book review Archive

32

Following Ezra – A Book for all Fathers to Read!

About the Book

Ezra Fields-Meyer was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. He obsessively lined up plastic dinosaurs, didn’t like to play with other children, and avoided eye-contact whenever possible. When he was diagnosed, his doctors were not confident Ezra would ever learn to read. Today he is 15 and, in two months, he will be the published co-author of a children’s book withNew York Times bestseller Tom Lichtenheld. Ezra’s journey from diagnosis to his bar mitzvah, full of humor, challenge, love and understanding was documented by his father, Tom Fields-Meyer in this book.

 

1 in 110 U.S. children are diagnosed with some form of autism. It is a common diagnosis and there are many books about parenting an autistic child, but Ezra is an incredibly unique boy and Tom Fields-Meyer’s story is anything but common. This book is a fascinating look at what an autistic child can do when given the chance to find their own way.  More than an opportunity to talk about autism, Tom Fields-Meyer’s book is a touching, funny, and amazing story about an inspiring young man.

 

My Take on the Book

This book was a great testament to fatherhood and the love and laughter that can surround this journey between father and son. The book was very well written and provides a heartfelt account of the journey that both father and son were on. along the way. While I do not know the author personally, I have to say that I was impressed by everything that the author went through to help his son become the young man he is today. 


The story is motivational and inspiring and as a father myself, I can only hope that if placed in the same situation, I would do the same as the author did for his own son. Though this book I am reminded that every child needs a parent who supports them through everything and that with this support they will be able to fly to areas unimaginable.

 

You will find yourself both laughing and getting a bit choked up at times in this book, but overall you will leave the book satisfied and happy to have been introduced to a great father and son duo!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

 

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1

Book Review – Please Read (If at all possible) The Girl Scout Project

 

Please Read (If at all possible) Book Review, Dad of DivasAbout the Book
Female adolescence through the eyes of teenage girls for a teenage-girl audience. This empowering volume introduces the reader to an insider’s view of teenage girlhood. Through their participation in The Girl Project-created in 2007 by Kate Engelbrecht to explore the personal realities of modern female adolescence-teenage girls contributed intimate, heartwarming, diarylike text entries and photographs that capture their personal and private moments. To date, over 5,000 girls between the ages of 13 and 18 have sent in photographs, along with anonymously completed questionnaires that communicate their view of themselves and the world around them. This collection of images and text details the private and personal lives of adolescents, which together reveal an amazing narrative communicated as only teenage girls know and understand. The girls touch upon universal issues, such as their struggles with self-confidence and body image, relationships with peers and family, and their dissatisfaction with how they are presented by the media and in popular culture. 

 


Teen readers will be rewarded with a wonderful set of sincere, deep messages and the reassurance that they are not alone.   


My Take on the Book
Kate Engelbrecht holds a BA in sociology. She began the Kate Engelbrecht Photography in New York City. Her project in 2007 was to  reach out to girls across the country. She sent 5000 cameras and questionnaires to girls between the ages of 13-18. The girls responded with film and entries which she shares in this book.

From the photos and the entries , Kate as able to show the struggles with self confidence and body image, the girls’ relationships with peers and family, and their dissatisfaction with how they are represented in the media.

This is a photographic , as well as a journal book. It will be a challenge to relate to you the content as it encompasses so many facets and emotions, however I will attempt to do that now.

The journals portray young women who were concerned about their body image, about being loved for who they are, and being able to express themselves in the world for who they want to be and not who society wants them to be. It was interesting to read the  girls descriptions of themselves: they can say they are strong, sarcastic, and funny , but then they can show themselves as quiet, compassionate,  and shy. Often the brave in outward appearances are really frightened on the inside.

The photos showed young women from all areas of the country, religious backgrounds, and cultures. Sad ,happy, fashion conscious , silly, scared, and those who showed the lack of confidence in ever being enough in the eyes of the world.  So many sad entries of young women who felt they could never be beautiful enough or do enough for the people around them so they would love them as they are .So many of the young girls concerned with their weight, looks,  clothes,  rather than the beauty that they are and in who they are already.

This book should be shared with parents,counselors, religious leaders, scout leaders, medical professionals, anyone who can be connected with young women. We need to help them see and feel how special they are , just as they are. We need to help them celebrate their uniqueness, talents and the contributions they are making to their world. Our society needs to stop the negative comments and expectations we put on young women today. Once we do this we will be able to raise and praise mentally,  emotionally,  and physically healthy young women. We need to cherish them.

How do we do this? It begins today with the conversations you have with a young woman in your life. You can be the catalyst for the change . You never know where you influence will begin and end.


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.  

 

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4

Book Review – Parenting Without Stress

parenting without stress, book review, Dad of Divas, Dr. Marvin MarshallAbout the Book

This book describes solutions for more effective parenting by using the three proven practices of positivity, choice, and reflection along with the Raise Responsibility System (used in homes around the world) to prompt young people to WANT to behave responsibly without any external or manipulative approaches of rewards, bribes, threats, or punishments. In the process, stress is reduced, relationships are improved, and young people become more responsible.

 

About the Author

Marvin Marshall—an American educator, author, and speaker—is widely known for his approach and his landmark education book, Discipline Without Stress® Punishments or Rewards – How Teachers and Parents Promote Responsibility & Learning.

He has founded a charitable organization to assist schools promote responsibility and learning by supplying the education book at no charge to every teacher of any school in the U.S.A. that applies to use his proactive and  noncoercive (but not permissive)approach. Applications are available online at DisciplineWithoutStress.org.

He has presented in 44 of the United States, in 16 countries, and on 5 continents to parent groups; schools; school districts; universities; local, state, national, and international associations; and government agencies.

He has a world-wide audience of over 15,000 subscribers to his free monthly newsletter,Promoting Responsibility & Learning.” You can subscribe at the home page.

His approach stemmed from his experiences as parent; recreation director and camp counselor; classroom teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels; middle school counselor; middle school assistant principal; high school counselor; high school guidance department chair; high school assistant principal of both supervision and control and curriculum and instruction; and as an elementary and high school principal.

He has also served as a demonstration teacher, instructional coordinator, district director of education, and full-time instructor at California State University, Los Angeles.

He earned his Bachelor’s in Language Arts and his Masters’ in Business Administration at California State University, Los Angeles. His Doctorate in Education was awarded by the University of Southern California.

He is certified by the William Glasser Institute on Reality Therapy and Choice Theory.

His experiences prompted him to develop a system that employs internal motivation—rather than relying on external approaches of bribes and manipulation or by employingcoercion in the form of threats or punishments. A prime reason for its success and thegrowing numbers of parents and teachers using his approach is that internal motivation is significantly more effective in changing behavior than any external approach.

His system is based on the simple fact of life that a person can be controlled by another person but only can be changed by the actual person. This understanding that individuals can only change themselves is critical to successfully influencing young people to have them become more responsible—while simultaneously reducing parental stress and allowing parents to have a life of their own.

Additional information about his approach is at MarvinMarshall.com

My Take on the Book

This book is a treasure trove for any parent. I know that for me, I struggle with staying calm and keeping my head at times when things get crazy or hectic. This book was so easy to read and full of amazingly practical examples and resources that any reader can follow and learn from. I have already tried to use a few of the examples and tips within the book and I am liking the results that I am seeing thus far.

What I liked most about the book is that it empowers parents to empower their own children to make the right decisions as they get older. I know for me this is something that I am hoping that my daughters are learning from me, but I sometimes do question how much they are retaining. I mean, as a parent, one of the most important things I can think of is raising a responsible child. This book leads you in the right direction! If you are currently a parent or if you plan to be in the future, you should check out this book today!

 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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2

Book Review – What Do You Expect? She’s A Teenager!

About the Book
How often do you hear mothers of girls talk about their dread of the tween and teen years? As a mom of a daughter about to turn ten, I myself have had my share of panic thinking of the middle and high school years and the “girl drama” I have been told to expect.

What Do You Expect? She’s a Teenager! A Hope and Happiness Guide for Moms with Daughters Ages 11-19 (Sourcebooks; TP $14.99; August 2011) by Arden Greenspan-Goldberg is just the life raft moms need. I’d be happy to send you a review copy with my compliments if you‘ll let me know where to send it.

A calm, collected voice of reason, Arden’s message is: “I’m in your corner. I know you can do this. Moms are their daughters’ secret weapons and their very best defense.” 

Arden is a nationally recognized family and marriage psychotherapist who has specialized in teen issues for more than 30 years, encouraging mothers of teenage daughters. Based on her renowned clinical practice, as well as her own personal experiences parenting her now-grown daughter, What Do You Expect? She’s a Teenager! is the ultimate preparation manual and survival guide for mothers of tweens and teens. 

Packed with tips, expert interviews, real-life vignettes, and helpful conversation starters, What Do You Expect? She’s a Teenager! preps moms in advance for the issues they’ll face, from the familiar teen problems-sex, drugs, and alcohol use-to newer territory-cyberbullying, sexting, and internet pornography. 

Arden’s unique philosophy of “Aerial Parenting” empowers moms to respond rather than react. Turning conventional wisdom on its head, she argues against curfews and punishments, and instead tells us to expect our daughters to make mistakes and enlist them in creating their own solutions to their problems. With Arden and her essential and accessible primer at their side, moms can not onlysurvive, but actually thrive during the teenage years.

A nationally featured expert on The View, MSNBC, and CNBC among others, Arden is available for interviews and guest posts throughout August and September, just in time for the back-to-school season. In addition to review copies, I also have a limited number of free copies I can offer for promotional giveaways. Should any of this be of interest, I’d be glad to facilitate. 

My Take on the Book

One of the biggest fears right now is about what I have in store for me once my eldest and then both of my girls make it into their teenage years. I mean, I was a good kid during high school and really did not make too many waves (or at least that is what my parents say now). Thus for me it is hard to fathom what it could be like to have a child that does not do this (though I know that many are not like this).

What I liked about this book was that it was set up like a reference guide and had the answers to almost any question that I could think of in helping your teenage daughter. Also, the book is set up to be practical with so many examples of real life teenagers and their mothers and it is through these examples where the reader can see themselves. There are also a ton of checklists and sections where the reader is asked to put themselves in the learning role and having yourself ask hard questions about where you are truly at with your relationship with your daughter(s) during their teenage years.

If you have a tween or teenage girl or if you have a daughter younger than this, this book would definitely be the type of book that could be a lifesaver!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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4

Book Review – My Quest to be a Single Dad

My Quest to Be A Single Dad, Dad of Divas, Book ReviewAbout the Book
Author Garry White’s instinctual desire to love and provide a home for disadvantaged youth has been denied again and again on the basis of what appears to be personal bias and an isolated episode of mental illness several years in the past. In My Quest to Be a Single Dad, Garry fights the social implication and double standard that single men are unfit to be parents. Anyone involved in social family services or potential adopters will be intrigued by this determined author’s tale of continued rejection and refusal social stigmas. Single adults hoping to adopt will also find valuable tips on the dos and don’ts of adoption, many of which Garry had to learn the hard way.

My Take on the Book
This is an amazing story of rejection and perseverance. This book looks at one man’s struggle to be an adoptive parent and the struggles,rejections and other experiences that he had in trying to be the parent that he wanted to be.

I have to say that what struck me most in this book was the positive attitude that the author kept through the process, as I do not know if I could have stayed as positive and upbeat as he seemed to throughout the book, especially in light of some of the rejections that he did receive along the way.

His questt is one that should be read by all, as it clearly explores the prejudice that exists for single men in society today when it comes to adoption. The book also is a testament to the person that the author is in the journey that he is on.

The whole book is strong and provides for a quick and engaged read. One section that was a nice plus was the resources that the author provides other adoptive dads. As you will see in this book, the path is not easy and many are not successful, but it seems, form everything that the author shares worth the battle to provide the kids that he is trying to support a father that they need within their lives.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

 

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26

Book Review & Giveaway – The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World

About the Book

We’ve all watched super villains attempt to take over the world, but now… it’s our turn! The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, ISBN 9781402238345, July 2011, Ages 9-12) by Kenn Nesbitt is the hilarious step-by-step instruction book on how to take over the world.

 

From evil robots to recruiting minions and perfecting a diabolical laugh, every reader can master the secret skills to world domination.  With tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek, Kenn Nesbitt gives middle grade readers a laugh-out-loud romp through classic evil-doer dos and don’ts while sneaking in some sophisticated vocabulary and clever – if nefarious (mwah! ha! ha!) – reasoning skills.

 

By the time kids are done reading this ingenious book, they’ll have entire countries groveling at their feet.  (Parents beware!)

 

Author Kenn Nesbitt is currently plotting the overthrow of humanity from his underground fortress in Spokane, Washington, where he hides out with his wife and two minions. He is the author of six collections of funny poetry for kids—including My Hippo Has the Hiccups and The Tighty-Whitey Spider—and one award-winning picture book, the patently untrue story of the author’s struggle to wrest control of his book from the children who want it to have More Bears!

 

About the Illustrator

Ethan Long has spent the last 40 years of his life practicing good deeds and angelic ways, none of which you will find in this book. He lives in Orlando, Florida and has no intention of ruling the world.

My Take on the Book
This book was a humorous way to look at being your own diabolical mastermind genius. It provides the would-be evil-doer all of the essentials for doing this. From mastering your evil laugh to building a giant space laser, this book has a bit of everything and the kitchen sink written within. I have to say that the book was very funny and I could see this book being read by Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies.
Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of this book? All you need to do is Subscribe to this blog and Like Dad of Divas on Facebook (Leave username in comment). I will be selecting two winners for this book. The contest will run for one week and will end on July 8, 2011.
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Winner must be a resident of the U.S or Canada.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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6

Book Review – A Dad’s Point of View

About the Book

Taking the best of his columns, A Dad’s Point-of-View (published in over 100 newspapers and websites), about life as a single divorced dad now remarried, Sallan brings it all together in the one parenting and relationship book that readers will totally connect to and catch themselves saying, “I’m right there with you, Bruce!” In fact, many will be turning to it again and again as they face the challenges of raising today’s youths.

And for the thousands of Sallan fans, it truly delivers. Not only is it receiving very positive feedback, but it is has received numerous stellar reviews including one from Stan Lee, Marvel Comics, creator of Spiderman, The Fantastic Four and X-men. Lee states, “Bruce’s fascinating look at the ups and downs of parenting reminds me of Marvel Comics. There too, we choose not to hide the blemishes of life, but to discuss them in an entertaining and helpful manner. Must reading for all parents and would-be parents.”

Sallan’s goal with the book is simple. “It’s my hope that families of all faiths and circumstances will enjoy it and benefit from it as they face the many challenges of parenting. Through my own stories and experiences, I share from the heart about raising my sons, surviving after a divorce, adding a new step-parent to the mix, and how to have more joy in the small things, such as family traditions.”

A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation (ISBN # 978-0-9833166-0-2) is published by JuneDavid Publishing and sells for $19.95 at leading bookstores including Amazon or through the author’s website, http://www.BruceSallan.com.

My Take on the Book

As a dad blogger I have followed Bruce for some time. I even interviewed him as my 36th father in my Dads in the Limelight Series. So when I heard that Bruce came out with the book that he had been working on for some time, I knew that I had to check it out to see if it followed the quality writing, advice and humor that I have come to expect and appreciate about Bruce’s writing, it did!

I have to say that I truly enjoyed this book! There was so much great information and resources shared within its pages and as a parent I could definitely relate to much of what he was sharing. Most of the book is full of so much everyday parenting humor and information that you will not be disappointed when you learn from Bruce as you are reading along.

This book also is not just for dads, but for parents. The humor that he uses as well as information that he shares will be helpful to all who read it. I loved how the book talked to me as a reader, and it seemed to be that Bruce was sitting in the room talking to me instead of me reading his words on the page.

Overall, this was a great book, and one that when shared between moms and dads will provide for good conversation and for a clearer understanding of the roles that each play in the parenting of a child in today’s society!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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1

Book Review – The Man Test

There is more to men then drinking beer and watching sports. The Man Test (Sourcebooks; May 2011; 9781402254031; Trade Paper; $12.99 U.S./£8.99 UK; Humor; 224 pages) by Robert Dodenhoff is your guide to everything manly.

Do you think your dad knows everything? The Man Test would not only make a great Father’s Day present but it can provide a little healthy competition. Take the test with your dad and see who gets the better score, find out who is manlier.

The Man Test is made up entirely of multiple choice and true/false quizzes, literally testing your manhood. At the end of each category is the answer key and an explanation of why that is the correct answer.

Categories in the book range from texting etiquette, owning a home, outdoor survival, and everything in between. All topics are discussed in humorous way but still focusing on important life lessons. There are questions like:

  • What is the best day to negotiate a car purchase at a dealership?
  • What should you do if a bear is about to attack you?
  • What are the three things women lie most about online?

After taking the test you can impress your friends and family, with the knowledge you have gained from The Man Test. Or if you already knew everything, you can definitely call yourself a real man.

Robert Dodenhoff is from Isle of Palms, SC and was inspired to write this book by his sons. He believes that as the father of three boys ages 17, 15, and 12 it’s his job to make sure they have the knowledge to be successful men. Robert is also the founder and President of No Fear Media, a non-profit company offering web-based advice to youths on life-critical issues.

My Take on The Book
This book is a fun look at being a man. There have been so many times in the past where I have been stuck for something to talk about in a social setting, but this book opens the door to hours of conversations.

This book takes a fun look and pokes fun at dads but it is also is full a ton of information that will make your mind start buzzing! Though some of the questions made me get into a few debates.  Though this was the case, the debates were fun and the test opened my eyes to what I knew and what I did not know.

Overall, a great book, one that will put a smile on your face and a lot of questions in your mind to bring up to others in the future!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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0

Book Review – Things My Daughters Need to Know

About the Book
If you’ve ever been cheated on, wondered why the guy never calls when he said he would, or can’t seem to get past the bedroom when you start dating a guy, Rodney L. Demery’s candid book,  Things My Daughters Need To Know: A Cop and Father’s View of Sex, Relationships and Happiness (The Demery Group Publishing) will help get you answers to these relationship dilemmas by examining the dating habits of this self-proclaimed serial dater.

After working for over two decades on homicide, sex crimes, narcotics and armed robbery investigations, there is little that could shock or surprise Detective Rodney Demery, and he shares both his professional and personal life experiences as an investigator and a dater as a way of helping women see their lives and loves in a different way so they can learn to read their own dating situations better and hopefully change the outcome.

Rodney Demery’s own life was shaped by murder when his mother was shot in the back nine times by her husband, and having his life framed by infidelity may be part of the reason he could not settle down. He admits he earned the title in the past of ‘bad boy’ where women were concerned, but is quick to express that he’s learned to be better and, as a result, his life is filled with hope as he looks for lasting love. Gritty and raw at times, his book is an honest portrayal of one man’s sexual escapades, troubled relationships, and journey to maturity.

In Things My Daughters Need To Know, women will get honesty and a straightforward approach to relationships from a cop/father’s point of view, and learn valuable information such as why abstinence helps get you the man, why career women end up single, what men really think when you show up in a skimpy outfit, how technology is helping men juggle women, and whether a cheater will really leave his wife for you!

This virtual guide to understanding men is the perfect legacy for Demery to leave his daughters – one they can put to good use and better prepare them in their choice of men and relationships. For more information on Rodney Demery and his fascinating memoir, please visit his website at: www.rldemery.com.

My Take on the Book

A lifetime of dating and a career full of police investigations combine to produce relationship lessons, suggestions, and advice for women.
Women tired of guessing what men think can get a frank, first-hand look at relationships from a man’s point-of-view in Things My Daughters Need to Know. Author Rodney L. Demery’s powerful memoir will help women see their relationships from a different perspective. He knows the lies men tell and the tricks they try. He shares this information and offers insight to help women learn how to get clues to guys’ behavior so they can choose their men wisely.
In this book, learn:
1. Why abstinence is attractive to a man
2. Why career women end up single
3. How technology helps men juggle women
4. What men really think when you show up in a skimpy outfit
5. Whether a cheater will leave his wife for you
More Demery’s life was shaped by murder when his mother’s husband shot her in the back nine times. It was framed by infidelity as he never could settle down. Now it’s filled with hope as he looks for love. In Things My Daughters Need to Know, Demery shares his experiences in an effort to help others see their lives — and loves — a bit differently.

29

Johnny One-Eye – Book Review & Giveaway



About the Book


Johnny One-Eye is bringing about the rediscovery of one of the most “singular and remarkable [careers] in American literature” (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World). In this picaresque tour de force that reanimates Revolutionary Manhattan through the story of double agent John Stocking, the bastard son of a whorehouse madam and possibly George Washington, Jerome Charyn has given us one of the most memorable historical novels in years. As Johnny seeks to unlock the mystery of his birth and grapples with his allegiances, he falls in love with Clara, a gorgeous, green-eyed octoroon, the most coveted harlot of Gertrude’s house. The wild parade of characters he encounters includes Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, “Sir Billy” and “Black Dick,” and a manipulative Alexander Hamilton.



Not since John Barth’s The Sotweed Factor and Gore Vidal’s Burr has a novel so dramatically re-created America’s historical beginnings. Reading group guide included.

About the Author
Jerome Charyn (born May 13, 1937) is an award-winning American author. With nearly 50 published works, Charyn has earned a long-standing reputation as an inventive and prolific chronicler of real and imagined American life. Michael Chabon calls him “one of the most important writers in American literature.”


New York Newsday hailed Charyn as “a contemporary American Balzac,” and the Los Angeles Times described him as “absolutely unique among American writers.”


Since the 1964 release of Charyn’s first novel, Once Upon a Droshky, he has published 30 novels, three memoirs, eight graphic novels, two books about film, short stories, plays and works of non-fiction. Two of his memoirs were named New York Times Book of the Year. Charyn has been a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. He received the Rosenthal Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and has been named Commander of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture.


Charyn was Distinguished Professor of Film Studies at the American University of Paris until he left teaching in 2009.


In addition to his writing and teaching, Charyn is a tournament table tennis player, once ranked in the top 10 percent of players in France. Noted novelist Don DeLillo called Charyn’s book on table tennis, Sizzling Chops & Devilish Spins, “The Sun Also Rises of ping-pong.”


Charyn lives in Paris and New York City.


My Take on the Book
I love historical fiction and have read quite a few in the past. This book is definitely one that lives up to my expectations in being a lover of this genre. While I did not know a lot about this era in time in the past, this book takes you completely on a journey into this bygone age and allows you to completely become immersed in the language, culture and customs of this time and place.


The author provides the reader with a cast of characters that you will not soon forget and the way that he allows you to see the world through his character’s “eye” will make you rethinking the way in which you view the world as well.


The only concern that I would raise with the book is the twists and turns that it takes you on in regards to its plot. Just when you think you understand where the book is going, the author will take you on another ride in a completely different direction. Though this is true, the book itself was highly enjoyable and one that I would encourage all to read!


Giveaway


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