Kevin Barry Maguire

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Safe Harbor

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My friend Audrey Levy has a new book release for December 21 – Winter Solstice. Safe Harbor is part of the Adventures of Oleo series and is a “dramedy.” Audrey explains it like this: Safe Harbor is a dramedy akin to Good Fellas meets The Miracle Worker.

Audrey has placed all the ebooks in this series at 99 cents, and 100% of the profits are going to NAMI – the National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org), in perpetuity, and this particular Adventure of Oleo could really use some love and attention.

This isn’t a book review as the book is still on pre-order until December 21st.

Safe Harbor Audrey Levy

The Hand of an Angel Review

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The Hand of an Angel
by Mark Brownless

If you like thrillers, you’ll love Hand of an Angel. If you like medical thrillers, you’ll be in heaven. This is a well-researched book and it paid off for Mark Brownless.

In the beginning I was pretty upset with Tom for taking on such a dangerous experiment with a wife and two children at home. I thought he was reckless because I’d never to anything that may take me away from my wife and daughter.

The Hand of an AngelThe Hand of an Angel

I stopped chewing tobacco so I would have more time with my daughter. It was my 19th attempt at quitting over a 30 year span. It’s been 3 years and I still crave it, but I don’t give in. That’s why I was mad at Tom, he was taking an unnecessary risk.

But then his wife, Sarah, was OK with it so I eased off on him a bit. The experiment is killing Tom for an extended period of time, then bringing him back to life so he could mimic a “near-death” experience. Risky for sure.

I love this book because it kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I had it figured out, he changed the game. Twists and turns abound! I gave up and just let the story unfold.

My favorite character has to be Bob – not because he’s the only American in the story. I’m not that shallow! Bob starts out as an antagonist. He  probably enjoys watching Tom squirm, although, he might not admit it. They become friends and partners in the experiment. I like Bob because he’s me, a shoot-from-the-hip, matter of fact guy. He pulls no punches, telling you exactly what you need to know…or what the thinks you need to know. He’s not perfect, he could be wrong.

Near-death experiences have always fascinated me, though not to the same extent as Tom! I’m not about to kill myself to find out what it’s like. Science be damned 🙂
Tom is certainly dedicated to his work, nobody can take that away from him!

Mark Brownless is very descriptive with his scenes. He brings you into the story very well. It’s easy to imagine the setting and the characters within.

I can’t really say much more without giving details away so I’ll leave it right here. I want to tell you my favorite part of the book, but I don’t do spoilers.

I enjoyed reading Hand of an Angel as it kept me on my toes and always wondering what was going to happen next.

Who will like this book? Anyone who enjoys thrillers and especially medical thrillers. Anyone who’s ever wondered what happens after we die will also enjoy reading this book. It’s not the definitive answer – it’s fiction, after all. But it will give you something to think about and there are medical descriptions about death and what happens when we die. Mark also gives details on what happens when we die and come back. So you’ll be entertained and learn a few new things.

Soccer Training: Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and Parents

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Soccer Training: A Step-by-Step Guide on 14 Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and Parents
Author: Dylan Joseph

 

My review:

I’m the son of an Irish immigrant who loved soccer. I was taught to play at a very young age. I also remember him coaching an Army team when we lived in Germany. I played through High School and on our command team in the Navy – eventually coaching myself. I took one too many injuries and stopped playing.

That was the bane of my sporting career. I love sports but my body just says “no.” I played most of a season in High School with a cast on an arm. First one, then both, and finally back to one. Oh, to be young again!

I could have used a few tips in this book, for both playing and coaching. My daughter is five years old and I’m getting her started in this wonderful game. It’s a family tradition, after all! The parent and coaching tips are invaluable for me.

From Dylan’s Author Biography

Dylan Joseph is devoted to the world’s favorite game: SOCCER. A soccer player for over two decades and a trainer for over a decade, he has countless hours of experience developing trainees to become top performers. He has worked with tens of thousands of players, many of which have gone on to play for major universities across the United States and even the U16 U.S. National Soccer Team. You can find Dylan Joseph’s website here.

Soccer Training: A Step-by-Step Guide on 14 Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and ParentsSoccer Training: A Step-by-Step Guide on 14 Topics for Intelligent Soccer Players, Coaches, and Parents

I’ve read a lot of training books and a fair share of sports training books. Dylan takes a unique approach here, first giving instruction for the chapter topic, then tips for parents, and finally tips for coaches.

The start of each chapter breaks down the topic in a step-by-step fashion. Then he goes into detail about the subject. This section isn’t just for the players: parents and coaches alike will get value here as well.

Being a soccer mom or dad can be frustrating. We all want our kids to be the best they can be. The parenting tips in each chapter will help you become a great soccer parent and keep you clear of the mistakes we all see other parents making.

You’ll learn how to talk to your kids effectively and how to approach the coach. Your children will appreciate your understanding and helpful critique. These tips alone make this book a “must have” for all parents of athletes – not just soccer parents.

In the coaching tips, Dylan gives advice on talking to the players in an effective manner. He’s teaching how to be a teacher. It’s similar to the parenting tips but with more instruction on the chapter topic. Coaches will also do well to read the parenting tips. They all work together to help the players reach their full potential.

Overall

Who could benefit from this book? Just about anyone, really. Soccer players will benefit from the advice, instruction, and tips given. They’ll also benefit by reading the parenting and coaching tips. Each of those will make the player better.

Parents of soccer players (and athletes in general) will benefit from the tips for parents. They would also do well to pay attention to the coaching tips.

Coaches (and future coaches) will benefit from all sections. A coach can never learn too much. Obviously the “coaching tips” are great for you, but the other sections will equip you with the skills you need to make you a better coach. Knowing how to relate to players is a skill you must have to be an effective coach and leader.

I enjoyed the read and picked up some valuable information that I will use while teaching my daughter soccer and even with her dancing. The advice given in Soccer Training is worth the price of admission. You can’t go wrong here!