The Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell

Hilariously funny and satirically satisfying, Josh Kilmer-Purcell regales us again with a memoir of how two Manhattan Socialites give up the big city of New York for the 200 year old historical Beekman Mansion. Self described as an unconventional memoir perfectly titled as The Bucolic Plague; we follow Josh and his partner Brent as they navigate through Goat farming, a vegetable garden and the tyrannical demands of one Martha Stewart to become Gentlemen Farmers.


“Easy living” as described the world over through the looking glass of OmniMedia, both Josh and Brent discover that the demands between weekends at the farm and work in the big city is not as easy as two educated elites first thought. One part Green Acres and two parts Eva Gabor, the laugh-out-loud story of how Josh and Brent go from rubbing elbows with New York’s snobbish high society, to scooping out chicken coops and 3 feet thick hay and manure leaves you not only wanting, but also considering starting a farm of your own.

Brilliantly written, this manicured memoir reeks of charm, taste and down home Mid-Westerner sarcasm. A must read.

5 JAGS

Vampire Vow by Michael Schiefelbein

Excellent writing and fresh approach to the vampire myth, Vampire Vow has a poor story line. This dark tale is about Victor Decimus, a former Roman official turned vampire, who stalks the followers of the Christian faith because he was rejected by Jesus Christ. Forever to quench his blood lust, he allies himself the perfect cover by pretending to be a monk of the Catholic Church spanning 2 millennium.


Reads like soft porn and a B-rated movie. Horrible book, don’t waste your time purchasing, new or used. I suggest if you are a fan of occult fiction, steal it from a friend, or wait till someone throws it out with the trash.

Won’t even dignify a JAG rating.

Agent X by Noah Boyd

The second installment of the of the Steve Vail series who was first introduce in the book The Bricklayer. Agent X opens up with the failed attempted murder of FBI Assistant Director Kate Bannon, after a Russian Embassy Spy known only as Calculus goes missing. Steve Vail, former FBI agent turned bricklayer, is once again drawn back into the Bureau-this time on the hunt of Calculus and the ring of double agents threatening to disable American Intelligence agencies.


A fast paced page turner, Noah Boyd spins a tale of espionage between the US and its former Cold War rival Russia, in a thrill ride that only Noah Boyd can conjure up. The real life fiction of the tools of the trade makes a heart thumping, white-knuckle thriller that surprises after every turn.

The character of Steve Vail is and will be the new, Jack Ryan, with a Sherlock Holmes flair.

4 JAGS

Google AdSense for Dummies by Jerri Ledford

This book is a helpful tool in using Google AdSense for your website or blog. Most of the information is easy to understand, but tends to be lengthy in parts and seems to have no bearing on the topic at hand. This resource explains the function, step up, terms and placement of your Google Ads so that can earn extra revenue with your site or blog.


More stress should be given to the legality, terms and agreements Google expects from you to use this feature. A familiar working knowledge of Google, their products and minor web design is required. This is an essential tool for first time user as well as the veteran who needs to fine tune their website. Included is a $25 gift voucher for another one of Google’s products called AdWords. This is a recommended read for everyone interested in utilizing the web to make money online.

3 ½ JAGS

Google Blogger for Dummies by Susan Gunelius

Google Blogger for Dummies is a quick and easy guide to help navigate through the blogger site. This reference book is better left on the shelf than parting with 20 bucks to purchase new. There are helpful tips and insight to better explain some of the technical jargon, but most, if not all information, could be found free online. There is nothing noteworthy about this reference guide that cannot be learned through trial and error. The cheat sheet provided in the front cover gives all the necessary info if you are already familiar with the blogger program.


Not worth the $20 bucks purchasing new, or the $10.00 used. Readers would be better off taking a note book to your local bookstore, sit down and page through the desired sections and take notes. Even the less seasoned blogger is better off familiarizing themselves with online searches than purchasing this book. If you can get it free, great, otherwise, leave this book on the shelf.

½ JAG

Citizen Washington by William Martin

William Martin’s perfect combination of Historical fact and fiction tells the tale of our first President George Washington and his rise to power through the eyes of the people closest to him. This is a story of Christopher Draper, a young writer with no prospects, who joins his Uncles newspaper after the death of Washington-only to be sent on a journey that will forever change him. He will have the opportunity to witness and record the rise of one man’s journey to greatness.


Williams invites you to imagine a New World where a fragile new ideal to govern its people is emerging and people fraught with sadness and uncertainty by the death of the president pushes towards a rebellion. Told through the eyes of Indians, Slaves, friends and some unlikely allies, the Iconic persona of what the man Washington has become for our National identity, is told with a more humble approach. Citizen Washington is a masterfully written story about how one’s mans rise to push the status quo and inspire a nation to commit to living up to an ideal by the same experiences that shaped him- a world where our first president was born.

4 Jags

Holes by Louis Sachar

Awarded the 1999 Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, Louis Sachar’s dark and humorous story of a Stanley Yelnats, is a perfect summer read for a pre-teen adult. The Yelnats family believes they are under an age ole curse that has plagued their family for generations. Stanley has been unjustly punished and now has to attend a detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys must spend all days in the summer heat building character by digging holes.


Stanley learns quickly that the hierarchy of the boys is the least of his worries. They are digging holes because the Warden of Camp Green Lake is looking for something that might spell disaster for Stanley, or might be the saving grace to help the Yelnats family finally rid them of a curse that seems all too real.

Excellent read for a young adult, as well as to be read and shared.

3 jags

The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan

Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife is a beautifully written tale of a Mother’s love for her daughter and the secrets that must be shared for both of their hearts to heal. Set in post communist China, the story is about Winnie Tans triumphant journey across a war torn country and eventually into the United States.  A riveting narrative of a courageous woman and the bond she shares with her daughter. Amy Tans transforms this personal journey of culture to enlighten the reader to the power that unites Mothers and daughters of all walks of life. 

Amy Tan’s distinctive voice captivates an audience, allowing the reader to walk along side Winnie Tan as she embarks on the hardships of her life that transcends pain into power that she instills into her daughter. A must read for everyone.

5 jags

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Deeply disturbing and uplifting, this story is about the power of love, betrayal and redemption set in the back drop of post WWII Germany-this story is a definite read for everyone.  Originally featured on Oprah’s book club, this tale of a young man’s seduction by an older woman is a timeless tale of compassion and ultimately betrayal by the woman he loves.

Accused, tried and convicted of crimes against humanity after Nazi occupation, Hanna, the woman who Michael Berg has fallen in love with, has forever changed the way he will value his self worth as he stumbles through life trying to understand the secrets that she had kept from him. Michael’s reluctance to move forward takes him to being a spectator at Hanna’s trial as well as historic concentration work camps as he battles internally the sadness at being left behind by the one woman he truly loves.

Beautifully written with a simple and direct way to explain the trials of love, horror and ultimately the redemption we all feel as we learn to let go to the ones who imprint upon us, what love has the potential of becoming.

4 jags