Reviews by mckait

mckait says "She was an intuitive and empathetic teacher" about The Music Teacher

mckait — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:08:10 GMT

This is a book that is rather hard for me to define. It is, most of all, a book about a woman that never really knew who she was. Even by age forty, Pearl was unable to define herself with any confidence. It seemed to me that she was moving purposelessly through life, waiting for someone else to tell her what her life's purpose was to be. This was perhaps due to the fact that she was allowed to drift through her childhood without the anchor of love and security that she craved.

An intuitive and empathetic woman, she taught music in a small music store. The other characters were mostly other musicians who put in some time working behind the counter of this small independent music shop. They were an idiosyncratic crew, brilliant like so many artists, and flawed like all people everywhere. Rather than developing any close friendships, they seemed to be at odds with each other, for the most part.

Pearl's interaction with the children that she taught was an important aspect of this novel . She......

mckait says "Political satire and inspiration in one entertaining read. " about American Savior: A Novel of Divine Politics

mckait — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:05:22 GMT

Jesus Christ for President of the United States. I expected this book to be entertaining, somewhat amusing, maybe Pratchett like. I was right. I was also wrong. This was a fascinating political satire that challenges our political system, the media and indeed our very culture.

It does this in a way that is certainly entertaining. At times it is amusing. But essentially, it is so much more. This book forces us to look more deeply into our beliefs, and the way we live and behave. It forces the reader to see that there are options and that perhaps more than options, possibilities.

What would the country be like if we chose kindness over cruelty. Generosity over greed. Truth over lies.
Compelling stuff. It had the effect of making me more dissatisfied than ever with the status quo. I miss more than ever, something that we never really had.

Read this book. It doesn't preach to you. It is a quick read, it won't strain your brain, it will make you smile. It is certainly an easy read. But when......

mckait says "a gripping, un-put-downable read" about Passage

mckait — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:14:38 GMT

This is a gripping story. The characters are realistic and compelling. Willis manages to tell this story about NDE research, that has you longing for an answer, yet nearly consumed with compassion for her characters.

Joanne is working on researches NDEs from a scientific and psychological point of view. She is hampered by the intrusion of an author who is more interested in selling books and saying what he thinks people want to hear than in producing an honest report of what happens during these near death experiences. He leads patients on and implants ideas, thus contaminating the information Joanne is trying to garner.

The arrival on the scene of yet another NDE reasearcher would seem improbable in a single hospital setting, yet somehow Dr Wrights appearance is blended carefully enough into the storyline that it makes perfect sense. He is researching near death experiences from a physical cause point of view. Joanna teams up with Dr Wright and things start happening pretty cquickly.

...

mckait says "parenting instruction for happier children" about The Resilient Child: Seven Essential Lessons for Your Child's Happiness and Success

mckait — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:37:34 GMT

The most important and compelling information this book provides, is what it calls the seven essential lessons that every person should learn. The lessons, which are each presented as a chapter in the book are:

1) The Value of Friends, Mentors, and the Support of Others
2) The Three Most Difficult Decisions
3) Teach Your Children to Take Responsibility for Their Actions
4) Making the Most Important Investment of a Lifetime: Invest in Your Health
5) Learn the Power of Optimism
6) The Importance of Faith
7) Follow a Moral Compass and Cultivate Integrity

In order to write this review, I was going to choose the one which I thought to be the most important. I found that I was unable to choose.

In a simple, clear and concise manner, this book explains to parents who feel that they are floundering without a manual to raise this little person, that very guide. In a non-judgmental way it suggests how to implement these lessons and make them a part of life.

This is going to be on my list of favorite things...

...

mckait says "This one will find its way to my all time favorite reads shelf" about The Lace Reader

mckait — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:15:59 GMT

Beginning this story is like leaning back into a soft feather bed on a winters night. I am breathless with anticipation as each page ends and I turn to the next. I want more, and I want it now. But also, I dread coming to the end.

I feel the breeze blowing my hair back from my face, and smell that northern sea. There is nothing like it. I watch the bricks of Salem passing under my feet. I am there.

Towner, is the main character. Her story is no less compelling or real than those of the others in the book. Eva, May, even Ann one of the more renowned witches in town all have their own equally strong personalities and stories. Mostly, it is about the Whitney family, life in a small town, and the injuries we all suffer as we make our way through life. It is the story of life through the eyes of Sophya, who takes the the name Towner in a desperate attempt to distance herself from things she cannot bear to remember.

May lives on Yellow Dog Island, and her home is a sanctuary for abused women. Emma,...

...

mckait says "A book for women, about women. " about The Safety of Secrets

mckait — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:52:57 GMT

This is a story about two young women who grew up together, both from dysfunctional families.
Patricia and Fiona met in first grade and became best friends. It was a friendship that endured throughout childhood, and even through both working in the dog eat dog world of acting. They were two little girls who learned to help each other through all of the bad times, and to share all of the good times.

But life often finds a way to come between the best of friends.

This is a story of how Patricia and Fiona find their way through life changing events, and what happens in their friendship in the end. This book is entertaining, the characters endearing and real. Some of us will find ourselves knowing just how the experiences described felt for us, others will wish they had a friend just like one of these women. And some will smile, knowing that they do.

I enjoyed this book. It is more than chic lit, it is a story for women about women. I would recommend it to a friend.

...

mckait says "I could not put this one down, fantastic read!" about Between Here and April

mckait — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:01:15 GMT

This was an extraordinary book in so many ways. The main character is Elizabeth, a young mother who stepped away from a successful career as a journalist to raise her young daughters.

The story begins when Elizabeth suddenly recalls an event from her childhood. When they were six years old, Elizabeth's friend April vanishes from her life. No one ever really discussed what had happened to April, or what had become of her. Only after research from that time brought to light that April had died. She and her sister were killed in a murder suicide by their mother. There are threads of post partum depression in Aprils story, and a mother who was without diagnosis or help, as it was not a recognized condition at that time.

This information comes to light when Elizabeth's daughters are the same ages as April and her sister. Although in the beginning one might think this is a story about April it is far more about Elizabeth. She is a young woman who has lost confidence in her marriage and her decisions....

...

mckait says "Short and rich stories for a summer read. " about New Stories Of The South 2008

mckait — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:33:21 GMT

For those who are lovers of the short story, or those who enjoy tales from the not so innocent south, this will be a good read.

The Bridge of Sighs takes us into the heartbreaking, gut wrenching world of Cattle Killers who visit "humane " death on steers raised to die.

The Ease of Living is about a desperate mothers attempt to keep her son from being affected by death, by sending him away. Providing distance between him and the death of two boys. Can we ever get far enough away from death?

The Candidate is the story of a single mother distracted, if only for a moment from her own small life.

Child of God and the ugly world of St Jude's. But is it truly ugly? Cannot some beauty be found in the darkest of dark places?

And there is more, so much more. Eighteen Stories filled with characters that we all have known or heard about. All told with the scent of magnolias in the background, and the tangible heat of a deep summer night.

If you have not been a reader of short stories, this is...

...

mckait says "sad and compelling" about Tomato Girl

mckait — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:14:50 GMT

I found this to be a well written story with characters who are both compelling and interesting. It takes place in simpler times, but was there ever such a thing? Ellie Sanders has had to grow up too fast. She lives in a world with a mother whose madness makes it impossible for her to care for Ellie as she should. Her father does the best he can, but it is not enough. Particularly when the tomato girl comes into his life and Ellie's.

Ellie takes care of herself. She sees things through a child's eyes, but with a vision distorted by fear and pain. Those eyes have seen more than any young girls eyes should see. Birth, death , betrayal , abandonment and murder are not small things, Yet Ellie sees or endures the knowledge of them all.

There are "angels" in Ellie's life, as in each of ours. Will they be in time to save her? Is there hope for Ellie in the end?

This is an advance readers copy, no photo available

...

mckait says "You will be glad to have this book within reach" about The Holistic Health Guide: Natural Care For The Whole Dog

mckait — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:34:13 GMT

Most of us who have dogs in our lives consider them part of the family. We all know how it feels to not know how to help them when they hurt. We have all been in a position where we just don't know where to turn. Even the simple questions can sometimes be difficult to answer.We are fortunate to live in a time when science has made great strides in dealing with health issues for not only ourselves, but our pets as well. We also have the benefit of the ancient wisdom of eastern medicine. With all of these opportunities why just take advantage of one or the other? Dr Doug helps to find the answers. He uses his experience with both Eastern and Conventional medicine to explain how a balanced body, mind and spirit is important not only to ourselves but to our canine companions as well. This is not only an informative read, but an entertaining one.

Are you questioning the need for vaccines? Do you wonder if you should use a flea treatment for your dog? Does acupuncture really work? What about those...

...

mckait says "A great Saturday afternoon read!" about No One Heard Her Scream

mckait — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:52:35 GMT

This was a wonderful read. Suspense, and romance is possible in one story, and you will get it here.
The characters are not only believable but compelling. Becca, a homicide detective has a sister who has gone missing. This tragedy in has affected her career and every aspect of her life.

When an opportunity arises for her to investigate a case regarding remains found in her own hometown, she puts every effort into resolving another family's tragic loss. In doing so, she begins to find her own strength and is able to confront and accept her own vulnerability.

A book is only as good as its ending, in my opinion. This book has an amazing ending. All of the loose ends are tied up. All situations are resolved. This is a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and involved in every chapter. The ending is an even bigger payoff.

...

mckait says "An incredible resource!" about The Journey To Pain Relief

mckait — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:59:52 GMT

Anyone who has ever endured pain for a length of time will understands how important it is to find relief.All too often, stretches ,heat, icing, and medications fall short. Many have learned to search farther afield for help and relief.

This book presents case studies, explanations of the reason for the pain, and a wonderful variety of treatments. The depth of understanding by this author is incredible. She offers options for treatment of everything from skin hunger, ( a very real condition resulting from the absence of touch) to neuralgia. Treatments are suggested relevant to the conditions discussed. .

Since many of us are using alternative treatments more and more often, this book is an invaluable resource . Treatments we have heard about but may not be familiar with, such as laser treatments, acupuncture, TENS machines and more are explained in simple easy to understand. The mind body connection is addressed and the importance of emotional well being for good health is presented with...

...

mckait says "Maybe it helps if you are a middle aged man?" about Off The Deep End

mckait — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:02:47 GMT

This is a story of a man who somehow never managed to grow into his own life.

As a youth he had a dream of swimming in the Olympics, but his father did not support the idea.
Giving up his pursuit of Olympic fame and joining the Peace Corps did not give him the satisfaction or the notoriety that he craved.

Year followed excruciating year, college, marriage and children. Still he swam, but never seemed to derive any pleasure from the activity. At the age of forty one, his dream revived and he once again began to train to be an Olympic swimmer.

Maybe it helps if the reader is a middle aged man. As I turned page after page searching for a reason to continue reading, I became more angry with this man. He had a somewhat stable and successful career, but could have achieved so much more if he could focus on reality and be a man with a family who loves to swim. Even a man who enjoys competing.

To me, he comes off as a selfish, self centered individual who ignores the responsibility he took on when he...

...

mckait says "Sweet, sad, entertaining " about Playing With The Grownups

mckait — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:10:56 GMT

This was really an interesting read. The children , Sam, Violet and Kitty are innocent and filled with joy during the days they live in Hay with Bestmama and Bestpapa, their grandparents. The household also includes two aunts, a nanny, and their mother, Marina.

Sadly their innocence comes to a sad and abrupt end When their mother makes some poor choices. It is clear from the beginning that Marina is not blessed with an iota of common sense, and her love for her children seems more an act than a fact. It is Nora, the nanny who provides them with stability and nurturing.

After becoming involved with a cult, Marina chooses to live her life according to Swami-ji, and to do exactly as he says is right for herself and her daughters. This begins with uprooting them from the loving family and haven like home they have always known and taking them far away.

This is really Kitty's story, but of course a child's story is always built on the family she is born to. We see Kitty going from innocent child,...

...

mckait says "Entertaining guide to healty eating " about The Dinner Diaries

mckait — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:06:47 GMT

A real family, a real dilemma. How to eat in a healthy way, and still enjoy food.
And what is healthy eating anyway? Who to listen to?

Betsy Block's enchanting family and endlessly witty presentation made every page an adventure!

Not only does she tell the story of her family's journey to good health, but she honestly admits to her own foibles and stumbles along the way. Every chapter made me laugh. Confounded by the picky eaters, and her family's, and secretly her own, love of fried foods she struggles to find the perfect groove for her family.

But, besides entertaining you, this book will educate you. You will learn about additives that go into our food supply and how what we eat makes its precarious way to our tables. Sometimes you will feel it is way too much information, but it is information we all need.

I not only recommend this book, but it will become one of the books I give to friends with families.. and those without.

...

mckait says "Encouragment for women working with Autoimmune Disease" about Women, Working and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working Girlfriend!

mckait — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:46:33 GMT

This is a book meant to encourage women who suffer from autoimmune disease, and help them navigate through the labyrinth of the workplace. It does this in a variety of helpful ways.This is an anecdotal offering, which I usually enjoy. Seeing how real people face a problem and deal with it can be very educational and uplifting, as well as encouraging. The stories included in this book are all of these. I began reading with great curiosity and hope that certain friends of mine would find the information helpful, and I am certain that some will.

In addition to suggesting ways that woman can work around their illnesses and continue in the workplace, if that is what they choose to do, it seems to push women in that direction, rather than just encouraging them to make their own choice. I was startled by what was said about young women who decide to choose their families over a career while their children are young. To work or not to work is a very individual decision, It is one based on any number...

...

mckait says "You will fall in love with these characters" about Dorothy On The Rocks

mckait — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:41:41 GMT

This is a story about Maggie Barlow. At first, Maggie seems to be a self centered and immature woman heading into middle age drinking too much, smoking to much and having promiscuous sex.

Maggie is an entertainer who makes a living doing voice overs and commercials at times. Most often she pays her bills by participating in a children's theater group. The group is made up of down on their life actors who seem to have outlived their dreams, but not their pain. But as I continued to read, I realized that they had stories. They were survivors. They had lived through loss and hardship, and lived to tell about it, and their stories are worth hearing.

Maggie herself is recovering from a staggering loss. She has been thrown off the track of her life when she loses her great friend and partner, and is struggling to regain control of her life.

She finds love, and recognizes that she has friends, good friends. She even has a fairy god-queen. All of whom ultimately help her begin to grow into her life....

...

mckait says "Teenage girls will love this one" about Gossip of the Starlings

mckait — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:23:51 GMT

This is definitely a book for the younger female reader. The main characters are prep schoolers.
I was hoping to like this book more. There is a lot of sneaking around and boarding school antics. There are horses, drugs and sex. Boarding school, sex and horses, made it seem rather formulaic, as if it were made to order for the young teenager.

Skye, is a senators daughter, Catherine is the one with the horses and blue ribbons. Susannah is Catherine's sometimes overshadowed best friend. They party, they use coke and pot, and they suffer the usual teenage angst. Then things become sticky, when a jealous lover uses information he has to create legal issues for the senators daughter, and chaos ensues.

...

mckait says "You are not alone, and you can heal!" about Dealing With Your Anger

mckait — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:36:22 GMT

Early on the book asks, if it will be beneficial for the reader. The answer is that for men who have anger, issues or someone who knows or lives with a violently angry man, if you work with or train men with this characteristic, or are you simply someone who ha an interest in the subject, yes. It is a book for you . You will find explanations of what anger is, and what the connection to violence is. Reasons that men become angry, even violently angry are discussed.

How culture and family can affect how a man might deal with anger are looked at. Levels of anger and how to understand what level of anger you reach is discussed as well as suggestions on how to deal with your anger.

Recognizing, dealing with and most importantly healing your anger are addressed. Alternate ways to release the energy build up which is what anger really is, a huge burst of emotional an physical energy.

This book does not take a judgmental view of those who suffer from uncontrolled anger, rather if offers positive...

...

mckait says "A charming, entertaining read" about The Widows of Eden

mckait — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:44:02 GMT

This is not a book that can be summed up in a single descriptive sentence.
Christian fiction? Sort of, it certainly has its share of religious references, but it is never preachy.
Chic lit? Sort of, I see more women reading this one than I do men.
Charming? absolutely! Witty? Its that ,too. A mystery? You will find more than one mystery between these pages.

Wilma is down home good ol' gal funny, The characters from Loretta, to Clare to Clem and Buford are all
trite and improbable, unless you have ever lived in a very small town. Not everyone is big city savvy and chic.

There really are quilting circles, ladies clubs, ad friends who have each others back. Just like in this book. Perhaps Vern Moores and widows in RV's who can read minds and obliquely promise miracles and fortell the future are less common, but mores the pity.

This is a simple story. Rich with improbability but that is its charm I recommend it even if this is not your usual fare. You just might be surprised

...