Kerry L. Barger's Blog

All of my Kindle books are FREE through Amazon's MatchBook program with the purchase of any printed version sponsored by Amazon. They are also FREE with Amazon Prime!

Hardcover versions of all my books can be purchased for under $20 at Amazon, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble. Never pay more! Independent book sellers on Amazon frequently inflate the price of my books to make a quick buck. Ignore their listings!!

Paperbacks are under $15 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Again... don't pay more than that... ever!

Thanks to everyone who takes advantage of these special offers! Your reviews are always appreciated! --Kerry L. Barger

P.S. - (For more special offers and upcoming events, visit my Author's Website at https://sites.google.com/site/kerrylb... )
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I know you'll enjoy "Darla the Muse" if you are a fan of romance, science fiction, or fantasy! The first person to read it wrote the following: "I really really really really (deep breath) truly love the book. Such an inspirational story line."

"Darla the Muse" has been recommended by the U.S. Review of Books and rated 5 stars on GoodReads! See the editorial review at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/Da...
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Noah's ark came to rest almost 5,000 years ago. "The True Story of Noah" reveals indisputable proof of where that event took place! After examining all of the ancient texts available on this subject, then simply looking at a satellite image of the location that was hinted at in the texts, I was suddenly awestruck! Lo and behold !!! There sat an isolated hill in Mesopotamia still bearing the engraved scars of the massive ark on a rocky outcrop where the ark came grinding to a halt! Until that moment, this location had been lost in history for over four millennia amid pure speculation.

I encourage anyone who is curious about this subject to get a copy of this book in order to learn why the ark grounded where it did. Examine Noah's "Hill of Salvation" for yourself. It sits next to the dry riverbed of the ancient Euphrates River, and you can find the coordinates on any map of the area.

Recent reviews for "The True Story of Noah":

Eye opener
5.0 out of 5 stars
November 14, 2014 By an Amazon Customer in Lewiston, MI USA) This review is from: The True Story of Noah(Kindle Edition)
"You're not just getting a story about Noah.. you're getting what the church don't want you to know.. Read it and research what it says.. outstanding"

Noah's story..so Great!
5.0 out of 5 stars
November 14, 2014 By "harmonyart" (CA USA) This review is from: The True Story of Noah (Kindle Edition)
"A real page turner, I've just started reading, but this author keeps me thinking about Noah mystery...will post more as I progress..."
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"Elohim III" has been RECOMMENDED by the U.S. Review of Books! The editorial review is posted at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/El...
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"Elohim II: The Ascension of the King" was also RECOMMENDED by the U.S. Review of Books at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/El...
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"Many writers yearn to turn their life stories into fiction... that is the advantage of fiction. The writer isn’t wedded to the truth. We [authors] can change the truth in service to the story. We should change the truth in service to the story, because the story always comes first. We can create characters that combine what we were like with what we wish we were like. If we didn’t make good choices, our characters give us a do-over. Our characters can make the spectacularly bad choices we didn’t make, face the consequences, and grow in the process of trying to recover or make amends. Finally, we can end our stories with hope, even if we didn’t discover that hope ourselves until many years later." --Lyn Miller-Lachmann.

"Darla the Muse" is admittedly my first attempt at writing a fiction novel, albeit one which contains elements of so-called "erotica". (I don't want to shock anyone, but so does real life.) I have found to my dismay that some of my readers have difficulty separating the characters in this book with individuals they know personally (including myself), upon whom they think the fictional characters are based. All I can say to them is: "Get over it!" If you are unable or unwilling to separate the characters within a book from the author (or someone you know personally), the problem is with you... not the book. The characters within any fictional novel take on a life of their own in the context of the story, as they interact with other characters in a fictional setting. Erik Eckerd and Darla the Muse are both fictional characters and have no counterparts in real life, regardless who someone may consciously or unconsciously identify with them in the real world. Nevertheless, I have changed the subtitle yet again and have redefined the story line for those who are admittedly too embarrassed to read past the first chapter or so, because they either know me or someone else personally and have mistakenly identified one or more of the book's characters as a real person.

The people I know who have actually read "Darla the Muse" from cover to cover said they loved it, but most of those haven't bothered to post a review on Amazon -- even anonymously. I'm delighted that some of you enjoyed my work, but forgive me... that's just lame! On the other hand, if you read it and don't like it, I want to know why so I can change it for the better. To say, "I hate your shoes!" is just plain mean. However, it could be very helpful for a friend to suggest something like, "I think black shoes might work better with that outfit." If you haven't actually read "Darla the Muse", you have no right to comment on it either way -- except perhaps to say why not. Anyone who posts a review of any book without having read it is simply being dishonest. I sincerely appreciate constructive criticism and have often used negative feedback to improve what I've written, but those who haven't read this book should keep their preconceived opinions of it to themselves... especially if they haven't read it because they are too embarrassed for some stupid reason, too lazy to spend a couple of hours reading instead of scrolling for hours on Facebook, won't read any book labeled "erotica" but watch "R" rated movies without hesitation, or are simply not interested in the topic... which I completely understand. (Please don't ask me to read a book about golf, video games, women's fashion, or kittens; I could not care less about such topics!)

Rufus Choate, an eighteenth century congressman, wrote, "A book is the only immortality." That may be true of the Bible, but how many of us have read anything else old Rufus wrote? I haven't. Most books die shortly after birth, never to be resurrected. Some authors say their books are like their children, but my family and friends have been and will always be so much more important. Some don't like each other, and some don't like one or more of my books. But so far, all my books have survived the onslaught of negativity visited upon them by the general public. They reflect my innermost thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Like most novel notions, some are better than others. Some change with new information. Others change with better ideas and as I learn new writing skills, but the core ideas contained within them remain unaltered.

"Darla the Muse" is a fictional story about one man's obsession with a woman who inspires his writing. His letter to her and her prayers on his behalf eventually permit him entry into the afterlife. However, his questionable character must be tested a final time to ensure that he has developed an adequate moral compass... or face a second and final death, from which there is no return. (See http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UP8XNGK )

"Darla the Muse" will lie quietly until you open her tome and resurrect her. If you don't, may she rest in peace. I'm fine with that, too! --Kerry L. Barger

(Read Lyn Miller-Lachmann's full article "Separating Writer from Character" at http://disabilityinkidlit.com/2013/09... )

Thanks to all of my readers! My latest book, "Darla the Muse", was released on March 14th this year. (See https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... )

The U.S. Review of Books just completed an editorial review. The reviewer, Anita Lock, rated it with 5 stars on GoodReads and wrote: "Darla the Muse is earmarked for readers who desire nothing less than the deeper spiritual aspects of erotica." (See the published review at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/Da... )

Over 785 people downloaded the Kindle version of "Darla the Muse" during the first week of publication. The first 5 people who post a review at http://www.amazon.com/Darla-Muse-Kerr... will receive a FREE signed hardcover edition*. Simply notify me after posting your review on Amazon.

My Kindle books are now free with the purchase of most printed versions at Amazon. They are free anytime with 'Amazon Prime'.

Hardcover versions of "Darla the Muse" can be be purchased for $17.99 (40% off) at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/KerryBa...

Paperbacks are under $10 at Amazon and CreateSpace.

(All of my books at the Amazon Kindle Store can be previewed at http://www.amazon.com/Kerry-L.-Barger... )

Thanks to everyone who takes advantage of this special offer! Your reviews are always appreciated. --Kerry L. Barger


* (additional shipping charges required for mailing addresses outside the U.S.)

This is the latest review of "High Times & Rough Rides of a Bipolar Addict":

"A message of hope... This book came to me at the right time. I would recommend it to anyone struggling with any mental illnesses." Rated 5 out of 5 stars! (Posted by Jennifer S. on Amazon April 6, 2014)

This book has been completely rewritten in a totally different format that is more informative and beneficial to those struggling with bipolar symptoms or those with affected family members. It is a style that more readers should be able to relate with on a personal level. This new sixth edition was published and released in March.

Just let me know if you want this new edition, and I will replace your older edition Kindle or printed book with the new edition... simply for the asking. To post a rating or review on Amazon, go to http://www.amazon.com/Times-Rough-Rid...

Please consider revising your older rating or review based on this new edition. I sincerely appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

More than one reader of my book, "An American Holocaust", has expressed harsh objections to this title. One reader commented, "'Holocaust' means something very specific after 1945 to anyone with an IQ above 10 and it is an insult to the reader to lure them into buying a book based on this disgusting and very misleading title." This title has also been called "an obscenity" and "nothing more than a cheap marketing ploy".

I actually do understand these objections and respect those who have been honest and bold enough to openly state their opinions. As I have consistently stated, my goal is to make as many as possible aware of this historical event, so that it will never be forgotten.

The London School explosion has indeed become little more than a footnote in history... even in Texas. More than half of the people I meet report never having heard of it. It was never my intention to use this title as "a cheap marketing ploy" or mislead anyone as to the subject matter the book describes, and I would like to publicly offer my sincerest apology to anyone who finds the title of my book offensive.

I did indeed struggle with my decision to title this book "An American Holocaust". Several other titles were suggested that included the word 'holocaust', as well, but others also told me that the title would never mislead a potential reader into thinking it was about the Holocaust in Europe.

Although the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II is generally referred to as 'The Holocaust', the individuals whose lives were extinguished in New London, Texas on March 18, 1937 have become but a footnote in American history. It is my hope that this book will in some measure bring their stories forward into our own time, so that today's generation may learn from their sacrifice.

I have made no claim that the event described in this book compares to (or in any way describes) the Holocaust in Europe, nor is it my intention to mislead anyone in that regard. As far as the title being "a cheap marketing ploy", I beg to differ. The London School disaster of 1937 was aptly described as a 'holocaust' by Walter Cronkite when he visited the site of the tragedy and reported the aftermath to the nations around the world, as I have now pointed out in the beginning of the book.

Being titled as an 'American' holocaust clearly differentiates it from the Holocaust that took place in Europe, for which I hold deep reverence. Believe me when I tell you that I would never do anything to diminish or disrespect the victims of the Holocaust or their loved ones. I do not believe the title of my book does that, and the title remains very apt for those who were affected by the tragedy.

When these concerns were first brought to my attention, I published a re-titled edition of "An American Holocaust" under the title of "An Empty Tomb Where Roses Bloom". I have decided to discontinue its publication because I do not want any reader to be misled into buying a copy of the same book published under two different titles.

Objections aside, you can truly never tell a book by its cover... or its title. I sincerely hope that my readers will judge this book honestly, based on its content For me, researching and writing it was a labor of love, not only for those who suffered and died in the tragedy, but also for those who suffered the loss of their children, brothers, sisters, friends and teachers. If I had known her when I wrote it, I would have dedicated this book to Lataine's namesake, a distant cousin that contacted me after reading "An American Holocaust". She told me Lataine's last words were before she died were "It is finished!"

Many of you have read my book, "An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring". Thank you. I sincerely hope you enjoyed it.

I am always amazed at how few people have even heard of the 1937 London School explosion. My goal is to make as many as possible aware of this tragedy and its significance by reaching them through this book. Your feedback is greatly needed to assist the few individuals like myself who are striving toward this goal.

I truly believe that more attention should be given to this historical event, so it will never be forgotten. I hope you agree. If so, please let other readers know by rating "An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring". Please consider posting a brief comment as well. Allow me to express my sincere appreciation in advance for your feedback.

See what others have reported after reading this book at http://www.amazon.com/American-Holoca...