BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF EATING SMOKE BY CHRIS THRALL

I want to welcome Chris Thrall to Books R Us. Chris is the author of Eating Smoke and is touring the Blogosphere with Lightening Books Promotions. Thanks for stopping by.


Book Details:

Title: Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland
Author: Chris Thrall

Publisher: Blacksmith Book
Publication Date: October 16, 2011
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.



About the Book:
 Chris Thrall left the Royal Marines to find his fortune in Hong Kong, but instead found himself homeless and addicted to crystal meth. Soon he began working for the 14K, Hong Kong's largest crime family, in the Wanchai red-light district. Dealing with the 'foreign triad' - a secretive expat clique connected to the Chinese mafia - he had to survive in the world's most unforgiving city, addicted to the world's most dangerous drug.

My Thoughts:


When I first read the title, I was intrigued and did not know what to expect. I have read many memoirs and Eating Smoke was fantastic. There was one line in the book  "I'm not a stupid guy, just an average guy who does stupid things." that was so true and made me realize that we all make mistakes in our lives. There were so many emotions depicted in the book that included fear, sadness, loneliness, frustration, humor and paranoia. As I read on, there were parts that I was swept away in the paranoia and I was unsure what scenes were real. Even when Chris was at his lowest, I still liked him and I was rooting for him. There were so many crazy characters that Chris met along the way who either helped him or drove him deeper into drugs. The book was well written and I finished it rather quickly. This is a great memoir full of emotions and I recommend the book to everyone. It will give you an insight into the world of drugs and how it can affect you and possibly your family.

Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion and I was not compensated for my review.

READ AN EXCERPT AND WIN A COPY OF ANGEL'S REST (USA ONLY)

I want to welcome Emily March to Books R Us. Emily is the author of Angel's Rest: An Eternity Springs Novel. Thanks for stopping by.

About the Book:

Gabriel Callahan has lost everything that mattered. All he wants is solitude on an isolated mountain estate. Instead, he gets a neighbor. Vibrant, no-nonsense Nic Sullivan is Eternity Springs’ veterinarian, and she has an uncanny plan to lure this talented architect back to the world of the living. First with a dog, next with a renovation project, and, finally, with a night of passion that ends with a surprise.

Now a man still raw from tragedy must face the biggest struggle of his heart. Can he forgive himself and believe in the power of second chances? Dare he trust in the promise of a future and a brand-new family here in Eternity Springs?

Angel's Rest by Emily March (Excerpt)

Thanks to Random House I can give away a copy of the book (USA ONLY- see rules on Rafflecopter form) To my International Friends: I was just informed today 1/26 that the book is not available on Netgalley any more. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Giveaway ends on 2/12/12 @11:59pm EST.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW OF MASTER YOUR ACNE BY DEVIN MOOERS

I remember growing up with acne and I still suffer from rosacea. Both of my children have had bouts of acne for years. We have tried different cleansers and over the counter creams as well as a few visits to the dermatology with poor results. I thought I knew all about the causes of acne until I read Devin Mooer's book Master your Acne. 

About the Book:

This is a thorough, complete, well-thought-out e-guide to curing acne with diet and lifestyle. It wades through all the pseudoscience, distilling the real science into actionable steps people can take to achieve clear skin. The method requires no skin care products, no prescriptions, and no strange “natural” cures (i.e. no oatmeal, cider vinegar, baking soda types of treatments). This is not a “magic bullet” solution, but rather a comprehensive, multi-pronged attack strategy to cure acne. By choosing certain foods and avoiding others, and making sure some key nutrient needs are met, this course empowers readers to take their health into their own hands, and cure their acne once and for all.

My Thoughts:

I know that that there are many causes of acne and I have read many books on the subject. Some were very technical and gave you too much information that may be confusing to some readers. Devon's book is packed of information that well researched and easy to understand. He discusses the truths and myths concerning acne, dietary guidelines, stress reduction, the causes of acne and other interesting topics. I found the clear skin checklist and the master list of food very helpful and summarized the major points discussed in the book. So if you are struggling and frustrated with acne, get a copy of the book. You will not be disappointed and maybe you will learn something new.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

REVIEW OF THE SEER BY MARTHA HARRIS

Title: The Seer.

Author: Martha Harris

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co.

Publication Date: October 28, 2011

About the Book:

Bobbi Wheeler is a psychiatrist who uses her psychic abilities to help her patients deal with depression and grief. This ability to know her patients' history and inner thoughts through a simple "touch" is the reason behind her successful therapy sessions with satisfied clients.

Bobbi doesn't always view her abilities as a gift, but a curse, because not all of her dreams are pleasant. She saw her grandfather's death in a dream when she was young child and tried to prevent it but couldn't. This started her feelings of helplessness whenever she dreams about dangers involving people she encountered and touched by chance.

While she may know the ways in dealing with emotional pain, she is also somehow battling with her own frailties and inner turmoil, making her long for the ocean and the pleasant things about it to give her peace. It is in one of these trips that she meets Lance Wolfe, a nonbeliever in psychics and a widower who blames himself for the death of his wife in a car accident. His guilt somehow hinders him from loving another woman again. Nonetheless, Bobbi opens his heart once more, but not completely. He seems to have the gift, as it is with him that Bobbi learns she can communicate using thoughts alone and go through someone else's psychic's mind.

In one of her visits to Lance's house in Belford, Bobbi feels like she's been inside a man who gave her the most horrifying nightmare ever. This man who for a time she mistook as one of her patients, Tobias Emerson murders a couple in her dreams. This man has the ability to control minds and although she is able to go inside the dream and prevent him from doing the crime, the man prevails over her and goes ahead with the carnage. After the police get involved, the man has only one thing on his mind killing her.

My Thoughts:


When I started reading the book, I found it hard to get into but I was glad that I decided to continue reading. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and an ending that will surprise you. The main character, Bobbi, was likeable and very interesting. Bobbi has visions or nightmares that were vivid, descriptive and frightening. Bobbi has a special ability to see a person's inner most thoughts through touch. She sees a new client, Tobias, and feels nothing when she touches him and she realizes that he is very different. There is tension between her love interest, Lance, and their relationship grows as the story unfolds. If you like mystery,romance and the supernatural then you will enjoy the book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team. 

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html

REVIEW OF THE ULTIMATE PRESCRIPTION BY DR. JAMES MARCUM.

Book Details:  The Ultimate Prescription: What the Medical Profession Isn't Telling You.

Author: Dr. James L. Marcum

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers.
Publication Date: December 16, 2011
Purchase: Amazon




About the Book:

 Would you like to discover the powerful ways God is part of the healing process? Do you think the media, the government, or your doctor is telling you the whole truth when it comes to health care? Are you tired of taking medications that really don't fix the problem? In The Ultimate Prescription, Dr. James Marcum, a board-certified cardiologist, in-demand speaker, and radio host, discusses these questions and many more from a biblical point of view. He encourages you to find the real answers about your health—and the health of your loved ones. Dr. Marcum explains what he believes is wrong with our current health care system, how to get back on track, and how the spiritual dimension of our health is often being ignored. Discover today the true path to healthy living in The Ultimate Prescription.

My Thoughts:

After reading the book, I have a new perspective on healthcare as a Christian. The author used the days of creation as described in scripture to show us how to live a healthier and more productive life. The book was easy to read and understand. Dr Marcum used examples from real life patients to show us that many healthcare providers prescribe medications before looking at the underlying cause of the ailment. Eating the wrong type of food, lack of exercise, and increased stress can cause many different physical and emotional problems. Many of us are resistant to change and the author says that we need to change the way we live with the help of the Bible. There may be some readers who may disagree with the author but it is important to keep an open mind and you may learn something new and inspirational.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.