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Author - Jack Prather
The Coosa Marketplace
Serving Coosa County, Alabama
A Product of
The Daily HomeVol. 6 No. 26
Article by Jim Smothers – Marketplace Editor
‘Coosa’ tell tale of local Cherokee
Author’s grandfather in Rockford told him story during Depression years
He moved away from Coosa County long ago, but Jack Prather can’t forget the beauty of the land or the love of the people he knew here in a different day and age. Some of them may still be around, and his high school girlfriend from Richville may be a little embarrassed to see her beer drinking exploits mentioned in print.
But what started out as a work of fiction ended up as two books in one. The first story set in Coosa County beginning in 1775, and the other a memoir of Prather’s life told with such vividness and detail that it makes for an interesting read. As a member of what has been called "Americas Greatest Generation," Prather has some stories to tell about life in the Depression, World War II, and post-war America as the nation became a superpower.
As a boy, Prather visited grandparents in the Rockford area. He played in the woods and creeks, and let his imagination run free as he wondered about the people who had lived on this land in ages past.
This was fueled by stories his grandfather told him about an Indian ancestor of theirs.
While the stories were told to young Jack as being true, he hasn’t been able to verify them.
But not being one to let facts get in the way of a good story, he turned his imagination loose to bring life to the young Cherokee Black Cloud with his special gift of seeing visions in the waters of Coosa’s creeks.
Part One tells of the lives and hardships of Native Americans living in the Coosa County area and the friendship Black Cloud formed with the family of Henry Pounds the first whites to settle in the area. Cloud with the help of the Pounds family develops a very large cotton plantation paying the black workers that they had freed.
With out giving too much of the story away, if the story is true, historians have missed a great man.
"I can’t find a census before 1850 and it didn’t include Indians the best I could tell." Prather said. "The story lay dormant from before the Civil War until I was 8 years old which was over 72 years. Now if I could have proved it, I would have called it a true story but I couldn’t prove it nor could I disprove it. But I believe what my grandfather told me was true and I added to the story only where necessary to add interest to the story.
Part Two tells the story of Prather’s life and how he heard the story that makes up Part One. Black Cloud and Henry Pounds – actually Ebenezer Pond – are Prather’s great-great grandfathers.
Prather was born in 1924 and lived his earliest years in Sylacauga. His family moved to Rockford during the Depression where he attended school. He was in the Navy in World War II, participated in fraternity pranks at the University of Alabama and worked at the paper mill in Childersburg before moving to Mobile where he worked as an industrial engineer for a couple of different companies.
The story is at time funny, sad and poignant and always interesting.
It has been a life well lived, and worth reading about.
"I had the story inside of me ever since my grandfather told it to me, but I’ve been so busy making a living that I didn’t have time to write it until I retired." Prather said.
Published in June the book is not yet well-enough known to be stocked in many book stores, but it can be ordered from most book stores, including outline bookstores Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble and other book sellers.
On the web: Prather’s website at http://www.literary-websites.org/jackprather
Contact: MG Associates, Public Relations Firm
mgassociatespr@yahoo.com
Arizona/London
http://clik.to/MGA
Literary Author and Commercial Venture Make Odd Pair
February 6, 2003 - Carolyn Howard-Johnson's "Inside Retailing" columns that appear in the national
publication Home Decor Buyer were selected by CBK for inclusion in a commercial advertising insert. It will
be distributed nationally in home decor publications and used as handouts for their cadre of
representatives and clients nationwide. CBK is a major gift manufacturer based in Union City, TN.
The columnist is also the author of two award-winning books, This is the Place and
Harkening, both published by AmErica House, Baltimore, Md.
This is the Place, won the Reviewers' Choice Award in the spring of 2001,
was named Top Ten Novels in the Preditor and Editors Readers' Poll. AmErica House honored it for
exceptional sales and a chapter from the book was a finalist in the prestigious Masters' Literary Award:
Another was selected for inclusion in The Copperfield Review and one was a finalist in The New Millennium
Review's annual contest. It was also an NUW Book Club selection.
A story from Harkening won the Red Sky Press Award.
Howard-Johnson's work has also been featured in anthologies like Pass Fail, Calliope's Mousepad,
Mothers of Authors and The Joy of Cancer. She is also on the editorial board of Yarrow Brook Review Journal.
Learn more at:
http://www.TLT.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm
# # # #
Media support kits available electronically upon request.
Release distributed by MG Associates, a public
relations firm dedicated to meeting the needs of
published authors from around the world by providing publicity, exposure, and media consultation. In
addition, we assist the media industry by supplying news and information regarding our clients in a timely
and professional manner.
Contact: MG Associates, Public Relations Firm
mgassociatespr@yahoo.com
Arizona/London
http://clik.to/MGA
Feltham, UK Author Annette Gisby's "Writing the Dream"
Now Available In Print
February 6, 2003 - Annette Gisby's newest book was released this week.
Part autobiographical; part how-to, "Writing the Dream" details the author's own experiences in
publishing - from electronic to traditional.
For authors and aspiring authors alike, "Writing the
Dream" includes segments on getting an author's book
reviewed, how to promote and market a book with little or no budget, how to increase the chances of
acceptance by publishers or magazines, what to look out for when shopping for a publisher, and much more.
This paperback edition also includes a bonus of selected poetry from the author and a 'notes' section
where aspiring writers can jot down their own ideas for stories or promotional campaigns. It is also
available as an e-book.
Judy Gore, the self-help moderator for Women on Writing remarked, "In 'Writing the
Dream', Annette Gisby boldly empowers her readers with publication
choices in an ever changing, fast-paced multi-billion dollar industry. With her choice of up-to-date web
sites, promotional skills, and personal accounts, she gives her readers the knowledge to not only Write the
Dream, but to live it."
Annette Gisby is also the author of the contemporary novel, "Silent
Screams", and a short story and novella collection,
"Shadows of the Rose". She has won the Not
the Usual Way Award of Excellence three times for her help and support of fellow authors.
For more information on Annette and her books, please visit her website: http://www.annettegisby.n3.net
Contact: MG Associates, Public Relations Firm
mgassociatespr@yahoo.com
Arizona/London
http://clik.to/MGA
Global Authors Publications debuts with an ethereal elegance
February 6, 2003 - Global Authors Publications is proud to announce that it will release its first
title, "Georgia's Ghostly Getaways" by Kathleen Walls
in February 2003.
"Georgia's Ghostly Getaways" traces the haunted
history of our thirteenth state. From the seaport of Savannah to the North Georgia Mountains, this book
tells not only where to find the 'liveliest' spirits, but where to eat, play, and stay while you hunt for
Georgia's plentiful haunts.
"Georgia's Ghostly Getaways" has already received
pre-press acclaim from as far away as London, England. Jonathan Turton, Editor of Travel Insights stated,
"The book benefits from extensive research, and joins a small group of other works on the ghosts of the
thirteenth state."
"Georgia's Ghostly Getaways" is the author's second
book. Walls, who divides her time between St.
Augustine and North Georgia, is also the author of "Last Step", a novel about a mother's war on drugs in
Jacksonville, Florida.
Additional information on "Georgia's Ghostly Getaways"
is available at http://www.katywalls.com
Flesh Craves, The Vanfell Legacy tells the tale of a family travelling west in the 1820's to seek an inheritance left to them. During the course of their long journey, all but a few fall victim to the elements and attacks. Two adults, Des and Shileen, seek to rescue Honey and Sinclair (Shileen's children) from an evil Indian tribe. The plot expands as they befriend an indian who introduces them to his tribe, the Watcheeny.
In reading Flesh Craves, I found several themes that were woven together to bring out the underlying point of the story. Although the book centers around a curse that gives man and beast cravings for blood and flesh, (hence the name) the true hub of the story is the indominable spirit of man. Through all the tragedies and losses they endured, both white man and indian work together to survive in an untamed and harsh world. I found myself immersed with the descriptions of the wild, and how life must have been for those who lived in it.
I was pleased with the way Brian interwove the supernatural into the story. It didn't overpower the flow of events, as many books do. Although vitally important to the book, it kept a back seat most of the time (though you could feel it's presence, especially toward the end.)
Some parts of the book are quite graphic, but never get out of hand. Though I must say again that the story takes place in the wilds of the west, and life was certainly a challenge for those who braved it. I also liked how the indians were portrayed, instead of the stereo-type descriptions of butchers and heartless warriors given today.
If I had to label this book, it would certainly not be under horror, but there is an amount of suspense in it that eats at you until you reach the end. With surprises and twists throughout, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a story they can really get into, but be prepared for the unexpected!
In conclusion, I enjoyed reading Flesh Craves, and hope that Brian will continue his style of writing in future books.
Michael Bogert/Reviewer
"Flesh Craves - The VanFell Legacy" is available for purchase at http://www.ineedabook.net/#others
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: www.authorsden.com/briantseifrit
Brian Seifrit has created a frightening and eerie introduction to the VanFell family saga. They are beset by wolves, vicious raging blizzards and below zero weather, starvation, life threatening injuries, and diseases they are ill-prepared to handle. They are stalked by an evil tribe of Indian cannibals, and befriended by kindly natives who assist in their survival. Behind every new friendship established, and each triumph and tragedy the VanFells experience, looms the spectre of a horrible condition known by locals as "flesh craves". Once infected with this terrible disease, man and beast must devour flesh and blood to survive. And only a long dead shaman from a friendly tribe knew the secret cure for this affliction.
As I said at the beginning, Flesh Craves introduces the VanFells and their friends and sets the tone for future sequels. These sequels will no doubt take the reader deeper into horror and, hopefully, reveal the solution to the flesh craving disease that haunts the VanFell clan. A sequel is in the works, and I can't wait to read it!
Review by Laurel Johnson for Midwest Book Review
Available for sale at http://www.ineedabook.net/#others
AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: www.authorsden.com/briantseifrit
Detective O'Brien works for Henderson and Co. Detective Agency. You are first introduced to him and his colleagues; Henderson, Hal, Rory and Thom as they are investigating a murder case. Detective O'Brien immediately reminded me of the Detectives of long lost famous television shows, like Jack Web from "Dragnet." This certainly was not a bad thing for this reviewer, but rather made for a 'trip down memory lane' read. One I enjoyed.
It is a laid back novel, not fast paced, despite the entire core of it being centered around murder investigations. This is not to say that there was not mystery in this novel, for indeed there was, as Detective O'Brien and his team are faced with a killer who has a cruel sadistic side.
Detective O'Brien tells the stories, from his eyes. After the first murder is solved, the rest of the book brings you into O'Brien's investigation of a crime of mutilated bodies, seemingly of homeless people. Just what were those strange markings on the bodies of the victims? And why was their blood drained out? The author does a good job of bringing you into the swing of the story, but I feel he could be a little more descriptive of characters, surroundings and emotions.
I liked the way Mr. Seifrit brought the murderer into the story and the reason why this person killed. I found it intriguing, and I also liked the way he threw in a few other suspects, allowing you to play detective for a while. This book grows on you! I think those who like a good detective novel will enjoy this one. Looking forward to book 2!
Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
www.midwestbookreview.com/index.html
Detective Tyler O'Brien is very dedicated to his job. He is the type of detective that puts himself and his family last until he solves the case. He recently sold his own detective agency to go to work with the reputed Henderson and Co. O'Brien has a very good relationship with his boss, you could say it's a love hate relationship. They both try to bring out the best in each other. Henderson knows that he can count on O'Brien to get the job done and solve the case.
The first case that Henderson gives O'Brien is a three-week-old case that involves the killings of two young women. O'Brien takes the case. It takes place in the town where he grew up. Just when you think that there is no way any new evidence can turn up, O'Brien gets a break and solves the case.
Next, O'Brien gets a case that is very brutal. It involves the death of a homeless man who is mutilated and dumped on the train tracks. O'Brien calls on some help and finds out that there was a similar case that happened ten years before. This leaves O'Brien with no leads and no evidence of who could have done this. O'Brien and the boys from Henderson and Co get together to try and find the killer or killers in this horrible death. Days later, with four more bodies dropped off in different cities but with the same brutal mutilations done to them, O'Brien gets some help from a liquor store owner. He gives O'Brien a different look at these brutal homicides. O'Brien goes to check up on this idea that he has. With the killer one step ahead of the detectives, they pull out all the stops. Henderson himself gets involved to help O'Brien take down this madman.
The sarcasm that Henderson and O'Brien trade with each other gives the book
the comical edge that it needs. This book shares with you the thoughts of a
madman. The O'Brien Series really keeps you rooting for the good guys. I can't
wait for book two.
Available at http://www.ineedabook.net/#others
O'Brien is back with his buddies, Hal, Rory and Thom in book two of Mr. Seifrit's series, "The O'Brien Series". You will also be introduced to a a couple of new pals that he acquires at his new location at Henderson Detective Agency in Ridgeville. O'Brien has hit the big one ,being promoted to Lieutenant , he moves his family to a great new home and he takes on the responsibility of heading Henderson's Detective Agency in Ridgeville. O'Brien will soon work for his added level in life however, as he battles with his old enemy from book one ,the evil Anvil Brentwood.
That's right, O'Brien has moved up the ladder but his past haunts him in this second book of the O'Brien Series by Brian T. Seifrit. The evil Anvil Brentwood, whom all of us, who read book one, assumed would be put away for good, has surfaced. Escaping from a mental institution, Anvil decides that he will seek out his revenge on O'Brien for his capture and imprisonment. This is the story-line.
Mr. Seifrit does a good job bringing his characters to life in this novel. He includes different cases that each are working on, bringing you more into the life of a detective; and includes more about the family life of O'Brien himself. I found that enjoyable.
The main thrust of the story however is the hunt to apprehend, yet another time, the evil Anvil Brentwood. You travel with O'Brien as Anvil takes them from one point to another in their relentless search to recapture him. You share in the investigating and you wonder if Anvil will harm either O'Brien, his co-workers or his family, as Anvil leaves a trail of bodies for them to follow. Not a well man!
Again, as with book one, this novel has the flavor of the old TV programs, like Dragnet. It is good cop finding bad guy story, and all that goes with it. Not faced paced, but a steady read. Detective story lovers would enjoy this one. The downside, in my opinion of this novel ,would be some of the language. I did not feel that so many 'off color' words had to be incorporated in the language of the characters, and felt this took away from the read. Perhaps to others it would not matter.
If you want a laid back Detective story, even paced with likeable characters, this one is for you. Good to cuddle up with on these cold winter nights.
Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
"Manhunt" is available for sale at http://www.rosedogbookstore.com/manbybriants.html
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2002 by Brian T. Seifrit
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN # 0-8059-9216-2
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing
For additional information or to order additional books, please write:
Rosedog Publishing
701 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
U.S.A.
1-800-834-1803
Or visit our web site and on-line bookstore at www.rosedogbookstore.com
This book is dedicated to the memory of Arthur John Seifrit, and Arthur Henry Taras, both are now stars in the sky.
Special acknowledgements go to my Mother, Jane Seifrit, and
Mother-in-law Clara Reid, for having faith, and for expressing it.
"Manhunt" is available for sale at http://www.rosedogbookstore.com/manbybriants.html
by Laurel Johnson
ISBN: 1-893302-46-6
E: Some sexual content
Available at
Reviewed by Nancy Mehl for MyShelf.com
When the stories of a war in Europe reach Beck Sanow, a farm boy in Kansas, he makes the decision to join the fighting on the front lines. His dreams of Paris, her beauty and her love of art, fuel the young painter to protect the city he longs to experience. But the horror of war is beyond his endurance. After undergoing more than three years of hell on earth, Beck Sanow, now a shadow of the young man who ventured to the other side of the ocean to battle for his dreams – has none left inside. Broken, devastated, and alone, he fights his way back to Paris. A kindly concierge at the Hotel DeVille, takes pity on the wraithlike man whose dead eyes see nothing beyond the darkness of his own soul. Jean Clerc takes Beck in, giving him a place to lay his head and food to feed his body. His spirit is another matter. Jean has no cure for what ails the broken man. Perhaps he is beyond help - destroyed by the evil that men perpetuate on each other.
One night, as Beck sits in a French bistro, a young woman begins to sing. Her song and her presence touch a heart he thought he no longer possessed. Something in her large, luminous eyes brings a touch of light to the blackness that envelopes him. When another man savagely beats Cerise, Beck cares for her. As her injuries heal, his inner wounds begin to mend as well. Beck knows he must face his past and confront the nightmares that rage inside him. With Cerise by his side, he believes he can once again find the Beck Sanow he left for dead on a bloody European battlefield. But tragedy has another plan for the lovers. Can love really conquer all – or can the human soul wander so far from the light that it can never find its way back?
Laurel Johnson has penned a modern masterpiece. Her poetic words flow seamlessly, creating a story of incredible depth. Beck and Cerise become flesh and bone as the reader feels their pain and celebrates their triumph. Johnson clearly displays her natural ability as a storyteller and her deep understanding of the human spirit.
THE ALLEY OF WISHES is a book no one should miss – and no one will forget.
HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Laurel's website is http://www.authorsden.com/laurelajohnson
More reviews of "The Alley of Wishes" :
Review by Kathy Bosworth for Denise's Pieces
THE ALLEY OF WISHES is one of the finest pieces of literature I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The creativity of the author's beautiful words captured my attention from the first page. The characters are well defined and endearing.
This is a heartwarming tale of Beck; a disillusioned, broken man. Three years of fighting on the front lines during WWI have left this American with little hope. Cerise is a victim of abuse, which has left her spirits wounded. They find each other in war torn Paris. Can their love heal old scars? Will the adversity that has plagued each of them make them stronger?
The writing style of Ms Johnson made this story both believable and touching. The reader is transported to another era with ease. I felt the deep emotions of the characters. The angst and triumphs were written with an almost poetic beauty. The bombs exploding in Paris were real and frightening. This is a must read for people that want a glimpse into the horrors of war while experiencing the wonder and power of love.
This is an outstanding book and I give it my highest recommendation. I am sure that I will read this one again. It has all of the qualities of a classic novel that should be handed down from generation to generation and read over and over again.
=================================
Midwest Book Review on The Alley of Wishes
If you think this is simply a romance, guess again.
Beck Sanow is a young American struggling to live with memories of what he saw and did along the Front in World War One. Beck went into the war an educated, idealistic, optimistic young man, and deserted three and a half years later shattered and empty. Strong French cigarettes and whiskey are the only comforts he allows himself.
Cerise L'oiseau is a bistro singer, not all that pretty or appealing. But her sorrowful voice penetrates Beck's mind and tears at his heart. Cerise has been systematically battered by a cruel, demented fiance. She feels this dysfunctional relationship must surely be due to shortcomings on her part. She lives on an obscure Parisian side street - The Alley of Wishes.
Beck is inexperienced where women are concerned. He struggles with desire and sexual obsession for this woman he secretly names "the songbird". She sees a core of purity in Beck and soon becomes his angel of hope in a hauntingly dark life.
The beauty of this story is how they complement each other, fight each other's demons and persevere no matter what befalls them. Quiet courage and devotion is their hallmark, unconditional love is the key that frees them from dishonor and near death. It's a hopeful, love filled story, more than a romance.
Housebreaking a Husband
Lori Soard
Five Star 2002
Hardback, First Edition
ISBN: 0786245786
Well-Known Web Teacher and Author
Publishes Romance
Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place" and "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered"
This is a story as light as whipped cream and as quick as the proverbial brown fox. Author Lori Soard sets the pace for "Housebreaking a Husband" with a humorous, romantic and action-packed beginning
A young woman with a scarred past meets a man with heavenly green eyes on the beach behind her home-or rather she entangles that man with a dog, leash, the arms and legs of children and some of her own body parts.
It turns out this man with whom Sarah has become entwined has some scars of his own. He is about to lose custody of twin toddlers and, excepting for the deep love he feels for them, is determined to be emotionally unavailable to all others.
The romance is titillating but is also so free from explicit sex that it would be suitable for most 14 year olds. Like most families, Sarah's is slightly dysfunctional and quirky and absolutely lovable. it appears that Soard is incapable of formulating a cookie-cutter character. They all have a reality quotient of 10.
This is a story about how love can be corrupted by a lack of communication and by unaddressed fears. There is much more to it than a quick, romantic read.
(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, "This is the Place," has won eight awards.
Her newly released "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remember" has won two.
Learn more at: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
.)
Carolyn Howard-Johnson,
Author of the awards-winning novel This is the Place.
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered,
has already garnered the Red Sky Press Award and two others.
For More information go to: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
Perfect Travel Partners
Charity, Fun and Books--What a Way to "Go!"
Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of "This is the Place" and "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered"
Not that anyone cares, but I'm putting all travel section editors on notice: I hate travel books. I prefer serendipity when I travel and I truly don't give a darn about the kind of soap a hotel puts in its bathrooms.
My point here is that
Hot Footing Around the Emerald Isle
by Ian Middleton is a book even travelers (and book lovers) like me can adore.
This book is funny. And perspicacious. And it will do the world some good-l-iterally. More about that in a minute.
This is a book about, well, you know, the adventures the author had hotfooting it around Ireland. Now the author plans to do it again for charity. He will walk 300 miles across Ireland to aid asthma research come May. Part of the proceeds from this book go directly to charity and the rest of the profits will fund this second walk-sort of charity and profits in motion like a giant snowball (I hope) rolling down and hill and collecting more good, pristine stuff as it rolls!
And more "good stuff" could include another book. Mr. Middleton's writing reflects his breadth of travel and his experience in the UK; not that they are connected or anything but he also has a rather salty vocabulary. He has an uncanny knack for spotting the way the universe provides coincidences and for characterization. Emerald Isle introduces us to more interesting characters that the average novel.
This book is also inspirational. No, not that kind. It will be an inspiration to English speakers with a tad of Irish running in their veins to visit the green islands. They can go the way Ian did or they can get themselves one of those how-to books that list prices and locations if they prefer. It's really not what you read about Ireland that's important. It's how well what your reading works at getting you there!
Learn more about Ian and his new travel, his charity efforts etc. at http://www.ianmiddleton.net
(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, "This is the Place," has won eight awards.
Her newly released "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remember" has won two.
One might consider both sort of travel guides to Utah.
Learn more at: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
.)
Carolyn Howard-Johnson,
Author of the awards-winning novel This is the Place.
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered,
has already garnered the Red Sky Press Award and two others.
For More information go to: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
Little Elizabeth and The Big "T" Word
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Elizabeth Smart is home safe and sound. The little girl who lives in my home state is a victim of the radical fringe. She
lives where people feel relatively safe, where they go to church, talk religion, try to be good, honest and decent people and like
people everywhere, tend not to notice the pockets of intolerance in their own communities and in their own hearts.
Elements of hatred do not exist only in the hills and back streets of foreign lands and in the cellars of mosques and
churches of little-known religions but right here at home. This is an issue that is getting short shrift in
the press. Unless it is aired it will molder in our own alleys and the recesses of our own Judeo-Christian traditions with
an even more devastating effect.
Someone once said, "We have seen the enemy and it is us."
After the World Trade Towers decomposed before our eyes there was some discussion about the corrosive nature of prejudice.
Mostly we heard this after American backlash against Muslims made headlines across the world. That the nature of
radicalism was not discussed earlier lost us a chance to mitigate these vile reactions before they ran rampant.
Because the Smart kidnapping has returned to the front pages or our newspapers and because of the likelihood that
this story will remain in the news as the case moves through the courts, I fear another backlash.
The perpetrators of this devastating crime were part of a radical fringe. Those who don't understand the Mormon religion
or its culture may find prejudice lying in wait to attack again.
Because I am an author whose books are set in Utah I am often privy to intolerance about the Mormons--especially
after people hear that I am not a member of that church. Most of these opinions are based on inaccurate rumors about the Mormons
and Utah culture in general.
The Elizabeth Smart Case--a cold and impersonal term--may add fuel to that fire. Joan Stewart, a well-known publicist and
editor of The Publicity Hound said, " Some, like me, are tempted to paint Mormons with the same broad brush, just because
of this one nut case." To her credit she understands the danger.
Her concern is my concern.
I worry that the problem is broader still. I see a tendency in our society to blame, to concentrate on the differences
between our diverse groups rather than the similarities. If we can come together as this case progresses, can see how radicalism
affects our culture, indeed has influenced cultures from the beginning of time, we will be better for it.
Shaking our heads and pointing to the insane tendencies at the outer limit of one group only blinds us to the fact that
there are those among "us"--whoever "us" may be--who are just as dangerous, just as deluded.
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of "This is the Place" and "Harkening." Both books are set in Utah. Learn more at
http://carolynhowardjohnson.com .
Carolyn Howard-Johnson,
Author of the awards-winning novel This is the Place.
Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered,
has already garnered the Red Sky Press Award and two others.
For More information go to: http://carolynhowardjohnson.com
Title: Flesh Craves The Vanfell Legacy
Author: Brian T. Seifrit
Reviewer: Patricia McGrew for Timeless Tales Book Review.
Publisher: Publish America
Pub date: 1998
ISBN: 1-59129-894-6
Genre: Western
Formats & price: Hard copy $19.95
Rating: 3.5
Review Text:
Flesh Craves The Vanfell Legacy is a tale of a family traveling west in the
1820's to claim an inheritance left to them, and the troubles they go through.
Eli and Hank have inherited their Uncle Roy Vanfell's ranch. All they know of
their uncle is that he lost his family to a strange kind of sickness. He finally
succumbed to the sickness himself years later.
Unfortunately, trouble starts right after they leave the wagon train. At their
first camp, several members of family die after developing some kind of disease.
They started out with a family of fifteen, and after only eighteen days, they
are down to nine. Leaving most of their supplies, the remaining members move
west to find shelter before the snow hits.
After several days, they find an empty old bear cave, and decide to stay till
spring. In January, wolves attack their five horses. Only the remains of three
are ever found. Hank and Eli decided to go back to first camp to get the
supplies. On the way, they are attack by timber wolves. Eli is gouged and
bleeding; he is able to drive the ravaging wolves off with his pistols. Neither
brother seems to be badly injured; they decide to continue their trip. Finding a
wounded moose, the brothers decide to split up, with Eli taking the meat back to
the cave. On the way back, Eli feels the first signs of rabies. Writing out
instructions for others on how to treat him if he makes it back to camp, he
heads back.
When Hank reaches the first camp, he comes upon a grotesque sight. Someone or
something has been feeding on remains of his family. After getting the supplies
back to the cave, all goes well until spring. In March, a band of Indians attack
the cave. They have only enough time to hide the children. The Indians rape and
kill the girls, except for Shileen, who is knocked unconscious. After the fight,
only Des and Shileen are left and children are missing.
Will Shileen get the children back? Why do the Toukai Indians eat human flesh?
Would they reach their new ranch? What is the curse of the flesh craves?
Flesh Craves gives you an insight into the troubles our early settlers had to
deal with just to survive. The plot for this story is a good one, but it seemed
at little rushed in the beginning. I am not normally a western fan, but the plot
of Flesh Craves kept my interest.
Contact: MG Associates, Public Relations Firm
mgassociatespr@yahoo.com
Arizona/London
http://clik.to/MGA
Ah, The Boating Life!
March 29, 2003 - "The Legend of Ron Añejo" by Ed Teja is a humorous account of the life of the world's best
Caribbean boat bum. NovelBooks Inc has just released "The Legend". In addition to being an author, Teja is
also a blues musician and gypsy. He wrote "The Legend of Ron Añejo" while living in the Caribbean aboard a
WWII ex-Royal Navy (England) Harbor Defense Motor
Launch.
One reviewer, Bob Spear of Heartland Reviews, states "The Legend of Ron Añejo" is a rollicking story of men
who prove without any doubt that it is possible to screw up anything they try, even in a Caribbean
paradise." Chris Doyle, author of "Caribbean Cruising Guides" says, "If you don't find a chuckle in this,
you ain't cruising..."
Since 1995, Teja has written a monthly column of satire for Caribbean Compass (Bequia, St. Vincent, and
The Grenadines) and has published articles in magazines ranging from New England Business, and BYTE,
to Galaxy. His poetry has appeared in such diverse publications as Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine,
Capper's, ART:MAG and Japanophile. His most recent poem, "For Raymond Carver", was published in the
winter issue of the small press journal Whistling Shade.
The Legend of Ron Añejo by Ed Teja Humorous Adventure
1-59105-078-2 trade paperback
1-59105-053-7 e-book
NovelBooks, Inc.
www.novelbooksinc.com
For book signings, lectures and appearances, contact Ed Teja at:
(505) 534-4179, edteja@cybermesa.com
# # # #
Release distributed by MG Associates, a public relations firm dedicated to meeting the needs of
published authors from around the world by providing publicity, exposure, and media consultation. In
addition, we assist the media industry by supplying news and information regarding our clients in a timely
and professional manner.
Title: Manhunt (The O'Brien Series Book 2)
Author: Brian T. Seifrit
Reviewer: Elaine Leite
Publisher: Rosedog
Publishing
Publish Date: 2002
ISBN: 0-8059-9235-9, 0-8059-9235-9
Genre: Mystery
Formats & Price: paperback $19.00, eBook $14.00
Rating: 4.5
Review Text: (under here)
With one of the biggest captures behind him, Detective Tyler O'Brien thought
that a vacation from Henderson & Co would be just what he needed. He would
get a little rest and relaxation with his wife and two boys. They planned to
vacation in the mountains by the lake. A very quiet vacation and well deserved.
But, of course, O'Brien's vacation would be cut short.
The case of Anvil Brentwood would be due in court next week. Anvil Brentwood was
no ordinary man. He was a sick and deranged man. O'Brien and his detectives
wanted Anvil to be put where he belonged, in jail, forever. During an evaluation
that the judge requested, the doctor revealed that Anvil was suffering from a
neurological disease called Kuru and he also carried the antibodies for the
disease in his DNA. But the doctors believed that Anvil would survive for no
more than six months. The judge sentenced Anvil to spend the rest of his life at
the Neurological Science Department at Kingston University to be studied until
his death. With Anvil in the closest thing to a real prison in all of Canada,
O'Brien and his detectives were happy with this sentence. The Kingston
Penitentiary in the psychiatric hospital would be like a twenty-four hour lock
up.
Henderson & Co could finally put Anvil Brentwood behind them once and for
all and move on to other cases. Henderson also gave O'Brien an unexpected offer.
He asked O'Brien to head the office in Ridgeville, only until he could find a
permanent Lieutenant to fill the spot. After talking it over with his family,
O'Brien decided to take the promotion.
The next couple of months would fly by for O'Brien. He was getting used to his
position as Lieutenant and his family would gain a family member. But he never
expected what happened next.
Anvil escaped from Kingston University. He killed a doctor and an assistant.
Even worse, his tests showed that he was cured of Kuru. No doctor ever imagined
that he would now have a higher IQ than a normal person. The Manhunt was on.
Manhunt picks up right where The O'Brien Series Book 1 leaves off. Manhunt is
very exciting. Brian Seifrit keeps you on the edge of your seat with this
series. You find yourself rooting for the good guys to prevail. With all the
twists and turns, it keeps you holding on until the very end. I couldn't put
this one down. The story line is very easy to follow. It is very well written.
You can relate to the characters. I will pass this one on to friends.
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This page was last updated on 2nd April, 2003.
as of 5th February, 2003.