Sunday Salon: Reviews & A Link

It’s The Sunday Salon. Time to grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of orange juice), set back and find some new exciting books to read (or listen to).

Today I’m featuring three books to appeal to readers on different levels. I have a thriller, a children’s book, and a book I think of as a ‘feel good’ book. First, let’s go with the thriller.

THE LION by Nelson DeMille

This is a story of terrorism, violence, and revenge - pure and simple. But I also took something else away from this story. I came away remembering how precious life is and how our world can be shattered in a split second.

The story is told by the protagonist John Corey, a former NYPD homicide detective now working as a special agent with the Anti-Terrorist Task Force. John is married to FBI Agent Kate Mayfield, who is also on the task force.

The task force’s current case involves a notorious Libyan terrorist Asad Khalil, also known as “The Lion.” Khalil has unfinished business in the U.S. He’s been on a mission to eliminate all the pilots involved in the 1986 Libyan bombing that killed his family. Having been stopped from this mission three years earlier by John and Kate, they too are now on his list of unfinished business.

This story is filled with humorous laugh out loud moments, as well as moments of sorrow, pain, respect, and an understanding our world as we knew it has changed forever. This story is set in post 9/11 New York City.

Author Nelson DeMille gives the reader insight into what John is really thinking at times right before he answers with a completely different, but appropriate response. It is during one of these exchanges that the story takes a drastic turn and you realize life can be lost in a mere second.

I’ve read reviews that relate that THE LION isn’t up to DeMille’s usual standard of writing. Since this was my first reading of his work, I have nothing to compare it to. However, if this is considered not his best, then his best would have to be mind blowing. Even though you have a sense of how the story will end, DeMille takes you on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, twists and turns before you reach the climatic end.

THE LION is the fifth John Corey book and a sequel to THE LION’S GAME. This is a stand alone book. References to prior events (including the first encounter between Kahalil, John and Kate) won’t leave the reader in the dark.

This was an audio book and the narration by Scott Brick added to the intrigue of the story for me. I’m looking forward to John Corey’s next assignment.

Nelson DeMille’s website: www.nelsondemille.net

The Lion by Nelson DeMille, Read by Scott Brick, Hachette Audio, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-60788-220-6, Unabridged, 14 CDs, Approximately 15.5 hours

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this audio and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

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ALPHABET WOOF! By Sherrie A. Madia

This is a delightful story of Moxy the dog and how his wish to talk came true one day.

The story tells how a magical alphabet soup resulted in Moxy being able to talk and the grand adventure it took him and his human family on.

The story will teach children that wishes, when granted, may not be all you thought they’d be.

The rich and colorful illustrations by Patrick Carlson will capture a child’s attention and imagination. The book is geared toward children ages 4 to 8.

ALPHABET WOOF! is published in both English and Spanish. In addition, a portion of the book’s proceeds benefit’s the SPCA. This entertaining and enlightening book of rhyming verses and vivid drawings would be a nice addition to any child’s collection.

Sherrie A. Madia’s website: www.alphabetwoof.com

Alphabet Woof! By Sherrie A. Madia, Ph.D., Illustrations by Patrick Carlson, MommyDaughter Productions, @ 2009, ISBN: 978-0-9826185-0-9, Hardcover, 28 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

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GOD AND DOG by Wendy Francisco

Now this is the book that I call a ‘feel good’ book. I can’t pick this book up without smiling and once you open it up to read, you can’t stop smiling.

This book came about after the video was featured on YouTube. It’s a delight and tells a wonderful message.

The video is fun to watch but to hold the book in your hand is good too. This little 48-page book would make a wonderful gift for any dog lover, but it would also be an uplifting book for someone in the hospital or homebound. It will entertain young and old alike.

Wendy Francisco’s website: www.WendyFrancisco.com

God and Dog by Wendy Francisco, Illustrations by Wendy Francisco, Hachette Book Group, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-59995-379-3, Hardcover, 48 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Now for a BONUS giveaway link:

Sunday only, Sept. 19, comment on the following link to win a paperback of the international bestseller, Holy Cow:  An Adventure in India by Sarah Macdonald at http://stephaniebarko.com/2010/09/19/giveaway-31

This link will go live at 12:05 a.m. (CDT) and will remain active for only 24 hours.