Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing Vol. III No. 4
Edited by: Ernest Dempsey
PUBLISHED BY: Love Healing Press
PUBLISHED IN: October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61599-128-0
Pages: 104

The theme for the October 2011 issue of Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing, a quarterly journal, is parenting and families. Unlike a few other parenting books that are written by non-experts, the articles in RTS are written by actual parents and experts who have go through some sort of life trauma or have helped someone with life’s obstacles. The RTS is aimed toward parents with its meaningful articles, short stories, artwork and poetry, covering such topics as safety and cyber crime, grieving, violence, metal illness, etc.

I don’t have any children, but I found the articles through RTS to be very interesting. “Parenting a High-Tech Generation” takes on the social networking and cyber bulling that today’s children live in. I thought the article was spot on with the problems kids face today and I do believe that every parent should read it. Another article that stood out for me was “Parenting Through Adversity”, in which a father is grieving for his daughter and gives advice for families about how to handle grieving. I also enjoyed the humor of “Newborn to Dad: No Multitasking!” I was surprised to find a section on reviews of books and movies aimed for the parenting and families theme. I mostly liked the simple approach of the journal. It’s not aiming toward a PHD only readers, but is aimed for anyone to read. I recommend the issue to all parents.

To learn more about the journal visit www.RecoveringSelf.com. They are currently looking for Guest Bloggers to contribute personal stories of transformation and healing in their lives and the lives of their families.

How to Forgive: A Practical Guide
BY: Lynda Bevan
PUBLISHED BY: Loving Healing Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61599-030-6
Pages: 98
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



How to Forgive: A Practical Guide is aimed at people, young and old, with emotional problems of letting go or suffering from a terrible trauma like abuse. Do you blame someone for hurting you? Do you have built up anger? Have you hurt somebody else? If you said yes, then you might have a problem with forgiving. Its not easy forgiving someone for emotionally or physically damaging you, but it is possible to forgive when you can fully understand your true self. It’s difficult to let things go, but life can be so much better without this guilt on your shoulders.

During my thirty year of life, I have had problems forgiving people for the emotional trauma that I endured while being bullied through my childhood. Years after graduation, I still blamed them for my life’s problems, but eventually I was able to forgive and continue with my life. Author Lynda Bevan, just like the title suggests, uses a practical approach to help you fully understand why you can’t forgive, and how you can. I recommend the book to councilors, teachers, and readers of all ages.

*I would like to than Loving Healing Press for sending me a review copy.

Master Self-Publishing 2011 Edition
BY: Owen O. Daniels
PUBLISHED BY: the Small Business Zone, Inc.
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9829036-3-6
Pages: 110
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



Thanks to the internet, more writers are using the self-publishing route instead of going with the traditional publishing houses. It should not take a degree to self-publish your book, but there are some 'how to' books that are extremely detailed, therefore may scare off potential authors. Master Self-Publishing is ‘The Little Red Book’, which is just over 100 pages. The author lays out the simple rules that you should follow by, from determining what size book to go with, to where to get your novel edited. There is a reasonable publishing timeline, giving an estimate from when you start writing the book until the publication. You will learn about obtaining an ISBN Code, obtaining a copyright, obtaining a Library of Congress Control Number, and obtaining a cataloging publication program. There are three print on demand companies listed, Createspace, Lula, and Lighting Source.

I have reviewed several books on self-publishing and Master Self-Publishing is the shortest, but the simplest of them. Each chapter has been carefully written for any reader to understand. My favorite chapter is Chapter 8: Get The Book Reviewed, where there are several review sites listed. I recommend the book to any writer who is interested in non-traditional publishing.

*I would like to thank the author for sending me a review copy.

How to Raise Your New Puppy in a Cat Family
BY: Jackie Sonnenberg
PUBLISHED BY: Atlantic Publishing
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60138-401-0
Pages: 288
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



If you are excited about bringing your new puppy home, your cat probably has a different opinion. How to Raise Your New Puppy in a Cat Family: The Complete Guide to a Happy, Pet-Filled Home is aimed for families who want to bring a puppy into a cat’s environment. Do you remember those old cartoons where the dogs and cats do not get along? Well, that was just a myth. Cats and dogs can get a long in a household. If your cat is already set in its ways, then it will take some time for the cat to adjust to having a dog in the home.

The author list different dog breeds, and which ones are more suitable for a family. The early chapters give guidelines to make sure you get the right dog for your family. You might have to take things slow at first. Let the animals meet and see how they react, then, slowly move the puppy into the home. Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior. They are very emotional and may not understand why another animal is in their home.

I am a cat lover, so I was eager to review the book, and I was surprised to find many cat tips through out it finishing the book, I would have to say I would never keep a puppy and a cat in the same household. It would be too much stress on the animals, and especially on me.

*I would like to thank Atlantic Publishing for sending me a review copy.

PUBLISHED BY: Atlantic Publishing
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1601383693
Pages: 288
Reviewed by Billy Burgess



Let’s face it; the economy is not getting any better. The food cost and household items are getting more expensive every week. People are looking for ways to save money. The Complete Guide to Creating Oils, Soaps, Creams, and Herbal Gels for Your Mind and Body contains over 101 natural body care recipes that you can make at home.

The book gives a brief history of aromatherapy, an overview of essential oils and how to handle the oils. There is a long list of common carriers and base oils, like - cranberry seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and many others. Then you learn about the common essential oils, like - balsam of Peru, cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and etc. You learn about the 30 uncommon essentials oils and what oils to avoid. From there you’ll get a brief 101 on soap making. The recipes range from household cleaners, to bathroom soaps and shampoos, beauty and wellness treatments, and other oils.

Wow! I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of oils! I like the concept of making soaps and cleaners at home, but I wonder if some of these ingredients can be found outside of big cities, like - geranium oil, apricot kernel oil, and many others. The book also includes simple home remedies, backache blend, cold and flu blend, and my favorite - cold sore blend, but I have no idea where to find tea tree oil or geranium oil. The recipes look simple if you can find the ingredients. I enjoyed reading about the different oils.

*I would like to thank Atlantic Publishing for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Outskirts Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4327-6671-9
Pages: 192


Have you ever heard the phrase “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?” Well, you should never skip breakfast and it should always be eaten within an hour of rising from bed.

The only equipment you need for this diet plan are the following: a liquid measuring cup; a set dry measuring cups; a set of measuring spoons; a blender; a small non-stick skillet; and a little kitchen scale.

There are drinks, salads, soups, sandwiches, fish, beef, eggs, chicken, snacks, and many other meal recipes including 100 calories recipes.

Eat All Day - Drink All Day follows a simple plan of eating small nutritional meals throughout the day. In the back of the book the author has provided a three day meal plan that includes 8 small meals a day. Each day is under 770 calories total. You don’t have to be a chef to try out the meals in the book. All of the recipes look easy enough for anyone to make. There’s even a cheese sandwich recipe that is only 100 calories. Some of my favorites are Mocha Mama, Coffee Creamy, and Good for You Cocoa. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to everyone.


*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.

ISBN: 978-0-446-58377-0

When I saw the book titled the Reading Promise at the library in non-fiction section, I had to check it out. I can relate to the author and her father, as I love reading books. It was joy reading about “The Streak” and the life of Alice and her family. I recommend the book to all book lovers, you will not be disappointed.

Pages: 230

I was interested in reviewing The Diet Joke because I have been dieting and exercising for the last few months. I found the book to a bit of fresh air from the constant dieting and fitness books that are being released through the media. I loved the reprogramming activities that are at the end of each chapter and the jokes are a riot. I’ll have to pay attention at what commercials are aired during my programs. Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Diet Joke
and recommend it to everyone.

*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.

EFT for Procrastination
BY: Gloria Arenson, MFT

You have to think positive thought if you want to achieve your goals. For ex., Tell yourself I can do this, and I can be a better person. Through out the book are true stories on normal everyday people who struggle with procrastination. They struggle to accomplish goals and making the proper changes in life. They took the EFT, aka emotional acupuncture, and have made successful changes.

I never heard about Emotional Freedom Techniques before reviewing this book. Techniques are about tapping on certain parts of your body, like under nose, under eye, etc., to step into the energy that flows through your body. I tried this, and honestly, I just didn’t get it. Maybe it takes lots of practice, but I can’t see this ever working on a person. I can understand repeating the positive phrases during the EFT, but can’t a person just close their eyes and repeat the phrases to calm their nerves down.

I enjoyed most the chapters that Gloria Arenson wrote herself and the stories she shared about others. Despite the fact that I didn’t care for the EFT, I still think that a person can get a lot out of reading the book.

*I would like to thank Energy Psychology Press for sending me a copy to review.

Are you sensitive to your own feelings? These is one of the questions the author wants you to ask yourself to help you overcome your fears and doubts. She recommend using the using the EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, method founded by Gary Craig.

I personally, have never heard about Emotional Freedom Techniques before reviewing these books. Techniques are about tapping on certain parts of your body, like under nose, under eye, etc., to step into the energy that flows through your body. I tried this, and honestly, I just didn’t get it. Maybe it takes lots of practice, but I can’t see this ever working on a person. I can understand repeating the positive phrases during the EFT, but can’t a person just close their eyes and repeat the phrases to clam their nerves down.

I’m somewhat shy, well I was as a kid, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to review this book. The author has a checklist for you to find out how sensitive you are. I checked only for, therefore, I’m not that sensitive as I thought. There people out there that are sensitive, and I would recommend EFT for the Highly Sensitive Temperament, as they may get some benefit out of reading it.

*I would like to thank Energy Psychology Press for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Outskirts Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-43327-4194-5
Pages: 99
Reviewed by Billy Burgess


*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Shambhala Publications Inc.
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59030-837-0
Pages: 228
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The Write Start is aimed for all parents with young children. It is to help guide parents in teaching their children the basic principles of writing. Pay attention to your young ones as they will develop creativeness early. Young children love to grab upon crayons, which are easier for them to handle, and scribble on paper.

Remember children are always watching you, so be a good role model and read in front of your child. They’ll see that mommy and daddy are reading and they will want to read too. Developing these skills at a younger age will help them do well in school.

The Write Start is an interesting guide for parents to use. There are dozens of ideas and exercises that your child can use to develop reading and writing skills. From writing phone messages, postcards, thank you notes, writing stories, and many other tips. I recommend this book to parents.

*I would like to thank Shambhala Publications and NetGalley for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Atlantic Publishing
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1601383488
Pages: 288
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Have you ever wanted to grow your own fruit in your backyard? It doesn’t matter which state you live in, you can still plant fruit in your yard. The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Fruit and Berries will advise you on what fruits grow the best in your region.

If you think you can just toss some seeds in the ground and that’s it, you have been wrongly informed. You must first find out what is the best location and soil for your fruit tree. Don’t forget about the sunlight and shade, because it varies from fruit to fruit. There are also dangers do learn about; diseases, insects, and animals.

You’ll learn about the different types of soil, the basic gardening tools, cultivation and planting, and caring for your plants.

Growing your own fruits and berries is an interesting hobby for anyone. The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Fruits and Berries is full of great information on the subject. There is even a few recipes in the Appendix B section. If you want to learn how to grow fruit, then this book is for you.

*I would like to thank Atlantic Publishing for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Sourcebooks Inc.
PUBLISHED IN: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-61664-198-6
Pages: 191
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Have you ever wanted to write a YA novel? Or do you have a YA manuscript sitting around collecting dust and you need help planning your next step? Writing Great Books for Young Adults is a great guide to help plan your next step.

You’ll learn about the five rules for writing for young adults. Get a brush up on the basics of writing - creating characters, developing a plot, and writing believable dialogue. Once you have your novel written, chapter 12 will give you steps on finding the right agent for your work.

I’m a writer, so I was eager to get my hands on this book. I love that there are several writing exercises through out the book to help you come up with a new plot ideas. Throughout the book, there are tips from writers, agents and editors. I recommend Writing Great Books for Young Adults to anyone who is interested in writing for young adults.

ISBN: 978-1-60138-350-1

I wasn’t aware of the different types of tomatoes - slicers, stuffers, sauce tomatoes, small tomatoes, and many other varieties. This book gives you a brief history on the origins of the tomato, the history of the tomatoes in Europe, North America, and the modern history of the American tomato.

You will learn about the light requirements, wind protection, erosion control, soil testing and plant testing. Chapter 4 teaches you about starting a tomato from a seed, while chapter 5 teaches you how and where to plant your tomato plants.

The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes is an interesting read for any new or advanced gardener. I will keep in mind some of the tips when I plant tomato plants this year.

*I would like to thank Atlantic Publishing Group for sending me a copy to review.

Reviewed by Billy Burgess
You’ll be informed by the history of companion planting, and where to place your garden. You’ll learn the biological benefits of combing plants, how to pick out your plants, where to plant, and ways to feed your garden. There are chapters on companion herbs, annuals for your garden, companion perennials, wildflowers and weeds, bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes, shrubs, bushes, and vines, and companion fruits.

With organic vegetables becoming popular, and the prices of vegetables going up in the grocery stores, it is no wonder why gardening is becoming a popular hobby. My favorite chapter 3 is my favorite. It lists the insects and bugs that you do and do not want in your garden. Author Dale Mayer has written a wonderful guide to new and advanced gardeners.


*I would like to thank Atlantic Publishing Group for sending me a copy to review.

The title alone, was the reason why I wanted to review this book. Who hasn’t had some kind of e-mail spam in their inbox? In this book, you’ll learn how spammers think and what the goals of spyware and virus are.

In the news, you always hear about government and big business being cyber attacked, but you don’t hear much about small business or the average person who are attacked everyday. Hackers send out their virus to either test their virus or to try to steal personal and private information from your computer. In other words, hackers are thieves.

In the book, you’ll learn all there is to know about malware, spyware, adware, viruses, spam, spoofing, phishing worms, trojans, SQL injection, Hijack, Rootkits, Bots, and the impact of Malware. You’ll read about the 10 most Common E-mail Scams and How to Defend Against Them.

Honestly, I already knew quite a bit on the subject matter, and if you are also well informed, then this book might not be for you. Someone new to computers, or has little knowledge about protecting your computer, will find this book interesting. There are plenty of links listed for paying and free firewalls, virus scans, and other useful information to keep your computer safe from cyber attacks.

*I would like to thank the Atlantic Publishing Group for sending me a copy to review.

PUBLISHED BY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4516-2551-6
Pages: 289
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life is part autobiography and part inspirational. Glenn Beck, the radio and television host, writes about how he has changed his life. At an early age his mother committed suicide, and he never recovered from it until years later. As an adult, he became addicted to cocaine and alcohol that lead to end of his first marriage. Glenn went though depression and suicide thoughts. When he found a little success in the radio world, he became a material person, a hateful person. After he met his later-to-be second wife, he went inside a church and became closer to God.

Each chapter of Glenn’s is followed by a chapter written by Dr. Keith Ablow. The doctor examines what Glenn has been through, and also shares some of his patients’ stories that are similar.

Unlike Glenn Beck’s other books, this one is not political, but is more spiritual. The authors list seven wonders that will change your life: Courage, Faith, Truth, Compassion, Friendship, Family, and Common Sense. After reading the book, I learned that both authors are very religious, and they believe that everyone has a purpose that God has given them. I enjoyed reading the book, and found it encouraging. Even if you’re not a fan of Glenn Beck, you should check this book.

BY: Laura Ingraham
PUBLISHED BY: Threshold Editions
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4391-9751-6
Pages: 373
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The Obama Diaries is part fiction, part nonfiction and part political satire. The author Laura Ingraham has also written the Power to the People, she has her own syndicated radio program and she is one of the permanent substitute host of the O’Reilly Factor.

Throughout the book, there are fake diaries entries from the President, the First Lady, the Vice-President and other staff members of the White House. I found some of these comical and other just plain annoying.

The author does use facts about the President and his administration. The book covers Obama’s family life, his ties to corrupted political officials, the dozens of mistakes he has made and the falling economy. Of course, the author gives her own opinion on each issue.

I occasionally watch the O’Reilly Factor and watched Laura Ingraham talking about her book. I reserved it at my local library and I had to wait several weeks to check it out. Overall, I am very disappointed with it. Besides from the fake diary entries, there is nothing that makes this book stand out from any of the dozens political book out there. Sure, there are many facts that are true about Obama, but I have heard these repeatedly on the news. There is nothing new here. If you have listened to the author on her radio show or seen her on the O’Reilly Factor, then, you already know her opinion on the Obama administration. I cannot recommend this book to anyone.