Poetic writing. Smooth... relaxing... easy-going flow, often humorous and draws on the emotions; kind of reminiscent of 'The Alchemist' (writing-wise,Poetic writing. Smooth... relaxing... easy-going flow, often humorous and draws on the emotions; kind of reminiscent of 'The Alchemist' (writing-wise, not story). Overall very good...and interesting, even if somewhat repetitive. Read paperback, 2021 copyright 2021 edition....more
Ken's story really grew on me. I loved the nostalgic moonwalk (back) thru the 70's. Describing 'them days' through his paper route; the customers, hisKen's story really grew on me. I loved the nostalgic moonwalk (back) thru the 70's. Describing 'them days' through his paper route; the customers, his friends, brothers and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette colleagues, along with his parents, the community and historical vignettes of Pittsburgh itself, proved to be more than doting stories around a paper route. All around, from the 'collection stories' to the sex education class, this memoir is built around many wonderful memories...well worth the read. I really enjoyed this book, as much as I adored the Cover!!! Highly recommended....more
In addition to that cover, the opening also won me over. After the first few sentences I couldn’t stop reading, or laughing. But then things grew a moIn addition to that cover, the opening also won me over. After the first few sentences I couldn’t stop reading, or laughing. But then things grew a more serious when the main character Ivy is confronted with peers and adults who do not share her beliefs, or the fact that her sister has HIV, along with other situations (such as Diego) that she handles as a young person of her age might. This lands Ivy in trouble, where she learns some hard lessons. Overall, the story was very engaging and an easy read, credited to its fast pacing and straightforward premise. ...more
Aside from the beginning, what I found most intriguing was following Janet’s process for handling the variations of conflA page-turner from the start.
Aside from the beginning, what I found most intriguing was following Janet’s process for handling the variations of conflicts she faced. The writing was quite methodic in explaining each struggle and impasse, before making a determination on how to come to terms with the issue. Beautifully done.
There truly is so much to comment on about this story...from the premise of the Peace Corps work, to the selection of the assignment... the families and friends befriended, the students, the Kazakhstan tapestry...so much that I simply struggled to put this book down. Any reader who enjoys travel memoirs, or who are interested in Peace Corps work, will find this memoir a delightful true page-turner. Highly recommended. ...more
The Good. I loved the premise; a real-life graphic parody made up of the usual cast of world characters; the unconscionable, greedy, desperate and sloThe Good. I loved the premise; a real-life graphic parody made up of the usual cast of world characters; the unconscionable, greedy, desperate and sloths to name a few, fused with the go-green globalatarians and humanitarians, and of course the naïve,, all trying to save the world, or not save the world for a mix of reasons.
The Mmeh Okay. This being the first graphic novel I’ve read, there were some eye coordination challenges I had to first familiarize myself with, absorbing the virtuoso sketches, and riotous dialogue. Between the hawk, little Frenchbo Fletcher (Francois to his playmate) and the other supporting casts, not excluding the main two…or three characters� my favorites; Maureen, Monty, and Harold� each with their distinct nuances and motives kept my eyes…and mind, in rapid REM motion.
And still, the Best Part was,for as challenging as it was wanting to take my time turning pages, the story made it impossible. I found myself in a race wanting to know what was going to happen to Harold, and the Microgreene young head hunchos, and Ja’mon…or Lance, and the powers-to-be players that kept this story moving. A truly a remarkable experience and entertaining story!...more
The Good. How soothing and relaxing the entire story was to my mood. This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a few good chuckles and lots of smThe Good. How soothing and relaxing the entire story was to my mood. This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a few good chuckles and lots of smiling while reading a light romance, as I was.
The Mmeh... Okay. You’ve got to be up on your movie-television game, which I barely passed. I missed on the metaphors for Anna Paquini, Loretta Castorini, and yes... George Clooney, Morris the Cat, and quite a few others. And still, this amazingly doesn’t take away from the story. In fact, this factor increases the numerous theatrics and makes the story overall highly entertaining.
The Best Part! Aside from the COVER & TITLE, I loved that opening, along with Lisa’s discovery and uncovering of the money she apparently signed away while in a coma. I adored her start at HEYA. Too amusing. That helicopter ride was another enjoyable moment... and as well the many experimental trials that follow, in addition to the premise of this wonderfully amusing tale.
Lisa and Jack remind me of bread and butter. Soft, often sweet, one flexible... the other unyielding, one works well as a stand-alone desert, but the other not so much, yet together both make for a delectable pair....more
The opening is pure literature, absolutely beautiful in the structure of the wording, which beyond the opening was all storytelling. I really like theThe opening is pure literature, absolutely beautiful in the structure of the wording, which beyond the opening was all storytelling. I really like the set up, luring readers in to want to know what happens with the children, and their families. That's the idea behind great storytelling, which SaBrowny Rae mastered for a debut tale.
I also must point out the fantastic layout of this book. I couldn't get my eyes off it. The hardcover is certainly worth the price, although I did receive a 'signed' complimentary copy....more
I liked the story. Yes I did. Sort of reminded me of hip-hop movies that came out in the 90's starring comedians like Martin Lawrence and Eddie MurphyI liked the story. Yes I did. Sort of reminded me of hip-hop movies that came out in the 90's starring comedians like Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy, except reading this type hip-hop in book format made the experience ten times greater.
I absolutely loved the way the characters were treated, each of them, from Malcolm's (Mac) daughter, to mom and dad, his mother in particular, though dad wasn't all parsley, especially giving his relationship with Mac, and that ending making for the extra treat.
I also found it interesting reading how much energy the young men put into finding `the right lady.' I mean, these guys spent quite a bit of time worked up into thinking about`the one' they would settle for. The trips to the altar, Pastor Taylor, the physic (too comical), and even taking wisdom from the friend (William?) who was happily married were nicely woven into the story. But can I throw in how much I simply adored Chris, who was just plain ridiculously hilarious!!! Actually, the humor all the way around was entertaining. The female characters too, I really admired--very likable, even if I was behind the book near shouting, `forget what he thinks! Check the sex credentials first!'
...And I'll be dern it, sure enough, if I wasn't on to something, aside from none of what I was on ever spelling out in the story. But it was what had me rooting, or rather on pins and needles, all the way to the very end where a Martian on Pluto could've heard my cheering the woman who got the man! Oh man! That was so, so, beautifully drawn out...the best part... what made reading The Crisis Before Midlife FUN well spent!
This debut novel is definitely worth a try. ...more
I opened the book and liked the book. Snarky, but intellectually satircal-based writing at the start often holds my interest.
Early on we learn Stella I opened the book and liked the book. Snarky, but intellectually satircal-based writing at the start often holds my interest.
Early on we learn Stella is intelligent, analytical, and a generally good person great at sizing up everyone and everything within and around her marriage. Her difficulty however is, she's unable to engage her critical thinking skills to connect the dots on how to manage her new life. The kids exasperate her; the hubby isn't responding the way she desires, and her overall morale and confidence is shaken. How does she deal with this?
Oh, here we go� Tad; a teenager soon about to enlist in the Army who conveniently lives next door and is granted full access into Stella's home under the innocent guise of helping the family with repairs to the home.
Tad comes in early into the picture� ready-made too� all the things marriage and children are not. The mutual connection is instant, like attraction at first sight, perhaps the same attraction that lured her and Ethan together, before he became the hubby and she the wife. I could almost feel the energy canvass the page as Stella enjoyed a sweaty day at the gun range with Tad, but later wasted her time spending a day with her daughter Maya, because her child likes daddy better.
Overall I really enjoyed Stella evaluating her feelings, and the assessments she penned to others, but would have enjoyed seeing more storytelling. A deeper premise (early on) leading to anticipating a unique ending would have really made this story sing. The cover and the title was also a nice treat....more
Engaging! Fabulously well paced, so well paced it can be read in one sitting, although I preferred curling up with this one in several sittings. The cEngaging! Fabulously well paced, so well paced it can be read in one sitting, although I preferred curling up with this one in several sittings. The characters were remarkably defined, particularly for pacing as fierce. The dialogue, which captures at least 70% of the story, reads genuine. I actually fell out of the chair laughing at that first confessional between Father Mike and Jameson. Too funny. Also, and this is fairly important since it is a mystery story, in the opening everyone seems suspect, minus very, very few--only two characters by my count. That's one part that held me captive; reading all of the red flags. Overall, I'd say this mystery is peculiarly charming cloaked behind a meaningful title. Great job....more
Readers looking for 'easy on the eyes' material to read might enjoy the sarcastic glossary of quips A.J. has pulled together. I'm a big fan of Freud, Readers looking for 'easy on the eyes' material to read might enjoy the sarcastic glossary of quips A.J. has pulled together. I'm a big fan of Freud, Einstein, Madonna, and other names (F.Fitzgerald) that were referenced in ways that didn't allow me to be as humored as I had hoped, however I did find a few other spots of enlightenment, and entries I earmarked to looked more into. The memoir entries as well were a treat, particularly the dinner with friends laughing about this quest, and too, that letter from the scholar remarking in email his thoughts. Certainly, an entertaining book, one I enjoyed sifting through....more
As much as I want to tell readers what I'm awlling about, I must resist the temptation to give away spoilers, to tap on this story's merit.
The tone ofAs much as I want to tell readers what I'm awlling about, I must resist the temptation to give away spoilers, to tap on this story's merit.
The tone of Gossip Line is delicious. It's soft, warm, and inviting... the sex scenes included. All words are written in plain English; body parts referred to by its sophisticated given glossary term, and the dialogue written as characters might typically speak given his or her education, background, or culture. The writing also is natural and pacing slow, though natural and slow in a way that leisure readers who appreciate staying with a story, and sinking into it, might really enjoy. The male characters I easily identified with, and really liked. And all except for Lydia and Meredith's mother, the female characters (for the most part) were likeable as well. The rationalizations attached to character motives were questionable (in many places), however it is this motif that propels the story making for an entertaining mystery full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end who is trying to ruin Gossip Diva's career and reputation.
Wonderfully written romance novel, plush in setting and dialogue, stems around a young man (who I pictured as a mature fisherman...up in age, soft on Wonderfully written romance novel, plush in setting and dialogue, stems around a young man (who I pictured as a mature fisherman...up in age, soft on the inside but hard around the edges); and a malleable woman... easygoing all the way around, despite her internal fervor captured as being one `somewhat' not afraid to live ahead in prudent times... when your car windows were washed at the gas station while your gas was being pumped, and aptitude tests that included a `reading comprehension' part, and when double-dating was a simple trip to the park for a picnic lunch, and...GASP... when unmarried women, and certainly married women, would NOT shack up with a man; especially without knowing whether the man intended to ever marry her.
Easily and evenly paced, embossed beneath an ulterior story...a reincarnation, really grapples the senses imagining how a visually sweet courtship made up of highs (loved that dance-athon... what a hoot!), and lows (whispers and those `prudent' influences) leant to a gripping surreal ending, and closure.
Pi, Lightman, Tollhouse, Deeks, and the gang plus a few more are baaaccck... Once more the dutiful parents (dialogues bonjour!), the clueless principaPi, Lightman, Tollhouse, Deeks, and the gang plus a few more are baaaccck... Once more the dutiful parents (dialogues bonjour!), the clueless principal (and this character seriously belongs on TV or in film), along with funnyman Tollhouse, Lightman with the snappish attitude, and nerdy Pi who between missions still can't keep his eye (and thoughts) off Vera get back to CYA business to root out and thwart the bad egg(s) to save an election.
The antics in this series are truly entertaining. This is one of the few books that reads like a movie I would hit replay to play all night long. The exchanges between moms and kids I must say have become a favorite. Actually Lightman is growing on me. That bit about her wearing make-up and her telling Pi about Meredith and Roz crying in the car honestly was one of the funniest, so telling of her true `ungirlie' make-up. Hilarious! Also, this time around the vampire theme is an added adventure, as well as I really appreciate the clean writing. Anyone who cherishes a good night sleep along with a few lessons learned, will also enjoy this charming 'spy' treat....more
Being Abigail' is the perfect idling read. The opening was fantastic, and as well the final panel of the book. The pacing is very laxed, the writing sBeing Abigail' is the perfect idling read. The opening was fantastic, and as well the final panel of the book. The pacing is very laxed, the writing somewhat mechanical, though humorous in many spots, which happened to be an interesting remedy that allowed the story to grow on me. I mostly enjoyed Abigail's relationship with her possible mother-in-law; since Samuel, Abigail, and Chastity... for different reasons, and at different times, fought the pacing of the story; although a mix of storytelling that really allowed me to get involved in the tale.
Very warm cozy read. The dialogue is impeccable. Characters it feels like you've met before, and the story is truly unique and charming. Just all arouVery warm cozy read. The dialogue is impeccable. Characters it feels like you've met before, and the story is truly unique and charming. Just all around the perfect 'Christmas' story....more
It's a small book, so my words here will be short, awing over how Princess 'Divine' learns her way around online dating.
Twice the fun you're in for aIt's a small book, so my words here will be short, awing over how Princess 'Divine' learns her way around online dating.
Twice the fun you're in for a refreshingly hilarious treat catching this down-to-heart upbeat Princess getting up on her game navigating the new way of looking for dating material. In the spirit of upholding her values and beliefs, she must not only learn new technical tools to set up profiles, but she must also learn a new language! Well, let me just say, as the Divine Diva learns, I enjoyed an invigorating laugh, unable to count how many times I found myself rereading a line, mesmerized by quips such as her not letting words like "scintillating" and "proselytizing" go to waste. And that bit about the "Jesus stuff"? ...oh wow, these are learning lessons too amusing to forget.
Replete with meaningful appendixes... resources, a few scriptures, and a 'self-discovery' comprehensive list of a woman who really shines when she writes, I only wished this treat lasted longer. Of course though, not at the Princess's expense. Looking forward to volume II, to finish rooting for the Divine!...more
Besides the mother/daughter camaraderie, the `how-to' tiered advice, the whimsical anecdotes and riotous humor, this wedding collaboration story reallBesides the mother/daughter camaraderie, the `how-to' tiered advice, the whimsical anecdotes and riotous humor, this wedding collaboration story really sparkles and it begins with the physical book itself.
It was the first thing I noticed; the paper quality and interior design and layout. `What a pretty book...' I sighed just before whimsically turning to page one (the engagement) and being swept up by Elizabeth's fantasy, and how her mother responds to her fantasy. I blushed through the engagement exchange, and surprised myself getting through `start spreading the news.' I don't know how I ever finished that part, laughing so hard...there was no way I was putting this one down.
So officially on my way, seeing `Father of the Bride,' I go on to get sauced up on a budget audition, and `hometown rumble', and that charmingly too funny gown and hair fiascos turned from pumpkins to Cinderella by one romance writer and a daughter surely having not fallen far from the tree. I really enjoyed Elizabeth's advice...and antics. There is just so much going on here. From the `Tasteful' coordinator, to a photographer experienced on capturing 'the moment', and that E-vite interlude tagged with the note of caution: `never invite someone thinking they'll never come...' I was done and over-sold on this one, with the icing on the cake being the ending... so truly priceless. Anyone who loves romance, or is a romantic at heart, and certainly for anyone contemplating `pulling off' a fabulous (on any budget) wedding, will enjoy How I planned Your Wedding!...more
Loading...
