering the emotional ups and downs of daily life, Albanese climbed mountains, lived in the most rudimentary circumstances, faced bears, earned a black belt in karate, dabbled in dog-sledding, ran for a local government position and conducted the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra one season among various other diversions!
"Midnight sun Arctic Moon" is a delightful, inspiring, well-written and fast-paced read. Although there is heartbreak in this memoir, Albanese does not let it paralyze her forever. She embraces all of her life experiences wholeheartedly. Her memoir profiles a woman of courage, stubbornness, grit, and pride. She tackles life in Alaska, with an inner determination to not only survive but also to achieve in an area and time not woman-friendly. And she does it with grace and an indomitable spirit. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read an honest life story of someone who faced life's obstacles and challenges and never gave up. I greatly enjoyed reading about her journey.
Mary Albanese peels back the outer layers of her life to share an incredible journey of resilience, hardship, education, and self-discovery in her wonderful memoir "Midnight Sun Arctic Moon." Albanese is no ordinary young lady. She applies for a teaching position in Alaska, but when nothing is offered she detours into the graduate Geology program instead, beginning ten years of experiences beyond most of our wildest imaginations. Besides earning her degree, working in her chosen field, meeting her lifetime companion, and suffering the emotional ups and downs of daily life, Albanese climbed mountains, lived in the most rudimentary circumstances, faced bears, earned a black belt in karate, dabbled in dog-sledding, ran for a local government position and conducted the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra one season among various other diversions!
"Midnight sun Arctic Moon" is a delightful, inspiring, well-written and fast-paced read. Although there is heartbreak in this memoir, Albanese does not let it paralyze her forever. She embraces all of her life experiences wholeheartedly. Her memoir profiles a woman of courage, stubbornness, grit, and pride. She tackles life in Alaska, with an inner determination to not only survive but also to achieve in an area and time not woman-friendly. And she does it with grace and an indomitable spirit. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read an honest life story of someone who faced life's obstacles and challenges and never gave up. I greatly enjoyed reading about her journey.
Recommend this book:
A Doctor's Journey
A Collection of Memoirs
Frederic Mendelsohn, M.D.
2012 Finalist
162 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
A Doctor's Journey by Fredric Mendelsohn, M.D. is a delightful read for those who crave to view medicine as a humanistic profession. Dr. Mendelsohn takes us through a brief autobiographical journey in which his musical background will eventually play a large role in the type and administration of his medical practice. He gives the reader glimpses of miraculous cures, conversion disorders, real-life medical drama and insight into the correlation of music and imagination to the practice of medicine.
The author makes a welcome and clear distinction between the physician's ability to hear his patients and to truly understand those same patients. He makes a wonderful argument for the neuroplasticy of people who adapt to situations and use their imaginations to intervene in cases which may seem hopeless.
This book has stories that appeal to most readers. There is a boy injured in a boating accident who is faced with forgiveness of a friend. There is a 10-year-old child faced with a terminal brain tumor who later has a miraculous recovery. There are stories of infidelity and indifference by medical community staff members. And then, there is an epileptic patient who defies all odds because of the belief and support of family and friends.
Being a health care professional myself, this was a refreshing and much-needed book for laypersons who feel their five minute allotted time with the primary care physician is barely enough for a respectful "hello."
A Doctor's Journey by Fredric Mendelsohn, M.D. is a delightful read for those who crave to view medicine as a humanistic profession. Dr. Mendelsohn takes us through a brief autobiographical journey in which his musical background will eventually play a large role in the type and administration of his medical practice. He gives the reader glimpses of miraculous cures, conversion disorders, real-life medical drama and insight into the correlation of music and imagination to the practice of medicine.
The author makes a welcome and clear distinction between the physician's ability to hear his patients and to truly understand those same patients. He makes a wonderful argument for the neuroplasticy of people who adapt to situations and use their imaginations to intervene in cases which may seem hopeless.
This book has stories that appeal to most readers. There is a boy injured in a boating accident who is faced with forgiveness of a friend. There is a 10-year-old child faced with a terminal brain tumor who later has a miraculous recovery. There are stories of infidelity and indifference by medical community staff members. And then, there is an epileptic patient who defies all odds because of the belief and support of family and friends.
Being a health care professional myself, this was a refreshing and much-needed book for laypersons who feel their five minute allotted time with the primary care physician is barely enough for a respectful "hello."
Recommend this book:
Frank Pais
Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution
Jose Alvarez
2012 Honorable Mention
348 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Frank Pais, whose parents were born in Spain but moved to Cuba, was the leader of the 26th of July Movement. Only twenty-two when he was killed by police on July 30, 1957, Pais and this movement were front and foremost in leading the Cuban revolutionaries of the 1950's who fought against inequality and for Cuba to be free, just and prosperous for all. Now, that movement in history books tells of Fidel Castro's leadership but it was Frank Pais, the young school teacher, who gave up teaching to lead Cuba out from under dictatorship. Frank had two younger brothers, Agustin who is still living and Josue who was killed just before Frank in 1957. The three brothers were true patriots, excellent students and loving sons to their loyal mother. Frank and his brothers saw that Cuba, an agricultural society, had a land tenure system that was unjust while Havana was a haven for Mafia controlled gambling and bordellos. Frank and his brothers, his friends and allies took to the streets of Santiago de Cuba, the capital of Cuba's most eastern province, Oriente, to fight the corruption that was Cuba back then. And the legend of Frank Pais began with those early urban guerilla tactics.
"Frank Pais: Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution" is a highly well-written and descriptive narrative of Frank Pais's short but extremely effective life. With an excellent bibliography, index and table of contents, along with maps and a pictural section, author Jose Alvarez documents clearly how Frank Pais's life and influence have been overlooked, perhaps on purpose, in documenting those years when Fidel Castro overthrew Batista's dictatorship and brought communism to Cuba. Author Alvarez clearly shows how Pais followed the philosophy of Cuban great, Jose Marti, in rebelling against the inequality that existed in Cuba back then. "Frank Pais" is a book for thinkers everywhere.
Frank Pais, whose parents were born in Spain but moved to Cuba, was the leader of the 26th of July Movement. Only twenty-two when he was killed by police on July 30, 1957, Pais and this movement were front and foremost in leading the Cuban revolutionaries of the 1950's who fought against inequality and for Cuba to be free, just and prosperous for all. Now, that movement in history books tells of Fidel Castro's leadership but it was Frank Pais, the young school teacher, who gave up teaching to lead Cuba out from under dictatorship. Frank had two younger brothers, Agustin who is still living and Josue who was killed just before Frank in 1957. The three brothers were true patriots, excellent students and loving sons to their loyal mother. Frank and his brothers saw that Cuba, an agricultural society, had a land tenure system that was unjust while Havana was a haven for Mafia controlled gambling and bordellos. Frank and his brothers, his friends and allies took to the streets of Santiago de Cuba, the capital of Cuba's most eastern province, Oriente, to fight the corruption that was Cuba back then. And the legend of Frank Pais began with those early urban guerilla tactics.
"Frank Pais: Architect of Cuba's Betrayed Revolution" is a highly well-written and descriptive narrative of Frank Pais's short but extremely effective life. With an excellent bibliography, index and table of contents, along with maps and a pictural section, author Jose Alvarez documents clearly how Frank Pais's life and influence have been overlooked, perhaps on purpose, in documenting those years when Fidel Castro overthrew Batista's dictatorship and brought communism to Cuba. Author Alvarez clearly shows how Pais followed the philosophy of Cuban great, Jose Marti, in rebelling against the inequality that existed in Cuba back then. "Frank Pais" is a book for thinkers everywhere.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/what-ever-happened-to-mommie-dearest&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XTzCDlWpL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" by John William Law takes a look at Joan Crawford’s career after the death of her husband, Pepsi-Cola executive Alfred Steele. Crawford jumped at the opportunity to restart her career with the movie "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Crawford needed the money to pay off her many debts. I suspect Crawford wil...){kind=link}
What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest?
Joan Crawford's Descent into Horror and Beyond
John William Law
2012 Finalist
242 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" by John William Law takes a look at Joan Crawford’s career after the death of her husband, Pepsi-Cola executive Alfred Steele. Crawford jumped at the opportunity to restart her career with the movie "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Crawford needed the money to pay off her many debts. I suspect Crawford will always be remembered for the book written in 1977, by her adopted daughter Christina, “Mommie Dearest.” Law offers a fair look at Crawford’s life. It is obvious he is a fan of her as an actress but also willing to accept that there is at least some truth to Christina’s accusations. It is always to be remembered that there are two sides to every story and that each person has their own perspective or agenda. Law points out that Crawford, like all of us, was human with faults. She grew up in a low income family. Joan longed for a father figure, prominence and affluence.
Law has intermingled photographs throughout the text. They add much to the text. I’d forgotten what an attractive woman she was. She always had a strong look about her, sort of a challenging look that said just try me; I’ll eat you for dinner. "What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" is well-organized. I loved the quotes that are scattered throughout the book. Joan speaks with a quick wit. I enjoyed learning more about this great actress.
"What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" by John William Law takes a look at Joan Crawford’s career after the death of her husband, Pepsi-Cola executive Alfred Steele. Crawford jumped at the opportunity to restart her career with the movie "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Crawford needed the money to pay off her many debts. I suspect Crawford will always be remembered for the book written in 1977, by her adopted daughter Christina, “Mommie Dearest.” Law offers a fair look at Crawford’s life. It is obvious he is a fan of her as an actress but also willing to accept that there is at least some truth to Christina’s accusations. It is always to be remembered that there are two sides to every story and that each person has their own perspective or agenda. Law points out that Crawford, like all of us, was human with faults. She grew up in a low income family. Joan longed for a father figure, prominence and affluence.
Law has intermingled photographs throughout the text. They add much to the text. I’d forgotten what an attractive woman she was. She always had a strong look about her, sort of a challenging look that said just try me; I’ll eat you for dinner. "What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest" is well-organized. I loved the quotes that are scattered throughout the book. Joan speaks with a quick wit. I enjoyed learning more about this great actress.
Recommend this book:
Rasputin and the Jews
A Reversal of History
Delin Colon
2012 Finalist
112 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
Grigory Rasputin was a spiritual advisor to Russia’s last Tsar and Tsarina, and has been vilified because history is written by those in power instead of the common man. And even though I know nothing about this subject, I do see the truths of what the author is revealing to the readers about the real life of Grigory Efimovitch Rasputin. Delin Colon seriously researched the testimonies of lots of those who knew this man to write about the details of what he accomplished throughout his life. Colon writes about how he aided the poor, helped those who were sick, tried hard to avoid war and its needless cost of lives, as well as other things he did to help those he came in contact with. Grigory Rasputin was born around 1870 and he was assassinated, or better said, brutally murdered in 1916.
In “Raspuntin and the Jews,” Delin Colon gives a vivid account of the life of a man who wasn’t in power or well educated, but who was very intelligent, religious, and obviously had a heart for helping people. He seemed like a person that everyone would want to know, but that was not the case. Many believed differently. If you enjoy history, and especially Russian history, this is a book you will want to have on your reading list. You won’t find details of what those in power thought of him. What you will find is what those who knew him, even his enemies, thought about his life and the way he used much of his life to help others. I encourage you to grab a copy of this book and try it for yourself.
Grigory Rasputin was a spiritual advisor to Russia’s last Tsar and Tsarina, and has been vilified because history is written by those in power instead of the common man. And even though I know nothing about this subject, I do see the truths of what the author is revealing to the readers about the real life of Grigory Efimovitch Rasputin. Delin Colon seriously researched the testimonies of lots of those who knew this man to write about the details of what he accomplished throughout his life. Colon writes about how he aided the poor, helped those who were sick, tried hard to avoid war and its needless cost of lives, as well as other things he did to help those he came in contact with. Grigory Rasputin was born around 1870 and he was assassinated, or better said, brutally murdered in 1916.
In “Raspuntin and the Jews,” Delin Colon gives a vivid account of the life of a man who wasn’t in power or well educated, but who was very intelligent, religious, and obviously had a heart for helping people. He seemed like a person that everyone would want to know, but that was not the case. Many believed differently. If you enjoy history, and especially Russian history, this is a book you will want to have on your reading list. You won’t find details of what those in power thought of him. What you will find is what those who knew him, even his enemies, thought about his life and the way he used much of his life to help others. I encourage you to grab a copy of this book and try it for yourself.
Recommend this book:
If There's A Mailbox In Heaven
Celeste N. Bowers
2012 Bronze Medal
158 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
Grab a box of Kleenex before you start to read “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” by Celeste N. Bowers because it is so beautifully moving that you are going to cry. Don’t even try to pretend you are too strong to cry – it is going to happen when you read this book.
Christina Bowers was a remarkable little girl. Her mom has included some adorable photos of little Christina that reflect a smile that would light up a room and an abundant happiness. Christina left this world at age 10 but showed a wisdom and heart beyond her years during her treatment for cancer by asking God to use her for His glory instead of asking God “Why me?” As her mom says, this book isn’t about cancer or even only about Christina – it is about allowing the Lord to work through our lives to bring others closer to Him for His glory. Wow! Bowers has written this book in a series of “packages” that she wishes she could deliver to Christina in Heaven. She uses these letters to tell her daughter how much she was a blessing on Earth and how much her family loves her. The letters don’t take us through a sad battle with cancer but rather depict a very special child and her relationship with her mom, dad, and brother.
It is such an uplifting story and beautifully written by a loving mother who desires to spread God’s message of love. There is so much inspiration in “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” that you’re going to feel blessed and changed after you have finished it.
Grab a box of Kleenex before you start to read “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” by Celeste N. Bowers because it is so beautifully moving that you are going to cry. Don’t even try to pretend you are too strong to cry – it is going to happen when you read this book.
Christina Bowers was a remarkable little girl. Her mom has included some adorable photos of little Christina that reflect a smile that would light up a room and an abundant happiness. Christina left this world at age 10 but showed a wisdom and heart beyond her years during her treatment for cancer by asking God to use her for His glory instead of asking God “Why me?” As her mom says, this book isn’t about cancer or even only about Christina – it is about allowing the Lord to work through our lives to bring others closer to Him for His glory. Wow! Bowers has written this book in a series of “packages” that she wishes she could deliver to Christina in Heaven. She uses these letters to tell her daughter how much she was a blessing on Earth and how much her family loves her. The letters don’t take us through a sad battle with cancer but rather depict a very special child and her relationship with her mom, dad, and brother.
It is such an uplifting story and beautifully written by a loving mother who desires to spread God’s message of love. There is so much inspiration in “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven” that you’re going to feel blessed and changed after you have finished it.
Recommend this book:
Alfred Hitchcock
The Icon Years
John William Law
2011 Gold Medal
232 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Alfred Hitchcock was an icon in the movie business. Few will not recognize his silhouette. Alfred Hitchcock The Icon Years by John William Law is a look at Hitchcock as a film maker. I can name several of Hitchcock's movies by memory. The Birds was my all time favorite, while Psycho was the film that set him apart. North by Northwest, The Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, and Vertigo were in my opinion classics.
One of the facts that Law mentions was Hitchcock's proclivity for blondes; most of his movies, if not all, starred cool blondes. Kathrine Hepburn was not a blond, and Hitchcock was hoping he could get her to change her hair color for No Bail For The Judge. His anger at Hepburn is also discussed; he had already invested $200,000 of his own money in a film in which she promised to star. She was uncomfortable with the rape scene in the movie and declined the role. The movie was never made. Law does share a bit about Hitch's temper. Silence was the kiss of death.
After the success of Psycho, Hitchcock decided to make The Birds. Law shares where the idea came from and the difficulties in creating the film. Hitchcock discovered Tippi Hedren on a TV commercial. I found it fascinating to read how the film was made. Poor Tippi was tied to birds and had birds thrown at her in almost every scene.
Too often authors attempt to write a biography about someone by getting into their head. John William Law presents a fascinating look at Hitchcock without trying to analyze him. Law offers the information the fans of Hitchcock want to read. I do have a small criticism. This book was not properly edited. It is a fantastic book and deserved a good editor. The cover of the book has a picture of Hitch with Janet Leigh's mouth superimposed over his. It is the ideal cover for this book. I very much enjoyed this book. Law does a perfect job in presenting Hitchcock in a way that was entertaining and informative. It is obvious Law spent much time in research. I highly recommend this book for content.
Alfred Hitchcock was an icon in the movie business. Few will not recognize his silhouette. Alfred Hitchcock The Icon Years by John William Law is a look at Hitchcock as a film maker. I can name several of Hitchcock's movies by memory. The Birds was my all time favorite, while Psycho was the film that set him apart. North by Northwest, The Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, and Vertigo were in my opinion classics.
One of the facts that Law mentions was Hitchcock's proclivity for blondes; most of his movies, if not all, starred cool blondes. Kathrine Hepburn was not a blond, and Hitchcock was hoping he could get her to change her hair color for No Bail For The Judge. His anger at Hepburn is also discussed; he had already invested $200,000 of his own money in a film in which she promised to star. She was uncomfortable with the rape scene in the movie and declined the role. The movie was never made. Law does share a bit about Hitch's temper. Silence was the kiss of death.
After the success of Psycho, Hitchcock decided to make The Birds. Law shares where the idea came from and the difficulties in creating the film. Hitchcock discovered Tippi Hedren on a TV commercial. I found it fascinating to read how the film was made. Poor Tippi was tied to birds and had birds thrown at her in almost every scene.
Too often authors attempt to write a biography about someone by getting into their head. John William Law presents a fascinating look at Hitchcock without trying to analyze him. Law offers the information the fans of Hitchcock want to read. I do have a small criticism. This book was not properly edited. It is a fantastic book and deserved a good editor. The cover of the book has a picture of Hitch with Janet Leigh's mouth superimposed over his. It is the ideal cover for this book. I very much enjoyed this book. Law does a perfect job in presenting Hitchcock in a way that was entertaining and informative. It is obvious Law spent much time in research. I highly recommend this book for content.
Recommend this book:
Face Down
The Donnie Foster Story
Aletha V. Smithson
2010 Silver Medal
304 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Biography
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Donnie Foster is born into an abusive and unstructured home, in which his mother works and is unavailable; his stepfather neglects and brutalizes the children in his care. Much of the first part of the book details the abusive family episodes; this may be difficult reading for persons drawn to memoirs.
In general, the book details the ongoing maladaptive decisions of a young boy as he grows into an angry and sociopathic teen and adult. Donnie Foster appears to have some sense of right and wrong. And yet, he is unable to contain his angry need to lash out at and take from others that he feels are more fortunate. When faced with offers of help, Donnie initially accepts the good intentions of others and then turns around and violates those willing to assist him. He turns to alcohol and drugs to void the internal pain he feels. He preys on others, leading to ongoing and multiple themes of the victim becoming the perpetrator.
On many occasions, Donnie Foster turns to God and he vows to live a clean and God-fearing life in return for deliverance from punishment. He repeatedly violates his own promises to God which are generally made when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Time and time again, Donnie is given another chance, only to reject them and then wonder why Satan has so tempted him.
It is only when Donnie is held accountable, in a personal relationship, that he begins to realize he may be out of chances. Like many sociopaths, he begins to "burn out" in midlife and he enters treatment only to relapse again. Finally, given an ultimatum, he begins to clean up his act.
If a story can be called "classic," "The Donnie Foster Story" is a classic story of interweaving childhood abuse, drug influences, and sociopathic behavior. The reader is left wondering whether Donnie Foster will continue to walk a straight and narrow line.
Donnie Foster is born into an abusive and unstructured home, in which his mother works and is unavailable; his stepfather neglects and brutalizes the children in his care. Much of the first part of the book details the abusive family episodes; this may be difficult reading for persons drawn to memoirs.
In general, the book details the ongoing maladaptive decisions of a young boy as he grows into an angry and sociopathic teen and adult. Donnie Foster appears to have some sense of right and wrong. And yet, he is unable to contain his angry need to lash out at and take from others that he feels are more fortunate. When faced with offers of help, Donnie initially accepts the good intentions of others and then turns around and violates those willing to assist him. He turns to alcohol and drugs to void the internal pain he feels. He preys on others, leading to ongoing and multiple themes of the victim becoming the perpetrator.
On many occasions, Donnie Foster turns to God and he vows to live a clean and God-fearing life in return for deliverance from punishment. He repeatedly violates his own promises to God which are generally made when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Time and time again, Donnie is given another chance, only to reject them and then wonder why Satan has so tempted him.
It is only when Donnie is held accountable, in a personal relationship, that he begins to realize he may be out of chances. Like many sociopaths, he begins to "burn out" in midlife and he enters treatment only to relapse again. Finally, given an ultimatum, he begins to clean up his act.
If a story can be called "classic," "The Donnie Foster Story" is a classic story of interweaving childhood abuse, drug influences, and sociopathic behavior. The reader is left wondering whether Donnie Foster will continue to walk a straight and narrow line.
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