Book Reviews

Teen and YA

$17.99

Canadian author Natasha Deen was born in Guyana and immigrated to Canada, where she has become a prizewinning author of books for children, teens, and adults. The gift for character development is apparent from page one as Natasha introduces both her primary character Nira and her 'friend' McKenzie. The story is well distilled in the synopsis: 'Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents...". Very capably combining a strong coming of age story with a valued exploration of conflicts in immigrant households, cultural idiosyncrasies, and a following a dream philosophy that crowns this novel, Natasha Deen has become a standardbearer for the art of meaningful (and entertaining) stories. Very highly recommended for abroad audience.

~Grady Harp

Non-Fiction

$12.95

“WORK SUCK FOR MOST PEOPLE MOST OF THE TIME” ~ A WISE REMEDY FROM TWO EXPERTS

With careful, well-considered language and instruction, the authors offer insight into the how, the why, and the what-if aspects of altering the atmosphere and hence the productivity and morale of everyone in the workplace (with a particular emphasis on manufacturing, as the title denotes). Their formula for how civility is a continuous improvement strategy for manufacturing civility - the 6 Cs for solving people problems – Character, Courage, Change Readiness, Communication, Competence, Consistency. Recognizing, accepting, and employing these factors produces positive change in individual morale, wellness, and outlook. Both authors impress with their sincerity of thought and communication. This book focuses our attention on kindness – a trait that appears to be diminishing somewhat in the IT environment and even more evident during the pandemic! The book is an invaluable aid to business leaders, a sensible and accessible strategy to improve all aspects of life in the workplace. These attributes are important for our daily interactions as citizens. Civility – a trait so important for continuous improvement in living. RESTORE! Very Highly Recommended.

~Grady Harp

Fantasy

$20.00

“LET ALL SEE THE WEAVER’S PROPHECY” ~A VISUAL, CINEMATIC DELIGHT!

The author’s ability to comfortably transport the reader in time travel, his exceptional mixture of fantasy and reality, is an aspect of his writing skills are apparent from the opening of the book as we learn about tapestries of the series title: ‘It was the summer of her fourteenth year that the life of Alice-Elayne Robochon changed entirely, in a single day, almost in a single moment. Yet a day that would end in such sadness began so happily. For she was doing the thing she most loved in this world. She was watching her father weave…Watching him work that fateful day Alice-Elayne understood the awe in which he was held. The way his fingers danced between warp and weft…’ This key element is welldeveloped in this mythological/historical fantasy, as the author’s summary, discloses. Chris Humphreys imbues this tale with the art of weaving, not only as of the core of this book but also in the manner in which he so deftly positions reality with fantasy – a true and splendid tapestry of a story that primes s for the nest installments in this Tapestry Trilogy. Very highly recommended!

~Grady Harp

Children's

$7.95

THE STORIES TOLD OF A SICKNESS SPREADING THROUGHOUT ITALY… A TIMELY NEW NOVEL

Written for the teen and Young Adult audience, Liz As we are in the midst of a pandemic, struggling to understand it, struggling to survive, Natasha very wisely pens a new volume of the series - GIRLS SURVIVE – and this volume is MARIA AND THE PLAGUE, a story about the Black Plague of 1347 -1351 that took the lives of 75 – 200 people throughout Eurasia and North Africa. Allowing her readers to learn of individual responses to that plague is even more credible as we experience COVID 19. The writing flows smoothly, enhanced by the fine illustrations by Francesca Ficorilli. This is an episode in a series that promises twenty volumes about surviving tough times, providing a glimmer of inspiration and hope for us all now. Natasha Deen has become a standard-bearer for the art of meaningful (and entertaining) novels. Very highly recommended for abroad audience.

~Grady Harp

Grady Harp

Amazon Top 50 Reviewer

Grady Harp is an Amazon Top 50 Reviewer and has collaborated with Creative Edge Media to provide quality book reviews. Creative Edge is a publicity firm specializing in arranging events such as book signings, library or school presentations, online and print media opportunities, and many other related events.