Best Books Reviewed

Thirty Years of the Rockford Files: An Inside Look at America's Greatest Detective Series
by Ed Robertson
iUniversity Press (2005)
ISBN 0595342442

This edition of “Thirty Years of the Rockford Files” is an update from the original book that came out over ten years ago.  I did not read the first release, but I can tell you from this edition that nothing is left out from the series.  I was amazed at the thoroughness with which Ed Robertson covered this series and everything surrounding the series.  It is a great guide for fans of the Rockford Files and would be a great addition to anyone buying the series on DVD. 

The book is broken down by seasons and episodes with additional background information on the series, interviews with the actors, and tidbits of information that is not anywhere on the series.  Many of you will remember that each episode begins with a message on Jim Rockford’s answering machine like this one “This is Mrs. Owens with the Association for a Better Malibu.  Thanks for your contributions.  We’ve made great strides, but it would help, dear, if you could move your trailer!”  Remember the famous trailer on the beach where he lived and the Firebird he drove? 

I enjoyed the series in the 70’s and the later Rockford File movies but had no idea that the character was created by Roy Huggins based on James Garner’s enormously successful role as Brett Maverick years earlier.   His specialty was “closed cases” and he embarrassed the police quite frequently throughout the series by solving these impossible cases.  Rockford didn’t care because he had been wrongfully accused of a crime and spent five years in jail before be exonerated.  He was this business for the money and was described in the first chapter:  “he did like money: he charged $200 a day, plus expenses, so he’d hang in there no matter what if he could smell a fat check down the road. “I won’t kill for money, and I won’t marry for it,” he once said. “Other than that, I’m open to just about anything.”  

Many familiar faces guest starred on the Rockford Files over the years like Stephanie Powers, Lindsay Wagner, Ned Beatty and Tom Selleck just to name a few.  Each chapter is full of facts surrounding guest appearances as well as linking them to James Garner’s career.  For example, Suzanne Somers guest starred on The Rockford Files in 1974, three years before she made it big on Three’s Company with John Ritter.  James Garner later joined the cast of 8 Simple Rules following John Ritter’s untimely death in 2003. 

So if you or someone you know is a Rockford Files fan, “Thirty Years of the Rockford Files” is a must have

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher

Provided with Permisson from ReaderViews.com

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The Next Thing on My List: A Novel
by Jill Smolinski
Shaye Areheart Books (2007)
ISBN 0307351246

I think readers will agree with me that “The Next Thing on My List” is a wonderfully written heartwarming story about a woman’s self-discovery that will have you hooked from the very first page.  Jill Smolinski knows and understands her audience and delivers a winner with her second novel. 

The story centers around a 34-year-old woman, June Parker, who is living aimlessly and without passion.  Her life completely changes when she attends a Weight Watchers meeting and offers one of the other members, Marissa a ride home.  Marissa is upbeat and celebrating her 100-lb weight loss.  As she is reaching into the back seat to get June her favorite taco soup recipe, the truck in front of them suddenly loses a dresser off the back.  To avoid a collision with the dresser, June swerves and flips the car over.  June is banged up, but okay.  Marissa is not so lucky; she does not survive the car crash.  After the accident, June finds a list with 20 things on it that Marissa wanted to accomplish before her 25th birthday.  Only two items are crossed off – lose 100 lbs, and wear sexy shoes.  June finds purpose in her life as she works on completing the other 18 items in Marissa’s honor.  The list includes simple things like kiss a stranger and eat ice cream in public, to more complicated items like change someone’s life and pitch an idea at work. 

As June works on accomplishing the tasks, she finds that her life has new purpose and meaning.  She realizes that she wants more from her work as a writer for a not-for-profit and works toward a promotion.  Her relationships with friends and co-workers evolve as they develop a new respect for her as she completes the list.  She also takes on the role of a Big Sister to Deedee who desperately needs her help through a crisis and begins to form a bond with Marissa’s sexy brother Troy. 

The author develops the characters in a very human way that will make you fall in love with them and cheer June’s progress as she works towards completing her list.  Woman and teenage girls would enjoy reading “The Next Thing on My List.” 

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher

Provided with Permisson from ReaderViews.com

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Dream Factory  by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

Once upon a time, Disney World wasn’t the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Management desperately needed to fill Cinderella’s beautiful ball gowns. They needed to find Merry Men for the new Robin Hood, and two new people who could stand the heat build-up in the Chip and Dale costumes. Until working conditions improved, the costumed actors and furry characters would be out on strike and scowling at Disney World from the outside.  

The group of teenagers who come to Disney World’s rescue are soon taken to places within Disney World, and within themselves- that they won’t ever forget.  Eleanor Gertrude accepts the role of Cinderella. After she leaves Disney World, she’s sure to have flashbacks. She spends her days gown changing, getting married to Prince Charming everyday at 3pm, and attending countless Cinderella Brunches and Princess Tea Parties. Although she’s dating THE Prince Charming of Disney World, she cannot hide her sadness, and she cannot ignore what’s happening between her and her real Prince Charming.

And there is little real joy for Luke in Disney World either. He’s preoccupied with what’s waiting for him back at home. When the strike is over and he has to turn in his chipmunk costume, Luke is going to have to make some important decisions about his future. And although Luke’s girlfriend (and chipmunk partner) is the beautiful Cassie, he finds himself reaching for someone else.   

Management, and the teenage staff themselves, try to make the time spent working at Disney World fun. Relationships begin and end during the staff scavenger hunt. Secrets are revealed with the draw of a card; two secrets even match! Keys are handed down to those who need them the most, and the Phantom of Disney World is discovered!   

In the land of Disney World, there are pestered parents, unbearable days of heat, and angry strikers hurling tomatoes and hurtful words. But there are moments of magic for the young workers too- new love for some, winning first prize for another, and job prospects for those who want to stay.  

I was happy to read this book where Disney World is described in the smallest of details. I can see the shrubs resembling Donald and Goofy, and the lake that once looked  like Mickey’s head. I can imagine the vast array of utility corridors that run underground-hiding the garden hoses and PVC pipes. I enjoyed reading about the workings of Disney World too. You get a clearer picture of this imaginary world where there are Fur Coaches and Princess Handlers; a princess castle, and a Frontierland. These teenagers bring their real world problems into a fantasy land. But when the strike is over, I think they each take a little of this inspiring world with them.   Told in alternating voices, this second young adult novel by the authors Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler is inventive and worthy of a Cinderellabration!

Reviewed by Tanya Boudreau 

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Julia Fairchild: A Novel, by Louise Gaylord

Julia Fairchild is a clinical psychologist.  Mackenzie Brantley Jr. is a physician.   He knew they were meant to be together from the moment they met.  Despite vast differences in their childhoods, they seem destined for a fairytale life; then along came the storm. 

Both Julia and Mac were hit by lightning. Julia was taken to a hospital in Albuquerque where she meets Dr. Steven Duke.  Steve has always been a rival of Mac.  No friendship is lost between them.  When Steve meets Julia, he wishes he’d met her first.

Mac told Julia little about his family.  The family is shocked by the resemblance between Julia and Selma, Mac’s mother.  It doesn’t take long for Julia to realize that this is a family with secrets.

Mac’s past live-in, Emaline Pierce, is determined to win Mac back.  It’s not him she wants, it’s the family pecan grove, The Red Stone Grove, and his older brother.   She’ll do whatever it takes to get what she wants. 

The lives of the Brantley and Pierce’s are interwoven with dark, deadly secrets, secrets that could destroy both families.

“Julia Fairchild” by Louise Gaylord is one of those books that you won’t put down until you read every word on every page.  Ms. Gaylord has woven a tale of betrayal, murder and passion.  The characters have depth.  Reading this book is like looking in a window and watching the lives of the characters unfold before you.  Julia and Mac are two of the most complex characters I’ve ever read about.  They are not perfect, far from it.  They have their quirks and each makes mistakes. Dolores and Frank as supporting characters were fascinating.   It was easy to feel Dolores’ bitter anger over Frank’s betrayal.  Frank wasn’t the most likable sort, but he was real.   This is one of the best books I’ve read in years.  Well done Ms. Gaylord.  It is with great honor that I recommend “Julia Fairchild” to those who enjoy fiction and a really good drama.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor

Provided with Permisson from ReaderViews.com 

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