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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-lure-of-shapinsay&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fi1g%2B-mcL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The plot of "The Lure of Shapinsay" by Krista Holle falls heavily on the myth of the selkies. A selkie is a marine creature that looks like a seal but can shed its skin and become human-like. A human male that finds the skin of a female selkie can keep the skin and prevent her from returning to the sea. A male selkie is known for storms, ship wreck...){kind=link}
The Lure of Shapinsay
Krista Holle
2012 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The plot of "The Lure of Shapinsay" by Krista Holle falls heavily on the myth of the selkies. A selkie is a marine creature that looks like a seal but can shed its skin and become human-like. A human male that finds the skin of a female selkie can keep the skin and prevent her from returning to the sea. A male selkie is known for storms, ship wrecks and the need for revenge. They have a way of enchanting or luring women to the sea.
The setting for "The Lure of Shapinsay" is Scotland of 1848, a land filled with mythical tales, or are they? Kait was not the typical Scottish lassie; she could pretend to be sweet, quiet and reserved mimicking the expected demeanor of females. Having been on her own since she was thirteen she was very capable of taking care of herself and putting others in their place. A child was born to her best friend. The child showed signs of the selkie with webbed hands and feet. Horrified, the grandfather took the child from the screaming mother and returned him to the sea. One of the selkies that witnessed the murder was extremely angry at the killing. He had little respect for humans and their ways. When the selkie saw Kait swimming he began to plot his revenge. He noticed her scent even before he entered her bedroom. She opened her eyes to a handsome young man. She knew she should be afraid but instead she only knew she wanted to be with him.
This tale moves along at a steady but slow pace. It reads much like an old fairy tale. Kait is an interesting character and a strong lead. I knew very little of the sealkie legend when I first got started. The author did a great job in re telling the stories of the seal. I also enjoyed watching the relationship between the sealkie and Kait, proving that love transcends relationships. This book has so much to offer; it is filled with the myth of the sealkie, romance of an unusual nature, and the struggle of good vs. evil.
The plot of "The Lure of Shapinsay" by Krista Holle falls heavily on the myth of the selkies. A selkie is a marine creature that looks like a seal but can shed its skin and become human-like. A human male that finds the skin of a female selkie can keep the skin and prevent her from returning to the sea. A male selkie is known for storms, ship wrecks and the need for revenge. They have a way of enchanting or luring women to the sea.
The setting for "The Lure of Shapinsay" is Scotland of 1848, a land filled with mythical tales, or are they? Kait was not the typical Scottish lassie; she could pretend to be sweet, quiet and reserved mimicking the expected demeanor of females. Having been on her own since she was thirteen she was very capable of taking care of herself and putting others in their place. A child was born to her best friend. The child showed signs of the selkie with webbed hands and feet. Horrified, the grandfather took the child from the screaming mother and returned him to the sea. One of the selkies that witnessed the murder was extremely angry at the killing. He had little respect for humans and their ways. When the selkie saw Kait swimming he began to plot his revenge. He noticed her scent even before he entered her bedroom. She opened her eyes to a handsome young man. She knew she should be afraid but instead she only knew she wanted to be with him.
This tale moves along at a steady but slow pace. It reads much like an old fairy tale. Kait is an interesting character and a strong lead. I knew very little of the sealkie legend when I first got started. The author did a great job in re telling the stories of the seal. I also enjoyed watching the relationship between the sealkie and Kait, proving that love transcends relationships. This book has so much to offer; it is filled with the myth of the sealkie, romance of an unusual nature, and the struggle of good vs. evil.
Recommend this book:
Tears of the Phoenix
Lonnie Beerman
2012 Gold Medal
504 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
“Tears of the Phoenix” is the story of three eleven year old boys, Frankie,Aubrey and Tony,trying to deal with all that life throws at them.The time is the 1960s; the place is a small Southern town. Frankie is a boy without a dad, his father having died as a hero in the war. Aubrey suffers the humiliation of being an abused kid and Tony is the short, scrawny, rich “Yankee” kid from up North. The three boys are bullied, lonely and friendless until a school yard fight brings them together. They quickly become the “Three Musketeers“ and forge a friendship that will last a lifetime. Frankie is forced to deal with his mother’s serious illness and his favorite Uncle Frank being a 'gay man'. Aubrey finds solace in God’s word as he watches his daddy abuse his older brother, his mom and very often suffers the pains of bruises, black eyes and hurt pride. Tony tries hard to win the approval of his disinterested father.
Lonnie Beerman has written a book that deals with death, family abuse, homosexuality, bullying and love. From page one we the reader are caught up in the lives of these three families. The book is written with emotion, God and respectfulness towards difficult subject matter. It is impossible not to feel all of the ups and downs of each character.It was hard to put down until I reached the last page.I felt as though I knew each of the people in the book personally and cheered them on, felt their pain and rejoiced in the good things that happen to them.I highly recommend this book - it is a five star winner.
“Tears of the Phoenix” is the story of three eleven year old boys, Frankie,Aubrey and Tony,trying to deal with all that life throws at them.The time is the 1960s; the place is a small Southern town. Frankie is a boy without a dad, his father having died as a hero in the war. Aubrey suffers the humiliation of being an abused kid and Tony is the short, scrawny, rich “Yankee” kid from up North. The three boys are bullied, lonely and friendless until a school yard fight brings them together. They quickly become the “Three Musketeers“ and forge a friendship that will last a lifetime. Frankie is forced to deal with his mother’s serious illness and his favorite Uncle Frank being a 'gay man'. Aubrey finds solace in God’s word as he watches his daddy abuse his older brother, his mom and very often suffers the pains of bruises, black eyes and hurt pride. Tony tries hard to win the approval of his disinterested father.
Lonnie Beerman has written a book that deals with death, family abuse, homosexuality, bullying and love. From page one we the reader are caught up in the lives of these three families. The book is written with emotion, God and respectfulness towards difficult subject matter. It is impossible not to feel all of the ups and downs of each character.It was hard to put down until I reached the last page.I felt as though I knew each of the people in the book personally and cheered them on, felt their pain and rejoiced in the good things that happen to them.I highly recommend this book - it is a five star winner.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-time-of-jacobs-trouble&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41F5PSVda1L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Ari, half Israeli, half Persian, is married to unpampered Lily who is of American Jewish descent. They live quietly in the Arizona desert until an unsigned letter arrives stating that "The time has come for the Hidden One to make himself known and fill the world with justice". Ari and Lily know they must flee and they do so, leaving Arizona where L...){kind=link}
The Time of Jacob's Trouble
Sharon Alice Geyer
2012 Finalist
256 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Ari, half Israeli, half Persian, is married to unpampered Lily who is of American Jewish descent. They live quietly in the Arizona desert until an unsigned letter arrives stating that "The time has come for the Hidden One to make himself known and fill the world with justice". Ari and Lily know they must flee and they do so, leaving Arizona where Lily hoped to settle and raise a family. They cross the border and abandon their jeep in Mexico, as they head to Rome. Their pursuers are the radical Madhi Brotherhood who are after Ari, but only because they hold him in high esteem as their chosen one. Ari is descended from ancient Persian holymen. But Ari has ties to the Israeli Mossad and Agent Motti Pincus helps Ari and Lily in their flight as disguised unknowns. They finally settle in a small Israeli town. Meanwhile, Lily's mystic, religious senses lead her to save the Israelis from terrorist attack on their water system and Ari confronts his brother, Reza, who is a part of the terrorist Madhi Brotherhood. This tale of terror and intrigue is to be continued in the author's next book "The Return of the Madhi".
"The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is an extremely well-written, readable thriller with a plot that proceeds believably to the story's end. All sub-plots, such as the help Ari and Lily receive from American archeologist Eugene Scott, are woven well into the main story. Characters, both major and minor, are totally believable and the lessons on Mid-East history are integrated into the text without being intrusive. "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is a book that belongs in all collections and libraries. Highly recommended!
Ari, half Israeli, half Persian, is married to unpampered Lily who is of American Jewish descent. They live quietly in the Arizona desert until an unsigned letter arrives stating that "The time has come for the Hidden One to make himself known and fill the world with justice". Ari and Lily know they must flee and they do so, leaving Arizona where Lily hoped to settle and raise a family. They cross the border and abandon their jeep in Mexico, as they head to Rome. Their pursuers are the radical Madhi Brotherhood who are after Ari, but only because they hold him in high esteem as their chosen one. Ari is descended from ancient Persian holymen. But Ari has ties to the Israeli Mossad and Agent Motti Pincus helps Ari and Lily in their flight as disguised unknowns. They finally settle in a small Israeli town. Meanwhile, Lily's mystic, religious senses lead her to save the Israelis from terrorist attack on their water system and Ari confronts his brother, Reza, who is a part of the terrorist Madhi Brotherhood. This tale of terror and intrigue is to be continued in the author's next book "The Return of the Madhi".
"The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is an extremely well-written, readable thriller with a plot that proceeds believably to the story's end. All sub-plots, such as the help Ari and Lily receive from American archeologist Eugene Scott, are woven well into the main story. Characters, both major and minor, are totally believable and the lessons on Mid-East history are integrated into the text without being intrusive. "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" is a book that belongs in all collections and libraries. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dont-you-marry-the-mormon-boys&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413hY4Gz-HL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is a story of family rigidity and social restraints. Andy McBride and Louisa Martin meet while attending medical school at the University of Utah, Andy is a good looking guy, anxious to gain his degree and put his knowledge to good use. Louisa is top of her class and determined to use her degree to make a differenc...){kind=link}
Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys
Janet Kay Jensen
2012 Gold Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is a story of family rigidity and social restraints. Andy McBride and Louisa Martin meet while attending medical school at the University of Utah, Andy is a good looking guy, anxious to gain his degree and put his knowledge to good use. Louisa is top of her class and determined to use her degree to make a difference for the members of her people in Gabriel's Landing. Andy is attracted this beautiful, nontraditional classmate, even with her indifference to fitting in with the rest of their classmates. Her indifference to the social life that accompanies the college atmosphere only endears his heart the more. Andy suspects that Louisa hails from a polygamist family lifestyle which his lawyer father fights so hard to eliminate in their predominately Mormon state. Upon graduation, Andy fails to convinced Louisa to rebel against what he finds an abnormal existence and she returns to her small, carefully guarded Gabriel’s Landing. Years pass as the two young doctors try to forget their emotions and throw themselves into fulfilling their professional careers. When Louisa discovers that her passion to heal her community both medically and spiritually, she is pulled into the legal and illegal ramifications of the Principle of her faith.
A heart wrenching tale of polygamist struggles brings to life the realities of this antiquated way of life. The media paints an ugly picture of polygamist values, yet Janet Kay Jensen introduces a flip side to this otherwise illustrated hopeless lifestyle. Misconceptions of this religious doctrine are brought to clarity in this moving romance.
"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is a story of family rigidity and social restraints. Andy McBride and Louisa Martin meet while attending medical school at the University of Utah, Andy is a good looking guy, anxious to gain his degree and put his knowledge to good use. Louisa is top of her class and determined to use her degree to make a difference for the members of her people in Gabriel's Landing. Andy is attracted this beautiful, nontraditional classmate, even with her indifference to fitting in with the rest of their classmates. Her indifference to the social life that accompanies the college atmosphere only endears his heart the more. Andy suspects that Louisa hails from a polygamist family lifestyle which his lawyer father fights so hard to eliminate in their predominately Mormon state. Upon graduation, Andy fails to convinced Louisa to rebel against what he finds an abnormal existence and she returns to her small, carefully guarded Gabriel’s Landing. Years pass as the two young doctors try to forget their emotions and throw themselves into fulfilling their professional careers. When Louisa discovers that her passion to heal her community both medically and spiritually, she is pulled into the legal and illegal ramifications of the Principle of her faith.
A heart wrenching tale of polygamist struggles brings to life the realities of this antiquated way of life. The media paints an ugly picture of polygamist values, yet Janet Kay Jensen introduces a flip side to this otherwise illustrated hopeless lifestyle. Misconceptions of this religious doctrine are brought to clarity in this moving romance.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-boston-fracture&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41izSOzauNL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Herve Jaubert begins "Boston Fracture" with a description that made me want to fly to the Caribbean and scuba dive. In my mind’s eye I could see the blue waters, the colorful fish swimming by, the coral reefs, and the bubbles floating to the surface as Floyd enjoyed the solitary peace of the depths. FBI Senior Agent Floyd Allister, an expert dive...){kind=link}
The Boston Fracture
Herve Jaubert
2012 Silver Medal
330 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Herve Jaubert begins "Boston Fracture" with a description that made me want to fly to the Caribbean and scuba dive. In my mind’s eye I could see the blue waters, the colorful fish swimming by, the coral reefs, and the bubbles floating to the surface as Floyd enjoyed the solitary peace of the depths. FBI Senior Agent Floyd Allister, an expert diver assigned to San Juan, was on a diving vacation with friends when he spotted something in the depths that should not be there. Something wasn’t right; the seasoned investigator followed his instincts and began investigating. What he discovers filled him with fear. He turned to his CIA connection for assistance. His investigation led to an Al Qaeda terrorist plot to cause a nuclear explosion in the Boston Harbor. The unthinkable happens, the consequences are wide spread, and the United States has to face a disaster unlike any the citizens have ever imagined. The economy is affected, the death toll is beyond belief, Muslims are dancing in the streets proclaiming their victory, and Americans are grief-stricken and angry.
It is difficult to know just how much of a summary I should give when writing a book review. Too much and I ruin the book for others; too little and I don’t tempt you to read this book and you definitely need to read this book. This is not your typical terrorist plot to destroy America book. Herve Jaubert goes at this plot from a different angle. I was originally captivated by the vivid descriptions in the book, and then I was captivated by the non-stop action, the action built to an intense crescendo. There are several important characters in this book and each has been well-developed or at least developed enough to more than fulfill their roll. I’d like to comment also on the reactions that take place in this book: anger, fear, revenge, etc. The reactions are very realistic. We all would like to think we would take the higher road in any given situation but would we really? As I read this book I thought of the TV series 24 starring Keifer Sutherland. This book would make a fantastic movie or perhaps a TV series. I look forward to more books by this author!
Herve Jaubert begins "Boston Fracture" with a description that made me want to fly to the Caribbean and scuba dive. In my mind’s eye I could see the blue waters, the colorful fish swimming by, the coral reefs, and the bubbles floating to the surface as Floyd enjoyed the solitary peace of the depths. FBI Senior Agent Floyd Allister, an expert diver assigned to San Juan, was on a diving vacation with friends when he spotted something in the depths that should not be there. Something wasn’t right; the seasoned investigator followed his instincts and began investigating. What he discovers filled him with fear. He turned to his CIA connection for assistance. His investigation led to an Al Qaeda terrorist plot to cause a nuclear explosion in the Boston Harbor. The unthinkable happens, the consequences are wide spread, and the United States has to face a disaster unlike any the citizens have ever imagined. The economy is affected, the death toll is beyond belief, Muslims are dancing in the streets proclaiming their victory, and Americans are grief-stricken and angry.
It is difficult to know just how much of a summary I should give when writing a book review. Too much and I ruin the book for others; too little and I don’t tempt you to read this book and you definitely need to read this book. This is not your typical terrorist plot to destroy America book. Herve Jaubert goes at this plot from a different angle. I was originally captivated by the vivid descriptions in the book, and then I was captivated by the non-stop action, the action built to an intense crescendo. There are several important characters in this book and each has been well-developed or at least developed enough to more than fulfill their roll. I’d like to comment also on the reactions that take place in this book: anger, fear, revenge, etc. The reactions are very realistic. We all would like to think we would take the higher road in any given situation but would we really? As I read this book I thought of the TV series 24 starring Keifer Sutherland. This book would make a fantastic movie or perhaps a TV series. I look forward to more books by this author!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/zippy-and-the-stripes-of-courage&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kD8wJ5MML._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Zippy and the Stripes of Courage," written by Candida Sullivan and illustrated by Jack Foster, is an excellent story for helping children to accept themselves even if they are different from their peers. Zippy is the only zebra in his family and the only zebra he knows who was born without any stripes. Zippy is constantly being stared at and asked...){kind=link}
Zippy and the Stripes of Courage
Candida Sullivan
2012 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - General
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
"Zippy and the Stripes of Courage," written by Candida Sullivan and illustrated by Jack Foster, is an excellent story for helping children to accept themselves even if they are different from their peers. Zippy is the only zebra in his family and the only zebra he knows who was born without any stripes. Zippy is constantly being stared at and asked questions about his lack of stripes, so Zippy will hide and keep to himself. One day while Zippy is looking at his reflection is the water a group of zebras notice him and invite him to play. Zippy is enjoying himself until the group decides to cross Crocodile Crossing. Zippy is afraid to cross and his new friends tease him because he is afraid. When hyenas chase after the group of zebras, Zippy is tempted to not help them, but he is encouraged by a wise owl to make a good choice and help the group of zebras since it is good to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Zippy feels ashamed that he is not like the other zebras and he does not like himself. After helping his new friends by being brave, Zippy is praised for being brave and for the first time in his life Zippy feels good about himself and accepts himself for who he is.
This book is a great resource to use with children to help them accept themselves for who they are even if they are not exactly like their peers. It also helps them to accept others who may be different from themselves. Filled with bright and fun illustrations, this book will grab children's attention and keep them involved in the story. The book concludes with a page of discussion questions from Dr. Rick Metrick which will really help the young readers to learn from this story and apply it to their own lives.
"Zippy and the Stripes of Courage," written by Candida Sullivan and illustrated by Jack Foster, is an excellent story for helping children to accept themselves even if they are different from their peers. Zippy is the only zebra in his family and the only zebra he knows who was born without any stripes. Zippy is constantly being stared at and asked questions about his lack of stripes, so Zippy will hide and keep to himself. One day while Zippy is looking at his reflection is the water a group of zebras notice him and invite him to play. Zippy is enjoying himself until the group decides to cross Crocodile Crossing. Zippy is afraid to cross and his new friends tease him because he is afraid. When hyenas chase after the group of zebras, Zippy is tempted to not help them, but he is encouraged by a wise owl to make a good choice and help the group of zebras since it is good to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Zippy feels ashamed that he is not like the other zebras and he does not like himself. After helping his new friends by being brave, Zippy is praised for being brave and for the first time in his life Zippy feels good about himself and accepts himself for who he is.
This book is a great resource to use with children to help them accept themselves for who they are even if they are not exactly like their peers. It also helps them to accept others who may be different from themselves. Filled with bright and fun illustrations, this book will grab children's attention and keep them involved in the story. The book concludes with a page of discussion questions from Dr. Rick Metrick which will really help the young readers to learn from this story and apply it to their own lives.
Recommend this book:
Living Inside The Testimony
A Testimony of GOD's Amazing Love and Abundant Blessings
Betty Collier
2012 Finalist
112 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite
I had the pleasure of reviewing Betty Collier's book, Angel In My Room, and was absolutely pleased with the outcome of that book. She truly touched the heart from the start and kept it locked in a gripping manner until the end. So, taking the chance on another of her books, I dived right in with a smile on my face, and hope in my heart. Once again, my heart was filled and the message was extremely moving.
This book is not your everyday read. It's far from it. It's a wonderfully amazing story of Ms. Collier's walk with God. It's her living testimony, her daily struggles, her daily acceptance that she is walking with her Father.
Ms. Collier's testimony is told with exuberance and love, helping people to understand that there will be trials along the way, but having faith and hope in your heart will help you to over come any obstacle. From her ups and downs with her high school boyfriend, to marrying him, and living life as a wife, to work and pregnancy and family, Ms. Collier shares tragedies, and milestones.
I loved the way Ms. Collier presented the book in a heart felt way. She doesn't preach, or talk down to her readers. She shares with them. She helps them embrace their hope and faith in a new way. With humorous moments here and there, Ms. Collier keeps the book engaging for her readers, as she tells her story.
I definitely recommend that you take a moment or two of your time and grab a copy of this book. Though humorous at times, and a fast paced read, this is not a book that should be taken lightly. It's anything but that, and will keep your wheels turning and your heart filled. Amazing job, Ms. Collier!
I had the pleasure of reviewing Betty Collier's book, Angel In My Room, and was absolutely pleased with the outcome of that book. She truly touched the heart from the start and kept it locked in a gripping manner until the end. So, taking the chance on another of her books, I dived right in with a smile on my face, and hope in my heart. Once again, my heart was filled and the message was extremely moving.
This book is not your everyday read. It's far from it. It's a wonderfully amazing story of Ms. Collier's walk with God. It's her living testimony, her daily struggles, her daily acceptance that she is walking with her Father.
Ms. Collier's testimony is told with exuberance and love, helping people to understand that there will be trials along the way, but having faith and hope in your heart will help you to over come any obstacle. From her ups and downs with her high school boyfriend, to marrying him, and living life as a wife, to work and pregnancy and family, Ms. Collier shares tragedies, and milestones.
I loved the way Ms. Collier presented the book in a heart felt way. She doesn't preach, or talk down to her readers. She shares with them. She helps them embrace their hope and faith in a new way. With humorous moments here and there, Ms. Collier keeps the book engaging for her readers, as she tells her story.
I definitely recommend that you take a moment or two of your time and grab a copy of this book. Though humorous at times, and a fast paced read, this is not a book that should be taken lightly. It's anything but that, and will keep your wheels turning and your heart filled. Amazing job, Ms. Collier!
Recommend this book:
Henrietta Hexagon & the Triangles
Mandi Tillotson Williams
2012 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
What an adorable book! Poor little Henrietta Hexagon thinks she doesn’t fit in with the other shapes of the world. Adopted by the Triangle family and living on Groveland Circle, Henrietta feels different. Her mom tried to convince her that she was special and that hexagons are everywhere too, but Henrietta isn’t sure she believes that and sets off in search of hexagons. Using her magnifying glass, binoculars and other items she finds in her toy box, Henrietta searches and searches but finds nothing but circles, rectangles, and squares.
In the meantime, Ma Triangle is determined to show Henrietta how special she really is. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, so let’s just say that Henrietta learns that she does fit in and is loved just as much as any other shape.
The illustrations are cute and very colorful and sure to interest young readers. I liked the cute little backdrop of the window in the living room where there was always a little cat peeking in or jumping around outside. This book is also a good educational tool for little readers to learn their shapes while learning a lesson about being different but being accepted. I found myself learning things too as I had forgotten what shape a hexagon was or how many sides it has. There were all kinds of lessons here, from diversity to geometry to adoption; everything is nicely taught.
What an adorable book! Poor little Henrietta Hexagon thinks she doesn’t fit in with the other shapes of the world. Adopted by the Triangle family and living on Groveland Circle, Henrietta feels different. Her mom tried to convince her that she was special and that hexagons are everywhere too, but Henrietta isn’t sure she believes that and sets off in search of hexagons. Using her magnifying glass, binoculars and other items she finds in her toy box, Henrietta searches and searches but finds nothing but circles, rectangles, and squares.
In the meantime, Ma Triangle is determined to show Henrietta how special she really is. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, so let’s just say that Henrietta learns that she does fit in and is loved just as much as any other shape.
The illustrations are cute and very colorful and sure to interest young readers. I liked the cute little backdrop of the window in the living room where there was always a little cat peeking in or jumping around outside. This book is also a good educational tool for little readers to learn their shapes while learning a lesson about being different but being accepted. I found myself learning things too as I had forgotten what shape a hexagon was or how many sides it has. There were all kinds of lessons here, from diversity to geometry to adoption; everything is nicely taught.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-strange-case-of-jonathan-swift-and-the-real-long-john-silver&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/6174FpFndvL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="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 ...){kind=link}
The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the real Long John Silver
Robert A. Prather
2012 Silver Medal
424 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
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.
"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.
Recommend this book:
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The Superlative Stream
The Darktrench Saga - Book 2
Kerry Nietz
2012 Finalist
382 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anna del C. Dye for Readers' Favorite
This book relates a Science Fiction tale that takes place in a world efficiently created by the author. As the best Sci-Fi stories go, this one also has intergalactic flight, space living, interplanetary discoveries, and extra terrestrials, or so they think. It is subtitled the second book of "The Darktrench Saga", but I see no evidence in this book of the previous tale.
In this earth-based civilization, some children are taken from their parents and raised by a priest of A. At a certain age, all of them get a chip implanted in their head. It is set surgically there to make them comply with everything or receive a painful shock if they choose not to. Because of that, both men and women are bald-headed.
Girls in their view have no rights. They are a piece of property to the human race and their life is forfeited if they show their faces in public. To make this point more potent, there are hundreds of girls who die in a fire because the robots that are supposed to save them don’t let them come out without their face scarves. It would be a crime in the sight of A. Their world revolves around what the robots say, because they are A’s (their God’s) messengers.
The tale is well-written and creative. The end of each chapter is left with a well-placed cliffhanger to keep us reading just to see what will happen next. I like the pace of the story and the depth of character developed for the principal female. Reading this book was time well spent. It will be a must read for any young adult or adult library.
This book relates a Science Fiction tale that takes place in a world efficiently created by the author. As the best Sci-Fi stories go, this one also has intergalactic flight, space living, interplanetary discoveries, and extra terrestrials, or so they think. It is subtitled the second book of "The Darktrench Saga", but I see no evidence in this book of the previous tale.
In this earth-based civilization, some children are taken from their parents and raised by a priest of A. At a certain age, all of them get a chip implanted in their head. It is set surgically there to make them comply with everything or receive a painful shock if they choose not to. Because of that, both men and women are bald-headed.
Girls in their view have no rights. They are a piece of property to the human race and their life is forfeited if they show their faces in public. To make this point more potent, there are hundreds of girls who die in a fire because the robots that are supposed to save them don’t let them come out without their face scarves. It would be a crime in the sight of A. Their world revolves around what the robots say, because they are A’s (their God’s) messengers.
The tale is well-written and creative. The end of each chapter is left with a well-placed cliffhanger to keep us reading just to see what will happen next. I like the pace of the story and the depth of character developed for the principal female. Reading this book was time well spent. It will be a must read for any young adult or adult library.
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