Dave Pratt, Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio

This is the true life story of Dave Pratt, a top notched radio personality in Arizona. Dave shares with each reader how much hard work it took him to reach his dreams.

Dave formed his own band called, "Dave Pratt and the Sex Machine Band," to help his career. His band turned out to be so popular it was in demand for all types of venues and parties. Since Dave tells us he could not sing very well, you can't help but think what in the world went on?

The measure of a person is their word. You will find that Dave always keeps his word. As you are reading Dave gives you a test. One in which this reviewer could not resist.

So, kick back in your chair and read Dave's story of one wild and crazy guy....Oh wait, that was "Steve Martin." So I will say one wild and very smart business man.

I would rate this book PG16

Potluck Survival Guide

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Genre: Care & Feeding of the Athletic Supporter
Author: Cherie Kimmons

Review:
"Where was this book when my kids were all at home? I have learned so much and have had a ball trying some of the recipes. When my kids were home the most asked question was, what's for dinner? My reply was always food. Then it would be what type of food, and I would say the kind you eat.

I can relate to the author as our four kids were into all types of sports or clubs in school. To be honest our favorite quick meals were either pizza or hamburgers. We never in those days thought about nutrition, carbohydrates or calories.

I thought the introduction was funny. Recruiting the Best, was really helpful for those of us who live in small towns or cities. Wrapping the Goal Post was an inspiration. Not to mention food that kids would like from the ages of five to ten years old. Cherie teaches us to make it simple. Then from the ages of twelve to thirteen, a lot of kids can go through a vegetarian phase. That was really a surprise to me.

Honestly, the book is good for people of any age. I had never heard of tomato tart, avocado salsa or on the hamburger bar which has feta cheese sauce.

I loved the dessert part of this book also. I have been trying for thirty years to make Bread Pudding that my husband would like. I could never make it like his mom did. But after reading the recipe I realized the problem was that I would always use fresh bread. That is a no,no. So when he gets home from his trip I will make the recipe in this book.

I recommend this book to the novice cook as well as those of us who are seasoned cooks."

I would rate this book as G rated
Sandra Heptinstall

Arizona Literary Magazine Winning Contest Entries

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Genre: Arizona Authors Association
Author: Cherie Kimmons

Review:

"It's easy to see why these stories and poems are winners. I know from reading ALM that I would hate to be a judge! The stories are excellent and you are taken on a ride of highs and lows. Some of the stories and poems will make you laugh and some will make you sad, but they are all excellent reads. I am really impressed and hope that some of the stories will someday be turned into books.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

Elder Care Read: life scenes 1

By Laura Bramly

This is a beautiful story of a young woman trying to find a way to connect and communicate with her mother Betty, who had vascular dementia. The author Laura spent many hours of reading to her mom and showing her pictures. Trying to surpass the private world her mom lived in.

Then one day she was reading a coffee table book full of pictures. Laura was making up stories to go along with the photos. After Laura had finished the book her mom said; “Again.” I can only imagine how beautiful it must have sounded to Laura.

Laura began doing extensive research to help other people. The result was a book called Elder Care Read, with photos and text, with the added benefit of discussion questions. This book can be used to encourage people with moderate to advanced dementia to read, converse and learn.

We live in a culture where being older is not respected. In almost all other cultures older people are respected and people look to them for answers. Is there some way to help people see older people in a different light? I don’t have the answer, but I do know that Laura is trying to reach out and help all that she can.

It is up to all the caring people who I know are out there, to take the time and help an older person. Go to a local Nursing Home and volunteer to help.
Take this book with you and find a person who needs you. It may take a long time but you may also hear the beautiful word, “Again.”

Every Nursing home needs to have this book. To those of you trying on your own to help a loved one, buy this book as you won’t be disappointed.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews
Sandra Heptinstall

NANA'S TOMATO PATCH by JACKIE ALLEY

NANA'S TOMATO PATCH

I thought this book was so sweet. The author shows great talent, and has the ability to hold the attention of young readers. The story is about love, faith, the importance of family and the fact that God is always with us no matter what.

As the story ends you have a daily devotional for children with the help of an adult to read. In this reviewers opinion is the best I have read in a very long time. Each devotional relates back to the book and reinforces the lessons that they have learned.

The fun part is that you can create your own music to the songs. That way each reader will always have their own personal song. Now how fun is that? This book will have little minds thinking of all types of music they may know.

Because the words in this book are so important to kids, this reviewer will give my highest rating of five stars.

Sandy Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

Manning Up in Alaska

Manning Up in Alaska, an Astounding Tale of Overcoming Cancer, Sailing 2600 Miles to Alaska and Finding New Direction by Dick Drechsler

On February 18, 2005, Dick Drechsler went to the doctor as he was not feeling well and thought he had a sinus infection. He was not prepared for what the doctor had to say. He was told he had stage three neck and throat cancer. That he had four to six months left to live. His cancer appeared to be advanced and there was no hope.

Little did the doctors know of the tenacity of Mr.Drechsler. He went through extensive surgery that lasted nine hours. When he awoke he was given a glimmer of good news. Yes, the cancer was massive, it had involved forty of forty-eight lymph nodes in his neck, his left tonsil, and much of his neck and throat tissue, but the surgeon thought he'd gotten it all. He was told the cancer probably started in his left tonsil.

I am not going to dwell on all of the medical issues he faced, because the author does not want that. So you will just have to read it yourself in his book. All that I can say is he has "True Grit."

He calls himself just an average guy, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Average is not a word that comes to mind in his story. While this is an inspirational book to people who had or have cancer, it is so much more. It is a book of hope and one man who refused to let the fears of cancer coming back stop him from doing what he had always dreamed of.

I could not help but laugh out loud in parts. Dick decided he wanted to try and catch crab on his way to Alaska. So they stopped and bought a crab pot for $200, and a shrimp pot for $120, and then another $200 for other stuff that was need. He kept trying and trying and then one day it finally happened. He caught his first crab and the joy in finally catching one was priceless to him. His wife Sharon took a picture of Dick holding up his catch. And to think it only cost him $520. I laugh when ever I think of it.

Once when they were off their sailboat and walking around they forgot to bring their bear repellent with them. While they were enjoying the outdoors they happened upon a bear and it is something you cannot miss in this story. Nor the joke about the Irishman. Honest you have to buy this book to read about the poop juice, he was told to use when he was trying to catch a fish. Yes it literally was poop juice. I have to stop and add a warning about something to women who have had children and are over 55. At times I laughed so hard it was a race for the bathroom. Luckily for me I kept my dignity.

This book grabs your attention and while I have mentioned some of the funny things in this book, I know that cancer is not a funny thing. Dick is setting up a charitable foundation helping other cancer suffers. Both Dick and his wife Sharon now live on their boat full time.

As I read about all the places they have sailed too, this reviewer was caught up and was sailing with them. Excellent read for anyone. You can read about Dick's foundation at www.sailthrucancer.org.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

For The Record: A Personal Facts & Document Organizer

For The Record: A Personal Facts & Document Organizer by Ricki Pagano

I have to admit I am not the most organized person in the world. I have papers in a small safe, in my sideboard, in plaatic containers and recently I had company coming so papers were stuffed in a bag and put under my bed.

This book is a must have for every one. You can organize every thing and have it all in one book. Why someone has not thought of this is a mystery to me.

It will help you and your family if something should happen to you or a loved one. Here are some of the things the book covers.

1. Personal and Family Information
2. Medical Issues
3. Insurance
4. Legal Information / Document Locator
5. Employment
6. Income / Expenses
7. Financial Assets / Liabilities
8. Retirement Accounts
9. Final Arrangements
10. Important Telephone Numbers
11. Personal Property Inventory

The Appendix covers so much more that you will just have to buy this book to see. I think at one point in our lives we have thought of getting our stuff together but could not find the time. I can honestly say that I have never thought of some of the things the author has mentioned. It was a learning experience for me, and I will use this book.

I can't stress enough how important it is to buy this book. You won't be disappointment if you do.

Ricki Pagano, I will start tomorrow to fill in the pages. I can't thank you enough.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews