Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Author Michael Thomas Barry has done in-depth research on the royal families of Great Britain, going back to those who governed the land before the Norman Invasion in 1066 and the rise of William the Conqueror. Barry writes on all the sovereigns, the Plantagenets, the rulers of the houses of York and Lancaster, the Tudors, the Stuarts, their spouses, the controversies surrounding them and their years of reign. The author also tells us where the monarchs are buried and if and when their bodies were moved or just removed, lost during wars or destroyed by angry and hateful opponents. He covers the famous mystery of the two young princes, Edward and Richard, who might have been killed lest one of them gain the throne and so whose bodies were hidden in the walls of the Tower of London. Plentiful and excellent color pictures of each king and queen, their consorts and burial sites, plus charts, a genealogy at the beginning, an extensive bibliography and index complete "Great Britain's Royal Tombs: a Guide to the Lives and Burial Places of British Monarchs".

"Great Britain's Royal Tombs" is a highly readable and comprehensive look into where England's kings and queens are buried and it is also a fascinating retelling of their lives, when and how they ascended to the throne of England and how they actually died and what probably caused their deaths. For instance, the author reports that the famous Black Prince very probably died of cancer. The author also notes interesting facts such as the royal family changing its last name to Windsor during World War I lest people turn against them for their German ancestry. Michael Barry has created a masterpiece, a brilliant overview of Great Britain's royal rulers, that belongs in libraries worldwide and will be loved by Anglophiles everywhere.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Author Bryna Kranzler writes of her remarkable grandfather's life as a young man in "The Accidental Anarchist: From the Diaries of Jacob Marateck". In the early years of the last century, a young Jew, Jacob Marateck, goes from his yeshiva onto enlisting in the Russian army. Jacob has tried a few trades, arranged by his father, but he is absolutely no good at any of them. Growing up in poverty in Vichogrod, a town in Poland or Prussia back then, Jacob has few options and on September 15 of 1902, he is due to be conscripted into the Czar's army with other young men who have reached a certain age. Jacob's older brother, Mordecai, is already in the Russian army and tells Jacobi to stop being a "Polack Jew", for Jacob is not one to stay away from issues. When he tried working, he ended up organizing the workers to demand that working hours be dropped from twenty per day to twelve. Now in the Russian army as a corporal, Jacob gets into a fight with Russian officers, is defended by the Czar's cousin, and is sent to Siberia. So where does Jacob go from here?

"The Accidental Anarchist: From the Diaries of Jacob Marateck" is much more than a granddaughter's loving tribute to her grandfather and his life during those years preceding the Russian Revolution. It is a highly well-written and often humorous account of a brave man who endured walking through the snow without shoes, being imprisoned in chains, fighting in battle after battle during the Manchurian War, and with his friend Pyavka escaping to freedom from Siberia. Jacob Marateck is a man readers will wish they knew. He relies on his wits and backbone. Not a hoodlum, or a terrorist or a bomb thrower, Jacob Marateck survives during a time when the Russian Army was incompetent and storm clouds were brewing. "The Accidental Anarchist" is a book for readers everywhere.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

In "The Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World" you will meet people who are stepping out of their comfort zones to meet the needs of others. The first section of this book shares the stories of ordinary people who became heroes at ground zero. 'A Song For Deora' is the story of Derrill Bodley, a father who lost his daughter on 9/11. Deora was on Flight 93. Derrill had a little doubt she was one of the heroes that fitful day. He wrote two songs in her honor:

Each to Give
The world’s made up of those who do
And those to whom it’s done
But peace would cone to every soul
When both of these are as one.

Derrill is determined there will be no more violence done in his daughter’s name. He formed a core group of families facing the same loss he was facing. They are working together to bring peace to a violent world. Chapter 5 covers 'Community Builders'. Muriel Simmons lives in a neighborhood called Phillips in Minneapolis, MN. Minneapolis filled the summer months with community events. Phillips rarely participated in any of the activities. The area was packed with crime, violence, fear and depression. When Simmons moved to the neighborhood things began to change. Change began with a snow cone machine. Chapter 6 is 'The Care Givers'. This chapter shares the stories of Diane Knobel and how she assisted the people most affected by Katrina. She describes the devastation she saw in Biloxi, Hattisburg and Ovette. Knobel and the group she was with were the first volunteers to visit a church in Central City New Orleans. She made ten trips to the Gulf Coast. Knobel states, “I struggle with the fact that I haven’t yet made any effective lasting change.” Ms Knobel, you have touched lives; there is no way to know the long-term effect of your ministry. In my heart, I believe your presence changed lives.

"The Compassionate Rebel" was written by Burt F. Berlowe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this book. What I found was humans making a difference in the world. Each one is humble, compassionate, and caring. Most have no idea they are making changes; they are just doing what they know they must do. Berlowe’s book is well-organized but more importantly, it encourages readers. It proves that even an ordinary person can make a difference. Well done Mr. Berlowe! I believe this book puts you right up there with the heroes you have shared with us; for your book may inspire someone else to change the world.

Reviewed by Jean Brickell for Readers' Favorite

During World War ll Charles Day was a Canadian volunteer who was sent to Ireland and then to other countries in the United Kingdom, also countries in Europe and North Africa. His ship was hit not too far from Ireland and 75 per cent of the people aboard were killed. He was a court reporter and was assigned to the Army Historical Station. His stories are sometimes funny and sometimes more depressing. The soldiers learned that cigarettes were a form of currency and could be traded for buying food, laundry, and later for sight seeing tours. At one point he obtained a flying pass when he had a few days' leave and by hitching rides on military planes, he managed to fly to several North African countries and getting back with just minutes to spare before his leave was up.

This was a fascinating book that told the story of WWII in the voice of a noncom. He does not dwell on the horrors of war but emphasizes the funnier and more pleasant aspects of being sent overseas. This is an interesting book from a soldier with a sense of humor and also aware of the more poignant and touching side of war. But gallows humor plays a part of war also, helping a person remain sane in terrible times. This well-written book is a great addition to the historical stories of WWII.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver" by Robert Prather is a fascinating look at an old Kentucky legend. Most readers will be familiar with the name Jonathan Swift. However, this is not the Jonathan Swift that wrote "Gulliver’s Travels" but the Jonathan Swift who is thought to have discovered a silver mine in Eastern Kentucky around 1760. Long John Silver was a fictional character in the novel "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson, or was he? Could Long John Silver and Jonathan Swift be one and the same? Prather takes the reader on a journey filled with legend, speculation, documents and research. Swift owned thousands of acres in Kentucky. Legend says that he found a silver mine in an effort to escape a bear. He buried the treasure close to the Hardin and Breckinridge county line, where four towns come together: Eastview, Westview, Centerview and Grandview.

The cover of this book screams to be picked up and read. The background looks like an old faded treasure map. The author has provided photos, maps, copies of news articles and a lot more. The narratives were my favorite part of this text. Many had a humorous tone and all added much to the history of the legends. Prather’s thesis questions whether Jonathan Swift was a pirate who used his trips to Kentucky to hide his ill-gained loot. He also questions whether Stevenson modeled his character Long John Silver after Swift. Could Stevenson have left encoded clues in his book "Treasure Island"?

I live on the Hancock Breckenridge County Line, so naturally this book was of interest to me. I applaud Prather for the enormous amount of research. His book is well-organized and presented. History buffs will love this book. Would the treasure hunters want to buy a copy? Perhaps they will be the lucky ones to find where the treasure is hidden.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

When I Was a Child, based on actual events, is the story of Louis Pfeiffer's life in Kansas during the depression and World War II. It is a story of tragedy, loss, courage, and triumph. The narrative moves back and forth from his childhood and his days as a paratrooper and prisoner of war.

On Ash Wednesday, 1926, Alex and Theresa Pfeiffer left their six children at home alone while they went to Mass. The heavy rain turned into a cold, snowy blizzard. Theresa was found frozen to death, leaving her children without a mother. Louis was only two years old, and his sister, Jerry, was four; they were sent to live with their grandmother. Later, after her death, they returned to the farm and their siblings. Tragedy, such as tornadoes and economic woes, struck again and again. At seventeen, young Louis entered the army where he became a paratrooper; he was captured by the Germans and incarcerated in a prisoner of war camp.

Author T. L. Needham is Louis’ nephew. From the first pages Needham reaches out, grabs the reader and holds tight until the last words as he writes about the courage and bravery of the Pfeiffer children. They had great faith and persevered despite the trials they faced. The author breathed life into his characters, and they jumped off the pages and into my heart. The narrative moves smoothly back and forth between Louis’ childhood and his days in the military. I did not want this book to end. It would have been easy for a lesser talented author to allow the book to be morose and just tragic, but Needham, instead, celebrates the strength, faith and courage of his family. The author is to be commended for this excellent retelling of history.

Reviewed by Carly Kendall for Readers' Favorite

I may not have been born and raised in North Carolina; but I have lived in this state for almost four years, and I love everything about it. In Hatteras Island, Keeper of the Outer Banks, Ray McAllister gives the reader an interesting and thorough tour and history of Hatteras Island and some of its neighboring communities.

I've not yet had a chance to visit Hatteras Island, but after reading this book, I want to go now more than ever. I had no idea what an interesting place this was and what a fascinating history it has! I love a well-researched book, and Ray has done a terrific job with his research. He has a love for this place, and each page shows his love. Sometimes books that go into a lot of historical detail about a location can be a bit dry, but I did not find that to be the case with this book. With each page came more nuggets of interesting history and facts about a place that is about so much more than a lighthouse.

Not only is this an interesting and well-written book, it is also a beautiful book inside and out. There are pictures, many of them older pictures, of Hatteras Island that enhanced the reading experience. This book is printed on really nice paper, a huge bonus for a reader like me. Everything about this book was a delight; I'm a Ray McAllister fan now.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

It was the early 1960's; Glen Keener had just graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Asian Studies. The former soldier was quickly hired by the US Army as a civilian in the Intelligence Branch. Glen, Peggy and their two children packed up and moved to Tokyo. She was from Austin, Minnesota; how would she cope with living half way around the world?

Peggy Keener weaves threads together to create the tapestry upon which their lives played out. She deftly describes her adventure sail boating. I will not spoil the scene for other readers. I will say, I always wanted to try sailing; she changed my mind! Her description of their son Percy's diaper was hilarious and brought back many memories. The reader must remember this was before disposable diapers. Percy weighed 30 pounds, and one or two diapers were never enough to keep him dry. It took seven or eight diapers meticulously folded to catch his "jet stream." It was a three day trip to Japan. It took a lot of diapers!

Peggy Keener kept me laughing throughout the entire 407 pages. I believe Peggy's sense of humor was what made her life in Japan livable. Attitude is everything. Her description of the Japanese toilet was hilarious. They were flush with the floor with a six inch reflector shield and you had to bring your own tissue. Peggy's attitude was, "When in Rome do as Romans." So when in Japan, do as Japanese do. It does not have quite the same ring to it. The Keener's adventures are entertaining. I can certainly understand why Peggy became a television star in Japan.

I love this book. Keener brings the city of Tokyo to life. I admire the way she embraced the culture with little complaint. I know the family was happy to return to the states. I'm also sure they look back on their life in Japan with fond memories. Keener is a fantastic writer. Her style is comical and is a cross between narrator and conversationalist. I look forward to reading more books by this talented lady.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Bishop Stephen White was called to write a history of the Mormon Church in Kentucky. After much research (assisted by his wife Susan) and head scratching on how to accomplish such a daunting task, he chose the perfect style. White offers readers not a reference book, but a collection of stories, that when combined, tell the history of Kentucky Mormonism. He skillfully wove together the stories to create a fascinating look at the past. As I read these stories one thing kept jumping out at me: the Mormon's faced the same hardships of others in the area, except on top of that, they faced discrimination and persecution.

White begins his book by sharing some of the history of Kentucky. I found it interesting that the Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County, Missouri. After killing Abel, Cain was banished from the garden and sent east of Eden. Could scripture be referring to Kentucky? After all, it is east of Missouri! I'd never heard this before and find the thought fascinating. I was always taught that the Indians called this land the "dark and bloody ground." If this is the land Cain was sent to, then it was certainly founded on spilt blood.

Bishop Stephen White was born and raised in Kentucky. He would be quick to tell you how much he loves this state and how much he loves his church. As I read his latest book I can feel his enthusiasm for the project. He writes in an easy-to-read-and-understand manner. Too often history is dry and boring, but White breathes life into his book. He has included much information unfamiliar to me, and I am a Kentucky born-and-raised gal. However, the most important part of his book is the people he writes about, for they tell the story. He allows them to speak through him. No matter your religious beliefs or affiliation you will enjoy and benefit from a look at the history of Kentucky.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Step into my parlor," said the spider to the fly!

John Reid has managed to pack over 250 tantalizing DVD movie overviews into these 465 pages. This is a real treasure trove of old favorites that you won't want to be without. Most of the write-ups are black and white mystery, suspense film noir from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Each film is listed alphabetically and broken down as follows: a thorough list of characters/actors; a list of those credited with directing, producing, etc., copyright information, a synopsis, comments good and bad, followed by a DVD quality rating.

Here are just a few of my favorites just to get you in the mood to watch an old flick...

Bull Dog Drummond with Ray Milland, Charlie Chan's Secret, a spooky old house scare- um, Frozen Ghost, an Inner Sanctum mystery with Lon Chaney Jr,1941`s Maltese Falcon with Bogart and Lorre, Mr. Wise Guy with the Eastside Kids My Favorite Brunette, a star-studded bonanza,1943`s Phantom of the Opera, the best dark romance of all time, Hitchcock`s Vertigo with Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart and ,last but not least, The Yellow Rose of Texas with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, a darn good mystery!

The last third of the book is jam-packed with detailed information, primarily film noir, 1939 (the best year in Hollywood),the Thin Man series, movies from Ray Chandler`s books, a comparison between Bogart and Ladd, a listing of these movies, DVD suppliers, and a detailed index of over 250 movies in this volume.

Overall, Mr. Reid has done a wonderful job rekindling my love for the old black and white`s of yesteryear. I`m so glad that I purchased this volume and am quite certain that it will become tattered and torn as I leaf through it over and over looking for that special movie on DVD that I can`t wait to buy next. Mr. Reid, I thank you. When is your next volume coming out?