Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
Raquel Says by Mois Benarroch (Book Review #131)
Raquel Says is a novella in the contemporary style of writing. Bearing in mind that this book is a translated version of the original tale; I was skeptical towards how well the authenticity of the work would withstand the transformation.
Mois lives a parallel life to Raquel. Each chapter appears to be some kind of a reflection towards life, thoughts, and the connection between Mois and Raquel. Mois feels like wanting to die. He is sick of living and suffers from depression until he meets Raquel. Continue Reading…
The Pursuit of Time by William H. May (Book Review #125)
This review was written for Online Book Club.
“I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.”
This book was an “OnlineBookClub.org Book of the Day.”
This is a beautiful futuristic science fiction novel written by William H. May. The setting is in the year 2038. The world is dealing with global warming and medicine has vastly improved. People can now apply to have brain transplants to stay alive much longer. However, only the worthy are granted to take advantage of this discovery. The decision for getting admitted into this procedure is decided by the Tribunal. In their system, you can only be accepted if you are a hero.
John Axelton has two years to live. He wishes to apply for the transplant procedure in order to prolong his life. He is a hero as he saved the lives of a family fifty years ago. However, there is a problem, no one except the family knows about this. He hires a friend that used to be his student, as his lawyer to defend his case. Phil Douglas takes on the case and proceeds to find every possible way of winning this lawsuit.
The option of having the ability to live longer is a thrilling topic to write a story on. I found the concept that a Tribunal consisting of human beings making decisions on which life to save and which one to ignore, fascinating.
Do medicine and innovative discoveries create more problems in the future or does it save humanity and subsequently induce happiness in one’s life? Should we not embrace getting old and accept death when our time is up or should we make an application to live longer? These were topics embedded within the story, which I found appealing. It was very interesting to read about the relevance of the topic compared to the issues we have to deal with today.
I found the plot and the connectivity between the chapters of the book to be smooth and nicely laid out. The literary standard was in good standing, and the subject matter was novel. The only thing this story lacked was a lively casting crew. The focus was primarily on a very few selected characters which, did not broaden the tale as much. For this, I rate the book to be 3 out of 4 stars.
I recommend this book to any science fiction reader, futuristic lover and anyone that likes to read one something new.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Dead over heels by Theresa Braun (Book Review #357)
The concept of short stories normally doesn’t fulfill the reader with character development or a solid foundation, simply because it is a short story. However, the author managed to create a great plot, add a nice twist to it and even sprinkle romance on the whole endeavor.
Veronica and Sebastian were both developed with very interesting personalities. Their personalities were relatable, and it was easy to bond with them. It was clear that the storyline was written with care and that made me enjoy this book even more.
I believe anyone that likes to read short stories and is into paranormal stories would find this book appealing.
Written by Jeyran Main
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If I was a Caterpillar by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence (Book Review #120)
This review was requested by Ben Jackson.
This children’s book focuses on the possibilities of being more than what you are. To fly, imagine, dream and aim for anything your heart desires.
If I was a Caterpillar, is about this cute green insect wondering and dreaming about climbing the tallest tree, bouncing like a kangaroo, and floating across the lake. These are things that a Caterpillar may psychically not be able to do but has every right to dream about, and that is the message taken from this wonderful book.
The illustrations, color combinations, and the drawings are wonderfully put together. The wordings are easy for children, and the layout is beautifully structured.
I particularly enjoyed the part where he wishes to wear a different pair of shoes on each of his legs.
I always admire and recommend books that have strong messages embedded in them and value it more when it is for children. I highly recommend this book not just because it is fun but also because the message within makes a big difference in a child’s mind. It is good to let them know that by working hard and wanting something really bad, you will succeed.
Written by Jeyran Main
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The Power of time by Jean Paul Zogby (Book Review #110)
This review was kindly requested by Jean Paul Zogby.
The most valuable commodity in the 21st century is TIME. “The power of time” by Jean Zogby is written with the intentions of providing an insightful look into how we should not attempt to manage time but to use it, in the best way we can.
The book at first begins to discuss our understanding of what time is and how we experience it. Then it moves onto referencing the psychological perception of the discussing matter and how our brains perceive this valuable commodity in reality.
Some factors influence our time experience, and it is important to live in the moment and in a way take control of the situation by discovering what kind of person you are and how to prevent time from slipping away.
I really enjoyed the part where the author demonstrates mental time travel. I found the topic to be very novel. The approach and analytical debates within the subject were in excellent standing.
Anyone reading this book will have no difficulty following through the steps of creating quality in their life. To make every second count I believe is a hard thing to do especially when you don’t find a second even to stop and make that change. This book, however, assists you in better applying this method and subsequently generating a happier life for the reader.
I recommend this book to people that value their existence and seek quality in their life.
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Written by Jeyran Main
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Ride the Wave by John Wessinger (Book Review #356)
The concept of the book is to demonstrate that surfing and business are actually very much related. It is meant to be driven by two experiences of which the author has encountered. He has two bad instances. One, when he decides to surf for the first time and second when he begins to start a business. Soon after he realizes that the two challenges are not so different, and by comparing the similarities and differences, he begins to strategize a list on addressing the problems and inevitably create a book that teaches you how to succeed in both.
I found the literature to be very easy to read and to understand. The book is planned and organized in specific sections addressing each issue, and I found the entire read to be very enjoyable.
I believe anyone seeking a novel way of approaching problematic business and personal obstacles will benefit from this book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Why should we not have books and scriptures censored? – Written By Boringbug
Boringbug is a blogger, a sketch artist by hobby and a lawyer. He writes to pen his vague ideas and experiences in different forms. His website Boringbug is a part reflection of his ideas, experiences, dialogues, thoughts and opinions.
WHY SHOULD WE NOT HAVE BOOKS AND SCRIPTURES CENSORED?
Censorship is defined as a suppression or prohibition of any part of a book, film, news, idea, speech, content, etc. that is considered obscene, politically & ideologically unacceptable, a threat to security, or is offensive towards a group of people. It is generally performed upon an establishment consisting of ideas, visuals, rhetoric, etc. that is based upon a certain view on life. The mass burning of books, the banning of books in countries, removal of chapters, etc. from course books, are some prime examples of censorship of books.
The idea of censorship on books is not a new concept. A person at the helm of power decides on a whim as to what part and content of a book should be read and what part should be censored. In recent times, it has been applied to books in order to avoid the adult base content being read by children, and in general to avoid political contradictions.
The argument that children, if exposed to a book not suitable for their age group, would yield hampering results does not persist. In my view, if anyone wants to know about suitability of books for children, generally the synopsis and reviews provide plenty of clues. As far as a child is concerned, he might have difficulty interpreting the heavy content of a book which is beyond his comprehensive ability. In fact, if he is able to comprehend, then age is merely a number for the child. The only factor separating the child from the objectionable content is good guidance and mentoring. After all, he may not be able to absorb the content as deep as he might while watching a visual.
The above analogy can be rebutted on psychological aspect. It is an established fact that what is read is more difficult to visualise than what is seen. In the Spinozian sense, you cannot visualise or imagine anything that is not present in nature and is not seen before. (natura naturata). We respond and learn faster from visuals rather than from reading. Hence this justifies why there is a censor board for visuals or movies.
I would rather clarify that I am talking about censoring of books/ novels/ scriptures etc. (written material) in layman term. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion that includes the censoring authorities in their political mindset.
Let us return back to why books and/or scriptures should not be censored? The censor board is for visuals which are telecasted all over a state; at the very least, novels are not televised. Unless they are books with visuals, such as a manga or comic books, people will remain benevolent towards the aspect of reading and will not imagine absurd graphics since they would not know how it came to be! However, this idea is again questionable, since humans cannot escape their nature and their natural tendencies.
I say that after a certain point humans are bound to learn certain things. Censoring the same in the name of absurdities such as sin would result in the collapse of society. While visuals show it, books portray it. Reading brings maturity and clarity of thought. This is because we need to read enough to augment rational thoughts. Irrespective of the genre, reading helps us develop logical reasoning. Reading a book and censoring the politically explicit part would be a resultant breach of one’s personal right.
I am of a profound opinion that there should not be any censorship or limitation on books. After all, a person sitting on a chair cannot determine as to what one should and should not read. Information is power; to allow those already in power to censor the opinions of those who disagree with their views is unhealthy and potentially dangerous. We cannot judge and censor an opinion on the mere connotation that it is contrary to our belief.
Boringbug is a blogger, a sketch artist by hobby and a lawyer. He writes to pen his vague ideas and experiences in different forms. His website Boringbug is a part reflection of his ideas, experiences, dialogues, thoughts and opinions.
Diabetes Type 2 – “Too Sweet for Words” but Don’t Fool with It by James D. Okun, MD
James D. Okun, MD is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke University and of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He is the co-author of The History of New Innovations in Modern Medicine and of Erasing Scars: Herpes and Healing.
“Health is not just order; it is the oneness of order and freedom, or order and new possibility” (Eli Siegel in TRO 149 Feb 4, 1976)
Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is a disease in which there is a discord between the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream by the liver after digestion (excess glucose stored as glycogen in the liver is released back into the bloodstream between meals when sugar levels are low) and the pancreas’ failure to produce enough of the hormone insulin to keep blood sugar levels in a normal range.
It is thought that “insulin resistance” causes diabetes to develop when insulin receptors on fat, muscle and liver cells become resistant to the effect of insulin leading to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Conditions such as a “fatty liver” are thought to predispose to insulin resistance. According to MedicineNet.com “ With insulin resistance, the pancreas produces more and more insulin until the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient insulin for the body’s demands, and blood sugar rises.” Basically, the pancreas “burns out.”
Chronic stress can also lead to elevated blood sugar levels due to the effects of the “fight or flight response” which leads to the release of the stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol which then stimulate the release of more sugar into the bloodstream to deal with the “emergency.”
In addition, according to the psychosomatic approach as discussed in “Psychosomatics” (Howard R and Martha E, Lewis Pinnacle Books 1972 pp. 77-78) “Dr. Dunbar found the typical diabetic to be indecisive, frequently letting others make decisions and then bearing his lot with much grumbling, rarely doing anything to relieve his seeming hard luck. In early childhood, most diabetics were torn between resenting their parents and docilely submitting to them. Many were spoiled children. Diabetic men especially were dominated by their mothers and dependent on them.”
The name diabetes is derived from the Greek term “diabainein” which means “a siphon” referring to the fact that patients with diabetes usually have a significantly increased amount of urination. The term Mellitus which in Greek means “like honey” was added later and describes the often sweet odor of urine which is due to elevated levels of sugar. Other symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, fatigue, frequent infections, slow healing, visual changes and increased hunger (polyphagia). Patients often experience hunger despite eating a full meal because sugar from the blood stream is not entering into cells and so the body’s cells are “starving” for nutrition.
The pancreas is an organ in the posterior abdomen lying horizontally behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It has a head, a body, and a tail. There are two main types of cells in the Pancreas that make up what are called “the islets of Langerhans.” These are the cells scattered throughout the pancreas known as endocrine cells that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans produce the hormone insulin and the alpha cells produce the hormone glucagon.
If the blood sugar is too high (normal blood sugar levels 70-99) then the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans produce more insulin to move more sugar out of the bloodstream and into the celIs. If blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) then the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans produce more glucagon to raise the blood sugar.
It is when the balance in the regulation of sugar is disrupted, and levels of blood sugar remain elevated that diabetes develops.
Risk factors for diabetes include obesity, lack of exercise, genetics and what is known as the metabolic syndrome. In this syndrome there is an increased risk of diabetes if “a man’s waist size is greater than forty inches, his HDL (or good cholesterol) is less than forty mg/dl and his blood pressure is 135/85 mm Hg … and his fasting blood sugar is greater than 110.” (The History of New Innovations in Modern Medicine Chapter 6 https://goo.gl/yYdgLJ).
Damage from diabetes includes damage to blood vessels that supply crucial “end organs” such as the kidneys, the heart, the eyes and the brain. Another crucial complication from diabetes includes the development of impotence ten to fifteen years earlier than men without diabetes (The History of New Innovations in Modern Medicine Chapter 6). Diabetics can develop kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, strokes, peripheral vascular and nervous system disease and may require amputations of digits or limbs.
Treatment of diabetes first begins with an attempt to lose weight through exercise and diet. If this fails to lower blood sugar and the HgbA1C ( the average amount of sugar on red blood cells over a three month period) stays elevated, then medication may be indicated. Normal HgbA1C level is less than 5.7%. Pre-diabetic levels are between 5.7% and 6.4%. HgbA1C levels greater than or equal to 6.5% indicate diabetes (labtestsonline.org).
Medication to treat Diabetes include: sulfonureas which stimulate the pancreas’ beta cells to release more insulin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which block the breakdown of starches in the intestines, metformin which decreases blood sugar by making muscle cells more sensitive to insulin, meglitinides which stimulate increased insulin production, thiazolidinediones which decrease sugar production in the liver, DPPH inhibitors that interfere with the breakdown of GLP-1 thus reducing blood sugar levels, SGLTZ inhibitors that block glucose reabsorption in the kidney and exogenous insulin given by injection, via an insulin pump or by inhalation.
Potential side effects of some of the medications mentioned above include increased the risk of heart failure, liver problems, increased urinary tract infections and even kidney failure.
To sum up, the causes of diabetes are multifarious involving external factors such as diet and exercise and internal factors such as stress and attitude. The hope is that the condition can be prevented or caught early enough to treat effectively to avoid what can be devastating consequences.
James D. Okun, MD is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Duke University and of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He is the co-author of The History of New Innovations in Modern Medicine and of Erasing Scars: Herpes and Healing.
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Life in a Box by JoDee Neathery (Book Review #355)
What then transpires is some romance, families merging into one, and piece by piece of the puzzle becoming unraveled to the reader’s eyes.
The literature was in good standing, and it was written with a nice form of flow, however, due to the large casting of characters and families, it was sometimes hard to follow who was who. This also meant that each character was not developed to its core since there were too many to do.
The story was interesting in giving bits of information as the reader went on reading the book. There wasn’t any part of the story where you would feel cheated on or thought that it dragged just so the author would add unnecessary suspense to the story.
I recommend this book to people that like to read suspenseful stories.
Written by Jeyran Main
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