17 CENTS AND A DREAM

     Technically, “17 CENTS AND A DREAM” by Daniel Milstein, is the biography of a child who migrates with his family from USSR to America and grows up to be successful. It is not the technicalities of the book that makes it worth reading it is discovering how a man’s character can push him beyond his known limits enduring the burdens of change on his way to fulfilling his purpose.

    The road to success is filled with all types of barriers some man-made and some self created “17 Cents And A Dream” addresses many of these hindrances in a very personal way. It is difficult to move forward when it appears as though the world is against you. The wisdom found throughout the book will give the reader new insight as to how to overcome unrelenting difficulties.

    More than a biography the book is motivational. It begins with Chernobyl an event I was aware of but like many had forgotten.  This firsthand knowledge of the event is a much needed reminder of history and is one of the first obstacles in Daniel Milstein’s journey to success. “17 Cents And A Dream” is ot only thought provoking but exciting from beginning to end.

I recommend reading this book as well as purchasing a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an unbiased review.

READERS: Download the Kindle version of the book for 99 cents February 4 thru 8^th

THE LEGEND OF THE MONK AND THE MERCHANT

     “The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant” by Terry Felber is a fictional story of one man’s discovery of the key to success. The book contains twelve principles to becoming successful after discovering one’s purpose. Included in the 184 pages is a 57 page study guide for personal or group study. 

     I was anxious to read this book because of its’ title and the forward by respected financial advisor Dave Ramsey.  As I read this story I kept thinking about another book with a similar concept as much as I tried not to I found myself comparing the two. Around the fourth chapter I decided to skim through the remainder of the book for fear I would not complete it.  Considering the story only  119 pages (some of them blank) I was surprised that it took me a few days to complete it. 

      If you are looking for a book to incorporate in a small group that has a business theme then by all means check "The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" out. Since each chapter  makes an excellent vignette for the corresponding study guide the book will facilitate in personal growth and development. Because I have read the “Greatest Salesman in the World” I was disappointed in the plot and dialogue, I found  both to be too simplistic.

I would recommend this book but suggest you check it out at the library first. xxx Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for a free review.

NOT MY LAST BREATH

by Marsha L. Randolph         Of all the different forms of art I would say painting and poetry can be the most difficult to review, they are both subject to personal interpretation. Fortunately I do not have to review a painting; I am however searching for the right words to describe a book of poetry entitled “Not MyLast Breath- Collected Spirit in Print” by Nadjwa Effat Laila Norton, Artist: Jason V. Roberts.  

Had the author not explained her poems I would have read each poem incorporating how each word appealed to my emotions.  Explaining your work is like telling the end of a movie; it spoils the entire experience. “Not My Last Breath” would have been subject to my interpretation had she kept silent.  If I could disregard her words I would be able to tell you that I loved her poems except I kept remembering what she said.

      I have never read a book of poems in which the writer felt the need to explain the organizational structure of a book. I have read Langston Hughes, Ntzoke Shange, Nikki Giavonni, Willie Joyce Floyd, C. William “Champ” Morris, Bianca Floyd and a few others I don’t recall them ever doing such.  Those I know personally have asked me, upon completion of a poem: “What do you think?”

For example she begins her book (after the traditional acknowledgments of course) on page 8:

“Dear Readers :
“Not My Last Breath: Collected Spirit Talk in Print” was created with the intention  that it would speak to people with a range of spiritualities.”  

    This word “spiritual” is what has caused me pause. For me as a believer in Jesus there is only one God thus there is one Spirit therefore when someone refers to “many spiritual entities” (page 7)  or “enacted our spiritual calls” (page 16) as a Christian I have to double check what the writer is talking about. I walk away disappointed not by the quality of the poetry but by the inspiration behind the words.

    Paintings and poems are art that is subject to interpretation.  I would have enjoyed the poems from a Christian perspective had the writer not went through such pains as to explain her work.  Instead I was taken out of my world and brought into hers, one of which I am only vaguely familiar with. To the few individuals who follow my reviews: my overall impression is this book leans on a Unitarian or New Age way of thinking.

I would recommend this book if you see at a library. (The artwork was beautiful.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

I downloaded the book, “Spiritual Warfare” by Marvin McKenzie, because I am interested in the subject.  The book cover indicated that 1) the book was a study of 1 & 2 Samuel and  ) the book was part of a Bible study series.    After reading the first chapter “The Battle for the Home” I enthusiastically continued reading. I

As wonderful and on-point as chapter one may have been everything, at least for me began to go down ill midway of chapter two. What promised to be a very good study of 1 & 2 Samuel as it related to spiritual warfare, something that I have not read or heard discussed, became an opportunity for Marvin McKenzie to vent.  Apparently he has a problem with individuals dedicating their children in one church and then changing churches.  He also seems to have difficulty embracing biblical teaching preferring to preach.

“So far I have just not been able to bring myself to make that switch; from Bible preacher to Bible expositor.  (Kindle Location 751-58)

This statement is evident in his writing.  “Spiritual Warfare” as written by Marvin McKenzie moves from teaching spiritual warfare to preaching information not valid to the discussion. Perhaps when behind the pulpit this minister of the gospel likes to venture off of his message, a practice preachers and professors have been known to do, this is not advisable to those who choose to teach or write.

 In the introduction the author states there may be errors in spelling or grammar within the pages of his book. He indicates that the manuscript was inspired by a sermon which he decided to incorporate in a printed bible study series. This is not his first book, he has been publishing since 2010. With 14 publications listed on Amazon readers novas writing errors should not to be present.

I cannot recommend this book. Because this is a book that I purchased  Amazon will allow me to loan this book to anyone with a Kindle, I will not.  I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book for review. 

A RABBI LOOKS AT THE LAST DAYS

       If you have ever wondered what happens to the Jews during the end times “A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days” by Jonathan Bernis  will present a ideology that you may deem plausible. 

The author presents a detailed discussion of the end times using Scripture to explain how the Jewish people play an important role in the Messiah’s return. The book details the numerous erroneous predictions of the end times presented throughout history which lays a foundation for his end time philosophy.

It is clear that Rabbi Jonathan Bernis is very proud of his Jewish heritage; his support of Israel is admirable. The arguments he presents as to the role Jews play in the end times are understandable and for some will be believable.

      “A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days” is an excellent tool to use when evaluating the basis of one’s own beliefs regarding the return of Jesus. With the increased number of end times prophecies it is important to know what and why you believe. It is equally important for Christians to not repeat the embarrassing errors of the past which included the false persecution of Jews.

      Though I learned quite a bit from the book there were a few doctrinal concepts that I am not ready to endorse. I am not one of those who believe Jews are going to hell; they are still God’s chosen people. However the book did not convince me that everything I was taught regarding the end times is wrong.

I recommend this book, I would be more inclined to check the book out of the library though it would not be a bad idea to purchase a copy.  XXX Marsha L. Randolph

Note: Publication date is January 2013 advance orders are being taken. 

I received a reviewers advance copy of the book in ebook format. 

MY MODERN WOMAN by Giscard Nazon

BOOK REVIEW:   “My Modern Woman” by Giscard Nazon is a book that begins with its’ cover, back and front; if you get ‘it’ you will get it. Everyone will not be able to appreciate the length and depth of this single poem that took 57 pages to write.

As I read “My Modern Woman” I felt the unique rhythm of the words written by Giscard Nazon as he weaved faith, politics, life and relationship into a prophetic message. His words were more than a celebration of womanhood; they were a warning to those who do not pay attention to the events of the day and a reminder of God’s word. None of the words written were subtle yet if you have difficulty following the flow of poems that do not rhyme the book may be difficult to understand.

 I enjoyed this book and I do recommend it. However, the very thing that makes me like “My Modern Woman” is probably what will make others not like it.  This poem made me think, like Psalm 119 (which I love) I had to read some passages over again. “My Modern Woman” is not something you will read one time and grasp every concept presented.

Upon successful completion of this book you may find that there are some things you agree with and others you do not.  However, the fact that you completed the book is an indication that Giscard Nazon did exactly what the book cover promised: it got you to think about your faith, your life, your government and your relationships, all in just 57 pages.   

I recommend this book. This is a book I would purchase. Marsha L Randolph 

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. This I have done. 

BOOK REVIEW: DOG PARK

Check out this excellent book by Deena Marie Kaylee on my other site: DOG PARK