RIP ~~ Sam Shepard

I remember seeing Sam Shepard as an actor in several movies first before I realized he was a very successful playwright. 

I eventually saw a production of Sam Shepard's play 'Buried Child' (which won a Pulitzer Prize) with my husband at a local playhouse in Santa Barbara years ago.

I came across an article on Bustle's website titled, 11 Sam Shepard Quotes That Will Inspire You To Live A Creative, Honest Life by Emma Oulton. In the above article, Emma Oulton wrote the following:

The celebrated playwright and Oscar-nominated actor Sam Shepard died on Thursday at his home in Kentucky. The news broke on Monday, when a spokesman for Shepard's family announced that Shepard had passed away at the age of 73, in the presence of his family, due to complications from Lou Gehrig's disease. Shepard has left behind a powerful legacy: alongside the films and theater productions that he starred in and contributed to, he also graced the world with his many unique and inspiring observations.

Shepard was an award-winning playwright, having won an impressive three Pulitzer prizes, so it's not exactly surprising that he knew how to spin a turn of phrase. He is considered by many to have been a defining theatrical voice, bringing to life characters struggling to understand their identity and their place in the world. It is this that made him so beloved by many, and why his words of wisdom will continue to be treasured. 

I hope Sam Shepard's plays will continue to inspire and delight the next generation of playwrights and audiences alike. 

2017 High Summer Readathon Wrap Up Post

I had loads of fun participating in the 2017 High Summer Readathon! I was able to accomplish a lot of reading during this annual two week event held by Seasons of Reading.

I finished two reads that I had begun reading prior to the start of the 2017 High Summer Readathon as follows:

1. Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck
2. The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons

I had a total of 100 pages combined from both books left to read and was happy to have finished them both during the 2017 High Summer Readathon.

Additionally, I started and finished four books during the 2017 High Summer Readathon as follows:

1. Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan
2. Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli
3. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
4. Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman

I also started an unabridged audiobook book titled, The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder. I had listened to 66% of this audiobook by the time the 2017 High Summer Readathon ended last night. I look forward to finishing this audiobook in the next day or two. 

So, be on the look out for a book review coming soon for The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder!

Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman

Hardback Book Edition

Years ago, I can remember watching a few episodes of the reality television series 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' and seeing Dog's daughter, 'Baby Lyssa' on the show

When Lyssa Chapman came out with her memoir in 2013 titled, Walking On Eggshells, I was curious about her memoir, so decided to finally read it this year.

Knowing a little bit about Lyssa Chapman's life already from watching 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' reality television show and reading other news sources... So, I wasn't expecting to gain too much new information about Lyssa Chapman's life from reading her memoir. 

Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman didn't provide much new to me information. Yes, I did learn a few new things from reading her memoir that were a revelation, but overall much of what I read were things I already knew about her. 

Yes, Lyssa Chapman's life is sad and tragic in more ways than one. She experienced neglect as a child, her parents divorced and were either addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Lyssa was sexually molested as a child, she was bullied in school and exposed and given drugs as a tween/teen like pot and cocaine from her mom, and she lived in poverty most of her young life. Lyssa also had no real boundaries and/or good adult role models growing up. Lyssa pretty much ran wild, especially when she went to live with her mom in Alaska. It ends up that Lyssa started having sex around the age of 12 years old for the first time with an older teenage boy. She was even gang raped by a group of older boys. Lyssa eventually became pregnant at age 14 by a man 10 years older than she was and she was in love with this man... Lyssa had her daughter, Abbie, the day after her 15th birthday and decided to keep and raise, Abbie. This meant that Lyssa dropped out of school in the 9th grade in order to raise her daughter. Lyssa's drug and alcohol addiction escalates and so does her poverty as she is abandoned by both of her parents and most of her family off and on during the time she becomes pregnant and has her daughter. Lyssa also repeatedly makes bad choices after having her daughter, which in many ways is expected as she has no good role models. 

So, these are some of the high level highlights of what one reads about in Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman. I think you now have a brief snapshot of the tragic and dysfunctional life Lyssa Chapman had growing up. 

However, I felt that Lyssa Chapman paints herself too much in the role of victim throughout her memoir. Yes, I think her parents were negligent in their duties as parents based on Lyssa's account in her memoir and should have done more to protect her during her childhood and teenage years.... But as Lyssa grows older and keeps repeating the same bad behaviors like slipping back into a life of drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex, she keeps using excuses as to why that kept happening.... I am not saying that a person can't slip up and back slide, as it happens to the best of us. But it seemed to me that Lyssa keeps using a lot of excuses that grew old reading about in her memoir. Especially when Lyssa kept saying that she wanted a better life for herself and her daughters (Lyssa married, had a 2nd daughter, and divorced, which was also written about in her memoir.).

Overall, I wasn't very impressed with Lyssa Chapman's writing even though Lyssa had a co-writer helping her write her memoir. There was a lot of repetition in her life's story. Plus, I felt like many areas of Lyssa's life were very watered down and could have been written about in more detail. Then again Lyssa only has a 9th grade education, so expecting a well written memoir from her just may have not been possible.

The following is a blurb about Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman from Amazon:

From one of the stars of A&E’s hit reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter comes an empowering memoir that can inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and forge happiness out of extreme adversity.

As a child, Baby Lyssa’s parents divorced and left her neglected. Things only got worse from there. Walking on Eggshells reveals Lyssa’s nightmare journey from mental and physical abuse to removal from school and confinement at home, flight from protective services, and teen pregnancy. Despite it all, and against incredible odds, Lyssa found her faith. She also found her way out of the spiral of bad decisions and even worse luck to build a healthy relationship with her mother and father and forge a rewarding, positive life with God.

An astonishing true story of one young woman’s trek from poverty and abuse to fulfillment and stardom, Walking on Eggshells is heartrending, powerful, and inspiring.
From one of the stars of A&E’s hit reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter comes an empowering memoir that can inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and forge happiness out of extreme adversity.

When most little girls play house, they might imagine two happy parents with several well-behaved children, pretty rooms, flowers in the yard, and a white picket fence near the sidewalk. Me? I just wanted parents who could stand to be in the same room with each other. . . . From my youngest days I always knew that God had something better in store for me, that He had a better life waiting for me. —from the Introduction

The ninth child of bounty hunter Duane Chapman, twenty-five-year-old Lyssa Chapman has overcome an upbringing that can only be called tragic. In her piercing memoir, she shares the details of her harrowing life and her faith journey and offers advice and solutions for readers who feel overwhelmed by their own dysfunctional circumstances.

I am giving Walking On Eggshells by Lyssa Chapman a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Books On Illness & Loss That Will Give You A New Perspective On Life

I came across another wonderful article on Bustle titled, 11 Books About Illness And Loss That Will Give You A New Perspective On Life by Kerri Jarema. In the article, Kerri Jarema wrote the following:

What do we talk about when we talk about grief and loss, illness and death? For the most part, I think many of us try not to think or talk about grief and loss it at all. We push aside the fears we all have of losing loved ones, or finding ourselves at the receiving end of our own life-altering news, and we push forward. In many ways, it's the only way to live. But for these memoirists, looking illness, death and loss in the face, diving into it, exploring it deeply and unflinchingly, with heart and humor and, yes, fear, was how they came to reconcile their life in the face of ultimate loss. And for those of us left behind to read them, these memoirs offer words of sadness and but also of hope, showing us what life and legacy really means.

Last year, my husband's father died due to an aggressive form of lymphoma. It was a very difficult time for us as my father-in-law's initial prognosis when he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 was very favorable that he'd overcome it with treatment. In fact, at one point the cancer he had even went into remission... But unfortunately, an aggressive form of lymphoma came back. 

My father-in-law was a wonderful human being... Very kind and loving. I still miss his presence very much.

Reading one of the books mentioned in the above article, I am sure would put a new perspective on life. 

Here's What to Read When You've Been Diagnosed A Mental Or Chronic Illness

Being diagnosed with a mental or chronic illness can be scary and daunting! I came across an interesting article on Bustle's website (I love their website for bookish related news) titled, 15 Books To Read When You've Been Diagnosed With Mental Or Chronic Illness by Kristian Wilson. In the article, Kristian Wilson wrote the following:

The period immediately following your diagnosis with a lifelong condition manifests as a whirlwind of emotions that can be difficult to navigate for even the most-well-supported individuals. To help you through this trying time, I've got 15 books to read when you've been diagnosed with a mental or chronic illness.

In February 2009, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, Behçet's disease, one of those illnesses that you have to explain to most people you meet, because they've never heard of what you've got. Later that year, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety, depression, and IBS. I sank into a very dark place as it dawned on me that I would be taking multiple medications for the rest of my life — no small ordeal when you're a 19-year-old college student.

I wish I had had these books when I was first diagnosed with Behçet's. They're just the kind of thing I needed to recognize that my response to the news was nothing to be ashamed of. Check out my recommendations below, and share the books you read after you were diagnosed with mental or chronic illness with me on Twitter!

Click on the very top link to discover which books made the list. Interestingly enough, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating'by Elisabeth Tova Bailey made the list of books. I read this book earlier this year and loved it! It's a great read whether you have an illness or not.

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Paperback Edition

The Vegetarian is written by South Korean writer Han Kang and The Vegetarian is also the winner of the 2016 Man Booker International Prize.

WOW, Wow, wow, The Vegetarian by Han Kang is an impressive novel to read!! 

To be honest, initially I wasn't even sure if I wanted to read The Vegetarian by Han Kang for a couple of reasons... 1. The Vegetarian by Han Kang sounded like it might have been too violent, sad, depressing, and/or surreal/artsy book for me based on reading the plot details and some reviews I'd read online. 2. When a novel like The Vegetarian by Han Kang has won a major literary prize, like the Man Booker International Prize, one sometimes expects great things from a novel, which leads to high expectations that may or may not be met during the course of reading such a novel. 

In the end, I finally decided to read The Vegetarian by Han Kang and I am very glad that I did read this novel! Han Kang's writing is beautiful, rich, vivid, eloquent, and sparse all at the same time. I thought that Deborah Smith did a wonderful job of translating this novel into English.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a difficult novel to summarize in some ways... The back book cover says the following about The Vegetarian: "A beautiful, unsettling novel in three acts, about rebellion and taboos, violence and eroticism, and the twisting metamorphosis of a soul." 

And it's true this novel is told in three acts. The central character of The Vegetarian is Yeong-hye, a woman, who becomes a vegetarian after having a dream that no one seems to be able to identify with at all. Yeong-hye takes becoming a vegetarian to the extreme and is eventually committed to a psychiatric hospital. We primarily learn about Yeong-hye's life through the way others see her and rarely from Yeong-hye's own point of view. The Vegetarian by Han Kang is told through the point of view of Yeong-hye's husband in act one, the point of view of Yeong-hye's brother-in-law (her sister's husband) in act two, and finally, the last point of view comes from Yeong-hye's older sister, In-hye, in act three. 

In many ways The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a very sad and depressing novel. It deals with mental illness, patriarchy and the rebellion of the traditional patriarchy in society, violence, eroticism, and sex against one's will.

Quite honestly, Yeong-hye's husband is a complete ass. It sounds like he only likes and marries Yeong-hye because she's a docile, typical, woman who won't rock the boat and does everything he wants without question. When she goes down the extreme road of becoming a vegetarian (a vegan really as she won't eat meat or anything that comes from an animal), becomes an insomniac, etc. her husband does nothing to try solving the issue and seems put out by her behavior and how it impacts his life negatively. Eventually, he divorces Yeong-hye and makes the entire issue her family's problem. 

In the second act, Yeong-hye's brother-in-law, an unsuccessful artist, suddenly starts having erotic fantasies about Yeong-hye and essentially takes advantage of her mental instability by having sex with her and filming it with a video camera.

In the third and final act of The Vegetarian, we read In-hye's point of view about her sister, Yeong-hye, which seemed to be the most enlightening section for me and also the most challenging section to read. In fact, I found the last ten pages of this novel to be the most emotionally charged pages to read. In-hye has always been the character who has been portrayed as a pillar of strength. But in the last section she is filled with guilt and anger over her sister's state of mind and how Yeong-hye ended up the way she did. In my opinion, In-hye seems to think that if she could have protected her sister from their father, as well as Yeong-hye's husband, and her own husband, then maybe Yeong-hye would have ended up being okay. By the end of the novel, it also appears that In-hye's mind may be slipping down the same slippery slope as her sister's mind... It seems like In-hye may also be giving up on life too.

My favorite line/quote from The Vegetarian by Han Kang is "Why, is it such a bad thing to die?" from page 157.

The following is a plot summary for The Vegetarian by Han Kang from Amazon:

Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams—invasive images of blood and brutality—torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.

Celebrated by critics around the world, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from the violence both without and within her.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is my 109th read for 2017. I am giving The Vegetarian by Han Kang a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli

Paperback Edition

Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli is the 8th novel I've read by Jerry Spinelli... I hope I haven't forgotten about any of Spinelli's other novels I've read in the past 7 years.

Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli isn't my favorite novel written by Jerry Spinelli that I've read since I first discovered Spinelli's writing in 2010. But after reading Smiles To Go, I felt that it turned out to be a much better read than I initially thought it was going to be.

I loved the message that Jerry Spinelli conveys in Smiles To Go. Main character, Will Tuppence is a 9th grader and he takes life way too seriously... He never laughs out loud and he has his life planned to the dot... But life doesn't always go as planned and Will has to reassess life as it throws him some major curve balls. Will Will be able to make adjustments to life's curve balls?? Or will he flounder?? 

Favorite characters from Smiles To Go are Korbet Finn, who is a five year old boy and has a crush on Will's little sister, Tabby.... I love Korbet's tenacity! He is repeatedly rejected by Tabby, but will not be deterred in his love for her! Initially, I didn't like Tabby Tuppence, Will's younger, 5 year old sister. Tabby is a pain the behind for most of this novel and seems rather bratty for the most part. It isn't until towards the end of the novel when tragedy strikes, that my view of Tabby shifts to a more positive one of her.

The following is a plot summary for Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli from Amazon:

Ninth grader Will Tuppence is in control.

He plans everything obsessively, from the perfect stargazing night with his crush, Mi-Su, to the regular Saturday-night games of Monopoly with his friends. He's even planned his entire adulthood: career as an astronomer; mint condition, black 1985 Jaguar XJS/12; two kids. . . .

But everything changes the day Will learns one startling fact: protons—those tiny atomic particles, the building blocks to the building blocks of life—can die. The one thing that was so certain in this world to Will has an expiration date.

And Will's carefully planned-out life?

Not so certain, either.

I am giving Smiles To Go by Jerry Spinelli a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Love Reading and Writing?? Become A Volunteer For A Literary Organization!

I love promoting reading and writing!! So when I discovered an article on Bustle this morning titled, 7 Literary Organizations For Volunteers Who Love Reading And Writing by Melissa Ragsdale, I couldn't resist learning about the volunteer opportunities at literary organizations. 

In the article, Melissa Ragsdale wrote the following information in her article for Bustle:

Being a reader and being a good citizen often hand-in-hand. If you're a reader looking to make an impact, you're in luck because there are so many great literary organizations that need volunteers just like you! By working together, book-lovers can use reading and writing to improve our communities and touch the lives of others.

There is so much important work that can be done by volunteering at a literary organization. Many of these organizations are only possible because of the work done by volunteers, and any task you do is immensely helpful. (And usually fun!) You can read with students, and help encourage blooming young writers. You can pitch in at events, or help organize resources. With your unique skills and preferences, you have something special you can bring to the table, and the world will be better for it.

No matter where you are, there's an organization nearby that can use your help. And if it's hard to leave your house, you're isolated, or you're constantly on-the-move, you'll see that many of these organizations are also looking for work that can be done remotely, such as video editing or help with their website.

So, go ahead and click on the top link to learn more!! 

Roxane Gay's memoir, Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body

I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Roxane Gay speak at the Bay Area Book Festival earlier this year. I find her to be a thoughtful and thought provoking speaker, writer, and scholar.

I have yet to read Roxane Gay's memoir, Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body, but it sounds like an amazing read in more ways than one. 

On that note, I actually came across a well written article on Bustle about Roxane Gay's new memoir titled, Roxane Gay's "Hunger: A Memoir Of (My) Body" Is A Different Kind Of Success Story by Marie Southard Ospina. In the article, Marie Southard Ospina wrote the following:

"I try not to be prescriptive in how readers approach my work," author and scholar Roxane Gay tells Bustle in an interview. "But I do hope people walk away from this book with a greater understanding that we all live in the world, and in our bodies, differently. Those differences should be understood with empathy and treated with respect." Gay is referencing her recently released book, Hunger: A Memoir Of (My) Body. In 304 pages, this hardcover chronicles much of the author's personal history, with particular emphasis on the cultivation and evolution of her fatness. It is, all at once, a raw, personal journey and a relatable piece of literature for those othered because of the shape and size of their figures alone.

Although Gay has, from the get-go, wanted it to be clear that Hunger "is a memoir, not a manifesto," and that she is "only one voice," there are irrevocable parallels between her story and those of many individuals living in noticeably large, imposing bodies.

Gay doesn't sugarcoat the realities of fatness: Of being the blunt of every joke on television, of receiving poor medical care because a doctor cannot see beyond a number on a scale, of being heckled by passerby, of the struggle to find well-fitting or even simply nice clothing, of being treated as a beast and not a person, or filling oneself to the brim with self-hate through it all.

I am glad that Roxane Gay isn't sugarcoating the realities of 'Fatness' and sharing her thoughts and views on the subject matter.

My favorite passage from Marie Southard Ospina's article is the following one:

Gay's deconstruction of fatphobia is subsequently a success, and an encouragement to others, for not framing the body as the prime problem. The problem is the prejudices that allow fat bodies to be hated, to be mocked, or to be dehumanized entirely. The body is not the villain of the story. The villains are the institutions and individuals who insist on framing it as such. It isn't rolls of flesh that are disgusting. It's the fact that we are made to feel unworthy of our personhood because of them.

As human beings, I think we all need to be treated with respect, dignity, and understanding, whether we're fat or not... I think it's tragic that people who are overweight have been marginalized, frowned upon, bullied, and/or dehumanized due to their weight/fatness. I think that our society's perception and treatment of extremely over weight people needs an overhaul. 

Click on the very top link to read the full story.

The Most Beautiful Libraries In Every Single State

Ah, I like libraries! How about you? Do you like libraries too? Then checkout the following article I discovered on Bustle titled, The Most Gorgeous Libraries In Every Single State, Just In Time For Your Book-Themed Road Trip by Emma Oulton. In the article Emma Oulton wrote the following:

Anyone who loves books will be able to confirm that libraries are the happiest places on Earth. I mean, it's a whole building full of books that you can read for free — what could be better than that? It's always good to support your local library, so if you haven't already, I definitely advise you to get a library card right now — but if you fancy a road trip, why not go visit the best library in your whole state? (Of course, for some lucky people, one of these will be your local library. Oh, if only...)

These 50 libraries are some of the biggest, the prettiest, and the most unusual across the country. Some of them are old and bursting with history; some of them are fresh and modern, with unique architecture that wouldn't look out of place in one of the futuristic sci-fi books they contain. As well as being packed to the brim with books, many of these libraries often host events from book clubs to author readings to career development evenings — so if you get your timings right, your visit could be extra special. But no matter when you go, you'll notice something magical in the air from the moment you step through the door: the smell of old books, the silence of people engrossed in a story, and the fact that each and every one of these libraries is run by enthusiastic book-lovers passionate about making books more accessible to more people. So go and take a look!

Yes, these libraries look amazing! And yes, I now want to take a road trip to see to see them! 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan

Abridged Audiobook

I have been wanting to read Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan ever since it was selected as an Oprah Book Club pick in 2009. The thing is this for me... I've have discovered that for me personally, the books that are from Oprah's Book Club are usually very hit or miss for me. I either love the book (i.e. The Poisonwood Bible, East of Eden, White Oleander)  or hate it after reading it (i.e. The House of Sand and Fog) and sometimes the book falls somewhere in between each extreme. So, I've had my reservations about reading this collection of short stories by Uwem Akpan. I am glad that I finally listened to it the abridged audio version of this audiobook on compact disc. But for me, Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan fell somewhere towards the bottom end of the spectrum for me. I didn't love or hate this book. I think that Uwen Akpan is a good writer, but I mostly felt that the stories were sad and not quite as engaging as I would have liked them to be. The stories are ones I shall soon forget about altogether in a short while. The narrators for Say You're One of Them were really good. My favorite story in this collection was 'What Language Is That?'. I also enjoyed the author interview at the end of the book.

The following is a plot summary for Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan from Amazon:

Each story in this jubilantly acclaimed collection pays testament to the wisdom and resilience of children, even in the face of the most agonizing circumstances.

A family living in a makeshift shanty in urban Kenya scurries to find gifts of any kind for the impending Christmas holiday. A Rwandan girl relates her family’s struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy amid unspeakable acts. A young brother and sister cope with their uncle’s attempt to sell them into slavery. Aboard a bus filled with refugees—a microcosm of today’s Africa—a Muslim boy summons his faith to bear a treacherous ride across Nigeria. Through the eyes of childhood friends the emotional toll of religious conflict in Ethiopia becomes viscerally clear.

Uwem Akpan’s debut signals the arrival of a breathtakingly talented writer who gives a matter-of-fact reality to the most extreme circumstances in stories that are nothing short of transcendent.

I am giving Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan a rating of 2.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Jane Austen to Grace England's 10 Pound Note!

This September, England is releasing a 10 pound banknote featuring the image of Jane Austen, her writing desk, and a quote! How cool is that? The only other woman currently featured on an English banknote is Queen Elizabeth II. 

To learn more about the new Jane Austen banknote read the article on Bustle titled, How Jane Austen's 10-Pound Banknote Is Secretly Witty by Nicole Einbinder.

So What Exactly Does A Book Editor Do?

I've always had a rough idea of what a book editor does for a living, but after reading What Does A Book Editor Do? Macmillan's Rhoda Belleza Has Some Insight On The Covetable Job by Kerri Jarema, I have a better understanding of what a book editor does on a weekly basis.

In the article, Kerri Jarema wrote the following:

So we went right to the source to find out. You might recognize Rhoda Belleza's name from the cover of her popular YA fantasy book Empress Of A Thousand Skies. But did you know that she is an editor at Macmillan offshoot Imprint, too? She has worked on a ton of anticipated upcoming titles including The Wicker King by K. Ancrum; Ink, Iron and Glass by Gwen Clare; A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney; and Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Pérez.

"My day job as an editor can be pretty varied, but I’d say everything I do falls into three major categories," Belleza says. "Editing the book and supporting the author; advocating for the book and author; and networking and finding new content. There’s not really a typical work day because it’s so dependent on what deadline I need to hit."

So read on by clicking the very top link to learn more about the three major categories a book editor deals with on a weekly basis.

The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons

Paranormal Short Story

The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons is a paranormal, short story approximately 51 pages in length.

I was able to download the ebook edition of The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons.

The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons was a pretty good read, although it needed some minor editing. The first chapter was a bit slow to me, but the remaining chapters were fairly engaging and pretty fast paced. I liked the storyline for The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons.

The following is a plot summary for The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons from Amazon:

When death knows your name, there is no escape.

By day, Danthea is a thriving port city, full of life and laughter. At night, demon hunters go sword-to-teeth with monsters to keep humanity safe.

Margaret Vantasyl spends her days studying books and bestiaries, learning all she can about the monsters that plague the sleeping hours. It’s when the sun falls behind the horizon, and the moon reigns that her family takes to the streets to combat the surge of demons that threaten the safety of their city.

When countless young woman are found dead in abandoned homes, Margaret knows there’s something more sinister afoot than mindless vampires and scavenger ghouls. A creature that’s able to enslave the vampires and band the ghouls together in gangs.

All evidence points to a necromancer bending the living and the dead to its will.

But when Margaret is kidnapped, it will take all of her knowledge and skill as a hunter to defeat the vile sorceress. Will Margaret be able to save herself from becoming the necromancer's next victim? Or is she already good as dead?

I am giving The Dead of Sanguine Night by Travis Simmons a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck

I am a HUGE fan of John Steinbeck's novel, East of Eden. I read it for the first time in 2008 and feel in love with East of Eden. The writing in East of Eden is exquisite. Suffice it to say that East of Eden by John Steinbeck is one of my all time favorite novels ever written.

I learned about Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck shortly after reading East of Eden and I knew that some day I'd have to read Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck as well.

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck is a work of nonfiction and covers each of Steinbeck's working days while writing his novel, East of Eden in 1951. 

I found reading Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck to be very insightful with regards to his inner thoughts while writing East of Eden as well as insights to his daily life and interests besides writing. 

Although, I enjoyed reading Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck very much, by no means did I find it to be the perfect read. Steinbeck reiterates many of the same subject matter/topics throughout Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters. For instance, Steinbeck repeatedly talks about writing East of Eden at his own pace and he will not be rushed into writing it faster, the subject of weariness comes up frequently and putting off writing, his angst about writing East of Eden, and several other topics... And sometimes this book seemed a bit dry, but otherwise, Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck was a fabulous book to read. Especially, if you are a John Steinbeck fan or simply want to know more about an author's writing process during the time in which he wrote his novel.

The following is a blurb about Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck from Amazon:

Each working day from January 29 to November 1, 1951, John Steinbeck warmed up to the work of writing East of Eden with a letter to the late Pascal Covici, his friend and editor at The Viking Press. It was his way, he said, of "getting my mental arm in shape to pitch a good game."

Steinbeck's letters were written on the left-hand pages of a notebook in which the facing pages would be filled with the test of East of Eden. They touched on many subjects—story arguments, trial flights of workmanship, concern for his sons.

Part autobiography, part writer's workshop, these letters offer an illuminating perspective on Steinbeck's creative process, and a fascinating glimpse of Steinbeck, the private man.

I am giving Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters by John Steinbeck a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until next post, happy reading!!

Books About Strong Women Trailblazers Are Awesome!

I love reading memoirs, biographies, and other works of nonfiction about women trailblazers. So, when I noticed on Bustle's website a fabulous article titled, 13 Illustrated Books About Women Who Changed The World by Susanna Princivalle, I looked forward to discovering which books made the list. 

Several of the book titles mentioned in Susanna Princivalle's article are ones I've heard of before (but have yet to read), while other book titles mentioned were new to me. 

Click on the above link to discover which 13 illustrated books about women have made the list!

Famous Book Hoarders

It's always fun to learn who is a book hoarder... Especially when it comes to famous people. In fact, I was surprised to learn the identities of top three famous book hoarders in an article titled, 10 FAMOUS BOOK HOARDERS by Emily Temple. Click on the link to learn more!!

Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King

Paranormal Romance

Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King is a paranormal romance short story approximately 65 pages in length.

I was able to download Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review for Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King.

There were some minor issues that needed to be edited in Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King, otherwise it was a pretty good paranormal romance. I enjoyed Kristina King's writing. The characters in Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King are fun and nicely developed. I feel like Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) is a great start to the 'Dirk's Pack' series.

The following is a plot summary for Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King from Amazon:

Meet Luca. He's a strong and independent Beta, whose patience with his Alpha pack leader, Dirk, has worn thin.

Luca tried his best to support his alpha, but Dirk was making radical decisions without talking it over with the rest of the wolves; like moving his pack of young single werewolves to live a 'simple' off-grid life in the wilderness.

Moving to the middle of nowhere didn't seem to have any upside, until a rainy, stormy night when a young woman appeared on his doorstep.

Melissa was determined to prove she could survive on her own, she wasn't just a spoiled rich girl who got handed everything with a silver spoon in her mouth. However, she bit off a little more than she could chew when she decided to go into the woods alone to prove she could take care of herself. She got lost and ended up stumbling upon Luca's compound, asking for help. Drenched and cold, the spark between them was instant. Throwing caution to the wind, Melissa gave in to the wild chemistry that brewed between the two of them.

I am giving Luca's Mate (Dirk's Pack Book 1) by Kristina King a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Mad Flashes by Lindsey R. Loucks

Horror Flash Fiction

I like flash fiction in general. They are short reads that are shorter than short stories and make for great reading when you don't have a lot of time. 

I decided to read Mad Flashes by Lindsey R. Loucks, which is a collection of 10 horror flash fiction stories written by one author.

I was able to download Mad Flashes by Lindsey R. Loucks to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Mad Flashes by Lindsey R. Loucks.

Overall, I liked the flash fiction written by Lindsey R. Loucks. Some of the stories, I didn't quite fully understand. But, as I already mentioned in my previous sentence, overall the stories were good and well written. 

I am giving Mad Flashes by Lindsey R. Loucks a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen

Cozy Mystery Novel

I really enjoy a well written cozy mystery!! I read a cozy mystery short story titled, Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen, this month. Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen is approximately 52 pages in length.

I was able to download Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen.

The only thing I didn't like about Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen was the cliffhanger ending!! I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings. Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen. I liked Amy Andersen's writing, characters, and plot development for her cozy mystery short story. I would never have initially guessed the murderer!

Even though there is a cliffhanger ending for Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen, I may go ahead and read the next installment of this cozy mystery series.

The following is a plot summary for Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen from Amazon:

If you like mysteries with a hint of romance...

When Marion and Ruth open their salon, just as they do every morning, they’re horrified to discover a corpse seated in a styling chair. The police determine that the cause of death is strangulation. The murderer has to be someone from Chippingville, someone who knows Marion and Ruth. 

In their quest to discover the truth, they receive the unexpected help of their hair salon's clients, and that of the attractive village doctor, Glenn Steel, who has a secret.

If you like short mystery stories, get hooked with the first book in the Marion Fox mystery series. Marion is a character that will amaze you with her ingenuity and tenacity.

I am giving Death Visits The Hair Salon by Amy Andersen a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Project Snow by Cherita Smith

SciFi Fairy Tale Short Story

I read Project Snow by Cherita Smith in one sitting. It is a science fiction, dark fairy tale, short story that is approximately 36 pages in length.

I was able to download Project Snow by Cherita Smith for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Project Snow by Cherita Smith.

I love the cover art for this short story! I think the cover for Project Snow is one of the most beautiful book or short story covers on a book I've read this year.

As far as, Project Snow by Cherita Smith goes. I thought it was okay. The writing wasn't all that captivating or engaging. The storyline felt very predictable to me for the most part. The ending and the epilogue had a gap in the storyline, which made the story feel jarring and odd. I just don't understand the 4 star average customer rating for Project Snow by Cherita Smith on Amazon.

The following is a plot summary for Project Snow by Cherita Smith from Amazon:

Snow White meets genetic engineering in this captivating blend of science fiction & dark fairy tale that will hook you from the very first line...

Like most engineered kids, Amara can't wait to turn sixteen. Sixteen means confirmation of immunity to the aging infection that plagues mankind. And confirmation means freedom, leaving behind the quarantine of the Tower for a new life in the city — no filtration veils required.

But the queen has other plans. The queen is dying and needs a new heart. Daughter or not, Amara's will do. With her mother out to destroy her, Amara can't afford misplaced trust. A Guardsman wants to help save her, but is it for love or a dark plan of his own?

I am giving Project Snow by Cherita Smith a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Reading Quote of the Day!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

Bookmobile by artist, Tony May, at the San Jose Museum of Art

Last weekend, my husband and I visited the San Jose Museum of Art in San Jose, California. During our visit to the San Jose Museum of Art, we saw a bookmobile on display titled Variable Book Construction: Bookmobile (1991) by artist, Tony May. 

I learned during our visit to the San Jose Museum of Art that the books used for this mobile are encyclopedia yearbooks dating from 1961-1969!! Apparently, part of the San Jose Museum of Art use to be a public library and that the encyclopedia yearbooks used in the bookmobile span the years in which the building functioned as the first public library in San Jose. Pretty nifty factoid about the bookmobile if you ask me!

Apparently, Tony May's 'Bookmobile' actually does work! Unfortunately, no demonstration of the bookmobile was occurring the day of our visit. It would have been very interesting (not to mention really cool) to see this bookmobile in action during our visit.

I was hoping there would be a YouTube video featuring Tony May's Bookmobile in action, just so I'd have an idea of how it works. But I wasn't able to find a video featuring the Bookmobile on YouTube to share here.

So, have you seen any artwork featuring books recently? 

The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby

Paranormal Mystery Short Story

I read The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby at the end of last month and am finally catching up on writing reviews of several short stories I've recently read. The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby is a paranormal, mystery short story approximately 46 pages in length.

I was able to download The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby.

The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby is a decent read. If you like paranormal and mystery reads, then this is the short story for you. April Fernsby's writing is good. I enjoyed the plot, story, and characters for The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby.

The following is a plot summary for The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby from Amazon:

A short paranormal mystery

Cassia and her gran are witches. They investigate crime in the supernatural town of Brimstone.

Breccan McCoy turns up at Gran’s door one day to inform her of a murder – his murder. Gran didn’t trust Breccan when he was alive; she trusts him even less now that he’s a ghost. However, Cassia insists they help him as a murderer could be on the loose.

Gran and Cassia head into Brimstone with the ghost of Breccan McCoy at their side. They soon find out Breccan played a nasty trick on a resident before his demise. But was that the only trick he played?

I am giving The Leprechaun's Last Trick by April Fernsby a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green

Mystery Short Story

I read Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green at the end of last month and am finally catching up on writing reviews of several short stories I've recently read. Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green is a mystery short story approximately 24 pages in length.

I was able to download Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green.

I enjoyed reading Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green. I like reading mysteries by new to me authors. Jennette Green's writing is good. I enjoyed the story, plot, and characters in Murder by Nightmare.

The following is a plot summary for Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green from Amazon:

May has never liked to be alone at night, because that's when nightmares haunt her. However, when her husband leaves for the weekend, she's certain she'll be safe home alone in their suburban neighborhood; after all, she's not truly alone, with her cat Marmalade by her side. But when the man next door is attacked, and the woman across the street is murdered, her life begins to take on a nightmarish quality. Who is behind the attacks? Will the nightmares ever end?

I am giving Murder by Nightmare by Jennette Green a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne

Captivating Mystery Short Story

I read Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne at the end of last month and am finally reviewing this short story now. Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne is a mystery short story approximately 19 pages in length.

I was able to download Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.


Below is my honest, unbiased review of Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne.

I really enjoyed reading Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne. It's one of the best short stories I've read this year. I look forward to reading more of Heather Osborne's novels that feature Special Agent Rae Hatting. Heather Osborne's writing is wonderfully captivating!

The following is a plot summary for Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne from Amazon:

Special Agent Rae Hatting has been sent to a small town in Colorado to investigate the disappearance of young girls from several surrounding states. What she finds is not at all what she expected.

I am giving Crushed Gardenias by Heather Osborne a rating of 4.25 stars out of 5 stars!

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey

Cozy Mystery Short Story

I read Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey last month and am finally reviewing it now. Changing Habits is a fun, cozy mystery short story approximately 45 pages in length.

I was able to download Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey.

Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey is an excellent read! I enjoy reading cozy mysteries and this one was fun and entertaining. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and Alice Loweecey's writing style. I look forward to explore the rest of this series in the future.

The following is a plot summary for Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey from Amazon:

“Giulia is a sympathetic, well-drawn character who has built a full life for herself after leaving the convent, but appealing touches of the former nun remain.” – Booklist

The day Giulia Falcone jumped the wall—that’s code for leaving the convent—her sole possessions were the clothes on her back. Four years later, she’s an official Private Investigator juggling a rash of church vessel thefts and her complete inability to find a wedding gown that doesn’t require her to steal a gold chalice for herself. She’s about to marry her boss despite all the advice about office romance.

Giulia is a champion multitasker. The Church is on her back to find the thief. Her all-natural co-worker is insisting she walk down the aisle to the soundtrack for The Sound of Music. Her fiancé’s relatives are overwhelming her with plans and advice and excitement. Piece of cake.

She can find the clue that unmasks the thief. She can keep an eye on the music. All she needs is a wedding gown for her own wedding. In four days. What could possibly go wrong?

“Loweecey is herself a former nun, and she brings to Giulia all of this inner conflict, residual guilt, and disillusionment…and how can you not love an author who quotes from the movies Airplane and Young Frankenstein?” – Kings River Life Magazine

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), humorous murder mysteries, book club recommendations, private investigator mystery series.

Books in the Giulia Driscoll Humorous Mystery Series:

I am giving Changing Habits by Alice Loweecey a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea

Cozy Mystery Short Story

I read The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea at the end of last month and am finally reviewing it now. The Preening Peacock is an entertaining, cozy mystery short story approximately 22 pages in length.

I was able to download The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea.

The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea is the first story in the 'Rosalinda Alameda Mystery' series. I like that this cozy series is about zoos and animals and also features a Puerto Rican woman as the leading character.

I like Lisa Shea's writing style and storytelling. The characters and plot were well done in The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea. What a fun short story to read! I look forward to exploring other books in this series in the future.

The following is a plot summary for The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea from Amazon:

Rosalinda Alameda adores zoos. When Massachusetts's summertime "Free Fridays" promotion features the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Rosalinda grabs her camera and heads east. A full day amongst lions and tigers is about the best outing she can possibly imagine.

But something's wrong at the zoo, and it'll take a combination of her Puerto Rican common sense and her fifty years of wisdom to unravel the puzzle! 

* * *

The Preening Peacock is the first book in the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series. These short stories are about 15 pages each and feature the zoos that Rosalinda loves with a passion. Author Lisa Shea goes to each zoo personally to write up its sights, sounds, and aromas. That way you, the reader, can take a virtual vacation to these zoos! Visit Lisa's webpages to see photos and write-ups of the zoos. All of the Rosalinda Alameda Mystery series contain no violence, no swearing, and no intimacy, so they are suitable for teens and up.

You can read the books one-by-one as they are released, or you can wait for the boxed sets to be published once the series gets enough books in it. It's your choice!

A portion of all proceeds benefits battered women's shelters

I am giving The Preening Peacock by Lisa Shea a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!