Review Yak

A conversation with John Francis is interspersed with relevant rhyme in a delightfully silly and engaging way. Some of John’s poetry is of the more serious and dark persuasion, but it is the more childish rhymes that bring him most joy. John talks with Clare Tanner on the Bookhabit Show and divulges that he talks to his cat and rabbit for invaluable editorial advice!

John has three illustrated books currently available on Bookhabit: A little book of stupid people, A-Z of silly animals, and Stupid people at work. He also has had several short stories and poems published in literary magazines in USA,UK, and France (2007-08), but it is a newer experience for him to be illustrating his books. He doesn’t hold himself out as an artist, however the illustrations (more…)

Michael Timothy’s wife said her husband didn’t come home that day. That day was September 11, 2001. Gladly, Michael wasn’t a victim in the World Trade Center collapse, but the man who returned home was as permanently changed as the New York skyline.

Michael worked 5 blocks away at the New York Stock Exchange and went to investigate the collision of the first plane. What he didn’t realize as he stood next to the first tower was that the second tower was about to be hit. In amongst the dust and the debris he saw many things: death, heartache, fear, terror, but he also saw bravery, courage, kindness, love and tenderness. He remembers “running as fast as I could, hoping I would survive. But at the same time all I thought was, Lord if I am to die now please take care of my family and let (more…)

Christopher Horan has seen the criminal system from many angles, having worked with criminals, neglected, abused and out-of-control children, and their families, for more than 30 years. Still he finds the energy to write about a career that takes so much of you, and often with little reward or thanks.

Christopher’s has two books on Bookhabit. The first is a memoir, entitled “Nurturing Kiwi Criminals”, with his observations and insights, and stories about the people he worked with. He intertwines these with aspects of his own family background and his older brother’s criminal lifestyle. In Christopher’s words, “My voice is not that of the Sensible Sentencing Trust or the Prisoner’s Aid Society.  (more…)