On Writing by Stephen King

Not so much an instruction book as it is an inspirational book, On Writing by Stephen King is a completely candid look at how and why King is an author.  There are pages on the mechanics of writing included in the book, but even those are offered in an enjoyable-to-read format.

Throughout the book, I had to underline here and there.  On a blank back page, I would notate those pages that had underlines.  These marked items were, to me, the jewels of the book...gems of the writer offered to an interested public.  Some of these items were very profound...others were common sense that I was glad to be reminded of.

All in all, this book will remain on my bookshelf for future reference.  If you pick up this book thinking that by reading this you will become a famous, rich author, just put the book back down.  If you are interested in learning about Stephen King's journey through life as an author, with special gems sprinkled throughout, then this is the book for you.

Crater By Homer Hickam

Thank you, Booksneeze, for providing this book for me to read and review.


I enjoyed this story. It was very imaginative. At first, I had a hard time getting into it because the author used words and terms that were foreign to me…in fact, I believe many were made up. Things like the “gillie” who played such an important part in the story; a do4u, something that took the place of the older and outdated, outlawed, gillies; blue bangers, pulors and so forth. But once I got beyond allowing these unknowns to stop the flow of the story, I really got into the book.

Although considered a young adult book, I totally enjoyed reading this book. I think teens would find this a wonderful tale. In fact, I will pass the book on to my grandson who is 14 years old and I know he will enjoy it.

The only problem is that the book leaves us sort of hanging. It doesn’t really “end” in a satisfactory manner and leaves us knowing a sequel book is on its way. In fact, at the end of the book you learn the next book will be coming out in 2013. That is frustrating to me! I hate to have to wait for the “next” to find out how things will be resolved from the previous book. Because of this, I am only giving the book 3 stars. I hate cliff-hangers!

So there you have it…you have been warned. If you read this book, you WILL want to read the next. Unfortunately the “next” won’t be available until next year!

thunder dob: The true story of a blind man, his guide dog & the triumph

thank you Booksneeze for providing this book for my review.

This is the first book I read of an actual account of the 9/11 attack in NYC. I knew before beginning the book that the tragedy was a horrendous experience for those present. But reading the account from a survivor’s perspective was still eye-opening. (No pun intended, as the witness to this calamity was blind.)


Michael and Roselle, a blind man/seeing eye dog team, were working on the 78th floor of the north tower, when an incredible explosion, followed by the tower leaning, leaning, leaning until it seemed it would topple. What had happened? No one in the tower knew exactly what had happened…they only knew they had to evacuate that building post haste!

As Michael and his dog make their way slowly down stairway B, along with a throng of sighted people, all trying to escape, Michael shares his thoughts, his emotions, his faith and his trust in his dog, the last two of which help him to be a survivor.

I liked this book, but it took a couple of chapters to get used to the way the author switched from past tense to present tense. Also, it seemed he had a hard time deciding just where to end the story. Each time I would think, “That was the end,” but knew it couldn’t be because there were still pages to come. Other then those two things it was a really good book.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Thank you Booksneeze, for providing this book for me to review.

I finished this book a couple weeks ago, but have delayed writing a review because, to be honest, I’m not sure even yet how to rate it.

The story line is original and interesting. I liked that about the book. But once I got into the story, I found the writing dragging in places. If you had to come to a correct conclusion about how to save the human race and you had time constraints, as the characters in this book did, I don’t think you would be wasting the time that they did. They not only wasted time discussing the problem at hand, but spent time “socializing” which left me feeling totally frustrated and wanting to shake the “travelers” and yell at them to knock it off and get to the solution!

The author takes liberties with the lives of the historic characters, which is necessary because the type of facts one would need to keep the book factual would be either impossible to find or boring. So I do understand the need of the author to “make up” character personalities and actions/reactions. I just don’t agree with the direction he took with some of their personalities.

Not a bad book…just not a terrific book either.

Eat Your Peas Faithfully by Cheryl Karpen

Thank you, Booksneeze, for providing this gift book for me to review.

Why is it that so often we fail to turn to the one source who can solve any problem; who can allay any fears; who can soothe any hurt? We struggle on our own to fix life’s dilemmas until we reach the point where we are completely dismayed. Then, we remember God, and turn to him with our problem; our fears; our hurts.

Eat Your Peas is a small gift book that reminds us to be faithful in all things at all times. It is filled with affirmations and encouragements. It reminds us to “let go and let God.”

In simple yet delightful ways, the author brings hope through her wise words. Each two-page spread is focused on one concept pertaining to faith and faithfulness.

Although the book is short and can be read in a few minutes in one setting, it is jam packed with uplifting thoughts that can help you focus on God. It reminds you that with faith in God, all things are indeed possible.

This book is a book that you could give as a gift to anyone that you love. They will feel that love through the words of this book.

The Band That Played On by Steve Turner

Thank you BookSneeze for providing this book for my review.


The disaster of the sinking of the Titanic is a story that has often been told in books, documentaries, and in the movies. The story of the Titanic is a heart wrenching tale that exposes mankind as the over-confident fool that we can surely be. But this book takes a look not at the fool hearty, over confident builders and ship captain, but at eight brave men who died that fateful night.

One can only imagine the terror and confusion that ensued as the great Titanic sank. Many lives were lost. A handful survived. Those who did survive testify of the courage of the eight member band who continued to play on as the ship sunk.

But we must wonder, what of these courageous men? What type of men were these who so calmly played on as the ship met its doom? What brought these eight men together to play in a band on that ill-fated voyage? These questions and more are answered in the book, “The Band That Played On”. In reading this book, it is obvious that careful and in-depth research was done to bring us the story of these brave men. This book is very well written and brings to life the band of the Titanic.

Kids are Funny: Noses

The other day I was babysitting my 6 year old grandson and 7 month old granddaughter.  I was looking at the baby and said to my grandson, "You know, Max, I think Aubrey has Grampa Zacks nose."

Max seriously said to me, "Oh no Gramma.  Believe me!  His nose isn't that small!"

He cracks me up sometimes!