Reviews by TeriI’m not a writer, but I am a reader. Reading books is part of who I am and what I believe. I truly believe that anyone who can read should read everyday. Everyone should - - Just read! Teri DavisSunday, April 10, 2016Mail-Order KidMail-Order Kid Marilyn June Coffey "out West" Press Omaha, Nebraska ISBN: 978-0-9626317-2-6 2010 $ 15.95 264 pages From the years of 1854 to 1929 many children left their homes in New York City to become a son or a daughter to a new family somewhere in our country. Naturally the hope was to be adopted by a loving family. The name for this movement was usually through by train. This became known as the orphan train. Like all children, some were fortunate and loved by their new families. However some of these children had horrific experiences, being beaten and even slaves to their adopted family. Probably most of these orphaned and unwanted children lived with families that were somewhere between these two extremes. Teresa Martin was three-years-old when she became a passenger of the Orphan Train. Having lived in the orphanage for awhile, she never really knew the identity of her parents but relied on the nurturing nuns who had so far mothered her. They sent her away with the hopes of a better life. Although very young, she remembered many impressionable events from her life in the convent. These were her earliest memories, never knowing her parents but fond thoughts of loving nuns who favored, mothered and truly loved her. Unfortunately for Teresa, she was assigned to a German family in Kansas. This petite, dark-haired, olive-skinned beauty did not easily fit into the life of two older adults who had grown children. She did not speak German and they did not speak English. Living with a different language and customs was difficult for Teresa who truly felt that she did not belong. Fortunately she befriended a German priest who nurtured her while also teaching her the language of her new life. Even though she lived in the U.S.A., English was not the preferred language of this town. Teresa lived with this family who fed, sheltered and clothed her. However her new parents were not affectionate or loving. Their relationship was always strained which resulted in her being sexually abused and even whipped. Later as an adult, Teresa frequently still felt isolated and unconnected resulting in her search for who were her parents. Who was she? What happened to her parents? Why? Author Marilyn Coffey was relocating to Nebraska after spending thirty years in New York, She decided to become a speaker for the state humanities council but she needed a specialty, a unique topic. Someone mentioned the orphan trains and she immediately discounted the thought. Who would put orphans on trains and send them to unknown destinations? Surprisingly as she began to research this topic, she was surprised to discover that more than half of these children actually were not orphans but had at least one parent with one quarter of them having both parents. So why? Marilyn Coffey was hooked. The topic was fascinating. She searched for an actual orphan train survivor but most were elderly or deceased. While lecturing about the orphan train, she received a letter from an actual orphan train rider who asked about why she had no first hand experiences. This led to an unusual friendship that became this biography. Mail-Order Kid is the product of this phenomenal friendship allowing the readers to become a part of this historical and memorable experience combining Teresa's life story with Marilyn's writing gifts. This collaboration is an enthralling biography capturing the past into a loving and reflective novel between Marilyn Coffey and Teresa Martin. This book is for everyone to read, reflect, learn, and enjoy. Posted by Teri Davis at 6:03 PM Reactions: No comments:Monday, March 14, 2016Caroline, or Change Once in a while I see a show that literally "blows-me-away". That is the case of "Caroline, or Change" which is currently playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Combining great music, phenomenal performances by extremely talented singers and actors with inspired direction and support staff makes this a memorable show discussing the social changes of the 1960s. "Caroline, or Change" is about a black-maid, Caroline portrayed by Echelle Childers.. She works for a Jewish family in Lake Charles, Louisiana during 1963. This household has a father, a step-mother and an eight-year-old boy. The father, Stuart Gellman works as a professional musician playing the clarinet. He is still grieving over the death of his wife who died of cancer even though he has remarried. The step-mother, Rose was a close friend of his wife. She is frustrated by her new life. Rose who previously lived in New York. The Southern life is new to her. Added to that, she realizes that her husband is still grieving and withdrawn. To further complicate life is Noah, the eight-year-old son. Rose feels as if she is hated by him. This eight-year-old is also grieving. Life has changed since his mother's death and the only consistency in his young life is the family maid. Caroline works in the newly in the basement in this house below sea level. Her daily life consists of a special relationship with the washing machine, dryer and sharing a cigarette with the 8-year-old Noah. Caroline has enough problems of her own being a divorced mother with four children of which the oldest is serving in Viet Nam. Her daily challenges causes her to be harsh. Even though, Noah is completely devoted to her, spending much of his time with her in the basement enjoying their friendship. At one point in the play, Caroline is compared to being "the salt of the earth where nothing grows". However, the salt can also make life a little tastier. Life begins to change with change-pennies, nickels, dimes, and nickels. Rose is frustrated with the change being found in the washing machine from pockets not being emptied. It appears that Noah does not empty money from his pockets. Caroline keeps a jar for the change but Rose decides that all the change can now go to Caroline. After all, she only earns $30 a week and this way she can get a little raise, even if the family cannot afford it. The change causes change. This show is unique, maybe ahead of its time. The washing machine, moon, dryer, and bus are all great performers. Yes, these inanimate objects are played by great multi-talented performers who are phenomenal singers. This type of musical opera combining elements of rock, soul, gospel and blues is an enthralling show that drew a full audience at the Howard Drew Theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This cast and crew are outstanding. The costumes, hair, acting, singing, props, scenery, music, accompaniment and stage management are top notch and could compete with any professionally performing company. The show is fast-paced but time seems to stand still as each person tells their story. Personally I loved the Radio which was the voices with choreography of Rachel Busse, Dani Cleveland and Erin Florea. These three Supreme-like performers were delightful with costumes resembling a classy radio. Also, I loved the washing machine by Zhomontee Watson, bus and dryer by Nik Whitcomb and the moon, Kathy Banta. All were phenomenal performers showing that they thoroughly enjoyed their roles. Danny Denenberg was great as Noah Gellman as well Kundai Jacha and Wayne Hudson as Caroline's sons. These children showed a stage maturity way beyond their years. All the members of the Gellman family were outstanding. Aguel Lual was phenomenal in the role of Caroline's daughter, Emmie. Her singing "blew me away". Wow! The grandparents were all wonderful singers and actors. Jerry Van Horn, Sara Planck, and Council Bluffs' resident, Joseph Dignoti. The lead role of Caroline portrayed by Echelle Childers also was a great voice by a very talented actress. Local pianist, Ben Tweedt commanded the keyboards. Caroline, or Change continues through Sunday, March 20th at the Omaha Community Playhouse located at 6915 Cass Street On Wednesdays through Saturday, the curtain raises at 7:30p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday with the cost of a ticket being $30 for adults and $20 for students on Wednesday and $40 for adults and $25 for students from Thursday through Sunday. For tickets contact the bozx office at 402-553-4890, ext.147 or ticketomaha.com. How can a washer, dryer, bus, and unquestionably the moon be outstanding characters? Go see the unique but phenomenal production of "Caroline, or Change". Posted by Teri Davis at 7:49 AM Reactions: No comments:Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet StreetSweeney Todd is the tale of a barber in 19th century London combining dark humor with opera. Yes, it is in English, funny, adult-oriented and currently being performed at our local Chanticleer Community Theater. Lust, that is how it all begins. A barber loved his beautiful wife and daughter. Unfortunately a judge saw the wife and decided to pursue her. To get the husband out of the way, he had him arrested and sent to another continent. Fifteen years later, the barber has returned home and discovers that his wife is dead and the judge adopted his daughter. Naturally he feels that it is time for justice to prevail. This is his story of Sweeney Todd, the barber. Sweeney Todd is unquestionably an adult show. There is violence and suggestive sexual implications. The show at Chanticleer is a wonderful show telling the tale of Sweeney Todd. The production is filled with extremely talented performers explaining the story. The strength of this show is the story line being beautifully narrated by a variety of voices allowing the audience to view the varying perspectives of each person. In actuality Sweeney Todd is an urban legend written in stories of various origins which have appeared since the thirteenth century. No one knows whether or not he really existed. Our local Chanticleer Community Theater has excelled with this phenomenal production. Every person on stage, every motion, song, action is well-planned and perfectly enhances this story. This is one of those rare production where every person on stage and off is so talented that they could easily be in a major role in any production. As with all live performances, each show will be slightly different depending on numerous variables, including the audience. On the night I was in the audience, these were my favorite performers. Unquestionable, the husband and wife team of Chris and Sarah Ebke as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett was outstanding. Both masterfully commanded the stage with their acting and singing while maintaining the strained and strange relationship between these two main characters. Personally, I loved David Ebke as Toby. As he sang "Nothing's Going to Harm You Not While I'm Around" to Mrs. Lovett, I could feel the devoted love of this unloved young man finally finding a caring adult as an adopted parent. However, Mrs. Lovett didn't feel quite the same. As the young couple in love, Johanna portrayed by Megan Kelly and Anthony played by Brandon Fisher were wonderful. These two invigorated the audience with their love and dreams of hope in their being together. A small role that stood out was the beggar woman who quickly became one of my favorite characters. Samantha Shatley was phenomenal with her begging and her suggested sexual invitations. D. Laureen Pickle obviously shared her experiences and expertise in directing this massive production. The sets, costumes, hair, make-up, props, back stage crew, program editor, lighting, and sound were phenomenal allowing the audience to view a production with seamless problems so that the audience directed all their attention to the stage. Supporting the cast was a wonderful orchestra with many keyboards being played by Laurel Andersen Mack, Victory Sedlacek, Kay Johnson, D. Laureen Pickle along with Janet Ratekin Williams and Kristine Wolfe playing woodwinds and Therese Laux on percussion. Also as assistant director, Mark Reid, stage manager Jamie Jarecki and technical director Michael Taylor Stewart were wonderful in their support of the cast. Everything moved as if one person was narrating the story into a spellbinding thriller surrounded by music. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will continue at Chanticleer Theater located at 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs through March 20th at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The price of the tickets for adults is $20, $16 for seniors over 60 years of age and $10 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets contact the box office at 712-323-9955 or through their website at www.chanticleertheater.com For a wonderful and creative show exhibiting the great talented musicians or for a mysterious tale of urban legend or just an enjoyable, fun performance go see Sweeney Todd. This show of dark humor with phenomenal music is a must-see for everyone. Posted by Teri Davis at 7:26 AM Reactions: No comments:Sunday, February 21, 2016Just Needs Killin'Just Needs Killin' A Hetta Coffey Mystery Book Six Jinx Schwartz Create Space Publishing 2014 ISBN: 978-15002295370 Trade Paperback $ 13.99 325 Pages 'Let me see if I have this straight. You agreed to meet some Japanese guy at a ritzy resort tonight, and attend a party with him in return for him funding your boyfriend's treasure expedition in Magdalena Bay?' 'It's not a tryst. Ishi just wants a, uh, well...someone by his side, like, you know, a hostess.' Hetta is the type of person most of us would be honored to know. She's smart, almost too smart. She firmly believes in doing whatever is needed to be safe and to help her friends in any and every way possible. She is the type of person we all would love to know but you might want to keep your distance. Hetta has a magnetic attraction to danger. She always seems to be at the wrong places at the wrong times. In this adventure, what could possibly go wrong? Hetta has been anchored her yacht in Mexico's Sea of Cortez. She is currently in Puerto Escondido when her gorgeous best friend, Jan who has arranged for the two of them to attend to a party at a luxury hotel. So for one night, these two ladies get to lead a glamorous life. Yacht? Don't worry, this is Hetta's boat. She keeps it fairly banged-up with being in need of paint. Most people are not attracted to beaten-up yachts in good-working order. They expect yacht to be sleek and shiny. She also has a watchdog, Po Thang who is her constant boat mate. The idea of living the life of luxury for a night is exciting. Jan looks like a model and easily attracts attention. Being loyal to her boyfriend, Hetta and her have an understanding to prevent either of them from getting into trouble. This party is at an elaborate resort. The two hope to meet a particular Japanese executive with the hopes to obtain funding for a treasure expedition in Magdalene Bay. All seems to be going smoothly until they happen to discover the executive's head. Yes, he was decapitated. What do you do when you are in over head and don't want to lose your head? You take pictures. Pictures are the perfect evidence that might be needed in the future. Little does she know that this little action will cause her many problems including having her dog and aunt kidnapped. Realistically, she really only wants her dog returned, not her aunt. However, it is a package deal. Jinx Schwarz written nine books with this being the sixth mystery featuring Hetta Coffey who seems to be the author's alter-ego. Like Hetta, she travels around the world on her yacht. Hetta novels are fun. The intended audience is middle-aged women, most-likely those with empty nests. The characters are realistic and really do not look for trouble. Trouble just seems to find Hetta and her friends. The novels are all well-organized and fast-paced. Everyone needs a fun read occasionally. Read any of Jinx's Hetta novels, especially Just Needs Killin'. Posted by Teri Davis at 6:48 PM Reactions: No comments:Jump CutJump Cut Libby Fischer Hellmann The Red Herrings Press Chicago, Illinois ISBN: 978-1-464205-19-4 2016 According to Wikipedia, "A jump cut is a cut in film editing in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly. This type of edit gives the effect of jumping forward in time." So how could a novel entitled Jump Cut incorporate murder, spying, terrorism, bombing, kidnapping and film editing? Ask author Libby Fischer Hellman about her newest novel.Jump Cut continues the story of Ellie Foreman as the protagonist who seems to attract trouble. She has the natural ability of being in the wrong place at the most inconvenient times. Ellie is a video producer who is hired by companies to create promotional material. In this story, the company is Delcroft Aviation. They specialize in drone technology, specifically ant-drone technology creating a method to stop the drones sent to various places to spy and attack throughout the world. The video is to present a positive social image to the public of this company that lives their day-to-day life in governmental and military secrets. Delcroft fires Ellie and her company once they view the initial video. The new vice-president and director of engineering, Charlotte Hollander angrily lashes out at Ellie once she sees one particular person in this video. What is the importance of this person? Why can't they just edit out this person? Ellie is especially curious when the object of trouble appears to have jumped in front of an on-coming train. Or were they pushed? Ellie cannot resist investigating. Strangely Charlotte now wants to meet with Ellie. Why? What does she really want? Why fire someone and then ask to meet them in a restaurant? In many of Libby Fischer Hellman's novels, the reader is privileged to learn lessons. In this particular one, the idea of terrorism is evidently apparent depending on whose perspective you are considering. What is terrorism can depend on your heritage, education and values and which side you are supporting? What if you discover that your country is attacking innocent civilians through the use of drones. An added treasure in Jump Cut is the short discussion of the Uyghur people who live in China. These people are truly a mix of continent with both European and Asian blood and a feeling of not belonging. Another issue which is also a concern is the lack of technological privacy and a few helpful hints for the everyday person who values their computer information with technology that is constantly changing. Libby Fischer Hellman has lived in the Chicago area for over thirty-five years. This novel is the fifth installment in her Ellie Foreman series. She has also written three separate historical fiction novels as well as another series of four volumes featuring Georgia Davis. I thoroughly enjoy these novels. The pace is quick with constant action, sometimes almost too much for the protagonist, Ellie. She has to be exhausted by the last page. These novels are not dependent on having read the previous novels but I believe the story is more enjoyable if you understand a little of the past of Ellie's family and friends.Jump Cut is a great novel for everyone to read dealing with the real issues in today's news surrounding a logical fast-paced mystery that keeps the reader completely enthralled until the very last word. Posted by Teri Davis at 6:10 PM Reactions: No comments:Older Posts HomeSubscribe to: Posts (Atom)About MeMy PhotoTeri DavisView my complete profileBlog Archive ▼ 2016 (15) ▼ April (1) Mail-Order Kid ► March (2) ► February (6) ► January (6) ► 2015 (62) ► 2014 (86) ► 2013 (107) ► 2012 (107) ► 2011 (78) ► 2010 (60) ► 2009 (171)FollowersSimple template. Powered by Blogger.Mail-Order KidMarilyn June Coffey"out West" PressOmaha, NebraskaISBN: 978-0-9626317-2-62010$ 15.95264 pagesFrom the years of 1854 to 1929 many children left their homes in New York City to become a son or a daughter to a new family somewhere in our country. Naturally the hope was to be adopted by a loving family. The name for this movement was usually through by train. This became known as the orphan train.Like all children, some were fortunate and loved by their new families. However some of these children had horrific experiences, being beaten and even slaves to their adopted family. Probably most of these orphaned and unwanted children lived with families that were somewhere between these two extremes.Teresa Martin was three-years-old when she became a passenger of the Orphan Train. Having lived in the orphanage for awhile, she never really knew the identity of her parents but relied on the nurturing nuns who had so far mothered her. They sent her away with the hopes of a better life. Although very young, she remembered many impressionable events from her life in the convent. These were her earliest memories, never knowing her parents but fond thoughts of loving nuns who favored, mothered and truly loved her.Unfortunately for Teresa, she was assigned to a German family in Kansas. This petite, dark-haired, olive-skinned beauty did not easily fit into the life of two older adults who had grown children. She did not speak German and they did not speak English. Living with a different language and customs was difficult for Teresa who truly felt that she did not belong. Fortunately she befriended a German priest who nurtured her while also teaching her the language of her new life. Even though she lived in the U.S.A., English was not the preferred language of this town.Teresa lived with this family who fed, sheltered and clothed her. However her new parents were not affectionate or loving. Their relationship was always strained which resulted in her being sexually abused and even whipped.Later as an adult, Teresa frequently still felt isolated and unconnected resulting in her search for who were her parents. Who was she? What happened to her parents? Why?Author Marilyn Coffey was relocating to Nebraska after spending thirty years in New York, She decided to become a speaker for the state humanities council but she needed a specialty, a unique topic. Someone mentioned the orphan trains and she immediately discounted the thought. Who would put orphans on trains and send them to unknown destinations?Surprisingly as she began to research this topic, she was surprised to discover that more than half of these children actually were not orphans but had at least one parent with one quarter of them having both parents. So why?Marilyn Coffey was hooked. The topic was fascinating. She searched for an actual orphan train survivor but most were elderly or deceased. While lecturing about the orphan train, she received a letter from an actual orphan train rider who asked about why she had no first hand experiences.This led to an unusual friendship that became this biography.Mail-Order Kid is the product of this phenomenal friendship allowing the readers to become a part of this historical and memorable experience combining Teresa's life story with Marilyn's writing gifts.This collaboration is an enthralling biography capturing the past into a loving and reflective novel between Marilyn Coffey and Teresa Martin.This book is for everyone to read, reflect, learn, and enjoy.Reviews by TeriI’m not a writer, but I am a reader. Reading books is part of who I am and what I believe. I truly believe that anyone who can read should read everyday. Everyone should - - Just read! Teri DavisSunday, April 10, 2016Mail-Order KidMail-Order Kid Marilyn June Coffey "out West" Press Omaha, Nebraska ISBN: 978-0-9626317-2-6 2010 $ 15.95 264 pages From the years of 1854 to 1929 many children left their homes in New York City to become a son or a daughter to a new family somewhere in our country. Naturally the hope was to be adopted by a loving family. The name for this movement was usually through by train. This became known as the orphan train. Like all children, some were fortunate and loved by their new families. However some of these children had horrific experiences, being beaten and even slaves to their adopted family. Probably most of these orphaned and unwanted children lived with families that were somewhere between these two extremes. Teresa Martin was three-years-old when she became a passenger of the Orphan Train. Having lived in the orphanage for awhile, she never really knew the identity of her parents but relied on the nurturing nuns who had so far mothered her. They sent her away with the hopes of a better life. Although very young, she remembered many impressionable events from her life in the convent. These were her earliest memories, never knowing her parents but fond thoughts of loving nuns who favored, mothered and truly loved her. Unfortunately for Teresa, she was assigned to a German family in Kansas. This petite, dark-haired, olive-skinned beauty did not easily fit into the life of two older adults who had grown children. She did not speak German and they did not speak English. Living with a different language and customs was difficult for Teresa who truly felt that she did not belong. Fortunately she befriended a German priest who nurtured her while also teaching her the language of her new life. Even though she lived in the U.S.A., English was not the preferred language of this town. Teresa lived with this family who fed, sheltered and clothed her. However her new parents were not affectionate or loving. Their relationship was always strained which resulted in her being sexually abused and even whipped. Later as an adult, Teresa frequently still felt isolated and unconnected resulting in her search for who were her parents. Who was she? What happened to her parents? Why? Author Marilyn Coffey was relocating to Nebraska after spending thirty years in New York, She decided to become a speaker for the state humanities council but she needed a specialty, a unique topic. Someone mentioned the orphan trains and she immediately discounted the thought. Who would put orphans on trains and send them to unknown destinations? Surprisingly as she began to research this topic, she was surprised to discover that more than half of these children actually were not orphans but had at least one parent with one quarter of them having both parents. So why? Marilyn Coffey was hooked. The topic was fascinating. She searched for an actual orphan train survivor but most were elderly or deceased. While lecturing about the orphan train, she received a letter from an actual orphan train rider who asked about why she had no first hand experiences. This led to an unusual friendship that became this biography. Mail-Order Kid is the product of this phenomenal friendship allowing the readers to become a part of this historical and memorable experience combining Teresa's life story with Marilyn's writing gifts. This collaboration is an enthralling biography capturing the past into a loving and reflective novel between Marilyn Coffey and Teresa Martin. This book is for everyone to read, reflect, learn, and enjoy. Posted by Teri Davis at 6:03 PM Reactions: No comments:Monday, March 14, 2016Caroline, or Change Once in a while I see a show that literally "blows-me-away". That is the case of "Caroline, or Change" which is currently playing at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Combining great music, phenomenal performances by extremely talented singers and actors with inspired direction and support staff makes this a memorable show discussing the social changes of the 1960s. "Caroline, or Change" is about a black-maid, Caroline portrayed by Echelle Childers.. She works for a Jewish family in Lake Charles, Louisiana during 1963. This household has a father, a step-mother and an eight-year-old boy. The father, Stuart Gellman works as a professional musician playing the clarinet. He is still grieving over the death of his wife who died of cancer even though he has remarried. The step-mother, Rose was a close friend of his wife. She is frustrated by her new life. Rose who previously lived in New York. The Southern life is new to her. Added to that, she realizes that her husband is still grieving and withdrawn. To further complicate life is Noah, the eight-year-old son. Rose feels as if she is hated by him. This eight-year-old is also grieving. Life has changed since his mother's death and the only consistency in his young life is the family maid. Caroline works in the newly in the basement in this house below sea level. Her daily life consists of a special relationship with the washing machine, dryer and sharing a cigarette with the 8-year-old Noah. Caroline has enough problems of her own being a divorced mother with four children of which the oldest is serving in Viet