Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Currently Reading

Wow! What a week!

These past seven days have been jam-packed with all kinds of things going on that I'm surprised to have finished any books! Firstly, my Marine Corp kiddo returned home from Japan. He'll be here for another week or so before he goes back. It's been over a year since I've laid eyes on him and I'm very grateful to have him around.

Secondly, the Brown-Brooks Project finished their first every handmade gift project last Friday. We were able to collect 63 hat/scarf sets to pass out to the children of our local behavioral center. I'm so glad to be a part of that project and am really looking forward to next year's collection project!

Lastly, preparations for my family's annual Halloween Remembrance dinner and NaNoWriMo always coincide. Each year my family has a dinner where we take time to remember those who have left us while we give thanks for the harvest of the year. Kind of like an early Thanksgiving, in a way. After all the food's put away and the door's locked up tight, my work on NaNo begins at the stroke of midnight. I was able to complete the challenge last year. I'm hoping to repeat this year.


To vanquish from the TBR pile;
Pandemic by Scott Sigler
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Mama Rose's Turn by Carolyn Quinn


Conquered these titles:
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere


Hope that whatever you do on Halloween, you have a safe and wonderful time. I look forward to sharing my NaNoWriMo updates with you and hope to see some from you out there as well.

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, October 28, 2013

Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante


Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A fast-paced, gripping memoir, Buck: A Memoir shows us the life of M.K. Asante as he knew it. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, he struggled to break free from the box in which his actions and society had put him. The young Malo faces adversity head on with determination and gusto but often finds himself on the wrong side of the deal.

Events push Malo and his loved ones to the breaking point and drive him to make the decision whether to accept the place society holds for him or to become his own man, free of mind and spirit. As he begins to put his plan into action, the results come in waves for both him and those around him.

Review:
I am so glad that I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. It's real, honest, brutal and at the same time, it's heart-warming and endearing. This memoir was much more than just a retelling of M.K. Asante's formative years. It read like an action-packed, urban thriller with the unnerving reality that it held the truth of his life between the lines.

From the very start, the reader is sucked into his world. The reader is given everything they need to feel the experiences alongside Malo and his family, the good and the bad. With its honest portrayal of the people in the neighborhood, one can almost see the words come to life. This allows the reader to become invested in the person's outcome within the book.

As I mentioned before, the memoir reads like a frantic, action-packed thriller in parts because of the things the author experienced. There were some truly authentic and touching moments that slowed the story and delved into the deeper meanings behind some of his actions, thoughts or worries. I think the author did a wonderful job of relaying his world and laying bare his own faults and flaws instead of making himself to be something he wasn't. Very refreshing to see that he doesn't run away from the mistakes he made.

Overall, I have to say that I could not put this book down once I began reading. Each free moment I had was spent reading this book. Very open, honest and a great read for those who want to know more about cultures or people outside their own. If you're looking for all the above and more, I would definitely pick up this book.

Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante is now available at several retailers in Kindle, hardback and audio-book editions. It can be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante

Friday, October 25, 2013

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham


Release Date: August 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jason and Isaac Tanner knew how the outside world worked even though they were kept away from it for a large part of their lives. Due to their father's secretive work on technology that helped create a virtual world, Jason was a natural with computers and took it upon himself to guard his father's creation with a high degree of seriousness.

When their father fails to come home from a weekend away, the boys learn not only of his death but their father was thought to be a serial killer the police had been tracking for months. Jason Tanner does the only thing he can think of when the outside world invades their home. He goes on the run after destroying the invention in the hopes of saving himself and the ones he loves.

Review:
Not being well versed in computer or technology lingo, I was a little worried when I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. Once I began reading, I felt relieved. There is a lot of discussion around the computer programs, viruses and other areas of technology. Yet, the author does a great job of blending the information with the story so that it flows as one. I was able to enjoy the book while learning new things without feeling overwhelmed.

Each of the characters had their own voice throughout the book. It would be easy for a supporting character to get lost within as much action as the author packed within the pages. For this book, they added to the story when necessary while fading into the background in order for the main characters to do what needed to be done and helped move the story forward. I truly think the reactions of the characters were realistic given the circumstances which surrounded them.

Action propelled the story from the very beginning. it barely eased up as the story neared its conclusion. I lost track of the number of times that I thought I had things figured out and the story proved me wrong. Several twists and turns kept my attention, my hands turning the pages to find out what happened. I was not prepared for all that happened in the final chapters. Definitely glad the author plans on a sequel!

Overall, I found the story to be engaging and very entertaining. The layers of intelligence - virtual and cerebral - add dimensions to the novel that keep you guessing. If you are looking for a good introduction into techno-thrillers with a YA twist, I would recommend this book.

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham can be purchased from many online retailers including Amazon.com and comes in both paperback and Kindle forms. Clicking the link below will take you to Amazon where you can purchase a copy.
DiSemblance by Shanae Branham

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Currently Reading

Apparently the region in which I live has forgotten that there's another season between Summer and Winter! The weather was still summery a little over a week ago. The forecast for today includes icy rain and possible flurries. It's been such a long time since we've had snow on the ground around Halloween-time. Made for a weird trick-or-treat night but I don't want to repeat it.

So much is happening in my little corner of the world! The deadline for the community project is Friday. It's crazy to think so much time has passed since I began the work on it. All the created is finished except for one hat. Next comes finishing or as I call it - "the sewing of the tails." Each of the hats and scarves will be washed and packaged for the kids at the Behavioral center so that they can use them right away. With the weather currently, there's no doubt that they'll need them!

I'm super excited for the start of next week! From October 28th until November 6th, France Book Tours will be provided a book blog tour for Bernard Besson's novel, The Greenland Breach. I will be a part of the tour and my review will be posted on November 6th. Each day, a different blog will be giving their review and a few will even be hosting a giveaway! So be sure to visit http://francebooktours.com/2013/07/15/bernard-besson-on-tour-the-greenland-breach/  for more information!

On the word front, I've put off writing until the start of NaNoWriMo on November 1st. Yes, it's making me antsy because I write a little something every chance I get, but I need to focus on getting some more reading/reviewing time in with the holidays coming up. There are two possible novels in my brain and I taking notes though I'm not writing at the moment.


On the reading list this week are;
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
Pandemic by Scott Sigler
DreamWeaver by Rejean Giguere
Night Film by Marisha Pessl


I've finished the following;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson
Drone by Mike Maden


With the looming holidays coming up, how often do you get to fit in some reading time?

Until next time,
Kay

Monday, October 21, 2013

A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman


Release Date: October 1, 2007
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Series: Tomorrow's Promise Collection

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When an accident claims the lives of two boys, the town of Santa Barbara is split down the middle as each side rallies one of the mothers. Andi has it all when her son is taken too soon - money, prestige and all the luxuries afforded to the wealthy class. Melanie has always been hardworking and doing what she could to make ends meet while raising her children.

In the aftermath of the fatal accident, both women saw their lives transformed and yet they couldn't see the pain in each other. When their decisions begin impacting the world around them, both women have a choice to make. Can each of the women find solace only in the anger and frustration bubbling beneath the surface? Will the town survive the rippling effect that the actions of one has on the other?

Review:
While I have mixed feelings about this book, I have to say that the story touches the heart of the reader in many ways. I purchased the book from Amazon because I could relate to the feeling of losing someone special in my life. The characters in the story seemed real to me and their reactions were those I have either experienced or seen someone close go through in their own grieving process.

Though the cast of characters is large, the author does a great job of keeping the focus on the main characters and allowing their struggles, thoughts and feelings come across with honesty. The supporting characters do add to the story in helpful ways that keep the story moving. I admit that there were more than a few times that I felt a connection with both mothers, the sister and even the kids in the youth group.

Even though the issue of faith and Christianity is present throughout the book, it doesn't seem to be forced in any way. The role it plays in the characters' lives is realistic and shows how deeply it affects the person and in the various ways. The message of forgiveness runs throughout the story in a positive manner which I think makes the story better and more real. Having been to similar churches, I could identify with the various members.

The only drawback that kept me from truly enjoying the story was the pacing in various chapters. There were parts that seemed long to me. I felt that I had already heard the same thing at a different part of the chapter and repeating the issue was merely keeping the story from moving without adding anything else to the plot.

Overall, I did enjoy the story because of the realness of the characters. Their anger, hurt and finally being able to see through those issues made it a very worthwhile read. If you are looking for a good story about faith, love and family, then I would give this book a definite chance.

A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman is available in various forms including Kindle, hardback or paperback. You can find more information at Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
A Promise to Remember (Tomorrow's Promise Collection Book #1) by Kathryn Cushman

Friday, October 18, 2013

Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde


Release Date: June 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Wise beyond her years, Angie spends many of her days being the adult she wished her mother would be. In the years following her father's death, their family faced obstacles and challenges that would have broken many others. For a short while, all seems to be going well until they're forced to move with their Aunt Vi. But that doesn't last long, thanks in large part to her little sister's Autism-like disorder which causes the little girl to shriek. 

The only thing to keep her quiet for more than a few minutes just happens to be the dog next door. When the neighbor decides to move, all hell breaks loose. Angie's mother is forced to make an irrational decision to save their sanity without putting Sophie, the little girl, into a facility - they follow the neighbor. Will the decision be a good one? What ultimately happens when the neighbor finds out?

Review:
Without much fanfare or introduction, the reader is thrust into Angie's world, one filled with chaos and uncertainty that should be left in the adult world. The constant shrieking and overwhelming despair would be enough to crumble anyone, much less a fourteen year-old girl. Being familiar with having a chronically ill sibling, I could relate to many of the things Angie expressed in the book and how she dealt with the people around her. My heart went out to her and to her family because I've seen some of the heart-wrenching decision making situations first hand.

The characters were very much distinct and brought with them a different and yet similar set of flaws. It truly made them seem more real that they could see the flaw in the other and then recognize it within themselves. A lot of truths were spoken or discovered by the character taking time to reflect on the conversations, making the reader feel a part of the process as well. I really liked the level of honesty between two of the characters because it was a reminder that we don't have to go through life closed off from others.

Made of three parts, the story flowed at a pretty steady pace with plenty of monotony-breaking moments courtesy of Sophie. Each of the three parts had their own surprises for the reader which also helped to keep me turning the pages. It struck me near the middle of the book that a lot of the story was about the connections we make with one another and how when a connection is broken, the people were once connected had to find a way to deal with that loss of connection. They had to find their own way of reestablishing the connection. That's also something that I know all too well and the story made me do a lot of thinking about my own connections.

Overall, I really liked this story. It definitely had those moments where you wanted to smack someone for being stupid. But it also had the moments that were heartfelt and touching. Having gone through similar situations, the story make me feel like someone out there who actually understood - even if it was a fictional character much younger than myself. If you love coming-of-age stories with an enduring twist or just want an uplifting read, you should definitely check this one out.

Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde is available for purchase in either paperback or e-book format. To purchase from Amazon.com, please click the link below.
 Where We Belong by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Currently Reading

Hello and happy readings to everyone! Things here are still a little on the whacky side. I can't believe I forgot to do a first of the month post. I truly want to be consistent with this blog and it makes me sad when I forget these things. Not to worry. I will be better at this soon - I hope!

Thankfully I have managed to keep reading throughout all of the goings on here. Though it's only a couple of books a week, it's still progress in the TBR pile. I'm hoping that I can squeeze a few more books in between now and the end of the month because November is going to be packed. Well, the last week of this month is going to be packed as well but I will make sure to have my ducks in a row here.

Happy to report a couple of accomplishments this week. One, I finished reading and reviewing the book for the blog tour during the last week of October/first week of November. It will be a special review post on November 6th. Be sure to look for it! Two, I am nearing my reading goal for the year! Currently I have read 87 books and counting! 13 more to go and I hit my goal of 100!


First up on the to-be-read list;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson 
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
Drone by Mike Maden


The following books are read;
What Precision, Such Restraint by Phil Jourdan
The Greenland Breach by Bernard Besson


Do you set a reading goal for yourself? If you do, does it help to keep you motivated with your reading? If you don't have one, do you keep track of the books you have read?

Until next time,
Kay

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October's Hopes and Dreams

Yes, I'm late.

I thought I had gotten this post scheduled but looking through the list proved otherwise. It's been so busy the past few weeks that it honestly slipped my mind. The community project's deadline is creeping closer. Less than two weeks to go before we have to begin washing/packaging all of the hats and scarves for delivery. I'm really happy that we managed to get the minimum goal met so that each child can have a set. I'm hoping for a few more sets before the deadline but we'll have to wait and see what happens.

Because of the community project, my reading has really slacked off. I'm not happy about it. Aside from sneaking a few minutes here or there, there's not enough time for me to devour all of my books on my TBR list. Believe me, that list grows every day! With so many time consuming things about to take place in the next few months, I'm not sure that I'll be able to do more than hit my reading goal this year.

NaNoWriMo is on the horizon and I can't wait. This year I have a close friend who is trying it out for the first time. Between everything going on in November, I'm sure that she'll have her story finished before I'm done with mine. I do have my idea and some notes on the characters compiled for when I start. Can't wait!

As far as this month goes, I don't believe that I'll get a lot of writing done. I've been going back and reworking some older material while waiting for the publishing details on the anthology. Seriously can't wait to get a copy of it! Now, I need to get my behind in gear and get that novel reworked!

Hope everyone has an awesome, safe October. Enjoy Halloween!
Until next time,
Kay

Monday, October 14, 2013

My Dead Friend Sarah: A Novel by Peter Rosch


Release Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Rosch, LLC

Rating: 3 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After nearly losing the love of his life, Max decided it was time to give up his life-long addiction to alcohol. A short time after he began his recovery, he found himself at the mercy of prophetic, recurring dreams about a young woman who is abducted and killed. The frequency of the dreams unnerved him but he did little more than go to the police and warn them that something may come to pass regarding the girl in his dreams.

As luck would have it, Max noticed the girl from his dreams on a people-packed NY sidewalk. He began to follow her, sure in his belief that if he could make her know him better that he could tell her the dream and save her. Except life has a way of making this work out the way they've been intended. Does Max have a tight enough grip on recovery to make things right? Will the girl even believe him?

Review:
In truth, I have mixed feelings about this book. I bought the book because I was intrigued about the premise. The way in which the story is laid out took a little getting used to but once the action began, it seemed to flow better. The book is broken into three parts with individual chapters assigned to either Max, the main character, or the woman in his dreams, Sarah. Most of her chapters are found in the second part of the book while Max's are prominent in the other parts.

Max is an alcoholic and doesn't hide the fact from anyone because his road to rehab/AA was a long one. By the time he hit his "rock bottom," nearly everyone around him was aware of the drinking. Since the novel is from Max's point of view, the reader learns what Max has been taught on his path and how it affects the way that he makes his decisions. Similar to the way religion plays a part in many lives around the world, the doctrine of the meetings he attended is reflected in his thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, it becomes painfully clear that his grasp of the doctrine isn't as strong as he'd like it to be.

I honestly didn't mind the many times his alcoholism or the AA meetings/doctrine were mentioned within the story. It's an integral part of who Max is and who he wants to be. Therefore, it's essential to have in order to understand his reasoning and how he attempts to handle the weird, co-dependent relationship that he comes to have with Sarah. They both belief that they are giving or receiving something that is necessary for the other. It's only when it creeps toward that uncrossable line that the end result comes to pass.

There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing what really happened until I reached the two-thirds mark in Part 3 of the book. I really enjoyed the odd way that the characters came together, the way his family and friends reacted to certain news being revealed and the brutal honesty of the last few chapters. It was a pretty good read. The only drawback throughout the whole book was the way in which punctuation was being used in parts 2 and 3 of the book.

Normally, I don't have a problem with the occasional missed comma or weird quotation marks, but the amount of missing commas or misused commas within the last few parts really began to alter the storyline. There were many instances were portions of the dialogue could have been taken in different ways, changing the intended direction of the story because a comma wasn't used at all. Also commas being  used in the place of periods made some of the interaction between characters odd and difficult to see as realistic. I do believe that if these were corrected, there would be a favorable and positive impact on the story.

Overall, I did enjoy the story. It was weird, different and just twisted enough that I kept reading despite the above mentioned problems. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary or an oddly enjoyable page-turner, be sure to put this on your to-be-read list!

My Dead Friend Sarah: A Novel by Peter Rosch is currently available in either paperback or Kindle form and can be purchased at Amazon.com by following the link provided below.
My Dead Friend Sarah: A Novel by Peter Rosch

Friday, October 11, 2013

Shadow of the Piper by L.P. Hoffman


Release Date: January 1, 2013
Publisher: Hope Springs Media

Rating: 4 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jesse spent years helping the woman who rescued him with her missionary work in the streets of Pittsburgh. He felt a calling in his heart to help the youth find their way back to the path of goodness just as Mavis had helped him. An unexpected visit from a sick, disturbed teenager claiming to know his past pushed Jesse to leave on a journey to find the answers he had always longed to know.

The teenager leads him to a small town in Montana where things truly aren't what they seem. In the age old battle between good and evil, lines were clearly drawn in the town of Hamlin. Jesse found himself in the middle of the battle but will he be able to find the answers to the questions of his past as well as rescue the town's teenagers from the evil lurking within the shadows.

Review:
I received this book from a giveaway at Goodreads.com and honestly couldn't wait to begin reading it. The theme of the book is the ongoing battle between good and evil, God and Satan. Therefore, it's no surprise to see several of the characters in the book with their faith deeply entrenched in the doctrines of their respective sides. The main character, Jesse, finds himself in an awkward situation that tests not only his deeply rooted faith, but the beliefs that he has of himself.

The action in the book begins in the very first chapter and continues to the very last. There are moments where the reader is able to take a breath before it takes off once again. By the time the action builds to the breaking point, the lines within the small town are clearly drawn, each side with their own "warriors" and casualties. Many sub-plots made up the larger plot and kept it moving along. I was glad to see a large number of the sub-plots concluded as the book drew to a close.

A lot of the characters were believable to me. My grandmother raised us in a Penecostal church, so the depiction of the "prayer warriors" was accurate in my view. I have known many a person with such deep faith as Jesse. I truly only had trouble with Cali's character because she was so hurt, so unstable that it made me want to reach out and help her. It was hard to accept that she was beyond help at certain points in the story. As far as the darkness in the book, I haven't met anyone that I could compare the characters to but the news is always full of people doing dark, evil things somewhere in the world. Why couldn't it happen in a small town like Hamlin, Montana?

Overall, the book was really well written and put together in such a way that it was hard to put it down at times. Looking past the Christian influence, the story is also about perseverance in the face of adversity and doing what's right even when no one else is. These lessons are still usable in today's society, in my opinion. If you're looking for a book-long action ride from cover to cover that will make you feel good along the way, I would most assuredly recommend this book.

Shadow of the Piper by L.P. Hoffman is available in both paperback and Kindle forms. It can be purchased from Amazon.com  by clicking the link below.
Shadow of the Piper by L.P. Hoffman

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Currently Reading

Welcome to the midweek check-in!

Seems like the last seven days went by way too fast for my taste. Of course, spending the weekend working helped that line of thinking. I was able to get all but the last three hats for my community project finished. That means in about two weeks, I will be busy sewing in tails and washing/packaging the sets for the children at our local behavioral center.

In between stitches, I was able to fit in some more reading. Three more books off the TBR pile and some posts written for later in the month. Still making my way through the blog tour book. It's definitely a thriller with lots of action so we'll see what happens toward the end! Plenty of books are waiting patiently on my TBR pile still!


What I'm reading this week;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson
The Greenland Breach by Bernard Besson
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
What Precision, Such Restraint by Phil Jourdan

What I've finished with;
Murder at Pride Lodge (Kyle Callahan Mystery #1) by Mark McNease
Angels in the Fire: The Dramatic True Story of an Impossible Rescue by Dann Stadler
Amor and Psycho: Stories by Carolyn Cooke


In less than a month, NaNoWriMo will be upon us. I'm very much looking forward to participating again this year. One of my dearest friends will be writing her own novel this year so I'm going to be cheering her on. This was the year I planned to not do it but I want to see her flourish. Not to mention, I have an excellent idea to pursue this November. How many of you will be participating this year?


Until next week,
Kay

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn


Release Date: July 31, 2007
Publisher: Broadway Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Small towns have a special way about them. They're good at keeping secrets but horrible at letting people out of their city limits. Camille Preaker knows these truths all too well. After escaping the confines of Wind Gap, Missouri, she makes a life for herself in the big city of Chicago. She not only carries her own secrets with her, but those of her family as well. They haunt her day in and day out, reminders of good and bad times etched into her skin.

When terrible things begin happening to the little girls in her hometown, Camille is forced to return to cover the story. Thrust back into her old role in the family, she watches from the sidelines as the investigation starts unfolding. Soon she's caught up in the middle of it all, struggling to find a way back to the sidelines. Can she get the scoop without having everything in her life fall apart?

Review:
This was one of the books my friend let me borrow in our book swap last week. My friend had also let me read Dark Places, so I respect her book choices. That being said, my friend also warned me that this book was dark, twisted and sad - all at the same time. With my interest piqued, I settled into the book and I'm very happy to say that I wasn't disappointed in the least.

From the very beginning Camille, the main character, is the most transparent of all the characters in the book. Although she uses deception in her job, she reveals herself to the reader more than anyone. Everyone else in the book is trying to hide their secrets and the secrets of others closest to them. The author truly gives us a sense of what it's like to grow up in a small town that has little in the way of keeping the kids busy and out of trouble. The easygoing way in which the kids are dealt with by authority is also very much like the way things work in a small town.

It's this attitude that lets darker secrets fester until they erupt in a fit of violence that ends up shocking the entire town, whispers ringing in their ears and fingers pointing until no one is left blameless. I had an inkling that something wasn't right in the beginning of the book but was genuinely shocked to read through that last chapter. Have to say, I quite liked it. The twists and turns kept me turning page after page. The story took on a life of its own, the flow moving smoothly and steadily at its own pace and took me along for the ride.

Each chapter gave us a little more room to shine the light on the characters and learn of the secrets buried beneath. Then, when you think you can see things working out in a particular way, you're thrown for another loop with a new revelation. I did feel so sorry for the main character as she did her job, learning much more than I believe she really wanted to know. If you are a lover of the dark side of humanity, I'd recommend this book in a heartbeat.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is available at most major retailers. It's also available online in hardback, paperback, audio-book format and Kindle forms. You can purchase a copy from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Friday, October 4, 2013

Plastic Tulips in the Winter by Denice Vickers

Release Date: April 9, 2013
Publisher: Denice Vickers

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Family bonds are tested in the coming-of-age story set in the stormy climate of Alabama during the period of time between the 1950s and present day. For Denice and her sisters, their mother is a constant source of affirmation and strength despite the multiple breakdowns and domestic disturbances she had to endure. Within the strange mix of innocence and violence, the girls learn life lessons that are both exhilarating and frightening.

It is as the girls grown into womanhood that their bonds are tested as they go their separate ways and made stronger by their individual trials and tribulations. Not one to let things keep her down for long, Denice looks past the dark clouds to see the good underneath and shares that positivity with her sisters along the way. Janice offers wisdom beyond her years as well as a constant shoulder to lean on. Pam tries to make everyone smile and sticks up for the others when necessary. Their sisterly love was enough to get them through the darker days of their childhood but will it be enough to keep them in their adult darkness?

Review:
The book began at an early point in the author's childhood, right in the thick of the action. From the very beginning we see that the typical idea of family and home were not what the author, her sisters and her mother experienced. Growing up in the 1950s, things were handled in very different ways and the people who had to deal with them had no other alternative but to weather the storms and make the best of what they had. It was a cycle repeated for the author until her mother felt it would be easier to bear the weight of social stigma than to remain in a place to constantly be beaten emotionally, physically and mentally.

When I purchased the book from Amazon, I had a few reservations but was intrigued by what was written about the characters in the blurb on the sale page. I truly grew to love the characters toward the middle and end of the book. The beginning was a little difficult to find someone to root for because everyone was floundering under the weight of life and its ceaseless changes. The honest and candid way in which the author writes about her own faults and flaws is refreshing. She is who she is and nothing more than that. Presenting both the good and bad times in her life made the story compelling as well as exciting. It became much more than a simple glimpse into someone's life by the end of the book.

As compelling and wonderful I found the book to be, there were some serious editing issues that distracted me as I was reading. I would have given a much higher rating but the number of punctuation, grammar and spelling mistakes was more than I could overlook. Even taking into account the tone in which the book is written, there were simply too many. It saddens me that such a wonderful story is hampered by that. I believe if the book were given a thorough editing, it would definitely be near the top of my recommendation list.

Overall, it is a real and compelling life story that did keep me turning the pages. If you are a reader of life stories or testimonies of faith beyond measure, this is one book that you'll want to have on your to-be-read list.

Plastic Tulips in the Winter by Denice Vickers is available in paperback or Kindle forms. It can be purchased at Amazon.com by following the link provided below.
Plastic Tulips in the Winter by Denice Vickers

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Currently Reading

Welcome to October!

It doesn't seem possible that we're nearing the last part of the year. Although I know differently, it seems like time just sped away from me. Deadlines that I thought were perfectly achievable are now bearing down on me. I'm anxious that several of my projects won't be completed or finished to the degree that I'd like them. All I can do is take it one moment at a time and continue, I suppose.

Now, weekly roundup! Firstly, the community project deadline is fast approaching. Less than a month's time, I'll be among those making sure the children at our local behavioral center have hats/scarves for the winter. Secondly, I'm attempting to write an article on the horror authors in my state for a local literary e-zine. I was going to cover Poe for their Sept/Oct issue but thought local authors would be a good change from the usual.

Lastly, I mentioned last week that a short story of mine was accepted for publication in a Kindle anthology. I will have more information about that in the coming weeks, but it looks as though it will be published in November 2013. Links will be at the end of the post for these places. Be sure to take a look at them. Now, onto the books!


The next set of books on the chopping block are;
The Grave Artist by Paula Lynn Johnson
The Greenland Breach by Bernard Besson
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones
Murder at Pride Lodge (Kyle Callahan Mystery #1) by Mark McNease


Finished with these;
Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante
The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth


The upcoming week does have a few books with less than 250 pages to be read in them. It won't take much for me to knock those out if I can squeeze them into the free moments. Oh! I forgot! I'm also taking part in a book blog tour for the book, The Greenland Breach, mentioned above. As such, I will be posting a special review post on Wednesday, November 6th. The book blog tour runs from October 28th until November 6th, 2013.

Until next time,
Kay

Links:
Pen It! Magazine FB page - https://www.facebook.com/PenItMagazine
Pen It! Magazine Website - http://www.penitpublications.com/penitmagazine/
Off the KUF anthology FB page - https://www.facebook.com/kufanthology
Book Blog Tour info - http://francebooktours.com/2013/07/15/bernard-besson-on-tour-the-greenland-breach/