America is Dying & It Has No One to Blame But Itself, Greed & Dishonesty....

Charles Ferguson, who electrified the world with his Academy Award-winning documentary, Inside Job, now reveals how rogues with influence have taken over the country and are driving it to financial and social ruin.In Predator Nation, Ferguson exposes the networks of academic, government, and congressional influence--in all recent administrations, including Obama's--that prepared the path to conquest. He reveals how once-revered figures like Alan Greenspan and Larry Summers have become mere courtiers to the elite. And based on many newly released court filings, he details the extent of the crimes--there is no other word--committed in the frenzied chase for storied wealth that marked the 2000s. And, finally, he lays out a brief plan of action for how we might take it back.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. Truthfully, I wasn’t aware of such a book until my brother told me about. It scared the hell out of him. It didn’t do that to me. I was well aware of the truth in this book long time ago. I just didn’t know to the extent my guesses were: Right on the button, it seems. Want to learn more about how the USA runs its finances? Want to learn the truth behind the 2008 Bubble crash? This book will give you a giant leap into the truth. Be careful, though. You may want to sit down while reading because this author wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was. He blew the top off the entire scandal. Sad thing of it all is that this isn’t the end of it. The greed continues and it is the public that pays a very hefty price indeed. Everyone needs to read this book at least once. You don’t need to be a financial guru either to enjoy it. 

About the Author:

Charles Henry Ferguson (born March 24, 1955)^[1] is the founder and president of Representational Pictures, Inc., and director and producer of No End in Sight: The American Occupation of Iraq (2007) and Inside Job (2010),^[2] which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary.^[3] Ferguson is also a software entrepreneur, writer and authority in technology policy.

                     

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Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Be a voice for the voiceless! Cheers!

A Note to fellow authors: About my book reviews: Recently, I've been bombarded by other authors seeking reviews from me for their books. I know how difficult it is to get reviews and I'm honored that you asked, but unfortunately, I don't have the time to take on any more books for review. The books I do read and review are from my own to read list. I seldom take on new books to read. I read and review when I can in my free time, which is nil for a while now. I do wish you the best in your writing. Keep writing and never stop!

Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers. 

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Fall In Love With a Little Help from Man's Best Friend in Jenn McKinlay's Romance Debut....

Synopsis:

Fall in love with a little help from man’s best friend in New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay’s contemporary romance debut.

Mackenzie “Mac” Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine, after being left at the altar—and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend’s off-limits brother. Now, seven years later, she’s back to attend her best friend’s wedding—safe, or so she thinks, from the mistakes of her youth.

But Gavin Tolliver has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin, the town’s veterinarian, can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love…

My Review: 4 stars

First off, I never read any of Jenn McKinlay’s books and romance books aren’t exactly a favorite of mine, though I do enjoying the good ones from time to time. Ms. MicKinlay has gained a new fan. This is a cute, warm and funny story you’ll be sure to remember. If not for the characters but for a stray puppy Gavin rescues and is named Tulip. I enjoyed this cute romance novel with a twist of puppy love in it. Back home for two weeks as maid of honor in her best friend Emma's wedding. Emma just happen to be the older sister to Gavin, with whom Mac has a bit of a secret. I love the setting on the Maine coast, one of my favorite places to visit, despite the cold.

     The characters are well developed and the story has several plot twists. I confess to not being a big fan of romance, but those that I enjoy, I truly do so and have no hesitation in recommending. Such is the case with About a Dog. I enjoyed the friendship, camaraderie, humor, the aunts, and of course, the stray pup named Tulip! If you don’t love anything else about this book, you can’t help but fall in love with Tulip, the stray dog.

Disclaimer: Thanks to First to Read for the opportunity to read and review. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

About the Author

Former librarian and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jenn McKinlay is the author of About a Dog, as well as the Library Lover’s Mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, and the Hat Shop Mysteries. Jenn lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitar.

Product details from amazon.com

• Series: Bluff Point Romance, A (Book 1)
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Original edition (May 30, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399584714
• ISBN-13: 978-0399584718
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.9 inches

Land on Fire is Becoming a Major Problem And Not Just for Firefighters....

“This comprehensive book offers a fascinating overview of how those fires are fought, and some conversation-starters for how we might reimagine our relationship with the woods.” —Bill McKibben, author Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet

Wildfire season is burning longer and hotter, affecting more and more people, especially in the west. Land on Fire explores the fascinating science behind this phenomenon and the ongoing research to find a solution. This gripping narrative details how years of fire suppression and chronic drought have combined to make the situation so dire. Award-winning nature writer Gary Ferguson brings to life the extraordinary efforts of those responsible for fighting wildfires, and deftly explains how nature reacts in the aftermath of flames. Dramatic photographs reveal the terror and beauty of fire, as well as the staggering effect it has on the landscape.

My Review:

“The why behind wildfire The wildfires of 2015 were the most devastating on record; more than 9 million acres burned across North America and the United States spent more than 2 billion dollars fighting and suppressing the fires. 2016 is expected to be even worse: by May, more than 1.6 million acres had already burned. Wildfire season is burning longer and hotter, affecting more and more people, especially in the west.”

More academic than entertaining, this is a valuable asset for firefighters as well as those interested in wildland fire. If you live in the woods or anywhere near them, I highly recommend you read this. Not necessarily to understand fires, but to see what exactly is involved.  Living out in the country myself, Ii’m grateful that I chose to read this book. Very informative. Easy to understand. If you know nothing about the science of fires, you will learn a great deal after reading this book. This is a book for anyone that wants to obtain a deeper understanding of fires. It explores the science behind fires and the research being done to find a solution. You'll learn about the heroic efforts of those responsible for fighting fire, how years of fire suppression and chronic drought have combined to make the situation more dire, and how nature reacts in the aftermath of flames. Color photographs throughout reveal the beauty and terror of fire and the stunning effect it has on the landscape. Land on Fire is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our time of fire. It is obvious to me that a great deal of research and work went into this book!

Disclaimer: Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it!

Product details from amazon.com Hardcover: 212 pages Publisher: Timber Press (June 21, 2017) Language: English ISBN-10: 1604697008 ISBN-13: 978-1604697001 Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 1 x 9.1 inches                                                www.bloggingforbooks.com Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Be a voice for the voiceless! Cheers! Regards, S.J. Francis In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers.  My Official web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com www.readingalley.com My Black Opal Books Author Page:             http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis  Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419                                  Face Book:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325 My Blogs: sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com  A Book Review 4 U: abookreview4u.blogspot.com                                                                                                       www.goodreads.com A Consumer's View: aconsumersview.blogspot.com OnefortheAnimals:    onefortheanimals.blogspot.com                                                                                                                        www.storycartel.com Pinterest:   http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/ Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104831238907682620486/about  Good Reads:       http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8423986.S_J_Francis                                     And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2017 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

A Fantastic Science Fiction Tale from A Professor and Author....

Blurb:

Liam! What have you done?"" Marcus demanded. ""You know our teachings on revenge.

My Review:

I don’t really read science fiction/fantasy novels anymore but this one took me on an unforgettable ride that I really enjoyed. From the cover to the opening pages, Price of Vengeance grabs the reader and takes them on a wild ride. Fasten your seat belts for this book. I did. I loved all the original characters the author created in this young adult, science fiction, fantasy novel for all ages.

The book has a lot going for it. Plenty of action and adventure, which promises the reader won’t get bored. I didn’t. Characters one can love and cheer on. It also had a theme running through it: acceptance. The hero, Liam is a bit different because he’s adopted, but when push comes to shove he isn’t really different at all. He wasn’t born a hero, but none really are, are they? I could see this book as a cool video game. I could see this as a film somewhere up there with Star Wars, Starship Troopers and Dune and even The Last Starfighter.  There is always a Price of Vengeance.  I look forward to reading more books from author Kurt Springs.

About the Author:

Kurt D. Springs is presently an adjunct professor of anthropology and archaeology in New Hampshire. He holds a PhD. in anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Literature in archaeology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Master of Liberal Arts in anthropology and archaeology from the Harvard University Extension School. His main area of interest is megalithic landscapes in prehistoric Ireland.

Kurt also writes reviews on Kurt's Frontier.

Professor Springs currently lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Product details from amazon.com Series: Dreamscape Warriors Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Tate Publishing (April 22, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 1629944580 ISBN-13: 978-1629944586 Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches

                     

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Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Be a voice for the voiceless! Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers. 

My Official web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

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And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2017 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one. 

Have U read the Ballad of Black Tom, yet? You should. You really should. I gave it 5 stars for this powerful emotional read.

                         
Synopsis:
People move to New York looking for magic and nothing will convince them it isn't there.

Charles Thomas Tester hustles to put food on the table, keep the roof over his father's head, from Harlem to Flushing Meadows to Red Hook. He knows what magic a suit can cast, the invisibility a guitar case can provide, and the curse written on his skin that attracts the eye of wealthy white folks and their cops. But when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress in the heart of Queens, Tom opens a door to a deeper realm of magic, and earns the attention of things best left sleeping.

A storm that might swallow the world is building in Brooklyn. Will Black Tom live to see it break? 

Specifications:

Paperback, 149 pages

Published February 16th 2016 by Tor.com

Literary Awards

Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novella (2016), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Horror (2016)                                                         

My Book Review: 5 Out of 5 Stars:

I'm not familiar at all with the writings of H.P. Lovecraft or his bigotry. However, even though I'm not familiar with Lovecraft's characters, ancient peoples or the ctulu, I truly enjoyed this book. No spoilers here. Fortunately, one doesn't need to know anything about them to follow this book. I think, however it would deepen your enjoyment. This book is a powerful, emotional read. It's a fast read, too. If I had time and energy, and didn't have to work full time outside for a living, I would have read it in all of one night. As it was, I had to force myself by limiting to read just a chapter a night, which with this book, it was difficult to do at best. 
Racism abounded in the USA in 1924 and was no place for a young black man. By the end of this book, the USA, the world is no place to be for any human at all. Author LaValle did an excellent job at bringing this book to life. Love this book or hate it, one thing is for certain, the reader will never forget this story or the characters. I know I won't. I take off my hat to LaVelle for master storytelling and look forward to reading his other works. I highly recommend reading The Ballad of Black Tom.

                             

Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Be a voice for the voiceless! Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers. 

My Official web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

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And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2017 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one. 

5 Stars for Tea Culture: History, Traditions, Celebrations, Recipes & More by Beverly Dubrin

Description:

Pour a cup, open the covers....this is your cup of tea! Tea for two, tea for three...tea for more! Hot or cold, sweetened or black, alcoholic or herbal, caffeinated or decaf: the drink may be ancient, but tea culture is trendy. More and more people are discovering the elegance, versatility, downright good taste, and even the health benefits of this delicious beverage. And they want to find out even more: the different flavors, the best methods of preparation, and the fun ways to enjoy a cup at home, with others at a party, shower, or any other special occasion. Every page of this book is infused with answers to these tea-related questions.

My Review:  

 I love a good cup of tea, or as some English would say, a cuppa. I like to drink it when I’m ill. I like to drink it when I relax. Aside from an alcoholic beverage, nothing says relaxation like a good cup of tea. There’s something comforting about a good cup of tea.

Want to learn all about this fascinating beverage that keeps tea drinkers coming back for more? I did and that is why I read this book. It is also why I am writing this review to share with you now. As the description so aptly puts it, “pour a cup, open the covers…” and read because this book is “your cup of tea”. The pictures alone worth buying this book for.

Overall, an enjoyable book that I will read more than once.  

About the Author:

Beverly Dubrin is a food journalist and tea-lover. For over 20 years, she published her private newsletter, Beverly Dubrin's Where-To-Guide, about food, shopping, and travel, and now authors Beverly Dubrin's Where-To-Guide blog. A graduate of Brown University, she previously handled Information Technology for several large American computer manufacturing companies. Beverly lives in Walnut Creek, California. 

From the Hardcover edition.

A Note from the Publisher:

Fall is in the air. Settle down with a nice cup of tea. And a book. Please note: this book was originally published in 2012. And it's just as good today as it was way back then.

Are you a tea drinker? Than this book is for you. Durbin explores the very earliest origins of drinking tea in Asia, shows readers elaborate tea ceremonies (some still used today), demonstrates the proper way to make a cup of tea and the many and varied ways it can be used. For health, well being, as a sleep aid and as a party beverage second to none, learn the secrets of the world’s most popular beverage.

                   

Until next review, stay safe. Smile! Show compassion to others. Be nice to one another. Read a book and pass it on. Review it. Be a voice for the voiceless! Cheers!
Regards,
S.J. Francis
In Shattered Lies: "It's All About Family."  Released from Black Opal Books Oct. 24th, 2015 and available at all on-line retailers and indie booksellers.

My Official web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com

My Black Opal Books Author Page:

            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Face Book:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
My Blogs: sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com 
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And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2016 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.