Book Title: The Spirit Sherpa
Author: Marc Littman
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781470056902

“Every spirit makes its house, and we can give a shrewd guess from the house to the inhabitant."
              ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A case of road rage has ended the life an self-centered man who is filled with hatred and intolerance, killed by, of all vehicles, an ice cream truck. The accident is not the end though, it is just the beginning of the real journey: the afterlife, as seen by Marc Littman.

The dead man is Manus, a Elvis loving, loves his car more than his family type of person. Will death change him, well if it did there would be no book to show how it didn’t change him one bit. You see he is a stubborn opinionated sort of annoying. Things change when he travels through his own “rabbit hole”, where things are not what they seem. It takes a really vast  imagination to “see” this world. It reminded me of Clive Barker without the gore.

Anyways, Manus must prove himself worthy to continue this trip to the next chapter of his life, by visiting the past lives he has had and the choices he had made during them. Sometimes these flashbacks and forward flashes seem confusing, but they are necessary for him to fully understand the direction Manus must take to find his way. (I actually had to put the book down, because I was like “What did I just read?” And would have to reread the passage.) Love the humor and the aha moments, also the painful realizations that he must accept and learn from. Like in The Wizard of Oz, he is helped along by some unlikely characters that in there old life were quite infamous for different things. Each living in their definition of heaven with a outlook on life that is seemly changed after their deaths. Will Manus’s outlook also change? Or will he remain as he is forever? Read the book and find out.

An interesting look at how our past judgments may influence our future. Karma comes to mind while reading this book, many times. In the end, the book does make you think---What really does happen after we leave here???

 

Book Title: As Above~So Below: A Channeled, Assisted, Unfolding Story
Author: Jeffrey M. Borowski
Publisher: lulu.com
ISBN: 9781105597770
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conductive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings--that doctrine believe and cling on to, and take it as your guide.” ~The Buddha

After living in dry and hot Phoenix, Arizona for sometime, Jeff and Brenda find themselves living in Upstate New York. Its an older house than what they are used to, but they love it just the same. Even with the occasional visit from their “ghost” friend who wants to bestow on to them the knowledge and wisdom he has learned and is still learning. Jeff takes a instant liking to this mysterious friend and listens intently to his telling words.

I would describe with book as having a big helping of self-help adages, with a dash kind-of a memoir feeling, with a sprinkle of the supernatural. Although there is no real plot, there is a story that is told. It is filled with gifts of wisdom from a 50+ gentleman, who urges the reader to question everything open minded and not to except things as they. He shows how to take life that is around us in--seasons, weather, people, etc. Also that our experiences do mold us into who we are and who we are to be. I found that the book had a very laid back way of helping someone, maybe, finding his/her way.

I could relate with a lot of the book’s descriptions about the wonderful weather we have in upstate New York, how we have the “best” football team ever until the season starts and how gravy with French fries is a normal main or side dish.

Book Title: Deceptions
Author: Sean Hayden
Publisher: Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN: 9781590808702
Reviewed by Michele Tater for the Couch Tater Review

“I hate the man who is double-mined, kind in words, but a foe in his conduct.” ~Palladas

She’s back...Ashlyn that is. Everyone’s favorite FBI agent, well it should be everyone’s favorite. Her assignment this time is to act as a body guard to a vampire who just happens to be the Governor of California who also happens to be a vampire. In California what can happen, does happen. Protecting someone who seems to have a huge target on his forehead is no easy task on your body or your wardrobe. For Ashlyn it is all in a day work. However strange things are happening to the vampire leaders in the area. It is just a coincidence or is someone out to get rid of them for personal gain? Why does Ashlyn always have to be in the middle of everything? Can she survive again or is this fight just to much for a young vampire/demon to bare? Questions only answered if you read the book!

Finally, we are graced with another book about Ashlyn and her now adventures of vampire sitting. She really is growing into her person in her professional life as well as her personal life. Yes, she develops a “life” which causes her great joys and more troubles. I really like this character, if you haven’t already guessed. She has a sense of humor, that keeps me laughing, along with a streak of either bravery or stubbornness that usually gets her into some major trouble. Never a dull moment with this series. FYI you learn more about Ashlyn’s father, interesting. I can’t say enough about this author--when he puts his stories to print he never disappoints. There I said it, now Mr. Hayden, get back to writing book number three, please.

 

 This is the author, Sean Hayden.

Book Title: My Soul To Keep
Author: Sean Hayden
Publisher: Untold Press
ISBN: 9780615641539
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“The soul is not where it lives, but where it loves.” ~H. G. Bohn

Be careful what you wish for. Maybe young Connor Sullivan should have though of that very adage when he is given the chance to have a wish granted. Oh, of course he will argue that he was under a lot of pressure at the time and speaking of time, he did not have a it to make a “better” choice if there was one. He actually thought he was being clever, time will tell. If you had not figured out from the title, the “soul" has something to do with the whole wish situation.So you can only image what his answer was...well not really, if you read the book you can find out. Just to give you a heads up, you will have a hard time not reading the whole book as soon as you can. Translation: don’t plan on doing your taxes, shopping and/or cleaning while trying to read it.

It maybe considered a young adult read, but, this coming from someone way past the young adults stage, it is entertaining. It has laugh out loud (yes lol) humor, sweet love and even some super natural action. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, there is a murder mystery too. See its filled with cool stuff. Who would have thought right? Great characters that I must say, do come “alive” as you read. Being a fan of the author already, I am still pleasantly surprise when I read another one of his creations and find that I enjoyed it.

Book Title: Dead End Deal
Author: Allen Wyler
Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions
ISBN: 9781938231056
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

“There are horrible people who, instead of solving a problem, tangle it up and make it harder to solve for anyone who wants to deal with it. Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Who would think that a medical breakthrough could cause so many problems. Jon Ritter just wants to test his new theories of using stem cells to possibly cure Alzheimer’s disease on human subjects. Little does he know that a whole scheme is in the works to stop this from ever happening. Funding is already in jeopardy, even before the murder of his colleague. Desperation causes Dr. Ritter to turn to his nemesis to continue with the human trials which end up becoming a complete disaster. Jon is now considered a murder and is on the run, but not in the United States but in Seoul, Korea and without his passport! Will he make it out of the country before he is permanently a “guest” in a Korea jail? How is going to clear his name with no one to turn to for help? Who is following him? What the heck is going on? You need to pick-up this book and find out if the questions will be answered before it is too late.

Greed. It can be a very ugly word, especially when it is why a seeming wonderful medical cure that can stop the suffering of so many, can not become available. This book looks into the seemingly real world of scientific monopolies. Where lab companies are in it for the money and not for the public. Jon Ritter is a believable character in an almost unbelievable situation. With action packed in every page and a plot line that is easy to follow even with the medical terminology and procedures. I really didn’t think I was going to enjoy the book as much as I did. It is very entertaining and sometimes even humorous. I, however, hope that the events in the book are not something that happens in real life. What a scarey thought if it is....

 Book link: http://astorandblue.com/dead-end-deal/

Book Title: Chasing The Cyclone
Author: peter Thomas Senese
Publisher: Pacifica Twist Inc.
IBSN: 9780975912348
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Couch Tater Review

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.  ~Rabindranath Tagore

The life of Paul Franceso was going as well as it could be without having his son by his side. Professionally he was starting a new adventure but little did he know personally his adventure was going to take him to places he never thought he would go. Although Paul and his ex-wife have had their share of battles, he was hoping they were finally going to be over. His son Alex was coming to stay with him for visit and Paul was counting down the days with anticipation. He tries to call Alex, but there is no answer. Paul calls several more times, each time leaving messages in hope someone would call him back. There is no call. Where is his son? What has his mother done now? Please be safe Alex...Now the Hell on Earth begins.

I read this book not really knowing that it was based on a true story. A story lived through by the author himself. No wonder you are able to feel the heartache and anguish this father goes through to get his son back. Traveling from one country to another at a moments notice put his life on overdrive with only one goal in mind: his son. Thank goodness he had the funds and the help of old and new friends. The aide of these new friends were unmeasurable in the ins and outs of international laws and the security of his son. The love and devotion of this father to his son is highly commendable and very rare. His love never wavered. The sad part is how far another parent will do such unbelievable things to hurt the other parent and use their child as a pawn. International abduction is an ugly, vindictive act that should not be allowed in any country and there should be strong laws to protect against it. No one should have to feel the helplessness that this author felt. An added plus is that this book is also information packed, you will learn a lot that you never know was going on in our world and what laws are in play to save it. I highly recommend this strong, heart full story.

Book Title: The Car Thief
Author: Theodore Weesner
Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions
IBSN: 9781938231001
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Coach Tater Review

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
― Leo Tolstoy

Alex Housman is a broken boy from a broken family. Nothing really shocking or unusual that he gets in trouble with the law for stealing cars, which he has no reasoning for doing other than he can. His home life consists of living in a small apartment with a father who is larger than life especially when he is hitting the bottle, although he doesn’t physically hurt his son, is he hurting him in other ways? Alex’s mom is not in the picture at all for she has started another life with another man and has taken his brother Howard with her. To say this young man’s life has its ups and downs would be an understatement, but aren’t most teenagers lives this way. It is all on how they handle these situations that will decide what kind of adults they become. This is story on how one such teenager makes his choices that will change his life either for the better or for the worst...you will just have to read the book and find out which.

I am not one to compare books with other books like some feel they need to. I prefer to let the book speak for itself on how the author wished it is to be translated. I also would not say this book is a “coming of age” read; labels like this don’t give the book justice.

Although it is set in year where I wasn’t even born yet, the childhood problems presented are the same as today. The overwhelming pressure for a young person to do something extraordinary with their lives when life has dealt them a not so great home life is a common theme in any year. Even though I am a female, I still felt that I could relate to the main character, even if it was partially from a mother’s point-of-view. I felt pity and sympathy for him, wanting to grab him sometimes and ask him, “what the hell are you thinking?” as if he was one of my own sons. Maybe it could be a good book to show parents how their actions really do effect their children and what not to do. How being an alcoholic, even a non-violent one, can push a child to grow-up before they are ready and cause them to make wrong, sometimes, very wrong choices. Also how being an absentee parent may really make the child confused and feel unloved. {Coming off the soap box}. Okay back to how I feel about the book; I highly recommend it as a book that should be read as it is and not to be compared to any other book. I can see it being a great read for required reading in  high school, especially as a teaching tool. Young and old alike, in my opinion, will find it a good read.  Just let the book take on the life it was meant to.

Here is a link to the book for your convenience: http:/astorandblue.com/the-car-thief/

Book Title: Jaded
Author: Rhonda Sheree
Publisher: Reason Enterprises
ASIN: B006IUUWYA

    “jaded:     The end result of having a steady flow of negative experiences, disappointment, and unfulfillment fed into a person where they get to the point where their anger circuits just sort of burn out and they accept disillusionment.” Urban Dictionary

After three years of dedicated work at a seemingly prestigious law firm, Syeesha Green is dismissed. To say that she was in a state of shock is an understatement. Syeesha planned on finishing law school and working her way up the firm ladder. Now she must find work else where or be evicted, that is if her room mate from hell hasn’t already done that.

Jade McCann is a congressman’s wife, but she fears he is starting to go back to his cheating ways. She goes to an attorney to find out what her options are and much to her dismay she finds she is bonded to the prenup. One provision stands out though, if Jade can prove her husband is cheating, she will get everything she wants. But how can she prove it? Jade devises a plot to entrap her husband in the arms of another woman and that woman is Syeesha. Syeesha is under the impression she is being hired as Jade’s assistant, but of course Jade has other plans. Will Syeesha give in to the enticement of money or will she stand on her morals?

What a juicy plot, no? I was really intrigued by the web that the author has weaved in this book. Even though it is a story of two women from “different sides of town” they are placed in the same space to work out their personal baggage for all the readers to see. It also shows how, just because someone has it all doesn’t mean they are happy and content. No matter what our background, race or financial situation, we are all women with our share of problems. I would highly recommend this book to all the “sisters” out there. Oh and wait until you read the ending; you won’t believe what happens.

Book Title: Other People's Heroes: The Heroes of Siegel City

Author: Blake M. Petit

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN: 9781463599072

I believe that interest in heroes is universal and eternal. ~Norman Spinrad

Joshua Corwood is a “regular” guy in a world filled with super heroes (Capes) and villains (Masks). The only saving grace in his mundane life is the fact that he gets to write about these extraordinary people in a newspaper called Powerlines. He gets to interview them and get their back story to share to the world, well his small corner of the world. Joshua secretly wishes he was a superhero, someone who could save the innocent and be a hero to all. In his pursue of the next big story he discoveries the tale of the millennium. Could everything he knows and ultimately loves about the Capes be a sham? And if it is should he tell others or keep it to himself? The life as Siegel City knows it will be changed forever if the story gets out.

Imagine a comic book story made into a book without pictures...this is the result. Not really heard of right, but it works so well here. I really enjoyed this method because it give the reader the opportunity to use their imagination to picture the characters and events. Each character, even the superheroes and villains, have depth and substance with very human-like personalities including their flaws. I loved the sense of humor sprinkled throughout the book along with the serious story line. A plot like no other keeps the reader engrossed and entertained with the pasting of each page. Recommended to readers of all ages especially lovers of comic books who are willing to see it in a different light and in a whole new way.

Book Title: Chasing Filthy Lucre

Author: Jarrett Rush

Publisher: Sixtwentyone Press

ASIN: B004SHFK2O

There is only one class in the community that thinks more about money than the rich, and that is the poor. The poor can think of nothing else. ~Oscar Wilde

Somehow the youth movement was elected to run things and the old government fell apart. RomaCorp then becomes the supplier of everything, but in order to get these goods you must have cash. Weber Rexell is always after the all mighty dollar, no matter what the job entails. Hence when the stuff hits the fan as he is working one such job, he takes on another opportunity as a data runner for the “greater good”. He is not alone in this task and if it is successful it will change the lives of everyone. That is just a small look into the world that Jarrett has made. Want to see more, then get the book...

I found this action packed book a fantastic futuristic story. It is just a tease into the future Jarrett has created. The story is short, but the story line with in it is huge. The reader will be so engrossed with the events, that before they know it, they have reached the ending. Oh what an ending. It leads one to try and wait patiently for the next in the series to come out. (Hint, hint Mr. Rush). Written in a no nonsense voice with no long wind descriptions and explanations. Just a note: the concept of being “plugged in” takes on a whole new meaning and not what we know it to mean.

Book Title: Lincoln's Diary

Author: DL Fowler

Publisher: Harbor Hill Publishing

ISBN: 9780615445533

Reviewed by Michele Tater For the Couch Tater Review

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. ~Abraham Lincoln

After Sarah's mother dies, she is left with the task of going through the house, that was home to her, her mother and grandmother for as long as she can remember. Also she is looking for clues about the mystery men in her life; her grandfather and father. Unfortunately, Sarah doesn't find anything but the journal of her Grandma Cassie. The journal becomes more than the thoughts and experience of her grandmother, however, so much more that someone is going to great lengths to get a hold of it. One mention in the journal, becomes a shocking and unbelievable piece of historical importance: that there is a diary written by Abraham Lincoln himself. As she tries to locate the before mentioned document a possible lead turns up murdered and Sarah is the main suspect. What has she gotten herself into? Will finding the diary help her find out who her grandfather and father were and in turn help her find herself?

I was pleasantly surprised with the reading of this book. At first I thought it would be too history involved and not entertaining at all. Boy, was I wrong. It has a suspenseful story line and a main character that the reader can see themselves going on quite a journey with. I would not stop at saying that it has twist and turns, it was more like swirls and tornadoes. The reader is not able to tell who is the “good” guys and who are the “bad” guys until the amazing written ending. I was even more awed that this the first novel from this talented author, which I hope means he has more books up his sleeve to entertain us with.

Book Title: Shadows and Dreams

Author: Joseph Lucilla

Publisher: Black Cove Press

ISBN: 9780578079684

We are imperfect. We cannot expect perfect government.

~William Howard Taft

John J. Rosko is basically anti everything, and has a bad opinion on everything and likes to talk about it to everyone. This book is his life story of sorts, with the emphasis being on him and his ideals. He loves the sound of his own voice and comes across as a pompous, arrogant person. Complaining about everything in life is his passion. The idea of anyone having a “good life” according to him is impossible. This coming from a man who insists that a man has to work to show his worth to the world, but lives a meager life so he doesn't have to work. In reading the back of the book, you make note that the main character is suppose to die, believe me you can not wait! Be warned it takes a long time for him untimely death and even then he finds things to complain about.

This book was just not for me. It was so full of blunt, rude and sometimes offensive language that I had a hard time finishing it. Say that the main character being long winded would be an under statement. Someone who is interesting in hearing someone downgrade everything and anything in life, this book is for you. Although I agree that this country is not perfect in many aspects, it is still the best to live in. Thank goodness that the author is from this country or his writing may have been banned in another. I must make a point in saying that the author's writing in itself is not bad at all, it was the subject matter and story line that I found not my cup of tea.