John Grogan, author of the best selling book, Marley and Me, has penned his memoir entitled, The Longest Trip Home. Delving into his Detroit childhood and subsequent metamorphosis into adulthood, Grogan chronicles not only his life but the transformation of middle class suburbia in the 1960s and beyond. He comes to terms with his parent’s conservative Catholic teachings and the pilgrimages to holy sites disguised as family vacations. Grogan vividly draws the reader in to the world as he saw it. I could feel the unrest of the 60s and almost smell the church incense from his Catholic youth. He faced the usual adolescent hurdles as he began to question his own faith within the strict dogmatic teachings of his environment. His anecdotal humor took a light hearted glimpse of Catholic schools, from being an alter boy to his first confession. His narrative approach, like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, gave his youth a witty retrospective from the eyes of the man he had become. Grogan doesn’t blame his parents, which he could have easily done, but rather celebrates their stability and devotion. It’s refreshing to read a memoir from an author who is able to see all sides of his family without unnecessary finger pointing.
Grogan wraps up his book with a heart felt picture of his aging parents and the roles he and his siblings portrayed in their care. I would highly recommend this book for its moving sensitivity, humor and unique insight. It caused me relate to my own childhood amidst the backdrop of the turbulent 60s and 70s. The vibrant imagery and tender story made this book a wonderful, easy read.
In 1859 Abraham Lincoln wrote about his youth in Indiana when asked to enlighten the public about his life. “We reached our new home about the time the State came into the union. It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals in the woods. There I grew up.” Taking from this autobiographical paragraph, William Bartelt titled his book on Lincoln's time in Indiana. It is a thorough account of Lincoln's "coming of age" years when he and his family cleared the forest in southern Indiana in order to make a life for themselves. Bartelt, in true academic form, delved into the research and writings from Lincoln's contemporaries, including William Herndon, Lincoln's law partner and biographer. Herndon painstakingly interviewed and researched Lincoln's life in order to write a precise biography of his former partner and friend. He wanted, not only to enlighten, but to set the records straight. After Lincoln's death, many tales were being imparted about the former president which weren't always accurate. The public wanted a legend and the writers of the day set about giving them what they wanted. Bordering on legend and fantasy, Lincoln began to become something of a mythical icon. Herndon interviewed Lincoln's family and friends who knew him best. Bartelt covered Herndon's interviews and his notes concerning these examinations. The book also reveals, through the words of those who knew him, Abraham Lincoln’s humor, empathy, and quest knowledge. It gives a distinct overview of the community where the Lincolns settled in southern Indiana during the years 1816 to 1830. Bartelt is a retired educator who, for more than fifteen summers, was employed as a ranger and historian at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. He is a member of the Federal Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's Advisory and Education Committees and serves as vice chair of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Many books have been written about Abraham Lincoln and many more still to come. With the approaching Lincoln's bicentennial, this book makes a fine addition to any Lincoln library.
Flya work by Bridgette Z. Savage is written with the unique perspective of a horse. Fly. was a mare who served in the civil war with her owner, George M. Barrett. George treasured his beloved, Fly. When George enlisted in the Calvary at the start of the Civil War, he brought Fly with him. The army encouraged soldiers to bring their own horses. Fly, fit in well and was a quick learner. One day when George was sick, Fly broke free and joined the other horses and their riders. Fly followed the maneuvers perfectly. Fly's personality and dedication set her apart from the rest. The editorial description: Based on the true story of a horse and her rider in the American Civil War, "Fly Like the Wind" recounts the adventures of two life-long friends from Posey County, Indiana. A young man and his treasured mare travel with the Indiana Cavalry into the deep South where their friendship and faithfulness carry them through unimaginable events. Strength of character and sense of purpose are important elements in this historic adventure. Woven around stories that have been told and retold for more than one hundred years, this book brings Fly to life in the hearts and minds of readers of all ages.
What's even more amazing is that you can actually see Fly's skeleton at the Workingman's Institute in New Harmony Indiana. This hidden treasure is a remarkable tribute to the mare who not only served but survived the Civil War. Not only that, Fly lived a long life for a horse. She was an example of what love and dedication can accomplish, even for a horse.
For those of you who prefer to see the reader, here is a link to do just that. Neil's people have uploaded videos of him reading the chapters. They will, in time, upload videos of him reading each and every chapter. So, in effect, he will have gifted the entire book to his fans. Why, would he do this? First, I'm sure it won't stay up forever. Second, he has realized that it pays off in the long run. After having given out, for a limited time, American Gods and Neverwhere, his publisher has noted an increase in sales across the board for all of his books. It makes sense really. There are so many books available on this planet that it boggles the mind. If you can get someone to actually read your book you have a potential reader for all your books. You can't catch a fish without bait. Its a win win situation for the author and his fans or potential readers. How great is that?
This is Banned Books Week, an event founded by the American Library Assn. back in 1982 and observed -- and debated -- ever since. Is there a fine line between protecting impressionable minds vs. the freedom of speech? It seems obvious that young readers shouldn't read adult oriented material. When is it OK to ban a book from the entire reading population? Should all books be available to every grown adult? The debate over "dangerous" books is never ending. The definition of what is considered dangerous or harmful is arguably the most difficult definition to come up with. Maybe a book called "1001 ways to commit suicide" or possibly a book called "how to kill people without getting caught" could be considered dangerous. The problem is, it isn't that clear cut. You won't see books with those titles. You will see such subject matter hidden inside works of fiction and and non fiction. Who's to judge? I can honestly say I couldn't take on such an ominous task. Nonetheless, books Americans have grown to love have, over the course of history, been banned. The freedom of speech must be defended, but to what extent? We would like to think that we enjoy freedom in our American democracy. As such, we expect to be able to exercise the free choice in what we read and write. Do we need censorship? I would like to say emphatically, no! However, I know what danger lurks between the leaves of those pages of many marketed novels. Yet, who am I to say you can't read it?
Life has its way of grabbing you by the lapels and shaking you awake. I've been reading, writing and then reading again. That is when I'm not working for a living and maintaining a home. After a hiatus I'm back and loaded with books and things to discuss. Check back soon as I've got some great books to review and enlighten.
A wonderful "YA" novel is available for free.I put "YA" in quotations because the book is great for all readers, it just happens to be marketed within this category. The author, Cory Doctorow, believes in the free flow of information for all. If you like the book, then by all means, buy a hard copy of it. Pass it along to your friends. Doctorow mentions how Neil Gaiman stated that he was all for free use and passing along books to friends. The idea is that authors can get their work read easily through the free exchange of words. In other words, if its readily available, it might just get read. How does one discover a new author? Not by going out and buying their books. Something has to make them want to buy it in the first place. More often than not, someone is loaned a book or picks up one at the library and finds a great read. As such, they are inclined to purchase the wonderful author's other books. Even the best marketed writers must grab an audience. It isn't easy in the competitive literary marketplace to find a reader. There are millions of titles full of millions of stories looking for you, the reader. When a book isn't sitting in the front display then it is more difficult to capture someone's attention. Offering your writing for free is a way of telling others that you are a good writer, go ahead, take a look. It is a win-win situation for both parties. The author gets noticed, and hopefully liked and the reader gets a free book. For one who loves to read and write I can definitely empathize with the need to connect people to great reads. Kudos to Gaiman and Doctorow who understand how it really works, at least in an ideal world.
As a self proclaimed book lover, I truly appreciate books. Now I've discovered there is an artist who appreciates books in a whole new way. Nicholas Jones is a book artist. He takes books and turns them into his own sculptural art forms. What a unique idea. I can't help but feel a bit sorry for the words written on the pages, which after being turned into art, are not able to be read and enjoyed. Of course, there are plenty of books out there, and unless he is sculpting the only copy, a duplicate can be read. Is he destroying the book or recreating it? It is obviously a little bit of both. Destroy, however, is a strong word which I don't think applies here in its literal sense. Jones is passionate about his art. In his own way, he is paying tribute to the books he uses. Not only is he honoring the author but also the publisher and printer. He is demonstrating that there are more uses for a book than just reading and shelving. I guess, if someone has an artist's eye, he could see design in just about anything. Take an inanimate object and carve, paint, paste, sculpt, etc and create something new and fresh. As one who appreciates art in all its forms, I can value Jones intrinsic view upon the printed word. He sees potential in the volumes of bound paper around him. I remember, as a child, I was taught to create a Christmas tree out of a Reader's Digest. We folded each page into a triangle. Then we spray painted our fanned out Digests and added glittery decorations. I wonder if Jones had created the same thing as a child? I always thought that it was a wonderful craft idea but, even then, I hated to see the written words destroyed so easily. I knew that the Digests had already been read and would only end up in the trash. The Christmas trees created from them was surely a tribute to the small magazine. Michelangelo once said that within every block of marble there is a great sculpture waiting to come out. Apparently, Jones sees the same thing in the books he uses. Here's to art in all its wonderful forms. May each one of us learn to see the potential in all things.
Since Amazon blacklisted many of the POD and small publishers who refused to sign with Booksurge, support has been filtering in from all over. Several groups have stepped up to the plate like Nothing Binding,You Write On,Google, American Society of Journalists and Authors with more each day. On the surface, it makes sense that Amazon would support it's own POD business over its competitors. However, Amazon isn't just a POD publisher. Amazon is a huge retailer. Walmart has spent years trying to be everything. They force manufacturers to cut back on their product quality in order to sell for less. Walmart even forces the music industry to cut out offensive lyrics in their CDs if they want to sell through America's largest retailer. Amazon, like Walmart, seems to be dealing in ultimatums rather than good old fashioned marketing. Booksurge customers are beginning to speak up about the poor quality of their books. Amazon has to decide who they want to be. If they want to be a huge online retailer, then they must play by the rules that govern retailers. If they choose to be a publisher, then they must follow those guidelines. The laws which curtail monopolistic practices must be carefully considered when analyzing this latest move by Amazon. Amazon depends on the publishers more than the publishers depend on Amazon. Publishers have shown, much to Amazon's chagrin, that they can sell their own books very well. Read this. Without the product to sell, Amazon wouldn't exist. There comes a time when the hard working manufacturers, publishers, writers, etc. must band together in the effort of fair play. There is power in numbers. Amazon's numbers exist because of the millions of people behind the products they sell. Most independent countries of the world exist because a group of people banned together and said "enough!"
Amazon has decided to remove the "buy" button from all self published and select small or independently published books. Amazon has decided that if the company doesn't print their books through their own Booksurge, then they will stop selling their books. Not only is this a monopolistic attempt to rule the publishing industry, it is also unfair. Authors deserve to have their dreams encouraged. A book will stand on its own merits regardless of how it was published. The book, The Celestine Prophecy, started out as a "self published" title before being picked up by a mainstream publisher. It has since gone on to top the New York Time's Best Seller List and has been made into a movie. This is, by far, not the only book to have become successful after a small start. There is a petition against Amazon's strong arm tactics here. Amazon, like Walmart, has become too big for their own good. What started out as a wonderful avenue for readers and writers to unite has turned into a "big brother" type of company who can tell readers what to buy. Amazon is still allowing secondary sellers to peddle the books they removed. However, the prices on some of the books are inflated and unfair. Also, when buying from a secondary seller, you must pay shipping costs on each seller. That would really add up if you have more than one seller in your basket. Book burnings and banned books have long since been condemned in modern society. Amazon must be brought to task for their refusal to sell competitor's books. Otherwise, the millions of authors who are ostracized should ban together and create their own Amazon-like company where ALL books are sold in the effort of fair play.
Neil Gaiman's book, Coraline, is on its way to becoming a 3D animated film. Reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride, Coraline is a dark fantasy with a whimsical side to it. The official link is here. Coraline, who discovers a door to an alternate universe, journeys into a bizarre domain of talking cats and chocolate eating dogs. In this parallel world resides her "alternate" parents who enthusiastically greet her. Eventually, Coraline begins to miss her "real" parents. She ensues a dangerous, precarious journey back to find the "real" world in which she left. Gaiman, a master story teller, weaves a full tapestry of fantastic happenings and wonderful mysteries. If the movie is half as good as the book, it should be a sight to see. Here is a trailor.
This book is the sequel to, How I Found The Strong, by Margaret McMullan. Fresh from the Civil War, families in Mississippi strive to adjust to the reunited country with all of its new problems. The book is written from the perspective of Addy, an abandoned twelve-year-old girl who was taken in by the reluctant Frank Russell and his new bride. Frank's, coming-of-age story was portrayed in the prequel, How I found the Strong. Now, Frank is married and facing a life of added responsibilities due to the addition of Addy. Addy's past and family reputation precedes her as she is from the aggressive O'Donnell clan. Addy's attempt to please is overshadowed by her former life as an O'Donnell. Unfortunately, the past which she is determined to defeat comes back to haunt her. Addy, like the man who took her in, must face some tough decisions. McMullan takes the idealistic adolescent girl and infuses a coarse, tomboyish charm. Addy is full of the idiosyncrasies and flaws which come from living a hard life. Addy's loyalties are put to the test. She rises above her circumstances and demonstrates that ancestry doesn't have to define you. No, Addy proves that character is not guided by blood. Written in the language of the times, this story develops a genre all its own. Historical references along with life changing events weave an intense vignette of post war life in nineteenth century Mississippi. No-Bob, like the patch of woods it is named after, takes the reader off the beaten track deep into the grueling life facing the war-torn, post-war south.
Author Neil Gaiman and his publisher, Harper Collins, asked fans what Gaiman book would they like free. The votes were tallied and the winner was American Gods. On his blog, Gaiman has posted the link to the free book. He asked that everyone spread the word since it will only be free for a limited time. So, I'm doing my part and letting people know. What a great idea this is. It gets his work out there for those who had never read it, plus it promotes reading. Its a win win situation. So read and enjoy.
One case in point illustrates the reason why many, very good writers, must work in big buildings following corporate warlords in order to survive. The author of The Cheetah Girls thought life was taking a turn for the better when Disney opted to use her stories in a movie franchise. We're talking Disney here. Deborah Gregory had visions of a debt-free world where she could actually live off her craft. See link What wonder of wonders, her creation, The Cheetah Girls, had actually hit the big time. Now, as time has passed and merchandising has hit an all time high, Deborah Gregory has yet to see her riches! It turns out that Hollywood accounting is so creative that it baffles the mind. The corporations behind the movie/book franchise is covered but not the creative genius behind it. To think that during the writer's strike, there were those who actually accused the writers of being greedy. We need to have the accounting books, for writing related franchises, laid out for all to see. People would be amazed at how much the corporations are making off the creative minds who feed them the ideas that make them rich. The profit is sometimes funneled into the expense and overhead category. Those who work for the corporation could, say, go to Macy's and buy a new wardrobe. Then, they could write off the cost as a work-related expense. This happens more often than most people realize. The problem isn't just the questionable expenses, though. The problem is that once the money is pushed through the accounting funnel, there doesn't seem to be any left for the creative mind that started the whole thing to begin with.
For Valentine's day we bring you: Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See This is a compilation of random personal letters from people who are joyfully in love or living in a dark place over their romantic situation. People tend to enjoy being an anonymous witness to other people's lives. Looking through individual notes and letters from strangers is slightly tantalizing. The reader becomes a voyeur as he spies through the keyhole. He views the romantic scene within, unbeknown to the participants. As a result, the lovers are candid and forthright with their words. This letters come from a whole gamut of emotional states, love, lust, hate, confusion, etc. Exactly what should a love letter say? What style should it be? The answer can come from a grammatical stance or from a psychological one. There is no one easy answer. The bottom line is, a love letter should come from the heart. It should say what needs to be said. These letters do just that. The letters are examples of relationship deepening love and relationship ending apathy. There are sometimes graphic descriptions and sexual jargon, but that's they way these types of letters are sometimes. Read the book as if you were doing so illicitly. Let your inner voyeur emerge as you slip into the pages and absorb the lover's written words. It will make the experience that much more arousing.
In B.B. Walter’s debut novel, a prophecy is revealed, mystics abound and journeys are tread in a war-torn medieval-like world. The book is a new, lurid take on dark fantasy, aimed at intelligent readers who want something that has all the rumor of a classic but also an unrefined real-world depth.
Walter opens her dark fantasy, Sister Light: Book One: Of Shadows, with a prophecy: “Beware the child with the pale blue eyes.” From there she takes you on a compelling journey through the fantastical alternate world terrorized by the blood thirsty Kijack. The Kijack are bird like creatures with no conscience and a passion for torture.As such, an imminent sense of danger looms over the characters throughout the entire book.
The tale follows Rose, a former Sister of Light who can summon lightening at will. We accompany Rose along her predestined path, one that even she is unaware of. As the story develops, we understand a little more of what motivates our heroine.Rose, surprised at her feelings, is haunted by her past. Rose’s fear of intimacy is clouded by her flashbacks of being witness to the rape and torture of her fellow Sister of Light. She is willful and intelligent but emotionally vulnerable due to these deep-rooted traumas which plague her dreams.
The supporting character is David, an heir to his father’s dynasty. That is until his sister turns of age in this matriarchal society where the female inherits the titles. David is betrothed to Lady Timera of Mervar, due to his father’s arrangement between noble houses. David rescues Rose from certain death after a Kijack attack. He becomes her devoted caregiver where he ultimately becomes attached to the mysterious yet vulnerable Rose.
The author inextricably weds the characters to the land from which gave them life.She plays with the eeriness of a beleaguered homeland scattered with defenseless villages and wavering kingdoms.
Loosely woven initially, Sister Light finds its voice as the story progresses. As a new writer, Walter demonstrates her literary potential fluently with her enduring style.
Her ample use of superlatives can be forgiven by the fact that much of the language is invented jargon exclusive to her world. This author defies convention by shocking the reader with disturbing imagery and gothic vengeance. The divided provinces in this fabricated old world domain reach out beyond the pages to lure the reader within.
I was captivated throughout the story due to the nonstop intensity and visual strength.There's a quality to Walter’s storytelling that makes this novel very much like a disturbing fable.
The story progresses with a glimpse into the sinister and ominous sovereigns where the enemies are plotting against the kingdom. There is no neat and tidy ending to this book. It openly entices the reader to continue the journey into the next book.I look forward to, not only seeing how the author hones her literary skills, but also to find out how it all turns out.
Sister Light: Book One: Of Shadows is a must read for those who love a good fantasy with all the trappings of a gothic world full of turmoil, intimacy and horror.
Promoting a new book is a tenuous ordeal for authors. You can have a wonderful novel with all the twists and turns of a potential classic. Nonetheless it is still competing among the millions of other literary masterpieces, or so each writer will proclaim. It is especially difficult if you are unable to promote your book in person due to illness. Such is the case of Patry Francis, who is suffering from cancer. Her book The Liar's Diary is out in paperback. Author bloggers are promoting her book by proxy in order to assist this talented writer in her PR campaign. So many books come out everyday that it is difficult for a reader to know what to choose. They depend on the advertising and shameless plugs in order to make the all important decision as to where to put their literary money.
From Publishers Weekly: A case study in the explosive effects of extreme denial, Francis's debut relies completely on its very unreliable narrator, with mixed results. When local violinist and composer Ali Mather, a very sexy 46, comes to teach music at the Bridgeway high school where narrator Jeanne Cross, a very plain 37, is the secretary, teachers and students alike are abuzz. Ali is separated from her mild husband George, and is soon sleeping with the 31-year-old shop teacher, Brian Shagaury (and also with car dealer Jack Butterfield). Jeanne is married to a buff orthopedic surgeon, Gavin, with whom she has an overweight, dyslexic 16-year-old son, Jamie, who attends the school. An unlikely friendship develops between the seemingly steady Jeanne and acting-out Ali, and Jeanne's purposefully flat narration is effective in doling out disorienting incongruities (as in the offhanded way Jeanne develops a serious pill habit). Ali's provocative lifestyle eventually intersects directly with Jeanne's home life. When tragedy strikes, Jeanne's Stepford routine holds for a while, then becomes a giveaway. So, there you have it. The Liar's Diary, another thriller/mystery that deserves to sit on top of the heap.
Adjectives, adverbs and repetitive prose can take a great story down a shadowy path. What makes good writing? Well, it's a combination of elements. First off, there must be a good story or subject matter. At the very least, the writing must have some type of audience. The story must evoke a minimal of emotional response. A reader needs to be able to feel that they are part of the story, if only as an observer with their own opinions about the matter at hand. Let's say you have the perfect story, now what? If you want to write about it, then by all means do it. Here comes the tricky part. Depending on what type of genre you're writing about you need the appropriate jargon. Jargon is the language or vocabulary, unique to a particular trade, profession, or group. You may even need to invent new words to use in your imaginary tale. Ok then, you've got your story and your words, now let's assemble them together into an intelligible book. Here's where some writers become entangled in their own texts. A good writer paints a picture with words. We must remember, however, it is not a painting. Novels leave the reader some room for interpretation. Do you really need to tell the reader that the protagonist's nostrils flared like a bull in heat? Sometimes the emotional background to the scene itself gives the reader enough information. The reader can easily visualize an angry mob without being told what each individual in the mob looked like. A writer should not talk down to his audience. Give your readers credit for having enough brains in their heads to be able to read and actually buy your story. Imagine vines with beautiful red roses on them. Each crimson rose interspersed between the vine's green leaves. That is a good story. Now imagine the vine overloaded with roses. No green can be seen as the vine is buried beneath. So many roses that you can't tell where one begins and another ends. A story buried in adjectives can be lost in it's own words. A seasoned writer knows how to paint his picture without rubbing the reader's nose in it.
Does anyone really understand Einstein's theories? Even when Einstein was alive and being lauded for his remarkable papers in physics, people had trouble understanding them. Nonetheless, he became an icon for genius and as such was embraced into American society. Einstein, being a great thinker, preferred the world of numbers and academics over the world of socializing and public displays. He especially enjoyed the company of unpretentious children who enjoyed life on a different level than most adults. This children's chapter book portrays Einstein and his theories in a whole new way. His theories are laid out in simple terms that anyone can understand. Three children, Paul, Sebastian and Lynn, meet a talking raven named Barnaby. Barnaby takes the children through a wormhole in time to meet Albert Einstein. In their fascinating exchange Einstein offers the children sage advice. He also explains his ideas to them using analogies such as cookies on a cookie sheet. The reader is able to visualize the concepts in a clear tangible fashion. The story integrates many historical references and concepts on a variety of subjects. The reader will be entertained, informed and left with a desire to read more adventures through the wormhole. Check out the author's sites. P.M.Russell The Wormhole Adventures
Who are yoooo? I am a reader, professional independent writer and overall bibliophile who seeks the clever, entertaining literary work awaiting it's audience. My purpose is to connect said work with it's seeking patrons. Occasionally I may throw in the off handed comment or some other related piece of bookish trivia. Semantics has its place in the literate world and I intend to utilize it.
