en-US Fri, 02 Oct 2020 22:48:32 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 55423285 189 Vincent Panettiere 1098332369 Jason 4
This is the best line from the book for me! I think it summarizes Charlie Forte’s story. Charlie is a novelist, and he just received the largest book advance of his career. However, he was in that point of his life where he is concluding that he’s going to kill himself. Until he started experiencing 24 women through the music, he associates with them.

The storyline is unique among all the other books I read, but it didn’t lack substance.

I don’t usually read this kind of genre, but I can say that I was hooked and curious with the character build-up of Charlie. In the quote I got from the book, it made me look at Charlie as a very relatable character experiencing insecurity and hopelessness.

I think that the book also enlightens the readers who have experienced this at some point in their life. Overall, I will recommend this book, regardless if you’re a man or woman. You’ll surely relate with Charlie!
]]> 3.65
author: Vincent Panettiere
name: Jason
average rating: 3.65
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/10/02
shelves:
review:
“The moment I have compassion for myself will be the moment things will shift. I’ve been in a childlike stage, giving in to frustration and anger, devastating to such an extent that it’s become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As a result, I became resentful and resigned to a life of insecurity, hopeless and powerless.��

This is the best line from the book for me! I think it summarizes Charlie Forte’s story. Charlie is a novelist, and he just received the largest book advance of his career. However, he was in that point of his life where he is concluding that he’s going to kill himself. Until he started experiencing 24 women through the music, he associates with them.

The storyline is unique among all the other books I read, but it didn’t lack substance.

I don’t usually read this kind of genre, but I can say that I was hooked and curious with the character build-up of Charlie. In the quote I got from the book, it made me look at Charlie as a very relatable character experiencing insecurity and hopelessness.

I think that the book also enlightens the readers who have experienced this at some point in their life. Overall, I will recommend this book, regardless if you’re a man or woman. You’ll surely relate with Charlie!

]]> 43501978
Based on Dr. Giancarlo's peer-reviewed research study, Kids Come Last: The Effect of Family Law Involvement in Parental Alienation, this book tells, in their own voices, the stories of thirty loving, capable and dependable parents who, nonetheless, were removed from their children's lives. It is also the author's own journey through the devastation caused by parental alienation.

This book sheds light on an urgent social crisis, enabled by a broken family law system. An equitable and just model for eliminating this form of child abuse is proposed with an urgent plea for its implementation.]]> 582 Christine Giancarlo 0228808065 Jason 5
I wasn’t wrong in giving this read a try. The author, Dr Christine Giancarlo, shows and explains the effects of forced child-parent separation. This is not a light read but I would be lying if I said it wasn't worth it.

I love that Dr Giancarlo was able to put a call to action in the final section of the book. She wrote different ways of preventing abuse during this scenario and also provided practical measures, primarily to address the children’s hardships and still to experience care and love amidst divorce or separation of parents. ]]> 4.07
author: Christine Giancarlo
name: Jason
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/10/02
shelves:
review:
When I first saw the book, I was a bit hesitant to but it because I am not a parent yet, but then what caught me is that I have close friends whose parents were separated and they will also tell me how hard and excruciating that is. I wanted to understand more about this situation and hopefully, be more compassionate with my friends and what they’re going through.

I wasn’t wrong in giving this read a try. The author, Dr Christine Giancarlo, shows and explains the effects of forced child-parent separation. This is not a light read but I would be lying if I said it wasn't worth it.

I love that Dr Giancarlo was able to put a call to action in the final section of the book. She wrote different ways of preventing abuse during this scenario and also provided practical measures, primarily to address the children’s hardships and still to experience care and love amidst divorce or separation of parents.
]]> 100779 308 Edwin Lefèvre 0471770884 Jason 4
There’s so much you can learn from the book. One of which is how it points out that ignorance, greed and fear can drive the markets because of human decisions. I was amazed how it was explained in the book and how trading decisions and price movements depend on these factors.
I think the main character reminded me that it is important to listen to yourself and not on other people’s opinion or perspectives because a lot of people might be wrong. I love how it was explained that the only way for a stock price to move up is when people buy it. It goes down when people sell it.

This line really got me ��
"There is nothing like losing all you have in the world for teaching you what not to do. And when you know what not to do in order not to lose money, you begin to learn what to do in order to win. Did you get that? You begin to learn!"

I think this line summarizes what the book offers. The main character showed that just like in investing, there are things that you learn the hard way (like losing money), but in those times you also learn the most.

Overall, I would recommend this book. Even if you are not into trading and investment, you’ll get a chunk of wisdom out of it.
]]> 4.16 1923
author: Edwin Lefèvre
name: Jason
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1923
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/09/29
shelves:
review:
This book was exciting to read this book because I am a fan of stock markets and investments. The story started with Jesse Lauriston Livermore who is a well-known Wall Street speculator. He describes many tactics that will drive prices, whether it’s up or down.

There’s so much you can learn from the book. One of which is how it points out that ignorance, greed and fear can drive the markets because of human decisions. I was amazed how it was explained in the book and how trading decisions and price movements depend on these factors.
I think the main character reminded me that it is important to listen to yourself and not on other people’s opinion or perspectives because a lot of people might be wrong. I love how it was explained that the only way for a stock price to move up is when people buy it. It goes down when people sell it.

This line really got me ��
"There is nothing like losing all you have in the world for teaching you what not to do. And when you know what not to do in order not to lose money, you begin to learn what to do in order to win. Did you get that? You begin to learn!"

I think this line summarizes what the book offers. The main character showed that just like in investing, there are things that you learn the hard way (like losing money), but in those times you also learn the most.

Overall, I would recommend this book. Even if you are not into trading and investment, you’ll get a chunk of wisdom out of it.

]]> 36625646 10-year old Moxie Wyoming and her magical horse Misty are at it again. This time, it's not one, but two daring rescues! There's a family of feral cats who've taken up residence at Moose Creek Ranch and are threatened by predators. But it's the urgent call to rescue a colony of city cats that requires Misty’s special powers and Moxie’s can-do attitude. With the clock ticking, can this adventurous duo get there in time?]]> 174 Niki Danforth Jason 5
Niki Danforth takes the opportunity to help readers of all ages learn more about responsible care of our furry friends. Using a kind, casual time and simple, practical terms, Runaway Rescue is chock full of tips for helping feral cats thrive. Deftly weaving threads of Moxie and Misty's secret magical lifestyle with educational details, Ms. Danforth has created a story that is both entertaining and informative.

The characters are endearing and relatable, and I found myself slightly envious of Moxie's idyllic ranch lifestyle, wild and free with her best pony friend. The world of Moxie Wyoming has the perfect blend of freedom, responsibility, magic, and real facts, giving readers a hearty dose of all of the elements of a great story. This is sure to be a book young readers will reach for again and again.
]]> 4.28
author: Niki Danforth
name: Jason
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/09/27
shelves:
review:
Moxie Wyoming and her horse Misty are on a mission to help out any animal in need. After visiting their friend Dizzy's animal sanctuary, Moxie and Misty discover a family of feral cats who need their help. Aided by their friend Erica and a magic tablet, Moxie and Misty learn how to take care of their new feral friends- both at home and cross country!

Niki Danforth takes the opportunity to help readers of all ages learn more about responsible care of our furry friends. Using a kind, casual time and simple, practical terms, Runaway Rescue is chock full of tips for helping feral cats thrive. Deftly weaving threads of Moxie and Misty's secret magical lifestyle with educational details, Ms. Danforth has created a story that is both entertaining and informative.

The characters are endearing and relatable, and I found myself slightly envious of Moxie's idyllic ranch lifestyle, wild and free with her best pony friend. The world of Moxie Wyoming has the perfect blend of freedom, responsibility, magic, and real facts, giving readers a hearty dose of all of the elements of a great story. This is sure to be a book young readers will reach for again and again.

]]> 52859939 Private detective Ronnie Lake has a few wins under her belt, but she’s still proving she’s got what it takes, including to her biggest critic…herself. Eager to solve more crimes, the recently-licensed sleuth accepts a job to track down a young runaway. Her search quickly points to a far more sinister crime.

Sniffing out clues with her loyal German Shepherd, the determined investigator uncovers a brutal crime and meddling authorities. The abduction may be part of a dark conspiracy that’s out of her league, and following a trail that leads to shadowy powerbrokers could put her directly in their crosshairs.

Can she solve the case before one missing person turns into two dead bodies?

A smart heroine, fast-paced action, and now a dash of political intrigue, Hush, Hush is the page-turning fourth standalone book in the Ronnie Lake Mystery Series.]]> 325 Niki Danforth 1946403245 Jason 5
The key to a good mystery novel is how well the plot is laid out, and the consistency of the clues and follow-through of the actions taken. This mystery involves a missing college student who the police have written off as flighty, but is there more to the case than just a love-sick and irresponsible college girl? Of course there is, and Ronnie is on the case. The supporting cast is strong, even if you don’t like them, you can appreciate their contribution to the story.

The storyline is exciting and keeps you hooked until the final reveal, and the action will have you on the edge of your seat. I would say that even though this is the fourth in the series, you could actually start here. If you can’t wait and just need a good, fun, solid mystery right now, this is a great one!

Overall the storyline is captivating and the character development is enticing enough that you will want to read all of the others in the series and any that may come after!
]]> 4.29
author: Niki Danforth
name: Jason
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/09/26
shelves:
review:
This is the fourth in the Ronnie Lake mystery series. Ronnie continues to be a fun and fantastic protagonist. She is a smart woman who reinvented herself as a Private Investigator. A black belt in Akido, she is more than capable of defending herself and others during her investigations.

The key to a good mystery novel is how well the plot is laid out, and the consistency of the clues and follow-through of the actions taken. This mystery involves a missing college student who the police have written off as flighty, but is there more to the case than just a love-sick and irresponsible college girl? Of course there is, and Ronnie is on the case. The supporting cast is strong, even if you don’t like them, you can appreciate their contribution to the story.

The storyline is exciting and keeps you hooked until the final reveal, and the action will have you on the edge of your seat. I would say that even though this is the fourth in the series, you could actually start here. If you can’t wait and just need a good, fun, solid mystery right now, this is a great one!

Overall the storyline is captivating and the character development is enticing enough that you will want to read all of the others in the series and any that may come after!

]]> 53981792 351 E.T. Ellison 0996582215 Jason 4
While for some, this means very little, for others it begins to unravel their whole lives. Gilx, Queen of Niceness, begins to experience episodes of what can simply be called angry not-niceness. That and the mark on her hand drive her to leave her safe haven and venture out to discover what in the Island of Wyn is going on.

The characters that Glix encounters on her journey of both self-discovery and investigation are odd, and entertaining, and flit in and out of the storyline, with very few sticking around long enough to do anything but influence our main character. This actually works very well as it keeps the story more linear, cutting through the color and sparkle to keep the story rolling.

Overall the Deadly Crocus is an entertaining adventure story that is great for those who love fantasy and excitement. Glix’s character arc as she discovers the world around her is enthralling and entertaining as well.
]]> 3.67
author: E.T. Ellison
name: Jason
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/09/26
shelves:
review:
If you like fantasy but are sick of the high-flown language that is often used in the tales, then the Deadly Crocus is for you. The citizens of the “nice�� city of Quince are thrown into disarray when the sky begins falling.

While for some, this means very little, for others it begins to unravel their whole lives. Gilx, Queen of Niceness, begins to experience episodes of what can simply be called angry not-niceness. That and the mark on her hand drive her to leave her safe haven and venture out to discover what in the Island of Wyn is going on.

The characters that Glix encounters on her journey of both self-discovery and investigation are odd, and entertaining, and flit in and out of the storyline, with very few sticking around long enough to do anything but influence our main character. This actually works very well as it keeps the story more linear, cutting through the color and sparkle to keep the story rolling.

Overall the Deadly Crocus is an entertaining adventure story that is great for those who love fantasy and excitement. Glix’s character arc as she discovers the world around her is enthralling and entertaining as well.

]]> 54846636
While publicly navigating life as a 'New Christian,' Vives is quickly drawn into the secretive and dangerous world of London's Jewish community. With a foot in each world, he is torn between the love of two women.

Inside the Tudor court, the king and queen separately seek Vives's assistance to support their opposed demands. He must betray one to help the other, knowing his decision could cost him his life. Whom will he choose? Will his wily skills allow him to manipulate them both? Not only his survival but that of his family and his entire people hang in the balance.]]> 274 Tim Darcy Ellis 0228834384 Jason 4
Juan Luis Vives is a Jewish man who pretends to be Catholic in order to survive the times. He worked for, and with, larger than life historical figures such as Thomas Moore, Catherine of Aragon, King Henry the VIII and other political figures. Ellis shows that politics really haven’t changed, laying out the famous drama of Henry the VIII, and the subsequent formation of the Church of England in such a way that even those who know nothing of the history will be engrossed.

The book, overall, reads like a thriller and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This is especially true since most who read this do not actually know what did happen to Juan Luis Vives. For those who are in need of a good book with plenty of suspense, this is a great choice.
]]> 4.28 2020
author: Tim Darcy Ellis
name: Jason
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/09/16
shelves:
review:
A common problem with historical fiction is finding the balance between the bare facts and the human drama that makes it interesting to read and follow. The author, Tim Darcy Ellis, takes the story of Juan Luis Vives and gives it new life. It is obviously well researched, but the details and politics of the time do not bog down the story. Rather, they give the story a solid framework to stand on.

Juan Luis Vives is a Jewish man who pretends to be Catholic in order to survive the times. He worked for, and with, larger than life historical figures such as Thomas Moore, Catherine of Aragon, King Henry the VIII and other political figures. Ellis shows that politics really haven’t changed, laying out the famous drama of Henry the VIII, and the subsequent formation of the Church of England in such a way that even those who know nothing of the history will be engrossed.

The book, overall, reads like a thriller and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This is especially true since most who read this do not actually know what did happen to Juan Luis Vives. For those who are in need of a good book with plenty of suspense, this is a great choice.

]]> 54969010 336 Don Jones Jason 5
The novel follows Daniel as he grows from a child to something much more. There are not very many characters, making Daniel very important. Instead of being boring or making the story flat, the detail put into his journey as an individual is genuinely attention grabbing. You begin to care about him as a character. This add a layer of depth to his interactions with others that is unusual, especially in a book that is not as long as some other novels.

Overall, as an avid reader of fantasy, I really enjoyed reading this book and was genuinely sad when I finished it. It is a spin on an often used storyline, aka magic and witchcraft, and is written in a style that is very much its own. If more books on Witchkind come out I will be in line to read them.
]]> 4.02 2020
author: Don Jones
name: Jason
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/09/16
shelves:
review:
This book is complex, compelling and just a little bit dark. The beginning of the book feels like you have been dropped into a completely different world. The world building happens as you read, and the more you get to know Daniel, the more the world solidifies into shape. The detail of the locations and the cultures encountered are such that I can still picture them days after reading.

The novel follows Daniel as he grows from a child to something much more. There are not very many characters, making Daniel very important. Instead of being boring or making the story flat, the detail put into his journey as an individual is genuinely attention grabbing. You begin to care about him as a character. This add a layer of depth to his interactions with others that is unusual, especially in a book that is not as long as some other novels.

Overall, as an avid reader of fantasy, I really enjoyed reading this book and was genuinely sad when I finished it. It is a spin on an often used storyline, aka magic and witchcraft, and is written in a style that is very much its own. If more books on Witchkind come out I will be in line to read them.

]]> 54232365 ‘This is such a smart, well-written SciFi/dystopian thriller—with heart!�� DeeDee, Amazon 5 Stars ‘A brisk SF novel with a richly described setting…the vivid atmosphere is the book’s greatest asset and should please SF fans.�� Kirkus ‘A thought-provoking, heart-palpitating dystopian adventure�� IndieReader
In a dark future, a deadly virus returns after a global pandemic. The Sanctuary of Americas has been running genetic experiments with human animal hybrids looking for immunity. When the virus mutates, both human and hybrid are suddenly at risk. Doctor Mercy Perching may have a cure. Caught in an internal war between human and hybrid, she must choose a side. The future face of humanity hangs on her next move. �� For speculative Sci-Fi readers who like Brave New World, 1984, and books by A.G. Riddle and Martha Wells Awards for Children of the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Award for Science Fiction 2020 BestBookAward Finalist in Science Fiction
★★★★�� More 5 star reader

�� An absolutely astounding and riveting dystopian thriller, Daniel Weisbeck’s CHILDREN OF THE MIRACLE is packed with interesting characters, action, and intrigue on every page as readers explore a postpandemic era and the vast possibilities of science. A perfect blend of science fiction, politics, and even a bit of romance makes part one of the CHILDREN OF THE MIRACLE series a must read.�� -INDIEREADER Science Fiction Discovery Award "A writing style that instantly recalls genre-heavyweights like Orwell and Asimov…an incredibly well-executed piece of science fiction" James W, Amazon "Mr. Weisbeck is a master of making the science and politics of this situation seem very credible." Susan Alpert, Amazon "There were several points during my reading of Children of the Miracle, by Daniel Weisbeck, where I paused to openly hope someone will make a movie of this book. Not only was the story a terrific ride, but I think the visual effects would be fascinating." Jason Collins, Amazon "Weisbeck's story is sensational, offering suspense and wonder. The story is extremely well-written and creative. We have shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires, but have you really ever heard of avian hybrids?" Lauren Jones, ReedsyDiscovery]]> 170 Daniel Weisbeck 1527261506 Jason 5
Dr. Mercy Perching is no stranger to science- in fact, she owes her very existence to genetic manipulation. When she is invited to present her materials on possible cures for the FossilFlu disease that has greatly diminished the planet in the near future, her life takes a dramatic left turn, in which she is whisked away to lands she didn’t even know existed.

Seeing the Sanctuary of Americas through Mercy’s eyes gives the reader an inspired- yet bleak- look at a post apocalyptic future. Humans, unable to survive on their own, must turn to manufacturing hope in the form of genetics. While the Sanctuary of Europe has had success with clones and surrogates, the Sanctuary of Americas has experimented with hybrid creatures known as “chimera.��

Mercy is unaware of how she was recruited to assist the Americas with their genetic development�� until she receives a mysterious warning from an unknown being. Suddenly, she doesn’t know who to trust, or where to turn. The story twists and turns unexpectedly as the reader learns that there is more than meets the eye in the Sanctuary of Americas- and Mercy is right to trust no one.

Author Daniel Weisbeck creates a future full of hope and warning, with a world suffering from disconnect, disease, and prejudice, yet attempting to find unification through science. Each character is delightfully created to possess and express a full range of emotion, each fighting for their own cause with full passion. Weisbeck also makes a concerted effort to incorporate a reasonable amount of scientific lingo without isolating the audience- rather than relying on science and technology to move the story, the characters naturally move from plot point to plot point, and we engage in their passions through observation.

As the story progresses to its shocking climax, the reader is found hoping for the ability to save humanity�� but how much, and at what cost?
]]> 4.34
author: Daniel Weisbeck
name: Jason
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/09/16
shelves:
review:
There were several points during my reading of Children of the Miracle, by Daniel Weisbeck, where I paused to openly hope someone will make a movie of this book. Not only was the story a terrific ride, but I think the visual effects would be fascinating.

Dr. Mercy Perching is no stranger to science- in fact, she owes her very existence to genetic manipulation. When she is invited to present her materials on possible cures for the FossilFlu disease that has greatly diminished the planet in the near future, her life takes a dramatic left turn, in which she is whisked away to lands she didn’t even know existed.

Seeing the Sanctuary of Americas through Mercy’s eyes gives the reader an inspired- yet bleak- look at a post apocalyptic future. Humans, unable to survive on their own, must turn to manufacturing hope in the form of genetics. While the Sanctuary of Europe has had success with clones and surrogates, the Sanctuary of Americas has experimented with hybrid creatures known as “chimera.��

Mercy is unaware of how she was recruited to assist the Americas with their genetic development�� until she receives a mysterious warning from an unknown being. Suddenly, she doesn’t know who to trust, or where to turn. The story twists and turns unexpectedly as the reader learns that there is more than meets the eye in the Sanctuary of Americas- and Mercy is right to trust no one.

Author Daniel Weisbeck creates a future full of hope and warning, with a world suffering from disconnect, disease, and prejudice, yet attempting to find unification through science. Each character is delightfully created to possess and express a full range of emotion, each fighting for their own cause with full passion. Weisbeck also makes a concerted effort to incorporate a reasonable amount of scientific lingo without isolating the audience- rather than relying on science and technology to move the story, the characters naturally move from plot point to plot point, and we engage in their passions through observation.

As the story progresses to its shocking climax, the reader is found hoping for the ability to save humanity�� but how much, and at what cost?

]]> 39873019 Comparable to World War Z (the movie), only with a strong female lead and a blistering international conspiracy.

Ruby Spencer plans to resign from the U.S. Special Warfare Council. With an escalating Extinction Level Infection (ELI), the SWC needs the best minds acutely focused on the fight ahead. Yet motherhood has shifted her priorities. She's preoccupied with her newborn's health and safety. So resigning is the right choice.

For her last assignment, the SWC sends Ruby and husband Clay on a low-risk mission to Taiwan where they'll consult with scientists analyzing the infection. Too bad Lt. Col. Quinton Oxford--the American Consulate's embittered military attach��, is waiting in the shadows. Because Ox's plans for the couple are everything but low-risk.

When the Spencers are separated and kidnapped from Taiwan to Moscow, Ruby is thrust into a perverse war game between superpowers, where she's the prize. Only she doesn't know why. Or even how her abduction relates to the ELI crisis.

But her connection with Zoonosis Mutated Bacteria (ZOM-B) is emerging. And the fate of her family, of the world, awaits her next move.]]> 344 Julia Ash 1732081603 Jason 5
Ruby and Clay, her husband, survive many trials together, and their in-novel marriage grounds them, and the story, to something less global and more personal. They are both likeable characters that you want to make it through. The villain is the perfect blend of pure evil and likeable that makes you root for his demise but allows you to be thoroughly entertained along the way.

Overall, the story is fast paced, action packed and well written. It is not a long read simply due to the fact that you can’t put it down once you start reading.
]]> 4.22 2018
author: Julia Ash
name: Jason
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/09/03
shelves:
review:
The One and Only starts with a bang, or at least, with head exploding nano-bombs, and just keeps on rolling. Set two years after a global pandemic, the only survivor, Ruby, has helped create a vaccine using the antibodies in her blood. Of course with the resulting starvation and illness that ensues there are tensions between countries and World War IV is imminent. Before you stop reading due to spoilers let me tell you, all of this happens in the first 10 pages of the book.

Ruby and Clay, her husband, survive many trials together, and their in-novel marriage grounds them, and the story, to something less global and more personal. They are both likeable characters that you want to make it through. The villain is the perfect blend of pure evil and likeable that makes you root for his demise but allows you to be thoroughly entertained along the way.

Overall, the story is fast paced, action packed and well written. It is not a long read simply due to the fact that you can’t put it down once you start reading.

]]> 52771795
of the Protestant Reformation. It prompts him to explore the foundations and doctrines of

Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Diligently researched, references to ecclesiastical tomes,

doctrine, theological arguments, teachings, rituals and generalized incidents are

historically factual.]]> 345 Neal Grey Jason 4
There are tons of characters and while they are not all cuddly and lovable, they feel realistic and make you want their trials and tribulations to lead to happy outcomes. It is a varied cast and sometimes can be difficult to differentiate between them as many do not have more than a cursory development.

Having some background in the history of Catholicism will make reading this a lot easier. The history can be a bit dense to get through, and though the characters are interesting it can be hard to follow them through the mire of all the detailed history facts. For those who have ever read an unabridged Victor Hugo novel, it has a similar feel. A great story, but many historical tangents.
Overall I personally really liked this narrative. It is a bit dense and if history is not your thing then it may be difficult to get through. A lot of work was obviously put into this and the attention to detail shows.
]]> 3.82
author: Neal Grey
name: Jason
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/09/03
shelves:
review:
The Troubled Seminarian is a historical narrative that follows a Roman Catholic seminarian who is struggling with his faith at a time of religious upheaval. The protestant reformation is the backdrop of the story, focusing on the political and religious turmoil that it causes in individuals as well as the world. The novel is well-researched and focuses not only on Christianity but Judaism and Islam as well.

There are tons of characters and while they are not all cuddly and lovable, they feel realistic and make you want their trials and tribulations to lead to happy outcomes. It is a varied cast and sometimes can be difficult to differentiate between them as many do not have more than a cursory development.

Having some background in the history of Catholicism will make reading this a lot easier. The history can be a bit dense to get through, and though the characters are interesting it can be hard to follow them through the mire of all the detailed history facts. For those who have ever read an unabridged Victor Hugo novel, it has a similar feel. A great story, but many historical tangents.
Overall I personally really liked this narrative. It is a bit dense and if history is not your thing then it may be difficult to get through. A lot of work was obviously put into this and the attention to detail shows.

]]> 53133276
For Simon, the family mansion in Arkansas is a part of him. He may have fled small-town life for addiction--first to religion and then to cocaine--but he has found his way home. Now, all that's left is for him to face those he hurt along the way. As Simon navigates his constant internal struggle between faith and atheism, he must make decisions that will forever alter the course of his life.

In this, the third book of his LGBT literary fiction series, author William Poe writes compellingly about his native Arkansas to pen a work of US historical fiction that finally includes the too-often-overlooked stories of gay and lesbian small-town Americans. Simon's Mansion is a moving coming-of-age story about a man finally figuring out how to grow up.]]> 253 William Poe Jason 4
The son of staunch racist Lenny and accepting, yet very Christian, Vivian, Simon is raised in a conundrum. He imagines himself as a visitor from another planet, and expresses his intergalactic existence through art. As he grows, he attempts to fit in with the expectations of his family, but his inability to conform to a heterosexual Christian lifestyle leads him through a series of misadventures, including membership in a cult, a move to Hollywood, several elicit homosexual trysts, and an insatiable cocaine addiction. In order to establish some stability in his life, he returns home to the family “mansion�� in Sibley, Arkansas, where he and his long time partner Thad spend their days watching soap operas with Simon’s supportive mother, Vivian, rotating Frederick the goat’s grazing area, and attending to the whims of Cicero, the dog.

Suddenly, the stability Simon feels has saved him from addiction, extortion, and the borderline criminal life he left behind in Hollywood is shaken to the core in every way possible. Simon must learn to sink or swim. Knowing the ghosts of his addictions, criminal mistakes, and even the spectres of his family members lurk in the shadows, Simon must decide how to proceed in uncharted territory.

Author William Poe is fully dedicated to the Southern way of life. The narrative unfolds in the casual tone of local gossip, with no detail spared, and meandering from point to point as if just being reminded of crucial details linking this story to that. The reader feels immediately at home, and within the first chapter, reaches for a cold glass of mint ice tea, settling into the furniture for what will surely be a story just as good- if not better- than the afternoon soaps that Thad and Vivian watch together.

There remains some controversy in what type of story this is, however. The local gossip who serves as the narrator is so keen on dispelling every detail of Simon’s comings and goings, thoughts and fears, progressions and regressions, that we often wonder where this is headed. Is this a “whodunit�� surrounding Thad’s disappearance and the illegal activity in which Simon was engaged in Hollywood? Is this the story of a man overcoming temptation and weakness to learn who he truly is through his art and education? Is this a tale of religious acceptance, as the Christians and the atheists come to live in peace together? Many times, the plot seems as cluttered as the thoughts that pour through Simon’s head. Frequently, the entire plot seems to stall alongside Simon as his indecisiveness bleeds through the text and into the real world.

Though many of the threads that compose the warp and weft of Simon’s life are eventually wrapped into tidy knots, the conclusion of Simon’s Mansion reads as though the book didn’t finish downloading. While allowing the reader to speculate on the following reality is a fine literary concept, in many ways, the reader isn’t entirely sure where to let the mind wander, or where to let the imagination roam. While many great books leave the reader musing about next steps, future plots, and a myriad of “what ifs,�� Simon’s Mansion leaves the reader actively worried about all of the alternatively loose and tightly woven characters in the novel, none of whom receive any sort of resolution. With such an intricate tapestry of characters, situations, plot lines, and problems, one is left completely uneasy by this conclusion, and a bit anxious about what’s real, and what is truly fiction.
]]> 3.87 2019
author: William Poe
name: Jason
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/08/09
shelves:
review:
The sands passing through the proverbial hourglass have granted Simon his very own mansion in Sibley, Arkansas, but along with his familiar familial homestead come a slew of problems.

The son of staunch racist Lenny and accepting, yet very Christian, Vivian, Simon is raised in a conundrum. He imagines himself as a visitor from another planet, and expresses his intergalactic existence through art. As he grows, he attempts to fit in with the expectations of his family, but his inability to conform to a heterosexual Christian lifestyle leads him through a series of misadventures, including membership in a cult, a move to Hollywood, several elicit homosexual trysts, and an insatiable cocaine addiction. In order to establish some stability in his life, he returns home to the family “mansion�� in Sibley, Arkansas, where he and his long time partner Thad spend their days watching soap operas with Simon’s supportive mother, Vivian, rotating Frederick the goat’s grazing area, and attending to the whims of Cicero, the dog.

Suddenly, the stability Simon feels has saved him from addiction, extortion, and the borderline criminal life he left behind in Hollywood is shaken to the core in every way possible. Simon must learn to sink or swim. Knowing the ghosts of his addictions, criminal mistakes, and even the spectres of his family members lurk in the shadows, Simon must decide how to proceed in uncharted territory.

Author William Poe is fully dedicated to the Southern way of life. The narrative unfolds in the casual tone of local gossip, with no detail spared, and meandering from point to point as if just being reminded of crucial details linking this story to that. The reader feels immediately at home, and within the first chapter, reaches for a cold glass of mint ice tea, settling into the furniture for what will surely be a story just as good- if not better- than the afternoon soaps that Thad and Vivian watch together.

There remains some controversy in what type of story this is, however. The local gossip who serves as the narrator is so keen on dispelling every detail of Simon’s comings and goings, thoughts and fears, progressions and regressions, that we often wonder where this is headed. Is this a “whodunit�� surrounding Thad’s disappearance and the illegal activity in which Simon was engaged in Hollywood? Is this the story of a man overcoming temptation and weakness to learn who he truly is through his art and education? Is this a tale of religious acceptance, as the Christians and the atheists come to live in peace together? Many times, the plot seems as cluttered as the thoughts that pour through Simon’s head. Frequently, the entire plot seems to stall alongside Simon as his indecisiveness bleeds through the text and into the real world.

Though many of the threads that compose the warp and weft of Simon’s life are eventually wrapped into tidy knots, the conclusion of Simon’s Mansion reads as though the book didn’t finish downloading. While allowing the reader to speculate on the following reality is a fine literary concept, in many ways, the reader isn’t entirely sure where to let the mind wander, or where to let the imagination roam. While many great books leave the reader musing about next steps, future plots, and a myriad of “what ifs,�� Simon’s Mansion leaves the reader actively worried about all of the alternatively loose and tightly woven characters in the novel, none of whom receive any sort of resolution. With such an intricate tapestry of characters, situations, plot lines, and problems, one is left completely uneasy by this conclusion, and a bit anxious about what’s real, and what is truly fiction.

]]> 54706649
From the author of IR Discovery Award finalist Learning to Haight comes a story about unimaginable grief. Wally, a neurotic, self-depreciating sales rep in San Francisco, somehow wins the heart of Julie, the drummer for a rising punk band. She’s everything he isn’t—cool, brash, confident in her own skin—and Wally never feels he’s able to live up to her public persona. Complicating matters is the fact that Wally is convinced he will die young and has taken weirdly precise considerations to make sure his affairs are taken care of after he is gone—even going as far as to pick out a potential mate for Julie to step in after his death.When tragedy tears them apart, Wally spirals into a tailspin involving booze, strippers, old wedding videos, a Jack Russell named after Joey Ramone and a dramatic rescue on the Golden Gate Bridge. Eventually, it’s his circle of friends that act as his de facto family as he deals with a devastating loss. Above all, Polk Gulch is a startlingly honest story about love and grief that allows readers to enter the brain of someone who is haunted by the impending specter of death.]]> Andrew Bardin Williams Jason 4
The premise is simple: Wally loves Julie. Julie loves Wally. Despite the fact that they are desperately different, what with her being a glitzy punk rocker on the verge of national stardom, and Wally holding down a successful yet threadbare existence as a software salesman, they truly form that “perfect couple�� archetype. Through earnest dialogue and simple yet honest actions, Williams draws us into the couple’s daily life. We become comfortable with them. We’re happy for all the wonderful successes they’re enjoying, and the uncomplicated bliss they share.

When tragedy strikes, the reader and the characters share the same emotions of grief. There’s shock. Disbelief. A lack of comprehension. Overwhelming sadness. Denial. As the characters trudge through the muddy, complicated waters of coping, the reader feels a deep emotional connection, despite having only known these characters for approximately fifty pages.

Williams offers the reader an uncomfortable seat in Wally’s shoes through this tale. We walk where he walks. We understand what he says. And as Wally fights for understanding, for a solid ground to stand on, the reader cannot help but be completely empathetic. It is as if Williams has the reader under a spell that cannot be broken.

Yet at the end of the tale, the compassion that drew the audience in so deeply doesn’t let go. One starts to contemplate their own tragedies, grief, and how to approach difficult situations of their own- which, much like Wally’s, are either real or imagined. The world will always keep turning, but the question remains: How?
]]> 3.90
author: Andrew Bardin Williams
name: Jason
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/08/09
shelves:
review:
One sign of a truly talented author is their ability to evoke emotions from the audience. In Polk Gulch, author Andrew Bardin Williams manages to break the readers�� hearts roughly every other page.

The premise is simple: Wally loves Julie. Julie loves Wally. Despite the fact that they are desperately different, what with her being a glitzy punk rocker on the verge of national stardom, and Wally holding down a successful yet threadbare existence as a software salesman, they truly form that “perfect couple�� archetype. Through earnest dialogue and simple yet honest actions, Williams draws us into the couple’s daily life. We become comfortable with them. We’re happy for all the wonderful successes they’re enjoying, and the uncomplicated bliss they share.

When tragedy strikes, the reader and the characters share the same emotions of grief. There’s shock. Disbelief. A lack of comprehension. Overwhelming sadness. Denial. As the characters trudge through the muddy, complicated waters of coping, the reader feels a deep emotional connection, despite having only known these characters for approximately fifty pages.

Williams offers the reader an uncomfortable seat in Wally’s shoes through this tale. We walk where he walks. We understand what he says. And as Wally fights for understanding, for a solid ground to stand on, the reader cannot help but be completely empathetic. It is as if Williams has the reader under a spell that cannot be broken.

Yet at the end of the tale, the compassion that drew the audience in so deeply doesn’t let go. One starts to contemplate their own tragedies, grief, and how to approach difficult situations of their own- which, much like Wally’s, are either real or imagined. The world will always keep turning, but the question remains: How?

]]> 54459003 126 Angie Swetland Jason 4 currently-reading
The format of the book is really a series of stories that are followed by explanations of the situation, what was done well and what may have been a better option. It introduces methods of de-escalation in an agitated state caused by the dementia, and also advises on when medical science may now be the best option. The stories are engaging and comprehensive, covering even the most basic of topics.

Overall the book is a gentle help for those who are dealing with the memory loss of a loved one. The situations are well explained and all encompassing. The author doesn’t push anything on you but allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
]]> 4.75
author: Angie Swetland
name: Jason
average rating: 4.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/08/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are scary things to think about, and even more so when you or your family is dealing with them. I Know You By Heart is a compendium of knowledge that helps the reader understand what is going on with their family member. It also aids in the mentality of the caregiver. It is ok to have problems and difficult days and doubts. It is difficult to handle change in the best of settings, and having someone share their experiences with you can make all the difference. That is how this book is written.

The format of the book is really a series of stories that are followed by explanations of the situation, what was done well and what may have been a better option. It introduces methods of de-escalation in an agitated state caused by the dementia, and also advises on when medical science may now be the best option. The stories are engaging and comprehensive, covering even the most basic of topics.

Overall the book is a gentle help for those who are dealing with the memory loss of a loved one. The situations are well explained and all encompassing. The author doesn’t push anything on you but allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.

]]> 54202904 381 A. Ali Hasan Ali 9948344545 Jason 4
Behas is known to the rest of the world as evil incarnate. He goes around trying to kill children, after all. The question is, is he wrong? The guardians of Erum believe he is and do everything in their power to stop him. Fadda, the child’s father sets his trust in the guardians. But is it enough. The guardians are loyal to an ideal more than a ruler and this ideal begins to divide them from their purpose, catching poor Fad in the middle.

The characters are complex and change and adapt with the situations at hand. This is important as the world building is extensive, and the different cultures clash as they mix together. The development of the story focuses around these kingdoms and cultures all trying to accomplish the same goal.

The story is an adventure tale written in a stylized manner that suits the men it is portraying. This does not always help with the speed of the story, and there are places where the wordiness bogs down the reader.

Overall it is a well built world, with characters that grow along with the story.
]]> 4.31
author: A. Ali Hasan Ali
name: Jason
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/07/26
shelves:
review:
There is a land where djinn and man use each other for power, where the ruling class literally looms over everyone else, and where being born under a certain star makes you susceptible to evil. In the dead of night a child is almost murdered by a djinn under the command of Behas, a djinn master. The child is saved from death but vanishes, and so begins the story.

Behas is known to the rest of the world as evil incarnate. He goes around trying to kill children, after all. The question is, is he wrong? The guardians of Erum believe he is and do everything in their power to stop him. Fadda, the child’s father sets his trust in the guardians. But is it enough. The guardians are loyal to an ideal more than a ruler and this ideal begins to divide them from their purpose, catching poor Fad in the middle.

The characters are complex and change and adapt with the situations at hand. This is important as the world building is extensive, and the different cultures clash as they mix together. The development of the story focuses around these kingdoms and cultures all trying to accomplish the same goal.

The story is an adventure tale written in a stylized manner that suits the men it is portraying. This does not always help with the speed of the story, and there are places where the wordiness bogs down the reader.

Overall it is a well built world, with characters that grow along with the story.

]]> 53290331
The contest between men and women escalates to a new battlefield—genetics. Legislators mandate a testosterone-lowering food supplement to reduce violence and make gun control unnecessary. The blowback assumes epic proportions. Nadia Holkam—a pawn in the battle—desperately seeks her true identity.

Diana Holkam discovers companies are using her twin sister as a template for the perfect subordinate female in an experiment aimed at turning all women into pets. With help from a one-eyed Muslim Bible salesman, an African American woman promoting a testosterone-reducing food supplement, and an Indian geneticist fleeing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, they fight against a misogynistic CEO, a would-be prophet of male supremacy, and the mob. Neither side realizes the AI system developing the genetic “cure�� has a different plan for human evolution—a plan that has something to do with fish.]]> 368 J.S. Morrison 168433506X Jason 4
Patience is a virtue for the first half of this novel.

There are many characters, and their personalities, stories, values, and realities are revealed slowly and methodically. Like a fisherman slowly casting and allowing his line, Morrison feeds the reader carefully, reeling them in slowly with revelations. There are times when it’s easy to forget that this is a sci fi novel, especially as many of the themes, ideals, and conflicts presented are very familiar to modern Americans. Still, readers can’t help but take the bait, and play the line out all the way to the end.]]> 3.36
author: J.S. Morrison
name: Jason
average rating: 3.36
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/07/26
shelves:
review:
It’s best to enter this book with no preconceived notions as to how fish fit into the sci fi universe. Fans of Douglas Adams may respond to the title with a knee-jerk “so long and thanks for all the fish,�� but the voyage they’re about to take has little to do with the existing universe. It’s still not a bad idea to pack a towel, though.

Patience is a virtue for the first half of this novel.

There are many characters, and their personalities, stories, values, and realities are revealed slowly and methodically. Like a fisherman slowly casting and allowing his line, Morrison feeds the reader carefully, reeling them in slowly with revelations. There are times when it’s easy to forget that this is a sci fi novel, especially as many of the themes, ideals, and conflicts presented are very familiar to modern Americans. Still, readers can’t help but take the bait, and play the line out all the way to the end.
]]> 53113248
It is a heart-warming bedtime story that teaches young children caring and kindness. It develops in them deeper connection with nature.]]> 20 Ahmad Wasfi Jason 5
The story itself is uncomplicated and straightforward, making it a great option for younger children who may not yet understand compound situations like ecosystems and environmental protection. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and cheerful, too, with a delightful balance between interaction (“Can you find Emma and the animals?��) and directness.

There are some spots in which the rhyme structure feels a little forced, but this matters only to adults who know too much. Children who simply want to enjoy a little adventure with Emma and her beautiful animal friends will follow along with no problem.
]]> 4.15
author: Ahmad Wasfi
name: Jason
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/07/26
shelves:
review:
“Emma in the Land of Trees�� is a quaint and patient reminder to all of us that each part of the world’s ecosystem is necessary for multiple reasons. Without becoming overly technical or scary, this short book for young children gently explains how trees can benefit each and every living being.

The story itself is uncomplicated and straightforward, making it a great option for younger children who may not yet understand compound situations like ecosystems and environmental protection. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and cheerful, too, with a delightful balance between interaction (“Can you find Emma and the animals?��) and directness.

There are some spots in which the rhyme structure feels a little forced, but this matters only to adults who know too much. Children who simply want to enjoy a little adventure with Emma and her beautiful animal friends will follow along with no problem.

]]> 53733661 “Underworld (the movie series) meets James Patterson’s ZOO in this dark fantasy thriller.��

Animals have their own language.

A language, Ruby Spencer doesn’t understand. Because if she did, she’d know that unrest festers.

The natural order on Earth and Athanasia is about to shift. Animals are tired of being underdogs to humans and vampires. And wolves are more than happy to lead a rebellion.

Without an alpha who can speak to their hearts, find middle ground, and quell the uprising, the animals will be unstoppable. The universe will encounter an inescapable turning point.

Ruby is the one and only Tether who can connect the animals with their rightful king.

If only she could be found.]]> 319 Julia Ash 1734871334 Jason 4
With a new threat, new tactics must be deployed and here come Clayton and Zagan, the new heroes we didn’t realize we needed. Giving Clay his own “superpower�� levels the playing field for him in his family. Gabby is a sculptor and shaper like her mom, Ruby is literally what is holding the world together and now Clay gets to be all in on the action. In the previous book Zagan was killed in order to set him free from evil, what better than to complete the circle by saving those he ruined.

Overall this third installment is just as complex and well written as the previous two. The world has been well created, and the characters continue to learn and grow. There is no want of action and you will not want to put it down!
]]> 4.61
author: Julia Ash
name: Jason
average rating: 4.61
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2020/07/12
shelves:
review:
As the third book in the series, it is incredible how much more there is to the story. The world building includes languages and multiple levels of civilization, such as animals, humans, vampires, etc. All of these levels are represented in the main group of characters. Ruby has already been physically transformed in but she continues to develop as a character. The world has been built and the characters set and now a new threat emerges, the animals, and an old one returns, Emory. Despite the solid original characters, the newer story arcs of both Clay and Zagan are my personal favorite.

With a new threat, new tactics must be deployed and here come Clayton and Zagan, the new heroes we didn’t realize we needed. Giving Clay his own “superpower�� levels the playing field for him in his family. Gabby is a sculptor and shaper like her mom, Ruby is literally what is holding the world together and now Clay gets to be all in on the action. In the previous book Zagan was killed in order to set him free from evil, what better than to complete the circle by saving those he ruined.

Overall this third installment is just as complex and well written as the previous two. The world has been well created, and the characters continue to learn and grow. There is no want of action and you will not want to put it down!

]]>