Goodnight Brian - Steven Manchester (Guest Post, Review & Giveaway)

4 stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.

AUTHOR GUEST POST -

Steven Manchester is the national bestselling author of TWELVE MONTHS, PRESSED PENNIES, THE UNEXPECTED STORM: THE GULF WAR LEGACY and JACOB EVANS, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.
steven.h.manchester@sunlife.com
http://www.StevenManchester.com 
http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorStevenManchester


My love of writing:
I write for many different reasons, but the most important reason is that I can prove to my children that dreams do come true (though we never really get what we wish for; we get what we work for). It’s an amazing thing to be able to pour your heart and soul into something that touches the hearts and souls of others. No matter how many years pass, I still find lots of challenged in completing a full-length work. 
As the years have unfolded, I’ve enjoyed working with aspiring writers, as well. This is a tough industry and the rejection rate can be disheartening for some. My advice to new writers is always the same:
o    Be true to yourself, always.
o    Write constantly.
o    Keep the faith!!!
o    And NEVER, EVER, EVER quit. Most people in this industry would agree that more than talent or skill or even luck, perseverance is the one trait that will always get the job done.
o    Knock on every door you can, and keep knocking. I promise that eventually someone will open and the warmth you feel on your face will more than validate every hour spent alone in the darkness

  
A few personal facts:
 Ebook or hard copy? Hard copy
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor? Mint chocolate chip
Favorite Author? Harper Lee
Latest book you read? Chestnut Sunrise by Buck Young (in MS form, though it’s destined for greatness)
Dream vacation? Anywhere tropical with my wife
Most inspiring Quote? “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
Favorite Comfort Food?  Pasta, covered in any type of seafood
 
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MY REVIEW -

Very heart warming and shocking! To even think that something like this could happen is just unreal. My own daughter had an intolerance to her milk formula so I used soy. Thank you God, it was after they got it right. I had no idea this happened, but why would I? I like reading books that sound like they could be true.Here are a couple articles I found - HERE & HERE

The character development was very good. I loved Angela, the grandmother, simply known as "Mama". She had spunk and would not give up hope for her grandson. And it was probably solely because of her that Brian developed at all. I know this is fiction but I only hope that when my daughter has children I can be that kind of grandmother!

I also loved the part about the Special Olympics. I have always been interested in the Special Olympics and this kind of takes you on the inside. I worked in Special Ed. for quite a few years and one place i worked said they didn't believe in the Special Olympics! They said they felt it was exploiting the people and that everyone was special... whatever! I do not share the same views. I think the Sp Olymp. is a wonderful organization! Three cheers for what they do!

THE ALL-IN-ALL -

All in all the whole story was very interesting and a nice, quick, up-lifting, but sad story. It was all very clean so even though younger teens probably wouldn't be interested in this book they certainly could read it! And - it has a gorgeous cover!

Get it from B&N - HERE

And from Amazon - HERE

Thank you - "Partners In Crime Tours" for sending me this book to read and review.
And thank you Steven for the guest post! It has been fun working with you again.

THE GIVEAWAY -

I am giving away my paperback copy of this book (it has a beautiful cover!)
To enter to win -
*Please use the form below
*Please be from either the US or Canada
*Please only enter your info once (I will add the bonus entry)
*Please comment on this post if you would like an extra entry.