via TURN YOUR BAD EXPERIENCES INTO A BEST-SELLING BOOK -PART TWO – written by Nicole Marie Weaver.

via Turn Your Bad Experiences into a Best- Selling Book- Part One – written by Nicole Marie Weaver.

Are you an author? Are you looking for a handy resource to help sharpen your skills as a writer? If you answered “Yes,” look no further. Please do not walk but sprint to get yourself a copy of Seize the Story by Victoria Hanley.

I have read many books on the craft of writing, in fact, too many to count. Seize the Story is by far the most comprehensible book I have read. Even though the book is a handbook for teens who like to write, anyone wishing to make his or her writing shine like diamonds will benefit from reading the book.

The book consists of fourteen chapters. The chapters can be read as a standalone depending on what you need the most help in. For example, I have read chapters six and seven at least a dozen times. The author gives concrete examples on how to improve your writing. My weaknesses are in writing dialogue and showing instead of telling; consequently, I have worked and re-worked that section of the books many times.

Seize the Story offers writers a realistic, detailed look on how to go about creating breathtaking one-of-a-kind stories. In my opinion, Seize the Story is the best book on the craft of writing.

My search is over; in Seize the Story, I have a handy manual that I can refer to time and time again. Seasoned writers will find the book useful if they are in need of brushing up on their skills.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-seize-the-story-by/#ixzz1j19M5z2j

via How to Become an Amazon Top 100 Best-Selling Author – written by Nicole Marie Weaver.

The Mason Jar written by James Russell Lingerfelt is a coming of age love story that will stay with me for a very long time. The author’s writing style drew me in right away. I finished reading the book in one day.

The story read like a long beautiful poem with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was there in person. The story chronicles the main character Finn’s first relationship with a fellow student named Eden. Finn fell madly in love with Eden, but unfortunately, Eden did not feel the same way about Finn.

Finn has a difficult time accepting that his relationship with Eden ended abruptly. As I read the story, I kept asking myself the question: What hidden message is the author trying to convey to the reader?

At times, I grew somewhat impatient with Finn’s obsession with Eden. Get over her already and move on to another relationship. It took me a while to figure out the author’s intent. Human relationship is a very complex thing, and one must find closure before complete healing can begin. One can spend a lifetime wondering why a person acted a certain way, but until you take the time to find a resolution, you can waste a lot of time and energy with ill feelings of despair. I learned a valuable lesson from reading this well written book. Do not spend too much time wondering why. In the case of Finn, he could have saved himself many years of despair if he had taken the time to confront Eden on her sudden decision to end their relationship.

I loved the relationship Finn had with his grandpa. The author did an outstanding job portraying how his grandpa helped shaped him into a man of good solid morals. Here is an excerpt of a letter Finn’s grandpa wrote to him:

Finn,

I know right now all you can see is the pain. So, I’m not sure the words I say to you will resonate. But know that feelings just are. Experience them. Don’t deny them or push them away. If you do, it will come out through other avenues like short-tempers and sharp answers to friends and loved ones who don’t deserve to be mistreated.

We do not deny our experiences, good or bad. We must embrace them. They are a part of who we are. The point is to keep from dwelling on the past or holding on to the bad times. This way, we don’t lead ourselves into resentment, cynicism and bitterness. If we want to get angry and scream at God because we think it’s His fault, that’s okay. He can handle our anger. God might not appear to care, but He does. He promises us that. We can give up on Him and walk away, but how much better off will we be?

Understand, son, that we can only help those who have hit rock bottom when we ourselves have seen existence through that same lens. Therefore, you can use the pain you’ve experienced to ease the pain in others.

-Grandpa

Finn’s grandpa gave him solid advice that he later applied by traveling to Nairobi, Africa to help run a street children ministry. I found it very refreshing that Finn could find his calling by giving himself to service by helping the less fortunate street children in an impoverished, country of Nairobi. The lesson learned is there is always someone must worse off than you.

I am hugely impressed with the fact that sales through Pepperdine University in 2012 will go to fund student scholarships to Pepperdine since the author is an alumni and wishes to give back to the school.

If you are looking for a superficial Hollywood ending, this book is not for you. However, if you want a realistic ending that will make you appreciate what life is all about, then I urge to pick up a copy of The Mason Jar.

I applaud Mr. Lingerfelt loudly, for he has penned a very well written book that I plan to read again and again.

For more information about the author, please visit his website: http://jamesrussell.org

The Last Page in a Diary is the first historical fiction I have ever read concerning internment camps during World War II. The author chronicles the evils of placing Japanese Americans in camps during World War II. She does an outstanding job relating the story in a simple way that any child reading the story will understand what went on so many years ago.

On page eleven, the author made a profound statement that made me stop to think about the evils of prejudice.

“When there’s prejudice — innocent people often get hurt.” This statement rings so true to me since I have been a victim of racial prejudice, and I know how it can destroy a person, if he or she is not strong. Luckily, Yoshi (Mike) is a remarkable young lady who gets her strength from God, and that strength helps her endure the hatred lashed at her and her family.

A second statement found on page twenty-three that made me stop to think:
“Don’t blame the kids too much. Their parents teach them the hatred and prejudice.” Like the old adage — the apple does not fall far from the tree. People that are prejudiced had to learn it from home. Sad but very true, the only thing one can do is to find a way to not let the hatred turn you into a bitter person.

I also enjoyed the Christian message the author tried to relay to the readers. Yoshi (Mike) learned to give all her cares to God even though kids from her school ridiculed and made her life difficult because she is Japanese American.
Patricia Kelly (Pat) on the other hand blames God for Yoshi’s troubles. She went through a time where she loses trust in God, but in the end comes to see that God is still with her.

I applaud the author for writing such an important book. The only way to avoid the same mistakes of history is for authors to write and keep on writing these stories repeatedly. In my opinion, it is a good idea for today’s children to read about injustices in our past.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-last-page-in/#ixzz1hpziBPqk

Her newest, The Doll Violinist, will appeal to all little girls. It tells the story of Emma, who sees a doll in a shop window.

Emma lives in an orphanage and every night; she slips out to admire this beautiful doll.

The suspense builds as night after night she visits the shop, each time not knowing if someone will have purchased the doll.

This well-written book warms my heart, because there are many lessons to be learned from it.

The upcoming holiday season, is a reminder that many children are not fortunate enough to have parents who can purchase gifts for them. These children have to depend on the generosity of kindhearted strangers to provide them with Christmas gifts.

The story reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time to reach out and give to the less fortunate. It is also a time to have compassion for the homeless and orphans like the main character Emma.

Will Emma get her wish? Will someone purchase the doll? These questions ran through my mind as I read the story. The ending will bring tears of joy to your heart.

Additionally, this story will pull at your heart, and it will inspire you to go donate tons of toys to your local orphanage this upcoming 2011 holiday season.

Amy Moreno did a fine job bringing this wonderful story to full life. The illustrations really help the reader see the story come to life.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-doll-violinist-by/#ixzz1eJFEBc7w

I absolutely hate snakes, especially garter snakes. I know they are harmless, but the thought of a slithering creature roaming in my garden sends me off running. If you are one that loves snakes, then I highly recommend Janet Halfmann’s newest book: Garter Snake at Willow Creek Lane.

Even a snake hater like me enjoyed reading this delightful book. The author does a great job introducing the young reader to the life cycle of the garter snake. This informative book will teach the young reader all he or she needs to know about the garter snake.

The mother garter snake leaves her snakelings on their own, and the baby garter snakes must fend for themselves. Week after week, the baby snacks on earthworms, insects, snails, and slugs. Soon the baby snake turns into a larger snake.

This well written book is part of the Smithsonian’s Backyard series, which have been developed under the direction of curators for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Young and old will delight in the full-page, full-color illustrations by Anne Wertheim. The back page contains valuable information “About the Garter Snake,” along with a glossary and a list of points of interest in the book. A free read-along audio book is available for download at the publisher’s website.

After reading this informative book, I have gained many new insights about the garter snake. The next time I see a garter snake in my garden, I will not be afraid, I will think only about the interesting life cycle of this wonderful creature.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-garter-snake-at-willow/#ixzz1cNC6k2Gr

Are you looking for a great book to read to your child? Do you like curling up in a warm blanket next to the fireplace while you read to your child? If you answered yes to both questions, I highly recommend you getting a copy of Jill Warren’s first picture book Abe’s Lucky Day.

The story is about Abe, who is a homeless man who lives in an alley behind a bakery. The story will warm the hearts of both young and old.

We now live in a culture that perpetuates greed; it is heartwarming to read about a person who is willing to put aside his own needs. His compassionate heart compels him to put others first. That is very selfless of Abe to reach out to others who have the same need as him.

There are many lessons that children and adults can learn from reading this book:
1) It is a good thing to help those in need.
2) Never give up hope.

Abe is not your typical homeless man; the story does not tell how he became homeless. The story focuses on his kind nature. And while I love the message of the story, I do have to caution parents to explain to their child that not all homeless people are as kind as Abe.

The illustrations are very colorful. My only concern is that Abe’s clothes are not tattered enough for someone who lives in the street. In my opinion, Abe’s clothing is too clean looking and does not represent a true homeless individual.
Overall, Abe’s Lucky Day is a great book for children to read and learn the important lesson of helping those in need.

Lastly, Abe is rewarded in the end for his compassionate deeds towards others. This is a great lesson for children to learn and understand.