Come by the store to sign up.
Read pre-released books.
Write a review.
Review of The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans.
The book is a quick read and a very special Christmas gift for anyone who is looking to have their spirits lifted at this special time of the year. For me, this book involved laughing, crying, and anger at some times. It would be a perfect holiday gift. The book gives us a lesson on how we should treat others as the author writes from his heart; and he captivates his audience and gives us a lesson in forgiveness.
The book is about real estate mogul, James Kier, who gets a chance to read his own obituary and also how people felt about his death before he dies. This friendless, ruthless man is shocked by the horrible things people wrote about him. He is so touched by the way people felt that he decides to do something about it. He asks his assistant to make a list of the five most recent people that he has hurt in some way. He takes this list and begins getting in touch with them, and is shocked at how these people receive him. The story goes on from there with a heartwarming tale of forgiveness.
I highy recommend that you read this book and then give it to someone who will be blessed by it.
Thank you to Larry Insko for this review.
Review of 109 Forgotten American Heroes by Chris Ying and Brian McMullen.
Before September 11, 2001, the word "hero" has fallen from favor. A generation raised on Vietnam and Watergate seemed to notice clay feet more than a notable feat. Since that infamous day, however, the tendency is far more toward calling anyone who does anything newsworthy a hero.
And apparently it sells books, Chris Ying and Brian McMullen editors for McSweeney's an acclaimed literary journal, can not resist using the term in a really informative new book aimed at youth entitled, 109 Forgotten American Heroes.
The editors advance: "Everybody needs a hero. These are exactly 109 inside this book. Their heroic deeds, extracrdinary acts, and amazing stories made them unforgettable . . . Except that everyone forgot about them. Until now, that is."
This book is far more about accomplishments that made a decided difference in our lives than it is about heroic deeds. Well, maybe Cher Ami, a pigeom who effectively saved 194 American soldiers during World War I, might be an exception, but Thomas Jefferson introducing America to macaroni? - I don't think so. Nor the dairyman of Oswego County, New York donating a 1400 pound wheel of cheese to President Andrew Jackson.
109 Forgotten American Heroes does tell the stories of Indians, inventors and imposters. It chronicles some fast talkers and fast food innovations. The book explains how bar codes came to be used to speed things up at checkout counters.
Within the colorful and highly illustrated pages of this book, the reader learns the history of a "high five" and how our highway system came to be. It is about some folks who revolutionized planes, trains, and automoblies.
But more than anything, 109 Forgotten American Heroes is a challenge to young minds not to think their really good ideas are sillly. All of those whose stories are told could have given up without following through on their dreams. Now, reading about thier contributions can be an inspiration for wanna be heroes of all ages.
Thank you to Larry Johnson and the Carroll Star News for allowing us to post this review.