Collection of psychological & supernatural drama

The Lighthouse at Montauk Point and Other Stories by R. David Fulcher is an anthology of psychological horror. Not the gruesome, gory type, but a selection of supernatural drama, dark fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, and psychological thrillers with most serving up an unexpected twist. Some stories take you to another dimension like “The Lighthouse at Montauk Point” that seems to be grounded in the life of a criminal on the run, only to learn he has escaped into the supernatural. 

For this review, I’ll name my three favorites. The first is “The Shamblers,” a story of boys growing up in the 80s who enjoyed taunting the elderly men in their community. The backstory sets things up perfectly. Kids that don’t scare easily, bike riding, the woods, slingshots, and old men shambling along like easy targets. Of course, since I don’t include spoilers, I won’t say more, except that if you enjoy the original Twilight Zone, you won’t want to miss this one.

Taking the number 2 spot on my list of favorites is “Drawing the Ace.” This story centers on an unwary traveler by the name of Phil Stevens. He’s a regular everyday guy who hopes to get some shut-eye on a long flight. During the flight, a second passenger takes the seat beside him and wakes him up. This chatty guy talks about his days as a pilot in WWII. Phil wonders about the guy. He looks to be middle-aged, yet he talks about fighting the Japs and the Krauts in the air. He says, “…the books are full of statistics about how this side had so many of these planes and that side had so many of these planes, but any pilot out there would have told you it was the man and not the machine.” For Phil, this statement becomes very real and carries with it a moral to the story with an unexpected twist.

My third favorite is a dark fantasy called “The Faerie Lights.” The best way I can describe this one is Gulliver’s Travels gone wrong. Tiny ethereal beings with Elvin features and gossamer wings bring a parched traveler tiny goblets of wine made from clove and dandelion. All seems well but the sun is setting and the traveler finds himself in a dreamlike state as these tiny beings tug him along by his feet taking him to…. Like I said, no spoilers, but if you enjoy Tales from the Crypt, this one is for you.

And I must give an honorable mention “Boogeyman.” It includes a boy, bedtime, and the monster in the closet. This is another twilight-zone-worthy story with a macabre end that I give a thumbs up.

R. David Fulcher’s story concepts are original and enjoyable. He does a good job of crafting enough backstory to pull the reader in. Several of the stories are set against a backdrop of growing up in the 80s.If you enjoy psychological thrillers without gore, or a fan of the original Twilight Zone, then you’ll enjoy The Lighthouse at Montauk Point and Other Stories thoroughly. In my opinion, the writing could be a little tighter and less passive, but the stories are entertaining and worth a read. Overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

As Book Hookup, I am a longtime book reviewer, and I received this book as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with Booktasters. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

Maximize Your Medicare a primer for retirement or open enrollment

Maximize Your Medicare by Jae W. Oh is a comprehensive overview that cuts through the confusion surrounding Medicare benefits and choices. Chapters start by listing “Truths and Myths” as it unravels common misconceptions and addresses misinformation as it systematically provides an understanding of current federal regulations and the benefits available. It goes on to examine secondary coverage options including Medicare Part D (drug coverage), and warns how delaying enrollment can be a costly mistake over time. The author even points out how procrastination in making your Medicare decision can be a costly mistake leaving you enrolled in Original Medicare without the optional Part B which pays for services that Part A doesn’t cover such as doctors' services, outpatient care, and other necessary medical services not covered under Part A. If you don’t have Part B, that money comes out of your pocket. 

I can’t begin to condense all this book has to offer, but I can tell you the author does a good job unraveling a complicated topic in a down-to-earth manner. He offers a common-sense approach for how to investigate insurance-based solutions involving long-term and short-term care and pinpoints specifics to be aware of regarding short term-convalescent care and long-term care insurance. And one more thing I found really helpful is the glossary listing all the initialisms and acronyms of terms such as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and what they are: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking), and continence. Along with definitions, most listings include details regarding what you need to know about related coverage. For instance, for ADLs “Long-term care insurance may cover a patient if it is documented that he/she cannot conduct three ADLs.”

 

Maximize Your Medicare warns that “one should not assume anything.” You need to educate yourself in order to make the best choice for your situation. It points to resources for more information and walks readers through the complications of the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as the many facets of retirement health benefits, including VA benefits eligibility and cost-sharing. Information contained in this book may surprise some and overwhelm others, but it is necessary if you want to make educated choices when it comes to your Medicare health coverage. I recommend this book to anyone approaching retirement age. I also recommend it to those already on Medicare to help them know what to do when Open Enrollment comes around because the current information offered in this book provides key takeaways to help the savvy consumer make decisions regarding which Medicare plans are right for them and why. I give this book a solid 5 stars.

 

As Book Hookup, I am a longtime book reviewer, and I received this book as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with Book Tasters. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

 

About the Author Jae W. Oh

Jae W. Oh, MBA, is a Certified Financial Planner(tm), Chartered Life Underwriter(r), and a Chartered Financial Consultant(r). He is the Managing Principal of GH2 Benefits, based in Ann Arbor, MI, with individual and commercial clients nationwide.

Mr. Oh is widely and frequently quoted in the national media, including in the USA Today, as Fox News contributor, and on thestreet.com's Retirement Daily. He has served as expert panelist on a website powered by Humana Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of Medicare plans. He has been the frequent public speaker to large and small groups, including the State Bar of Michigan, colleges, companies, library systems, and senior centers.

He is the Chair of the Great Humanity Healthcare Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial relief to insured persons saddled with medical debt.

He has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

email: jae@maximizeyourmedicare.com

email: jae@maximizeyourmedicare.com