Genre: Autobiography

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I am not going to say much about this book because it speaks for itself. This brave woman was an inspiration to us all, and this book helps the reader understand her struggles and her strength.  If you haven't read it than order a copy today.  Rest in peace Ms. Angelou.

- Beverly


Publisher - Random House Trade Paperbacks
Date of Publication - April 21, 2009

Genre: Thriller

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This book begins with several  terrorist attacks happening in varied locations. Each attack is well planned out  and carried out by people the reader would least expect. A grandmother stages a train collision, a chemical engineer precipitates a massive explosion that kills hundreds of people, and a sex symbol becomes an assassin. Tom Avitabile does a great job of putting the reader in the moment and making us squirm.

He introduces the protagonist fairly early in the book and makes us care about him. William  "Wild Bill"  Hiccock is Science Advisor to the President, and he is asked to assemble a team to find and stop the threat facing the country. I love that his ex-wife was the first person he turned to as he showed his respect for her talent as a behavioral psychologist.

It is obvious that Avitable did his research, and all of these facts really help to make this an interesting story that stands out above many others in the field. The mixture of science and politics is one that kept my interest throughout, and I recommend this book to those looking for a thriller that will keep you on your toes.

- Beverly


Publisher- Story Plant
Date of Publication - August 6, 2013

Genre: Children's Book 

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Children love to read books that they can relate to, and what child can't relate to leaving his or her clothing all over the room!  Author Ari Mazor was sixteen years old when he wrote this book.  He found a great way to help teach children the basic lessons they need to learn.

He personified a young boy's clothes to show the importance of respecting one's belongings. The clothes feel neglected and hide from young Charlie, and he quickly learns his lesson.   

The illustrations by Abira Das are simple yet brightly engaging.  I love that a sixteen year old aspiring engineer took the time to create a tool to help children learn. Amazon is selling it in ebook format for 99 cents and it is more than worth the money if your little ones learn the lesson he is teaching.

- Beverly


Publisher - MazorBooks
Date of Publication - July 22, 2013

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”
― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish

I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day.  I got to hug and kiss all the kiddies who are near me and got phone calls from those too far to touch.  When I wasn't being entertained, I got to entertain myself in my favorite way...reading. This week I began reading The Eighth Day by Tom Avitabile. The book is from 2008, but I never got around to reading it. It is really great so far, with interesting characters and an exciting plot. More about that next week, but finding it is another example of why I love people sending in "oldies" reviews as well as current ones.

We also decided to add some reviews on children's books to madderlyreview.com.  It is important for children to start their love of reading as early as possible, so if any of you come across a great book for little ones please send some reviews and/or suggestions my way.

Thanks to all of you, Madderlyreview.com has been more fun then I ever imagined.  We have been in contact with some wonderful authors whose lives are as interesting as the plots in their books.  We have also "met" other bloggers and reviewers who have given us ideas and sent us wonderful reviews.  My mind keeps coming up with more and more additions that I want to make, but I decided to wait until fall to do any major changes.

I also want to thank those of you who signed up for the alerts we send out weekly.  Some people mentioned that the word subscription turned them off, and that will be changed. The winner of the $25. Amazon gift card is N. Vitale.  You will be receiving it soon.  Congratulations and have fun spending it.

This month's featured author is one of my favorites, Rick Mofina.  I remember writing to him after reading his first book and being impressed by what a genuinely nice guy he seemed to be. I get the feeling that each of his books is a labor of love and not just a job to get done.

I hope you try one of his books this summer...you won't be sorry.
Well, June is approaching with the promise of lots of beach time reading.  Hopefully you will find some great summer reads among our reviews.  Happy reading!

-Beverly

Genre: Thriller

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Single father Danny Goodman is typical of Finder's protagonist... the reader can't help but like him.  He is also in major trouble.  He can't afford his daughter's private school tuition and fears her heart will break if she is forced to leave her friends.  Losing them so soon after losing her mother is unthinkable.

Danny meets Thomas Galvin, the father of his daughter's new friend and one of the richest men in Boston.  Thomas insists on loaning Danny the money he needs to assure his daughter will remain at school. Danny reluctantly takes the money and is soon contacted by the DEA.  His choice is either an indictment for accepting drug money or going undercover to help the government make a case against Galvin.

Finder weaves a story that has the reader second guessing everyone and questioning the importance of loyalty...to family, friends and country.

- Beverly


Publisher - Dutton Adult
Date of Publication - May 27, 2014

Genre: Historical Thriller

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Quite a few years ago, I picked up a copy of a book called The Amber Room by an author I had never heard mentioned. Steve Berry captured my attention with that well written historical thriller and has never let me down.  His first few books were stand alone thrillers, and then he introduced us to Cotton Malone, a one time operative for The Magellan Billet, a secret arm of the  U. S. Justice Department. As we get to know Cotton, we find him an antiquarian book dealer in Copenhagen. That doesn't last long though, and he is called to duty time and time again.

Nine books later he is still following when duty calls.  In The Lincoln Myth, he gets a call from his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, and he is once again surrounded by mystery and danger.

Those who follow my reviews know that I love history woven into my thrillers, and Berry rarely disappoints.  This time the story involves a mystery dealing with Abraham Lincoln and Mormonism.  Berry makes these strange connections work, and the story is fun to follow.

He also includes questions about the constitution, making us wonder if it is perhaps less than perfect.

I am also a lover of philosophy, and I enjoyed the philosophical questions that arise as the story unfolds.  There are surely a number of ways to look at most issues, even though our twenty-first century politicians probably wouldn't agree with me.

For those who are fans of Cotton, this book will be a fun read.  The old characters appear, and new ones are introduced, and Cotton usually comes out on top.  On a personal note, I would love to see another stand alone from Berry next time. I want something to grab me the way that The Amber Room did all those years ago.

- Beverly


Publisher - Ballantine Books
Date of Publication - May 20, 2014

Genre: Travel

This book is definitely a basic travel guide.  Although there are  many points that a new traveler would benefit from, there isn't a great deal for the already seasoned traveler. For example, Madden explains that when traveling he always keeps the following with him:
Guide book
Mobile phone
Wallet
Water
Pen and paper
Passport

I believe that even a novice traveler doesn't need a travel guide to organize that list.  I found that the book is a bit dry...no pictures or interesting stories...but there are some helpful ideas.  He explains that if you need to buy train (or plane) tickets at the station (or airport) before traveling, make sure you check out the exact platform (terminal) you will be leaving from before going sightseeing.  Some people buy their tickets so early that they have hours to explore before leaving, but if the traveler isn't familiar with the area, he might never find his way to the correct platform if he returns to the station with little time to spare.

My suggestion is to take a look at this book before you purchase it.  It might be the perfect travel guide for some people but a bit to simple for others.

- Beverly


Publisher - Matador
Date of Publication - October 29, 2013

Genre: Food

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About a year ago I decided to experiment a bit with our diet.  I had always had an iffy stomach...more bad days than good...and had a great deal of trouble keeping weight on.  

My husband and I decided to spend one month eating no meat. A diet of fish and veggies sounded daunting, but we were up for the challenge.  After one month my stomach rarely bothered me, and I put on enough weight to get my curves back.  We decided to keep on that diet, with the addition of two burgers a month and a little bacon here and there ( my weaknesses).

I have discovered many new things while on this diet, and quinoa is a grain that is so healthy for you that I wanted to incorporate it into our diet.

Sarah Clarence's book is great for beginning vegetarians or people who just want to experiment with healthy alternative grains.  Her recipes are super easy and generally taste good.  I haven't tried them all, but Nutty Quinoa Pilaf is a real favorite. It includes kale, pine nuts, goat cheese and other yummy ingredients to brighten the dish. The Hearty and Spicy Quinoa is a Mexican leaning dish that is a terrific side with chicken or fish.  There are also some great salad ideas.

I recommend this book for those looking for easy ways to change it up a bit.

- Beverly


Publisher - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Date of Publication - July 25, 2012

Genre: Thriller

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Rick Mofina never disappoints.  His stories are exciting and his characters interesting.

Whirlwind is definitely a plot driven novel.  The opening chapters grab you and toss you into a tornado that falls on the Old Southern Glory FleaMarket in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The reader feels the panic that these people are experiencing, and I found myself holding my breath during much of chapter one. We meet Jenna, who is exploring the market with her young daughter Cassie and five month old Caleb. Jenna begins talking with another young woman, Remy, when the tornado hits.  When rescuers reach Jenna and Cassie, Caleb and Remy are nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, Kate Page, a young reporter from Canton, Ohio, is desperately trying to get hired by the Dallas bureau of Newslead, a global news service. She is in the midst of a three week internship competing with two other young people for the one available position. She is in the right (or wrong) place at the right time and develops a relationship with Jenna.

I find Mofina's style to be quite engaging.  His chapters are short and always exciting.  I keep saying I will read "just one more chapter" before bed and find myself awake long after I intended to be.  This book intertwines several different plots without the confusion that many authors can't seem to avoid.

For those who have never read Rick Mofina before, you are in for a treat, and for those who
have...well here we go again!  Enjoy!

- Beverly


Publisher - Harlequin MIRA
Date of Publication - March 25, 2014

Genre: Children's book

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In my new quest for children's books in ebook format, I came across Mommy, Where Does Tiger Live? by Mary Ann Vitale.  The story is a simple one, illustrated very nicely.

The colors are bright and the pictures are relatable to small children. Every parent is familiar with the natural curiosity of children.  My two were like reporters in training as they constantly asked " who, what, why, where and when."  It is a fantasy of course,  where the baby tiger eats peanut butter m & m's, drinks milk shakes and sleeps cuddled with mommy tiger, but that is okay with me.  The real world will be waiting soon enough.

- Beverly


Sold by - Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Date of Publication - April 7, 20014