Category Archives: Book Store

Cuba, Lost and Found: A Poignant True Story of Life Before & After The Revolution

Edward Neyra’s true life story as told in ‘Cuba, Lost and Found,’ captures the reader’s heart and soul as if held captive by the revolution itself.  It touches the child within us all, who often feels abandoned and alone, and the consequences of such feelings later in life.  Mr. Neyra has the rare ability to tell his story with childlike simplicity and clarity as he tackles the complex emotional ramifications of being taken from his home and parents at the age of eleven.  As his story unfolds, the reader is gently educated on the history of Cuba, including Operation Pedro Pan, which, from December 1960 to October 1962, evacuated more than fourteen thousand Cuban youths to the United States, and was the largest recorded exodus of unaccompanied minors in the Western Hemisphere.

The book begins as Mr. Neyra’s describes his carefree life in Cuba as a child.  Being a member of a prominent family, Mr. Neyra was well-loved, cared for, and indulged by various family members.  This love and concern, however, is what also leads to the separation from his beloved family when they send him, his sister and cousin to the United States to avoid communist indoctrination.  He and his sister end up living with family friends in Cincinnati, where he excels in school, becomes a wealthy businessman, and raises a strong family of his own.

The most interesting parts of the story are the vivid descriptions of the places in Cuba where Mr. Neyra lived as a child as they were at the time of his childhood, and as they were when he returned on numerous trips beginning about 40 years later.  In an effort to regain the feeling of belonging he lost as a child, he traces his family lineage in Cuba and uncovers some surprises, and later finds he is the descendent of a King while exploring his ancestry in Spain.

Although his story of facing and overcoming childhood traumas is a common story, what makes his account so special is the unusual setting and clarity, humor, courage, and overall success of the character.  One cannot read ‘Cuba, Lost and Found’ without becoming more courageous, honest and hopeful about one’s life.  It may be a story about a boy who was forced to grow up too fast because of political instability, but it’s also about hope in the human condition.  His story reminds us that the small voice within us, often frightened and overlooked, is the voice that can ultimately heal us, allowing us to live fully and make our dreams come true.

 

 

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‘Spartacus Sprout, Please Watch Out!’ Interactive rhyming children’s book.

This book contains three rhyming stories of the original character Spartacus Sprout who lives in a magical world of vines. His curiosity gets the better of him when he catches a ride from a giant bird, tries to out-shine the school star, and tries to save the town from being washed away in a storm. They are humorous and fun to read, designed to appeal to a culturally diverse audience.   Third grade teacher Amy Swen, M.Ed. said, “I am always striving to find materials that focus on character education which include consideration, cooperation, concentration, courage and caring. Spartacus exemplifies all of the characteristics. The class thoroughly enjoyed it.”  Available in paperback or to download from lulu.com.

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‘Diplomatic Deceipt,’ thriller set in Brussels, Belgium

After 25 years of calm predictable married life with husband George, Linda is driven to go to a last minute school reunion in Brussels in hopes of finding out what happened to a long lost love and get to the bottom of why her diplomat father was killed. She uncovers much more than she bargained for and barely escapes with her life as she finds answers to her questions and faces off in an unbelievable surprise ending.

It is written in a fast, yet detailed pace that makes it impossible to put down.  The perfect mystery for a quiet read poolside or fireside.

Easy download for the Nook, iPad, iPod, or laptop. Just $1.99 from lulu.com.

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