Between Life and Death by David Pyle

James Earl Williams has a fresh start finally.  Having lived through the gangs of New Jersey protecting his younger brother best he could, he met his legal problems head on and now he is finally free to go to college and begin his adult life.  Somehow, his new beginning is not at all what he envisioned.  He meets Jolie – a beautiful young woman who is just as attracted to him as he is to her. 

All could be good with the world still … but then there’s the persistent click click click sound… the grave robberies … the evil being lurking in his dreams … an old woman … and epic battle!

James doesn’t know which way to turn and finds himself fighting not only for his life but for his very soul and the souls of his loved ones – both past and present.  It will take him and his entire family to face this evil; some will live, some will die and some … will be between life and death! 

David Pyle has created a southern world filled with familial ties, supernatural beings, action, mystery, voodoo and even the walking dead!  Between Life and Death has something for everyone.

Pyle very smoothly walks us through a complex story with lots of people who are integral to the story.   Each character plays a pivotal role in the upcoming deadly battle of wills and good vs evil.  Although there is soul searching and transformations of a couple of key characters, the story flow is slow and natural.  No character is extraneous or useless, but rather each one enhances the transformation of James or another main character leading them into the final battle. 

Character development was solid. Each character was strongly developed leaving no doubt about where their loyalty lay. The reader could not help but grow to know and love some characters and despise others. Pyle executes vivid imagery in character and plot development.  This is not a story to be read at night, alone or during a storm.  Pyle strikes fear in the reader that goes deeper than the physical world – he takes fear to much deeper levels striking at one’s core beliefs.

Epic in length, this is a solid read that resonates with the reader long after it is over.   There were several plot twists and character discoveries that shock the reader.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I could not put it down.  I look forward to reading more by David Pyle. 

WorldsAPlenty gives this book, Between Life and Death, a five-star rating for its story line and ingenious blending of several genres into one story.

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Autism Belongs: School Daze Book 3 by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

Autism Belongs deals with several different issues – denial, cultural traditions, autism and violence.  Tomas has lost his job because Manny has been violent with his mother again; now jobless Maria and Tomas must face more difficulties each day.  On one of Manny’s good days they walk downtown and stop at a bakery where life for them changes.  There they discover they are not alone.  They find encouragement and a supportive system that understands and knows how to help them. 

Diagnosing Manny with autism is confusing and devastating but now Tomas and Maria and Manny have a lifeline – they have knowledge and people to help them through the process of learning and teaching Manny.  But first, they must cross other concerns before they all work together – cultural traditions that stand in their way as well as fear.  Ben, Mel, Kyle, Ellie and others carefully guide Tomas and Maris through the frightening parts helping Manny to become interactive and an active member of life.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell clearly understands what parents, family and friends go through when living with and working with children diagnosed as autistic.  She carefully weaves a fictional story around the harsh facts of autism, providing answers, guidance and a lifeline to those who face this disorder every day. 

Well written, Mitchell recognizes the importance of showing characters with the same fears, lack of experience/knowledge and feelings of denial.  Furthermore, she shows us the darker side of the disorder in this installment.  She promotes, successfully in my opinion, the need for more education and support for children and their families who suffer with Autism. 

Mitchell carefully develops each character and interaction with care and attention.  One cannot help but feel the emotional tug of Tomas, Manny and Maria.  Not to mention seeing the growth of Kyle and Ben from book one.  Amazing book! 

WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star review for Mitchell’s ability to weave fact and fiction together in an educational and thought provoking book series.  This book is highly recommended for everyone, all ages.  The layers within this book is awe-inspiring.

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Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

WordsAPlenty received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series is an easy to read book that follows the trials and tribulations of Ben and Kyle.  A new and single father, Ben is given sole custody of his son and is learning how to care for his son Kyle, a young child with autism.  A quiet workaholic CPA, Ben has to rearrange his work schedule, his home, his entire life to provide the care and attention Kyle needs. 

Entering into school was a shock for Ben, seeing the teacher responding to her students and the dangerous furniture.  Through the patience of the teacher and Ben’s growing love of Kyle, they both find the right tools, help and commitment to raise Kyle in an atmosphere that promotes his growth.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell lays out, in a fictional story line, different issues and styles for dealing with autism spectrum disorder.  Dr. Mitchell presents several different scenarios that those with autism face and their caregivers (parents, family, friends, teachers) as well.  Further she offers different tips and tools for coping.  Her attention to feelings and being “alone” in situations such as this is insightful and supportive.  The fears that parents and the children face with this disorder can be overwhelming, love and tenderness along with patience and changing one’s perspective is important.  Having never met anyone with autism before, I feel this book series has offered me a number of insights that will prove useful. 

This is the first in a series of books addressing the issues surrounding autism and it is an easy read, no medical or professional terminology; it is clearly well written and in a clear and concise style.  Dr. Mitchell builds each character giving them depth and a personality that the readers cannot help but love and feel passionately about as they each find their way through their struggles.

This is an excellent book in a series about autism and one I look forward to reading more.  Dr. Mitchell is a B.R.A.G. Medallion winner as well as a Gold Winner in the Realistic Human Relations Fiction Book category of the Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

It is obvious that Dr. Mitchell is well versed in the subject matter and has much to share with her readers.  WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star rating for its creative writing style and sharing of valuable information.

Click here to purchase. 

  

Darkshine by R.D. Vallier

I received this book with a request for an unbiased and honest review.  NOTE:  This author received an IndieBRAG Medallion for this book.

Everyone loves fairy tales, especially when they are caught in a situation that keeps them from experiencing life on their terms.

“Fairy tales had taunted my imagination throughout my childhood.  They made me believe anything was possible, from talking animals to granted wishes to flying carpets and candy homes.  But as I aged, those adults who had seduced my imagination with these tales ripped them away.”

Such was the life of Miriam, the wife of Sam and mother of none.  Miriam led a quiet, unassuming life being ruled by her husband, Sam and the demeaning voice of her long gone mother which kept her in line.  Of course her in-laws weren’t much better and for fifteen years, Miriam was a dutiful wife … then came the Chickadee, spiders and moths … then Orin and Delano.  Then the truth!

Miriam is thrust into a world that she had only known as fairy tales and her decisions turn deadly.  Will she survive? Who can she trust?  Who is good and who is evil?  Sometimes, the light and the darkness are not what they seem …

R.D. Vallier tells a wonderful story that takes several twists and turns while keeping the readers on the edge of their chairs.  Well written, the story line flowed smoothly as the plot moved forward.  Character development was strong and clear.  R.D. clearly created characters and a plot that readers connected with from beginning to end. 

R.D.’s descriptions and dialogs were fantastic with clear imagery.  She touches something inside each of us who believes in fairytales – fairies, gnomes, giants, talking creatures and more.  This is a fun book that will keep you reading from beginning to end and wanting to learn about Miriam’s next adventure! 

R.D. is an accomplished writer; a wordsmith of fantasy that captivates her readers completely.  This is a wonderful book!  WordsAPlenty gives this delightful book and author a five-star rating for its engaging style and creativity for bringing fairy tales to life in an enjoyable and exciting manner.

Interview with Elaine Russell, author of Across the Mekong River

An author of several books, three with Indie Brag Medallions.  An author for over 20 years, Ms. Russell draws from her travels weaving both culture and fiction together.  

1. What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

After learning about the harsh plight of the Hmong refugees who fled Laos after the Vietnam War and the difficulties they endured in adapting to life in the U.S., I wanted to tell their story. So few Americans know about the history of Laos and its role in the Vietnam War. Many don’t understand why so many Southeast Asians resettled in America. There are many excellent non-fiction books on the Hmong in America, but I hoped a fictional story might reach a wider audience. I wanted to write a story that would inspire more compassion and understanding for the challenges the Hmong and other Vietnam War refugees have endured. I felt the story was best told through the different voices of the older parents and their young daughter, as each faced unique experiences, which invoked very different emotional reactions. There is also a broader, universal truth in the story that extends to all refugees and immigrants coming to our great country. I hope I have achieved my goals. It is rewarding to hear from readers who say they never knew about this episode in history and now feel great empathy for what these refugees have endured.

2. What do you think most characterizes your writing?

I find myself writing most of my stories in first person narrative. It helps me to truly put myself in the position of my characters so I can understand their emotions, motivations, and hopes. I need to feel very close to their hearts and minds. I hope the readers will as well.

3. What was the hardest part of writing this book?

It took me a very long time to complete this novel, almost ten years on and off. I had to keep pushing myself to dig deeper and fill in the missing pieces until the book was truly ready to publish. I spent over six month working with an excellent editor to finalize the story, which was great but exhausting.

4. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved doing the research, which involved reading many resources and meeting dozens of wonderful Hmong, Mien, and Lao-Americans. I am so grateful to the people who shared their families’ experiences with me, which were often quite heartbreaking. They wanted so much for their stories to be told, and I was honored to do this. While my book is fiction, it is based on the true events of many different people.

5. How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?

I became interested in Hmong refugees when a number of Hmong children attended my young son’s elementary school in Sacramento years ago. About the same time, the Sacramento Bee published a series of articles on their resettlement in Sacramento. This was followed by my book group reading Ann Fadiman’s The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, a nonfiction book on Hmong beliefs in conflict with the Western medical system. And as if by serendipity, a young Hmong woman came to work in my husband’s office. She shared her story with me and introduced me to many of her friends. I traveled to Laos a few years later and became interested in the problem of unexploded cluster bombs left in the ground from U.S. bombing during the war. The bombs are still killing and maiming people all these years later. I volunteered with the U.S.-based nonprofit Legacies of War, which works to get more funding for bomb clearance. Through this work I met many Hmong and Lao refugees.

Tens of thousands of Hmong, Mein, and Lao, one third of the population of Laos, were forced to flee the country after it fell to a communist government following the end of the Vietnam War. Many ended up resettling in the U.S. after years in Thai refugee camps in dreadful conditions. Although I was a young woman during the Vietnam War, I knew virtually nothing about what had happened in Laos. I wrote several academic articles on this history and the wars aftermath during my work with Legacies of War.

6. Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?

I feel this story chose me rather than the other way around. I was a history major in college and have always had a keen interest in the way the past shapes our current world. I would call Across the Mekong River historical fiction (although some of the story takes place in more recent times). I am currently writing an adult novel that is also historical fiction set in 1901, but with a much lighter story. I also have written a children’s middle grade, mystery series, a young adult novel, and a middle grade nonfiction picture book on Thailand. I follow my heart in my writing what interests me, rather than selecting a particular genre. I love incorporating the history and culture of other countries in my stories.

7. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

I always loved reading from a young age. My mother took my sister and me to the library every week to pick out books. At about ten years old, I decided I wanted to be a writer (that is when I first read Little Women and wanted to be Jo). I would write funny short stories about my dog and my family. Perhaps it came from being a very shy child and spending a lot of time alone.

8. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing full time for over 20 years, ever since I was able to ease out of my day job (environmental and energy analyst) a few years after I had my son. In earlier years I wrote boring reports for work and dabbled in writing fiction.

9. What inspires you?

I take inspiration from nature, being in a quiet relaxing place where I can think and create. My husband and I are very fortunate to own a condo in Kauai, where we spend part of the year. It is my writer’s retreat. I do my best writing there without interruptions. The beauty of the ocean and landscape and the warm air sets my mind free.

10. What do you like to read in your free time?

I read mainly fiction – contemporary, literary, historical, and occasionally mysteries. Some recent favorites: All the Light We Cannot See, A Gentleman in Moscow, Girl Waits with Gun, and News of the World. Novels must be well written or I can’t get through them, not even with a clever plot. I also enjoy nonfiction at times. I read Up From Slavery and All the Great Prizes: The Life of John Hay this past fall.

11. What projects are you working on at the present?

I am currently writing a historical novel set in 1901 Denver, Colorado, with the women’s suffrage movement as the backdrop. It is based in part on my great-grandmother who was one of the early women doctors in Denver. I loved doing the research and learning about the events of the era, and how people behaved and dressed, their interests, etc. In the course of my research in Denver, I got to hold and read an original letter from Susan B. Anthony!

I am in the final editing stages and hope to have the book out in the next year or so.

12. What do your plans for future projects include?

For the last year I’ve been studying French to fulfill a lifelong desire to speak the language. The speaking part is still difficult for me, but I’m able to read and write a lot better. I want to write a novel set in French Colonial Laos. In order to research this period of time, I will need to read a number of books written in French. I love a challenge!

13. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wanted to write from the time I was young. English and writing were always my best subjects in school and writing clearly was one of my strengths in various jobs for my earlier career. I didn’t have the time, money, or dedication to really start writing until later in life. Now I wish I had been able to write earlier as I’m truly passionate about it.

14. How do you find or make time to write?

Finding time to write is always a challenge. At home I have to balance activities promoting my books and writing versus spending time with family and friends, studying French, and volunteering with several non-profit groups. Escaping to Kauai is the best guarantee that I’ll settle down and really work consistently.

15. What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has?

I’m not sure I have an answer for this one…

16. What book would you like to write but haven’t or can’t yet?
I have so many ideas for books, but I’m not sure how I’ll get to them all. I take it one book at a time. I have one novel in particular I’d like to write that is inspired by my husband’s family history, but I’m hesitant to write it while all the relatives are still around. We’ll see…

Click here to visit Ms. Russell's author page.

Alternatives to Spanking: A Parent's Guide to Effective Discipline by Larry Mickelson

Larry Mickelson offers some guidance on how to discipline children.  Mickelson presents a well-structured argument listing the pro’s and con’s against spanking while offering up some alternative methods of disciplining children of all ages.  He further points out the need to have a united front; one that he acknowledges is difficult to maintain at times. 

His sense of humor peppered in with solid advice is a treat to read.  This is a book that all parents should read and determine their method of discipline.  The approaches he focuses on in the book are effective and challenging.  Anyone who has tried to stay one step ahead of a teenager knows how difficult this can be most of the time.  Mickelson shares that he too has had those same difficulties.  His book is down to earth and easy to read.  No one likes to physically discipline their children and he offers multitudes of different approaches that are valuable and instructional. 

Mickelson’s writing style is smooth and flawless.  He presents his arguments and then supports them from beginning to end.  This not a dull boring instructional type of parenting book, but rather one that is lively with humor, acknowledges the difficulties of rearing children as well as supportive.

I tried one of his techniques out on my 14-year-old grandson; we were talking and I inserted, “you will clean your room tomorrow,” and then closed with the rest of my comment.  He said, “Oh, yeah, mamaw I plan to clean my room … wait, what?” The look on his face was priceless … I then just looked at him with a neutral face and he talked himself into cleaning his room -  now that was three days ago and it’s not been done yet but I am confident it will be ... eventually.  The two techniques that Mickelson suggested worked well … my grandson hates when I use them because he doesn’t see them coming – I keep one step ahead for now.

Those who are/have been “spankers” might be a bit put off at first but Mickelson is persuasive and insightful.  This is a must read for to-be-parents and current parents.  Grandparents will benefit as well! 

WordsAPlenty highly recommends this book as being well written, strongly supportive and insightful. 

To purchase, click here.

Interview with Laurel Bragstad, Author of In the Comfort of Shadows

A B.R.A.G. Medallion winner for her book, In the Comfort of Shadows, Ms. Laurel Bragstad shared some of her goals, history, and writing secrets.  A writer of contemporary and historical romance.

What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?  

One of my intentions was to write a book that would interest women readers who are between 50-75 years old and present ideas related to dealing with haunting memories. My main goals were to deal with real-life issues of loss and regret, to honor my parents’ memories, and to honor my dad’s long-forgotten cousin by including some of his WW2 diaries. I feel like I achieved these very well.

What do you think most characterizes your writing?

I try to create realistic dialog and logical situations between characters. People have also told me that my book was a “quick read” – not because the writing was simple, but because they became involved with the characters.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?  

I used excerpts from the WW2 diaries of my dad’s cousin. I met my dad’s

cousin and acquired the diaries after he died. However, the diary entries were in small pocket notebooks; entries were not in chronological order, and some of the writing had faded over the years. So, first I had to use a magnifying glass to read the diaries as I typed them all out and put them in order. Next, I checked the dates and facts that were recorded in the diary pages just to be sure things like dates of certain battles and names of places were accurate for the entries I used verbatim. Since the author of the diaries is also one of the main characters (Emmett) and a family member, I also wanted to be sure I stayed true to his voice and memory.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I liked overlapping the stories of two main characters, Ann and Emmett, together. The characters are in the same family but a generation apart, yet connected by different threads of the same sad memories. I enjoyed developing their relationship, tying ends together, and bridging the generational gap.

How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?

My main character, Ann, is adopted. I am not adopted but my mother died when I was four and a half. I always felt a sense of loss—even though my dad remarried a wonderful, loving woman. My dad refused my questions about my biological mother and that saddened me over the years. Years later, as my father struggled against the cancer that would eventually take his life, I fantasized about someone who could and would answer all my questions. And when I met my dad’s elderly cousin, the “black sheep of the family,” he seemed to be the perfect choice for a character who knew the family secrets that Ann wanted to exploit.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?  If you write more than one, how do you balance them?

This was my first book. Since I spend way too much time writing or revising curriculum (instructions, exams, nonfiction text-type stuff) for my college courses – writing fiction is a wonderful and welcome change of pace.

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

Two things: First, whenever I had a question about anything as a child, my dad always said, “Look it up and you won’t forget” instead of answering my question. Second, I like a good mystery – that’s probably related to the first item here regarding asking questions and finding answers. Like storytelling, I see life in general as an ongoing journey for answers, something like problem solving mixed together with wishin’ and hopin’.

How long have you been writing?

I suppose I started in my twenties even though I was only writing bits and pieces just for me. My book took ten years to finish because of life interruptions of one sort or another. That’s an example of how I don’t write constantly.

What inspires you?  

I always find inspiration in my garden, where I constantly marvel at how each plant has its own personality. Some only bloom in shade, but does that mean they have dark personalities? Some only thrive in full sun or with lots of attention, but does that mean they are needy? Some flowers are stunning, too beautiful for words. Other plants actually stink, have sharp thorns, or cause allergic reactions if touched. Some provide sustenance for birds, bees, and other critters that scatter their seeds or pollen and insure the plant’s next generation. Some flowers last a long time after being cut and put in a vase while others seem to wilt at the sight of scissors. I can go on about these garden characters. But you probably get the idea.

What do you like to read in your free time?
Historical fiction, science-based nonfiction, stories with believable characters in logical but complicated situations.

What projects are you working on at the present?
I started a second novel, but I think I’ve written myself in to a corner with it. I need to work one character into and out of a situation… somehow.

What do your plans for future projects include?

Make more time for my own writing!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Not sure I can put a date on that. Seems to me the thought of writing was always there.

How do you find or make time to write?

This is always a problem for me. I teach a college course, I also have an online college course, I have two grandsons I love to spend time with, a garden in summer, and usually some kind of craft project going during the winter. But I try to snatch writing time here and there.

What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has?

Did you make the characters in your book older because you didn’t want to write about sex?

I suppose younger readers don’t want to think about how sex works between “older people,” and older people want to keep those secrets to themselves. So in that regard, I’m glad no one has asked.

What book would you like to write but haven’t or can’t yet?

To Kill a Mockingbird.  J  A forever relevant story with timeless social impact.

Click here to purchase her book, In the Comfort of Shadows.