Hello to all the dedicated and casual readers of Jenn’s Bookshelf. I was somewhat perplexed and surprised that Jenn asked me to write this guest review. Unlike my wife, I read not for entertainment, but for information. However, I found Jon Meacham’s American Lion reached both objectives and should be an interesting read to virtually anyone who chooses to open the cover.

Andrew Jackson is, arguably, one of the most controversial presidents ever to occupy the residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Some have described Jackson as one of the best executives of an early United States to lead the country; second only to George Washington. Others have portrayed him as a bully on the cusp of tyranny, capable of viewing the world only from the lens of his own narrow convictions. While many of his contemporaries considered our seventh President to be a simple man with a less than honorable background, Mr. Meacham illustrates a complex man, full of contradictions that continue to fuel the controversial perception of President Jackson even today.

Meacham continually portrays Jackson as a man, who orphaned as a young boy was determined to make his way in life of his own accord. Yet, Jackson places the highest regard on the institution of family, both his own personal, as well as the national “family” he sought to represent and defend. Additionally, Meacham describes a singularly devoted husband, who defends the honor of his wife against political adversaries; even though Jackson engaged in courting her and potentially married her while, she was married to another man. Jackson also earns a reputation as a determined General, brutally leading battles against Indians on the frontier to protect the interests of American citizens. Nevertheless, he shows compassion by taking as his own adopted son, the orphan of a fallen adversary, only to later lead the charge as President of removing all Indians, east of the Mississippi river, from their ancestral lands and transplanting them in the west for the economic benefit of the American people.

Mr. Meacham offers a very personal view, given through the observations and writings from family, adversaries and compatriots, of the transition of a nation from infancy to adolescence. The multiple accounts from the various players of the time provide an intimate perspective of Jackson. They describe the man that they know personally, not just the President of the United States. The book demonstrates his generosity and stubbornness, along with nobility and character flaws. We remember most presidents for a single dominant trait that defines them and/or their administration. Washington was gallant; Lincoln was melancholy; Teddy Roosevelt was relentless; FDR was a manager of crisis; Kennedy was regal; Reagan was a great communicator and Clinton was a persuasive pragmatist. Jackson demonstrates each of these traits, for better or worse throughout the course of his life. Meacham captures the full measure of the man, letting these traits shine through in a balanced manner rather than a vehicle of praise or condemnation.

I highly recommend this book. It will capture the interest of the most ardent historian to the individual looking for a good tale for an escape. The book will touch you on many emotional levels, causing you to laugh all the way to cringing in embarrassment. Most of all you will learn much more than the standard information passed to us as history in our youth. Do read and enjoy.

Thank you, John, for the review! Also, thank you to Pump Up Your Book Promotions for allowing me to join the blog tour, and the publisher for providing John a review copy of the book!

Cat is forced to return home and face those things she’s been attempting to forget: her abusive father, now in the hospital after suffering a stroke; and her first love, Addison. She must find out who the “he” is, and in doing so she has to relieve a very painful past.

The Last Bridge alternates between the current time and Cat’s memories of her youth. The reader relives the abuse Cat and her family suffered, right along with her. It is a truly engaging book; I was able to finish it in one evening.

The Last Bridge is a very intense tale of love, pain, forgiveness and acceptance. It exudes suspense as well. The identity of the “he” mentioned in suicide note isn’t revealed til the end. Little snipets of secrets are revealed throughout the book, drawing the reader in even more. I couldn’t believe this is Coyne’s first novel. She writes with a style and assurance that typically only comes with time and experience. Be forewarned, some of the recountings of Cat’s abuse are quite vivid and detailed, but in this case I believe that level is necessary in ordered to accurately detail the abuse. A highly recommended book overall!

Nicola has come to Melbourne to embark upon a round of treatments at an “alternative medicine” center. Treatments consist of injecting Nicola’s body with massive amounts of Vitamin C and “organic” coffee enemas. Within minutes of the treatments, Nicola is in a devastating amount of pain. Helen’s attempts to get Nicola to accept pain medications are often done in vain. When she does agree, she takes the smallest dose possible, for she is afraid of succumbing to the canceer. Nicola is so desperate to rid her body of the cancer that she’s not taking the time to celebrate the life she had and enjoy the blessings she was given.

Helen can’t help but think the treatments are doing more harm than good, but Nicola refuses to accept how terminal her case is, and continues to partake in the seemingly useless and questionable treatments. It doesn’t take long for this to take a toll on Helen, both emotional and physical. She agreed to help Nicola in any way that she could, but never did she anticipate all the physical pain and emotional abuse she would have to endure. Her days and nights are spent changing endless bed linens, transporting Nicola to and from cancer treatments, and listening to her friend cry out in pain. It begins to take a toll on their relationship and Helen questions her decision to be Nicola’s caregiver.

The Spare Room by Helen Garner is a short in length but is a very powerful little book. In a short span of time, it describes how cancer can effect a relationship. Garner’s writing is painfully honest. Her characters are very real, almost too real at times. There were aspects about each of the characters that I liked and disliked. I commended Helen for her selflessness in agreeing to care for Nicola. At the same time, it angered me when, not a week into Nicola’s stay, she begain to complain about how difficult the task was. And I commended Nicola for not giving in to her cancer, but was horrified at just how much she’d put her body through in the slight chance it might cure her of the disease. And the trust she put into this medicial center with very little proof of the treatment’s effectiveness.

Now, while this book deals with a painful subject, there is a bunch of witty conversation and bickering between the two women. It’s not all about pain and suffering. It is very uplifting and enpowering, a lesson in love, patience and friendship.

Then one day, Nolan notices an old man depositing something into his mailbox. It’s a manuscript detailing a series of horrific murders. Each murder is described in such vivid detail Nolan begins to wonder if they are real. The killer refers to himself as the The Dream Healer, and his Web site promises individuals relief from their nightmares. Unknowing victims log on to this site and reveal their nightmares, in real time, to The Dream Healer. Those suffering from nightmares due receive a release from their nightmares, but not the way they intended. The Dream Healer hunts them down and kill them by reinacting their nightmares.

Nolan’s wife, Neela, and his long-time friend Nick encourage Nolan to use the manuscript as a basis for his new novel. Nolan begins to research this crimes and discovers evidence the crimes were real. He allows the book to be published and it’s an instant bestseller. However, The Dream Healer hasn’t stopped killing. When a number of crimes detailed in Nolan’s novel take place, he becomes a person of interest. His life and the lives of those he loves are put in danger. What will it take to stop The Dream Healer?

I was lucky enough to meet Shane Briant at BEA. He took the time to come up and introduce himself to me at the blogger signing booth. He wanted to thank me for agreeing to review his book. I have to admit, I was a bit stunned at first. Never had I been thanked before writing a review. What if I didn’t like the book!? In the end, I did…I loved it. It was an honor to have met him!

I read Worst Nightmares while on vacation. It’s not a short book, 352 pages, but I literally read it in one sitting. Briant’s writing is chilling, his descriptions are so vivid and detailed that I literally had to stop and catch my breath. Not for the weak at heart, but a must for someone who craves excitement and a thrill. Be sure to lock your doors first though!