Book Reviews – November 2015

faces of war P 03Anthony G. Photographer/Writer

Anthony Guidone is an American freelance photographer whose focus is realism through fine art and journalism.

Guidone has devoted himself to documenting conflicts and critical social issues escalating into wars. The Face of War: A Soldier’s Lament is his latest project, a pictorial book documenting the physical and mental hardships imposed upon individuals engaged in armed conflict. He approaches his subject matter in a unique way, with artistically enhanced photos and words grounded in utmost journalistic integrity.

Having an appreciation of realism and abstract art, his photography is direct and reveals the sheer beauty of our shared humanity, with all its tragedy and hope. The images can evoke a feeling of sorrow and distress not meant for the faint of heart.

The photography of The Face of War: A Soldier’s Lament records a view of life as it passes from one generation to another in a changing world.

“I am compelled by the importance of preserving events, both natural and unnatural, that make a difference and give substance to our lives. The intent of this work is to honor and acknowledge the physical and mental hardships imposed upon the individuals engaged in armed conflict.” ~ Anthony G.

To place an order for The Face of War: A Soldier’s Lament ($19.95 plus shipping) send an email to soldierslament@gmail.com. Include your name, address, and telephone number.

The Face of War, A Soldier’s Lament, hardcover; copyright 2014 by Anthony Guidone. ISBN #978-o-615-98456*8.

 


 

book-Sabrina CoverSabrina: A Great Smoky Mountains Story

written by Lisa Horstman

review by Lisa Duff

A new children’s book published by the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s is now available at visitor centers in and around the national park.

Lisa Horstman, author and illustrator of such popular children’s books as The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball, and The Troublesome Cub, has outdone herself with Sabrina: A Great Smoky Mountains Story, the retelling of the classic ugly duckling story from a flying squirrel’s point of view.

This is the tale of a special kind of squirrel who finds herself in a strange new home after a run in with an owl. Throughout the story readers are invited to follow along as Sabrina learns how to survive, and then thrive, in her new environment.

Sabrina and her ilk are denizens of the rich and rare spruce-fir forest that clings to the Smokies highest peaks. Children will cheer Sabrina’s heroic effort to protect her new family, then discover that a much larger danger is approaching.

Northern flying squirrels are endangered because the spruce-fir forest where they live is getting smaller, Horstman tells her readers. This forest in the southern Appalachian Mountains is found only on the highest mountains where the weather is always cool or cold. Scientists are concerned that if the climate gets warmer, this kind of forest will disappear.

Sabrina: A Great Smoky Mountains Story is Horstman’s tenth book. Combining her love of books with the craft of illustration began with the publication of Fast Friends in 1994, when she was the recipient of the Dr. Seuss Picturebook Award from Alfred A. Knopf.

Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball, her first collaboration with Great Smoky Mountains Association, led to six more picture books with the nonprofit organization: The Troublesome Cub, Wee Ones, and The Smokies Yukky Book, written Doris Gove; We’re Going to the Mountains, written by Steve Kemp; Scavenger Hike Adventures, written by Kat and John LaFevre; and Sabrina: A Great Smoky Mountains Story.

Horstman’s adorable illustrations for Sabrina are the result of a technique she pioneered using handmade puppets and her usual whimsical style of painting. “This book is a perfect ‘sit on my lap and I’ll read you a story’ book,” said Kemp.

Sales of both books support ongoing educational, scientific, and preservation efforts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Those who wish to strengthen their national park experience are encouraged to Get Rooted in the Smokies through membership.

For more information about GSMA and to order these books, visit www.SmokiesInformation.org or call toll-free 1-888-898-9102, ext. 226.


 

The Further Adventures of Ebeneezer ScroogeCharlie Lovett Reading

The perfect story to get you in a holiday mood!

Charlie Lovett’s The Further Adventures of Ebeneezer Scrooge is, like Lovett’s previous book First Impressions, “a loving homage to one of literature’s most beloved authors.” It tells the story of Scrooge after the events of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s Christmas spirit is so exuberant that he’s still at it twenty years later—in July. Can he help his old friend Jacob Marley find peace after all these years?

Enjoy an evening with Scrooge, Dickens, and Lovett, who is a teacher, playwright, and a former antiquarian bookseller.

If You Go: Charlie Lovett, Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café, 55 Haywood St., Asheville. (828) 254-6734, malaprops.com.