"Dream Share" : Magic-Realism for Younger Readers

Another review....
Reviewed by: REVIEW IT! Rating: 8 out of 10
Comments:

What happens to people in a coma? Can our dreams be real? Do 'alternate realities"' exist?
"Dream Share" is a book for older elementary and middle school readers. It's the story of a twelve year old who accidentally enters the comatose state of his elder brother and the two begin exploring the mystical realms between life and death. Fun soon turns to fear the boys find themselves fighting for their lives in a place where your worst nightmares come true, and each is forced to confront their own demons in order to survive.

Author, Rita Milios, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and workshop presenter. Rita Milios, known also as The Mind Mentor or The Dream Lady, is an expert in the subconscious mind and in the use of the mind, Rita has been researching and writing about dreams, intuition, meditation, visualization, creativity, and other mind-related topics for more than twenty years.

The book is an engaging and very human story told with energy, understanding of human nature, and sympathy for the real anxieties and fears youth face. The theme of the paralyzing influence of fear is predominant and as the protagonist of the story, Sam, learns to "see more deeply", the boys begin to understand that reality is often what you perceive it to be. This truth is what will lead them safely home.

A bonus section at the back of deals with the the "story behind the story" as the author discusses the real life and real science inspiration for the books paranormal themes: what happens when a person is in a coma? What are "out-of-body" experiences? Do alternate realities truly exist? A special glossary to understanding dreams and a "Dream Journaling" section is included.

Recommended for youth in grades 4 to 9 (may could be used with older readers needing a low level high interest book) and for enriching special collections related to counseling, dreams, fears, the paranormal or alternate belief systems.

Milios, Rita. Dream Share. Rose Heart Publishing/Cypress Imprint (www.roseheartbooks.com), 2009.

ISBN: 978-982233728 Cover Price: $12.95 (U.S.)
Description: Permabound, p.119 (86 pages of story + bonus material)

'GOING HOME TO 'LITTLE DIXIE"

Another review....
Reviewed by: "REVIEW IT!"team member, Ann Brown Rating: 8 out of 10
Comments:

Tennyson once remarked, “I am a part of all that I have met.” That thought comes to mind exploring the southeast corner of Oklahoma as illustrated in Blaine Dixon’s “Going Home to “Little Dixie”: A photo Essay on Southeast Oklahoma”. In this photographic memoir, the author tells his personal journey of returning to his roots in SE Oklahoma, “of getting back together with old friends and of re-discovering a state that I actually knew little about while growing up there.” Along the way, he encounters intimate places, small towns and large communal focal points. Ranch life, rodeo, Powwows, High School sports, weather, Amish Oklahoma, hunting, seasons, and the Civil War re-enactors explored through the camera lens. The journalist has captured the essence of a small corner of one state and how in the 21st century that region continues to reflect its deep southern influences and roots. In the crisp, colorful images a slice of real American life is reflected, celebrated, and honored for its endurance, courage, and humanity.
Publisher: Blurb, www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/574431
ISBN: 978-1-60743-192-3

Cost: $83.95 +S/H; Hardcover image wrapped $89.95 + S/H; Softcover $70.95

Description: Color, illus. 352p.
Available from: see above or email blainedix@yahoo.com

RENDEZVOUS ROCK - THE PLACE TO BE

Another quality review....
Reviewed by: "REVIEW IT!", Ann Brown, with Marilyn A. Hudson Rating: 9 out of 10
Comments: There are times – special and rare – when you pick up a book and just reading the first line is such a pleasure you are hooked. “Eric carved, Susan watched, and the rock didn’t care.” From that first sentence, Rickey Bray, proceeds to lead the reader into a rich wonderland of the imagination. While on vacation in the mountains, Eric encounters an unusual and captivating girl with emerald eyes whose destiny is fraught with both magic and mystery. Eric and the girl are plunged into an odyssey where both delight and danger lurk around nearly every corner. Using the rich potential of the language the author develops characters, situations, and ideas that are satisfying on a multitude of levels. The rich, vibrant, often poetic use of the English language is a delight that immediately sets the work apart. The characters are real, well developed, and likable. The situations are constructed to be – even when dealing with the fantastic – immensely believable. A highly recommended addition to any reading collection, especially those who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and romance.
Publisher: Robert D. Reed Publishers, Bandon, OR
ISBN: 978-1-934759-25-7 Cost: $ 19.95 Description: Permabound, p. 430
Available from: Amazon.com or www.rdrpublishers.com

Review by "Review It!" http://www.reviewservice.blogspot.com/