The Three Kitties That Saved My Life is a memoir about the author's loss of his first wife and the subsequent grief he felt. He takes the reader on a journey through that grief to the other side where three kitties await. The story begins on a heart-wrenching note with Ciba, Meyer's first wife.
He introduces her with his own memories of when they first met. The story fast-forwards to a dream trip to Ireland. After returning home, Ciba falls ill. She battles cancer and goes into remission followed by a surprising devastation. The first chapters will grip your heart and give you a new appreciation for your loved ones. Much of the book's middle is devoted to the introduction of the three kitties and is full of awareness and appreciation of life.
Michael Meyer is the first indie author I've selected for this blog. I have other indie authors in the wings, whose books I enjoy, but this one was especially touching and was a great blog introduction to the indie movement.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Black Beauty by Anne Sewell
I hadn't read Black Beauty in decades and decided to revisit the story. When Anna Sewell wrote this novel, horses were everywhere and many were mistreated. Parts of the novel come across as a societal statement, although she no doubt had good cause to share what she knew.
Black Beauty follows a horse from birth and a happy childhood to harsh conditions as a work horse during the 1800's. Sewell seems particularly adept at creating a wonderful story from Beauty's viewpoint. The story begins with Beauty's life as a foal in a squire's pasture, able to roam and living a carefree existence. As time passes, the horse is sold again and again with each circumstance leading to ever more difficult and unhealthy working conditions.
Sewell is able to personalize Black Beauty and create such interesting circumstances that the 'life of a horse' actually turns out to be very interesting. This book fascinated me as a youngster. I was around ten when I read it and at that age really didn't notice how many times Sewell went off on a tangent talking about the ills of working a horse on Sunday, or using an uncomfortable rein or bit, or decrying animal abuse. These parts come off a bit preachy. Even so, I found the book much as I remembered it.
Black Beauty follows a horse from birth and a happy childhood to harsh conditions as a work horse during the 1800's. Sewell seems particularly adept at creating a wonderful story from Beauty's viewpoint. The story begins with Beauty's life as a foal in a squire's pasture, able to roam and living a carefree existence. As time passes, the horse is sold again and again with each circumstance leading to ever more difficult and unhealthy working conditions.
Sewell is able to personalize Black Beauty and create such interesting circumstances that the 'life of a horse' actually turns out to be very interesting. This book fascinated me as a youngster. I was around ten when I read it and at that age really didn't notice how many times Sewell went off on a tangent talking about the ills of working a horse on Sunday, or using an uncomfortable rein or bit, or decrying animal abuse. These parts come off a bit preachy. Even so, I found the book much as I remembered it.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Last Night's Scandal by Loretta Chase
I feel like I should apologize for adding yet another Regency Romance to the Bookish Souls blog, but I couldn't resist. Last Night's Scandal has a tongue-in-cheek humor that sets it apart from other Regency books and I found it a lot of fun to read.
The novel begins with a letter from Olivia to her dearest friend, Lisle. The letter is filled with capitalization and underlining and cross-outs at key points. The author uses the letters as a clever way to bring Olivia's independent and witty side out. Lisle has been her friend from childhood and has spent the past several years in Egypt. His parents want him home and when he finally returns home for a visit, cut him off and demand he restore an old castle passed on by a cousin.
What makes this story so much fun is there is never a question that Olivia and Lisle like each other. After all, they have been friends for quite some time. It's just that they've never looked at one another in that way. And when they do, it's a rather daunting prospect on both sides. I love Olivia. She's a great foil for Lisle who has his own unique personality.
While the author did use the words "Mine", at least the heroine didn't say please and Lisle never growled. A great regency and worth a look.
The novel begins with a letter from Olivia to her dearest friend, Lisle. The letter is filled with capitalization and underlining and cross-outs at key points. The author uses the letters as a clever way to bring Olivia's independent and witty side out. Lisle has been her friend from childhood and has spent the past several years in Egypt. His parents want him home and when he finally returns home for a visit, cut him off and demand he restore an old castle passed on by a cousin.
What makes this story so much fun is there is never a question that Olivia and Lisle like each other. After all, they have been friends for quite some time. It's just that they've never looked at one another in that way. And when they do, it's a rather daunting prospect on both sides. I love Olivia. She's a great foil for Lisle who has his own unique personality.
While the author did use the words "Mine", at least the heroine didn't say please and Lisle never growled. A great regency and worth a look.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Roses of the West by Anne Seagraves
I've been studying the Civil War and old west history for a novel I'm in the middle of writing. I discovered this book and picked it up on a whim. I'm not a typically enthusiastic autobiographical reader, but I must say Roses of the West is a fascinating read.
Anne Seagraves tells the stories of a number of women who became famous in their own right during the 1800's. From an opera singer to ranchers and runaway slaves, the stories are gripping. As autobiographies go, this is an excellent one. Anne has a storyteller's gift and while the events are non-fiction, Anne makes you care about the people whose lives were affected by the times they lived in.
Sometimes in my own comfortable existence, I forget how hard life once was for the early settlers. Many versions are somewhat sanitized or written in a generalized manner. Roses of the West had details that made me feel that I understood the problems these women faced and how they survived.
Anne Seagraves tells the stories of a number of women who became famous in their own right during the 1800's. From an opera singer to ranchers and runaway slaves, the stories are gripping. As autobiographies go, this is an excellent one. Anne has a storyteller's gift and while the events are non-fiction, Anne makes you care about the people whose lives were affected by the times they lived in.
Sometimes in my own comfortable existence, I forget how hard life once was for the early settlers. Many versions are somewhat sanitized or written in a generalized manner. Roses of the West had details that made me feel that I understood the problems these women faced and how they survived.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Shock by Robin Cook
In writing this blog, I've been encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones and try some genres that they may not typically read. In keeping with my own advice, I picked up a medical thriller. Now, honestly, I don't read in the thriller genre much. I've tried Tom Clancy and just didn't get into his books enough to take them home with me.
While looking for something outside my normal reading scope, I discovered Robin Cook. Shock is the story of two women who donate eggs in return for thousands of dollars. Although they signed a confidentiality contract, they become curious about the outcome of their eggs and whether any children had been born. With a decision to do some investigating, the women go undercover into the facility. What they find does indeed shock them and puts their lives in danger.
There were one or two moments in the story that stretched the imagination, but overall, the story was interesting enough that I was able to overlook them. Robin Cook's style is easy to read and his incorporation of medical knowledge made for a unique thriller.
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While looking for something outside my normal reading scope, I discovered Robin Cook. Shock is the story of two women who donate eggs in return for thousands of dollars. Although they signed a confidentiality contract, they become curious about the outcome of their eggs and whether any children had been born. With a decision to do some investigating, the women go undercover into the facility. What they find does indeed shock them and puts their lives in danger.
There were one or two moments in the story that stretched the imagination, but overall, the story was interesting enough that I was able to overlook them. Robin Cook's style is easy to read and his incorporation of medical knowledge made for a unique thriller.
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Thursday, February 14, 2013
Winter of Magic’s Return by Pamela F. Service
Five hundred years after a nuclear holocaust, the world is
cold and cloudy year round. Strange animals mutated from the years of nuclear
winter roam the Earth. The school is safe, but Wellington, Heather, and Earl take flight
from the school when a couple comes to the school to claim Earl.
The couple claim to be his relatives but he knows they
aren’t. Nightmares plague him and he’s lost his memory, but he knows not to
trust them.
Expect a few surprises if you’re never read the story or
heard the spoilers. It is unique enough
to make for a very good read.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Promise of Pleasure by Cheryl Holt
Cheryl Holt is one of my favorite regency romance writers. Lately I've read a lot of regencies, so there will probably be a higher percentage of blogs on the subject than in a few years when my interests have changed. Promise of Pleasure is about a young woman who lives a less than perfect life with her step-mother and half-sisters. Her step-mother is interested in titled gentleman for her daughter Felicity and hopes to make a match with Jordan Winthrop, heir to the Earl of Sunderland.
In the meantime, Mary has taken an elixir from a peddler who promises that one drink in the presence of her true love and he will be hers. Everything goes wrong when Jordan blocks the man Mary has targeted just moments after she drinks the potion and she sees him instead.
What I love about Promise of Pleasure is the combination of humorous scenes with some heart-touching sorrowful moments when it seems that the story will end badly. I truly love reading Cheryl Holt. If you enjoy romances and have somehow missed Cheryl Holt, I highly recommend her.
In the meantime, Mary has taken an elixir from a peddler who promises that one drink in the presence of her true love and he will be hers. Everything goes wrong when Jordan blocks the man Mary has targeted just moments after she drinks the potion and she sees him instead.
What I love about Promise of Pleasure is the combination of humorous scenes with some heart-touching sorrowful moments when it seems that the story will end badly. I truly love reading Cheryl Holt. If you enjoy romances and have somehow missed Cheryl Holt, I highly recommend her.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop PG-13
Perusing the shelves at the library, I overlooked this book on at least four occasions before finally deciding to read it. For me, the turn off was the use of names like Lucivar & Daemon. But I did eventually read the book and discovered that I like Anne Bishop novels.
Bishop has an ability to write characters that come alive off the page. The first book in a trilogy, Daughter of the Blood is about two brothers of a long-lived race who have been tormented and enslaved by the current queen & witch in Terreille. They are in the room serving lords and ladies when a broken witch tells of the coming of the Queen of the Dark Realm.
The Queen of Darkness turns out to be a true heroine and a compassionate person. While none of the main characters are tame, in the moral code of right and wrong, they actually represent good. The whole realm is dark, and the brothers murder in self-defense. The enemy of the brothers and the coming queen is a pair of deranged women whose power enslaves the brothers for hundreds of years.
One of my favorite elements of the book is the introduction of the kindred. They are animals with the power to communicate and provide comic relief and joy to the story. I'm not one to like incredibly dark topics, and this book does deal with some very harsh topics and sensitive issues including rape which would not be suitable for a younger audience. This is probably the darkest book I've read that I can say I liked reading.
Bishop has an ability to write characters that come alive off the page. The first book in a trilogy, Daughter of the Blood is about two brothers of a long-lived race who have been tormented and enslaved by the current queen & witch in Terreille. They are in the room serving lords and ladies when a broken witch tells of the coming of the Queen of the Dark Realm.
The Queen of Darkness turns out to be a true heroine and a compassionate person. While none of the main characters are tame, in the moral code of right and wrong, they actually represent good. The whole realm is dark, and the brothers murder in self-defense. The enemy of the brothers and the coming queen is a pair of deranged women whose power enslaves the brothers for hundreds of years.
One of my favorite elements of the book is the introduction of the kindred. They are animals with the power to communicate and provide comic relief and joy to the story. I'm not one to like incredibly dark topics, and this book does deal with some very harsh topics and sensitive issues including rape which would not be suitable for a younger audience. This is probably the darkest book I've read that I can say I liked reading.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Life’s That Way: A Memoir by Jim Beaver
Jim Beaver is an actor who has played the rolls of prospector on Deadwood and a demon hunter on Supernatural among others. When I stumbled across his book at the library I picked it up to flip a few pages. For me to pick up a book is not unusual. I’ve perused the aisles of biographies and promptly put back dozens of books. Usually it’s more of a walk-through on my way to another shelf. But this one captured my interest and I found myself immediately drawn into the story.
Jim tells the story of his wife’s battle with cancer. He shares some very deep and personal moments. Let me warn you in advance, have a box of tissues on hand because you’ll probably start crying. And you’ll no doubt cry through more than one chapter. It’s basically the story of what happened, how they discovered her cancer, his and his family’s reactions to it, and how it affected the family.
This is a true story and it will make you cry. A book totally outside my normal genre-reading, I found myself completely engaged. A page-turning memoir…I really never would have expected it. So here it is, by Jim Beaver… Life’s That Way: A Memoir.
Jim tells the story of his wife’s battle with cancer. He shares some very deep and personal moments. Let me warn you in advance, have a box of tissues on hand because you’ll probably start crying. And you’ll no doubt cry through more than one chapter. It’s basically the story of what happened, how they discovered her cancer, his and his family’s reactions to it, and how it affected the family.
This is a true story and it will make you cry. A book totally outside my normal genre-reading, I found myself completely engaged. A page-turning memoir…I really never would have expected it. So here it is, by Jim Beaver… Life’s That Way: A Memoir.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Phule's Company by Robert Aspirin
Let me first say that I enjoy all of Robert Aspirin's books. He cracks me up. I enjoy the Myth Series and may at some point do a post on that, but even as a Robert Aspirin fan, I stumbled onto Phule's Company several years after it was first released.
In Phule's Company, a lieutenant is punished with the command of a company of men who have been shuffled off to the most undesirable placement in the legion, Haskin's Planet. The captain and colonel gave the command of the company of "losers and problem cases" to the lieutenant who is the wealthy son of the owner of Phule-Proof Munitions, hoping to entice him to resign. He happily accepts the promotion.
But Phule didn't know he was supposed to fail. And he didn't do things the way everyone expected. With plenty of laughs along the way, Phule finds the special abilities his troops possess and teaches them a new way of looking at things. They learn to work together and when problems come, surprise everyone with their success. A fun and entertaining read. One I can highly recommend.
In Phule's Company, a lieutenant is punished with the command of a company of men who have been shuffled off to the most undesirable placement in the legion, Haskin's Planet. The captain and colonel gave the command of the company of "losers and problem cases" to the lieutenant who is the wealthy son of the owner of Phule-Proof Munitions, hoping to entice him to resign. He happily accepts the promotion.
But Phule didn't know he was supposed to fail. And he didn't do things the way everyone expected. With plenty of laughs along the way, Phule finds the special abilities his troops possess and teaches them a new way of looking at things. They learn to work together and when problems come, surprise everyone with their success. A fun and entertaining read. One I can highly recommend.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Work by Robert J. Ray
I'm rather picky when it comes to books on writing. I've read magazines, books, and articles and a great many rely on the same cliched advice. And I think, "Yeah, I've seen this before." The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel takes a refreshing step toward practical advice in editing work and provides unique tools in revising a novel. (The author looks at content editing rather than copy editing. His book covers the larger scope.)
The book goes into detail on how to plan subplots, how to organize scenes, building tension, and fixing scenes. He suggests spreadsheeting to help clarify holes and places to expand. I've used techniques from this book on multiple occasions even when I was stuck in the writing phase. There are side bars with tips, checklists, and several examples of the grids he uses.
As books on writing go, this is one of the best.
The book goes into detail on how to plan subplots, how to organize scenes, building tension, and fixing scenes. He suggests spreadsheeting to help clarify holes and places to expand. I've used techniques from this book on multiple occasions even when I was stuck in the writing phase. There are side bars with tips, checklists, and several examples of the grids he uses.
As books on writing go, this is one of the best.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul
John Saul knows how to write a chilling book. The Manhattan Hunt Club opens with a brutal attack on a woman. The man who tried to help her, Jeff Converse, was falsely accused and is wrongly convicted. His sentence is light, only nine months. On his way to Riker’s Island, the van Jeff is riding in is hit and someone pulls him out of the van and sends him into the tunnels.
Jeff is then shoved into a cell with a serial killing crazy who doesn’t remember his killings. Meanwhile his father and girlfriend, neither believing the official story of his death, join forces to try to find him. Taking place in the subterranean world of New York City, the effect is a cold and dark world. Jeff and Jagger, the serial killer, are told that they are going to be in a hunt...as prey. If they can get to the surface, they will live.
The odds are stacked against them. And the hunters are coming.
The Manhattan Hunt Club touches on an interesting array of themes and politics, from the homeless (or houseless) to vigilante justice. But it’s done with such finesse that the themes don’t overshadow the entertainment value the book has to offer.
The idea might be familiar, but the treatment is unique. Somewhere between mystery and horror, The Manhattan Hunt Club is a great read!
(Links will take you off site to Amazon...)
Jeff is then shoved into a cell with a serial killing crazy who doesn’t remember his killings. Meanwhile his father and girlfriend, neither believing the official story of his death, join forces to try to find him. Taking place in the subterranean world of New York City, the effect is a cold and dark world. Jeff and Jagger, the serial killer, are told that they are going to be in a hunt...as prey. If they can get to the surface, they will live.
The odds are stacked against them. And the hunters are coming.
The Manhattan Hunt Club touches on an interesting array of themes and politics, from the homeless (or houseless) to vigilante justice. But it’s done with such finesse that the themes don’t overshadow the entertainment value the book has to offer.
The idea might be familiar, but the treatment is unique. Somewhere between mystery and horror, The Manhattan Hunt Club is a great read!
(Links will take you off site to Amazon...)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sarah and the Lost Friendship by Margaret Epp
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but when I wanted to share this book with my niece, instead of just shipping it to her, I bought a copy. (It's out of print, but I found a used one in good condition.) I couldn't bear to part with it because I enjoyed it so much as a child.
This book has a lot in common with The Little House on the Prairie Series and Anne of Green Gables. (At some point, I have no doubt I'll be discussing them, but this is a book that didn't have the popularity and might have gone unnoticed.)
The story is about a ten year old girl in 1926 when people still had milk delivered and rode horse and buggies. The theme centers around a fight Sarah has with her best friend. Sarah's sister marries her best friend's brother and now Sarah feels jealous.
I've always loved stories where the heroine has an injury or falls ill and that happens in this book. She feels sick to start but it gets worse as she is milking the cow. I think that's probably the reason I like Sarah and the Lost Friendship so much. Please note, the book does reference Christian beliefs and values, but the storyline is intact. If you have a young reader who enjoys the horse and buggy days, Sarah and the Lost Friendship is a great choice.
This book has a lot in common with The Little House on the Prairie Series and Anne of Green Gables. (At some point, I have no doubt I'll be discussing them, but this is a book that didn't have the popularity and might have gone unnoticed.)
The story is about a ten year old girl in 1926 when people still had milk delivered and rode horse and buggies. The theme centers around a fight Sarah has with her best friend. Sarah's sister marries her best friend's brother and now Sarah feels jealous.
I've always loved stories where the heroine has an injury or falls ill and that happens in this book. She feels sick to start but it gets worse as she is milking the cow. I think that's probably the reason I like Sarah and the Lost Friendship so much. Please note, the book does reference Christian beliefs and values, but the storyline is intact. If you have a young reader who enjoys the horse and buggy days, Sarah and the Lost Friendship is a great choice.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Until I Die Again by Jaime Rush/Tina Wainscott
(I'm actually reviewing On the Way to Heaven re-released as Until I Die Again by Jaime Rush/Tina Wainscott)
This is the single best romance that I have ever read. And I’ve read A LOT! This has every element of a successful love
story with a beloved hero and heroine moving in different directions and lots
of tension, but there is the added element of intrigue and danger, not to
mention the touch of paranormal that makes this book soar into the stratosphere.
Tina Wainscott was ahead of her time with this release. A Golden Heart Award winner, Wainscott should
have hit New York Times bestseller list with On the Way to Heaven. It’s just that good.
The book opens with the heroine Chris Copestakes driving
across a bridge when a semi blocks her way, driving her off the road and
plunging her down. She hears voices in the emergency room, blanks out again and
then is drifting up and away. She argues
that she hasn’t done enough, that there are still things she wants to do. She
is given a second chance, but her old body is broken. The last thing the voice tells her is to
‘find his heart’.
The opening is powerful enough, but the rest of the story is
a rocket-ride to the finish. The story
has enough emotional hooks that I have re-read it at least three times. (Tina
Wainscott is another author that I will only read on weekends to preserve my
sleep schedule.)
This is a ‘desert island’ book. If I could only take one romance with me,
this would be it.
Reviewer’s Note:
(I own the original version On the Way to Heaven and do not know the difference in the
releases, having only read the original. I’ve read most of Wainscott/Rush’s
books and trust the re-release to be just as good.)
Ebook Version Print Version
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
It's been almost two decades since All I Really Need to Know came out. For that upcoming generation who might have missed it (or those of you older folks who somehow managed to pass it by), All I Really Need to Know is a humorous look at life with all of its foibles and follies.
Sometimes editors and agents will talk about an author's 'voice' or style. I believe that Robert Fulghum's greatest gift is that voice. He draws you into his book with a storyteller's invitation and warms you in the laughter of his words. His humor, sometimes self-deprecating, has a truth that seems to ring in a person's soul with clarity and conviction and of course, chuckling.
I've picked up more than a few so-called funny books with authors who are ready to show the world their version of truth. A few I found dark or crass and well, not terribly funny. Some just seemed to blather on without anything to say. But Fulghum is funny and his humor is intelligent. When he ventures into dark places, he brings a nightlight and a teddy bear (or at least a singing bird), and he makes a person feel better for having read his work.
And that's really something. So for those of you who missed it, I strongly recommend with my biggest blogger stamp of approval, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.
Sometimes editors and agents will talk about an author's 'voice' or style. I believe that Robert Fulghum's greatest gift is that voice. He draws you into his book with a storyteller's invitation and warms you in the laughter of his words. His humor, sometimes self-deprecating, has a truth that seems to ring in a person's soul with clarity and conviction and of course, chuckling.
I've picked up more than a few so-called funny books with authors who are ready to show the world their version of truth. A few I found dark or crass and well, not terribly funny. Some just seemed to blather on without anything to say. But Fulghum is funny and his humor is intelligent. When he ventures into dark places, he brings a nightlight and a teddy bear (or at least a singing bird), and he makes a person feel better for having read his work.
And that's really something. So for those of you who missed it, I strongly recommend with my biggest blogger stamp of approval, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.
Monday, January 28, 2013
How Much for Just the Planet? By John M. Ford
It’s almost embarrassing to admit, but somewhere in my dark history I was once a trekkie, and I have the books to prove it!
There were some decent writers in the Trek universe back in the day (maybe still are, but I’ve moved on since).
I enjoyed The Great Starship Race by Diane Carey and may even write about that one in a few years when I’m ready to mention my 2nd favorite Star Trek book. But for now, let’s talk about the best. How Much for Just the Planet? What I love about this book is the humor. It’s just funny. It has a vaudeville tongue-in-cheek type of appeal that had me actually laughing. And let me tell you, there are only a few books that I’ve had that kind of reaction to, and I read a few books a week.
As usual, the Federation needs dilithium crystals. And an abundance is found on a tiny out-of-the-way planet which, surprise, the Klingons have found as well. Now the fun begins. Because the two groups are ready to compete for the lucre. What they don’t realize is that the people of Direidi are full of pranks and will lead them all on a merry chase.
It’s true that only a Trek fan will really understand the nuances, but if you’ve ever loved Star Trek and missed this book, it’s well-worth the read. (Even if the show looks totally cheesy in retrospect…and I’m sorry to say it does.)
I enjoyed The Great Starship Race by Diane Carey and may even write about that one in a few years when I’m ready to mention my 2nd favorite Star Trek book. But for now, let’s talk about the best. How Much for Just the Planet? What I love about this book is the humor. It’s just funny. It has a vaudeville tongue-in-cheek type of appeal that had me actually laughing. And let me tell you, there are only a few books that I’ve had that kind of reaction to, and I read a few books a week.
As usual, the Federation needs dilithium crystals. And an abundance is found on a tiny out-of-the-way planet which, surprise, the Klingons have found as well. Now the fun begins. Because the two groups are ready to compete for the lucre. What they don’t realize is that the people of Direidi are full of pranks and will lead them all on a merry chase.
It’s true that only a Trek fan will really understand the nuances, but if you’ve ever loved Star Trek and missed this book, it’s well-worth the read. (Even if the show looks totally cheesy in retrospect…and I’m sorry to say it does.)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon
Several years back a friend told me about this book urgently suggesting I read it. I'm easily turned off by strange words in both titles and first paragraphs and while I wrote down the title, I didn't jump all over finding it. Well, I was lucky my friend was persistent (with the urgency of a Firefly fan) because I eventually picked it up at the library. And then, I loved it so much, I bought my own copy. And then for good measure, I bought a couple copies for family members.
What makes The Deed of Paksenarrion so great? In my opinion, it is the ONLY novel to ever give J.R.R. Tolkien a run for his money in the fantasy genre. It doesn't have the "Bestseller" moniker printed across the cover, so I can only assume that people saw the title and said 'meh'. Don't let the title fool you, it is an epic fantasy so vivid and detailed and huge in scope that it is truly worthy to be compared to the master of fantasy himself.
The novel follows the story of a young woman, Paks who is betrothed to a pig farmer. She has other ideas and runs away from home to join a mercenary company. But her longing is to be greater than a mercenary and to fight for good the way the heroes of her grandfather's time did takes her down a path no one would expect.
What begins as a soldier's story quickly evolves into an epic tale of good and evil, right and wrong, as Paks leaves the mercenary company and shows gifts that may indicate she has been chosen by the gods for some purpose. As with all great books, Elizabeth Moon gives Paks some crushing defeats and major disappointments. Those painful moments define her character and make the moments of victory so much the sweeter.
Moon deftly weaves the story of Paks and brings a rich tapestry of event and emotion to the story. The story seems larger than its genre to me. I believe that it would be enjoyable to some who don't regularly read fantasy in the same way that The Lord of the Rings is.
You'll hear me say on this blog. "This is a book I've re-read." When I say that it shows a truly special story because with the thousands of books left to read, I only revisit the very best, the ones that have tugged on my heart or my imagination. So far, I'm up to at least four readings of The Deed of Paksenarrion. I consider it a top ten in favorite books.
What makes The Deed of Paksenarrion so great? In my opinion, it is the ONLY novel to ever give J.R.R. Tolkien a run for his money in the fantasy genre. It doesn't have the "Bestseller" moniker printed across the cover, so I can only assume that people saw the title and said 'meh'. Don't let the title fool you, it is an epic fantasy so vivid and detailed and huge in scope that it is truly worthy to be compared to the master of fantasy himself.
The novel follows the story of a young woman, Paks who is betrothed to a pig farmer. She has other ideas and runs away from home to join a mercenary company. But her longing is to be greater than a mercenary and to fight for good the way the heroes of her grandfather's time did takes her down a path no one would expect.
What begins as a soldier's story quickly evolves into an epic tale of good and evil, right and wrong, as Paks leaves the mercenary company and shows gifts that may indicate she has been chosen by the gods for some purpose. As with all great books, Elizabeth Moon gives Paks some crushing defeats and major disappointments. Those painful moments define her character and make the moments of victory so much the sweeter.
Moon deftly weaves the story of Paks and brings a rich tapestry of event and emotion to the story. The story seems larger than its genre to me. I believe that it would be enjoyable to some who don't regularly read fantasy in the same way that The Lord of the Rings is.
You'll hear me say on this blog. "This is a book I've re-read." When I say that it shows a truly special story because with the thousands of books left to read, I only revisit the very best, the ones that have tugged on my heart or my imagination. So far, I'm up to at least four readings of The Deed of Paksenarrion. I consider it a top ten in favorite books.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Free on Kindle)
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic that stands on its own in terms of entertainment value and thought. I hadn't actually read the book until a group of fellow writers got together and we started talking about books. When we had finished, I had a list of thirty books with this classic on the list. And it is a wonderful book.
The novel follows an aristocratic fellow whose name is Dorian Gray. He is a vibrant, youthful fellow who exudes charm and grace. After his portrait is painted, we follow Dorian's path through life. He debauches himself and lives only for personal pleasure. No matter what excesses he indulges in, he remains the same beautiful person he always had been, charming and youthful.
But his picture changes. As time passes, the painting begins to reflect the evils he has committed, showing Dorian's true nature on the canvas.
While The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic, it is an interesting read and well worth picking up. I noticed that there is a free Kindle version available...
****Free Kindle Version**** (at time of blog posting)
Paperback version
The novel follows an aristocratic fellow whose name is Dorian Gray. He is a vibrant, youthful fellow who exudes charm and grace. After his portrait is painted, we follow Dorian's path through life. He debauches himself and lives only for personal pleasure. No matter what excesses he indulges in, he remains the same beautiful person he always had been, charming and youthful.
But his picture changes. As time passes, the painting begins to reflect the evils he has committed, showing Dorian's true nature on the canvas.
While The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic, it is an interesting read and well worth picking up. I noticed that there is a free Kindle version available...
****Free Kindle Version**** (at time of blog posting)
Paperback version
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