CALL ME SONYA GREY

Call Me Sonya Grey by Sonya Tupone Lloyd

I found it hard to review this book. To say Sonya did not have a normal adolescence is an understatement. While it can be a hard time for anyone; because of things she could of never imagined it was especially hard for her.
At times I could see a glimpse of an old soul in a young girls body. She went through major depression, and I felt at times that she wished the earth would open up and swallow her. It was hard for her to come to terms with all she had been through.

Yet-- she does find help and hope.

I enjoyed "Dawn Praise" on page 61.

A golden hue rose from the blue mountain The first light that brightened the gray black sky A single ray shone over the fountain Changing the water into diff"rent dye The red and gold water reached for a cloud Forming an arch across the early dawn Painting the blue mountain a colored shroud As the doe wandered the field with her fawn The forest awakens from the long summer As the risen sun burns the haze away In the distance you hear the boy drummer Making haste to begin the bright new day

Look to the heavens and rejoice to see God's great gift of nature to you and me

This is a book described as poems---but I think Sonya should continue on and write a complete book of her life. Complete the catharsis once and for all.

Sandy Heptinstall

A DIFFERENT KIND OF HERO

BREATHTAKING BOWHUNTS

Breathtaking Bowhunts by Mike Lamade

Mike Lamade has hunted the continents from North America to Africa. One thing I was impressed by is he tells everyone from beginners to long time hunters to be responsible hunters. He says more than once; "Do Not Shoot." Unless the animal is presenting the proper shot angle for placement in the vital chest area behind the shoulder---do not shoot.

Sometimes people can be so caught up in the hunt that they shoot not taking the time to wait for the proper shot. Then the animal will wonder off and if not found can die a slow death.. Mike has hunted just about every type of game that is allowed. He even went along with a friend who was hunting gators with a bow. While Mike did not hunt he was still taken on a wild ride.

This book teaches you not only about the responsibilty of bowhunting but the history as well. Angus Brown is a professional bow hunter and outfitter in Africa. He was instrumental in getting bow hunting legalized in this country.

I come from a family of hunters. They only hunt for the meat. My husband Larry hunts with either a bow or rifle. When I showed him the photos of Mikes trophy room his eyes opened wide and he said; "I want to read this book when you are finished." This is a great book for all outdoor enthusiast.

Sandy Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

But Then Again I Could Be Wrong: The Book of Rants

But Then Again I Could Be Wrong: The Book of Rants by Jim Rising

Funny and to the point.

"Head on -- apply directly to your forehead"--this is one of the of most annoying commercials of all time, but the again, I might be wrong. Or then again I could be wrong. Why the author ended almost every little rant or fraustration with those words is just as annoying as the commercial. As I read this book I started to skip the last sentence.

The cover of this book leads a persons curiosity to open the book and start reading. This book had me laughing out loud in parts. Then when the author wrote about the obituary of the baby girl and the priest it truely touches your heart. Also in parts it is almost poetic when he describes the sounds of the wind blowing. Or how he loves to watch storms. The love he feels for NE Pennsylvania and the way he describes it; I know it is one place I would love to visit.

I am sure his long suffering wife (of whom he never mentions her name) will agree with me when I say "Jim, get off of your lawn mower before you kill yourself!" Swallow your pride and let your wife call her brother. This poor man is definately not Mr. Fix It. Oh, sorry the politically correct word would be he is "Honey-Doo" challenged.

In honesty he does put into words what so many of us have felt at one time or another. Well except the shower thing. I do have an answer for Jim when he speaks about deers crossing the road. My oldest son Troy swears that car dealers spray cars and trucks with deer scent. That is why so many deer committe suicide on our roads each year. So everyone be warned, wash all those cars and trucks at least three times before you venture into deer country.

I found this book to be an amusing read. Not bad for a first time author. I hope you can raise the monies needed for your library. I hope to visit there someday.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

A KINDER BRIGHT

A Kinder Bright
Jerry Fagnani
Tribute Books
P.O. Box 95
Archbald, PA 18403
ISBN# 978-0976507253
Price: $12.95

It is but a small book only 47 pages long. What effect could 47 pages have on someone? What could be taught or learned you may ask?

I have discovered the love of poetry in just 47 pages. In the first section of "A Kinder Bright," I felt sorrow and regret; that time is passing as we grow older and we have not finished all the things we wanted to do in our lifetime.

The second part of this book, I felt the gentle joy of freedom from the eyes of a child. I followed the author and walked along the trails and lake with him. I have discovered the beauty of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania.

In the final phase called "The Elaine Collection," I discovered the power of words. I have cried for Jerry as he mourns the loss of his precious Elaine. I believe in another time they will meet and become one again and that Elaine will be waiting with open arms.

Just 47 pages of a little book that has filled my heart and mind. I do not have to think and wonder what the author was trying to say. To all who may read this you will be transported to a new level in your life. To me on a scale of 1 to 5 this little book would be 5 plus.

I have never cared for poetry until I read "A Kinder Bright." As the author has said: "We often choose to remember our brightest memories. But certain brightness can be harsh. For me I prefer a kinder bright."

There are not enough words to describe what I have felt reading this book. So, I will just say thank you Jerry Fagnani.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

PACIFIC AVENUE

Pacific Avenue by Anne Watson

I found this book to be captivating. Pacific Avenue is so raw in its emotions, it was as if the author was writing her own story. I had to keep reminding myself this was a piece of fiction. It is not a predictable story in any way. Each new page captures you and leads you to the next.

This book has some scarred figures and will take you on an emotional ride. Richard, the young African American college student, just back from Viet Nam. He is estranged from his family, and his nights are filled with the horrors he experienced during the war while he sleeps. Even during the day he is haunted.

Kathy is a young white college student whom her mother never liked. Kathy could never measure up to her mother's standards. She was taught that it did not matter what the color of a person's skin was. She begins a relationship with Richard and invites him to dinner at her parents' house. Her mother did not seem pleased, but her father accepted him. To her mother racism becomes prevalent.

They continue to date and eventually become lovers. Kathy invites Richard to share in her family's Thanksgiving dinner. Everything is going fine until Richard hears a loud crash from the window shutters. He automatically dives under the dinner table, the food that was there falls to the floor as well as plates. Her mother is appalled by his behavior. While Richard is cleaning the food off of his clothes, it is her sister's fiance Sam that comes to Richards defense, and tries to make family members understand Richard's behavior.

This book shows us the dynamics of a generation that is just beginning to step out of the mold that has plagued both blacks and whites in this nation. It is a story of the love that two people share. One black and one white.

Kathy and Richard quit school, and leave Baton Rouge for New Orleans. They are hoping that there they will be accepted as a couple. For a short period life was great. They had the freedom they had sought. They made new friends and found jobs. Life was hard, but they were making it together. Yet it was also the beginning of Richard's descent. It becomes hard for him to tell reality from his days in Viet Nam. Eventually, they part, but not for the reasons anyone who is reading this may think. It is where they find true tragedy.

Kathy jumps on the first bus leaving. She is running away from her past, and the events that have destroyed her world. She arrives in San Pedro, California not knowing what she will do. She is a young woman who is mourning her loss. Her pain will not go away, and she does not know how to pick up the pieces and begin a new life. How she does it is her story, the story of Pacific Avenue.

The author has sought to entertain you and to keep your attention focused on the book. She has done so until the very last page.

Five stars Anne; as this book is an excellent read for all.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

SCRANTON THE ELECTRIC CITY

SCRANTON THE ELECTRIC CITY by Alyssa Amori

This is more than just a collection of pretty pictures. It shows the pride and diversity of the city. Ms. Amori really gives us a history lesson of the past and future of Scranton.

There is an old saying and it is; " One picture is worth a thousand words." That is so true in this book. When I look at "Lest We Forget" memorial, I remember the thousands of people who died because of one man's madness who was called Hitler. The monuments of our military reminds me of all the sacrifices people have given for our country.

I want to jump into the book and see the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and be a part of all the fun people seem to be having. I want to sit in the tree house, take a ride on the train or trolley. Then go and have fun at the water slides.

Every picture in this book has a story to tell. Whether it be the monument of a coal miner or the beautiful mountains and lakes. The love of baseball with Roger Clemens, or the stately buildings of the Universitys and homes.

Thank you Ms. Amori for taking us all to visit---Scranton The Electric City.