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The Sweet War Man
Paul Barcello
2010 Honorable Mention
340 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
The setting is the Vietnam era. Randy Thayer joined the military so that he could fly. He did not seek to go to war but that was the price he paid to fly a helicopter. Andrea Tremblay is Randy’s girlfriend. Randy’s being a soldier does not bother her but going to war does. She is willing to do whatever she can to keep him home including involving him in the family business. To compensate she throws herself into her career at her father’s company. Faith Beckwerth is the girl next door. She hangs on Randy’s every word. She listens closely to everything he says. She is his biggest supporter and attempts to ease his fears. Distance, dedication and differing lives challenge Andrea and Randy’s relationship. Despite Faith’s dedication Randy is still drawn to Andrea.
The characters in this book are strong and passionate. The plot reveals the hardships of military training and life in corporate America. The author is a master at characterization. The characters come to life and draw the reader into the story. I became passionate about the characters. I cheered for them and fussed at them. Randy is faced with doubts, perplexity and a sense of duty. Andrea has a strong work ethic almost to the point of being narrow focused and a workaholic. Faith is naive, blameless, and easy to love.
The setting is the Vietnam era. Randy Thayer joined the military so that he could fly. He did not seek to go to war but that was the price he paid to fly a helicopter. Andrea Tremblay is Randy’s girlfriend. Randy’s being a soldier does not bother her but going to war does. She is willing to do whatever she can to keep him home including involving him in the family business. To compensate she throws herself into her career at her father’s company. Faith Beckwerth is the girl next door. She hangs on Randy’s every word. She listens closely to everything he says. She is his biggest supporter and attempts to ease his fears. Distance, dedication and differing lives challenge Andrea and Randy’s relationship. Despite Faith’s dedication Randy is still drawn to Andrea.
The characters in this book are strong and passionate. The plot reveals the hardships of military training and life in corporate America. The author is a master at characterization. The characters come to life and draw the reader into the story. I became passionate about the characters. I cheered for them and fussed at them. Randy is faced with doubts, perplexity and a sense of duty. Andrea has a strong work ethic almost to the point of being narrow focused and a workaholic. Faith is naive, blameless, and easy to love.
Recommend this book:
The Gathering Storm In The Middle East
Intrigue Passion and Love at the Crucial Turning Point of the Crisis
Robert Thomas Fertig
2011 Bronze Medal
376 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Our lead character is Richard Rinaldi. He is dissatisfied with his life and accepts a job that puts him in the middle of the decaying predicament in the Middle East. He appears to be going through a mid life crisis and seeks adventure and excitement, what he ends up with is a mess. He spends time in a dungeon after being accused of fraud.
I was curious about this book upon receiving it to review. I love suspense and espionage and, yes, this book has it all. It is a highly charged, technical read. The plot is very intense and complex, with a lot of characters, and sometimes it gets a bit confusing. It is obvious the author has spent a lot of time doing research and has created a well thought out plot.
Our lead character is Richard Rinaldi. He is dissatisfied with his life and accepts a job that puts him in the middle of the decaying predicament in the Middle East. He appears to be going through a mid life crisis and seeks adventure and excitement, what he ends up with is a mess. He spends time in a dungeon after being accused of fraud.
I was curious about this book upon receiving it to review. I love suspense and espionage and, yes, this book has it all. It is a highly charged, technical read. The plot is very intense and complex, with a lot of characters, and sometimes it gets a bit confusing. It is obvious the author has spent a lot of time doing research and has created a well thought out plot.
Recommend this book:
Disorder in the Classroom
Or a Firsthand Account of Substitute Teaching in the Chicago Public Schools System
Janice M. Hypolite
2013 Silver Medal
156 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Education
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Janice Hypolite retired from her position as an accountant, spent time with her daughters and then decided to pursue her desire to teach. In the 1980s it was very easy to achieve certification to substitute teach. After a short while she returned to accounting. In 2007 she decided to return to subbing. Her certification was out of date and the criteria to gain one was much tougher. After receiving her updated certification Janice prepared herself for the new school year by buying paper, pencils, a tote and searching for lessons to keep the students occupied. She expected to work frequently but it was the end of Oct. before she was called to teach. The teacher had not left a lesson plan. The students were loud, rude and uncooperative.
At one point Janice asked herself the question, “Who is in charge, the students or the teachers.” After having also been a substitute teacher with similar experiences I can say that too often the students are in charge. MS Hypolite apparently kept a diary of each class she taught and problems within the class. Being a sub is not easy. I found the best subs were retired teachers. They had degrees in education. They were better prepared to handle the behavior problems in the classroom. Students seem to recognize their authority.
Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Many who desire to be one lack the skills that are needed. I discovered early on that I worked better in EBD classes than in regular classrooms.
Author Janice Hypolite's experiences as a substitute teacher in the Chicago Public School system are informative and well documented. She effectively discusses discipline problems and the attitudes of teachers, as well as the issues facing subs like intimidation from other teachers and lack of lesson planning.The last chapter of the book is filled with the author’s creative suggestions and honest opinions. There is a lot of valuable experience and wisdom in this book that readers will find eye-opening, especially parents and those in the educational field.
Janice Hypolite retired from her position as an accountant, spent time with her daughters and then decided to pursue her desire to teach. In the 1980s it was very easy to achieve certification to substitute teach. After a short while she returned to accounting. In 2007 she decided to return to subbing. Her certification was out of date and the criteria to gain one was much tougher. After receiving her updated certification Janice prepared herself for the new school year by buying paper, pencils, a tote and searching for lessons to keep the students occupied. She expected to work frequently but it was the end of Oct. before she was called to teach. The teacher had not left a lesson plan. The students were loud, rude and uncooperative.
At one point Janice asked herself the question, “Who is in charge, the students or the teachers.” After having also been a substitute teacher with similar experiences I can say that too often the students are in charge. MS Hypolite apparently kept a diary of each class she taught and problems within the class. Being a sub is not easy. I found the best subs were retired teachers. They had degrees in education. They were better prepared to handle the behavior problems in the classroom. Students seem to recognize their authority.
Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Many who desire to be one lack the skills that are needed. I discovered early on that I worked better in EBD classes than in regular classrooms.
Author Janice Hypolite's experiences as a substitute teacher in the Chicago Public School system are informative and well documented. She effectively discusses discipline problems and the attitudes of teachers, as well as the issues facing subs like intimidation from other teachers and lack of lesson planning.The last chapter of the book is filled with the author’s creative suggestions and honest opinions. There is a lot of valuable experience and wisdom in this book that readers will find eye-opening, especially parents and those in the educational field.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-trail-folk-of-xunar-kun&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CITHStPLL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Tina Field Howe continues her series, Tellings of Xunar-kun in book two, "The TrailFolk of Xunar-kun". She reminds readers of the important points in the first book through the teller in the prologue of the second book.
In the first book, the two tribes of people were reunited as one and they fought off the M’raudas. The M’raudas captured c...){kind=link}
The Trail Folk of Xunar-kun
Book Two in the Tellings of Xunar-kun Series
Tina Field Howe
2010 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Tina Field Howe continues her series, Tellings of Xunar-kun in book two, "The TrailFolk of Xunar-kun". She reminds readers of the important points in the first book through the teller in the prologue of the second book.
In the first book, the two tribes of people were reunited as one and they fought off the M’raudas. The M’raudas captured children. The TrailFolk found more children than the Folk had missing. Their new quest was to find the parents of the children.
Four cycles had passed since the TrailFolk had been united and the Seekers, Szaren and Aylsa, were betrothed. The Seekers searched the planet looking for the parents of the children. Along the trail they share the legend of the Roaming Star.
Eventually the Seekers meet Trakip-sen and his people. They claim to be the parents of the children.
Tina Field Howe is an extremely talented author. She paints a word picture that comes alive on the pages of a book. I hope this book is recorded as an audio book. It will be enjoyed by elementary children over and over. The characters of this book are exquisite. More important is the message in this book. We are all connected and yet we are only a small part of something greater. The author provides a glossary to assist the reader.
Tina Field Howe continues her series, Tellings of Xunar-kun in book two, "The TrailFolk of Xunar-kun". She reminds readers of the important points in the first book through the teller in the prologue of the second book.
In the first book, the two tribes of people were reunited as one and they fought off the M’raudas. The M’raudas captured children. The TrailFolk found more children than the Folk had missing. Their new quest was to find the parents of the children.
Four cycles had passed since the TrailFolk had been united and the Seekers, Szaren and Aylsa, were betrothed. The Seekers searched the planet looking for the parents of the children. Along the trail they share the legend of the Roaming Star.
Eventually the Seekers meet Trakip-sen and his people. They claim to be the parents of the children.
Tina Field Howe is an extremely talented author. She paints a word picture that comes alive on the pages of a book. I hope this book is recorded as an audio book. It will be enjoyed by elementary children over and over. The characters of this book are exquisite. More important is the message in this book. We are all connected and yet we are only a small part of something greater. The author provides a glossary to assist the reader.
Recommend this book:
The Running Path
Lisa M. Miller
2011 Honorable Mention
238 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Lynn Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
Abby Greene, assignment editor at WWNY-TV in Watertown longs for more than just sitting at a desk and working the computer. She dreams of become a reporter out in the field of broadcasting. When a local girl commits suicide, she becomes involved with news reporter Paul Triver on doing a series about teen suicides. This brings back painful memories of her best friend Becca who took her own life. Now years later it appears it may have been murder. As Abby and Paul start investigating they soon discover there may be more to this story then they originally thought. There is another death and threats to Abby. The evidence points to several different individuals. From the grieving aunt and uncle, to the father who disappeared years earlier to a mysterious funeral director will Abby and Paul get to the bottom of the deaths and prove that Becca did not take her own life. With each situation she comes closer to the truth
The Running Path is a nice tale of suspense that would be suitable for ages 13 and up. It is not scary but there are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next to this modern day Nancy Drew. It is very easy to get involved with the characters in the book and I would like to see more books written by Lisa Miller containing the characters of Abby and Paul.
Abby Greene, assignment editor at WWNY-TV in Watertown longs for more than just sitting at a desk and working the computer. She dreams of become a reporter out in the field of broadcasting. When a local girl commits suicide, she becomes involved with news reporter Paul Triver on doing a series about teen suicides. This brings back painful memories of her best friend Becca who took her own life. Now years later it appears it may have been murder. As Abby and Paul start investigating they soon discover there may be more to this story then they originally thought. There is another death and threats to Abby. The evidence points to several different individuals. From the grieving aunt and uncle, to the father who disappeared years earlier to a mysterious funeral director will Abby and Paul get to the bottom of the deaths and prove that Becca did not take her own life. With each situation she comes closer to the truth
The Running Path is a nice tale of suspense that would be suitable for ages 13 and up. It is not scary but there are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next to this modern day Nancy Drew. It is very easy to get involved with the characters in the book and I would like to see more books written by Lisa Miller containing the characters of Abby and Paul.
Recommend this book:
Prophecy of the Kings
The Trilogy
David Burrows
2010 Gold Medal
634 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
David Burrows brings readers an adventure of epic proportions in The Prophecy of the kings Trilogy. The plot quickly draws the reader into the action of this novel. Burrows created a mystical world with equally mystical creatures, dragons, wizards, prophecies, demons, sorcery, and princes. The creatures come to life on the pages of The Prophecy of the Kings. The action in this book keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Burrows successfully gave each character a distinct voice. The threads of three worlds are woven together to create an adventure filled with battles, journeys, allies, and enemies. The reader will go deep into the bowels of the earth haunted by the dead. They will accompany Kaplyn into a nightmare tower.
Book 1 Legend of Eldric sets the foundation for this trilogy. Prince Kaplyn is low on the line for the throne, and he is bored. He sets out to find adventure. Lars is bound for death when Kaplyn comes to his rescue. The pair assists a wizard in retrieving a pendant. They set in motion a prophecy that could destroy their world.
Burrows words are like magic. He paints a portrait on each page. Fans of fantasy know his name well. They know they can depend on an escape into another world when they read one of his books. Burrows never fails to please.
David Burrows brings readers an adventure of epic proportions in The Prophecy of the kings Trilogy. The plot quickly draws the reader into the action of this novel. Burrows created a mystical world with equally mystical creatures, dragons, wizards, prophecies, demons, sorcery, and princes. The creatures come to life on the pages of The Prophecy of the Kings. The action in this book keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Burrows successfully gave each character a distinct voice. The threads of three worlds are woven together to create an adventure filled with battles, journeys, allies, and enemies. The reader will go deep into the bowels of the earth haunted by the dead. They will accompany Kaplyn into a nightmare tower.
Book 1 Legend of Eldric sets the foundation for this trilogy. Prince Kaplyn is low on the line for the throne, and he is bored. He sets out to find adventure. Lars is bound for death when Kaplyn comes to his rescue. The pair assists a wizard in retrieving a pendant. They set in motion a prophecy that could destroy their world.
Burrows words are like magic. He paints a portrait on each page. Fans of fantasy know his name well. They know they can depend on an escape into another world when they read one of his books. Burrows never fails to please.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-disposable-noble-wife&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5170tK7oTfL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Disposable Noble Wife" is a mixture of fact and fiction. The plot will tug at the reader's heartstrings. Our world is filled with infidelity and broken homes and the children are the ones that pay the price. The author suffered humility and heartbreak.
As marriage vows state, "What God has joined together, and let no man put asunder" Many m...){kind=link}
The Disposable Noble Wife
Beth Durkee
2011 Silver Medal
183 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"The Disposable Noble Wife" is a mixture of fact and fiction. The plot will tug at the reader's heartstrings. Our world is filled with infidelity and broken homes and the children are the ones that pay the price. The author suffered humility and heartbreak.
As marriage vows state, "What God has joined together, and let no man put asunder" Many men and women do not take their vows seriously. In this fact/fiction story, we see the author trying to hold her marriage together. When it gets to the point that you are in harm's way, it is time to let go of the marriage.
This is a very deeply emotional story that I could not put down. I urge all women to read it. With God all things are possible. We need to place all our sorrows in His hands and He will grant us rest and peace. Excellent story. Highly recommended for husbands and wives to read together.
"The Disposable Noble Wife" is a mixture of fact and fiction. The plot will tug at the reader's heartstrings. Our world is filled with infidelity and broken homes and the children are the ones that pay the price. The author suffered humility and heartbreak.
As marriage vows state, "What God has joined together, and let no man put asunder" Many men and women do not take their vows seriously. In this fact/fiction story, we see the author trying to hold her marriage together. When it gets to the point that you are in harm's way, it is time to let go of the marriage.
This is a very deeply emotional story that I could not put down. I urge all women to read it. With God all things are possible. We need to place all our sorrows in His hands and He will grant us rest and peace. Excellent story. Highly recommended for husbands and wives to read together.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-night-of-many-lights&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W8fLWPRRL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Night Of Many Lights" is the story of an Indian weather vane sitting high on top of a barn. It's a lonely job sitting there night after night, pointing out directions, with only birds for company. He longs to be free and be able to fly like fireflies, his wish is later granted. As he meets more weather vane friends, they all enjoy an evening visi...){kind=link}
The Night of Many Lights
C.R. Lindemer
2011 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
"Night Of Many Lights" is the story of an Indian weather vane sitting high on top of a barn. It's a lonely job sitting there night after night, pointing out directions, with only birds for company. He longs to be free and be able to fly like fireflies, his wish is later granted. As he meets more weather vane friends, they all enjoy an evening visiting the Northern and Southern Lights and flying through the skies before it's time for them to return to the top of their barns.
The beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. Lakota names are used in this book assisting children in learning a new language. However, the most important lesson they will learn is, "Look for beauty and wonders all around you. Friends can always be found if you seek them out." One of my favorite things about reading is how I can go anywhere, see anything and do anything through words. Lindemer proves this in "Night Of Many Lights."
"Night Of Many Lights" is the story of an Indian weather vane sitting high on top of a barn. It's a lonely job sitting there night after night, pointing out directions, with only birds for company. He longs to be free and be able to fly like fireflies, his wish is later granted. As he meets more weather vane friends, they all enjoy an evening visiting the Northern and Southern Lights and flying through the skies before it's time for them to return to the top of their barns.
The beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. Lakota names are used in this book assisting children in learning a new language. However, the most important lesson they will learn is, "Look for beauty and wonders all around you. Friends can always be found if you seek them out." One of my favorite things about reading is how I can go anywhere, see anything and do anything through words. Lindemer proves this in "Night Of Many Lights."
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-ghost-of-atlanta&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514kamlQS%2BL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=J.E Thompson is a superb writer. "The Ghost of Atlanta" is, overall, a superbly written book. This novel is the third in a series. The book is a very fast read that builds up slowly and has a fantastic ending. Mr. Thompson has included all the ingredients that make for a well-written novel: great character descriptions, an exciting well-thought-out...){kind=link}
The Ghost of Atlanta
Julius Thompson
2011 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Dennis De Rose for Readers' Favorite
J.E Thompson is a superb writer. "The Ghost of Atlanta" is, overall, a superbly written book. This novel is the third in a series. The book is a very fast read that builds up slowly and has a fantastic ending. Mr. Thompson has included all the ingredients that make for a well-written novel: great character descriptions, an exciting well-thought-out plot, edge-of-your-seat adventure with all the proper descriptives (old love and love rekindled, friendships-new and old, hate-the kind that festers, murder-brutal and heartless, drugs-of the worst kind, family ties-both good and bad, etc.).
The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, present day, the main character, Andy Pilgrim, is a newspaper reporter. His life is full of ups and downs with a past that haunts him daily, hence, 'Ghost in Atlanta.'
Only Andy can, and must, have the courage to face his ghosts, one-on-one. He has many friends and family that help him along the way, and those that would like to see him fail miserably. Can he defeat his ghosts and continue on with his life?
I will not spoil the book for you but I will say that the story is full of excitement and is really very ethereal. The reason I say that is because the characters themselves present the reader with many questions, such as, How can Andy`s friend, Philip, always be there for him just at the right time? How is it that certain characters are praying for Andy just at the right moment? How can a family cousin appear to Andy in the blink of an eye and then disappear just as quickly? How can friends and family in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Atlanta be so in tune with each other, helping Andy when he needs it the most?
All these ingredients make this novel taste like your favorite pie flavor. All these ingredients make you want to continue reading this novel in just one sitting.
I now have a very strong desire to read J.E Thompson's first two novels in the series. I can hardly wait for the next one. J.E Thompson, please keep writing. To the reader, don't hesitate to read this, you will not be disappointed. I am very glad that I read this book and I rate this book 5 stars, wholeheartedly.
J.E Thompson is a superb writer. "The Ghost of Atlanta" is, overall, a superbly written book. This novel is the third in a series. The book is a very fast read that builds up slowly and has a fantastic ending. Mr. Thompson has included all the ingredients that make for a well-written novel: great character descriptions, an exciting well-thought-out plot, edge-of-your-seat adventure with all the proper descriptives (old love and love rekindled, friendships-new and old, hate-the kind that festers, murder-brutal and heartless, drugs-of the worst kind, family ties-both good and bad, etc.).
The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, present day, the main character, Andy Pilgrim, is a newspaper reporter. His life is full of ups and downs with a past that haunts him daily, hence, 'Ghost in Atlanta.'
Only Andy can, and must, have the courage to face his ghosts, one-on-one. He has many friends and family that help him along the way, and those that would like to see him fail miserably. Can he defeat his ghosts and continue on with his life?
I will not spoil the book for you but I will say that the story is full of excitement and is really very ethereal. The reason I say that is because the characters themselves present the reader with many questions, such as, How can Andy`s friend, Philip, always be there for him just at the right time? How is it that certain characters are praying for Andy just at the right moment? How can a family cousin appear to Andy in the blink of an eye and then disappear just as quickly? How can friends and family in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Atlanta be so in tune with each other, helping Andy when he needs it the most?
All these ingredients make this novel taste like your favorite pie flavor. All these ingredients make you want to continue reading this novel in just one sitting.
I now have a very strong desire to read J.E Thompson's first two novels in the series. I can hardly wait for the next one. J.E Thompson, please keep writing. To the reader, don't hesitate to read this, you will not be disappointed. I am very glad that I read this book and I rate this book 5 stars, wholeheartedly.
Recommend this book:
Grady the Gray Cat
Lori A. Moore
2011 Honorable Mention
28 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Lori Moore begins her book by introducing readers to Grady. Grady has a new toy fire truck with siren, lights, and a horn. Grady likes to play pretend and slides down his imaginary fire pole. This is a flip me book. The other story is Grady the Cat story. Grady lived in a cage in a store. He was very sad and lonely until one day a nice couple adopted him. He not only had a new mommy and daddy but two new sisters. Grady likes to drink his water from the faucet. Grady's new family loves him, and he loves them.
Grady the Gray Cat Gets a Toy Fire Truck/Grady the Gray Cat Gets Adopted by Lori A. Moore is a delightful book for children. Currently, one of my grandsons is fascinated by fire trucks. He quickly latched on to my copy of this book. The illustrations are well done. The plot is cute and enticing to children. You can also download the audio book for this story. Children will want to hear this story over and over.
Lori Moore begins her book by introducing readers to Grady. Grady has a new toy fire truck with siren, lights, and a horn. Grady likes to play pretend and slides down his imaginary fire pole. This is a flip me book. The other story is Grady the Cat story. Grady lived in a cage in a store. He was very sad and lonely until one day a nice couple adopted him. He not only had a new mommy and daddy but two new sisters. Grady likes to drink his water from the faucet. Grady's new family loves him, and he loves them.
Grady the Gray Cat Gets a Toy Fire Truck/Grady the Gray Cat Gets Adopted by Lori A. Moore is a delightful book for children. Currently, one of my grandsons is fascinated by fire trucks. He quickly latched on to my copy of this book. The illustrations are well done. The plot is cute and enticing to children. You can also download the audio book for this story. Children will want to hear this story over and over.
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