Santa Rita Stories by Andrew J. Rodriguez

Welcome to Santa Rita, a Cuban fishing town populated by a colorful cast of saints and sinners, con men and fishermen, athletes and hunchbacks, politicians and priests...where everyone eventually knows everyone else’s business and the collective memory reaches backward for generations. To help him unravel the deeply rooted traditions and gossip of this tropical melting pot, fifteen-year-old Carlos turns often to his friend Pedro, a foul-smelling, cigar-chomping vagrant who lives on the docks and is affectionately known as el Viejo—the Old Man. In the course of ten linked stories, Andy Rodriguez brings to vivid life the rhythms of daily life in mid-1950’s Cuba, and the transition from Carlos’s carefree, nurturing childhood to his awakening to the responsibilities—and possibilities—of young manhood. Carlos resists authority; but he can’t resist Pedro’s wisdom as the Old Man dispenses advice about everything from the proper method of romantic kissing, to how to avoid judging a book by its cover—dramatized by a tale of Ernest Hemingway and an encounter with a Nazi spy. By the final story, just as Carlos longs to escape the restrictions of a small town and spread his wings in the big city of Havana, we also long, right along with him, to linger forever in the magical, love-filled world of Santa Rita. (taken from the back of the book)

I'll admit, looking at the front cover, this isn't a book I'd pick up.  The description sounds alright though.  It sounds like the sort of book you'd sit back and read when you've run out of all the stuff you really are anxious to read, right?

Sometimes I'm a poor judge.  I thought for sure this book would just be an alright read, possibly even boring.  That wasn't the case at all.

The characters are not only realistic, but colorful as well.  Not only that, they portray the lost art of humanity.  They have rigid morals and a love for beauty and art.  Though there are some who are greed-infested and worthless, the others in the community don't think highly of them and you can tell by their reactions alone that that is neither the norm nor acceptable behavior.  Though Pedro was my favorite character,all of them had these wonderful little quirks that made you want to hold them tightly. Just being a part of their way of life made me feel like a better person.  It's a wholesome and loving environment that you just want to be around.  

You'll find drama and action and romance, but you'll find the real truth to life in here.  It's like a community of wizened individuals that hold all the secrets and keys to happiness, but dispersed among themselves and you have to pay close attention to glean the information from them.  

Andrew, I give you my most sincere apology.  This is not the book you want to hold back until you've read everything else you're anxious to read.  This is the book you want to curl yourself up in when you need to understand the world, humanity.  It's the book you want to grab when you want to feel a sense of home and joy.  It's the book you want to grab when you're feeling disconnected from yourself and just want to feel whole again.

I've read lots of books by self-proclaimed 'people watchers', but I have to admit I've never read one with this much soul before.  

Immortal's Discord by Ron Glick

The threat raised by Tarinel's Song has passed, but the prophecy is still unfinished. Once more, the unlikely heroes of the Eastern Realms are pulled into the path of destiny woven by this centuries' old divination. With only two verses of eight fulfilled, great portent is now given to the ancient predictions, yet still none understand when and where the elements of the prophecy will come to pass. 

A new dawn is coming to the Eastern Realms - a new God is destined to rise and a great tyrant is foretold to be defeated. But much must fall in the path of the prophecy, as well - including an extradimensional stronghold and even magic itself! 

Can the heroes of Tarinel's Song be able to reunite in time to save their world, or will the prophecy's demands be too great for mere mortals to withstand? (taken from Amazon description)


This is the second book in the Chaos Rising series.  Now, if you've read my review of the first book, Tarinel's Song, you know I found the first book a bit painful due to an over abundance of back story and history that I felt was unnecessary.  This book, however, completely makes up for that. 

We pick up right where the first book left off, mostly.  As we go from character to character and group to group, we find ourselves wondering just how many have survived.  Not only that, some of our characters are going through some pretty severe changes.  Characters that we came to know in the first book have been given new levels of depth.

The prophesy is revealed to be much more layered than first believed.  The cast of our remaining characters, along with some new ones, are not only trying to fulfill their part of the prophesy, but figure out how they can help stop the end of the world.  A new character pops in at the end that will cause them to question everything.

In this second book, I found that Glick did a good enough job filling in the history in the first one so that this one just flew by.  I was able to sit back and enjoy the journey without having to pull my head out and examine why something is the way it is.  Not only that, his story flow has greatly increased.  It almost feels like the first book was nearly painful for him to write, due to making sure everyone understood what was going on, but by the time he hit this book, he was finally able to start spewing forth the actual story he set out to write.

You'll find lots of extras in this second book as well.  There's a map and a few pages of names and other important information so that you can easily flip to the front of the book if you happen to forget who is who or what is what or where is where.  For me, the groundwork was laid well enough that I didn't use it at all, but it's nice that Glick went to the trouble of making it all.  It shows me that it's a completely formed world in his head and makes me anxious to read the next book.

One little teaser here:  At the end of the second book I had one of those 'ooooooooooh!' moments.  You know those moments where all of a sudden you realize that everything is on a much grander scale than you'd realized.  That moment when you know something incredible is about to happen and you should have seen it coming and didn't....yeah...it's all here :)  

Bring on the next one, Ron!!!

Tarinel's Song by Ron Glick

The world will end with the sounding of Tarinel's Song - or so the prophecy claims. Yet when the prophecy is fulfilled and the world continues on, it becomes clear that there is more to the prophecy than is commonly known. 

The fate of the world rests upon the shoulders of mismatched individuals drawn towards what seems to be the center of the crisis - a city at the heart of an empire, sealed off by magic beyond even the power of the Gods to control. But even if they are able to overthrow an unknown power within the city walls, will they be able to put an end to the chaos this harbinger portends? 

Tarinel's Song is set in the world of Na'Ril, the epic setting for The Godslayer Cycle. This first in a three book series explores how deities have evolved in another part of the world, and sets the foundation for events that will effect the world as a whole. (taken from Amazon description)

If you know anything about Dungeons and Dragons, then you have a lot of the background information necessary for this book. If that's your sort of thing, this is a definite series to pick up.  I had some issues with this first book, but after continuing on to the second, I can see that it's going to end up being a rather epic trilogy.  

In this book, the problem I have is that we have sooooo much background information.  If this is the sort of book you're into, then you already have a working knowledge of most of the information that drowns out the story in the beginning.  To make this a bit less dry for my reading, I simply skipped over a few parts. For example, I already know what a Drow is. Instead of reading it again, I was able to move on and continue with the beginnings of the saga.  

Now, there are a lot of new characters to learn and some of them get a bit confusing.  The world itself is pretty easy to understand.  Of course, it's always difficult when creating a new world with such a large cast of characters.  I think Glick actually did a pretty good job.  By the end of the first book, I had no trouble confusing them anymore and was able to have them set as individual characters in my mind.  Most of them could have used a bit more personality, but over all he did a pretty good job creating them.  They're what you would expect of this sort of journey, but I think a little more work on them could have made them 'pop'.  

If anything I've said here has turned you off, then please take a moment to read my review for Immortal's Discord, the second book, before making up your mind. 

The Reluctant Jesus by Duncan Whitehead

The year is 1999 and the millennium is fast approaching.  Baseball fan and thirty two year old confirmed bachelor and architect, Seth Miller, is content with his life, as long as the Yankees win and his mother stays away from his Greenwich Village apartment.  Seth's life though, is turned upside down when he is informed by his overbearing and over protective mother, that he is actually God's youngest son; and by default the second coming of Christ.

Initially convinced that his parents are crazy, his thoughts of their committal to a suitable care facility are superseded when he receives an unsolicited telephone call from God himself.  With Armageddon fast approaching, and due to some poor editing and proof reading of the Bible, Seth must assume the role of Christ and fight God's corner in the 'Final Conflict' between good and evil.  Despite his initial reluctance and attempts to shirk his new responsibilities, God is insistent and Seth is cajoled into undertaking the role of Messiah.  (taken from the back of the book)

If you are offended by the title of the book and/or the description, stop reading right now.  Don't pick up the book.  Simply move on to the next thing.

Now, if you're intrigued like I was, sit back and relax because this is going to be an unusual trip.

Before reading, preparations must be made.  Make sure you're fully rested, the babysitter is handy, and your phone is fully charged and sitting in your lap.  Now, you may proceed.

This is unlike anything I've ever read.  From the moment I picked it up, I was slack-jawed and captivated.  You know that look you get when the most dull person you've ever heard makes the funniest joke ever?  That's the expression I wore throughout the entire book.  Duncan is anything but dull, though.  It's just surprisingly funny.  Just when you think things can't possibly get any odder, they do!  You find yourself entertained and confused and it's just wonderful fun!

I got a great workout while reading this book.  I can't tell you how many trips I made to my son's room or to find where I'd left my phone.  Some things have to be shared as they're experienced.  You read a section and you're so shocked and surprised that you just can't contain it.  You have to tell someone else.  An entire line of people are waiting to read this book since I've plagued each of them with random parts of it.  It's preposterous and possible at the same time.  

My worry with this book is that there will be some out there that consider it blasphemy.  Take it for what it is.  It's an entertaining 'what if' story.  Entertaining doesn't quite cover it.  Though there are some laugh out loud funny parts, most of it is an experience.  Duncan has a way of making the most impossible seem plausible and you're left shaking your head in wonder.  

Take a few hours from your life to share with Seth.  You'll find failed miracles, talking animals and even some Space Invaders.  Seth isn't the Messiah that God planned him to be, but just wait until you meet the anti-Christ.   Things are not what they seem and just when you think you have a handle on it, the rug will be pulled out from under you.  Actually, that's a lie.  There is no point in the story when you think you have it all figured out.  

Personal Note:  Duncan, you didn't just make me smile, you made me grin and made me fall in love with your work.  Thank you so much for sharing with me :) I can't wait to see what's up next :)

Dads of Disability by Gary Dietz

Before you begin, let me say that this is the most difficult book I've ever read and reviewed.  Also, I'd like to apologize ahead of time because this will be a personal post as well as a review, and chances are it may end up a little lengthy.

Children.  Whether you have them or not, you have some in your life.  They're our future.  They're our purpose.  For most of us, the reason we get out of bed each face each day is in the hopes of making a better life for those little bodies.  They bring us grief and joy and make us look at the world in a whole new way.

From the moment of realization that a child is about to come into the world, people start to dream.  He'll be a famous football player. She's going to be a chess wiz.  My twins will be the first to co-president the United States.  We build up these ideas in our head of what our children will be.  We think of what we will teach them.  We plan.  We plot.  We fantasize about all the wonders that are about to invade our future.

But...what happens when the vision isn't what you planned?  The lawyer that you planned on having has been born nonverbal.  That football player you dreamed up will never step foot on solid ground and needs help just getting into his wheel chair every day.  That baby that you spent months waiting to just hold and smell and kiss is in an incubator and won't gain weight.  Touching your baby could cause the end of their life.  What happens when the dream is shattered before it even begins?

I can tell you from experience and years of therapy and research.  We have to mourn the death of our dream child so that we can embrace the life of the one that we've been given.  It's one of the most difficult things to do as a parent.  Some people are able to do this quickly and others never reach this stage.  

The most recent testing that I've read states that one in every four children is born with some form of Autism.  That's just one disability.  Most of us are familiar with Down Syndrome.  There are so many more disabilities that we aren't informed of.  Extra chromosomes can form on any strand of DNA.  It can also be that a chromosome is missing or mutilated.  There's brain damage.  Physical deformities.  This is still just scratching the surface.  

Having a special needs person in your life is difficult.  Yes, it's definitely rewarding and worth every second.  It presents challenges that are hard to face for the simple fact that they're unexpected.  Each day brings something new and you don't always know how to cope.  It's hard for people to give you support if they haven't lived with it because they simply can't understand what you're going through.  It's hard to get help even with a babysitter because people will be frightened.  What if they don't take the proper care of your child and something happens?  What if they don't know how to handle a melt down?  One of the children I met was a year old baby with Trisomy 18.  This child had spent his entire life in a hospital and would never be allowed to know what a home is.  His parents and siblings obviously had to make great sacrifices in order to give this baby the best life possible under the circumstances. 

Dads of Disabilities is a compilation of stories that Gary has put together.  Some are written by him, some are by other men, and some are even written about men but by women.  Each one has a common thread.  It's the story of a man who is having to deal with one of the realities of having a child with a disability.  

The reason this was so difficult for me to read is that each story hit me hard, in my heart.  I've lived through nearly every one of these scenarios.  After reading each one, I had to take some time to absorb what I'd read and take a little time to...well to heal.  Just knowing that someone else has gone through the same trials and knowing that they've felt the same feelings is overwhelming.  Having the support of some person you've never met can mean the world.  Knowing you aren't the only parent that's ever burst into tears when someone begins to show pictures of their children in their sports gear. I found myself crying as I read each story.  Don't get me wrong.  This isn't a sad book at all.  It's actually incredibly uplifting.  The reason I found myself crying was not what you'd expect.  After a trauma, once your body relaxes, and the shock wears off, crying is the next stage.  That's what it was like for me.  Each story that I read and absorbed and took the time to feel helped a little of the shock on my heart to wear off.  I could feel the weight and heaviness lifting from my soul.  

For me, this book was a tool of healing and faith.  My story is different from yours.  It may not serve the same purpose for you.  I imagine that for most of you it will become one of the most valuable tools for support.  Just the reminder that you aren't alone can be all it takes to restore your sanity some days.  It's not an easy road.  It's far more exciting than most roads, but it's not easy.  Every bit of help you get will smooth the way a little bit.

If you have a special needs child, I can't imagine not having this book.  I can't tell you the difference that it has made in me.  I  know I've been typing for quite awhile, but I really can't stress the changes in me.  Those that are closest to me have noticed that my heart has begun to thaw in all areas.  It doesn't matter if you're a mom or a dad.  This book has a story you need to read in it.  You may not go through the same situations, but I guarantee you or your spouse will go through similar ones.  Being able to understand what you're each coping with will be one of the most valuable tools in working together to keep your family as strong as possible.  

I can hear some of you out there saying you don't have a special needs child and don't know any and so this book has no significance to you.  Wrong.  Believe it or not, this isn't just about special needs children.  It's about the fact that our children aren't always what we imagine they'll be and we have to learn who they are and embrace it.  It's about that as parents we have emotions that we sometimes feel guilty about, but it's normal.  It's about people helping people to get through the hardships of life.  Just having that one person you can call and cry with when your nine year old child says their first word. Or, you may be the person who ends up with the parent of a disabled child who's have a mini breakdown.  Unless you understand where they're coming from, there's no right way to handle it.  It can be shocking and scary.  There's no such thing as being too informed or too aware, especially when it comes to your fellow man.

Now, I want to assure you that there are lots of possibilities for support and if one fails, please go to the next one.  Don't feel that it's hopeless and you're in this alone.  There are family and friends.  Many communities have support groups set up and you can make a simple phone call to find out how to get in touch with these.  There's always therapy or counseling or your local pastor.  For me, this book is such a valuable tool because it's right there when you need it.  It's sort of your guidebook.  If it's 3 AM and you have to be up for work in 2 hours and once again your child simply can't sleep, you're alone and don't want to wake anyone, simply grab it and give it a read.  It'll remind you that you aren't alone and that others have been blazing this trail.  You're just helping them to widen it for the future generations.

On a personal note:  Gary, thank you for being so patient with me during this.  What I thought would be a simple read and review really wasn't and I appreciate your understanding.  Also, I apologize for underestimating the power of your project :)

Impetus by Scott Sullivan

When the world first heard about the meteorites, it was already too late. 

Ten arduous years later, Mick and his small group of eight had adapted to the new way of things. With no clean running water, power, or forms of communication, the Earth went backward, taking with it almost everything they held dear. Survivors like Mick were forced to do the best they could with what they had. Because in the post-Impact world, alternatives were a luxury that no one could afford. 

Now a deadly virus promises to finish the job the space rocks failed to. 

With the clock ticking down on their lives, Mick will navigate the deceitful webs spun by those that oppose his drive for salvation. And along his quest to prevent another catastrophe, Mick will rediscover what it truly means to be human. (taken from Amazon description)

This is the first book that I've read by Scott, but I can guarantee it won't be the last.  There's a great reason why people are giving it five star reviews.  It's excellent.

The best part of this book for me, is that I forgot I was reading.  I was a spare person in this torn-apart world, an unnamed character myself.  I became so lost that I forgot it wasn't real.  I was merely the reader of a story.  Along with everyone else, I was waiting breathlessly to see what cruel thing life would throw at me next. I was hopeful, heartsick and infuriated at the injustice.

Also, I was really impressed by the 'wholesome' storytelling.  You'll find no swear words here.  You'll find no lewd sex scenes.  You'll find no gratuitous violence.  Scott's world is real and raw.  The story itself is shocking. It's about desperation and hope.  It's human nature at both its best and worst.  He didn't know to throw in any shock factors because the world he's created has enough of everyone to satisfy even the most avid adventure seeker.  The overpowering emotion and dire circumstances easily upstage any 'shock factor' I've encountered in a book.

It's difficult to convey in words, sometimes, exactly what I want to explain.  To simplify, think Walking Dead without the zombies.  We have strongly-built people, not just characters, but people.  We have a dystopian society in a cruel and harsh world, just trying their best to survive.  This was a three thumbs up read for me (yes, I borrowed a hand!) and I look forward to reading more.  This is an author for my keeper shelf.

The Flip by Michael Phillip Cash

Reviewed by Carrie Anne

Julie and Brad Evans are house flippers.  They buy low, clean out the old occupant's junk, and try to make a profit.  Enter Hemming's House on Bedlam Street in scenic Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island.  Too good a deal to pass up, but with an ominous secret.  The old Victorian mansion has dwellers that do not want to be dispossessed.  As the house reveals its past, will the couple's marriage survive The Flip?  (taken from the back of the book)

This is the first book I've read by Michael Phillip Cash, but it definitely won't be my last.  I love a good horror story, good mysteries, and historical fiction.  This had it all - even romance- in an easy to pick up, quick to read story.

The characters were instantly recognizable and relatable.  Who hasn't gotten in over their head on a project, finding they aren't themselves under stress?  Of course, I doubt most of us have ghosts interfering!  In this case, we even know how the ghosts feel, a new twists on the horror genre.  I say  horror, but there's no gore, though the interactions between ghost and human are rather disturbing.

The descriptions of the home, and the secret treasures within, will make you want to start flipping, too, especially if you can find a home with hidden rooms and boxes of forgotten stuff.  How exciting!

I've already recommended this book.  I enjoyed it that much!  I'm also looking for a little input on the end of the book.  There are characters called the Sentinels that seem to be helping the ghosts move on, but I'm wondering if there's more to their story?  I'm even thinking about re-reading the book to see if I missed something, but it would be worth it.  It's not a story I want to just set aside and shrug my shoulders about.  I'd love your opinion if you decide to read it, too.