THE ORGAN GRINDER AND THE MONKEY
Author: Sam Moffie
Publisher: Xlibris
Sam Moffie has gifted readers with a really outstanding and unusual read. In great detail and marvelous characterization, he shares a wealth of imaginative and unique life stories of three fantastically eccentric characters. All three of these characters share the same therapist. This therapist has a great impact on all of them, in most unexpected ways.
The stories told by our characters range from hilarious, sweet, sentimental to horrifying and heartbreaking and every feeling in between. Seymour, Constance and Irving come from three different cities (Steubenville Ohio, Boardman Ohio and Brookline Massachusetts) and three extremely different family backgrounds and dynamics.
Totally original and somewhat complex, the tale takes readers to an ending in New York City. Moffie is a talented storyteller, and brings all the gifts of his craft to this wonderful work of fiction. I can't recommend it highly enough!
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Suspenseful, Entertaining, Hard to Put Down
The Test
Author: Patricia Gussin
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
When Paul Parnell died, he left behind a fortune in the billions, adult children by three different mothers, and a number of grandchildren and in-laws. Prior to his death, Paul realized that one of the regrets of his life was not being active and available in the lives of his children. His trusted lawyer is instructed to create an iron-clad will that requires his 6 surviving children to examine their lifestyles, morals, and values, and make decisions on what is important to each. The final disposition of family fortune will depend on the decisions made by the children over the next year.
The family dynamics are interesting and somewhat convulted here, much like they are in any family of step children, half siblings, etc. It's interesting to watch the interplay between the sons and daughters, and the way they view themselves and each other. The author uses recent political and international events to weave throughout the story, adding an additional level of realism. The novel chronicles the next year in the family, and marks numerous ups, downs, sadness and happy events.
In some cases, there is almost too much going on, and I found myself having to backtrack once or twice, just to check out familial relationships. In a novel with this many characters, plot twists and subplots, that's to be expected. Some of the twists the book used were easy to see coming, some were not. It definitely held my interest thoughout.
If you enjoy suspense and family intrigue, you will enjoy this book. I plan to read more of this author's work in the future.
Author: Patricia Gussin
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
When Paul Parnell died, he left behind a fortune in the billions, adult children by three different mothers, and a number of grandchildren and in-laws. Prior to his death, Paul realized that one of the regrets of his life was not being active and available in the lives of his children. His trusted lawyer is instructed to create an iron-clad will that requires his 6 surviving children to examine their lifestyles, morals, and values, and make decisions on what is important to each. The final disposition of family fortune will depend on the decisions made by the children over the next year.
The family dynamics are interesting and somewhat convulted here, much like they are in any family of step children, half siblings, etc. It's interesting to watch the interplay between the sons and daughters, and the way they view themselves and each other. The author uses recent political and international events to weave throughout the story, adding an additional level of realism. The novel chronicles the next year in the family, and marks numerous ups, downs, sadness and happy events.
In some cases, there is almost too much going on, and I found myself having to backtrack once or twice, just to check out familial relationships. In a novel with this many characters, plot twists and subplots, that's to be expected. Some of the twists the book used were easy to see coming, some were not. It definitely held my interest thoughout.
If you enjoy suspense and family intrigue, you will enjoy this book. I plan to read more of this author's work in the future.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Good Book for Teens Regarding Sexual Identity Confusion
Torn
by Amber Lehman
Pub: Closet Case Press
isbn: 978-0-9795933-6-9
For some people, discovering their actual sexual identity is easy; they are heterosexual and always know that without questioning it; or they have always known they were homosexual. Times have changed, and I think it's probably easier in today's world to be gay or lesbian than in the old days. However, I would imagine that not knowing for sure one way or the other would still be pretty rough to deal with.
This novel deals with a group of teenage friends. When a new girl moves into town and joins the group, the dynamics seems to change a bit. As a teenager, alliances change, petty jealousies come and go, and there seems to be a minor drama going on constantly. In this work, the author introduces us to a group of teens with more than just the minor drama; it's major stuff here. Some of the characters are well drawn, and you feel invested in their life and the goings-on. Some of the characters seem to drift, and it''s much harder to care what actually happens to them. For a first time novel, that's somewhat to be expected; hopefully in future works the author will paint her characters more fully.
There is a lot of sex here, and some graphic depiction. In other instances, it's so glossed over that you are unaware of whether anything actually went on or not. There is actually no real parental involvement anywhere, which I also felt was less than realistic. No one ever seems to have an actual parent giving rules, punishments, etc. Granted, lots of kids today don't have proper supervision; but it bothers me that there is no parental involvement here at all. I think that might have made the story seem more real, and easier for today's teens to identify with. There were some older brothers that seemed in charge of the family dynamics, but that doesn't really ring that true to life.
I'm definitely not a prude, and have no problem with sex when it furthers the plot or seems right for the situation in the story; but some of it is so gratuitious that it isn't really moving the story along and seems to be added just for sex sake. That being said, I do think the story will appeal to teenagers, but it should be older teens, as the author suggests, not younger teens.
I found the story line interesting, and I think that there are many good points here. For teens unsure of the sexual route they are taking, it would probably make them feel better to read about kids with the same issues. I am happy to see that the author made mention more than once of safe sex. That message can't be put forward often enough, in my opinion.
I finished reading this two days ago, and wanted to give myself time to digest and think through the story before reviewing it. There are many redeeming features to the story; but I think too much is left unsaid and unexamined. Life is not full of pat answers to problems, and the book sort of stops at a point that seemed unrealistic. I may be looking at this from the wrong perspective; I am coming at this from the other end of the spectrum, a person 30 some years past the teen years, and with more life experience I tend to view things much differently now than a teenager would; perhaps they would not be disappointed in where the story ends at all.
In all, I do think the author has a bright writing future ahead of her, and would look forward to reading her future work.
Tags: age, coming, confusion, identity, of, sexual, teens
by Amber Lehman
Pub: Closet Case Press
isbn: 978-0-9795933-6-9
For some people, discovering their actual sexual identity is easy; they are heterosexual and always know that without questioning it; or they have always known they were homosexual. Times have changed, and I think it's probably easier in today's world to be gay or lesbian than in the old days. However, I would imagine that not knowing for sure one way or the other would still be pretty rough to deal with.
This novel deals with a group of teenage friends. When a new girl moves into town and joins the group, the dynamics seems to change a bit. As a teenager, alliances change, petty jealousies come and go, and there seems to be a minor drama going on constantly. In this work, the author introduces us to a group of teens with more than just the minor drama; it's major stuff here. Some of the characters are well drawn, and you feel invested in their life and the goings-on. Some of the characters seem to drift, and it''s much harder to care what actually happens to them. For a first time novel, that's somewhat to be expected; hopefully in future works the author will paint her characters more fully.
There is a lot of sex here, and some graphic depiction. In other instances, it's so glossed over that you are unaware of whether anything actually went on or not. There is actually no real parental involvement anywhere, which I also felt was less than realistic. No one ever seems to have an actual parent giving rules, punishments, etc. Granted, lots of kids today don't have proper supervision; but it bothers me that there is no parental involvement here at all. I think that might have made the story seem more real, and easier for today's teens to identify with. There were some older brothers that seemed in charge of the family dynamics, but that doesn't really ring that true to life.
I'm definitely not a prude, and have no problem with sex when it furthers the plot or seems right for the situation in the story; but some of it is so gratuitious that it isn't really moving the story along and seems to be added just for sex sake. That being said, I do think the story will appeal to teenagers, but it should be older teens, as the author suggests, not younger teens.
I found the story line interesting, and I think that there are many good points here. For teens unsure of the sexual route they are taking, it would probably make them feel better to read about kids with the same issues. I am happy to see that the author made mention more than once of safe sex. That message can't be put forward often enough, in my opinion.
I finished reading this two days ago, and wanted to give myself time to digest and think through the story before reviewing it. There are many redeeming features to the story; but I think too much is left unsaid and unexamined. Life is not full of pat answers to problems, and the book sort of stops at a point that seemed unrealistic. I may be looking at this from the wrong perspective; I am coming at this from the other end of the spectrum, a person 30 some years past the teen years, and with more life experience I tend to view things much differently now than a teenager would; perhaps they would not be disappointed in where the story ends at all.
In all, I do think the author has a bright writing future ahead of her, and would look forward to reading her future work.
Tags: age, coming, confusion, identity, of, sexual, teens
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Well Written, Engaging, Enjoyable-Water Landing
Water Landing
Author: Jonathan Slusher
Publisher: Cow Chip Press
Pretty often, the day to day grind of lfe gets in the way of really living it. Unfulfilled dreams, relationships, life-long goals etc., can often take a backseat to the day to day. Usually, we need a real wake-up call to become aware of this.
In this novel, our main character, Lukas Kettle, is doing just that. He wants to write, but is working a lab job to make ends meet. His last relationship was several years ago; he still hasn't moved on. In fact, he still sees her everyday at work. He reconnects with a childhood friend, Sara, and they seem headed to a real relationship. Only one problem, Sara is suffering from cancer, and has a few months left to live. Jonathan Slusher, the author of Water Landing, uses a really interesting technique of story telling. Going back in time, he recounts the relationship with Sara, and lets us in on the daydreams and hopes that Lukas pins on this relationship. Near the end of her life, Sara cuts herself off from Lukas, leaving him without closure on the relationship, with only his fantasies of making it work left to him.
Lukas travels back to his hometown for Sara's funeral, and to hook up with some old highschool buddies. In the process, he reviews his life and where circumstances have gotten him thus far.
Told with excellent insight and tenderness, Jonathan Slusher has written a novel that stays with the reader after finishing it. You'll examine your life, and possibly look at things from a different slant after reading. You come to care about Lukas, and mourn Sara's passing with him. I could not put this book down, I found it captivating, well written and satisfying. I look forward to more work by this very promising author.
Author: Jonathan Slusher
Publisher: Cow Chip Press
Pretty often, the day to day grind of lfe gets in the way of really living it. Unfulfilled dreams, relationships, life-long goals etc., can often take a backseat to the day to day. Usually, we need a real wake-up call to become aware of this.
In this novel, our main character, Lukas Kettle, is doing just that. He wants to write, but is working a lab job to make ends meet. His last relationship was several years ago; he still hasn't moved on. In fact, he still sees her everyday at work. He reconnects with a childhood friend, Sara, and they seem headed to a real relationship. Only one problem, Sara is suffering from cancer, and has a few months left to live. Jonathan Slusher, the author of Water Landing, uses a really interesting technique of story telling. Going back in time, he recounts the relationship with Sara, and lets us in on the daydreams and hopes that Lukas pins on this relationship. Near the end of her life, Sara cuts herself off from Lukas, leaving him without closure on the relationship, with only his fantasies of making it work left to him.
Lukas travels back to his hometown for Sara's funeral, and to hook up with some old highschool buddies. In the process, he reviews his life and where circumstances have gotten him thus far.
Told with excellent insight and tenderness, Jonathan Slusher has written a novel that stays with the reader after finishing it. You'll examine your life, and possibly look at things from a different slant after reading. You come to care about Lukas, and mourn Sara's passing with him. I could not put this book down, I found it captivating, well written and satisfying. I look forward to more work by this very promising author.
Monday, September 28, 2009
This Might Change Your View of our Criminal Justice System
We all know the terrible toll, financial and otherwise, that repeat offenders take on our lives, financially and emotionally. Daily, we read and hear about a person with a long criminal record, known for violence, being released from prision only to reoffend, usually in a horrible manner, only to return to jail again. Over and over, the pattern repeats itself, with heartbreaking results and impact to society and victims and their family members and friends.
Now, imagine you have worked tirelessly with offenders, trying to ensure that they have learned not to commit crimes again, and to return to society and live as law-abiding citizens. This is the case with this novel. A man has given a large portion of his life, emotions and energy to working with offenders, trying to keep them from reoffending. One night, he gets a call, one of the men he is working with has been picked up, charged with a horrendous and nightmarish rape and murder of a beautiful young teenager. When he arrives at the police station, he inadvertently meets the parents of this young girl, and is haunted by their grief and anger.
He decides it's time to change professions; he hasn't the heart to work with these inhuman offenders again. A wealthy and powerful man offers him another option-large sums of money, everything he needs to carry out the job, if he will kill these offenders before they can wreck havoc on society yet again. The people that will be killed are the worst of the worst, people who have committed horrendous crimes against innocent people over and over again, playing the "go to jail, get parolled, offend again" game for far too long.
It's a fascinating proposition. All that money, our taxes, that could be better spent on education, welfare, services for good and law-abiding citizens in need. Taking the wealthy man up on his offer, our main character begins their "novel" approach to crime fighting.
Highlighting long time societal issues and problems, this novel takes a unique and fascinating view of an alternative answer, and the ramifications.
Well written, and filled with suspense, this thought provoking novel will have you questioning the current judicial system, and the problems it has. Wonderful storyline, great characters, and a unique plot make this a great read.
Now, imagine you have worked tirelessly with offenders, trying to ensure that they have learned not to commit crimes again, and to return to society and live as law-abiding citizens. This is the case with this novel. A man has given a large portion of his life, emotions and energy to working with offenders, trying to keep them from reoffending. One night, he gets a call, one of the men he is working with has been picked up, charged with a horrendous and nightmarish rape and murder of a beautiful young teenager. When he arrives at the police station, he inadvertently meets the parents of this young girl, and is haunted by their grief and anger.
He decides it's time to change professions; he hasn't the heart to work with these inhuman offenders again. A wealthy and powerful man offers him another option-large sums of money, everything he needs to carry out the job, if he will kill these offenders before they can wreck havoc on society yet again. The people that will be killed are the worst of the worst, people who have committed horrendous crimes against innocent people over and over again, playing the "go to jail, get parolled, offend again" game for far too long.
It's a fascinating proposition. All that money, our taxes, that could be better spent on education, welfare, services for good and law-abiding citizens in need. Taking the wealthy man up on his offer, our main character begins their "novel" approach to crime fighting.
Highlighting long time societal issues and problems, this novel takes a unique and fascinating view of an alternative answer, and the ramifications.
Well written, and filled with suspense, this thought provoking novel will have you questioning the current judicial system, and the problems it has. Wonderful storyline, great characters, and a unique plot make this a great read.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Like Suspense? Read this book, It'll keep you up all night!
Anoka
Author Rick Wallace
Publisher Infinity Pub
Imagine planning your retirement for years. You are looking for an isolated, remote lake front property, building your own cabin, spending your golden years enjoying your spouse, your dog, fishing, boating and the great and beautiful outdoors.
This is where the story of Tim and Joan Henry begins. The couple, both educators, are searching for their dream property. Tim has just retired, and Joan is finishing up a final year. They despair finding a nice property that has everything they want at a price they can afford. Tim finds an ad for a property that sounds exactly right. It is being sold by a man who's father owned it and passed away. The son is anxious to get rid of the property, and the price is excellent. Tim can't believe their good fortune. Joan, trusting her intuition, thinks something is not quite right........and they soon discover she is correct. Was the former owner murdered? Is the local sheriff right in his belief that it was a drug ring, and the fellow was just in wrong place at the wrong time, or is there more to it than that? What about all the crazy stories Tim hears from local store owner, Ike? Not to mention a case of arson and mass murder some 50 years ago.
As Joan and Tim confront odd happenings and scary situations, they begin to wonder if they made the right decision........and if they can survive long enough to figure it all out.
The story is well written. I loved the descriptions of the property, the lake, the local characters and just the over all feeling of the author's view of Maine. The characters are well drawn, and extremely likeable. The plot is great, and moves to a climax that was unexpected, to say the least. At times, I thought I had it figured out, and the with a bit of foreshadowing, I was partially on track.
I think anyone who enjoys a good mystery would like this story. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this author.
Author Rick Wallace
Publisher Infinity Pub
Imagine planning your retirement for years. You are looking for an isolated, remote lake front property, building your own cabin, spending your golden years enjoying your spouse, your dog, fishing, boating and the great and beautiful outdoors.
This is where the story of Tim and Joan Henry begins. The couple, both educators, are searching for their dream property. Tim has just retired, and Joan is finishing up a final year. They despair finding a nice property that has everything they want at a price they can afford. Tim finds an ad for a property that sounds exactly right. It is being sold by a man who's father owned it and passed away. The son is anxious to get rid of the property, and the price is excellent. Tim can't believe their good fortune. Joan, trusting her intuition, thinks something is not quite right........and they soon discover she is correct. Was the former owner murdered? Is the local sheriff right in his belief that it was a drug ring, and the fellow was just in wrong place at the wrong time, or is there more to it than that? What about all the crazy stories Tim hears from local store owner, Ike? Not to mention a case of arson and mass murder some 50 years ago.
As Joan and Tim confront odd happenings and scary situations, they begin to wonder if they made the right decision........and if they can survive long enough to figure it all out.
The story is well written. I loved the descriptions of the property, the lake, the local characters and just the over all feeling of the author's view of Maine. The characters are well drawn, and extremely likeable. The plot is great, and moves to a climax that was unexpected, to say the least. At times, I thought I had it figured out, and the with a bit of foreshadowing, I was partially on track.
I think anyone who enjoys a good mystery would like this story. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this author.
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