Velva Jean lives at the top of a mountain in North Carolina during the depression of the 1930's. She's desperate to be saved by Jesus yet when it happens she's never sure of her faith. She's fast friends with her brother, Johnny Clay and together they try to find their way into adulthood. As the Blue Ridge Parkway was being built, life changed for everyone who called the mountains home.
Velva Jean loves to sing and has the voice of an angel. Without the guidance of her mother, she rushes into a marriage while still a teenager. She loves Harley but he changes in ways Velva Jean is afraid of. But it's truly Velva Jean who is changing, growing up in a new world.
I loved this book. The author has perfectly crafted the story. There were parts I thought moved a little too slowly but on second thought life moved slowly Appalachia. Every time a chapter disappointed me, I thought for awhile and then decided that was exactly how life is. We are all on a path out of our own control. Ms. Niven captured the essence of life in the depth of each character. She also plotted the story perfectly through to the climax and joyous life changing end.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer by Gregg Braden
I thought it was time that all of my readers got to see my spiritual side. God is my very good friend and I tell Him that I love Him every morning before starting my day. My faith has brought me through many dark days and I'm forever grateful for my many blessings.
What's really kind of funny about this book is its history with me. It was given to me by my dear friend, April. When I opened it up, out fell a prescription for Percoset written by the dentist about 3 years ago after having a root canal. Why I would have stuck a prescription in this book or any book for that matter, is a mystery.
And then I started reading. It is about how to develop a deeper and more meaningful prayer life. The author uses examples from ancient traditions. The one driving theme however, is that we need to feel our pain and work though 'a dark night of the soul' in order to face our deepest fears. Facing my dependence on alcohol was one of those very dark nights that seemed to last for years. That this book came from April also made me face the pain of losing her friendship over something stupid. And for that prescription. I guess I worked through that physical pain without the help of drugs. Pain takes on many different faces in our lives.
If you're looking for spiritual guidance on how to take your prayer life to a different level, Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer will give you plenty to think about. God's waiting to talk to you.
What's really kind of funny about this book is its history with me. It was given to me by my dear friend, April. When I opened it up, out fell a prescription for Percoset written by the dentist about 3 years ago after having a root canal. Why I would have stuck a prescription in this book or any book for that matter, is a mystery.
And then I started reading. It is about how to develop a deeper and more meaningful prayer life. The author uses examples from ancient traditions. The one driving theme however, is that we need to feel our pain and work though 'a dark night of the soul' in order to face our deepest fears. Facing my dependence on alcohol was one of those very dark nights that seemed to last for years. That this book came from April also made me face the pain of losing her friendship over something stupid. And for that prescription. I guess I worked through that physical pain without the help of drugs. Pain takes on many different faces in our lives.
If you're looking for spiritual guidance on how to take your prayer life to a different level, Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer will give you plenty to think about. God's waiting to talk to you.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Street of A Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama
I remember distinctly being attracted to the brilliant red cover sprinkled with pink cherry blossoms, while in the book store several years ago. Like many others, on the shelf it sat. With the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I thought it was time to read this one.
The Street of A Thousand Blossoms is filled with tragedy from the start. Kenji and Hiroshi are orphans who are being raised by their grandparents. Then World War II happens impacting their lives, setting them on an unexpected path. After each sadness, they appear to move forward only to have misfortune follow them again and again.
Recently I asked one of my writing mentors to give me a critique on a story I was working on. Her first words were that it was too depressing. Depressing doesn't lure in the reader. Then she listed all the reasons it was too depressing and trust me, the list was long. Her advice taught me a great lesson about writing. I wish someone had given Ms. Tsukiyama a list. Maybe we would have had more happiness in this novel.
This novel gave great insight into the Japanese culture. For that I'll give it credit. The story however, was so depressing it was often a struggle to keep reading. Add to that what I thought was poor editing and I was even more disappointed. The outside of the book is beautiful. The inside was too sad to be enjoyable. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
The Street of A Thousand Blossoms is filled with tragedy from the start. Kenji and Hiroshi are orphans who are being raised by their grandparents. Then World War II happens impacting their lives, setting them on an unexpected path. After each sadness, they appear to move forward only to have misfortune follow them again and again.
Recently I asked one of my writing mentors to give me a critique on a story I was working on. Her first words were that it was too depressing. Depressing doesn't lure in the reader. Then she listed all the reasons it was too depressing and trust me, the list was long. Her advice taught me a great lesson about writing. I wish someone had given Ms. Tsukiyama a list. Maybe we would have had more happiness in this novel.
This novel gave great insight into the Japanese culture. For that I'll give it credit. The story however, was so depressing it was often a struggle to keep reading. Add to that what I thought was poor editing and I was even more disappointed. The outside of the book is beautiful. The inside was too sad to be enjoyable. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
My Name In Lights
I almost missed it. My name appeared in the Sunday Life section of the local paper, Florida Today. In fact Richard had read the paper, turning the pile of creased, crumpled newsprint over to me to enjoy with my breakfast. He never said a word because he had missed it.
The headline of the article said, Roxanne St. Claire Set to release 2 Titles. I happen to know Rocki from Space Coast Authors of Romance so of course I started reading the article. Looking over at the cover pictures I noticed a cover of a middle grade novel I recognized. I'd met the author at a book fair yesterday and had talked to her for a while. So I kept on reading the write ups.
And then I stopped. There is was, tucked down in the crease of the paper, Linda C. Wright of Viera... I know her!! Me and Ginger our name in lights for our new release, 'Treat, Pray, Love', in Chicken Soup For the Soul: My Dog's Life which will be release on April 12. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon today. I'd sent the information to the paper a couple months ago, never dreaming they'd use it. But one thing I've learned as an author, you have to market yourself and your work every way possible.
What a thrill! I'll never tire of seeing my name in print. There I am, among successful authors who I know and admire. I'm on my way.
The headline of the article said, Roxanne St. Claire Set to release 2 Titles. I happen to know Rocki from Space Coast Authors of Romance so of course I started reading the article. Looking over at the cover pictures I noticed a cover of a middle grade novel I recognized. I'd met the author at a book fair yesterday and had talked to her for a while. So I kept on reading the write ups.
And then I stopped. There is was, tucked down in the crease of the paper, Linda C. Wright of Viera... I know her!! Me and Ginger our name in lights for our new release, 'Treat, Pray, Love', in Chicken Soup For the Soul: My Dog's Life which will be release on April 12. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon today. I'd sent the information to the paper a couple months ago, never dreaming they'd use it. But one thing I've learned as an author, you have to market yourself and your work every way possible.
What a thrill! I'll never tire of seeing my name in print. There I am, among successful authors who I know and admire. I'm on my way.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Stories about twins fascinate me. Especially stories about twins and ghosts. There is something very mystical and magical about one soul split into two identical bodies. Vida Winter, a famous but now old and aging storyteller decides it's time to share the secrets of her life. She calls on Margaret Lea who carries a secret of her own.
Vida sets the ground rules that all stories have beginnings, middles and ends and there will be no deviating from that. Margaret, with an investigative mind, tries to put some pieces in place before the famous author is ready to reveal them. Along the way the pair form an incredible, loving bond.
The Thirteenth Tale is a lovely, mysterious page turner. The story and its characters are enticing. In fact on my last trip to the bookstore, they had six copies of The Thirteenth Tale on the shelf. So other people must think so too. I rate it a 5 out of 5 and I think I'm keeping it. I've always wanted to write my own story about twins. I'll need some tips and The Thirteenth Tale will offer many.
Vida sets the ground rules that all stories have beginnings, middles and ends and there will be no deviating from that. Margaret, with an investigative mind, tries to put some pieces in place before the famous author is ready to reveal them. Along the way the pair form an incredible, loving bond.
The Thirteenth Tale is a lovely, mysterious page turner. The story and its characters are enticing. In fact on my last trip to the bookstore, they had six copies of The Thirteenth Tale on the shelf. So other people must think so too. I rate it a 5 out of 5 and I think I'm keeping it. I've always wanted to write my own story about twins. I'll need some tips and The Thirteenth Tale will offer many.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Check out Smashwords.com
Great news!
One Clown Short is now available on Smashwords in a format for downloading to your favorite e-reader. Use my coupon code FT44M for a 25% discount good through April 15, 2011.
Check out lots of great electronic titles at Smashwords.com
Happy Reading!
One Clown Short is now available on Smashwords in a format for downloading to your favorite e-reader. Use my coupon code FT44M for a 25% discount good through April 15, 2011.
Check out lots of great electronic titles at Smashwords.com
Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I'm A Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson
I distinctly remember buying this book at Costco. At the old house, Costco was less than a mile down the road and I visited often. The book selection was wonderful and I can thank Costco for many of the books that are waiting patiently on the shelf for me to open them and read a few of their words. In fact this book has been on the shelf for so long that the pages have started to yellow. I thought it was time to see what it was all about.
I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a collection of columns that Bill Bryson wrote for a British publication. He was born and raised in Iowa, moved to England for some reason he never reveals to us and married and had children. After 20 years abroad he and his family moved back to a small town in New England. And what he finds in America upon his return is laugh out loud funny. From the post office to the airport to what is on television, his satirical view pokes fun at them all. I got the sense that his British wife and children adjusted to their new lives much more rapidly. I think he's kind of a geek.
We're quirky we Americans even though we may not think so. This book puts our life of plenty in perspective that's for sure. I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a light and laughable view of every day occurrences in America. The book was a little long but other than that I rate it a 3 1/2 out of 5. It was a wonderful diversion from the literary works I usually long for.
And as for Costco, there isn't one around here. I miss the treasure hunt but I don't eat as many hot dogs. In my new neighborhood there are plenty of opportunities for me to shop for books. Even though I didn't move across the pond, there are new adventures worth poking fun at no matter where life takes you.
I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a collection of columns that Bill Bryson wrote for a British publication. He was born and raised in Iowa, moved to England for some reason he never reveals to us and married and had children. After 20 years abroad he and his family moved back to a small town in New England. And what he finds in America upon his return is laugh out loud funny. From the post office to the airport to what is on television, his satirical view pokes fun at them all. I got the sense that his British wife and children adjusted to their new lives much more rapidly. I think he's kind of a geek.
We're quirky we Americans even though we may not think so. This book puts our life of plenty in perspective that's for sure. I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a light and laughable view of every day occurrences in America. The book was a little long but other than that I rate it a 3 1/2 out of 5. It was a wonderful diversion from the literary works I usually long for.
And as for Costco, there isn't one around here. I miss the treasure hunt but I don't eat as many hot dogs. In my new neighborhood there are plenty of opportunities for me to shop for books. Even though I didn't move across the pond, there are new adventures worth poking fun at no matter where life takes you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)