When not writing or chasing chihuahuas around the backyard, I'm usually reading. Here are the best from the last few months. Check out all my reviews on Amazon.com
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Creative Satire!
Vonnegut has created a fictional satire comparing a prison riot to Vietnam.
His main character, Gene Hartke narrates the story with flashbacks from
his life as soldier and teacher. With small political jabs but deep introspection
about weapons, bombs and ruling the Universe, even a nod to Tralfamadore,
his fictional planet from Slaughterhouse Five. The book asks brave questions by
using humor to instill humility. Who’s in charge? Who ordered you to follow protocol
and would you follow those orders if it meant everyone would die?
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When Innocence Meets Evil
I usually shy away from books about witches and demons but Jennifer Loiske’s book
pulled me into her pages, gripping my attention with carefully constructed
descriptions and a fascinating plot. Move over J.K. Rowling, there’s a new
wizard in town and it might be this author and her book about Shannon
and her dad. If sleep is important to you, I suggest you don’t read this
before falling asleep because you’ll keep turning pages, wanting to find
out what happens next. Fortunately, it’s well written, easy to read and
there are magical spells throughout, making sure you’ll enjoy every haunting word!
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Daring Spoils of War!
Here’s a book of dark satire combining 50 Shades with the
Hunger Games in one supercharged mutiny that will surprise
even those who've seen everything. But first, can you handle real,
provocative language that begins in the street and ends up on a sleazy bed?
Did I think the author is a misogynist? Yes--but I also think he has great outfit
descriptions and lurid sex scenes culminating on a blood-gorged battlefield
filled with murder and mayhem. This book about Royals is not for the faint
of heart or those easily offended. Fortunately, you’ll know right up front whether
you'll want to continue. Sorry for using a pun, but Hardy doesn't beat around the
bush and he’ll dare you to decide right up front. Are you voyeuristic enough to
turn the pages and find out what happens to Beth and Mandy? Will Jason ever
get it... well, you know...up...or does HE want to be Queen? Was everything
Sandy’s fault or was she just a pawn in a giant game of chess? More importantly,
what about the delusional Prince Farts, his out of touch mother the Queen and
that disgusting character the King? Will they have to resort to cleaning up their
own messes? Will basic animal instinct bring down the throne or will a
checkmate ensue, proving that power and authority need to rule?
Though well written, I'm sad this book exists and I’m sad that
Camelot was fantasy. Maybe I’ll watch a reality show now....
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A Fabulous Yarn
First of all, it combines myths and “stories dating back to
the beginnings of recorded history.” Secondly, this remarkable book
was written or was magically woven, by several authors, into a smooth,
well-executed and exciting tale. Like a tapestry worthy of a royal palace,
you’ll marvel at the colors, the creative characters and the sprinkling
of darkness twisting around the edges and expected in a fabulous yarn.
Ragnar is a man who worships Odin and dreams of Valhalla. Ahmad is
from a desert near Damascus. Once they land in this ‘far distant’ mystical
land full of flying griffons, a frost giant, evil dragons, giant spiders,
dwarves and a talking lizard called Calyptro, they get separated and
have to keep dodging obstacles of terror around every bend.
There seems to be a curse upon both of them but the gryffon
called Rostok, a giant scarab and a crystal sword are working
with all their new-found friends like a wireless system designated
to help them escape the Lich King. Will the rugged man from
the North and the slim man from the desert make it home?
Read this exhilarating book and find out.
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Big Screen-Style Excitement!
If you like excitement, mystery and adventure
you’ll find all that here and more. If you enjoy intrigue, espionage,
blackmail and murder splashed with something along the lines of the
new film--The Imitation Game-- you’ll love reading A Suitcase Mystery.
The story begins in Latvia with two suitcases and a missing diary.
The war's over but the country is still in turmoil and Ben is only an innocent boy.
The diary is extremely important to the Russians and they want it back.
Spring ahead to the U.S. where a veterinarian is dead and detective
Dokes wants to find out what happened. Of course the FBI is involved and
the story swirls deeper and deeper into more plot twisting action than
a six-foot pole dancer auditioning for the circus. Can Ben and his mother
run from their past? Meanwhile, agents Sawyer, Books and John Holt are
all over the place trying to solve everything but you’ll keep reading just
to find out what happens with Berg, his fur business and what about
that diary? Why did the limo get hit? Will they be able to decipher
what they need and what happens when they do?
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by Estella Eliot | ||||||||||||||
Amazing Collection
It's raining and it's too chilly to write, so I picked a great day to read
these tender poems of the heart. Sitting next to my fireplace, classical
music plays on the stereo and our Christmas tree twinkles, while my
small dogs burrow under this decidedly California-esque, cotton blanket.
Some of the author's poems rhyme and others sound like creative ad copy
for a chocolate factory. Some are simple as in 'don't leave me' and others
are complex. She has experienced love like the pebbles on the beach or
the clouds intertwining. Great alliteration, metaphors and talent, went
into this collection. I'm so glad to have spent this afternoon enjoying these poems.
One of my favorites is The Poetry Cocktail but all of them warmed my heart. | ||||||||||||||
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Beautiful Stories and Poems
the poem Morning News. This is a book you can pick up and
read out loud when you want to make someone smile.
Most Recent Amazon Purchase: Dry Bones by Carole Morden
Any of these titles sound good to you? Have you read some of them?
Do you buy books from Amazon?
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You do read quite the variety of genres.
ReplyDeleteI get books from Amazon when I can't find them in the iBookstore.
I tend to pay more attention to other author's reviews than to customer reviews because writers' reviews are more reliable to me.
ReplyDeleteSince I haven't posted anything on my blog in over a week and the author interview I'm prepping isn't ready yet, maybe I
'll post my most recent reviews.
PS--I really think you'll like Carole's book. I loved it!
That's quite a variety, Eve. Good reviews!
ReplyDeleteLove the reviews and I know exactly which ones I want to read and which ones I don't. I review a lot of books on Amazon. I have a lot to learn. You craft a lot of good info into your reviews.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews, Eve. I hadn't heard of any of these books. You've got me intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI am happy I saw William mention you on his blog.
ReplyDeleteBlogs keep disappearing and then come back later. I don't know what is going on with my computer ?
cheers, parsnip
Black Diamond sounds like a great read! I'll wait until a long weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Eve, I haven’t read any of these, and they all sound good but the one that is going straight onto my must-read list is Black Diamond. I also fancy the one by Kurt Vonnegut but as my must-read list is growing ever longer, I will limit myself to one. :-)
ReplyDelete