Alaskans by Tanyo Ravicz

Alaskans by Tanyo Ravicz

Wonders of a Different World

I've always loved Alaska and have had a deep felt love of the state since I can remember. When I saw Alaskans by Tanyo Ravicz I knew I had to see what it was about. It reminded me of a book I had once read called "Ozark Memories" by Pam Prier, a book I loved & actually read more than once just because of the touching stories involved. Each author seemed to be able to tell a tale of stories about a place that they loved from deep within their hearts and the people who belonged there. Tanyo Ravicz's Alaskans immediately gave me the impression that the author not only knew about Alaska but Alaska was a part of who she was. While Prier's book Ozark Memories was a book of memoirs, Ravicz's book Alaskans was a combination of fiction, reality and memoirs that you knew had to of been based upon someone the author knew during his life in Alaska itself. You could tell the stories were of true Alaskan spirit in contemporary times.

The book is comprised of various short stories, ranging from a few pages to a substantial length for each. Each story has it's own feel, it's own character, it's own magic. Whether you enjoy the "outdoorsiness" of many of the stories or the traditions of some others, you will definitely find a touch of reality within each that sets it apart from the rest. No two stories are the same. You'll find stories of men, boys, women & animal. You'll be touched by traditions, simplicity, complexity and reality. As a matter of fact the variations of each story, each character or each situation keeps you wondering "What could be next" as you move through the book.

I always enjoy books that have a group of stories to read because it allows for breaks. Busy lifestyles often hinder reading and in this case it's so easy to finish a single story in one sitting that you'll find by the end of the book, you have felt like you've read ten different ones. It was always my "take along" book for such time as doctor's appointments and waiting for children to jump into the car when picking them up because I knew I could almost always finish at least one full story and walk away feeling complete. On lucky days, I'd get 2 or 3 stories read in a day!

The variations in plot & characters made the book very easy to read and hard to ever become bored with. One moment you were reading about a young boy slowly learning to become a "man" as he raised chickens and had to make tough decisions against nature, while the next moment you were chuckling along with fire fighters while they raised heck in the "local" bar. No two stories were alike, all were filled with authentic and realistic details that brought just a touch of a whole other world, the "world" of Alaska, into your lap.

If you've ever dreamed of going to, visiting, living in or simply knowing the true Alaska, this book is for you. Filled with great stories & interesting details that only an "insider" could know and you're given the privilege of being "one of them"... an Alaskan.

You can purchase this book at Amazon
ISBN 978-0-595-44789-3
Published by iUniverse
Retails for $14.95 U.S.

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FireFly Lane

Fire Fly Lane by Kristin Hannah is the perfect "Summer Reading" book. It's a must on this summer's list.

A story of 2 friends growing up in the 70's, following their lives, both so completely different. "Kate" is the perfect, totally ignored nerd girl in school. Her mother is always haunting her about finding friends but she just doesn't fit in. Then the "perfect" girl with the "perfect" look and obviously the "perfect" life moves in across the street on Firefly Lane. "Tully" seems to have it all, everyone immediately loves the new girl, she's so strong and brave and vibrant and of course so out of Kate's league.

But one day Tully speaks to Kate and from that day on the friendship just clicks. The odd part is, while Kate had thought Tully had everything, she realizes that her life isn't what Tully always portrays it to be.

As their lives go on they remain best friends forever, through thick and thin. Battles and war wounds only add to their deep love for each other. Sometimes a little jealousy thrown in makes the friendship road on Firefly Lane bumpy but it never ends the trip.

Touching, simplistic, yet tightly woven intricacy of friendship is touched on all aspects.... from being the one who seems to have it all to being the one who really does have it all.

If you've ever had a best friend, then you have to spend a part of the summer reminiscing about the days of friendship. It's an amazing book of fiction, created by an obviously talented author.

Review for "Did I Expect Angels"

Jennifer Huffaker has been mourning the loss of her husband for quite some time now. Friends & family are tiring of her constant state of depression & inability to raise her daughter "normally". Enough is enough.

Jennifer notices herself that when her daughter is with others, she is full of laughter & smiles like a child should be. She starts to wonder if it's not best to end her own pain and leave Kaitlin with her grandparents, living a normal life again?

Henry is the "greeter" at a local department store she visits often. While they've shared greetings & quick comments, often in his native language, they're far from close friends. But tonight he senses something different & insists that Jennifer join him & his daughter at the diner down the road, promising it will only take a little bit of her time.

Henry shares his life story with Jennifer, explaining the harshness he has seen & showing that he too has felt "loss" above & beyond what one should be able to live with. Suddenly it all becomes clear to her, Henry had sensed what her mission was that night as she was checking out & he was sent to save her from her own desire to stop hurting herself & the ones she loves. He feels her pain, sees her struggle & knows her inner desire to just stop it all. They find too, that they are actually connected from Jennifer's childhood in an amazing way. This man has actually been a part of her life since she was a child & now he's here again, explaining that sometimes life is hard but you must move on. He is proof that it can be done.

Will Henry make a difference or will she realize that her child is better off growing up with people who can bring back normalcy in her life again?

Intense & intimately touching, this book won't let you down. The excellent, easy style of writing from author Kathryn Maughan makes the story flow along so quickly that you don't even realize you've read the book in literally a few short hours. Simply said, it makes one believe that perhaps we should "Expect Angels" when we need them most.

Did I Expect Angels by kathryn Maughan available at Amazon