Stuck in the House because of the Storm?

If, like me, you’re stuck in the house because of the Northeast snowstorm, you’re probably looking for something to read. And since you’re not going anywhere soon, you’ll want the book you start reading to be worth your time.

   And so, I have listed samples of my books below with links to Amazon Kindle. After clicking the link, click on the book cover and read the sample. (The samples Kindle offers are just the right length for you to decide if you’re engaged enough to want to continue.)

   Don’t have a Kindle? Don’t need one. Amazon offers a FREE Kindle app reader so you can read on your computer or tablet or even your smartphone  should you decide to continue reading after the sample.

   To Download the free Kindle app click on this link http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dig_arl_box?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771

   And so my friends, Here’s we go.

   The Dead Machine. I’ve often said the only promotion this book ever needed was for someone to read the first three pages. Most of the people who have done so agree. http://www.amazon.com/The-Dead-Machine-ebook/dp/B006IYYXAU/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-5&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   Noon: The Rise to Power. This is my most popular book. Not your average political thriller by any means, this book portrays life in the U.S in the near future where corporations have seized control the government. Determined to break their control, a renowned physicist and a group of technical specialists use a paramilitary group known as the Scarecrows to launch a terrorist attack on Wall Street. It received 10 reviews. All 5 star http://www.amazon.com/NOON-The-Rise-Power-ebook/dp/B004EBTGZG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-3&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   Noon 2: The Resurgence. This book picks up following Madalone and the Scarecrows military assault on Wall Street. With over 56,000 dead in the streets, Noon is ordered to appear before Congress and the military makes plans to invade New York City http://www.amazon.com/Noon-2-The-Resurgence-ebook/dp/B0094WQOQY/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-4&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   The Messiah Complex. A brutal snowstorm detour leads a traveler into a deadly confrontation with something clearly not human and a popular reverend begins healing the sick, only to discover that although their bodies have healed, something has gone terribly wrong with their minds.  http://www.amazon.com/The-Messiah-Complex-ebook/dp/B004OYTUYA/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-9&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   Storytime. My collection of 23 short stories, covering all genres. From action/adventure to romance to comedy to sci-fi and even erotica, this book has something for everyone! http://www.amazon.com/Storytime-ebook/dp/B007CO0278/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-1&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   On the other hand if you’re all set, perhaps your kids need something to read. In that case we I have two popular young adult novels available

   Frostie the Deadman. My award winning first Young Adult novel features Josh and Theo who build a snowman for their town’s winter carnival and by doing so resurrect the ghost of a long dead killer. For ages 10 and up http://www.amazon.com/Frostie-the-Deadman-ebook/dp/B004F9P7SC/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-8&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   Half Moon Falls. When 13 year old Sally Ann Majeski’s family relocates from Queens, New York to a popular tourist town she discovers to her surprise that she likes the place. But that quickly changes when summer ends, the tourists leave and Half Moon Falls suddenly cuts off all contact with the outside world. It is then she learns that when winter arrives, deadly creatures known only as ‘Harkiners’ start roaming the streets. For ages 12 and up.  http://www.amazon.com/Half-Moon-Falls-ebook/dp/B004EPZ39A/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360340043&sr=1-7&keywords=Zackary+Richards

   So settle back into a comfy chair with some hot chocolate, a crackling fireplace and enjoy.

Why So Angry?

   I’ll get right to the point. A lot of you are crazy.

   Not you of course, beloved reader, but just about everyone else.

   Perhaps you’ve noticed it. If not, here’s what I’m talking about. I have a fan page on facebook which I use to promote my books. I’m not pushy about it, I simply display my books and if you want to read a sample that’s fine and if not, that’s fine too.

   To attract people, I collect and share beautiful photos, illustrations, paintings, plus unusual facts, jokes, videos and just about anything people might find interesting. 

   Here’s the link, have a look and, if you find it entertaining, click the LIKE button.

   http://facebook.com/aripublishing

   Here’s the problem. As I surf Facebook looking for things I think people might enjoy, I am startled at the amount of anger and rage posted by seemingly regular people. And it’s not the language (I’m originally from the Bronx and am quite fluent in the dialect) it’s the fury in which it’s stated.

   This is especially noticeable regarding posts on political issues. Take a side on Gun Control and you’ll set off a range war. I couldn’t believe some of the comments made by so-called rational people, and frankly, the cowardice and shrillness of it. A lot of people on both sides said things they wouldn’t dare say if actually addressing a room filled with the opposition.

  I don’t have that problem because I haven’t said anything in my blog posts that I wouldn’t say to any group for or against any issue. In many cases I try to come up with solutions to various social issues. For example, regarding fair tax legislation, I outlined a plan where those who were actually creating jobs for Americans would pay less tax and those outsourcing and closing plants would pay more. I forwarded this plan to my Senator in Washington and several weeks later President Obama put a very similar plan before Congress. Had he seen my plan or was that similar one already in the works? Who knows? Who cares? The point is, I was trying to help.

   The following week I wrote a comedy about my brother Beerculees. Each week I go out there and swing for the fences. 

   And because I have a blog and sometimes put my views on issues before the public, I get e-mails from those who strongly disagree. And that’s okay. Most e-mails are polite, informative and direct me to links in conflict with my posts. I read them and although I may not agree, I respect their effort and professionalism.

  

   What concerns me are people who flip out over a post I’ve written. You would not believe the hate emails I got following my posts about Gun Control, Gay Marriage, Intelligent Design, Cops vs The Mentally Ill and others.

   Here’s what I don’t get. A lot of these people clearly hate my guts yet they continue to read my posts and with each new offering, fire off another angry letter.

   Here’s a much better idea.

   Recently a television show I usually watched featured an episode I found so anti-Christian that 5 minutes in, I changed the station and decided I would never watch that show again.

   I didn’t write an angry letter to the network to inform them of my displeasure. I didn’t write the sponsors to let them know I would no longer buy their product, I didn’t write to the producers to tell them I wasn’t going to be watching their show anymore.

   I simply stopped watching. 

   I won’t name the show because you are quite capable of deciding which shows you will or will not watch without me attempting to influence your decision.

   There’s an old joke that features two guys. One is repeatedly banging his head against the wall and when the other approaches he asks, “Why are you banging your head against the wall? To which the man replies, “Because it feels so good when I stop.”

   And that’s the point. I stop doing things I don’t like. I stop reading books that don’t entertain me, stop listening to music that doesn’t rock me, and turn off comedy that isn’t funny. You get the point.

   So, if you’re among those who find my posts offensive, irritating, in conflict with your core beliefs or I just simply piss you off, there is a button on the top of the page that reads NEXT BLOG.

   Press it.

   You’ll be glad you did.

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