NAUTICAL MILE
P U B L I C A T I O N S
The Objector
I have chosen a novel "The Objector" by John Mills as my initial book review because I was thoroughly entertained while recently reading it. John impressed me with his knowledge of the Ft Myers area of Southwest Florida, both land and sea. Probably because he is a fifth generation native of Ft Myers, Florida and grew up fishing the waters of Pine Island Sound, which is still his favorite hobby.
John Mills is also a seasoned criminal defense and personal injury attorney who started his legal career as a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Ft Myers and began his private practice in 1990. The key figure in this murder mystery is an attorney known as "The Objector". He becomes easy to despise and it continues to grow as the story is told. The author uses his expertise to give the reader a true feel for the legal technicalities as well as aspects of the crime and the investigation.
This murder mystery story begins with a quick start during a Snook fishing tournament being held out of the historic Cabbage Key Inn. Cabbage Key is a remote outer island facing Pine Island Sound with acres of tropical vegetation surrounding the restaurant, Inn and cottages. There are no cars there, not even a paved road. A great place for a fishing tourney, offering cheeseburgers in paradise and the famous Dollar Bill Bar where fishing teams can top off their day of fishing. Tarpon Lodge, sister resort plays an interesting part in the story and happens to be one of my favorite spots.
The adventures of detective Doug Shearer and his gorgeous girlfriend Chana keep you reading this one from the beginning to the end, with many surprises throughout. You can't help but cheer for Doug Shearer in so many ways. How the author weaves romance, human interest and intrigue in this tale shows a great deal of imagination that is very realistic. Although the people are fictitious, the places are real (even the fishing spots), but used fictitiously.
You will enjoy this book which is easy reading and it will keep your interest throughout. I'm sure you will hear from this author in the future. You can obtain the book at www.amazon.com .
Top of Page
Every Day is Saturday
A true Sanibel Island story by Captain Bob Sabatino! This book is a true grass roots story of the life of a fisherman from the inner city to an Island paradise and his many experiences that will bring both tears as well as laughter to the reader.
When you can't put a book down until the last page is read, you know that it was an enjoyment to read. Captain Sabatino is an unforgettable character who is an exceptional fisherman and has had a memorable life.
Sanibel Island is primarily the back drop of this story of life as well as a history of the Island paradise and some of the people that have left an indelible mark on it. In a very short time the Island has shown many faces of change from being reached only by boat to a second new causeway bridge that jumps from mainland to a couple of spoil islands to Sanibel. Today as you drive over the bridge it gives one the feeling of being in the Florida keys, over looking blue waters with Dolphin breaking the water surface & swaying palm trees.
I was lucky to have been on Sanibel in the early seventies, but wish I had the opportunity to have been there in the earlier days like Bob was. Although the changes are obvious, it still is a very beautiful place to be. The waters around it and sister island Captiva are home to a wealth of excellent salt water fishing.
Captain Bob made himself into a master guide to many visitors, who caught trophy fish such as giant Snook and Tarpon among other species. They were also thoroughly entertained by a very personable guy who relates to a diversified group of people. Being a fishing guide is not a profession that will make a man rich monetarily, but will in many other ways. Bob was able to support his family along with some of his other ventures like running a marina, a restaurant, selling key limes from a key lime grove, as well as working for the Captiva fire department.
Captain Sabatino began his life on the water serving time in the US Coast Guard and he fought some bouts with sea sickness before securing duty on a buoy tender and then on the Inter-coastal waterway in southern Florida. Being quite a ladies man Bob enjoyed being around Ft Lauderdale and Miami. He settled in Sanibel after marrying a girl he met in the Keys while on duty with the USCG. Her father lived in Sanibel and after visiting there, Bob knew that it was where he wanted to spend his life. Anyone who has any relationship with Sanibel, probably will recognize some of the places and names made reference to in the book.
The love of being on the water, spending time helping people to enjoy catching fish and getting paid for it comes through in the pages of this book. It's a love of labor that is shared by Bob's writing. It's easy reading as you flow through the years of experience by this very talented man.
The Last Pirate
The Last Pirate is an adventure story, about a boy who searches for a pirate treasure and discovers it, along with some of life's most valuable lessons. This adventure is good reading for the young and young at heart. It takes place in the outer islands of southwest Florida during summer school vacation, which also happens to be hurricane season. The story has a Huck Finn touch to it.
The principle character is a young man named Harley Copper. While spending high school vacation fishing for Blue Crabs with his dog Hammerhead a very smart black Lab at his side, he becomes a pirate treasure hunter. He is a mature teenager who lives with his single mom & sister in a trailer on Pine Island and helps the family make ends meet by selling his blue crab catches. The small community has its share of interesting characters. One is his old hermit friend Salt, who tells him many stories about the pirates that once roamed the area plays a pivotal part in his life.
Harley ran a crabbing boat named White Stripe, that he had salvaged after his lazy estranged father had left it for scrap. He loved to run through the waters of Pine Island Sound, surrounded by the beautiful outer Islands of, Captiva, Caya Costa, Gasperilla and Useppa, a privately owned island. In the early eighteen hundreds Gasperilla Island was known as a Pirate haven according to Salt's little ditty stories, as he called them.
Life stepped it up a notch when Harley found a pirate's map in a bottle in one of his crab traps and dreams of gold doubloons overtook his every thought. It was very old looking with writing in Spanish, naming islands, as well as other details such as an X that marked the treasure location. He called on his friend Salt to help him decipher the map, as Salt seemed to know a lot about pirates and read Spanish. Salt lived on Caya Costa and Harley had spent much time on the Island, where they teamed up for the treasure search. Caya Costa is a very remote island with it's beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. It is mostly state park land used by campers and day trippers shelling the beach. It is also filled with wildlife, such as feral hogs, gators and raccoons.
As many teenagers, Harley had his relationships with friends and foes alike. His mom tried to steer him in the right direction and actually had done a commendable job under a very difficult situation. He shows a very high standard of morals for his young age and also enjoys having a fun time with his friends.
The yarn takes many turns, as Harley and his friends battle a cat 4 hurricane in a fight for survival. The author was able to give the reader a feeling of being there in the middle of all the action, keeping the reader on edge to find what will happen next. The Last Pirate makes for a good read which I enjoyed and I've got a feeling that you haven't heard the end of Harley & Salt.
Wilson Hawthorne, the author, is a very well rounded, talented guy who lives in Cape Coral and knows the islands that he wrote about, as well as having knowledge of Pirates and their treasures. He also has a true insight into the welfare of young people and the importance of their reading at a young age. Again he has first hand knowledge, having five children of his own. This author has a lot to offer, in a very entertaining and educational way.
"Lee County Islands" authored by Mary Kay Stevens is a grand historical documentary, highlighted by a collection of exceptional photos of the past. It is one of the many Images of America series published by Arcadia publishing, the leading local history publisher in the United States. As one travels through the airports of this country, there are usually displays of Arcadia's Images of America, that reflect the local area.
Lee County is located in the heart of Southwest Florida and is surrounded by many Islands of all sizes and shapes, which have unique historical stories to tell. The history goes back as far as 500BC when the famed Calusa Indians inhabited many of the islands, through the days that the Spaniard Juan Ponce De Leon explored the area, and times when legendary pirates called them home.
Today, much of the natural beauty has been preserved for current day visitors and residents to enjoy. They are some of the most pristine tropical Islands in North America. Pine Island is one of the largest, including the Key West like Matlacha. Sanibel may be the best known to tourists for it's shelling, as well as the outer Islands of Captiva, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla being more remote slender stretches along the Gulf of Mexico with beautiful sandy beaches. Estero Island, home of Ft Myers Beach, crowds with tourists and spring breakers through the winter months, offering many restaurants and a great fishing pier. Pine Island sound hosts private island Useppa which has a rich history that is reflected in it's Historical Society's Museum, as well as Cabbage Key that boasts, being the place that Jimmy Buffet penned his hit song "Cheeseburger in Paradise".
One of the single largest draws to these Islands going back into the 1800's is the Tarpon fishing. Tarpon also known as the Silver King has had an allure to the rich and famous through the years, continuing to today. The best known Tarpon area in the world is Boca Grande Pass running between Gasparilla and Cayo Costa Islands. Every May through July the huge Tarpon migrate along the coast of Southwest Florida, just like clockwork. It is very entertaining, just watching the many fishing boats that drift the pass, fighting this great sport fish. Sometimes they actually leap out of the water and bang up against the sides of some of the fishing boats. Saltwater fishing in the area is very diverse for many species, which throughout the years has provided a livelihood for many residents and provided great seafood meals for all.
I love old photos, as they tell such a big part of stories and are preserved forever. Mary Kay deftly placed the photos in her book, flowing along with her writing. She was able to capture stories of generations of families that continue their lives as residents of the Lee County Islands and those to come back to their roots to visit from time to time. Her being a teacher for many years in the Lee county school system, receiveing the teacher of the year award 1997, as well as the golden apple award winner gave her the perfect background to continue teaching in the historical book series. Mary Kaye and her family reside in St James City on Pine Island and have been in this area since 1972. Her and her husband were school sweethearts in Mitchell, S. Dakota, before marrying & eventually settleing in Southwest Florida.
"Lee County Islands" is Mary Kaye Stevens second book in the Images of America Series, following "Pine Island". I look forward to more of her work. History portrayed in "Lee County Islands" in a very enjoyable read and is entertaining, as well as informative to residents and visitors alike. There are tidbits from all the Islands and the people who inhabited them. I highly recommend it.
The Manatee Murders
Manatees are a very controversial topic in S.W. Florida that have divided many of the residents, as well as visitors. Manatees are often referred to as sea cows, as they somewhat resemble a cow. They are a large slow moving hulking animal that grazes primarily on sea grasses. Also, often they are in multiple groups including calfs. The warm waters of S.W. Florida is an ideal place for them to take up residence. as they originally came from the West Indies.
John Mills in his work of fiction "The Manatee Murders" a murder mystery, created a interesting twist to this controversial topic. When people have emotional feelings running in opposite directions it sets the stage for some outrageous actions & this book sure displays that. Keep in mind that this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
The opposing views are, on one side the desire to protect these docile animals vs. the people whose waterways have been seriously restricted effecting their ability to enjoy recreational boating, as well harming some commercial people's ability to earn a living. The Manatee protectors, who are concerned with boats striking them, have succeeded in practically shutting down many waterways with motor free and slow speed zones primarily setup by the federal government in conjunction with local & state government agencies.
Detective Doug Shearer of the Lee co. sheriff's department, Mill's often present character again plays a large role in this case and as usual mixing his interesting, to say the least, personal life with his law enforcement duties. Doug seems to get most of the controversial cases and because he was born and brought up in the area he knows many of the participants. He does a great job of detective work to usually get his suspect, putting aside many of his long relationships. This one turns the local community in many directions right from beginning.
Doug has a way with the many ladies in his life and is always getting himself in predicaments. They're usually beautiful, sexy and have problems. The story does an interesting job of mixing his love life with his career as a law enforcement officer.
Sanibel Island and the waters of Pine Island Sound is the back drop of the Manatee Murders. Manatees are plentiful in this area and the inter-coastal waters way cuts through the area. The waters are fertile with grass beds, crabs and fish. This all attracts many boaters for various reasons and when all these come together conflict can arise.
The plot of the book flows quickly, keeping the reader's interest to the very end as it takes many twists and turns. It seems to be an off the wall reaction to accomplish ones end as it brings together the some interesting characters. As a murder mystery it ranks very highly for me as being a unique approach to a very real concern to many people. The reader will be on the edge right to the very end. I thank Mr Mills for this fun, enjoyable read and hope he keeps them coming.
Lone Survivor
"Lone Survivor" was written by United States Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and is a true account of his experiences in Afghanistan. Marcus was raised in a small town in Texas along with his twin brother Morgan and they both were very physically active. Their parents owned a horse farm, which gave them plenty of space to roam & activities that groomed them into very strong hard working, well conditioned young men.
Marcus desired to become a Navy Seal from an early age and took some training from a neighbor friend that was retired from the seals. That gave Marcus a head start in preparing for the vigorous training that he would face in boot camp in San Diego. Navy Seals are the best trained armed forces in the world and are very special, talented people, who are totally dedicated to their country. Basic training has a group of experienced staff that push candidates to the limit both physically & mentally. Consequently a high percentage drop out before completing the months of training, leaving only the cream of the crop who are prepared to face all adversities. As you read about the routines that the seals are faced with in training, you can almost feel the pain. My experience in Basic training in the Air Force gave me an idea what they were going through, only probably ten fold.
As all of us know the war against terrorism in Afghanistan has been raging since shortly after September 11, 2001. In 2005 Marcus was assigned to a Navy Seal group on the Pakistani border who were responsible for very dangerous missions of killing or capturing al Qaeda leaders. The seals work mostly in small groups penetrating Taliban strong holds in a stealth manner. They are prepared to work as a team to destroy the enemy.
On a late night in June 2005 Marcus Luttrell was the leader of four Navy Seals with the specific mission to find a notorious al Qaeda leader. The next 24 hours would prove to be one of the most ferociously fought battles in Navy seal history. Luttrell recalled the vicious fighting that him and his teammates faced, as they used every bit of their skill, discipline and desire to fight off hundreds of Taliban murderous cutthroats that desired to slaughter them.
The seals due to the liberal media and democratic political community are forced to fight behind enemy lines with tremendous restrictions. Despite that, they serve the US government, no matter what it takes. As I read the book it turned my stomach to think that our own people would subject our protectors to such adversities, and not let them fully protect themselves. As the battle continued that night in June, our seals were wounded and cut to shreds, being out numbered as bad as they were and it brought tears to my eyes. They did not go down without killing great numbers of these terrorists. It was a true example of extreme heroism and left the lone survivor Marcus Luttrell, which was a miracle. While reading through the pages of the battle and the impossible odds of survival it was a emotional experience.
As the search was on for the navy seals by air, it was almost impossible and so difficult to find them in the mountainous area. The crede of the seals is to never leave a comrade behind, no matter what. Word got back to Marcus's parents and friends in Texas that his group was missing in action and after a period of time it seemed almost hopeless that there would be any survivors, but due to some unlikely help by the very people that we were trying aid, a lone survivor would emerge. Many supporters gathered at the Luttrell ranch for days until the word of his survival arrived to their jubilation.
This true story of great adversity gives the reader an inside view of the valiant efforts made by young Americans to protect the freedoms of our country, many whom have given their lives. Please let it help the liberals who have made it so much more difficult for us to survive in this war against terrorism to see their mistakes and change.
"LONE SURVIVOR" is a good read that will reach most inner emotions of love for family, country and the despairs of war.
Dead Silence
"Dead Silence" is my first Randy Wayne White read. Randy being from the southwest Florida area and so familiar with all the islands and water areas make it more interesting for me having a similar background, being able to relate to his stories.
Doc Ford is the primary character in this book, as he has been in most of White's books, although here he has wandered to New York and the Hampton's on Long Island. Doc is an adventurer with a totally interesting background, with friends and acquaintances who have as well. The story line also covers activities that take place in Havana, as well as Minnesota. It is an action thriller that keeps you turning the pages searching for whatever is going happen next.
The main story line involves a kidnapping demanding a ransom of secret documents having belonged to Castro. There are many side stories going on pushing and pulling Doc Ford in different directions as he is trying to solve the mystery and at the same time dealing with other personnel problems that he is facing.
While dealing with some of the participants in the Hampton's, it comes out that they are members of the Skull and Crossbones society, which has members that are Yale university grads and are very highly regarded people in the country, including past presidents. From my many years of fishing in the Thousand Islands on the St Lawrence River, I am familiar with Deer Island which I fished around many times and is owned by the Skull and Crossbones society, used only by them and their guests. I had many interesting experiences around Deer Island. This association is a very secretive group.
The kidnappers were absolutely ruthless and Doc Ford needed every bit of his cunning experience to overcome their plot. Ford was working against a time line to save the victim from a horrible death. This victim, a young native American would not succumb as easily as most, which would make a huge difference. The outcome keeps you on the edge to the very conclusion.
It was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading many more of Randy Wayne White's books, which I am told, he gets into more of the local Sanibel Island scene. Also, I hope I may run into him at Doc Ford's restaurant on Sanibel sometime to say hello. How he has written so many exceptional books is quite an accomplishment. Having books on the best seller list, obviously he is a very talented author who many have enjoyed reading. Keep them coming Randy!
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I have chosen a novel "The Objector" by John Mills as my initial book review because I was thoroughly entertained while recently reading it. John impressed me with his knowledge of the Ft Myers area of Southwest Florida, both land and sea. Probably because he is a fifth generation native of Ft Myers, Florida and grew up fishing the waters of Pine Island Sound, which is still his favorite hobby.
John Mills is also a seasoned criminal defense and personal injury attorney who started his legal career as a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Ft Myers and began his private practice in 1990. The key figure in this murder mystery is an attorney known as "The Objector". He becomes easy to despise and it continues to grow as the story is told. The author uses his expertise to give the reader a true feel for the legal technicalities as well as aspects of the crime and the investigation.
This murder mystery story begins with a quick start during a Snook fishing tournament being held out of the historic Cabbage Key Inn. Cabbage Key is a remote outer island facing Pine Island Sound with acres of tropical vegetation surrounding the restaurant, Inn and cottages. There are no cars there, not even a paved road. A great place for a fishing tourney, offering cheeseburgers in paradise and the famous Dollar Bill Bar where fishing teams can top off their day of fishing. Tarpon Lodge, sister resort plays an interesting part in the story and happens to be one of my favorite spots.
The adventures of detective Doug Shearer and his gorgeous girlfriend Chana keep you reading this one from the beginning to the end, with many surprises throughout. You can't help but cheer for Doug Shearer in so many ways. How the author weaves romance, human interest and intrigue in this tale shows a great deal of imagination that is very realistic. Although the people are fictitious, the places are real (even the fishing spots), but used fictitiously.
You will enjoy this book which is easy reading and it will keep your interest throughout. I'm sure you will hear from this author in the future. You can obtain the book at www.amazon.com .
Top of Page
Every Day is Saturday
A true Sanibel Island story by Captain Bob Sabatino! This book is a true grass roots story of the life of a fisherman from the inner city to an Island paradise and his many experiences that will bring both tears as well as laughter to the reader.
When you can't put a book down until the last page is read, you know that it was an enjoyment to read. Captain Sabatino is an unforgettable character who is an exceptional fisherman and has had a memorable life.
Sanibel Island is primarily the back drop of this story of life as well as a history of the Island paradise and some of the people that have left an indelible mark on it. In a very short time the Island has shown many faces of change from being reached only by boat to a second new causeway bridge that jumps from mainland to a couple of spoil islands to Sanibel. Today as you drive over the bridge it gives one the feeling of being in the Florida keys, over looking blue waters with Dolphin breaking the water surface & swaying palm trees.
I was lucky to have been on Sanibel in the early seventies, but wish I had the opportunity to have been there in the earlier days like Bob was. Although the changes are obvious, it still is a very beautiful place to be. The waters around it and sister island Captiva are home to a wealth of excellent salt water fishing.
Captain Bob made himself into a master guide to many visitors, who caught trophy fish such as giant Snook and Tarpon among other species. They were also thoroughly entertained by a very personable guy who relates to a diversified group of people. Being a fishing guide is not a profession that will make a man rich monetarily, but will in many other ways. Bob was able to support his family along with some of his other ventures like running a marina, a restaurant, selling key limes from a key lime grove, as well as working for the Captiva fire department.
Captain Sabatino began his life on the water serving time in the US Coast Guard and he fought some bouts with sea sickness before securing duty on a buoy tender and then on the Inter-
The love of being on the water, spending time helping people to enjoy catching fish and getting paid for it comes through in the pages of this book. It's a love of labor that is shared by Bob's writing. It's easy reading as you flow through the years of experience by this very talented man.
The Last Pirate
The Last Pirate is an adventure story, about a boy who searches for a pirate treasure and discovers it, along with some of life's most valuable lessons. This adventure is good reading for the young and young at heart. It takes place in the outer islands of southwest Florida during summer school vacation, which also happens to be hurricane season. The story has a Huck Finn touch to it.
The principle character is a young man named Harley Copper. While spending high school vacation fishing for Blue Crabs with his dog Hammerhead a very smart black Lab at his side, he becomes a pirate treasure hunter. He is a mature teenager who lives with his single mom & sister in a trailer on Pine Island and helps the family make ends meet by selling his blue crab catches. The small community has its share of interesting characters. One is his old hermit friend Salt, who tells him many stories about the pirates that once roamed the area plays a pivotal part in his life.
Harley ran a crabbing boat named White Stripe, that he had salvaged after his lazy estranged father had left it for scrap. He loved to run through the waters of Pine Island Sound, surrounded by the beautiful outer Islands of, Captiva, Caya Costa, Gasperilla and Useppa, a privately owned island. In the early eighteen hundreds Gasperilla Island was known as a Pirate haven according to Salt's little ditty stories, as he called them.
Life stepped it up a notch when Harley found a pirate's map in a bottle in one of his crab traps and dreams of gold doubloons overtook his every thought. It was very old looking with writing in Spanish, naming islands, as well as other details such as an X that marked the treasure location. He called on his friend Salt to help him decipher the map, as Salt seemed to know a lot about pirates and read Spanish. Salt lived on Caya Costa and Harley had spent much time on the Island, where they teamed up for the treasure search. Caya Costa is a very remote island with it's beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. It is mostly state park land used by campers and day trippers shelling the beach. It is also filled with wildlife, such as feral hogs, gators and raccoons.
As many teenagers, Harley had his relationships with friends and foes alike. His mom tried to steer him in the right direction and actually had done a commendable job under a very difficult situation. He shows a very high standard of morals for his young age and also enjoys having a fun time with his friends.
The yarn takes many turns, as Harley and his friends battle a cat 4 hurricane in a fight for survival. The author was able to give the reader a feeling of being there in the middle of all the action, keeping the reader on edge to find what will happen next. The Last Pirate makes for a good read which I enjoyed and I've got a feeling that you haven't heard the end of Harley & Salt.
Wilson Hawthorne, the author, is a very well rounded, talented guy who lives in Cape Coral and knows the islands that he wrote about, as well as having knowledge of Pirates and their treasures. He also has a true insight into the welfare of young people and the importance of their reading at a young age. Again he has first hand knowledge, having five children of his own. This author has a lot to offer, in a very entertaining and educational way.
"Lee County Islands" authored by Mary Kay Stevens is a grand historical documentary, highlighted by a collection of exceptional photos of the past. It is one of the many Images of America series published by Arcadia publishing, the leading local history publisher in the United States. As one travels through the airports of this country, there are usually displays of Arcadia's Images of America, that reflect the local area.
Lee County is located in the heart of Southwest Florida and is surrounded by many Islands of all sizes and shapes, which have unique historical stories to tell. The history goes back as far as 500BC when the famed Calusa Indians inhabited many of the islands, through the days that the Spaniard Juan Ponce De Leon explored the area, and times when legendary pirates called them home.
Today, much of the natural beauty has been preserved for current day visitors and residents to enjoy. They are some of the most pristine tropical Islands in North America. Pine Island is one of the largest, including the Key West like Matlacha. Sanibel may be the best known to tourists for it's shelling, as well as the outer Islands of Captiva, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla being more remote slender stretches along the Gulf of Mexico with beautiful sandy beaches. Estero Island, home of Ft Myers Beach, crowds with tourists and spring breakers through the winter months, offering many restaurants and a great fishing pier. Pine Island sound hosts private island Useppa which has a rich history that is reflected in it's Historical Society's Museum, as well as Cabbage Key that boasts, being the place that Jimmy Buffet penned his hit song "Cheeseburger in Paradise".
One of the single largest draws to these Islands going back into the 1800's is the Tarpon fishing. Tarpon also known as the Silver King has had an allure to the rich and famous through the years, continuing to today. The best known Tarpon area in the world is Boca Grande Pass running between Gasparilla and Cayo Costa Islands. Every May through July the huge Tarpon migrate along the coast of Southwest Florida, just like clockwork. It is very entertaining, just watching the many fishing boats that drift the pass, fighting this great sport fish. Sometimes they actually leap out of the water and bang up against the sides of some of the fishing boats. Saltwater fishing in the area is very diverse for many species, which throughout the years has provided a livelihood for many residents and provided great seafood meals for all.
I love old photos, as they tell such a big part of stories and are preserved forever. Mary Kay deftly placed the photos in her book, flowing along with her writing. She was able to capture stories of generations of families that continue their lives as residents of the Lee County Islands and those to come back to their roots to visit from time to time. Her being a teacher for many years in the Lee county school system, receiveing the teacher of the year award 1997, as well as the golden apple award winner gave her the perfect background to continue teaching in the historical book series. Mary Kaye and her family reside in St James City on Pine Island and have been in this area since 1972. Her and her husband were school sweethearts in Mitchell, S. Dakota, before marrying & eventually settleing in Southwest Florida.
"Lee County Islands" is Mary Kaye Stevens second book in the Images of America Series, following "Pine Island". I look forward to more of her work. History portrayed in "Lee County Islands" in a very enjoyable read and is entertaining, as well as informative to residents and visitors alike. There are tidbits from all the Islands and the people who inhabited them. I highly recommend it.
The Manatee Murders
Manatees are a very controversial topic in S.W. Florida that have divided many of the residents, as well as visitors. Manatees are often referred to as sea cows, as they somewhat resemble a cow. They are a large slow moving hulking animal that grazes primarily on sea grasses. Also, often they are in multiple groups including calfs. The warm waters of S.W. Florida is an ideal place for them to take up residence. as they originally came from the West Indies.
John Mills in his work of fiction "The Manatee Murders" a murder mystery, created a interesting twist to this controversial topic. When people have emotional feelings running in opposite directions it sets the stage for some outrageous actions & this book sure displays that. Keep in mind that this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
The opposing views are, on one side the desire to protect these docile animals vs. the people whose waterways have been seriously restricted effecting their ability to enjoy recreational boating, as well harming some commercial people's ability to earn a living. The Manatee protectors, who are concerned with boats striking them, have succeeded in practically shutting down many waterways with motor free and slow speed zones primarily setup by the federal government in conjunction with local & state government agencies.
Detective Doug Shearer of the Lee co. sheriff's department, Mill's often present character again plays a large role in this case and as usual mixing his interesting, to say the least, personal life with his law enforcement duties. Doug seems to get most of the controversial cases and because he was born and brought up in the area he knows many of the participants. He does a great job of detective work to usually get his suspect, putting aside many of his long relationships. This one turns the local community in many directions right from beginning.
Doug has a way with the many ladies in his life and is always getting himself in predicaments. They're usually beautiful, sexy and have problems. The story does an interesting job of mixing his love life with his career as a law enforcement officer.
Sanibel Island and the waters of Pine Island Sound is the back drop of the Manatee Murders. Manatees are plentiful in this area and the inter-
The plot of the book flows quickly, keeping the reader's interest to the very end as it takes many twists and turns. It seems to be an off the wall reaction to accomplish ones end as it brings together the some interesting characters. As a murder mystery it ranks very highly for me as being a unique approach to a very real concern to many people. The reader will be on the edge right to the very end. I thank Mr Mills for this fun, enjoyable read and hope he keeps them coming.
Lone Survivor
"Lone Survivor" was written by United States Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and is a true account of his experiences in Afghanistan. Marcus was raised in a small town in Texas along with his twin brother Morgan and they both were very physically active. Their parents owned a horse farm, which gave them plenty of space to roam & activities that groomed them into very strong hard working, well conditioned young men.
Marcus desired to become a Navy Seal from an early age and took some training from a neighbor friend that was retired from the seals. That gave Marcus a head start in preparing for the vigorous training that he would face in boot camp in San Diego. Navy Seals are the best trained armed forces in the world and are very special, talented people, who are totally dedicated to their country. Basic training has a group of experienced staff that push candidates to the limit both physically & mentally. Consequently a high percentage drop out before completing the months of training, leaving only the cream of the crop who are prepared to face all adversities. As you read about the routines that the seals are faced with in training, you can almost feel the pain. My experience in Basic training in the Air Force gave me an idea what they were going through, only probably ten fold.
As all of us know the war against terrorism in Afghanistan has been raging since shortly after September 11, 2001. In 2005 Marcus was assigned to a Navy Seal group on the Pakistani border who were responsible for very dangerous missions of killing or capturing al Qaeda leaders. The seals work mostly in small groups penetrating Taliban strong holds in a stealth manner. They are prepared to work as a team to destroy the enemy.
On a late night in June 2005 Marcus Luttrell was the leader of four Navy Seals with the specific mission to find a notorious al Qaeda leader. The next 24 hours would prove to be one of the most ferociously fought battles in Navy seal history. Luttrell recalled the vicious fighting that him and his teammates faced, as they used every bit of their skill, discipline and desire to fight off hundreds of Taliban murderous cutthroats that desired to slaughter them.
The seals due to the liberal media and democratic political community are forced to fight behind enemy lines with tremendous restrictions. Despite that, they serve the US government, no matter what it takes. As I read the book it turned my stomach to think that our own people would subject our protectors to such adversities, and not let them fully protect themselves. As the battle continued that night in June, our seals were wounded and cut to shreds, being out numbered as bad as they were and it brought tears to my eyes. They did not go down without killing great numbers of these terrorists. It was a true example of extreme heroism and left the lone survivor Marcus Luttrell, which was a miracle. While reading through the pages of the battle and the impossible odds of survival it was a emotional experience.
As the search was on for the navy seals by air, it was almost impossible and so difficult to find them in the mountainous area. The crede of the seals is to never leave a comrade behind, no matter what. Word got back to Marcus's parents and friends in Texas that his group was missing in action and after a period of time it seemed almost hopeless that there would be any survivors, but due to some unlikely help by the very people that we were trying aid, a lone survivor would emerge. Many supporters gathered at the Luttrell ranch for days until the word of his survival arrived to their jubilation.
This true story of great adversity gives the reader an inside view of the valiant efforts made by young Americans to protect the freedoms of our country, many whom have given their lives. Please let it help the liberals who have made it so much more difficult for us to survive in this war against terrorism to see their mistakes and change.
"LONE SURVIVOR" is a good read that will reach most inner emotions of love for family, country and the despairs of war.
Dead Silence
"Dead Silence" is my first Randy Wayne White read. Randy being from the southwest Florida area and so familiar with all the islands and water areas make it more interesting for me having a similar background, being able to relate to his stories.
Doc Ford is the primary character in this book, as he has been in most of White's books, although here he has wandered to New York and the Hampton's on Long Island. Doc is an adventurer with a totally interesting background, with friends and acquaintances who have as well. The story line also covers activities that take place in Havana, as well as Minnesota. It is an action thriller that keeps you turning the pages searching for whatever is going happen next.
The main story line involves a kidnapping demanding a ransom of secret documents having belonged to Castro. There are many side stories going on pushing and pulling Doc Ford in different directions as he is trying to solve the mystery and at the same time dealing with other personnel problems that he is facing.
While dealing with some of the participants in the Hampton's, it comes out that they are members of the Skull and Crossbones society, which has members that are Yale university grads and are very highly regarded people in the country, including past presidents. From my many years of fishing in the Thousand Islands on the St Lawrence River, I am familiar with Deer Island which I fished around many times and is owned by the Skull and Crossbones society, used only by them and their guests. I had many interesting experiences around Deer Island. This association is a very secretive group.
The kidnappers were absolutely ruthless and Doc Ford needed every bit of his cunning experience to overcome their plot. Ford was working against a time line to save the victim from a horrible death. This victim, a young native American would not succumb as easily as most, which would make a huge difference. The outcome keeps you on the edge to the very conclusion.
It was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading many more of Randy Wayne White's books, which I am told, he gets into more of the local Sanibel Island scene. Also, I hope I may run into him at Doc Ford's restaurant on Sanibel sometime to say hello. How he has written so many exceptional books is quite an accomplishment. Having books on the best seller list, obviously he is a very talented author who many have enjoyed reading. Keep them coming Randy!
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Capt. Chick Melfi
