DON’T THROW AWAY YOUR STICK TILL YOU CROSS THE RIVER
(The Journey of an Ordinary Man)

As you read this book you will find that Mr. Beach’s life story is anything but ordinary. In fact it has been an extraordinary adventure for eighty plus years. I felt that in each chapter the author was trying to teach us all a lesson.

Vincent was born in a small village called Knollis, in Jamaica. His family was poor but I feel he learned a lot of life’s lessons that helped him as he grew. His mom was abusive, but always told him “Don’t throw away you stick, till you cross the river.” I found that bit of advice to be profound. His father was a quiet man that did not talk a lot but loved his kids. His family life was not one that was filled with affection. Yet as a child he longed for it.

His thirst for knowledge would take him far in life; as well as his love for music. As in some non-fiction books there can be many lessons that we can take to our hearts and use it. This book is no exception.
Rated G

In my humble opinion this book is a must read. On a sad note I have found out that Vincent Collin Beach has passed away. But his life story is still alive and is still available for all to read and learn about this amazing man.
Rated G

"A Journey to Die For"

In the opening pages, Carrie and Henry King are about to take the historic train ride from Springdale to Van Buren, Arkansas. Carrie is left alone (to her disgust) with a nosey busybody who rudely comments on how old she thinks Carrie looks, by saying Carrie and Henry look old enough to be retired. Carrie tells her no, she and Henry are not retired but are in fact private detectives.

“My how very unique. I guess you chase after people who owe money, spy on husbands, stuff like that. I know if Claude ever did-“ “No, Carrie interrupted, we chase after murderers.” Then she walked away, hoping Henry would never find out what she’d just said. Little did Carrie know how soon her words would come back to haunt her.

This is the first book I have read by author Radine Trees Nehring but it won’t be the last. I have to warn everyone who may buy this book; do not decide to read just a few chapters before going to bed. You will find you can’t stop. Your mind will not shut down as it will be filled with questions.

Who would have ever guessed the importance a handful of buttons would make in solving a murder investigation? I love the many twist and turns this book has. Just when you think you have the mystery solved, along comes something new and you are lost again. Dang, I hate it when that happens. But that is what makes a book good. This book is really good.

Plus, at the end of the book you will find some recipes mentioned in the book.

Excellent read for all.
Rated G

Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever

I adored this second book about Skiff the Shetland sheepdog. Once again Skiff is telling his story which is a delight to my youngest grandson. Skiff and his owners are now living in Phoenix, Arizona. Skiff is having a lot of fun in his new home. He loves to dig and run in the sun. One morning Skiff woke up and did not feel well. He had never been sick but knew that something was wrong. His owners took him to a vet and that is when they found out Skiff has Valley Fever.
This little book is educational as you get to see real X-rays, listen as a veterinarian explains all about what Valley Fever is and how long it can last. You will find a glossary of words at the end of the book. That will help little minds to understand words they may not know.


Excellent Read

Rated G

"Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures”

This is a cute little book about a puppy who is a Shetland sheepdog. Shelties were trained generations ago to help humans round up their flocks of sheep. Skiff's grandparents used to work as herding dogs in the Shetland Islands, a cool, rainy and windy archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. When they retired, they moved to Alaska, and the Shelties of Skiff's canine family have enjoyed cold snowy winters ever since.
Skiffs owners nicknamed him Little Sheltie or Skiff. Skiff loves everything about living in Alaska. He loves the cold weather, snow and being with his friends. Then one day he is told they are moving to Arizona. Skiff is very sad as he does not want to leave his friends and begins to cry. His owners talk to him about the move and that helped him a lot. Skiff will soon learn to love his new home.

This book was a delight and I loved it that the story was told by Skiff. I also loved the illustrations. When you read this book you will see different facial expressions on Skiff’s face. So look closely and you will see for yourself.
This is a great book for families who are planning to move. It will help younger children to accept and even look forward to the move when they read this book. The illustrations and story line are great and will hold the attention of smaller children. I think they will find they like Skiff as much as I do.
Rated G
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