Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Book Review: I Can See You

I Can See You by Karen Rose

Description: Eve Wilson was the victim of a horrible crime twice in her life. Who would imagine that it could happen a third time? When she was hurt she learned to escape by going online and now that she is a graduate student she is using that experience to help her with her degree. She follows those in an online world and evaluates them. When her test subjects begin showing up dead – Eve knows she needs to get help.

Enter Noah Webster – homicide detective. He has had his own history with tragic events. He isn’t ready for a relationship but at the same time can’t deny his attraction to Eve. More than anything now he needs to catch a killer and she can help.

Thoughts:Thoughts: This is my second Karen Rose book and I loved them both. They were fun and have a bit of a romantic twist without being all about the romance. Instead they are about the mystery of figuring out who-done-it as well as what is going to happen next.

For anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers I would recommend this book. While it is told from a woman’s prospective I don’t think it would just entertain women.

What genre would you consider this?
Mystery/Thriller

Overall:

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Well-Read Commuter reviews Hedge Fund Wives

Hedge Fund Wives
By Tatianan Boncompagni




What this book is about:
From the author of Guilding Lily comes a tale of New York City movers and shakers. Newly ensconced in her life as the wife of a New York hedge fund derivatives trader, Marcy Emerson is as unimpressed with her neighbors' materialism and gossiping as she is cowed by the seeming perfection of her new female acquaintances. Nevertheless, she dutifully establishes close friendships with fellow hedge fund wives Jill and Gigi as she becomes increasingly aware of her husband's growing preoccupation with money and appearances—especially when she accepts a job in Gigi's catering business. When Marcy faces incontrovertible evidence of how far John's loyal good nature has been stretched, she realizes that for the sake of her own life she must re-evaluate her priorities.

What this book is about:
Hedge Fund Wives whisks the reader off into a world of eight carat diamond rings, personal chefs and private jets as seen through the eyes of New York City newcomer Marcy Emerson. This isn’t your typical novel of over indulgence as Marcy is forced to find herself when she is tossed aside for a thinner, blonder model in the dog-eat-dog world of high stakes finance. Set amid the backdrop of the modern day volatile market, the reader gets to see both the excess and the hangover when that comes after the market crash.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Book Feature: If you were a Triangle

Title: If you were a Triangle
Author: Marcie Aboff
Illustrated by: Sarah Dillard
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
Description: Triangles are everywhere. This books help point out those triangles to children and explains also the facts about triangles. It even ends with a little quiz, glossary and index. This group of books is great for teaching children – and I would recommend them for everyone!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Book Feature: Cookie

Author: Lisa Woomer
Price: $17.95
Pages: 28
Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc
Publication Date: March 2009
Description: This little girl loves cookies so much that it is all that she eats. What happens when you eat to much of one thing? You turn into it? Can the little girl learn to eat the things that are good for her?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Book Feature: If you were a Plural Word

Title: If you were a Plural Word
Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan
Illustrated by: Sara Gray
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
Description: One of the first things you learn in grade school is all about plural words. And this book explains all the ways you do that and how it works. This group of books is great for teaching children – and I would recommend them for everyone!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Excerpt from 12 Signs to Connect With Your Significant Other

12 Signs to Connect With Your Significant Other
By Gary Goldschneider,
Author of Gary Goldschneider's Everyday Astrology
1. ARIES
March 21-April 20
Strengths: Independent, Honest, Energetic
Weaknesses: Self-unaware, Demanding, Pushy
Interactive Style: Purposeful, Focused, Dynamic

The Aries Relationship
Aries romantic partners can be counted on for their honesty and desire to maintain a close involvement. However, their dynamism is so great that you may not be able to meet their constant demands on your energies. Although they are extremely independent -- and most likely will encourage you to be so also -- they will also want to have daily contact with you, whether virtual, auditory, or physical. They would hate being called needy, since their self-image is one of total independence, yet they are in fact very dependent on their boyfriend or girlfriend, at the very least to listen to them, take their advice seriously, and obey their commands.

TAURUS
April 21-May 21

Strengths: Loving, Caring, Involved
Weaknesses: Overpossessive, Controlling, Manipulative
Interactive Style: Forthright, Frank, Giving

The Taurus Relationship
Tauruses tend to be very possessive in matters of love. They will look at you as belonging to them as much as their home, their car, or their clothes, and they will consider this a great compliment to you. Problems arise, of course, if you do not entirely agree with them, insisting that you are your own person and have the freedom to do as you wish. They may even seem to agree with you, since it only reinforces their belief in their own fairness and shows how secure their love for you really is. But, in fact, they will never want to share you or give you up when their feelings go deep enough.

GEMINI
May 22-June 21

Strengths: Fascinating, Spicy, Sparkling
Weaknesses: Unpredictable, Abrupt, Misleading
Interactive Style: Oblique, Persuasive, Flirtatious

The Gemini Relationship
Having Gemini boyfriends or girlfriends will certainly bring some spice into your life, as well as a good dose of uncertainty, since it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict their behavior. Changing moods guarantee few dull moments but can also put a crimp in your plans or undermine the structure of your relationship. Making appointments can be particularly difficult since, although they usually arrive on time (when they do show up), the greatest danger is that they will abruptly cancel an appointment they never really intended to keep anyway. Exasperating but fascinating, these ephemeral creatures will lead you on a merry chase.

CANCER
June 22-July 22

Strengths: Affectionate, Kind, Giving
Weaknesses: Irritable, Selfish, Withdrawn
Interactive Style: Self-protective, Accepting, Dependent

The Cancer Relationship
Cancers enjoy being in a steady relationship. Very much creatures of habit, they get used to having their partners at their beck and call. As a result, they will count on them for everything from financial help to sex. Liking things to go well, these folks are affectionate and kind, as long as they get their way. When denied their wishes, they get very crabby and irritable, often withdrawing into their shell and striking out in anger and resentment. Like their symbol, the crab, they are highly self-protective but are also no strangers to pain.

LEO
July 23-August 23

Strengths: Confident, Enthusiastic, Supportive
Weaknesses: Career-oriented, Ambitious, Egotistical
Interactive Style: Proud, Demanding, Pushy

The Leo Relationship
Leo boyfriends/girlfriends are involved, committed, enthusiastic, and, in general, supportive of your relationship with them, up to a point. They can be counted on not only on weekends but occasionally during the week as well, as long as you do not interfere with their ambitious career plans. Avoid situations in which they must choose between devoting time to you or to their job, since even if they choose you it may be because they feel pressured to do so. Remember that although Leos may hate to lose you, they are always confident in their abilities to find a replacement.

VIRGO
August 24-September 22

Strengths: Structured, Orderly, Prepared
Weaknesses: Compulsive, Tight, Unyielding
Interactive Style: Calculated, Precise, Orderly

The Virgo Relationship
The fringe benefits of Virgo boyfriends/girlfriends become apparent when scheduling travel, making arrangements and reservations, and planning for the future. Virgos will leave little room for error in their shrewd calculations and need to put such matters in order. Sometimes you will wish they did not need to pin down everything so precisely and left a bit of wiggle room for last-minute changes, but for the most part, they will spare you a lot of time and trouble. Generally speaking, Virgo boyfriends/girlfriends serve the relationship rather than their partners and do their best to preserve its integrity as well as its limits.

LIBRA
September 23-October 22

Strengths: Giving, Affectionate, Loving
Weaknesses: Unhappy, Needy, Selfish
Interactive Style: Selective, Expectant, Affectionate

The Libra Relationship
If you are to be Libra's boyfriend or girlfriend, you had better talk, act, and look good. Libras are very choosy when it comes to those they want to be seen with in public; they also expect to be treated well and shown a good time. You can expect rewards from Libras, but it will be clear that your constant appreciation of them is expected without any thought of receiving anything in return. That said, Libras are very giving in relationships, and those who have their love and full attention are indeed blessed. Problems arise when Libras become unhappy, and these difficulties should not be ignored but addressed as soon as possible, before things get out of hand.

SCORPIO
October 23-November 21

Strengths: Caring, Protective, Interested
Weaknesses: Jealous, Possessive, Angry
Interactive Style: Involved, Serious, Self-contained

The Scorpio Relationship
Scorpio boyfriends/girlfriends can be both jealous and possessive. They fully expect your unilateral involvement with them, and at the first signs of your interest in someone else, they are likely to either lash out in anger or become silent, withdrawn, and depressed. Scorpios figure that because they give a lot they should also get a lot, and that you are lucky to have them. But beyond that, for a Scorpio, love is a territorial thing -- they just don't like someone messing with their chosen one. Also protective, they have a real interest in the well-being of their loved ones and can show quiet concern over them in times of illness and need.

SAGITTARIUS
November 22-December 21

Strengths: Ardent, Good-humored, Positive
Weaknesses: Disappointed, Hopeless, Abandoned
Interactive Style: Optimistic, Philosophical, Improving

The Sagittarius Relationship
Sagittarians make ardent and intense boyfriends/girlfriends. Yet they can also be quite relaxed, enjoying conviviality, good humor, and delighting in the many pleasures of life. Their positive orientations and excessive energies make them a valuable partner, one who will always seek the best in any situation and bring out the best in you, as their partner. They are not good at handling disappointment, however, and may sink into deep depressions when things are not working out. Easily disappointed, their positive orientations can plummet when rejected, leaving them feeling hopeless and abandoned. However, their buoyant spirits revive quickly, and their philosophical orientation urges them to do better next time.

CAPRICORN
December 22-January 20

Strengths: Selective, Efficient, Deep
Weaknesses: Opportunistic, Snobbish, Picky
Interactive Style: Serious, Demanding, Direct

The Capricorn Relationship
Capricorns are likely to treat sex in a very matter-of-fact but also highly natural manner. A typical Capricorn attitude is "I got into bed quickly with the other person to get that out of the way; then we could get to know each other better." Although they are very physical beings, going beyond sex is important to a Capricorn, who usually prefers to develop a serious and deep relationship rather than a brief, superficial one. Capricorns are quite capable of holding back until the right person comes along. Thus their innate efficiency and selectivity keeps them from wasting time and energy on losers.

AQUARIUS
January 21-February 19

Strengths: Fun, Interesting, Exciting
Weaknesses: Drifting, Noncommitted, Unfaithful
Interactive Style: Bright, Cheerful, Open

The Aquarius Relationship
The Aquarius boyfriend/girlfriend is faithful up to a point -- that point usually being when something more interesting comes along. Thus if you can manage to keep Aquarians' faces turned toward you and can satisfy their prodigious and often kinky needs, you stand a chance for longevity in the relationship. Invariably you will have to be forgiving when they do inevitably stray, and be able to laugh off some involvements as being trivial. Your own self-assurance may be the one most important anchor for the ever-drifting Aquarius ship. Needless to say, Aquarians can be more fun than a barrel of monkeys, albeit just as difficult to keep under control.

PISCES
February 20-March 20

Strengths: Passionate, Seductive, Romantic
Weaknesses: Possessive, Controlling, FearfulInteractive Style: All-involving, Uncompromising, Committed

The Pisces Relationship
Pisces boyfriends and girlfriends give their all in any full-blown romantic relationship. Even the most ordinary or prosaic pairings are given new life and suffused with the profound emotions of a Pisces partner. Those involved with them will attest to their demanding, possessive, seductive, controlling, and passionate natures. Even the most fickle or independent of boyfriends or girlfriends will find it difficult or impossible to carry on other relationships at the same time, and long after their Pisces friend is gone they may well remain in an exhausted state of shock for some time to come.

The above is an excerpt from the book Gary Goldschneider's Everyday Astrology by Gary Goldschneider. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Book Review: Lip Service

Lip Service by Susan Mallery

Description:
Her whole life Skye Titan has done what her father has wanted her to do. Whether it meant marry the man he wanted or take care of the house. That has left Skye in a mansion, widowed, with a child. When her old love returns to town Mitch Cassidy she can't deny her attraction to him.

But will her old man ruin this relationship for her a second time? What about the half brother who will do whatever it takes to bring her down? Can their love survive this time around?

Thoughts: This is my first read in this series (even though it is book 2) and I enjoyed it (and plan to go back to book 1 and read that). There is definitely more then what it seems going on with Skye's father and brother. What is going on there? Will her dad redeem himself? Is he really as evil as he seems? (I am starting to think so).

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Well-Read Commuter reviews Everyday Astrology

Everyday Astrology: How to Make Astrology Work for You
By: Gary Goldschneider



What was this book about:
With nearly two million copies in print, Gary Goldschneider's Secret Language of Birthdays and Secret Language of Relationships are mainstays of any bookstore astrology section. Now the best-selling author has returned with his biggest and most ambitious work yet: Gary Goldschneider's Everyday Astrology. Whether you're wooing a Gemini first date, asking a Virgo boss for a raise, or persuading your Pisces roommate to do the dishes, Gary Goldschneider's Everyday Astrology offers advice for any situation imaginable. Once you start paging through this book, you'll find it impossible to stop!

Did you like this book:

I thought this book was interesting. It is broken down into a really easy to use format and filed with insightful information. I read my horoscope just about everyday and I enjoyed thumbing through this guide. The cover of the book and jacket design are appealing and make it an ideal birthday gift for the friend or co-worker that is hard to buy for. Whether you take astrology seriously and want to gain some serious insight or just want to learn a little bit more about your sign Goldschneider’s latest book delivers.


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Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Well-Read Commuter reviews The World According to Twitter

The World According To Twitter
By: David Pogue



What was this book is about:
David Pogue, the weekly tech columnist for the New York Times and CNBC correspondent, dared to pose various questions to his Twitter fans and they answered with hilarious results. Pogue asks his readers to tweet about bad dates, first kisses, annoying bosses, bad toasts, embarassing moments and much more.

Did you like this book;
The World According to Twitter is a delicious walk through the hilarious and bizarre. You don’t have to Twitter to be able to appreciate the bite-sized morsels of humor that deliver a big punch. When asked to finish a familiar saying in a new way one of Pogue’s Tweeters responds, “ He who is without sin.....has a lot of catching up to do.” Need I say more? Good clean fun that you will find a tweet above the rest.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Book Feature: Move It! Work It!

Title: Move It! Work It!
Author: Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrated by: Vivianna Garofoli
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2009
Description: Like to sing? Want your children to learn about simple machines. The easiest way to remember anything is through music. And this book combines the two of those things to help your children remember the facts and concepts that you are teaching them!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Book Review: Bending the Rules

Bending the Rules by Susan Andersen

Description: Poppy Calloway isn't a rich girl trying to help out some underprivledged kids. She had a very special youth herself. When several children get in trouble for tagging the local businesses - Poppy can't help but take them under her wing.

Detective Jason de Sanges had a rough childhood. And he believes that you are what you do. And these kids are trouble. He can't convince Poppy to stay away from them. Can he realize the true reasons that Poppy does what she has? What happens when violence threatens her and the kids?

Thoughts: I liked the first book in this series and I like this one even more. It is a fun read. It is great to see how the kids redeem themselves both in their own eyes and those around them. Add to that the romance and this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Monday, October 12, 2009

Book Feature: The Adventures of Hercules

Title: The Adventures of Hercules
Author: Martin Powell
Illustrated by: Jose Alfonso Ocampo Ruiz
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2009
Description: A graphic novel about the Greek hero Hercules. The story is told in a new way that will intrigue any child.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Book Review: If your kid eats this book, everything will still be okay

If your kid eats this book, everything will stillbe okay by Lara Zibners, M.D.
How to know if your child's injury or illness is really an emergency!

Description: A list of various things that can happen to a child. Written in plain English (not just for doctors) it tells you if this is something you need to worry about or if you can chalk it up to being just normal kid stuff!

Thoughts: I really liked this book. It is one that I will keep on my shelf to look things up in for years to come. As a soon-to-be parent, it was a good start to finish read to tell me what I could be seeing coming in the future. But I would guess for most people the better goal with a book like this is to use it as more of a reference book. It has a handy index at the end that can keep you looking in the right direction.

I thought this was simple to read but didn't have the book treating like you knew nothing - but not getting overly complicated when it wasn't needed. Great for parents!

What genre would you consider this?
Parenting

Overall:

Friday, October 9, 2009

Book Review: Double Enchantment

Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy

Description:
Jasminia has a secret. Her mother steals things. So Jasminia is a normal lady who must fix things so that her mother's secret isn't out. On one of these trips she casts a spell and things go haywire. She creates a twin of herself. This twin is out there causing all sorts of problems for herself and her family.

Sterling is a shapeshifter who only wants to find his missing sister when he comes accross Jaz's twin. There is an instant attraction there. When he meets the real thing he can't help but help her solve her problem (especially if the Crown wants him to). But there is no easy solution that is for sure.

Thoughts: You would think this book had a little of all the things I love. Witches and shapeshifters, historical, romance. That I would love it. It was just ok for me though. It wasn't bad. I kept reading it - which means that it didn't totally upset me. But there was just enough about it that seemed odd that I didn't like it.

Maybe it was the world they live in - this weird regency England where everyone knows about the super powers that they have. Maybe it was the idea of two people who were parts of the same - both falling for the same person. Are they really parts of a whole or something completely different? You aren't sure until the end.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Historical Romance

Overall:

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Book Feature: Jason and the Golden Fleece

Title: Jason and the Golden Fleece
Author: Nel Yomtov
Illustrated by: Gerardo Sandoval
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
Description: A graphic novel about Jason’s quest for the golden fleece. Told in a new way that will intrigue any child.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Book Review: Lover Avenged

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

Description: Rehvenges is a sympath who has hidden amongst the other vampires for years. Few know his secret (for if he was found out he would be sent away to a special camp). One of those who knows his secret is Wrath the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

When someone wants to kill Wrath - Rehv stops it. The Lessoning Society seems to be gaining power and they know they have to stop it. Meanwhile Rehv has met a woman that he thinks he can love - Ehlena. But if Ehlena knew who he really was (both a sympath and a drug selling nightclub owner) she would run far away from him. Rehv has his own secrets and has been selling his soul to keep them secrets.

The Lessoning Society needs to be stopped. But can they? What is going on with Wrath and his blindness? Do some of the old rules need to be changed?


Thoughts: As these books have progressed they have become more about the larger story - then the individual romances. I am not complaining - I like it. It allows you to become invested in characters you will see incoming novels. It makes it entertaining when you have a book like this at over 500 pages.

I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to see what is next in this series.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal with a touch of romance

Overall:

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Well-Read Commuter reviews The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow
By: Michael Connelly
Narrated By: Peter Giles


What This Book Is About:
Forced out of the Los Angeles Times amid the latest budget cuts, newspaperman Jack McEvoy decides to go out with a bang, using his final days at the paper to write the definitive murder story of his career. He focuses on Alonzo Winslow, a 16-year-old drug dealer in jail after confessing to a brutal murder. But as he delves into the story, Jack realizes that Winslow's so-called confession is bogus. The kid might actually be innocent. Jack is soon running with his biggest story since The Poet made his career years ago. He is tracking a killer who operates completely below police radar and with perfect knowledge of any move against him. Including Jack's.

What Did You Think Of This Book:
This is a solid book with a really likeable main character, Jack McEvoy. I listened to the audio book while traveling with friends and the entire car was completely silent as the story unfolded. The story flows along at a good pace and wraps up neatly at the end. While it is a crime mystery, there is not a lot of gore. It is a smart, sexy thriller that I can see having a wide appeal.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Book Feature: If you were a Plural Word

Title: If you were a Plural Word
Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan
Illustrated by: Sara Gray
Publisher: Capstone Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
Description: One of the first things you learn in grade school is all about plural words. And this book explains all the ways you do that and how it works. This group of books is great for teaching children – and I would recommend them for everyone!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Book Review: Lavender Morning

Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux (Book one in Edilean Series)

Description: Jocelyn Minton had everything. Then one day her mother was taken away and she was left with a father who loved her but couldn't identify with her. Add to that evil stepsisters and stepmother and she was alone. Until she found Edilean Harcourt. Edilean was the grandmother she never had. She loved her and took care of her in ways no one had in years.

When one day Edilean dies of old age - she leaves Jocelyn a legacy. A house in the town that is named after her family. She also leaves Jocelyn the need to find out waht really happened - why did she leave? Why was she being financially supported by a man who didn't have to support her?

Thoughts: I love Jude Deveraux's historicals. They are some of my favorite books of all time. Now she seems to write mostly contemporary romances. And while they aren't all my favorites - they definitely have promise as well.

In this one it seemed quite predictable what was going on at least with the main character's romance. I knew who she should end up with - but then again it was written so that you would know if you paid attention at all. I enjoyed the flash back series of things going on with finding out the truth of what happened. It makes me sad that the two lovers were parted and didn't have a second chance at love.

I look forward to seeing what is next to come for Jocelyn's friends.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Book Review: Fragile Eternity

Fragile Eternity (Sequel to Wicked Lovely) by Melissa Marr

Description:
Aislinn is queen and that means that she has to spend time with her faerie king - Keenan. But her mortail love Seth is having problems dealing with Aislinn's double life. She wants to hate Keenan but she can't. Both for her people and just in general.

Can Seth figure out how to fit in her world without destroying himself? Is it worth it to be part of Aislinn's world?

Thoughts: Do I love this series? I don't know. For me at times it seems a bit slow. In the end though I end up happy with how things have progressed and want to keep reading. Everyone in this books seems to want to be with someone that they shouldn't. Whether it is romanticly or just because. And while that is good - I just don't see where it is all leading. There isn't really an overarching plotline other than the need to see where all these relationships are leading and moving together.

Again something I would continue reading (at least for a while). But not something I put on the top of my can't wait for list.

What genre would you consider this?
Teen Paranormal

Overall:

Monday, September 28, 2009

Book Review: The Awakening

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Description:Chloe has been captured by the Edison Group. She wants to know why they seem to be after her and her friends with special abilities. (Chloe can raise the dead and speak to ghosts - she is a necromancer). Her getting captured means two things - an opportunity to find out what is really going on and an opportunity to get back and save her friends.

Simon has always liked Chloe and he is protected by his werewolf brother Derek. Derek seems to not appreciate Chloe but will do anything to protect her. Add to that the complication of someone who seems like a friend who isn't and maybe someone who doesn't seem like a friend truely being one.

They need to escape the Edison Group and stay together. But is that possible? Why are they really here?


Thoughts: I had forgotten how much I liked this series until I picked up this book and started reading. The characters are great and not your normal run of the mill story line. I have my very own suspicions as to who is supposed to end up with who. Who is good and who is bad. And all of those kinda thoughts show me what a good book that this is.

It definitely is appropriate for teens. Other than the paranormal twist there is no sex - some limited violence (but not graphic).

In fact I like this teen series even better than Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series. And I always thought that was good.

What genre would you consider this?
Teen/Paranormal

Overall:

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Author Post by Roberta Temes Ph.D.,Author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

How to Write a Eulogy
By Roberta Temes Ph.D.,
Author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

Are you preparing a eulogy? Here's some help:

It is an honor to commemorate the life of a person who has recently died.
The eulogy serves many purposes for those in the audience:
• It fulfills the human need for ceremony to mark an occasion; the death should not go unrecognized.
• It comforts the listeners to have their feelings put into words.
• It comforts the listeners to know that the deceased was understood.
• It provides a cathartic opportunity for the listeners; they can weep with no censure.
• It is a way to immortalize the deceased; your words will live on.
• It is an opportunity to educate listeners about some personal traits of the deceased.
• It is an opportunity to bring some respectful levity to a sad event.
To get ready to write the eulogy think about the deceased and jot down about ten words that come to mind. The words can be positive or negative, silly or serious. Then think about some experiences you had with the deceased and write them down. You can write just a few words to represent each experience or incident that you recall -- no need to have a full sentence. These jottings are random thoughts and ideas.
Keeping the page you have just written in front of you, begin to follow the directions below. Use the words and phrases on your page to help follow these instructions. After it is all written find ways to include any unused items on your original sheet of paper.
• The first word you say should be the name of the deceased.
This is not about you. Do not begin by saying, I loved my brother. Instead say, Larry was my older brother.
• The next sentence or two should explain and then describe your relationship.
Larry teased me every day of my childhood and inspired me everyday of my adulthood.
• Summarize in one or two sentences the essence of Larry's life.
Larry was a good husband and father and a devoted employee of the publishing company where he worked as a production manager for 24 years.
• Now tell the audience something they don't know about the deceased. Reveal some accomplishments.
You may not have known that Larry was on his college fencing team and that he won several national competitions. Also, Larry was voted employee of the year by his fellow-workers just a couple of years ago.
• Reveal some character traits, humor encouraged.
You always saw Larry looking neat and clean. I am here to tell you that this man took two showers every day and often changed his shirt during the day. Some might think that he was obsessive; he thought he was setting a good example for those around him. In our family we called him Mr. Clean.
• Create a scene that will permit audience members to visualize the deceased.
You know if Larry were sitting there with you now he'd have his hand under his chin, as usual, and he'd have his serious face on. He'd be studying everyone who was speaking. Probably he'd be wearing his blue tie that he saved for funerals and weddings. As soon as the service is over Larry would rip off the tie -- he never was comfortable in ties -- and rush home for his sneakers so he could go for a run, or maybe a jog. Oh, and if you saw him in his house you know where he'd be sitting -- on that great big recliner, with two pillows propped under his head and he would be reading USA Today and the TV would be on but he'd have no idea what program he was watching.
• Describe an incident that will enlighten the audience.
Last month Larry and I went to a train auction. Not toy trains. Real railroad cars. Larry had no intention of buying them but he enjoyed hanging out with guys who did really buy trains. He wanted me to come along with him to share the excitement. I actually was bored but it was clear that my brother was in all his glory inspecting the trains beforehand, chatting up the engineers who were there, and then watching the bidding.
• If you are religious this is the place to make a religious statement.
Larry is in a good place now. I know he's with our mom and dad and I know he'll be watching over all of us.
• Say what you will most miss about the person.
I'm going to miss Larry's Sunday morning phone calls -- we spoke to each other every Sunday morning for as long as I can remember.
• Gently and humorously say what you won't miss.
Now that he's gone, I hope I don't start feeling a need to go to railroad car auctions.
• Put your feelings into one or two sentences.
I feel so lost and so bereaved right now. I can't imagine going about my daily life without my big brother.
• Say how his life has touched and influenced you.
Because of Larry I feel guilty if I don't take a shower every day, I feel guilty if I drive in to the city and don't take a railroad train in, and I learned how to be a good husband and a playful dad by watching him.
• Mention what you have learned from the person, what he has taught you by example.
In addition to extreme cleanliness Larry taught me to be a stand-up guy and take responsibility for whatever needed to be done. By observing his life I learned how to be a decent family man and a hard working employee. Thank you, Larry.
• Death tends to get us to think about life. We think about what is really important and what we most value. Talk about the values of the deceased.
As you know, Larry really valued hard work. He cared about trying hard and he put all his energy into everything he did, whether it was raking the leaves, going to a meeting for work, or preparing a sandwich.
• Say how his death has touched and influenced you.
Larry went through a couple of months of serious illness and he never once complained. Instead, he cheered up everyone who came to visit. He told us not to feel sorry for him. He wanted us to tell him jokes. I now have a huge repertoire of knock-knock jokes.
• Mention any family members or close friends who deserve recognition.
My nephews, Howard and Gary, and of course my sister-in-law, Linda, are amazing people and deserve so much recognition for all they did during these past months. I know you join me in wishing Linda, Howard, and Gary an easy road through bereavement and a life filled with good memories.
• Again, mention how you feel -- sad? Lost? Relieved? Empty? Exhausted?
This has all happened so quickly it's hard to believe that at Thanksgiving dinner none of us thought about Larry's death or illness. I think I am still stunned.
• This is the place for a particular quotation or bible passage or brief poem. The reading you select should:
Describe how you are feeling, or
Describe how the deceased led his life, or
Offer courage and inspiration to the listeners.
You have my permission to quote from Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again. Here are some sample quotes you may wish to use. I've slightly modified and changed some words -- feel free to do the same -- to better suit your circumstance.
Think about making the world a better place because of one or two little things you might do in Larry's memory. Acts of kindness go a long way.
Larry would wish your days to be filled with kindness and goodness and your nights to be filled with secure sleep and sweet peace.

When you finish writing the eulogy, practice saying it aloud. Read it several times. Insert a new sentence or two and eliminate any sentences that don't seem right. Time the eulogy with your watch while reading it aloud. If there are several speakers at the service your eulogy should not be more than 3 minutes. If you are the only speaker you may go on longer, but not long enough to bore people.

It is a good idea to use a recording device. Then you will have a permanent record of all eulogies at the funeral. You can make copies to distribute to friends and family. Throughout the mourning process listening to the eulogies will provide comfort. Later generations will regard the eulogies as important family/genealogic history.
©2009 Roberta Temes Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

Author Bio
Roberta Temes, Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again, is a noted psychotherapist who has taught classes in death, dying, and bereavement at schools such as Downstate Medical School and CUNY. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning Living with an Empty Chair: A Guide Through Grief and The Tapping Cure. She lives in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

For more information please visit www.DrRoberta.com and www.SolaceAfteraDeath.com.
Solace
Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again
By Roberta Temes Ph.D.
Published by AMACOM
July 2009; $14.95US; 978-08144-1463-7

Friday, September 25, 2009

Book Review: Passion and Pleasure in London

Passion and Pleasure in London by Melody Thomas

Description: Winter is all but abandoned when her father dies and her mother is left insane. She is responsible for more than just herself and her brother - she is responsible for her village. Imagine her surprise when her newest "target" isn't just a rich man coming through the village but instead someone who seems to be here to stay.

But what man would want a thief who has secrets? Can Rory Jameson the true heir to the local estate be that man?

Thoughts: I wasn't sure that I would like a book where the woman was a thief and the man was a former spy working for the Crown. A lot of those books have way too much detail about things that don't entertain me. But I was pleasantly surprised. This book focused on all the things it should have. Their romance. Their lives. Their families. It made it an interesting and quick read.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Well-Read Commuter reviews The Castaways

The Castaways
By: Elin Hilderbrand
Narrated By: Kate Hale


What This Book Is About:
Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

What Did You Think About This Book:
Elin Hilderbrand is a seasoned author that knows how to take a reader on a great ride that you won’t be ready to get off of at the end. This was my first of Hilderbrand’s books which are always set in Nantucket. At first I thought that narrator Kate Hale’s voice might be a little too syrupy sweet for my tastes, but it did not take me long to get very invested in this multi-layered story with complex and well-developed characters. I was so engrossed in the story I pulled over in traffic to retrieve the next disk that had fallen out of my reach because I could not wait to hear how the story continued to progress. As the couples each delve into the mysterious death of their good friends the inner complexities of adult friendships are explored. This was a great read superbly written and narrated.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Author Post by Linda Weaver Clarke

Mix a Happy-go-lucky Bachelor with a Roaring 20s Woman and You Have: Elena, Woman of Courage

The “Roaring Twenties” was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. It was a time of adventure, courage, and independence.

In the 1920s, the new generation spoke a language that their parents didn’t understand. They had words like: Cat’s pajamas! Ah, horsefeathers! Attaboy! Baloney! You slay me! When referring to a woman, they used doll, tomato, and bearcat. When a person was in love, they were goofy. If a person was a fool, they were a sap. And when a woman wasn’t in the mood for romance, she would say, “The bank’s closed.” Elena, Woman of Courage: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho (ISBN: 978-1-58982-545-1) is filled with courage, romance, and humor.

When a woman settles into a strict conservative town as the newest doctor, a slew of problems begin to rise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. Elena Yeates, the town’s newest doctor, must struggle to prove herself in this western town, while keeping her composure, poise, and femininity. As she fights to prove herself, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart. With the 1920’s rise of women’s rights, this novel gives you great insight at the struggles women had to go through, all the while watching a young love blossom!

“Elena, Woman of Courage is a wonderful book full of history, passion and romance, as well as a touch of suspense and humor,” wrote Kim Atchue-Cusella, Book Loons. “The characters are matched perfectly and it is sweet to watch romance develop between John and Elena. This was the last of five books in the series and it has been a joy to watch the family grow and prosper.”

Elena is a courageous woman who went to college during a time when women were not encouraged to be educated beyond high school. The 1920s was a time of change when women began fighting for their rights. After getting her degree as a doctor, she moves to the West to set up her own practice. When she arrives in a small town in Idaho, she meets Mr. Anderson who opposes her from day one but Elena’s stubborn nature will not allow her to give up. In her fight for equality, she learns to love the people of Bear Lake Valley and realizes she has found a home at last.

When Elena meets John Roberts, a rugged and good-looking farmer, she does not trust his intentions. As she gets to know him, she finds that he has deep respect for the education of women and abhors prejudice. John is the son of Gilbert and Melinda, but there is one thing that stands in the way of happiness. He is terrified of marriage and commitment. He is known as the “Happy-go-lucky Bachelor.”

“Linda Weaver Clarke displays an easy and excellent style of writing, blending adventure/romance/history/humor and courage. A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is an instant classic and should put this author on the literary map all over the world. A MUST read!”– Page One Literary Book Review

About the Author
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging others to turn their family history and autobiography into a variety of interesting stories. Her novel “Melinda and the Wild West” was a Semi-Finalist in the “Reviewers Choice Awards 2007.” The historical fiction series, A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho will include the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West, Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, Jenny’s Dream, David and the Bear Lake Monster, and Elena, Woman of Courage.

“Elena, Woman of Courage” (ISBN: 978-1-58982-545-1, American Book Publishing, 2009). For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com. Publicity contact: www.american-book.com.