Guest Review: THE GLENN MILLER CONSPIRACY by Hunton Downs

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy

by Hunton Downs

ISBN-10: 0977913163

ISBN-13: 978-0977913169

Paperback, 267 pages

Creative Book Publishers International

April 15, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Conspiracy theories are always interesting to me. There’s just something intriguing about how some people don’t believe anything that they hear about a certain event, while other accept the story at face value. Until I picked up Hunton Downs new book, The Glenn Miller Conspiracy, I had absolutely no idea that there were conspiracy theories regarding Glenn Miller. In fact, I really didn’t know very much about Glenn Miller beyond his music. If you’re looking for an in-depth biography of Miller, this is not the book for you. I found myself looking up various details of Miller’s life. However, if you’ve always wondered about his death, you’ll enjoy The Glenn Miller Conspiracy.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy was interesting, but also a bit disappointing. For one thing, I was expecting more information about Miller’s life in this book. Downs focuses much of his energy in tearing down the myths surrounding his death. While it does make sense to tear down the myths, I would have preferred to have more details about why Miller was regarded as such a hero. Another flaw was the time spent recounting how Downs uncovered the truth. At times, he spends too much time explaining how he got to one small detail. There is also a lack of balance in the way Downs covers the conspiracy. He doesn’t explain the public story of Miller’s death at first. That story surfaces after he has begun his attack on the military’s version of events.

Despite its flaws, this is an interesting book. Hunton Downs is a good storyteller, and he even makes some of the less interesting aspects of his research sound intriguing. Downs also reveals some really interesting details about Miller. For example, I had no idea that Glenn Miller was involved in a series of wartime recordings designed to encourage the Germans to surrender. He recorded numerous messages to the Germans. This actually led to his being marked for death by the Nazis. In fact, these recordings may have ultimately led to his death.

For those who don’t know, the public story of Miller’s death claims that he was lost in a plane crash over the English Channel. Conspiracy theorists have never believed the military’s account. Hunton Downs and several other researchers have spent years trying to find the truth about Miller’s death. Apparently, Miller was on “a secret mission for Ike” when he died. Downs gradually reveals that Miller was a key part of the failed Operation Eclipse. When Downs focuses on the details of Operation Eclipse, he provides some of the most interesting stories in the book.

One thing that is never quite clear is exactly what happened to Miller. Downs does manage to prove that Miller was found outside a Paris brothel after the time in which he supposedly disappeared into the English Channel. It appears that he was kidnapped and tortured for information. Otto Skorzeny’s plan to use Miller to get to Eisenhower ultimately failed, but it did cost Miller his life. Miller died from injuries soon after he was discovered by US servicemen in Paris. In the years that followed, the military stood by their original statement that Miller’s disappeared over the English Channel.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy is an interesting, but somewhat disappointing book. Hunton Downs devotes so much time to describing his search for the truth that the reader is deprived of that “Eureka!” moment when all the pieces fall into place. The story itself is interesting, but it drifts along too much. Conspiracy theorists will not be disappointed, but diehard Glenn Miller fans may want to read another account of his life.

Guest Review: SIZE 2 FOR LIFE by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen

Size 2 for Life

by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulson

ISBN-10: 098210474X

ISBN-13: 978-0982104743

Paperback, 222 pages

Stance Publications

January 16, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I first saw the title, Size 2 for Life, I was dubious. It sounds like another fad diet book, and the market is already crowded with such books. Although the title didn’t impress me, the content of the book did. Size 2 for Life is the work of Ashley Marriott and Dr. Marc L. Paulsen. Both authors are experts in the fitness field, and their lifetime commitment to fitness shows throughout the book.

Despite its title, Size 2 for Life actually focuses on healthy eating and exercise habits. The “size 2” mentioned in the title refers to a frame-adjusted size that ranges from 2 to a 6 depending on frame size. (Their method of determing frame size seems oddly simplistic, but it does make sense.) The authors start by breaking down many of the weight loss myths. They also attack many of the popular celebrity diets. I found some of the celebrity diets downright scary. The authors do a good job of attacking the so-called “supercharged” weight loss plans and shifting the focus to healthy eating.

Size 2 for Life has a helpful chapter of “do’s and don’ts.” This chapter puts a lot of good information in one place. The authors follow up with a more detailed guide to their weight loss plan. The language is positive and motivating. From there, they provide detailed examples for the exercise and diet components of the program. The program is broken into smaller segments, so it never seems overwhelming.

The exercise program is well written. This is the section where Marriott’s expertise really shows. The exercise portion features step by step photos for each of the resistance training exercises. This would be very helpful to exercise newbies. The exercise portion also includes numerous options for the aerobic component of the program as well as detailed instructions for stretching. The photos and detailed instructions make the exercise part of the program seem approachable and unintimidating.

There is an interesting 21 day program included in the plan. This is designed to build healthy habits. My biggest complaint about the program is how extreme it sounds. It seems like it would be very hard for a lot of people to follow. The exercise portion requires a rather large time commitment even for beginners. This seems like a huge leap for an overweight person who may not get much exercise on a regular basis. I think it would be very easy for someone to fall of the wagon and abandon the plan quickly. I realize that the 21 day program should build new habits, but I wonder how many people can actually stick with such an intense program for the full 3 weeks. I would prefer to see the recipes written a little better for the 21 day program. It might make the program more enticing.

Size 2 for Life presents practical exercise and nutrition information in an easy to use format. Overall, it is a sharp, informative book on weight loss. It has a few flaws, but it’s worth a look if you are interested in taking charge of your health.

Guest Review: MIRANDA'S BIG MISTAKE by Jill Mansell

Miranda's Big Mistake

by Jill Mansell

ISBN-10: 140221832X

ISBN-1: 978-1402218323

Paperback, 496 pages

Sourcebooks

June 1, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

I loved Jill Mansell’s recent American release, An Offer You Can’t Refuse. So I was very excited about reviewing her latest novel, Miranda’s Big Mistake, but I was also a bit apprehensive. What if it wasn’t as funny as her previous work? What if it turned out to be a total dud? It turns out I didn’t need to worry a bit. Miranda’s Big Mistake is absolutely hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake tells the story of Miranda, a junior hairstylist at a trendy salon in London. She lives with a colorful elderly woman named Florence and helps her out around the house. Miranda also helps a homeless man near the salon. She shares her food with him everyday. This behavior reveals key elements of Miranda’s character. She is very kind (almost to a fault) and perhaps a bit naïve. This actually adds to Miranda’s charm. When Florence gives Miranda tickets to a charity party, Miranda meets Greg. He seems like nice guy, but he is hiding a dark secret. He has just left his pregnant wife, Chloe. She happens to work for Florence’s son, Bruce. Miranda has no clue about Greg’s situation. She falls in love with him and even becomes engaged to him. Meanwhile, Florence learns about Chloe’s situation and invites her to move in with her and Miranda. Chloe and Miranda quickly become friends. When Chloe realizes that Miranda’s boyfriend is her ex, they concoct a hilarious plan for revenge. Miranda and Chloe both move on without Greg in their lives. Both women eventually find their own happy ending, but their paths are filled with funny missteps along the way.

There is an interesting subplot involving Miranda and the homeless man near the salon. Sharing her food with him becomes a part of her daily routine. Miranda does begin to have vague suspicions about him, but she continues to help him. Her encounter with him in a park is absolutely priceless. I won’t ruin the surprise because it is definitely worth it. The relationship between Miranda and “Hungry and Homeless” forms a nice part of the book. He turns out to be very different from what Miranda expected.

Jill Mansell seems to have a knack for creating outrageous yet believable characters. Miranda is a colorful young woman, both literally and figuratively. Her penchant for unusual hair colors makes her stand out in any crowd, and her attitude toward life shows a slightly different perspective. Her landlady, Florence, also believes in living a colorful life. She has had three husbands. When the love of her life dropped dead on the steps of a Monte Carlo casino, she gave up on marriage and pursued a life of fun. The only thing that slows Florence down is her debilitating arthritis. In many ways, she and Miranda are kindred spirits. Miranda’s boss, Fenn Lomax, is equally entertaining. He is a handsome, heterosexual hairdresser to the stars. At the start of the novel, Fenn is a shallow playboy. As the story progresses, he matures and falls for an unlikely mate. All of these characters are quirky creatures, but they are very believable.

Some of the situations in Miranda’s Big Mistake seem extreme, but Mansell crafts the scenes with such skill that the reader willingly accepts the absurdity. My only real complaint about the novel is that some of the characters seem to conveniently disappear at times. I would have liked to see Florence’s relationship with Tom develop over time. It seems like the relationship develops suddenly. This is primarily due to her absence from several chapters. However, devoting much more time to Florence’s adventures would have made for a much longer book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake would be fabulous beach reading. It is laugh out loud funny, and it’s nearly impossible to not root for Miranda. Her hilarious actions are sometimes outrageous, but always enjoyable. The supporting characters are equally charming. It is also filled with sharp one-liners. I was sad to see this one end, even though I did like the ending. Jill Mansell has written another winner. She is rapidly becoming one of my favorite chick lit authors.

Guest Review: TRUE COLORS by Kristin Hannah

True Colors

by Kristin Hannah

ISBN-10: 0312364105

ISBN-13: 978-0312364106

Hardcover, 400 pages

St. Martin's Press

February 3, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Kristin Hannah is among the best when it comes to grand, melodramatic sagas. Her latest novel, True Colors, is no exception. It features her usual combination of romance and tragedy. This time Hannah examines the bond between sisters and how men affect this bond.

True Colors follows the Grey sisters after the death of their mother. Eldest sister Winona is an overweight bookworm who feels out of place at her family’s horse ranch, Water’s Edge. Middle daughter Aurora assumes the role of family peacemaker. Youngest daughter Vivi Ann is the family’s golden child. It seems she can do no wrong in their father’s eyes, and she loves the family ranch. The sisters’ bond seems strong until Vivi Ann falls in love with Winona’s old friend (and secret crush) Luke Connelly. When Vivi Ann cheats on Luke with ranch hand Dallas Raintree, the bond between her and Winona begins to break. Things begin to improve after Vivi Ann and Dallas marry and start a family, but then he is charged with the murder of a local woman. Although she is the town’s best attorney, Winona refuses to take his case. This temporarily severs her bond with her sisters. Dallas is convicted of the murder. He loses numerous appeals and gives up hope of returning to his family. He divorces Vivi Ann while he is in prison. Vivi Ann blames Winona for Dallas’s imprisonment, and their bond appears to be severed. However, the sisters gradually rebuild their relationship over the years.

Things change when Vivi Ann’s son asks Winona to help clear his father’s name. Winona agrees to help, but it leads to a new rift between her and Vivi Ann. In her attempts to clear Dallas, Winona finds a new form of inner strength. She decides to stop seeking her father’s approval and simply live life on her own terms. She also forms a strong bond with her nephew, Noah. Ultimately, the bond between the Grey sisters proves to be stronger than any outside forces.

True Colors is heavy on the drama, but Kristin Hannah does balance things a bit with sharp dialogue. Winona has some rather witty lines, and Noah’s journal entries feature a combination of anger and humor. At times, the level of sadness is almost overwhelming. It seems as if Winona will never find happiness in her own life. Similarly, Vivi Ann drifts along in a downward spiral for several years after Dallas’s incarceration. Things don’t seem to get on an even keel for the sisters until the final third of the book.

As usual, Kristin Hannah creates compelling characters. Winona and Vivi Ann are particularly well-crafted. I do have a complaint about the development of Aurora. Her character is highly underdeveloped. Aurora goes through an acrimonious divorce somewhere in the middle of the novel, but her story never gets told. Passing references to the nasty divorce and her husband’s mistress appear throughout the second half of the book, but Hannah never reveals the details of Aurora’s life. Their father also seems to be an underdeveloped character. The source of his bitterness never becomes apparent. Part of his anger clearly stems from his wife’s death, but there are deeper issues involved as well.

The romance between Vivi Ann and Dallas is beautifully written. Hannah does know how to write a sweeping romance. Hannah portrays a much less passionate affair with Winona and Mark Michaelin. When their arc ends, it really doesn’t seem like much of a loss. Hannah also portrays young love between Noah and Mark’s daughter, Cissy. There is something very sweet and innocent about their relationship.

True Colors explores the bond between sisters. The Grey sisters face challenges to their relationship as men come and go from their lives. At times, the family seems to be split into warring factions, but the bond is never completely broken. The Grey sisters emerge from each event stronger than they were before. Fans of romance and melodrama won’t be disappointed by True Colors.

Guest Review: THE STRENGTH OF A SPARROW by Tim Anders

The Strength of a Sparrow

by Tim Anders

ISBN-10: 1885624638

ISBN-13: 978-1885624635

Paperback, 326 pages

Alpine Publishing

February 25, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I see the words’ “based on a true story” on the cover of a book I’m somewhat skeptical. Why not take a true non-fiction approach? Tim “Dr. Hope” Anders’ The Strength of a Sparrow is based on a true story, but in this case, writing the story as a novel really works. I was pleasantly surprised. The book tells the story of the author’s parents. However, Anders removes himself from the story, so it really does feel like a novel.

The story begins with a couple on a first date. In many ways, it looks like a perfectly normal occurrence. They are just two New Yorkers dining in an Italian restaurant. The year is 1946, and the couple appears to be falling in love. As they go their separate ways, major differences start to appear between the couple. The man, Hughie Hewitt, is actually a priest. He also has a serious drinking problem. He returns to the rectory to drink and pray after the date ends. In contrast, Bouvette “Boo” Sherwood returns to her glamorous uptown apartment. She is a successful Broadway actress and producer.

The first date is an indicator of things to come. Boo and Hughie fall in love. They remain a couple even after Hughie reveals that he is a priest. Ironically, being with Boo seems to make Hughie a better priest. He stops drinking and brings much more passion to his work. Everyone notices that he is different man, but only a few people know the truth. They begin living together as husband and wife. They even take the surname “Anders”. The change in Hughie piques the curiosity of Monsignor Smith. Their relationship has never been friendly, and Monsignor Smith even hires a private investigator to follow Hughie. Eventually he learns the truth about where Hughie goes when he is not working.

In the meantime, Hughie and Boo have two children and a very happy secret life. Boo gives up her career and settles into motherhood. Their happy life comes to an abrupt end when Hughie has a heart attack. Monsignor Smith sees this as an opportunity break up the couple once and for all. He makes separate deals with Boo and Hughie. They accept his offers and move on with their separate lives.

After the breakup, Boo’s strength becomes even more apparent. She begins working multiple jobs to support her family. When her children are taken away because of her exhaustion, Boo fights to regain custody. I won’t ruin the ending, but I will point out that Boo’s strength is the driving force for the family. The character of Boo is so well-written that it is easy to forget that she is a real person.

The story takes a dark turn with Hughie’s heart attack, but there is a prevailing sense of hope throughout the book. The reader truly believes that everything will work out. It is also amazing to see how Hughie and Boo kept their life together a secret from so many people.

The Strength of a Sparrow has good writing and a fascinating story. It could have easily been a sappy romance or bitter attack on the Catholic Church. Fortunately, it never becomes either of these things. It actually offers a tale of hope and strength.