Red Flag Warning

by Kurt Kamm

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

Red Flag Warning is a mystery novel with a difference, it’s based around the world of arsonists. The story is told from the viewpoint of various characters: from NiteHeat who developed a love of fire at a very early age, and Fire Captain Jim Kendall who lives and breaths his investigations to Ruffy, the Command and Control supervisor who dreams of joining the fire crew rather than directing them.

Based in California, the arsonist takes advantage of the Santa Ana winds to start devastating fires that destroy countless family homes while the firefighters battle to put a stop to the travelling flames. As NightHeat prowls the darkness looking for the perfect incendiary that will leave its mark, Kendall and his team do all they can to catch the arsonist and put an end to the devastation.

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This firefighter novel is fictional. The realism within the story comes from Kamm’s extensive research of the topic. After he was driven from his home by a wildfire Kamm became the local wildland fire expert. In the two years he spent writing this novel he attended the CalFire Wildland Arson Investigation Academy and spent time with both arson investigators and an arson profiler.

Why did you decide to read this book?

Back in November 2008 I read and reviewed Kamm’s first novel: One Foot in the Black which I thoroughly enjoyed. After I reviewed the book Kamm kindly agreed to an interview (which you can read here) but also promised to send me a copy of his next book when it was published. True to his word Red Flag Warning appeared in my mailbox – and didn’t disappoint.

What did you like about this book?

As with Kamm’s previous novel I enjoyed this book not only because it was well written with believable characters and a great story line, but also because it is unlike anything I’d ever read before.

Kamm develops the story from the viewpoint of the different characters and includes enough twists and turns that I was left guessing the identity of the arsonist until the very end of the book.

What didn’t you like?

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book – it’s that good lol

Share a quote from the book

“Outside, NiteHeat dug into the scorched sand surrounding the ants’ nest with a stick. A few angry ants erupted into the sunlight. They ran in tight circles and then spread out over the sand. NiteHeat misted them with a spray of pain thinner. Holding the match carefully, scraping it across the side of the box, the tip spluttered and gave off smoke. The flame struggled and became a beautiful orange triangle.

NiteHeat threw the match into the center of the moist sand and fire leapt up, smothering the ants. They looked like frantic little people, trying to escape the heat. One by one, they were overcome. Each ant curled up, burst into a tiny puff of flame, and turned into ash.”

What did you think about the ending?

The ending was perfect. Kamm builds the pace and energy towards the end of the book to an explosive climax where the identity of the arsonist is finally revealed.

About the author

Malibu resident Kurt Kamm has used his experience in several devastating local wildfires and access to Los Angeles County firefighters to write compelling novels about the lives of wildland firefighters. Kamm spent two years in the wildland firefighter camps and female inmate fire camps of Los Angeles County Fire Department,and interviewed firefighters, helicopter pilots, paramedics and traumatic stress counselors while writing his novels.
Read more about author Kurt Kamm…

Buy Red Flag Warning by Kurt Kamm from Amazon

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by Linda Caine and Robin Royston

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

Linda Caine is a contented wife and mother who should have nothing to feel depressed about. But a darkness begins to cloud her thoughts and she starts to have strange flashbacks. She calls suicide her friend and decides that if it all gets to much she will simply drive her car off the side of a cliff so her family thinks her death was accidental. When it all gets too much Linda drives off in her car, but her concerns for her family’s welfare stop her from following through with her plan.

Admitting that she has a problem Linda is introduced to Robin Royston, a psychiatrist who will become her friend and guide on a journey that spans nearly four years. Linda’s recollections of her childhood and adolescence uncover glimpses of horrific events that her mind has chosen to bury. Robin is torn between helping Linda to recall these memories in the hope that the cathartic effect will release her from her depression and suicidal thoughts, while knowing that unleashing the events that scarred her childhood could have an even more devastating effect on his patient.

Fiction or non-fiction?

Out of the Dark is the true story of Linda’s battle with depression

Why did you decide to read this book?

It’s been on the bookshelf for a few years now so I decided to dust it off and read it as part of the Memorable Memoir challenge.

What did you like about this book?

I’m not sure it is possible to actually ‘like’ this book; the subject matter is all to horrific. That said it is very well written, with both Linda and Robin acting as storytellers as they recall the journey from their own perspectives. It actually reads like a psychological detective story and at times you can forget that these awful events really happened.

If you have a friend or loved one who suffers with depression and you want an insight into the thoughts they could be experiencing then you could benefit from reading this book.

About the author

Linda Caine was born in Zimbabwe, Africa, and was raised in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Apart from a fifteen month period during which she and her father opened an African Art Gallery in Los Angeles, she lived in Africa until 1976, at which time she and her family immigrated to England. Linda, her husband, and two teenage children then immigrated to the United States in June 1992. The fact that her grandfather (who joined his pioneer brother in Zimbabwe – which was, at that time, Southern Rhodesia – in 1889) was American has made ‘returning’ to America to live very special to her, and she and her family are now happily settled in California.

Read more about Linda Caine here…

Buy Out of the Dark by Linda Caine and Robin Royston from Amazon

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The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain is an insight into the effect that lies can have on the lives of people who love each other.

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This one is a wonderful work of fiction.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I became a fan of Chamberlain last year after reading The Lost Daughter (The secret life of CeeCee Wilkes) so when I was offered an advanced review copy of her latest novel I couldn’t say yes fast enough!

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

The novel revolves around two sisters; Maya and Rebecca Ward, and the chapters alternate between the sisters to tell the story from their point of view.

Both sisters are physicians, but that’s about as far as the similarities go. Maya is cautious and timid and treats children from the safety of her office, while Rebecca is the risk taker who travels the world offering medical services in disaster zones.

When a hurricane hits the coast of North Carolina Rebecca heads out to join the rescue operation along with Maya’s husband Adam. When he sees the sheer devastation and the number of injured children Adam urges Maya to join them.

In a twist of fate Maya’s helicopter crashes in the forest and she finds herself stranded on a small island, cut off from civilisation and caught in the lives of the strangers who rescued her. As Maya tries desperately to let her loved ones know she is alive the search party gives up hope of ever finding a survivor and Rebecca and Adam find themselves drawn to each other.

What did you like about this book?

I enjoyed hearing the story being told from two sides. Chamberlain focuses on the lies that people tell to their loved ones to protect them. And how these lives can grow and take on a life of themselves which can actually have a much more devastating effect.

What did you think of the main character?

Although the story is told from the perspective of both Maya and Rebecca I feel that Maya is the main character here. She is the cautious one and both Rebecca and Adam wrap her in cotton wool. But actually Maya demonstrates that she has more courage and fight in her than either her sister or her husband.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

Simmee is the girl who nurses Maya back to health, she lives on a small island with her husband and an old lady who was the midwife at Simmee’s birth. She is a wonderful character who has her own secrets and tells her own lies to protect both herself and the life of her unborn baby.

What did you think about the ending?

I was really surprised by the way the story ended and it took me a while to decide whether I appreciated it or not. I think I can understand why Chamberlain chose to close the tale in that way though.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of them?

Yes, The Lost Daughter (The secret life of CeeCee Wilkes) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly is an inspiring coming-of-age novel about a girl who makes a wish to her dying mother and finds herself torn between looking after her family or moving to New York City to pursue her dreams of being a writer.

My Book Review Rating: 4 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction?

Jennifer Donnelly has taken the true events of a murder that rocked turn-of-the-century America and added her own voice to the story to turn this into an inspiring work of fiction.

Why did you decide to read this book?

This one was on the list for the New Author Challenge 2010. I’m pretty sure that I got the book via one of the book swap websites, and it was sitting on the ‘to be read’ shelf alongside A Gathering Light by the same author which I assumed was a sequel.

When I started to read the book it felt really familiar to me, I checked the archives here at Blue Archipelago in case I’d read it and forgotten to move it to the ‘read’ shelf. But no, I haven’t reviewed it. So I kept on reading and I knew that I’d read the story before. So I checked out the ‘read’ shelf and found a copy of A Gathering Light… which it turns out is the same book but it was just given a different name for the UK release. Thanks to a faded bus ticket tucked inside I saw that I first read this one back in December 2003!

I figured if it was good enough to stay on the ‘for keeps; book case I might as well read it again

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

The novel is set in the early 1900s and the main character is a young girl by the name of Mattie Gokey. She lives on a farm with her father and her younger sisters and dreams of being an author. She goes to school with her friend Weaver who is a black boy determined to be treated as an equal and together they plan to pass their entrance exams and move to New York City to go to college.

Plans are changed when they both find themselves working at a local hotel for the summer and Mattie speaks to a young woman named Grace who begs her to burn a stack of letters written to her beau. Later that same night Grace is dragged from the river in what looks like a boating accident gone horribly wrong.

Mattie reads the letters and uncovers a truth that changes the way she looks at her own life.

What did you like about this book?

Donnelly does an excellent job of creating believable and endearing characters. I really liked the way she took Grace’s letters and wove a whole story around them.

What did you think of the main character?

Mattie is quite inspiring, at a young age she is forced to become the mother figure to her younger siblings and help her father to run the farm when her elder brother runs away. She has an inner strength and beauty that many people can only wish for.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

Weaver deserves a mention. He gets himself in many a scrape during the novel, but he has a strong heart and a passion for changing the world

Share a favourite scene from the book:

There’s a great scene in the book where the girls that Mattie works with at the hotel get their own back on ‘Table Six’ who has a habit of sharing parts of himself with the girls that he shouldn’t.

What did you think about the ending?

I thought the ending was apt and closed the story off nicely.

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My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

If you are always asking yourself “why can’t I be more successful?” or “why can’t I find a long-lasting relationship?” then you will want to waste no time in finding a personal guide. Someone who can provide you with the help and guidance you need to set you on the road to success and happiness before you spend yet another day feeling frustrated. The answers to your questions are out there, but you need to know who you can trust to help you understand your dreams and unlock your hidden success and happiness potential.

I admit that over the years I have read many a self-help book looking for the secret to success. I’ve read books on time management and prioritising, on how to lead others and how to coach them to success. Of course the latter is always difficult, I mean how can you possible coach others to become successful when you don’t quite understand the secret ingredients yourself?

Recently I met a guy called Daniel Walsh who is the most down to earth person you could ever hope to meet, but who has actually discovered the secret to success, and happiness for that matter. Using a ‘system’ that he developed over the years he has been able to raise billions of dollars for schools, he married the girl of his dreams, and he’s now making a living doing something he loves.

Now when I say system, I’m not talking dodgy pyramid schemes or anything like that, I mean that he has studied all kinds of ancient tools and methods and then combined the best bits of each to come up with this revolutionary system that he affectionately calls PING! The strange thing is that it’s so simple I’m not sure why no one else has done this before.

The system is based around four templates, or as Daniel calls them: Snap-Sheets, which you have to fill in. The templates will not only help us to understand how to unlock the door to the successful career we have always dreamed about but also to do away with the long and complicated lists that leave us feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Oh and they will also help us to improve our personal lives too by helping us understand what makes us happy, and what we need from a relationship to ensure its success.

The Snap-Sheets themselves are brilliant, none of this black and white boring nonsense that you get in most self-help books. No, they are brightly coloured with smiley faces and simple to complete boxes that actually make them a pleasure to work through.

Of course there is a book to go with them, which explains how to complete not only the templates but also the other key information we need to make this system come together. If you’re not a big fan of reading then set the book aside and just download the audio version to your iPod instead. That way you can learn all about PING while you’re at the gym or walking to work.

Now I’ve only just started working through the system and already I feel more positive about the direction I am heading in. So if you’re looking for a guide that you can trust to lead you along the path to increased confidence and a more successful career or happier relationships then you should definitely check out Daniel’s PING system.

P.S. Daniel’s so sure that his proven success and happiness system will work for you that he’s even offering a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee – now you don’t get more sure than that!

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Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord is a wonderful tale of a young psychiatrist who goes on an adventure around the world in search of happiness.

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This is a delightful and heart-warming work of fiction.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I was asked to review this book by the publishing company – and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

Hector is a young psychiatrist who becomes disillusioned with his job because many of his patients are not ill, they are just unhappy with their lives. This begins to rub off on Hector, making him feel unhappy too. So he decides to take a holiday and visit some friends in far off countries in an attempt to discover the secret of real happiness.

What did you like about this book?

After the dark tale of politics and revolution in The Army of the Republic this book was completely the opposite. A light hearted and easy read that I tore through in a matter of hours. Given its a translation it was surprisingly well written and who wouldn’t enjoy a book about happiness?

What didn’t you like?

I really can’t think of a single thing that I didn’t like about this book!

What did you think of the main character?

Hector is brilliant, he has some great encounters during his world adventure and his reactions to those encounters make him an engaging character who is easy to relate to.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

I have a soft spot for Ying Li, the Chinese girl who’s life is truly changed by Hector – and who makes him realise that he is really happy and he has already found love.

Share a quote from the book:

“Lesson no. 2: Happiness often comes when least expected.”

Hector uncovers 23 Happiness lessons during the novel – but I think this one is my favourite.

Share a favourite scene from the book:

There are many scenes I enjoyed in this book which I can’t share because I’ll give away too much of the story. My favourite is the scene the morning after the night before, between Hector and Ying Li – and that’s as much as I’m telling you!

What did you think about the ending?

It was perfect

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of them?

No I haven’t – but if anymore of his novels are translated into English I’ll be sure to look them up.

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

I think everyone should read this book to be reminded that we don’t need to search for happiness, it’s inside all of us and we just need to take a step back and see the bigger picture to understand that

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1. The Army of the Republic by Stuart Cohen
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The Army of the Republic by Stuart Cohen is a brilliant insight into an alternative, revolutionary America which explores the issues of love, family and rebellion.

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This book is a wonderful work of fiction filled with politics, torture and the fight for loyalty and freedom.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I was asked to review this book by the PR agent. If I’m perfectly honest it is not the kind of book that I would normally read; it’s the sort of book that I call a ‘boy book’ all about revolution and assassinations. So once I again I am grateful for being introduced to a book that is outside my comfort zone – but which I thoroughly enjoyed!

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

The Army of the Republic is set in a revolutionary America, where rich company tycoons and a corrupt government are leading the country in the wrong direction. On one side of the cause we have Lando, a twenty-something guerrilla who is obsessed with saving his country. On the other, the billionaire entrepreneur James Sands who is determined to preserve his privileged position. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way in a plot that sometimes comes a little too close to reality.

What did you like about this book?

For me, this novel was unlike anything I’d read before and that made it a great read. I really liked how Cohen pulls all the threads of the plot together and against the background of politics and torture he weaves in a sub-plot of loyalty and the fight to be loved and accepted for who you are.

What didn’t you like?

This novel is written from the viewpoint of the three main characters, Lando, James Sands and Emily, but it’s written in the first person and in the early chapters I never could quite tell who was telling the story. I found this quite frustrating and if I hadn’t been reading it for a review I would have given up within the first few chapters. Of course I’m glad I didn’t because after a while I began to recognise the ‘voices’ and from there it became a book that I didn’t want to put down!

What did you think of the main character?

For me Lando is the main character in this novel; the plot and the sub-plots all revolve around him. He’s an interesting character, caught up in this world of revolution and the fight against the Regime. He really struggles with the need to protect his identity and not put himself or his family in danger, while at the same time wanting to let the barriers down to connect with Emily.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

I found Anne Sands (wife of James) to be a really interesting character. As wife of a billionaire whose husband thinks that she appreciates all of their privileges she is more interested in her family’s well being and happiness and when James refuses to make a stand against the corrupt security company Whitehall she joins Emily at the protests, putting her own life in danger.

What did you think about the ending?

The ending is sad, and brutal, but also hopeful and in a strange way extremely satisfying.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of them?

This is my first encounter with Stuart Archer Cohen, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for other works from this impressive author.

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

If  you are looking for a white-knuckle ride of a novel then you will enjoy this book; if you believe that America is headed in the wrong direction then you will connect with the themes in this novel. If you’re looking for a book for your book club with multiple themes for discussion then Army of the Republic by Stuart Cohen would be the perfect choice.

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My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

Get Financially Naked is a practical workbook.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I read this book as part of the ARC Reading Challenge.

What did you like about this book?

When I was asked to review this book I thought: yeah yeah – I already talk about money with my husband so I’m not going to learn anything new from this. Boy was I wrong. Sure, we talk about money, but do we know how much we actually have, and whether we’ll be able to afford to retre? The answer to that is a resounding no!

Through case study snippets and personal recollections Thakor and Kedar talk about finance in a very down to earth and easy to understand manner. From understanding your own beliefs and values about money to talking to your partner about their’s, the book includes practical exercises that you can complete to come to a common understanding and also to ensure your attitude to money is in line with your life goals.

Pardon the pun but I had penny-dropping moments throughout the book. Like how to really know what you can comfortably afford when it comes to buying your together home, and how much of your monthly income you should be setting aside for foundation expenses, fun and of course your future. Do you know how much money you should have in your emergency fund or where your financial documents are stored? What about how much money you should spend on a car or whether you should save or borrow to put your kids through college? The answers are all here, all laid out in an oh-so-easy to understand and act on fashion.

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

It’s extremely simple; if you spend money then you need to read this book. And don’t let the title put you off either, if you’re currently single then you should read this book too, it is completely applicable to you and you’ll have the added benefit of being able to talk money with your honey as soon as you meet them!

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If I Am Missing or Dead… by Janine Latus

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

I wish i could say that this book was a work of fiction, but I’m sad to say it’s a memoir.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I picked this book up some years ago, based on the title and the cover art I think. I’m not sure I realised at the time it was a memoir. I finally got round to reading it as part of Melissa’s Memorable Memoirs Reading Challenge.

Summarise the book – without revealing the ending!

If I am Missing or Dead is a chilling insight into the world of domestic abuse. Janine suffers at the hands of her father, her boyfriend and then her husband. All the while trapped in an internal struggle where she blames herself as justification for their sinister and sometimes violent actions.

What did you like about this book?

I’m not sure ‘like’ is the right word to use when describing this book. It was gripping, and haunting, and terrifying and it had to be read through to its conclusion, but it’s not a book that you ‘like’ or enjoy reading. It was like watching a car crash – drawn into something horrifying and being intrigued as to how it all turned out while wishing that you never found yourself in the same position.

Throughout Latus’ recount I kept wishing this this was just a work of fiction because to think that real people suffer this sort of pain and torture at the hands of their so-called loved ones is extremely upsetting.

One thing I took away from it was the importance of communication, of speaking out if things don’t feel right and of confiding in those you know and trust. Janine and her sister found themselves locked in abusive relationships, but both thought that they were alone and painted a happy rosy picture to the other. I found myself begging them to confide in each other in the hope that together they would see that it wasn’t they who were to blame for the way they were treated.

Share a quote from the book:

Janine’s husband encourages her to dress in revealing and skimpy clothes, it’s almost like he’s showing her off as some sort of trophy. She is torn between wanting to be desired by her husband and wanting to feel comfortable in her own body. This quote is from a scene where Kurt makes her buy a thong bikini that she is not comfortable in:

“I am turning to see my backside in the mirror, It’s not a look I like. I am thirty-five years old and should not be in a thong. It doesn’t matter if they’re stylish or if they’re all the rage, doesn’t matter that in Europe I’d wear one without thinking twice, this is the United States and the only people who wear them are flaunting, inviting, enticing.”

“I’m flattered he wants me so much. And int eh room like this, when it’s just us, this is okay. The clothes turn him on, and that makes me feel desirable, so in a way the clothes turn me on, too. They turn me on even while they make me feel like a piece of raw meat in front of a cartoon wolf who is drooling, a knife in one hand and a fork in the other. I shift from foot to foot.”

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

Again this isn’t a book that anyone is going to enjoy, but if you want to read a book that is both unforgettable and compelling, or a book that is heartbreakingly honest while being saddening and disturbing then you will appreciate If I Am Missing or Dead by Janine Latus. But if you are caught up in a relationship where you are belittled or beaten and you spend your time justifying the actions of your partner then you need to read this book to understand that you are not alone, and that it isn’t your fault.

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Petals From The Sky by Mingmei Yip

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

Petals from the Sky is a work of fiction inspired by the authors own inspirations to be a Buddhist nun.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I read this book as part of the ARC Reading Challenge. I couldn’t resist picking it up due to the gorgeous cover art which really grabbed my attention!

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

It’s not often that you pick up a book with a plot that is truly unique – but that is the case with Petals from the Sky. Meng Ning, the main character, fell into a well when she was little and was ‘rescued’ by Yi Kong, a Buddhist nun who becomes her mentor. Meng Ning goes through life believing that her calling is to pass through the Empty Gate and become a nun like her mentor. That is until she is rescued from a fire by the wonderful Michael Fuller, a young American doctor who knocks her world off its axis and makes her question her beliefs and her calling.

What did you like about this book?

I loved this book – from the very first page. It’s beautifully written, it’s unique, it’s thought-provoking and it gave me an insight into the world of Buddhism. There is an air of calmness and escapism in the way Yip weaves her story that makes the book so enjoyable.

What didn’t you like?

I can’t actually think of anything about this book that I didn’t like – hence the 5 star rating!

What did you think of the main character?

Meng Ning is a bit of a troubled soul in this book. She has gone through life so sure of her destiny and her beliefs and then suddenly at the age of 30 she meets Michael and everything goes out of the window. She suddenly finds herself torn between love in the Dusty World or a simple life as a nun in the Empty Gate. In Meng Ning Yip has created a strong and compelling character who is easy to empathise with.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

Lisa Fulton deserves a mention here, daughter to Michael’s father-figure and his ex-fiance. Lisa further adds to Meng Ning’s anguish by questioning her relationship with Michael and taking her on a path that confuses Meng Ning further.

Lisa is not a likeable character, though she has flaws that Meng Ning finds inspiring and somehow the two almost become friends.

Share a quote from the book:

I picked out this quote from page 283 of my copy as it embodies Meng Ning’s anguished state of mind. She and Micheal have just found themselves trapped in a falling elevator:

“Then I was knocked off my feet by a strong jolt.

Fate plays games with morals. I’d survived the well, and now this! This would be the end of everything, nun or not nun, married or single, empty gate or dusty world. I was going to die. I was dying, and Michael… Oh, Michael!”

What did you think about the ending?

I enjoyed the ending of the book; Yip pulls together all the strings from the novel’s sub-plots and ties them together in a way that’s satisfying but not predicatable.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of them?

No, I haven’t; but Yip’s previous novel Peach Blossom Pavilion is now on my wish list.

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

If you enjoy beautifully written novels that provide a rare peek into a beautiful culture and are both captivating and inspiring then you’ll enjoy Petals from the Sky by Mingmei Yip.

Petals From The Sky by Mingmei Yip is a post from: Blue Archipelago Reviews

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