Archive for the ‘Book Rants!’ Category

Swimming In The Blue

July 7th, 2010

There is something to be said for artistic people that cross genres. When I was first introduced to Kipp Poe Speicher it was as an independent film maker, not an author. The fact that these two passions regularly intertwined (in him) eluded me until all of a sudden I started seeing his short stories pop up everywhere.

Speicher is a man that uses fore-sight to write. Here is what I mean. For someone that spends their time manipulating a script into visual stimulation, his use of imagery when writing is astoundingly graphic and detailed. More often than not this trait is lost when a person (who is so focused on the ability to capture an audience through visual means) decides to flip their focus to creating a viable plot/scenario with only the written word.

“Closing My Eyes Helps Me To See Clearly” is made up of only 2 short stories, 1 of which is the namesake for the finished product and the second is “Gas For Grass.” Both are unflinchingly graphic in both the “adult sense” and the “psychotic sense” and take only minutes to read, but what stands out about these 2 very different stories is Speichers use of language.

For example; in “Closing” he uses 3 (very different) characters perspectives to weave one singular apocalyptic plot. Each thought is filled with a slew of colorful adjectives allowing the reader to experience in their head, what would otherwise have been a very captivating scene on screen.

In “Gas For Grass” he detours from the previous floating dialogue and focuses on 1 lone man’s journey to get a little peace and quiet. (which by the way I wasn’t expecting and now has me hoping I never meet Kipp in a dark alley) His writing style makes a very exaggerated left turn, but at the same time still creates a horrifying moving picture in the readers head.

Neither of these stories were perfect, but both show what an amazing talent Speicher has hidden behind closed doors.

If you decide to take a peek at these 2 mildly disturbing literary gems I advise 1 thing. Caution…because neither of them are for the faint of heart.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Weed eaters are really annoying… especially early in the morning when people are trying to sleep.

For a complete book description click image

(4.5/5)

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Paging Mr. White!

July 2nd, 2010

I have always been “that girl.” You know… the one that when she gets bored wants to jump off of, or out of something. The need for adrenaline has been rushing through my blood since I was a child and even though, with age, I have had to tone down my actions (for the sake of my small children) I still feel this constant need to challenge myself, prove that I can do anything, and more importantly… do it better than a man.

Alexis, the tuff as nails, lead in “Color Me Grey” is also an adrenaline junkie, but I would classify her as more “Adrenaline Junkie on 8 shots of espresso.”

Alex gets everything she wants. Growing up in a wealthy home she not only had the pleasure of private tutors, but also the flexibility to try and/or conquer anything she felt the need to. With a military dad and a artist mom she was trained in everything from how to walk with a tea cup on her head to disabling a man with just her pinkie. With this stability and money also came a boring job in computers, but after 1 early morning revelation, Alex decides she’s had enough of sitting in one place and answers a newspaper ad that not so subtly screams RUN AWAY. It takes only seconds for Alex to realize there is more to this little adventure than meets the eye, and it takes even less time to realize that bowing out gracefully is not an option. Will Alex’s need for heart pumping excitement be what she ultimately needed, or will it leave her 6 feet underground and making friends with worms?

I have always loved books where female leads are thrust into, what is stereotypically, a man’s position, and this little ditty is no exception. J.C. Phelps did a wonderful job of weaving suspense, intrigue, and lust, resulting in what was a very pleasurable, and solid read. Each character had their own unique qualities and the use of “code names” while developing each was an engaging way to keep the reader guessing as to who they “really” were. The plot, however, is where Phelps’ writing really shined. As a reader the push and pull of a story is what keeps you reading. “Where is this going?” “I know something big is about to happen… but what is it?” This more than anything is what made “Color Me Grey” so exciting, you could always feels something bubbling just under the surface… even in the most sedated moments of monologue.

Like I said before… I truly… genuinely… enjoyed this novel, and even though I didn’t have to purchase it, I would… (without a doubt in the world) have absolutely no problem forking over the $2.99 for it.

Get it, live it, love it… pass it on.

Happy reading my fellow Junkies and remember: if the application asks how long it takes for you to assemble an m16… chances are they aren’t looking for a receptionist.

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(5/5)

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Hey!! Don’t Call Me That!

June 30th, 2010

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is and always will be my favorite book. I read it for the very first time when I was 16, and even before I finished it, I knew that it had forever changed my perception of women. Here was a novel that was not only written by a woman (which was exceedingly rare in that day and age) but also featured a very strong willed, opinionated, passionate female lead. Austen dared to step across the line of polite society and write not only WHAT she wanted, but HOW she wanted to. It was not until today, 13 years later, that I have ever seen a character that has impressed me as much as Elizabeth Bennett.

Now, I’m not saying that “The Wife of Freedom” is the next P&P because it not, but what it is… is an intriguing novel that jumps the boundaries of the expected and does it all through the eyes of a woman.

Mary Alwyn is a wife and a homemaker, but more importantly she’s a free spirit. She’s married to a local revolutionary and that’s just fine by her, until one day the strapping Henry knocks on her door. With a husband wrapped up in the inevitability of war, Mary looks for flattery anywhere she can find it, and at the moment… it’s in another man’s bed. It’s not until one intentional/accidental slip-up that her world is suddenly turned upside down, and instead of being the beautiful companion of a nobleman she is suddenly a traitorous spy and whore. How much ridicule can a woman take before she finally breaks down? And in the end, will she see flaw in the person she is or embrace the person she has become?

Camille LaGuire’s writing was spectacular, creating a heroine that was so lovable/dislikeable that it was hard to keep from reading, and even though this novel was blatantly a period piece (set in the 1700′s) it didn’t read like one. The language was very easy to follow, the plot was evenly spaced and intriguing and the ending was not only shocking (after everything Mary had been thinking about throughout her journey) but actually quite charming, allowing the reader to embrace each character for their qualities as well as their flaws.

If you are a fan of the classics, period literature, period films, or strong female leads, this is definitely a book to look out for. (And please.. I beg of you… don’t judge the book by it’s cover!)

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: you are who YOU make yourself… not who OTHERS make you out to be.

For a complete book description click image

(4/5)

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Dreaming of Koi

June 26th, 2010

About a month ago I was traipsing through my local bookstore when I stumbled upon the mother of all clearances. Here I was, standing (trying not to droll) over a box the size of a small country, that was loaded up with $3.00 books, when I noticed a novel with beautiful cover art. So… trying not to solely judge a book by it’s cover… I flipped it over and read the blurb. Assuring myself that the plot sounded promising I tucked the book under my arm, and then turned to find my family. (That of course had disappeared into the low flying literature mist that my brain formed from the word sale.)

Now, of course, getting out of there with only 1 book is completely ludicrous, I think that day I left with 4, but today I will only (mildly) bash one of them. “Rain Song” by Alice J. Wisler.

Nicole is a small town girl, and if she has anything to say about it, she will remain that way. She hates motorcycles, airplanes and more recently (since the traumatic death of a distant friend of a friend) roller-coasters. She prefers the company of her fish to the company of actual humans, spends her days teaching middle school English, and her nights calming her paranoid aunts fears about cucumber neglect, but after an article she writes “about fish” prompts a man from Japan to email her… everything she has grown up to know… or not know… is about to change. Will her fear of the past keep her from finding her future? Only 1 person can really answer that… and like I said before… she’s very afraid of flying.

I’ll be honest, it took me a little while to get comfortable with the writing in this book. The problem was not the plot (although the abruptness of the 1st email took me a little by surprise) the problem was with the staccato formatting. While most authors will take several thoughts and form one long running paragraph/sentence Wisler’s thoughts were extremely choppy. For example: “When my hands feel like ice, I come inside. Suddenly I know why I haven’t commented to Harrison on his poem. I haven’t written back to him because it is clear he lives in Japan.” After about 10 chapters, my acute awareness of this finally faded and it became the characters natural cadence, but I do think it is something Wisler needs to pay very close attention to if she decides to continue her literary future. The plot was a little slow in places, and the overall story focuses more on her wacky family and their nuances than any actual “budding romance” which the back of the cover leads its potential reader to believe, but either way… it’s mildly enjoyable. It does however teach a very important lesson (which I think is enhanced if you read the authors biography – no I won’t spoil it for you.)

I don’t think that everyone will find the same amusement with this novel that I did though, so I leave you with this… read the reviews, weigh your options and if you still feel like spending the dough go for it, just make sure your not looking for life changing (because this is nothing more than – ironically enough – airplane material.)

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: never let your 3 year old niece feed your fish unaccompanied.

For a complete book description click image

(3/5)

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Close Your Eyes And Dive!

June 24th, 2010

If you have spent even 5 minutes with a child you are certain to have noticed what interesting creatures they are.  They are as equally lovable as they are fickle and more than anything they are painfully honest (not yet forming that diplomatic catch-net we acquire as adults.) but unfortunately all of these endearing qualities start to disappear as the years pass and eventually, instead of your little princess who thought boys were icky and playing in mud was a good time, you end up with a tween.  The 1 hour in the bathroom, more make-up than a MAC store, “Mom” do these pants make my butt look fat” mini-divas.  Suddenly it takes more than location to be best friends, and peer pressure and first impressions are part of the game.

In “Leap” by Jane Breskin Zalben, 2 sixth graders (and childhood friends) Krista and Daniel, are forced to decide between their “inner child” beauty, and their blossoming teen alliances.  After a devastating accident that leaves, the once popular Daniel, without the use of his legs, Krista is at a loss.  Does she continue to be friends with the boy she has known and acknowledged her whole life, or does she pretend he isn’t there… like everyone else? Daniel on the other hand has a entirely different set of problems.  His best friend is AWOL, his mother is non-existent and even the simplest of things, like walking, is relatively impossible.  Will humanities light shine through these two young hearts and compel them to walk down the road of compassion and understanding… or will all of the pressure and sideways glances just be to much to bare?

This is not necessarily a novel for adults, it is written in the simplistic dialogue of two very confused 13 year olds, however if you have a budding teenager in your family this would make a fantastic gift.  The lessons in this dual narrative story are important…character building if you will… and if in the end they get nothing more than “don’t jump to conclusions” as their great revelation… 1 life lesson is better than none.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: “Leap of Faith” isn’t just a fantastic quote… is a brilliant motto.

For a complete book description click image

(3.5/5)

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Lies Lies Everywhere!

June 21st, 2010

For those of you who have gotten to know me over the last year you could have predicted I would review this novella months ago. I have to admit I was fascinated by the idea of Bree and was curious to know more about her. (Even if up until this point she was just another vampire in the wrong place at the wrong time.)

Now, before I get into the details of the story let me give you a little background. Stephenie Meyer actually wrote this “short story” BEFORE the release of Twilight. (While she was editing Eclipse) She found herself intrigued by the idea of a “newborn” vampire and her way of working through that was to write it down, her final intention was to throw it in as a bonus in the “Twilight Saga: The Official Guide,” but once her little story reached 200 pages it seemed a little like overkill. It was not until the filming of “Eclipse” started that she found a useful place for it. Jodelle (the actress who plays Bree) needed inspiration, background, insight… and what do you know, Meyer’s had just the thing. After swearing Jodelle to secrecy (having her burn the manuscript when she was done with it) Meyer’s publisher approached her with a fantastic idea. Publish the Bree’s story as it’s own novella and get it out quickly…before “Eclipse” was released to theatres. I have to say… good call Little Brown.

In “Eclipse” we are introduced to Bree abstractly. She is the only newborn to survive (briefly) Victoria’s quest for revenge and even when we ARE introduced to her it is fleeting and makes her appear weak. It’s not until you read “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” that you see who she really was; smart, dedicated and surprisingly compassionate.

Taking this journey with Bree was fascinating. It not only allowed you see the action from a different aspect, but it allowed you to see the characters we have all grown to love through the eyes of their enemy.

The writing, was surprisingly complete and read more like a full fledged novel than an excerpt of one, and Meyer’s ability to capture the “non-vegetarian” vampire world was impressive for someone so known for her lovable vamps.

In the end I was significantly more impressed by this little ditty than I ever actually thought I would be. What I was expecting was a filler novel, what I got was a deeper appreciation.

If you are a Twilight Saga fan… this a must addition to your ever growing collection.

Happy Reading my fellow Twi-hards and remember: “Red-Eyes” need love too.

For a complete book description click image

(4/5)

P.S. I know the majority of you are hardcore Kindle readers, but if you feel the need to buy this novel, do me a favor and buy the hardback copy. $1 from each sold copy is being donated to the American Red Cross. How’s that for irony.

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When Our Heads Get In The Way

June 18th, 2010

When I was in Jr. High my Sunday school class decided to study the book of “Job”. Up until this point I had never done any extensive studying of a particular book, just stand alone versus, so the fact that I shook with the anticipation of learning what would happen next (to this poor soul – as I liked to refer to him at the time) floored me. Over the years I have continued to study the bible, reading scripture and trying (sometimes is vain) to make it make sense to me. Sometimes I fail horribly, while other times the message I read sparks like a lightning bolt to my brain, I get it instantly. Now, after all these years one fact remains… I remember the book of “Job” more than any other book I have ever read. Why am I telling you all of this you may ask? Because “Job” has just come back to life in James L Rubarts’ novel “Rooms”

We all travel through our lives with a set plan, some are significantly more ambitious than others, but regardless if your “plan” is to eat that 1 lb tub of gummy bears before next Monday, or become a millionaire by the time you are 30… the fact remains that you have a plan. For Micah the plan was to put a house up for sale and go back to his corporate life in Seattle, but when the house (that his deceased uncle left him) starts to sprout extra rooms that speak to his soul, calling Caldwell Banker doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. LIFE doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. With daily assaults of horrendous childhood memories and a slew of possibilities Micah is forced to make a choice, walk the path that God has forged for him, or walk the path that he forged for himself. Both choices have their ups and downs, and the art of choosing is the most difficult of all. Would you give up everything for a slim chance of happiness or would giving up everything make you unhappy?

Writing a spiritual novel is a quest all on its own, for the author (more often than not) they are slaves to the voice inside their heart vs. the voices of the publishing Gods, but when an author can merge a life lesson into a genuinely intriguing plot, what’s left is simply beautiful. Here is a novel that was captivating from the 1st chapter, reaching out to grab it’s audience with the reality of inner confliction. Which way do I go? To whom do I turn? The “lesson” was blatantly obvious (as it rightfully should have been) but the way in which it was expressed was refreshing and thought provoking. Rubart posed questions many of us would feel uncomfortable asking ourselves, but he did it in a way that left you unable to avoid the answers.

I nod my head in a sincere kudos to the man that chose to write a beautiful piece of literature, “because he had something to say.” And I encourage those of you that are wandering the path of uncertainty to join in the journey Rubart has created.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: we are all tightly wound balls of yarn, and it’s not until we start to unravel that we see what can be made out of a few tiny strings.

For a complete description click image

(5/5)

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Waiting For The Punch Line

June 17th, 2010

One of the things I love so much about paranormal/fantasy novels is their amazing attention to detail.  Worlds beyond comprehension are created and characters, with otherwise impossible abilities, are summoned up from the imaginarium of the authors mind.

Now, all that being said I was pretty excited by the idea of a “paranormal-magic tracking” private investigator, unfortunately having a fantastic idea doesn’t always equal great execution.

For those of you who have ever watched a film noir  or noir shorts you will easily understand the format for “Tracking Magic (Max Killian Investigations)” Here was a novel that was written as a series of short stories which are (when you break it down) actually case files for the PI Max Killian, (a somewhat blase’ middle-aged investigator who -to be honest- makes a brick wall sound exciting.)

After Schnieder’s 1st story “Haunting Clues”,  (which I thought ended abruptly and had no substance) I was certain things would get better… there was just so much potential there, but instead of getting better, (expanding the personal attributes of Max or even bringing in references of older cases) the stories just…stayed the same. They were (in places) mildly entertaining, but the obvious repetition in the beginning of each story ( yes – I get it, you don’t tell people you can smell magic because then you will be taxed by the government) had me tuning out.

Would I count “Schnieder” out of the writers talent pool? No… she just needs to focus more on where she wants her “Hero” to go.

Do I think “Tracking Magic” is worth the time? Well since it only took me 2 and a half hours to read, sure… I’m just not all that sure I’d want to pay $2.00 for that 2 hours.

Read if you have NOTHING else.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: The IRS eventually finds everyone.. there is no point in hiding… they are like a bad case of Ebola with no vaccine.

For a complete book description click image

(2/5)

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Did I Really Just See That?

June 15th, 2010

There’s a couple of things I have learned after reading a few of Scott Nicholson’s novels. 1.  I think he should see a psychologist. 2.  I am never EVER going to the Appalachian Mountains, and 3.  He gets better with every thing he writes.

While most authors fluctuate in their ability to properly express themselves from novel to novel,  Scott seems to get more creative, and structurally sound every time he puts pen to paper.

Psychological thrillers and Supernatural Mysteries are 2 of the more complex of genres to write, they not only require a well thought out and established plot but they also require insight into the side of human psyche that society as a whole likes to disregard… the dark side, and to be able to pull off not 1 but at least 8 of these is more than impressive… it’s astounding.

“Drummer Boy” is just one more example of what Nicholson does best.  He takes folk tales (whether the tales are in his head or real is beyond me) and then spins them into a battle of wits between a large and complex cast of characters.

The Mountains are speaking, but the tiny town of Titusville isn’t exactly prepared for what they are saying. More focused on their upcoming Civil War reenactment than the whispers, the towns citizens chalk up a rash of mysteriously dressed soldiers to, too much booze or visiting actors, its just to bad that they blow off the fact that these same men seem to flicker and disappear with the blink of an eye.  Are these men really a troop of ghostly soldiers hell bent on finding a deserter and changing their fate, or are they just figments of a towns already over active imagination?

Nicholson’s characters were (once again) beautifully detailed and the overall plot was so “twisty turny” that it could keep any mystery junkie on their toes and flipping pages.

All in all…quality writing…good read. I don’t think it gets much easier than that.

Get it, Live it, Love it…pass it on.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you hear banjos… I do not recommend running for the hill, there is some pretty creepy shit up there.

For a complete book description click image

(4/5)



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Wormers Are The Worst!

June 14th, 2010

Snodgrass VacationIn March my husband and I took our two small children to Sea World for spring break. Now… growing up in Texas you tend to get used to the heat, summers range anywhere from 99-110 degrees on a daily basis, and the “season” (and I use that word very liberally) itself generally last from February to October, so our decision to tottle around an amusement park in 100 degree heat may not have been the wisest of decisions we have made, (or are likely to make in the future,) but the fact remains that we did. However, it was not until finishing this novel that I finally found the comfort I needed to put MY weeks worth of hecticness behind me and thank my lucky stars that “at least it wasn’t Disney World.”

For those of you that are parents you can relate to what I’m about to say. Nothing sucks more than tiny children, 300 strollers and hour long lines for 45 seconds of cheesy graphics and rickety (held together by a 14 year olds welding job) rollercoasters. Don’t get me wrong… I am an adrenaline junkie to the fullest extent, but trying to harness those feelings while at the same time trying to change a dirty diaper on your lap is not exactly the bee’s knees!

In “Snodgrass Vacation” Dave Conifer takes his audience on the ride of a lifetime in his fictional (yet very similar) play on “The Happiest Place On Earth” (complete with ridicules costumes and hyperactive newbie parents) While throwing in the (cheeky) pursuit of an “ambulance chaser” (who just happens to be at the same hotel as them) we get to experience the pluses and pitfalls of family vacations.

Dave is a diplomatic clean freak, his wife Marcie has had an encounter with Mother Nature, Vinnie is um… less diplomatic and more “you gotta fight for your right to party” and Nancy is like a Nazi version of Tinkerbelle barking marching orders at every corner and demanding compliance. Just your average American families right? (ha!)

Conifer’s writing was witty and at times slap stick funny. The plot, even though it was ultimately just a weeks worth of “which ride is next” didn’t make you feel like you were the one waiting in line and in the end… I found myself genuinely smiling at the blatant reality of this work of “fiction.”

This is not a difficult read, it’s more sassy and beach’y than anything else, but if you have ever found yourself in the position of line maneuvering or 30 minute potty breaks then you are sure to find yourself chuckling at these 2 (very different) families take on togetherness.

If you…have children, have ever been to a major amusement park, find yourself with some free time, and a couple of extra bucks in your pocket… this one is for you.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you find yourself in an underground tunnel sporting an oversized dwarf head… something has gone terribly wrong.

For a complete book description click image

(3/5)

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