Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Tightwads on the Loose: A Seven Year Pacific Odyssey by Wendy Hinman is a memoir of the adventure of a lifetime. When Wendy met Garth in Washington D.C., she was fascinated to learn that he had sailed around the world with his family and lived like Robinson Crusoe after they bumped into a reef in Fiji that left a whale of a hole in their boat. Always adventurous, she had taken sailing lessons herself when her father bought a sailboat and had spent weekends and vacations sailing the Hawaiian Islands and the Chesapeake Bay. Wendy and Garth became a couple and dreamt of life at sea but after getting married, they settled down to pursue their own careers. After ten years, they finally decided to realize their dream of a tropical escape which resulted in a seven-year odyssey in the Pacific Ocean. This is their story.

Wendy Hinman's Tightwad on the Loose is a first-hand account of living in a 31-foot boat and going on a 34,000-mile voyage in the Pacific for seven years, with only the barest of necessities. A lot of people dream of setting the business of living aside to fulfill their dreams, but only very few really do it. Wendy and Garth belong to this special breed of people. And by writing Tightwad on the Loose, Wendy Hinman brings her readers with her while she relives their fascinating journey. Reading this book feels like being involved in plotting the trip and going with them on their sometimes exhilarating, sometimes frustrating trips to Mexico, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kwajalein, Saipan, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Japan. And as they return to their old lives, her feeling of dislocation is contagious. This book is the next best thing to going on a seven-year odyssey itself!

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you’re interested in the history of American farming and hog breeds in general or preserving heritage hog breeds from extinction in particular, Saving the Guinea Hogs: The Recovery of an American Homestead Breed by Cathy R. Payne is for you. I found it to be an utterly readable, well-organized, very comprehensive, and informative presentation on a topic about which I knew almost nothing but found fascinating. Too many plant and animal varieties have already been lost to the American continent. Once common on family farms, especially in the southern United States, the Guinea Hog was almost lost to the modern agribusiness emphasis on larger breeds that can be taken to market quickly.

“The American Guinea Hog is an old-fashioned heritage breed that was almost extinct in 2006,” Payne writes. “These homestead hogs are survivors and worth preserving for future generations.” In a preface to the book, Professor D. Phillip Sponenberg notes the importance of Payne’s work and praises her networking and teamwork approach as setting an example that could be used to save other local breeds as well. Payne wrote Saving the Guinea Hogs after she decided to become a small-scale sustainable farmer in her retirement years and wanted to raise this smaller, gentler, slower growing hog in part for its culinary appeal. Payne found almost no literature or research about the breed and set out to rectify the situation, especially when she realized that many of the old timer farmer breeders were passing away and with them a precious oral history. As a result, this book, other publications, and a web site now provide breeders, homesteaders, farm-to-table chefs, sustainable and hobby farmers, historians, and conservationists with valuable genetic information about this American landrace hog breed.

Reviewed by Carine Engelbrecht for Readers' Favorite

Drinking from the Trough: A Veterinarian's Memoir by Mary Carlson takes the reader into the world of veterinary science. When teacher Mary meets and (later) marries Colorado vet student Earl, she is motivated to study veterinary medicine herself and subsequently open her own feline-only practice. Besides a life vocation, they also share a love for horses. Over the years, an eclectic and highly individual cast of animal characters passes through their lives, leaving hoof and paw prints all over their lives and hearts. There are the two mares - Frannie, a pretty, petite prima donna on hooves, and Marcie, rock-steady but with a heart of gold, as well as the later additions, Scoot and Hannah. To that, add two high-octane huskies - are there any other kind? - whose antics brought heart-stopping moments and laugh-out-loud disasters that any dog owner can empathize with. And then there are the cats - patients and partners - each with their own compelling back story and defining moments. One even gets a chapter to present his own perspective.

For a pet owner like myself, Drinking from the Trough by Mary Carlson makes for fascinating reading. There is just the right mix of humor, cuteness, respectful insight and informative content to make this a generally good read. If you are squeamish, you may not want to know everything about what happens inside your pooch or kitty (sorry, Dr. Mary - dog and cat). If you are planning a career in veterinary medicine, this book will give you a good idea of what to expect from the difficult training period, as well as the reality of practicing. What is truly admirable is the grace with which Carlson writes about death - the passing of beloved pets and valued family members of the human kind. It is a topic which many people find difficult to broach at all. Yet the author demonstrates that it is through knowledge and honest self-expression that we can create an atmosphere that preserves a proper respect for the dignity of life through a better understanding of its frailty.

Reviewed by Dan M. Kalin for Readers' Favorite

How the Camp Fire Girls Won World War II . . . and Other Memories is a mostly time-linear series of short stories spanning the author's life. Rebecca G. Morris intentionally obscures which stories are fiction and which are not, but the feel is that of a complete piece. The titular Camp Fire Girls segment is something easily envisioned; many of us can remember stories where the height of patriotism was to scavenge any metal for the war effort. Along the way, stories include vignettes about growing up during the Depression, movie house afternoons, a rescued player piano, life in Catholic boarding schools during the war, first stirrings of the call-to-write inspired by a manual typewriter in her high school years, and a move to attend Columbia University in New York where as a newlywed graduate student she contracts tuberculosis. The disease necessitates a lengthy quarantine stay in Bellevue and seems to have precipitated a divorce. The balance of the book contends with the emotional aftermath and how she won through subsequent hardships.

I very much enjoyed How the Camp Fire Girls Won World War II. The scenes growing up in Ohio feel real and fully inhabited. I find Rebecca G. Morris's writing to be superb and vivid. The segment where she waits for her Reno divorce to be final, in the full heat of summer, is both heartbreaking and real. In such situations, a routine of daily swims, ice cream, and gin-before-bedtime is something we can all understand. Even afterward, the routine supports the beginnings of a new life. Morris takes the reader's hand and safely leads them through various points of view for each tragedy while not losing sight of where they are in the larger narrative. Any book which can engender such deep emotions in a reader is one which should be taken seriously.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes to Spark Creativity by Nancy Hillis delves into helping artists through the common frustrations and road blocks that hinder their inner creativity. It is a map that guides the struggling, the uninspired, and the lost with unique exercises, quotes, video links to videos the author herself has done to exemplify her book’s teachings, and even a look into her journey into art. It is a book that aims to inspire, guide, and help artists through the most trying parts of their creative lives.

Nancy Hillis’ The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes to Spark Creativity is an unforgettable, thought-provoking read, with an inspiring and determined tone. It is peppered with the author’s anecdotes and wise advice that would do a lot of good to any artist. Hillis offers personal stories and thoughts in the book and I can see how this would help other frustrated and lost artists in the same situation. The exercises offered in the book are extensive, ranging from: questions as to the reason why you do art and what you struggle with (allowing the artist to have a good look or get an idea as to why they are struggling) to easy-to-follow art activities with creative twists.

This book is brimming with good advice and instructions punctuated with fascinating anecdotes Hillis relates to the struggles of an artist, giving the reader a unique and different view on their journey as an artist, allowing them to draw their own answers from their problems, which makes the book more engaging and infinitely more helpful in my eyes. This book is a one-of-a-kind guide and is an absolute must-read for any artists suffering from artist’s block or any sort of creative meltdown. Truly worth a read.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

The Trojan War is one of the earliest wars recorded in the history of human combat. The Iliad and the Odyssey are among the oldest extant works of western literature, written by the blind poet Homer in the eighth century. The Trojan War concerns the Achaeans of ancient Greece and the inhabitants of Ilios, the Trojans. But the story begins before that, at the wedding of the sea nymph goddess Thetis and the mortal but mighty king of the Myrmidons, Peleus. The seeds of this tragic and interminable war were sown when Eris, the goddess of strife, was not invited but arrived anyway, tossing into the company a golden apple inscribed with the words ‘to the most fair.’ Paris, the long-lost son of the Trojan King Priam, is asked to choose between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Lured by her promise of bestowing upon him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy, Paris chooses Aphrodite… Unfortunately, Helen is married to Menelaus, king of Sparta. And thus, the epic war begins, brought to life by the words of the poet Homer, and forever cemented in the minds of succeeding generations.

Greek mythology and the various heroes, gods, and demi gods have a solid place in modern popular culture, given the many novels and movies devoted to various mythological themes. Names like Zeus, Poseidon, Achilles, Hector, Paris, Helen, Menelaus and Agamemnon are not unfamiliar, especially the mighty Achilles, hero of the Greek forces. Achilles being the son of a goddess, Thetis, and a mighty mortal, Peleus, meant he was already special. Added to this was his legendary prowess as a warrior. When Achilles loses his armor during battle to Hector, the son of King Priam, his mother pleads with Hephaistos, the lame god, to fashion her son an incredible shield. Thetis, knowing that Achilles’ death would follow upon that of Hector, still had the shield made, bowing, one imagines, to the inevitability of the cycle of life. Hephaistos makes the shield, and the details are minutely described by Homer. These details bring us to the reconstruction of this magnificent piece of armor by Kathleen Vail, who documented this artistic project in her book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles.

A lifetime student of Homer’s ancient Greece, Vail has created a 'physical, artistically relevant, life-size reconstruction of the divine shield of Achilles based literally and solely on Homer’s specifications in Book 18 of the Iliad.' This is no easy feat because although many now discovered and similarly crafted and decorated Mycenaean artifacts – swords, daggers, vases, and more - prove the potential existence of this shield, Vail was working from the details in Homer’s poem and existing archaeological discoveries. The shield is described as having an awe-inspiring effect on Achilles’ enemies, notwithstanding his mighty prowess and physical attributes. However, for me, the importance of the shield is what the poet conveys in the descriptions and which Vail recreates for the reader with images of the actual reconstructed shield and the corresponding artifacts which provided the inspiration for the images.

Vail takes each section and describes it in detail, as well as the significance in Greek society at the time, starting with the centre piece, creation, and radiating outward in circles depicting levels of Greek society – civil, judicial, military, entertainment, daily and pastoral activities. Ultimately the shield depicts both earthly and heavenly cycles of life. The shield is a microcosm of civilization, depicting the values and ideals of the ancient world, and the eternal cycle of birth, death, renewal. If the shield ever existed, where could it possibly be now? Thetis held funeral games in honour of her son Achilles, offering his armor as the prize to the ‘best of the Achaeans.’ Odysseus won the armor but given his many wanderings and shipwrecks before finally reaching home and his beloved wife, Penelope, who knows what happened to the shield? Perhaps only the gods know?

Kathleen Vail offers both the interested amateur and the dedicated scholar a minutely detailed and incredibly well researched literary work, complete with meticulously referenced and labelled images and many bibliographic references. The reconstruction of the shield is, to me, more than a labor of love. There is far more to the story of Achilles, the flawed and magnificent warrior, than the war. The psychological depths, the drama, the tragic emotions, actions, and motivations of the characters, both human and divine, the merging of heavenly and earthly activities, and many grander symbolic themes make the Iliad more than just a poem. The reconstruction of the shield proves this.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

The Light of Deaf Women: Inspirational Stories from Visionaries, Artists, Founders and Entrepreneurs by Deaf businesswoman and life coach Sofia Seitchik is a wonderful collection of mini-biographies accompanied by black-and-white photographs highlighting the achievements of almost 90 Deaf women. These women represent a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds and life experiences and an even wider range of professions, careers, crafts, trades, and interests. Based on the theme that every person has an inner light to shine and share with others, each mini-biography is accompanied by a short quote. “Trust your flow; it is the Light of your life,” Seitchik writes. “When doubt or fear shows up, it is a sign to shift your way of thinking so your inner Light keeps flowing.” A list of the women, their occupations, and web sites is also provided along with photographic credits.

In The Light of Deaf Women, Seitchik gives us a glimpse into the lives of women whose achievements can inspire us all. The presentation is crisp and engaging. I especially liked the black and white images in which the women wore white or light clothing against white backgrounds. It focused my attention on their expressions and gave substance to their positive outlook on life. “Let’s enhance the path for a brighter, barrier-free future for young Deaf women so they can leap to new heights!” one of the women writes. As a book prepared by Deaf women to celebrate the achievements of Deaf women, it more than hits the mark and could be especially inspirational to young Deaf women. As a book featuring the accomplishments of women who might be our own mothers, sisters, daughters, neighbors, coworkers, and employers, it can appeal to readers of any sex, age, or background. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Living mollusks are slowly disappearing due to environmental degradation and the destructive habits of human beings. The Art of the Living Mollusk by Charles E. Rawlings, MD, JD is a fabulous book that will delight readers who are dedicated to protecting the environment, the earth, and the ocean. This book is about the beautiful angles and curves of the mollusk and will raise awareness of how this living organism is much more than a dead shell. The author reveals the mystery of the creatures living underwater and gives readers a peek into their exclusive world. The book also gives a lot of interesting information about mollusks and their role in preserving the environment, their uniqueness, form, and color.

This book is a visual treat and the photos are clear and eye-catching. They teach readers about the family of mollusks, their beauty, and life. The topic is unique and will make readers aware of the creatures that exist underwater and realize the importance of protecting these creatures for the sake of the environment. The number of sea creatures discussed in The Art of the Living Mollusk is amazing and will leave readers awestruck by their beauty and contribution to the environment. The author weaves art, photography, and information together seamlessly, making it fascinating to readers. It is a good book to have in libraries as it can be used as reference material for projects and classroom discussions. This book will leave you wanting to learn more about the life that exists underwater and why it is important for the environment.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Chameleon: Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does by Merrick Rosenberg is a book with a relevant message that will help any reader deepen the way they relate to people around them. In the opening chapter, the author introduces readers to very interesting characters as they explore the forest and make discoveries. "Chameleons have an innate wisdom that allows them to connect to the world and to those around them." Xavier is a wise and generous master chameleon and in this book, we encounter the master chameleon as he takes on a new student, Xander, and explores the art of invisibility. The book moves on to present stories — fables — with powerful lessons about life, about human behavior, and relationships. Readers encounter fabled characters — the Eagle, the Parrot, the Dove, and the Owl — each with a unique personality as they are guided by the master chameleon to understanding their nature and the nature of others.

This book is instrumental in understanding human behavior and personality types. As I listened to the stories, I gained a lot of insight into the different personality types and into my own personality. This is one of those books that will help anyone profile the people around them and determine the right attitude to adopt when relating to them. The audio is of great quality and the narrative voice of the author comes out very clearly, with Allyson Briggs offering a strong, arresting feminine voice. The narrators capture every moment of the book with clarity. The Chameleon: Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does by Merrick Rosenberg will change the way most readers see themselves and give them insight into the way others see themselves. It is a great tool for understanding human behavior.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

A Gift From the Enemy (A True Story of Escape in War-time Italy) by Enrico Lamet takes the reader into the author's boyhood during the hard and perilous times of World War II. Born to a Jewish mother and father, Lamet started his life with happy years in Austria. When the drums of war began, however, the young boy's family became like a band of gypsy folk, moving through places like Milan, Nice, Paris, and San Remo before finding sanctuary in Ospedaletto. This memoir is a look into simple daily life during this time and the sacrifices that were often made during the war. With his father in Poland, Lamet is given strength and love by a steadfast mother. Times are certainly dark, but light can be found within even the darkest of times.

In recent years I have found myself wanting to expand my knowledge of World War II. I love history but have usually stayed within the realms of the American Revolution and earlier. However, the urge to learn more about World War II and being a sucker for a memoir made this book one I wanted to read, and I was not disappointed. Enrico Lamet has a way of writing and telling his story that is very open and makes the reader feel as if they are sitting together over a cup of tea and hearing the story firsthand. I cannot imagine the hardships faced during this war. I can only imagine the fear and worry of seeing a German soldier and the pain that would have come from starvation.

Yet the tone of this book is not only hardship and pain. There are still moments that show humor and lightness, reminding all of us that no matter how dark things are, if we look we can find moments that are good. I want to thank Mr. Lamet for sharing his story with the world. I feel privileged to have been able to read his firsthand account of what it was like growing up in the Nazi era. Anyone who is interested in learning about this era in history and about the resilience of human nature should get this book and read his story.