A Book and a Chat with Morrie Richfield

"Truly Unique. I've never read anything like this before!" is one comment made about Morrie Richfield’s debut novel “Mr Breeze”. But as we heard during today’s “A Book and a Chat” it is so much more than that. 

Phrases like “Imperfect, controversial and sure to ruffle some feathers (did mine) but a brilliant piece of writing” and ““ I have never read anyhting like this before"

litter the reviews gained by “Mr Breeze”.

Morrie Richfiled has wanted to publish a book since the age of fourteen however with a background of limited education this never really happened until when his world was at a very low level he decided this was the moment to let his thought take over and the novel be created.

A year later and “Mr Breeze” was created. Not your normal style of book, there are no chapters it is one continual text, written in a simple and direct style, but this short book holds a powerful, perhaps even controversial message.

About “Mr Breeze” (Taken from Gather.com)

Mr. Breeze is a story that challenges beliefs: About God, religion and human behavior. Author Morrie Richfield’s first novel provides a view of the world through the eyes of a photojournalist and a man who is doing incredible deeds across the United States. In the book, Richfield reveals the frailty of humankind as well as the responsibility we all have to each other.

Michael Ryan is a freelance photojournalist with twenty years of experience in his field who has decided to stop chasing negative stories. His new focus is to report on stories of people helping each other. As Michael and his researchers track incidents from across the country, a common thread arises: One man has been a participant in helping several people in miraculous ways. After interviewing journalists who admitted off the record that the stories they filed did not include the man bringing a child back to life or saving and healing a bus load of elderly passengers after a bus accident, Michael decides that this is the story he must follow. The man has not been identified. All pictures that have been taken of him somehow failed to record his image. Michael decides to find the mysterious good Samaritan. As it turns out, the man who calls himself Mr. Breeze chooses Michael to write his story.

Once Michael makes contact with Mr. Breeze, he joins him in a journey that involves making major medical discoveries and providing invaluable assistance to law enforcement. As he travels with Mr. Breeze, Michael struggles with understanding who his companion is and how he is able to do so many amazing things.

Already optioned for a movie and with a follow up in the work, this book will be a must read for many people.

It is as one reviewer put it…

Honestly, when I finished this book, I just sat there for a bit....thinking....gathering my thoughts. I went back to the beginning of the book and read the first few pages again. This book is really nothing like anything I have ever read…

I had to remind myself that this book is fiction. But, could it be true????

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on A Book and a Chat with Morrie Richfield

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Morrie Richfield

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Morrie Richfield"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Morrie Richfield - Mr Breeze"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Catherine Astolfo

Today’s guest on “A Book and a Chat” is murder mystery writer Catherine Astolfo, who is the author of the Emily Taylor Mystery series.

Like Saturdays guest Rosemary McCracken, Catherine heralds from Canada and that is just one of many links with my last shows guest.

Catherine is a Past President of Crime Writers of Canada and is a member of Sisters in Crime (Toronto). She is co-owner of Scribes Digest, an ezine for “lovers of the written word” (www.scribesdigest.com.

The writing bug hit her at a very early age and she well remembers writing fantasy stories for her classmates in Grade Three. The fruition of this need to write however waited until she retired from education that she started actually finish her up until then just dabbled with novels.

Of course Catherine’s education background became par t of her work as the “Emily Taylor Mystery" series centers around an elementary school principal who becomes a reluctant sleuth through various circumstances. 

Catherine’s first book “The Bridgeman”, was honored with a Brampton Arts Award, receiving such rave reviews that the debut book was quickly followed by “Victim”, “Legacy” and “Seventh Fire” which finally revealed Emily’s dark past.

The novels have now been purchased and re-launched by “Imajin Books” adding to the list of those who have read and enjoyed the “Emily Taylor Mystery’s”.

Don Graves said about the series and Catherine’s writing: 

“When I reviewed your novel, Victim (An Emily Taylor mystery) I told my readers that I had discovered an exciting writer with a poignant capacity to tell a story full of energy and passion. Description, dialogue, plotting, all developed with the skill of a seasoned mystery writer. Victim made my top 10 books for 2007. I recently read Legacy. It solidified my feeling that you are a writer in for the long haul and should mature into a mystery author of the top rank in Canada.”

Catherine who has also won several awards for her short stories, including the prestigious Arthur Ellis Award for Best Short Crime Story in 2012 for her short story “What Kelly Did", is currently working on several new novels including two children’s mysteries and a darker mystery novel.

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on A Book and a Chat with Catherine Astolfo

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Catherine Astolfo

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Catherine Astolfo"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Catherine Astolfo - Emily Taylor Mystery series"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Rosemary McCracken

Rosemary McCracken is today’s guest on “A Book and a Chat” she is the author of the thriller novel “Safe Harbor” or is it “Safe Harbour” (You’ll have to listen to the show to understand that comment).

Rosemary is now a freelance journalist who specializes in personal finance and the financial services industry though her background has been working in newspapers across Canada as a reporter, arts reviewer, editorial writer and editor.

While literature has always been part of her life it was only in the latter years that she finally has produced her own literary works. Firstly with short stories and now finally with her debut novel “Safe Harbor.”

The book was not without its teething problems, her original attempt seemingly not being wanted, it was only after sharing her work with veteran Canadian crime writer Gail Bowen who told Rosemary that “This book needs to be written in the first person…”, (it was written in the third person), that ”Safe Harbor” became what it is now.

Rosemary entered the rewrite in the 2010 Debut Dagger competition, sponsored by the British Crime Writers Association, where it was shortlisted. The success lead to it being published and Rosemary already has a follow up under way.

About “Safe Harbor”: (taken from “Morgan Bailey’s Writing Blog”)

Safe Harbor opens when a frightened woman barges into financial planner Pat Tierney’s office with a shocking request: “Look after my boy; he’s your late husband’s son.” The next day the woman is murdered and police say the seven-year-old may be the killer’s next target. In a desperate race to protect Tommy, Pat’s searches for the truth and uncovers a deadly scheme involving illegal immigrants, trafficking in human body parts and money laundering.

The book has received many great reviews, as one person wrote.

"The title of Rosemary McCracken's debut novel, Safe Harbor, resonates on many levels. Safe Harbor, a house that offers refugees with questionable legal status a home, is a central player in the novel's fast-paced and involving plot. But the words “safe harbor" also reflect the life financial adviser Pat Tierney has chosen to live after her husband Michael's sudden death. In the opening pages of the novel, Pat is ripped from her safe harbor by a dark secret from her husband's past. She is forced to meet challenges she could never imagine, but her courageous refusal to turn from danger makes her a very compelling protagonist. This novel will stay with you long after you've turned the final page."

So listen now and share an interesting,and entertaining thirty minutes with my guest Rosemary McCracken.



(If you have enjoyed the blog or the radio show, why not become a follower of the show?)

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Rosemary McCracken

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Rosemary McCracken"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:"Rosemary McCracken - Safe Harbor"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Lisa Tillinger Johansen

Lisa Tillinger Johansen is my guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” talking about food and health in general as well as her book “Fast Food Vindication”.

Lisa spent seven years as a real estate manager for McDonald's Corporation before enrolling at California State University Los Angeles and earning a Master's Degree in Nutritional Science. She is now a registered dietitian and health educator who teaches a variety of classes on diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, weight management, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and healthy eating for adults and teens. 

The fast food industry has been criticized by best-selling books (“Fast Food Nation”), documentaries (“Super Size Me”), and countless television, newspaper and magazine news stories, yet are they really the ones to blame.

Twenty six million people in the US for instance have diabetes and it’s being said that with all these problems including obesity today’s children might well not outlive their parents.

About Fast Food Vindication”(Taken from The Publicist’s Desk)

Johansen takes the reader from the industry’s scrappy, entrepreneurial beginnings to its emergence as a global business generating hundreds of billions of dollars annually.  Far from a blight on society, the fast food industry has distinguished itself by providing a product that meets high standards of quality and safety, often healthier than meals served at home and in sit-down restaurants.  The mysth of the “mcJob” is debunked by true-life cases of corporate titans who succeeded by virtue of the fast food chanins’ practice of promoting from within.  And, relying on her years of counseling patients at one of the nation’s largest health networks, Johansen shows the reader just how easily fast food can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.

Lively and informative, Fast Food Vindication destroys the media myths and paints the true picture of an industry that touches the lives of millions.

During the show Lisa gave us many tips and does and don’ts which are just a sampling of hwat one can find in her book. This is a must read for not only those worried about their weight and health but also parents who care about their children’s health.

As one reviewer said…

A fast and fascinating read... This is an interesting (and convincing) defense of the fast food industry primarily from a nutrition point of view (the author is a hospital dietitian), but it also examines some of the negative charges leveled against it on other fronts. The book doesn't deny that there is some unhealthy food served up at these establishments, but it makes the case that with some knowledge (and self-discipline) it's possible to eat well at most places. This is an interesting mix of stats, history and even humor, with an unusual yet reasonable point of view.
 

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on A Book and a Chat with Lisa Tillinger Johansen

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Lisa Tillinger Johansen

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Lisa Tillinger Johansen "

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Lisa Tillinger Johansen - Fast Food Vindication"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry

A Book and a Chat with Temujin Hu

Temujin Hu pronounced “too mu gin who” is my guest on today’s “A Book and a Chat” talking about his life and his debut book “The Rage”.

Though he started writing (mainly screen plays) at the age of 15 life got in the way and his life until this last year took a different path. He is much travelled in fact he has called over thirty different locations home through his life. After spending over four years in the US Navy in the 90's, and a couple of years in his family-owned internet business, latterly he spent more than six years doing professional security in Los Angeles, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Though he has dabbled in screen writing over this period it was not until earlier this year that he gave up a job he actually liked and that paid very well, doing mobile security in Iraq, so that he could finally commit to his passion for writing. 

Since then the writing has flowed and the result is his debut novel “The Rage”.

About “The Rage”:

The Rage is about two men, Roland and Nicolas, as they struggle to deal with traumatic circumstances. The neglect and abuse in Roland’s life lead him to believing crime is his lot, and his emotional struggles drive him all the way to murder. Nicolas enjoys a comfortable life until Roland takes much of it away, and his resulting obsession with revenge drives him to crime. The two almost cross paths numerous times but miss each other until a mysterious racket tries to recruit Roland and kill off Nicolas, which will bring the two together in a bloody end.

The book explores emotion in a gritty and raw way mixed an intriguing spiritual realm. It is Christian fiction the takers you to the low level of crime, drugs and violence.

As one reviewer put it…

A nice departure from the normal cat-and-mouse thriller. Neither of the main characters are what you'd traditionally call a good-guy or bad-guy, which leaves room to interpret their actions and life choices for what they are. The author manages to make me dislike what they do and who they are, yet still be sympathetic to why they do it and hope for what they can still become. Like the previous reviewer said, this is different from your typical "Christian" fiction -- it doesn't gloss over the ugly parts of life, nor does it give easy answers. In fact, the only thing that even places The Rage in the "Christian" fiction category is the author's refusal to separate the spiritual realm from the the earthly one.

Overall, the pacing is very good and the language is easy to follow. You can tell the author has had some experience with the subject matter given the level of technical detail, which helps the in-story world-building. It can slow the pacing a little for those unfamiliar with those details (myself included), but it doesn't really detract at all -- I still devoured the book in 3 days...! I understand this to be the author's first published effort, so I'd say it's not quite Mosley-level yet, but definitely in the Patterson-vein of writing (similar feel as the Women's Murder Club, etc.). The author really only focuses on the two main characters, so I didn't really bond with many of the side characters, but that's OK, since the story primarily revolves around the intersection and near-misses of the main characters. That having been said, I did connect with the main characters - both their good and bad sides -- and found myself rooting for both, even though they were on conflicting paths.

"The Rage" is worth a read -- check it out!

So listen now and share an interesting, and entertaining show as I chat with my special guest today on A Book and a Chat with Temujin Hu

Barry

Direct link to the show
A Book and a Chat with Temujin Hu

or you can download the mp3 file of the show from
"Temujin Hu"

You can find out more about my guest and their books at:
"Temujin Hu - The Rage"

Barry Eva (Storyheart)

My Blogs:

Book Information and Things UK - Across the Pond

Book and a Chat Radio Show Guests - A Book and a Chat

Funny, Weird Or Just Interesting News From Around the World - Laugh I Thought My Trousers Would Never dry