Reviews | Chanticleer Book Reviews

An Editorial Review of “Tightwads on the Loose” by Wendy Hinman

2016-12-17T12:15:39-08:00By Rae Ellen Lee|

The reader is immersed in the plans of Wendy and her husband, Garth, to set sail on their open-ended adventure. And we wonder how long an introvert, whose motto is always be prepared, can live in such tight quarters with an extrovert whose motto is let’s just wing it.These are not rich dot-com people on a yacht. Nor are they trust fund hippies, or newly retired people with a nest-egg, hence the title. "Tightwads on the Loose; a Seven Year Pacific Odyssey" vividly details the highs and lows of life at sea and at port.

An Editorial Review of “Ray Ryan” by Aiden Riley

2016-12-17T12:15:39-08:00By A. Libey|

An engaging contemporary coming of age story, "Ray Ryan" by Aiden Riley, follows and is narrated by the main character, Ray. The writing style is quite conversational and very British in its syntax. As the novel progresses through Ray’s life from childhood to mid-30s, the reader will learn of Ray’s challenges and fears, hopes and dreams that create the choices he must make to find his way. Will Ray be able to make his lifelong aspiration of becoming a writer come true? A solid debut novel.

An Editorial Review of “Coming Home” by Gloria Javillonar Palileo

2016-12-17T12:15:39-08:00By J Kirscht|

"Coming Home" explores cultural identity, belonging, and racism through the story of 12 year old Juan de la Cruz, and American-born boy of Filipino heritage. This book deals with the issues of generational racism and the struggles that it imparts upon youth.

An Editorial Review of “Prepare to Come About” by Christine Wallace

2016-12-17T12:15:39-08:00By kbrown|

This memoir illuminates the struggles and chaotic lives that many contemporary families are challenged with and then goes further. It inspires readers to look beyond society’s conventional solutions and rationalizations to plot their own course. "Prepare to Come About" by Christine Wallace is a story that restores faith in the strength and love of a family and will reaffirm your belief that a life lived on one’s own terms is the truest meaning of “achievement.”

An Editorial Review of “Rhythm for Sale” by Grant Harper Reid, Ph.D.

2016-12-17T12:15:39-08:00By L Wilson Hunt|

Reid shares his grandfather’s journey from dancing in broken hob-nailed “tap” shoes to making the Southern Circuit via “country road walking,” to working in Vaudeville, to basement gin-joints, and on to legendary venues such as The Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. Reid also lets his readers in on the darker side of the Harlem Renaissance, a time of racial segregation, political corruption, and cultural clash that was prevalent during this time period of American history.The book's tempo is fast-paced as the author condenses an encyclopedic amount of events, entertainers, prohibition gangsters, and the birth of a new genre of show business.

An Editorial Review of “The Inscription” by Pam Binder

2014-11-29T02:09:50-08:00By A. Libey|

When feisty Amber crashes her car into Loch Ness she doesn't expect to wake up 400 years in the past...neither does she expect to fall in love, but that is precisely what happens in this heartwarming romance novel featuring time travel, Scotland, highlander immortals, and legendary love.

An Editorial Review of “How to Make a Pot in 14 Easy Lessons” by Nicola Pearson

2016-12-17T12:15:40-08:00By K. Hess|

Pearson has painted in vivid detail the lives of these two characters, as well as the ups and downs of a developing relationship. Her elaborate descriptions of the Pacific Northwest immerse the reader in the beauty of the Skagit Valley countryside. Pearson’s skill in describing the art of pottery making as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of one’s life is unique and urges the reader to think about the lessons learned by the characters long after finishing the book.

An Editorial Review of “Mixed Blessings” by Harriet Cannon and Rhoda Berlin

2016-12-17T12:15:40-08:00By N. Davis, Ph.D.|

Using case studies to demonstrate core concepts of culture that can lead to misunderstanding and strife, "Mixed Blessings" is an indispensable guide to multicultural and multiethnic relationships of all sorts--from husband and wife, to extended family, to co-workers, and more. In today's multicultural world, "Mixed Blessings" is a must read.

An Editorial Review of “His Father’s Eyes, His Mother’s Manners” by Kenneth Stokes

2016-12-17T12:15:40-08:00By kbrown|

Using the backdrop of an air disaster as his stage, Stokes has penned a compelling story that delves into the lives of a multicultural cast of characters, revealing truths certain to resonate with his readers in this literary work.

An Editorial Review of “Tree: One Life that Made a Difference by Norman E. Kjono

2014-11-12T18:26:36-08:00By Chanticleer|

Norman E. Kjono, author of "Tree: One Life That Made a Difference," takes us on a journey to a small valley in the Pacific Northwest where the “lifes” of this sacred place consider themselves to be lifes to preserve their individuality yet acknowledged the plural sense of them together as more than one.” Valley culture is built on the idea that all lifes are interdependent, and that by each individual doing his or her best, the purpose of the Cosmos and Creator will be best served. Owls, deer, beavers, mushrooms, frogs, raccoons, and other creatures including Tree and the Ancients (redwood trees) make up the cast of characters in this inspirational work that asserts that one life can make a difference. And that difference begins with one positive act that in turn inspires another and another.