Rainbow Eyes Book Review... highly recommended!

Rainbow Eyes:Chakramid Reflections
Author: Mary Jo Shaffer
Publisher: Heart Projects
Published: 2009
ISBN: 9780984263806
Pages: 152

Rainbow Eyes is a work of visionary fiction based on one woman’s journey to a Chakra Energy Awakening. Chakra is defined as a “wheel” or “circle.” The author suggests that, balanced Chakra “creates a free-flowing subtle energy network in your body that promotes physical and mental health, vitality and harmony, as well as spiritual and psychological awareness and energy.” In short, to me, Chakra is being comfortable in one’s space. Jessica, the main character, who is not in a particularly good place in her life spiritually and psychologically, accepts an invitation for an all expense paid trip to an exclusive penthouse. Unsure of her destination, Jessica tossed a few items into a suitcase without giving much thought to the contents. She has no idea what to expect or where the invitation even came from. Upon her arrival to the address on the invitation, Jessica sees a large pyramid that she assumes may be a casino. She becomes upset and confused standing in the empty parking lot but enters the building anyway.

Once she enters the building she rides the elevator looking for someone to give her direction. The elevator doors open to a large white empty room. She is the only person there. Jessica’s frustration increases and is combined with fear as she rapidly pushes buttons to return downstairs. Despite her efforts, the elevator won’t budge thus catapulting Jessica on her Chakra Journey.

Rainbow Eyes is informative and explains each Chakra in detail via Jessica’s journey through the Chakra Pyramid and her new beginning. She journeys through each of the seven Chakra on the pyramid. This book gives the reader insight into their personal journey as well. The journal pages in the back of the book with the definitions of each Chakra outlined in the appendix is an added bonus. This allows the reader to align with Jessica travelling on their own personal journey.

I have read self-help books before and have never truly understood them in the way that I did this one. The fact that the book is interactive in nature promotes a better understanding in the reader as their journey parallels with Jessica’s. I highly recommend this book to anyone stepping out on a personal journey to release or find their Chakra energy. The fact that there is an underlying story—Jessica’s journey—behind the lesson on the Chakra energy awakening disguises the fact that this is a self-help book. Although self-help books are informative and interesting, this author guides the reader to a personal transformation when its least expected. This is a clear reflection of her amazing storytelling ability because the reader sets out reading about Jessica’s journey and before long, gets lost on their own journey. Well done!!

Pond Punkies Book Review...

Title: Pond Punkies Book One: The Arrival
Author (s): Lisa Riebe and Cynthia Nunn
Publisher: Ravine Publishing
Published: 2009
ISBN: 9780981949338
Pages: 147

I thought this book was superb and feel it will be a quite entertaining science fiction read for middle grade readers. This is the first book in a series. Blaze, is the main character, and is a Pond Punkie from the Larissan Clan. This clan has the power of fire. Blaze’s best friend, Ace, is a Pond Punkie from the Naiadan Clan. Their power is controlling water. Although they are from different clans these boys are best friends. They are attending the Neptune Training Academy. They both go to Earth when a geyser erupts on graduation day. However, they weren’t the only ones blasted to Earth—the evil Tritonan’s went as well.

A bully from the academy, Kroiser, is a Tritonan. The Tritonan’s wreak havoc on Earth and it’s up to Blaze and his friends to conquer them. Blaze and the others use their powers to battle Kroiser and the other Tritonan’s. The battle ensues and the fast paced story taps into one’s imagination. The story is vivid and encourages one to get lost in it. The pictures are an added touch as is the idea that Ace invented hair gel. The idea of the hair gel makes these Pond Punkies like other young boys in their creative pursuits. In addition, there is a great deal of humor in the book making the story complete.

The book is a great read and I know it will evolve into a successful middle grade series. I encourage educators, parents and other adults to buy this book for their young readers. I think these two authors are on to something.

Two Reviews... Both are great reads!

Title: Speak Up Don’t Slouch
Author: Margaret Cmelik
Publisher: Margaret Cmelik
Published: 2009
ISBN: 2009780982145111
Pages:200


This book is what I would consider a table book. It is small in design and is quite hysterical. I love the author’s take on the issue of following your dreams. The pictures that went with the tips made the tips even funnier. I am a big believer in following your dreams despite what others tell you. This author’s take on following your dreams offers lighthearted suggestions on following your dreams rather than the normal way advice is generally given. You won’t fall asleep reading this book because each page makes the reader laugh louder and louder.

Tip#45 encourages the reader to try e-praying if they need to speak with a higher power but are in a hurry. The author even gives directions on the next page for completing the e-prayer request form. Another one of my favorite tips was #78. “Take a logics class. It will allow you to remove emotional traps along your path. But don’t correct other people’s logic. It really pisses them off.” I laughed out loud through out the entire book and shared the tips with others in the room.

This book can be kept on the coffee table, used as a motivational tool for employees, and as a gift. I must say that I am a stickler when it comes to presentation. My only wish for this book is in its design. I think it would be better received if it were done in color. It is a great book and I hope the author has the success she deserves. I highly recommend this funny, lighthearted book filled with advice encouraging us to not take life too seriously.



Ttile: Food Stories
Author: Denny Stanz
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Published: 2010
ISBN: 97815898258888
Pages: 72


Food Stories is a book written for men. This book takes real life situations coupled with humor to encourage men to cook and feel confident about their cooking. It is a series of short stories providing recipes for tasty meals. It discusses recipes for a poker game, first date, single dad, etc. It is a lighthearted look at what might be quite stressful for a divorced, married, single or widowed man and is useful despite the age or circumstance.

One example is for Valentine’s Day where the author shares a recipe for Filet Mignon. It also tells you where to purchase the best steak. However, this recipe goes a little further when it discusses the ambience including a bubble bath, lingerie gift and providing an unforgettable evening for your date. This short story is for the man in a new relationship.

The short stories vary widely in scenarios. They range from the single dad cooking for his daughter to a new relationship or break-up dinner. This book was funny, an easy read and I hope it encourages men to get up off of the couch and cook as opposed to dialing take-out. Well done!

The Past and Future King Book Review....

Book: The Past and Future King
Author: Warren Mueller
Publisher: American Book Publishing
Published: 2010
ISBN: 9781589825208
Pages: 192

This book is a well-written, fast paced fantastical saga that entwines religion with fantasy. This is a new approach in this genre and Mr. Mueller’s story telling ability allows the story to flow successfully. Tom is a young boy and hero of the book, left with the task of saving Earth and its inhabitants from destruction.

Tom loves to read fantasy books and becomes engrossed in them but his parents encourage him to return the books to Willet, an old scribe. Thus Tom’s exciting journey begins as his dreams mesh with his reality. This book takes the reader on a journey with Tom as he negatively interacts with the very people looking to destroy Earth. These people are in search of world domination and it’s up to Tom and his new found friends--Willet, Wini, Win, Cearl and Penda--to prevent that from happening.

Each scene in the story is as vivid as the next. I can see the stones that aid Tom on his journey as readily as I can visualize those attacking or chasing him, and those walking alongside him on his journey. I can feel the anxiety, fear and sadness portrayed in each character throughout this amazing journey. The transformation of the sadness Tom feels missing his parents being replaced by the comfort he finds in his new friends is evident as well. The characters mesh together making the story a good one and an easy read. I recommend this story for readers looking to get lost in a fantasy world filled with elves, dwarfs, and werewolves.

Another week ahead...

Another week ahead and I am closer to my goals being attained. I have to finish writing my business plan, write a few reviews, and write, write, write. I have a busy week ahead and am looking forward to it. I am trying to research different studios to lay down a few songs that I have written. I have also done some networking as well. I am going to do some collaborations with some friends to get some melodies to go along with my lyrics. I am excited about it!

Today I realized how much I wanted things to change. I am grateful for my job but am ready to work solely for myself. I want to "love" my job and what I do. I love to write and am enjoying learning about the music business. That is where my heart has always been. I enjoy social work but it is time for my profession to change because I have changed. I look at people and am jealous that they have jobs that they love. I've had a few jobs that I love and want to feel that way again. I want to jump out of the bed before my alarm goes off. I used to do that but that hasn't happened in a while. It will come so I must keep working at it while exhibiting patience. Hard work always pays off. I have to remind myself of that daily. Success will come. I have to lay the foundation for it. Each effort I make is a brick in the foundation.

My next review will be done tomorrow or Tuesday. I have about three others that I can review this week as well as they are shorter books. I am going to do all that I can to get them all done this week. I hope I am successful in that. The key to them being completed is staying focused. And I am...