Don McGlynn interviewed me last week and wrote a very nice piece in The Abington Journal. It was published yesterday with one big error - Ellie's name is now Emily. He did get Audrey's name right though. Oh, well. It's still a good article. Read it here.
Thank you, Don!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Book-Reading/Signing - Saturday, March 6th
March 6th 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA. - I’ll be reading A Surprise for Grandmother Rabbit to the children at both 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will be signing books after each reading. Also, there will be a cute bunny craft for the children to do. I think it’ll be great fun. Barnes & Noble will also be hosting a book fair for St. Jude’s school that day. Come by to see me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
GoneAway into the Land, by Jeffrey B. Allen
I was asked to write a review of GoneAway into the Land by Jeffrey B. Allen. Since I'm not big on fantasy stories I wasn't so sure I'd be a good one to review this book. But let me tell you, this book absolutely blew me away! GoneAway into the Land will be the next Lord of the Rings, I kid you not! The story starts out with a 12-year-old boy and his family who suffer the trauma of dealing with an abusive father and husband. The father is a beast and truly becomes one once they leave the World and end up in the Land, looking for John’s sister Marny, who has been abducted by the beast.
ZingZongLand is a land of confections. How cool is that? Any type of confection you can imagine. It seems like a paradise until greed and power of a few take over.
Allen’s wonderful art of description makes you forget you’re in a land of make-believe. Instead you are entrenched in this “candy land” of sorts. Of course, you are also entrenched in the horrors and battles because Mr. Allen so vividly describes them.
The Land and its civilizations are virtually destroyed in the process of fighting the greed and power. John and his mother are in the midst of it all as they search for Marny. And, during the process, they find another lost wonder. To tell more would be to give away the story and I enjoyed this book way too much to ruin it for someone else.
This is an easy read because of the lightness Allen keeps despite some of the horrors experienced by John, his family and the friends he meets along his journey. There are times you will laugh out loud! Personally, Albertson was my favorite character. I wanted to take him home with me.
You will be on the edge of your seat to the very last page. And, if you react as I did, you will be anxious for Allen to finish the sequel. I can’t wait to read Into the World and my guess is that we’ll be seeing a film version one day. I highly recommend this book for both young and older adults.
Great job, Jeffrey B. Allen! Keep up the good work!
ZingZongLand is a land of confections. How cool is that? Any type of confection you can imagine. It seems like a paradise until greed and power of a few take over.
Allen’s wonderful art of description makes you forget you’re in a land of make-believe. Instead you are entrenched in this “candy land” of sorts. Of course, you are also entrenched in the horrors and battles because Mr. Allen so vividly describes them.
The Land and its civilizations are virtually destroyed in the process of fighting the greed and power. John and his mother are in the midst of it all as they search for Marny. And, during the process, they find another lost wonder. To tell more would be to give away the story and I enjoyed this book way too much to ruin it for someone else.
This is an easy read because of the lightness Allen keeps despite some of the horrors experienced by John, his family and the friends he meets along his journey. There are times you will laugh out loud! Personally, Albertson was my favorite character. I wanted to take him home with me.
You will be on the edge of your seat to the very last page. And, if you react as I did, you will be anxious for Allen to finish the sequel. I can’t wait to read Into the World and my guess is that we’ll be seeing a film version one day. I highly recommend this book for both young and older adults.
Great job, Jeffrey B. Allen! Keep up the good work!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Book Giveaway
The Book Junkie is celebrating her birthday by giving away a box of books! Her birthday is in February and she will choose the lucky winner on February 22nd. Go to her blog to fill out the form. You could win a box of books for HER birthday!!!! What a great idea!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt
I had the pleasure of receiving and reviewing an advance copy of Making Toast, by well-known author Roger Rosenblatt. The book will be released February 16th. I hope you get the opportunity to read it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here's my review:
Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt shows how your entire life can change at any moment. And, in this case, the author and his family will never return to the way life was before the sudden change that hit them when their daughter suddenly dies. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up this book. It is heart wrenching yet engaging and quite light in its own way. Does that make sense? Probably not – until you read it.
The author and his wife go through the grief process while trying to be there for their son-in-law and their other children’s families and to play “parent” to their three young grandchildren. They are at the stage of their life where they should be enjoying the carefree times they’ve worked hard to attain. Instead of the doting grandparents they should be at this age, they are suddenly thrown into the role of caregiver for children who have lost their mother. Not an easy task, but these two are definitely not ordinary people.
These grandparents are now dealing with schedules, temper tantrums, and the children’s loss as they deal with their own feelings. This book will break your heart while at the same time entertain you. A hard task, for sure! But I found I couldn’t put this book down even as I cried my eyes out and as my own heart was breaking for this family.
Losing a child is a nightmare no one wants to have, but, sadly, many do. This book heals as it hurts. What a marvelous family. Their love and good humor comes through on every page but the pain never goes away.
Don’t let the subject put you off. This book is definitely worth the time it takes to read it and is well written. You won’t be sorry. I loved Making Toast.
Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt shows how your entire life can change at any moment. And, in this case, the author and his family will never return to the way life was before the sudden change that hit them when their daughter suddenly dies. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up this book. It is heart wrenching yet engaging and quite light in its own way. Does that make sense? Probably not – until you read it.
The author and his wife go through the grief process while trying to be there for their son-in-law and their other children’s families and to play “parent” to their three young grandchildren. They are at the stage of their life where they should be enjoying the carefree times they’ve worked hard to attain. Instead of the doting grandparents they should be at this age, they are suddenly thrown into the role of caregiver for children who have lost their mother. Not an easy task, but these two are definitely not ordinary people.
These grandparents are now dealing with schedules, temper tantrums, and the children’s loss as they deal with their own feelings. This book will break your heart while at the same time entertain you. A hard task, for sure! But I found I couldn’t put this book down even as I cried my eyes out and as my own heart was breaking for this family.
Losing a child is a nightmare no one wants to have, but, sadly, many do. This book heals as it hurts. What a marvelous family. Their love and good humor comes through on every page but the pain never goes away.
Don’t let the subject put you off. This book is definitely worth the time it takes to read it and is well written. You won’t be sorry. I loved Making Toast.
Friday, January 22, 2010
A Belated Happy New Year!
I'm sorry to be late in wishing you the best for 2010. My New Year's resolution is to actually try to blog a couple times a week. I've been quite negligent but am determined to get this going! So off to a good start - only 22 days into 2010.
Right after the new year I headed to Florida for a very, very cold week in the sunny south. Upon my return I went to Boston to celebrate my granddaughter's first birthday. Believe it or not, the weather was much milder in Boston than it was in Saint Augustine and Jupiter Island, Florida. But I wouldn't have minded cold, ice or snow because seeing my beautiful granddaughters warmed my heart.
Happy New Year and I hope 2010 brings you all much happiness.
Right after the new year I headed to Florida for a very, very cold week in the sunny south. Upon my return I went to Boston to celebrate my granddaughter's first birthday. Believe it or not, the weather was much milder in Boston than it was in Saint Augustine and Jupiter Island, Florida. But I wouldn't have minded cold, ice or snow because seeing my beautiful granddaughters warmed my heart.
Happy New Year and I hope 2010 brings you all much happiness.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Interview with William G. Bentrim, Children’s Author
I had the privilege of interviewing William G. Bentrim, a wonderful children’s author from bucolic Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Bill and I became friends through our interaction as children’s authors on GoodReads. He has been kind enough to let me interview him for my blog and will also be interviewing me.
Bill has written several children’s books, first for his grandchildren, and now for all children. His books, I Like to Whine, Daddy Goes on a Trip, Mommy’s Black Eye, and The Adventures of Hardy Belch, can be found on Amazon.com, Doylestown Bookshop, his website and someday soon practically any bookstore.
But now on to the interview.
BJS: Tell us a little about yourself.
WGB: It has been suggested that I am a hyperactive adult. That is certainly possible. I have a tendency to jump in with both feet whenever I tackle a project. I am retired. I had a computer networking company for 25 years and sold it. Prior to working with computers I had owned and operated a convenience store. My first real career was as a teacher and guidance counselor. I have had an exciting eclectic life that would not have been possible without the support of an absolutely wonderful wife and family. I am besotted with my grandchildren and love spending time with them. Golf and bridge are my primary recreations at this stage since my knees no longer tolerate volleyball or basketball. All in all I am one deliriously happy soul.
BJS: What is your latest published work?
WGB: “The Adventures of Hardy Belch” is my latest work. The Adventures of Hardy Belch chronicle the exciting and unbelievable adventures of a normal 12 year old boy and his 240 pound telepathic dog. Hardy and Tiny (his best friend and dog) find themselves in many predicaments but as a team and best friends they always end up helping others. Combining mystery and humor each story is written to entertain, and highlight the value of friendship, planning and selfless actions.
BJS: Why did you write this book?
WGB: My eldest grandson was getting too old for my picture books. I wanted to write a chapter book that would be appealing to pre-teens. I can’t seem to get away from trying to sneak in moral lessons though.
BJS: Where do you get your ideas from?
WGB: I am so full of ideas that I often feel my head is going to explode. In the computer business, it took my brother and my wife to keep me grounded and profitable. I have so many ideas I despair of ever getting them all in print but I am trying.
BJS: What are you working on right now?
WGB: “The Further Adventures of Hardy Belch” and “What About Me?,” which addresses the feelings of abandonment that well siblings often feel when there is a seriously ill sibling.
BJS: What advice can you share with other writers?
WGB: Write, write some more and then sit down and write more. You will only get better if you write more and get feedback from those who read it. Don’t be afraid to self publish and don’t feel like you must find a “publisher.” If you do great, if you don’t and want in print, do it yourself. My books are selling and I have done it without a publisher.
BJS: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
WGB: Life is grand and writing is a hoot. When I had a delightful 7-year-old come up to me and tell me “Mr. Bentrim, I loved your book,” it gave me a sense of fulfillment that is difficult to describe. If one child is moved or helped by one of my books I am a success in my mind. Rachel, with her kind comment, allowed me to feel like I am really an author.
BJS: Thank you, Bill.
Bill has written several children’s books, first for his grandchildren, and now for all children. His books, I Like to Whine, Daddy Goes on a Trip, Mommy’s Black Eye, and The Adventures of Hardy Belch, can be found on Amazon.com, Doylestown Bookshop, his website and someday soon practically any bookstore.
But now on to the interview.
BJS: Tell us a little about yourself.
WGB: It has been suggested that I am a hyperactive adult. That is certainly possible. I have a tendency to jump in with both feet whenever I tackle a project. I am retired. I had a computer networking company for 25 years and sold it. Prior to working with computers I had owned and operated a convenience store. My first real career was as a teacher and guidance counselor. I have had an exciting eclectic life that would not have been possible without the support of an absolutely wonderful wife and family. I am besotted with my grandchildren and love spending time with them. Golf and bridge are my primary recreations at this stage since my knees no longer tolerate volleyball or basketball. All in all I am one deliriously happy soul.
BJS: What is your latest published work?
WGB: “The Adventures of Hardy Belch” is my latest work. The Adventures of Hardy Belch chronicle the exciting and unbelievable adventures of a normal 12 year old boy and his 240 pound telepathic dog. Hardy and Tiny (his best friend and dog) find themselves in many predicaments but as a team and best friends they always end up helping others. Combining mystery and humor each story is written to entertain, and highlight the value of friendship, planning and selfless actions.
BJS: Why did you write this book?
WGB: My eldest grandson was getting too old for my picture books. I wanted to write a chapter book that would be appealing to pre-teens. I can’t seem to get away from trying to sneak in moral lessons though.
BJS: Where do you get your ideas from?
WGB: I am so full of ideas that I often feel my head is going to explode. In the computer business, it took my brother and my wife to keep me grounded and profitable. I have so many ideas I despair of ever getting them all in print but I am trying.
BJS: What are you working on right now?
WGB: “The Further Adventures of Hardy Belch” and “What About Me?,” which addresses the feelings of abandonment that well siblings often feel when there is a seriously ill sibling.
BJS: What advice can you share with other writers?
WGB: Write, write some more and then sit down and write more. You will only get better if you write more and get feedback from those who read it. Don’t be afraid to self publish and don’t feel like you must find a “publisher.” If you do great, if you don’t and want in print, do it yourself. My books are selling and I have done it without a publisher.
BJS: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
WGB: Life is grand and writing is a hoot. When I had a delightful 7-year-old come up to me and tell me “Mr. Bentrim, I loved your book,” it gave me a sense of fulfillment that is difficult to describe. If one child is moved or helped by one of my books I am a success in my mind. Rachel, with her kind comment, allowed me to feel like I am really an author.
BJS: Thank you, Bill.
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