"Detectives Don't Wear Seat Belts" by Cici McNair

This book rubbed me the wrong way right at the beginning. "Some people turn to the Bible for inspiration, but for me it's the Yellow Pages" (McNair 6). Sure, there is some high-paced upper-echelon sleuthing going on. The writing is up to par, and the descriptions of private investigation leave nothing out. The protagonist is a private eye that goes about solving mysteries and finding incriminating evidence. However, the swearing in the book, coupled by the sexual innuendos are too much. If those aspects were taken out of the book, it wouldn't be half bad.

"Jack Fell Down" by Kenneth Underhill

Picture a dashing salesman who cons people out of savings. That is this book's protagonist. His psyche and ploys are detailed and intrigue the reader. The swearing in the book and the risque little scenes disgust the reader. While there is a good message that bad things will catch up to you, the "bad guy" con man does escape death in the end. The grammar is fine, and the cons are all different but have the same backbone. The action when the conned come to get the con man is exciting albeit a tad violent.

"The Eigth Scroll" by Laurence Brown

This book is about a long-lost scroll. Key to religion, it is supposed to be written by James of the Bible. Many archaeologists get killed and put in danger when they discover the information in the scroll. For a large part of the book, readers are kept in suspense, not knowing the full message of what the scroll says. When the reader finally reaches the point where it is revealed, there is a shock, as heresy goes flying everywhere. The the author use Scripture improperly to try and disprove major aspects of Christianity. Sure, these are utterances from characters, but they are still in the book. The scroll message says that Jesus was not crucified, did not teach atonement, and other heretic messages. Any strong Christian knows that what is in this book is not credible at all, and that the Gospel refutes such lies. Most disgusting of all, it is stated that the Pope knew about the scroll all along and just wants to cover it up. Did I mention the Pope is linked to the Mafia? As an Italian Catholic, I am outraged.

"The Lake" by William Crawford

When I first read the synopsis of this book, I figured I'd get a "Tuck Everlasting" sort of story about the fountain of youth. I envisioned high adventure and innocent dialog that would make me think. But what do I get? In the first chapter alone, I am forced to read about the protagonist's proximity to a flirtatious flight attendant's blouse. What is with that? More skanky female women come into the story, and the actual fountain of youth part does not meet my expectations. The ending is okay, and the suspense is all right, but, for crying out loud, the slutty aspects of the book need to be cut out. Christian readers should not buy this book.

"Indiana" by NC Weyl

This is one of those multiple narration stories. Taking place in the time of the KKK the book has drama about this. The protagonist is a little teenage girl who has a pastor for a father. Her childhood is recollected as "history" unfolds. With a Christian premise, I thought I'd love this book. Sadly, it went by too slowly for me, especially in the beginning, and I thought certain aspects could have been cut out to slim the book. I was even shocked when the Lord's name was taken in vain on the page, even if from the mouth of a heinous character. All in all, the book's not half bad, albeit a bit slow.

"Living With Evolution or Dying Without It" by Koratsky

As a self-proclaimed Christian, your first guess is right--I don't believe in evolution. However, I believe reading Koratsky's book did me some good. After 600+ pages of eyelid drooping detail, I still think evolution is a bunch of hooey and fervently adhere to my creationist viewpoint. Hooray.

In this book, evolution is discussed from the tiniest of creatures to the biggest. Large spans of history are covered, and there is even an expandable guide in the back that has eras and such. After going through the science-y part (which anyone who has taken high school biology, chemistry, and earth science can understand), the people part comes in.

Religion is discussed, as many world views are given from way back to the current age. Oddly, Koratsky does not openly trash religions. He merely speaks about them as if they are part of history. What's sad to me is that he does not recognize that Christianity is the only way. Then again, from an evolutionist, what was I expecting anyway, right?

From business to war to the difference between males and females, this brick of a book covers it all. Given the immense nature of the book, Koratky slips in thoughts about some people having more worth than others and how gender equality is nonsense. Overall, this book is as riveting as a history textbook but should not be taken seriously.

"The Stress Effect" by Henry Thompson

Riveting to say the least, Thompson's book delivers. He takes seemingly common sense ideas and makes them come alive. Sure, any nincompoop with half a brain knows stress makes people not act as they should and that things like nutrition and sleep aid stress. Big whoop. What is marvelous is how this book makes those ideas come to life and not seem boring. Interesting is how many of the examples are of pilots, not just CEOs. Many psychological diagrams are given for the ease of the reader's understanding, too. Emotional intelligence and qualities of leaders are highly expounded upon.

"Mannie's Diet and Enzyme Formula" by Barlin and Brooks

Written as a nutritional guide, this book delves deep into the science of eating. More relevant to those with diseases like Crohn's, this book can be used by anyone looking to get healthier and decrease digestive pain. Enzymes are explained, measurements are given, and there are even tips on how to cook certain foods. Healthy fast food alternative restaurants are listed, as well as what to do to eat healthy in a foreign nation. Although well researched and organized, the book could do with some pictures. Also, 77 pages of references is a bit much.

"Wunschkind" by Liesel Appel

The tale of a German girl is told in sad detail. With the rise of Hitler, her parents planned her to be a gift to him. She didn't actually meet or interact with Hitler. Rather, her existence was made so her parents could make yet another faithful German of Hitler's montage. When she finally realizes this fact, added to what her parents actually think, she is flabbergasted and in a state of consternation. This book offers a great look at a difficult coming of age. Religion is mentioned, and Christians are labeled as hypocrites with no good example to counteract them. Readers are left thinking the girl is agnostic, unfortunately. However, seeing as how the book is published by a company called Grateful Steps with crosses in the insignia, who knows what to think?

"Green Pieces" by Drew Aquilina

A compilation of cartoons, these strips are organized in such a fashion that they actually tell a story and have some sort of order. The four parts of the book--spring, summer, fall, and winter--make it easy for the book to be read in sections. The main characters are a turtle, dragonfly, frog, and raccoon. However, other animals appear [like rabbits, deer, squirrels, and birds]. Every now and then, hard science facts will appear to teach the reader something about nature. Other bits of information are more subtle (like hibernation and predator / prey interactions). While cute and adorable, some things that buyers should know before giving this to children are as follows: smoking depicted by animal, animals pecking on the lips, and evolution mentioned. All in all, this series is facetious.

"Hot" by Laura L. Smith

Flash back to high school. Lindsey has killer looks, and a hockey star has caught her eye. She makes it her mission to get his attention, and--surprise, surprise--she does. As their relationship progresses, things escalate between them. Lindsey must choose between God and the things of this world. A secret about her best friend trumps readers. Family problems at home that surface also make the story believable and have the reader lost in Smith's world. I'm not going to spoil this book, but what I will say is that what makes this book different is that it has a Christian perspective and Lindsey's beau is actually genuinely in love with her. He isn't just some jerk looking to use her; he really wants to be with her forever. This makes the impact of Lindsey's decisions unpredictable and tangible to the reader. Smith has done quite a job building up the beau's character. This book is short, but it goes by slowly, as if Smith carefully chooses each word. The romance is not at all graphic, but the emotion is real. "I need Noah right now like a magazine needs a cover girl" (Smith 106). The ending will leave readers satisfied but also pondering Lindsey's future with Noah.

"One Touch from the Maker" by Pat W. Kirk

A compilation of short stories, this book aims to show the incredible power of God. Many miracles are given in the pages. Some are as extreme as saving lives. Others are just about God putting someone in the right place at the right time. The Bible is quoted every now and then. There are more references to God than Jesus, but this is a Christian book. The second edition has more stories in it. What's fantastic is that some stories are not about fervently religious people getting exactly what they pray for. Some are about unanswered prayers, and some are about non-believers being met by God right where they are. Each retelling is only a few pages, followed by a short bio of the writer(s). This would make a nice gift to any who think they have a hopeless situation, for they will see how God makes His mark on the world, one miracle at a time.

"Hanging by the Thread" by Donald Anderson

Scary to some degree, this book is about a cult who wish to overthrow the government. This has great fiscal implications--or at least, the author likes to focus on the economics. Like any story with a group of villains, someone is in the way. The "good guy" knows what is going on, and the back-and-forth begins. There are a lot of fast scenes. Most chapters include times and locations to give the book a spy feel. The economics are explained, but appendices in the back clear up any confusion. The actual book has the American flag a bit faded on the cover.

"Photographs and Memories" by Barbara Fifield

More suited for an older audience, this book has American drama. Parents are getting older, siblings are using drugs, couples argue, etc. The protagonist coerces her husband into helping her parents elude her sibling's ploys. When a death occurs, the emotion in the book is tangible. While the protagonist tries to cope, another death occurs. Real life issues come to life in this book, but it is overtly depressing. The book does flow, and the writing skills are evident, on the plus side.

"Mara's Flowery Arrows" by Siam's Unnamed

This story takes place in the past and the future--it bounces around a lot. Basically, a royal boy is murdered and a servant is the prime suspect. Like a true Law and Order mystery, the servant goes about trying to find who really killed the royal boy. Government unrest between rulers is also described. The ending the bridges the many gaps in the story seems contemporary amidst the historical themes. Poetry and cryptology included make the book entertaining. The author even includes references for historical tidbits. Readers may have to reread segments of this book to keep up with the plot.

"The Souls of the Fire Dragon" by John Wrieden

Oddly reminiscent of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," this book centers around an unlikely hero. Dubbed as being at the right man in the wrong place, he is swept up into a fantastical adventure. Assisted by dragons, the protagonist must help defeat evil. There are references to power--which may or may not allude to actual government systems--and corruption. It is a bit creepy when the dragon is described as seductive, though. The book is more dialog than narration, so it feels very fast paced.

"Prophet of the Pentacle" by Marilyn D. Privratsky

This book reads like an old mythology story. Evil is captured and imprisoned. Then, some unknowing nitwit accidentally releases it and dooms life as we know it. The forces of good must rally up and train to fight evil and destroy it for good. There are many lords and prophets and creepy adages that are akin to incantations. While just to be taken as a story, one hopes that it is meant for pure entertainment and no sort of animistic propaganda. This book is very short--under fifty pages--and can be read on a train ride.

"Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor" by Jim Sutton and Sagar Nigwekar

Best to be used as a reference, this book does exactly what it says it will and then some. For each condition / disease, there is a brief description of what it is. This is given in simple terms so that even the most uneducated patient can comprehend them. Then, there is a list of five questions to ask. After that, there are a few other important questions that may be asked in secondary importance. At the beginning of the book, there are introductions on the health care industry and how this book should be used--in addition to some doctor visit tips and examples of dialogs between doctor and patient. The only thing that must be noted is that none of the questions in the book are answered. They serve as guides, and it is up to the reader to actually ask their doctor questions and find the answers.

"Public Schools Are Archaic" by MR Ussery and SR Pargman (Editor)

The organization and grammar in the book is excellent. Oftentimes, authors neglect to hire editors. Ussery made a good choice with his. What's great about this book is that it tries to not offend. In the beginning, Ussery says he means no offense to schoolteachers and even says he acknowledges all the hard work they do. Diving into the prose, Ussery discusses what's wrong with our school systems (both public and private) and how they don't always benefit children on the individual scale to cater to their specific learning needs. Examples from the air force are compared to Ussery's idyll. While riveting in its detail and highly interesting, what's sad about thus book is that it is obvious that there is not going to be some huge educational reform just yet. Maybe some day, yes. But for now, things will most likely stay the same for at least a few years. Besides that sad realization, this book is engaging if not a bit pushy.

"Body Parts" by Janet Cameron Hoult

This is a collection of poems about aging. With a simple wooden body spewed on the cover, readers are not ready for the candid shock that comes in the pages. Details of changing body parts are interspersed among what can only be assumed to be anecdotes. A bit perverse, the author even mentions ogling younger counterparts in inappropriate fashions. For the older reader that may get this as a book, they will most likely be depressed and offended. If anything, this book could pass as a joke or prank given to someone else. However, as a sincere gift, it may not be the best choice.