Reviews

Back in the days when Led Zeppelin was still a going concern, my friends all seemed to worship guitarist Jimmy Page. And indeed, the man could play guitar; terrestrial radio (and now its satellite competitor, XM Sirius) still vibrates to the mighty riffs Page laid down for songs such as "Whole Lotta Love" and the notorious "Stairway To Heaven."

Back in 1998, while doing research for an article, the author discovered some medical studies that revealed that the outcomes for people in the United States with schizophrenia have worsened over the past 25 years.

I started reading The Passage by Cronin and the City of Thieves simultaneously.  I stopped reading the  The Passage on about page 40 because of the mounting tension and the prospect of vampires.  But somehow I could continue reading the fictionalized account of the  devastation inflicted on the city of Leningrad during the Nazi's

This biography of Lincoln the covers the start of his quest for the presidency until his assassination, chronicles his relationship with the men who made up his Cabinet. Most of these politicians ran against him during the 1960 Republican Convention.

Anna Pigeon is back for a somewhat different tale of adventure and suspense. She’s not in a National Park this time, but visiting a friend in New Orleans for some R and R after her more recent traumas. Anna becomes caught up in the dark and ugly world of child trafficking.

As a fan of the show Mystery Science Theater 3000, I have a great appreciation for Michael J. Nelson. Sure, some people prefer Joel, the first host, but I started with Mike and have always had a soft spot for his dorky delivery and hapless enthusiasm. And as the head writer, his wit was a major force behind the overall flavor of the show’s ten seasons.

Frank Einstein is the costumed character, Madman. He was brought back to life by mad-scientists and now has trouble remembering who he is and struggles deciphering fantasy from reality. By the first few panels we’re introduced to his existential crisis quickly followed by an attempt on his life by some thugs.

The Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a J Fiction story about twelve year old Lanesha who lives in New Orleans' Ninth Ward with Mama Ya-Ya. Eighty-two year old Mama Ya-Ya isn't a blood relative but she might as well be. She delivered Lanesha and has cared for her all of Lanesha's life.

Everyone deals with loss in different ways.  TR, not prone to idle reflection, chose exploring an uncharted, untamed, Amazonian river after his resounding defeat for a third term as president.  The River of Doubt published in 2005 by local resident and author, Candice Millard, tells the story of Roosevelt's 1913 journey along the the river that now bears his name, The R

I’m sure no one is surprised that I am finally reviewing a Martha Stewart cookbook.  Her latest series of cookbooks include pictures for every single dessert, which is something I wish all cookbooks would have.  In Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes, we are given 175 recipes for all types of cupcakes for any mood or occasion.  The easy to follow recipes are grouped into categories like “Swirled and Sprinkled”,