Book Interview

Inter view with Magaret West

ELI

Eli is a spiritual novel that serves as an invaluable guide for anyone conflicted in spirit. It is the second installment of a trilogy that takes the reader deep into the mind and heart of a devout Christian struggling to reconcile his faith with the often hostile reality that surrounds him. Eli is introspective, philosophical and epic..

For Those Who Stare At The Moon

For Those Who Stare at the Moon


Written by: Tiffany A. Flowers

Publisher: Golden Butterfly Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-578-05949-5

Illustrated by: James Eugene





Tiffany Flowers captures a young girl staring at the moon from her bedroom window. The girls’ imagination takes her on an adventure to the moon through beautiful, breathtaking illustrations by James Eugene. In this eight page book, the little girls’ journey to the moon is peaceful, as she floats past the clouds. Explaining how it helps her to escape the not so good times in her young life. There is a point where she sits on the moon and turns to look down at earth. Although she is at peace enjoying her adventure, she realizes she must return home on what she describes as night sand. Her adventure to the moon becomes a mysterious delight with invisible stairs, bright stars and the moons’ glow welcoming her every step of the way. Tiffany Flowers introduces this story in poetry form, which makes for a great bedtime story for any child. I would highly recommend this book for all little ones before bedtime.

I give this book a beautiful five stars *****

Reviewed by Poetic Monthly Magazine

Reviewer: Mary Muhammad

Book Review Manager

A portion of the proceeds are donated to the New Orleans Public Library to aid the Youth Services Department in rebuilding the Children Literature Collection after the devastation caused by Katrina.

Used Vs. Loved

I had to share an email sent to me by a friend today, because after reading, I could relate to how many are so caught up in this material world, til the love of our loved ones are forgotten. I hope this will help those understand it's time to take hold of love and let it teach as well as protect.




While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up a stone and

scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand

and hit it many times; not realizing he was using a wrench. At the hospital, the

child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures. When the child saw his

father.....with painful eyes he asked, 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' The

man was so hurt and speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of

times. Devastated by his own actions.......sitting in front of that car he

looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'. The next day that

man committed suicide. . . Anger and Love have no limits...... Things are to be

used and people are to be loved, but the problem in today's world is that,

People are used and things are loved.
***********
So during this year, let's be careful to

keep this thought in mind: Things are to be used, but People are to be loved.

Be yourself.... But remember actions and words said in anger can never be taken

back!

This is the only day we HAVE.

Have a nice day and

Snatch Joy!

Help Prevent Child Abuse

With child abuse continuing on the rise, it's so important for parents to be aware of (Whom: their child is with. Where: their child is, and the company around that child. How: the child will be cared for ( meaning the responsible adult) :When the child will be returning home (Parent should have the last voice). What: the child is wearing( this can't be stressed enough). Our children depends on us for their safety and trust, we should always be aware of their changing behavior for clues of abuse. Withdrawing from you or someone they are in contact with, loss of interest for favorite things to do or eat. Child seems depressed, jumpy, scared or inattentive. To help aide in the end of child abuse, parents need to be able to open up and speak about it to their children and other adults. This conversation is not easy when brought before children, but it is necessary for our children to become safe. Our society has become to comfortable with voicing topics of less importance over the protection of our children, and This change is vital to their well being and safety. We speak to them about drugs, drinking and sex, but never about sexual abuse or abuse as a whole. This topic should be no different. It has just as much importance to their lives if not more than the previous. It too, can and will change their lives forever in so many areas, and many times leading to their demise. Consider the statistics from Darkness to Light. "One in four girls will be sexually abused before the age of eighteen, and one in six boys. This should not be tolerated or pushed aside. It takes courage and responsibility to step out on this issue, to be addressed to family, friends and our children. There are so many avenues open in our society to address this issue and books are one of them. A good book on and/or about the subject can help our children feel safe, know they are not alone in such a situation, and feel comfortable about opening up to parents, and speak about the abuse that may be plaguing their lives, redirecting their futures. We can help our children realize they have a wonderful support net, ways of prevention and people who are committed to keeping them safe and healthy. Become an advocate for the children and donate your time, skills, knowledge, stories and love which can save them from this heinous act. For the month of April, commit to saving one child in volunteering, creating a story book to help, financial support to organizations, observance for children suspected of abuse, visiting your local organizations for more information on ways to help. The children can be saved with the right help. With loving and committed hearts to keep them safe. learn the seven steps of child abuse prevention and share it with family, friends and your children. Find age appropriate material for discussion. Educate yourself to be well informed, so you can be another protector added to the ladder of prevention and safety for the children. Visit these links to hear and learn more of how you can protect your loved ones and others. http://www.darkness2light.org/ and http://www.marysbookplace.com/media-room.html join your local child abuse council, and myself in this fight, and lets help save a child so they can...

Snatch Joy!!!
 
Hugs and Kisses reviews
Published author tackles difficult subject of child abuse

By Clayton Hardiman

Muskegon Chronicle


The upcoming Mary Muhammad book signing held at the Muskegon Heights Public Library was about lititure and more.

Muhammad who has recently published a trio of books, including a debut book of poetry, was on hand at the Muskegon Heights branch Library to sign copies of her books. She was also joined by representatives of the Child Abuse council of Muskegon, to draw attention to a generation of children under siege.

“The message from our perspective was tips to families about how to prevent child abuse. Spoke Mrs. Colella, the executive director of the Child Abuse Council. Hugs and Kisses,” was written in story form, as a tool to help parents talk to children about sexual abuse, and the facts say that is a growing seriousness and alarm. Consider these statistics from Darkness to Light, a non- profiting resource organization seeking to fight child abuse through raising public awareness and education.

*One in four girls are sexually abused before age 18

*One in six boys are sexually abused before age 18

* Nearly 70 percent of all reported sexual assaults occur to children

More than 30 percent of the victims never disclose the experience to anyone.

Most children don’t tell even if asked. Colella appeared at the book signing, with other Child Abuse council representatives, to help educate families about how to prevent abuse.

The organization utilizes a seven step system offered by Darkness to light. It is available online at the organizations web site at D2L.org

Among the steps are “Learn the facts”, Minimize opportunity and talk about it.

Ms. Muhammad’s book “Hugs and Kisses” emphasizes the third step. It tells the story of two young girls who are friends. One of the girls has been sexually abused. In the story she confides in her friend.

“I wrote it in story form so it could be read to the child. ‘ Muhammad said She said she decided to write about child abuse because she wanted to raise awareness about the specter of child abuse.

Executive director Jeannie Colella and other representatives of the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon, addressed steps parents can take to deal with child abuse.

Echoes of an Era

Echoes of an Era Reviews



ECHOES OF AN ERA



ISBN#: 1-4241-8014-7

Trade Paperback

$16.95

111 Pages

Poetry

Rating: 4 Cups

Poetry has a way of making melody, and song, relaxing body and soul. Poems allow the heart to be touched and emotions to bloom. They can bring a great deal of joy. When one is burdened with household chores, a few simple words can make one see things should be put on hold until another day, as was the lyrics of My House.

The words of My House showed me many times how I was pressed for time, when in reality nothing is that important to put off until later. Housework will always be there but little children, and the things they do and say, come quickly. We should not miss their tender moments. The Gentleman gave me the tranquility I experience when I am near a lake and fishing for a day.

If anyone is looking for a quick poem to read then skip to the next, I did not find it in these. Instead, many I read more than once because of the thought behind each one. The one of Mom had me remembering when I visited my grandmother. I recalled the aroma that drifted in the kitchen, along with family gathering around the table, to share stories. Even though it was a tribute to Mom, my grandmother quickly came to mind.

Echoes of an Era is a collection of pleasurable poems permitting the reader to practically see through the eyes of the author. There are many lyrics the audience will be able to relate. Mary Muhammad weaves verses that emit joy, satisfaction and a longing to want more. She reaches deep into the heart and often I found myself with a grin. I like her style because her heartfelt words make her human, and not some stuffy person who does not know what they are really expressing.

Cherokee
Purchase: Echoes of an Era and all of this authors books.