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Showing posts with label Fiction: Humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction: Humor. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Kirkus Gives Mystery Big Thumbs Up
Title: Messages
Genre: mystery/thriller/humor/general fiction
Author: Forrest Carr
Format: Paperback, eBook, 496 pages
ISBN: 1493593617
ASIN: B00ECK0DBK
Publication Date: December 11, 2013
Website: http://www.forrestcarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/forrestcarrauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ForrestCarr1
Available in print from major online retailers, and for the Kindle via Amazon.com.
Print Edition from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Messages-Forrest-Carr/dp/1493593617
Print from Barnes Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/messages-forrest-carr/1117689631
Print Edition from Books a Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Messages/Forrest-Carr/9781493593613
Ebook from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Messages-Forrest-Carr-ebook/dp/B00ECK0DBK
Thumbs Up from Kirkus Reviews
Reprinted with permission from Kirkus reviews
Journalist Carr’s (A Journal of the Crazy Year, 2013, etc.) accomplished debut novel takes readers into the world of local newsroom politics, rendering that world in elaborate, Dickensian detail.
Here are the petty turf wars over stories and bylines, the venal and greedy ad-people willing to do anything to increase the station’s revenue, the brainless and bullying newsroom bosses whose screw-ups make life miserable for the hardworking writers and reporters. Here are the pompous news-readers enjoying their local celebrity and the real stories reporters have to fight to get told. Arrow Henley, an ace reporter at WDIK-TV’s Action News in Knoxville, Tenn., had been told by his station’s general manager to go get sensational footage of a young man threatening to commit suicide by throwing himself off a bridge. Remembering the assignment sends Henley on a drinking binge, but his dilemma—an old-fashioned, story-oriented newsroom being taken over by ratings-and-numbers-driven mindless media—is shared by all of Carr’s main characters, including Dexter Drimmel, a caustic newsman from WIMP in Little Rock, who’s tired of seeing his station run preprogrammed “content” (bought in two-hour blocks from a West Coast company) rather than actual local news reported by actual local reporters. Reporter Dan Price, whose copy gets rewritten by his overbearing bosses and who dreams of somehow fighting back, feels the same way. These workplace stories are rendered by Carr in such intricate detail and with such smooth skill that readers will easily gain a vivid sense of what it’s like to work in a local newsroom—the technical problems, the industry jargon, the multitude of quick decisions that need to be made every day. Against this backdrop, Carr weaves a theme of corruption that provides most of the book’s considerable comic energy and fast-paced dialogue.
A spirited, lavishly detailed behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a newsroom.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
Notes of merit: 4.6 reader review score on Amazon.com. Featured in Broadcasting & Cable, Tucson Weekly, KGUN9-TV's "The Morning Blend."
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Humor E-book Gets Five-Star Review
A Trip to the Hardware Store and Other Calamities”
By Barbara Venkataraman
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
By Barbara Venkataraman
Genre: Humor
Available on Amazon
Available as an e-book
Five Stars
Reviewed by Serene E. Stout originally for Kindle
The blurb:
At 8,000 words, this collection of humorous essays explores such quirky topics as: Disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance"). Like the author's first work, "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course...," these essays will give your spirit a lift and leave you smiling.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
New Satircal Novel Has Fun with Baseball
Strike Five
By Aaron T Knight
ISBN-13: 978-1478303275 ISBN-10: 1478303271
Genre: Humor / Satire / Sports
Author on Amazon
Available for Kindle
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
By Aaron T Knight
ISBN-13: 978-1478303275 ISBN-10: 1478303271
Genre: Humor / Satire / Sports
Author on Amazon
Available for Kindle
Be careful what you wish for. Your dream
might come true. This is a humorous story about Chad Smith who had his greatest
hope fulfilled but with results he could never have imagined. His ambition was
to play ball in the Major League. Only one thing held him back from playing
professional baseball in the majors. Through a freak accident this shortcoming
is removed but the transformation leads to an unorthodox style of play. His
success arouses a number of emotions in the other players, team managers and
owners of the baseball teams. He is swept away into a beehive of contraversy.
There's an old saying that if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
free. Translating that metaphor into the world of professional baseball, the
author crafts a unique and genuinely hilarious sports novel in which it is clear
almost from the get go that you should expect the unexpected.
Some achieve sports proficiency through hard work or innate talent. Others arrive as the result of a fluke. When our protagonist's twist of fate renders him a valuable commercial property, albeit a controversial one, many merely want to exploit him for immediate gain, while others believe that accepting a highly unorthodox road to fame and victory may come at the expense of the heart and soul of the sport.
This is a great fantasy for every sports fan who harbors just a little bit of Walter Mitty deep down inside them. It can be fun to play "what if?" when the consequences are entirely fictional. Three strikes and you're out of the real game, of course. But in our dreams and aspirations, we all long for a second chance, another at bat, that extra inning before it's time to go home.
Every sports fan who has contemplated going beyond being a mere spectator will identify with some of the fully formed characters in this devilishly clever story. The story unfolds in a rollicking manner which enables the reader to visualize making their dreams come true, stepping up to the plate, and slugging the ball out of the park. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, and, in a way, I am sorry that it did! That's a clear indication of a fully realized book in which both the characters and circumstances have truly come alive.
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Some achieve sports proficiency through hard work or innate talent. Others arrive as the result of a fluke. When our protagonist's twist of fate renders him a valuable commercial property, albeit a controversial one, many merely want to exploit him for immediate gain, while others believe that accepting a highly unorthodox road to fame and victory may come at the expense of the heart and soul of the sport.
This is a great fantasy for every sports fan who harbors just a little bit of Walter Mitty deep down inside them. It can be fun to play "what if?" when the consequences are entirely fictional. Three strikes and you're out of the real game, of course. But in our dreams and aspirations, we all long for a second chance, another at bat, that extra inning before it's time to go home.
Every sports fan who has contemplated going beyond being a mere spectator will identify with some of the fully formed characters in this devilishly clever story. The story unfolds in a rollicking manner which enables the reader to visualize making their dreams come true, stepping up to the plate, and slugging the ball out of the park. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, and, in a way, I am sorry that it did! That's a clear indication of a fully realized book in which both the characters and circumstances have truly come alive.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Satirical Fiction Will Make Ken Kesey Cuckoo with Envy
Title: Foxavier and
Plinka
Author: Scott Talbot
EvansAuthor's Website: http://FoxavierAndPlinka.blogspot.com
Link to buy page on Amazon
Genre: Fiction, humor, satire, comtemporary psychological
SBN:
9781478311782
Reviewer's Rating: 5 out
of 5 stars
Reviewed by Nick Rebori originally for Amazon
A whimsical tale from an institute that would have Ken Kesey Cuckoo with
jealousy. From the twisted (in the BEST way) mind of Scott Evans comes this soon
to be classic tale of love and cookies. You, too, should be committed if you
don't wisely invest the cost of an angus burger in expanding your mind through
this delightful story. If that doesn't convince you, have one of these Kooky
cookies and think it over.
About the Author
Author was educated at the University of Rochester
and Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Incorrigible an "Excellent Debut Novel"
Title: Incorrigibility
Author: Rayme
MichaelsLink: lulu.com/spotlight/Rayme
Genre: Young Adult Comedy
ISBN: 978-1-105-46985-5
Reviewed by Amber L.
Barr originally for Vampire and Immortal Books
"To truly appreciate the subtlety of
Rayme Michaels's Incorrigibility, the reader must fully grasp the meaning
of the title. To be incorrigible is to be especially set in bad habits to a
point beyond redemption or reform. In the wicked
comedy Incorrigibility, Mr. Michaels spins a tale that is crude,
carnal, callous, and carefree. Mr. Michaels's writing style produces real-world
twenty-something characters that leave the reader feeling he or she could have
lived this novella at one time or another. Mr.
Michaels' Incorrigibility makes the reader laugh, cringe, and maybe even
want to slap a member of the opposite sex just for good measure. An excellent
debut novella..." ~ Copyright 2012 with permission of Amber L. Barr
www.vampireandimmortalbooks.com
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Who Needs A Man? Reviewed for UK Amazon
Title: Who Needs A Man?
By E.J. RussellAuthors Web site: http://emmajanerussell.wix.com/books
Genre: Chick lit/humour
ISBN: 978-1481833844
Available on Amazon UK
Reviewed by Maggie May, originally for Amazon
I read this second offering from E.J. Russell with delight! From the serious and fascinating notes on the growth of your baby inside you, to the hilarious and, at times, painful honesty of the way all of us must have felt at least some of the time in regard to men! More please!!!
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Veteran Crime Writers Releases Funny New Novel
Title: Who’s Got the Money?
Authors: Morgan St. James and
Meredith HollandGenre: Funny Crime Caper
ISBN 978-1610091190
Available in Paperback and Kindle in all Amazon markets, most online booksellers or order from your favorite bookstore.
AmazonUSA
AmazonUK
Fun,
fast mystery about three women who uncover a massive government embezzlement
scheme
With $800 Million worth of
products produced in federal prisons every year, the opportunity to embezzle
millions was ripe. By the way, Federal prison factories really do produce that
much each year, and about $600 Million is furniture.
Authors Morgan St. James and
Meredith Holland both know first-hand. They were marketing reps for the real government
corporation that maintains manufacturing plants on the grounds of nearly
one-hundred Federal prisons across the country . During Morgan’s last year with
them, she sold Eight Million Dollars worth of furniture to the Federal
government, and Meredith sold slightly less. Their experiences and escapades
during a four-year period inspired this comical fictional plot.
By the way, Joaquin “Jack”
Garcia, a former FBI undercover agent and Best-Selling New York Times author,
said their plot really could have worked. He added, “Good thing they’re not
crooks.” Other reviewers commented on the clever use of this little-known
industry that most people don’t know exists.
After losing her job and all
her money, this fast-paced caper finds Jennifer Hayes accepting a job as the
Controller for the furniture manufacturing division of Federal Association of
Correctional Reform which is actually the fictional Federal prison system.
After several months,
substantial bonus checks are due but when the time comes to be paid there is
one excuse after another and none of them make sense. Jennifer and her new
friends, marketing representatives Kate Mills and Cameron Harsen, suspect
something is afoot. They are angry and determined to find out what happened to
missing bonus money. Like amateur Charlie’s Angels they plunge in their own ambitious
undercover investigation fraught with backfires and near-misses.
However, despite the challenges,
what they discover is shocking evidence of something so much bigger than
missing bonus checks—a clever multimillion
dollar embezzlement plot right under the Feds noses. Who masterminded the scam
and how did they do it?
Every time you think you’ve
figured it out, something else pops up. This funny crime caper will keep you on
your toes as you navigate the twists and turns.
The companion piece is the Kindle
only prequel, novelette Getting Even.
How did Jennifer get even with the young lover who stole her heart and her
money? His betrayal was one of the factors that pushed her into accepting a job
with the prison system and you don’t want to tangle with a scorned “cougar.”Amazon
Review:
4 Star WELL WORTH THE MONEY S. Carpenter
Jennifer Hayes finds herself up
to her pretty neck in danger and intrigue when she discovers fraud running
rampant in her new job. She and her girlfriends start sleuthing undercover to
get the goods on the crooks in this clever, light-hearted romp. St. James and
Holland spin a witty tale full of sexy guys, great food, chocolate, and a
scheme to steal millions. Here's hoping for another caper with Jennifer and her
resourceful gal pals.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Reviewer Loves New Mystery
Title: Special Interest
Author: Aaron
Genre: Cozy Mystery/humor
SBN-13: 978-1460972335
ISBN-10: 1460972333
ISBN-10: 1460972333
Published by CreateSpace
Review Originally published on A Cozy Readers Corner
Imagine a quiet
world free of fossil fuel polution. Clean air to breathe. No noise from
automobiles or factories. An atruistic scientist imagined it and made it his
life’s work to find a replacement for fossil fuels. When he discovers an
inexhaustable source of electric power he is murdered by a special interest
group trying to find the formula.
As a precaution he has hidden the formula in four parts in places around the world. Only one person will know how to find the four pieces to the formula. A wild and often hilarious pursuit ensues as the energy industires scramble to possess the prize.
Megan's
Review: A Cozy Readers
Corner
Joe has just relocated after having a broken engagement and being forced out of his accounting job. Everything appears to be getting along nicely with his new life until his flowerbed reveals a mysterious clue to a murder. Soon Joe is involved in a risky operation involving a new energy source that could change how the world operates. Joe soon finds out that there are limited people that he can trust and many special interest groups are after the clues to this energy source and will stop at nothing to obtain the information, not even murder. Joe doesn't want to be involved in this scheme but soon a love interest and his best friend are entangled as well and he finds that he has no choice but to help solve the puzzle.
Joe has just relocated after having a broken engagement and being forced out of his accounting job. Everything appears to be getting along nicely with his new life until his flowerbed reveals a mysterious clue to a murder. Soon Joe is involved in a risky operation involving a new energy source that could change how the world operates. Joe soon finds out that there are limited people that he can trust and many special interest groups are after the clues to this energy source and will stop at nothing to obtain the information, not even murder. Joe doesn't want to be involved in this scheme but soon a love interest and his best friend are entangled as well and he finds that he has no choice but to help solve the puzzle.
Overall I thought the author had a creative idea and I was captivated and wanted to know how the story would end. The characters' motives were hidden well until the end of the book when the author did finally start to place doubt in your mind about who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. The science behind the energy source was unique too - would be nice if such a thing existed!
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Reviewer Promises Book Will Put Imagination in High Gear
"Fred"
By Aaron T Knight
ISBN: 13:
978-1463653002
Humor/fantasyCreate Space
Available on Amazon and Kindle
Reviewed by Trudi
LoPreto originally for Readers Favorites
“Fred” by Aaron Knight will make you smile. It is a funny book. Astro Robo Servant, Inc. has created the perfect six-armed robot that will clean your house, entertain you, cook for you and have a personality that matches your own. The robots cost thousands of dollars but they are designed to suit the wants and desires of each elite customer. These robots are a dream come true – that is until “Fred”. An angry employee has tinkered with “Fred” and programmed him to be antisocial and very shrewd. Sam Bass, aka SB, the founder of Astro Robo, is furious when he discovers that “Fred” is loose somewhere in New York City. SB sends Stanley, his not too favorite son-in-law/unsuccessful salesman to locate and unprogram the rebellious robot. Stanley’s wife, John and some Russian programmers also join in the escapades of locating “Fred”. The adventure that ensues will make you cheer on ‘Poor Stanley’ and laugh at ‘Crazy Fred’. Fred manages to escape each time his capture is near by disguising himself in costumes of Groucho Marx, an old-time gangster and Santa Claus that he has cleverly stolen.
Aaron Knight will put your imagination into high gear with this book. “Fred” offers the reader humor, romance, suspense and a lot of originality. “Fred” is a great book for all ages and all who enjoy a very funny look into the future world of living with robots. I really enjoyed reading this book and was sorry to turn the last page. It is a winner.
“Fred” by Aaron Knight will make you smile. It is a funny book. Astro Robo Servant, Inc. has created the perfect six-armed robot that will clean your house, entertain you, cook for you and have a personality that matches your own. The robots cost thousands of dollars but they are designed to suit the wants and desires of each elite customer. These robots are a dream come true – that is until “Fred”. An angry employee has tinkered with “Fred” and programmed him to be antisocial and very shrewd. Sam Bass, aka SB, the founder of Astro Robo, is furious when he discovers that “Fred” is loose somewhere in New York City. SB sends Stanley, his not too favorite son-in-law/unsuccessful salesman to locate and unprogram the rebellious robot. Stanley’s wife, John and some Russian programmers also join in the escapades of locating “Fred”. The adventure that ensues will make you cheer on ‘Poor Stanley’ and laugh at ‘Crazy Fred’. Fred manages to escape each time his capture is near by disguising himself in costumes of Groucho Marx, an old-time gangster and Santa Claus that he has cleverly stolen.
Aaron Knight will put your imagination into high gear with this book. “Fred” offers the reader humor, romance, suspense and a lot of originality. “Fred” is a great book for all ages and all who enjoy a very funny look into the future world of living with robots. I really enjoyed reading this book and was sorry to turn the last page. It is a winner.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Kirkus Calls Dipwipple Book a Romp
Tongue-Tied With Stomach Knots (An Enlightened Comedy)
By Reginald Dipwipple
Fiction: Humoir/Thriller/Spy
ISBNs: 978-0-9833761-1-8 (Kindle ebook version)
978-0-9833761-6-3 (Print version, pending).
Available on Amazon.com.
Kirkus Reviews declares: “In a literary landscape full of serious spy thrillers, this romp sticks out like a 7-foot clown in a police lineup. … Through his [beginner’s spy] coursework and on his first assignment, Dipwipple and the reader learn a great deal of trivia and true spy history. … The laughs never stop, but this one's more fun house than thrill ride.”
About
the Author
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
By Reginald Dipwipple
Fiction: Humoir/Thriller/Spy
ISBNs: 978-0-9833761-1-8 (Kindle ebook version)
978-0-9833761-6-3 (Print version, pending).
Available on Amazon.com.
Brief
Synopsis of Tongue-Tied With Stomach Knots (An Enlightened
Comedy)
In
a world wherein so much appears to be bizarre, insane, and beyond rational
explanation, Secret Agent Reginald Dipwipple knows the insider truth: the world
is incredibly incompetent. This is the world he operates in,
fighting the good fight against terrorists just trying to make a living through
mass intimidation. It is a world wherein words are weapons when
they contain too many syllables. A world wherein computers have
personality, geeks are cosmopolitan, and blondes are smart enough to deceive.
A world of acronyms utterly indecipherable to the uninitiated:
HUMINT, MASINT, GUTTER, USSR. A world wherein crises cause comedy.
And Dipwipple delivers. Join him at a spy school in rural Virginia where poachers encounter cute cuddly animals who shoot back. Dare to accompany him to Washington, D.C.’s fashionable neighborhood of Georgetown, to the high fashions of New York City, to the funky fashions of Greenwich Village, to the Italian fashions of Rome, to the frumpy fashions of American tourists. It is a journey intertwined with Biblical espionage, ancient Roman postal workers, prostitutes and politicians, Nazis and Communists, philosophers and phonies, comedy writers and other political appointees. From spies full of hot air (ballooning) to spies of the underworld, tunneling into East Berlin. From the sexy spies of the Civil War to the sexy spy planes of the Cold War, Dipwipple delivers. From the United Nations to divided states, from the science of humor to the art of the bad joke, Dipwipple delivers. From the great questions of theology to the questionable greatness of bureaucracy, Dipwipple delivers.
Dipwipple not only delivers, he takes it back. This is his story.
And Dipwipple delivers. Join him at a spy school in rural Virginia where poachers encounter cute cuddly animals who shoot back. Dare to accompany him to Washington, D.C.’s fashionable neighborhood of Georgetown, to the high fashions of New York City, to the funky fashions of Greenwich Village, to the Italian fashions of Rome, to the frumpy fashions of American tourists. It is a journey intertwined with Biblical espionage, ancient Roman postal workers, prostitutes and politicians, Nazis and Communists, philosophers and phonies, comedy writers and other political appointees. From spies full of hot air (ballooning) to spies of the underworld, tunneling into East Berlin. From the sexy spies of the Civil War to the sexy spy planes of the Cold War, Dipwipple delivers. From the United Nations to divided states, from the science of humor to the art of the bad joke, Dipwipple delivers. From the great questions of theology to the questionable greatness of bureaucracy, Dipwipple delivers.
Dipwipple not only delivers, he takes it back. This is his story.
Reginald
Dipwipple, Secret Agent Extraordinaire, claims not to exist. Even those who
know him say he's not much to look at. He has no known address, nor birthplace,
nor a Social Security number, nor any verified qualifications for his supposed
memoirs. Let's face it: he's a nobody. But he writes some great stuff,
including a brilliant blog at SecretComedy.com. The author also reports that tomorrow, August 1, for one day only, his e-book will be available for FREE for Kindle downloads — although even thereafter, it can be borrowed for free by Kindle users. Enjoy!
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Friday, May 4, 2012
Reviewer Suggests Private Place to Read Where You Can Laugh Out Loud
Title: Magic, Mensa and Mayhem
Author: Karina Fabian Category: Fantasy, HumorISBN:978-1-934041-78-9
Reviewed by Kat Heckenbach originally for http://fantasynovels.wmart.org/fantasynovels/1956-magic-mensa-mayhem.html
Magic, Mensa, and Mayhem is a very appropriate title for Karina Fabian’s book, released just a few months ago from Swimming Kangaroo Books. I can think of a few more “M” words to go with it, too…mystery, music, mischief, muscle, maudlin…
Unfortunately, “merriment” is the only “M” word I can find that relates to humor, and that just doesn’t cut it. I need a word that means “hilariously funny, you will laugh out loud, do not eat or drink while reading or you’ll end up snorting said refreshments all over your book.”
This is the premier novel featuring Karina’s character, Vern, the dragon private investigator who knows not only how to save the universe, but is quite adept at properly-placed puns. Stick him in the middle of a Mensa convention…throw in a few long-winded Elves, a Norwegian she-ra, and a couple of dysfunctional dwarves….
I loved reading this book. It brought to mind the old Xanth novels by Piers Anthony–with some overlapping terms, like non-faerie humans being called “mundanes” (oh, look, another “m” word!), to the locale of the story being Florida. And of course the puns, which flow from Karina–I mean Vern–with such ease and Grace (Vern’s partner).
There were several instances that just had me rolling, but my favorite part, being a native Floridian, was the end scene in chapter fifteen. I won’t ruin it by telling you about it, but sheeeew-dang, if Karina ain’t nevah been to Flor’da and heard fer herself the ol’ suthunahs talk, she shore does have a good mind fer guessin’….
Ah, the point? Get the book. Read it. Someplace where you can laugh out loud.
Author bio:
Karina Fabian writes award-winning science fiction and fantasy that twist clichés and combines the heavy with the lighthearted. Find all her books at http://fabianspace.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Waiting for Next Three-Way Collision of Hammett, Tolkien, and Chesterton
Title: Magic, Mensa and Mayhem
Author: Karina Fabian Category: Fantasy, Humor
ISBN:978-1-934041-78-9
Reviewed by Walt Staples orignally for Fantasy Novels
This author is as funny as Robert Asprin on one of his good days. Who else could come up with a twelve foot Sam Spade named Vern and get away with it so brilliantly? His partner is no Miles Archer; Sister Grace is a lot sharper, more honest, and carries a mean tune. Her shootout with a muse during a con panel is priceless.
Fabian’s take on elves is a good corrective to the near adoration of some portrayals. And, who knew elvish names could be so much fun when translated into English?
The only problem is going to be waiting for the next instalment of this three-way collision of Hammett, Tolkien, and Chesterton.
Author bio:This author is as funny as Robert Asprin on one of his good days. Who else could come up with a twelve foot Sam Spade named Vern and get away with it so brilliantly? His partner is no Miles Archer; Sister Grace is a lot sharper, more honest, and carries a mean tune. Her shootout with a muse during a con panel is priceless.
Fabian’s take on elves is a good corrective to the near adoration of some portrayals. And, who knew elvish names could be so much fun when translated into English?
The only problem is going to be waiting for the next instalment of this three-way collision of Hammett, Tolkien, and Chesterton.
Karina Fabian writes award-winning science fiction and fantasy that twist clichés and combines the heavy with the lighthearted. Find all her books at http://fabianspace.com
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Cheryl Malandrinos Reviews Karina Fabian's Fantasy
Title: Magic, Mensa and Mayhem
Author: Karina Fabian Category: Fantasy, Humor
ISBN:978-1-934041-78-9
Reviewed by Cheryl Malandrinos originally for Fantasy Novels
Humor, mystery, and fantasy combine to create an outstanding story in “Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” by Karina L. Fabian.
This was not going to be one of those STUC (Save-the-Universe Cases). Just an all-expense paid trip to Florida to chaperone a group of Magicals at a Mensa convention for Vern the dragon detective and his partner, the mage Sister Grace.
Well, someone forgot to tell the pixies. They start pulling their pranks. Then the Brownies start cleaning and organizing things they aren’t supposed to and a hyped up elf who is behind the times might declare war on Florida. And as if that’s not bad enough, there’s a Native American Trickster who can change forms and a Valkyrie heroine of legend who has turned her attention to bodybuilding and fashion design, both of whom create a little chaos of their own.
So much for that cushy job!
If you are looking for a deep fantasy novel, this isn’t it. “Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” is, however, one of the most uproariously funny books you’ll ever read. Honestly, I laughed so hard that my husband thought I had found my decades-long missing sense of humor.
Fabian proves once again that she is a master storyteller. Who else could combine a dragon detective, a magical nun, a host of other bizarre characters and Oprah, and make it work so well?
Now, keeping in mind that I am not a huge fan of the fantasy genre, this book hooked me from the very first sentence. Actually, the Acknowledgements section caught my eye first, and I rarely read those. Fabian shares how the book came about, the origin of Vern, how she entered into a relationship with publisher Dindy Robinson of Swimming Kangaroo Books and talks about where you can find Vern online.
Included at the end are two appendices. The first is “Uncle Vern’s Glossary of Faerie and Mundane Terms” and the second contains the “Pronunciation of Elvish Names” found in the book and includes brief comments about each elf. Both appendices are as devilishly funny as the rest of the book.
“Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” is a must read for anyone who enjoys a funny, offbeat story.
I leave you with a Vern quote that is also included at the back of the book:
“…Wisdom of the Ages, Knowledge of Eternity, and I end up a babysitter at the Smart Humans’ Convention.”
Humor, mystery, and fantasy combine to create an outstanding story in “Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” by Karina L. Fabian.
This was not going to be one of those STUC (Save-the-Universe Cases). Just an all-expense paid trip to Florida to chaperone a group of Magicals at a Mensa convention for Vern the dragon detective and his partner, the mage Sister Grace.
Well, someone forgot to tell the pixies. They start pulling their pranks. Then the Brownies start cleaning and organizing things they aren’t supposed to and a hyped up elf who is behind the times might declare war on Florida. And as if that’s not bad enough, there’s a Native American Trickster who can change forms and a Valkyrie heroine of legend who has turned her attention to bodybuilding and fashion design, both of whom create a little chaos of their own.
So much for that cushy job!
If you are looking for a deep fantasy novel, this isn’t it. “Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” is, however, one of the most uproariously funny books you’ll ever read. Honestly, I laughed so hard that my husband thought I had found my decades-long missing sense of humor.
Fabian proves once again that she is a master storyteller. Who else could combine a dragon detective, a magical nun, a host of other bizarre characters and Oprah, and make it work so well?
Now, keeping in mind that I am not a huge fan of the fantasy genre, this book hooked me from the very first sentence. Actually, the Acknowledgements section caught my eye first, and I rarely read those. Fabian shares how the book came about, the origin of Vern, how she entered into a relationship with publisher Dindy Robinson of Swimming Kangaroo Books and talks about where you can find Vern online.
Included at the end are two appendices. The first is “Uncle Vern’s Glossary of Faerie and Mundane Terms” and the second contains the “Pronunciation of Elvish Names” found in the book and includes brief comments about each elf. Both appendices are as devilishly funny as the rest of the book.
“Magic, Mensa and Mayhem” is a must read for anyone who enjoys a funny, offbeat story.
I leave you with a Vern quote that is also included at the back of the book:
“…Wisdom of the Ages, Knowledge of Eternity, and I end up a babysitter at the Smart Humans’ Convention.”
Author bio:
Karina Fabian writes award-winning science fiction and fantasy that twist clichés and combines the heavy with the lighthearted. Find all her books at http://fabianspace.com
Karina Fabian writes award-winning science fiction and fantasy that twist clichés and combines the heavy with the lighthearted. Find all her books at http://fabianspace.com
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Vine Voice Reviewer Thinks William Rea's Toilet Humor Hilarious! (-:
Title: An Ant in the Toilet
Author: William M. Rea
Genre: Humor/Comics & Art
Review: Amazon.com
Five Stars!
5.0 out of 5 stars Hysterical!, September 6, 2011
Reviewed by Kathy W (Baltimore, MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: An Ant in the Toilet (Kindle Edition)
OMG! I laughed sooooo hard. Yeah, it's a little gross. I mean, it IS bathroom humor. It is not a child's book. It is adult humor from 2011.
It's short, sweet, and to the point. Maybe a 5 minute read. An ant is hanging out in a toilet bowl, so what do you think he sees? There are illustrations. The ant is telling you what he sees, from his perspective, so the pictures are fine.
This is an ebook, but a printed book would be something you could put in the bathroom for guests to look at while they are cozying up to the porceline bowl.
It's short, sweet, and to the point. Maybe a 5 minute read. An ant is hanging out in a toilet bowl, so what do you think he sees? There are illustrations. The ant is telling you what he sees, from his perspective, so the pictures are fine.
This is an ebook, but a printed book would be something you could put in the bathroom for guests to look at while they are cozying up to the porceline bowl.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Monday, July 25, 2011
Singh Reviews Indian Satire
| Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard By Kiran Desai Author:Kiran Desai Genre: Indian fiction/Comedy/Satire Reviewed by Aakanksha Singh originally for Book Reviews Galore The problem with reading an awesome novel by a particular author is the high expectations one has with the other novels and when that doesn't happen,you feel heartbroken for both yourself and the author. And that's exactly what happened with 'Hullabaloo In The Guava Orchard' written by Kiran Desai. Having read her other, more famous, Booker prize winning novel, 'The Inheritance Of Loss,' which is quite splendid weaving strands of varying themes into a beautiful story, I built up many sky high praises for Kiran Desai. But, unfortunately, her debut novel doesn't come close to her 2nd one. 'Hullabaloo In The Guava Orchard,' is a good read nonetheless, yet lacks the brilliance that lights up the storyline of 'The Inheritnace of Loss.' Synopsis (from Christopher's Rare Books): The one word for this novel is eccentric. 'Hullabaloo In The Guava Orchard' reminds one of the bumbling comedies staged during Elizabethan Age that had similar comic situations with myriad quirky characters. The book gives a satirical take on rural/town India and its obsession with godly figures. It highlights the dishonesty that prevails among the fake babas that spring up in all nooks and corners. Of course, Sampath never intended to become a Monkey Baba. He in fact wanted to run away from all things pretentious. So perhaps Desai is trying to bring out how holy men should be in their heart and soul? Well, one can interpret it in anyway one wants. The characters are also well fleshed out particularly Kulfi whose love for food has been highlighted since page 1. While the comic ans satirical part of the book is perfect, its the Bollywoodish touch and the simple, immature writing and the weak climax that make the book rather disappointing. Its quite entertaining and funny in its ludicrous situations but not really a must read, though a fun read! Well, you could either go for it and enjoy the fun or avoid it completely. Take your pick! |
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Unforgettable Fun & Laughter in Bucksnort!
Babes in Bucksnort
Author: Davis Aujourd'hui
Author websites: http://bestsatireseriesofthedecade.blogspot.com/ , http://authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/
Genre: fiction-satire
ISBN: 978-1432745004
Reviewed by name: author Jennifer Chase for Amazon
You won't be disappointed with Babes in Bucksnort because all of the outrageous, fun-loving characters are back in book #2 at the steady direction of loveable, chain-smoking, bourbon drinking Sister Mary Olga. She has taught readers, along with her town of parishioners of course, that sometimes it's important to take a good look at ourselves in order to make a positive change.
There seems to be conflict brewing in Bucksnort due to the range of truly unforgettable characters and their diverse activities. This time, Priscilla Bunhead along with her group of town nosy busybodies with the help from Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead are determined to run out of town who they feel are perverts and undesirables. Following, is outrageous behavior and fun filled chapters that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Aujourd'hui has managed to create a satire series that will definitely give you mountains of smiles and giggles, but he has also masterfully woven important teachings of kindness, forgiveness, and true acceptance. The characters are vivid and it's highly unlikely you'll forget their names any time soon. There's a delicate balance of satire and reality that I feel that Babes in Bucksnort has accomplished perfectly.
If you want a fast weekend or afternoon read that's guaranteed to make you laugh, I recommend Babes in Bucksnort. I look forward to the next installment to see what Sister Mary Olga has in store for her and the town of Bucksnort.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Davis Aujourd'hui
Author websites: http://bestsatireseriesofthedecade.blogspot.com/ , http://authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/
Genre: fiction-satire
ISBN: 978-1432745004
Reviewed by name: author Jennifer Chase for Amazon
You won't be disappointed with Babes in Bucksnort because all of the outrageous, fun-loving characters are back in book #2 at the steady direction of loveable, chain-smoking, bourbon drinking Sister Mary Olga. She has taught readers, along with her town of parishioners of course, that sometimes it's important to take a good look at ourselves in order to make a positive change.
There seems to be conflict brewing in Bucksnort due to the range of truly unforgettable characters and their diverse activities. This time, Priscilla Bunhead along with her group of town nosy busybodies with the help from Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead are determined to run out of town who they feel are perverts and undesirables. Following, is outrageous behavior and fun filled chapters that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Aujourd'hui has managed to create a satire series that will definitely give you mountains of smiles and giggles, but he has also masterfully woven important teachings of kindness, forgiveness, and true acceptance. The characters are vivid and it's highly unlikely you'll forget their names any time soon. There's a delicate balance of satire and reality that I feel that Babes in Bucksnort has accomplished perfectly.
If you want a fast weekend or afternoon read that's guaranteed to make you laugh, I recommend Babes in Bucksnort. I look forward to the next installment to see what Sister Mary Olga has in store for her and the town of Bucksnort.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Romance Junkies Reviews "Liberal Lover"
Title: Confessions of a Liberal Lover
Author: E.M. Muller
Author's Website: http://emmuller.com/
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Mainstream Fiction: Contemporary, Chick Lit, Comedy
Reviewed by Pamela Denise for Romance Junkies
Rating: Blue Ribbon Rating 4.5 out of 5
Always considered a smart but headstrong child, Maud couldn’t quite fit into her sister’s perfect shoes or get passed the strain in the relationship with her father. At the age of six, Maud win’s a small gargoyle at a church fair that will become her sole confidante. At the age of thirteen her discovery of historical romance novels roots the foundation on her hunt for love. Where, just like in one of her novels, she is determined to find the handsome, virile man who she is to find everlasting love with. During her junior year of high school, her small gargoyle speaks to her for the first time after the end of a date with a groping senior. This cements him as her voice of reason when it comes to dating, sex and the men in her life.
At nineteen, Maud, in a show of independence, moves in with a co-worker from her job at the health company, thus beginning her step into adulthood. She manages to settle down, finish college and snag a top career as a consultant. Along the way she meets several potential “the ones”. Her lovers range from college pre-med prep, country charmer, handsome attorney, to golden boy from the past. Yet Maud slowly realizes she is losing herself in her efforts to conform to their lifestyles. Tired of her search, Maud decides to put the breaks down for a while when it comes to finding Mr. Right. Even as her baby meter is ticking, she studiously focuses on career and self improvement. Then, as if by magic, a man who might just be her prince charming shows up in her life even if he isn’t exactly like the leading hero from her novels.
Confessions of a Liberal Lover
is a poignant story of a woman searching for the virile handsome man of her own just like in the historical romance novels she came across as a teen. E.M. Muller does a wonderful job bringing her lead character to life. I began reading with peaked interest at the storyline and soon found myself drawn in. It felt like reading a personal journal of a good friend who'd laid herself on the line. The addition of Maud's unique conscience - the little gargoyle she took home as a child - made the story all the more memorable. The road to “the one” is much more than a series of fluffy interludes. It happens to pick up on some life lessons including personal growth, self acceptance, and that the image of a true prince may not always be quite what’s depicted in novels. This was one of the best chick lits I've read in a while. I think every woman could use a little gargoyle on her dresser now and then.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: E.M. Muller
Author's Website: http://emmuller.com/
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Mainstream Fiction: Contemporary, Chick Lit, Comedy
Reviewed by Pamela Denise for Romance Junkies
Rating: Blue Ribbon Rating 4.5 out of 5
Always considered a smart but headstrong child, Maud couldn’t quite fit into her sister’s perfect shoes or get passed the strain in the relationship with her father. At the age of six, Maud win’s a small gargoyle at a church fair that will become her sole confidante. At the age of thirteen her discovery of historical romance novels roots the foundation on her hunt for love. Where, just like in one of her novels, she is determined to find the handsome, virile man who she is to find everlasting love with. During her junior year of high school, her small gargoyle speaks to her for the first time after the end of a date with a groping senior. This cements him as her voice of reason when it comes to dating, sex and the men in her life.
At nineteen, Maud, in a show of independence, moves in with a co-worker from her job at the health company, thus beginning her step into adulthood. She manages to settle down, finish college and snag a top career as a consultant. Along the way she meets several potential “the ones”. Her lovers range from college pre-med prep, country charmer, handsome attorney, to golden boy from the past. Yet Maud slowly realizes she is losing herself in her efforts to conform to their lifestyles. Tired of her search, Maud decides to put the breaks down for a while when it comes to finding Mr. Right. Even as her baby meter is ticking, she studiously focuses on career and self improvement. Then, as if by magic, a man who might just be her prince charming shows up in her life even if he isn’t exactly like the leading hero from her novels.
Confessions of a Liberal Lover
is a poignant story of a woman searching for the virile handsome man of her own just like in the historical romance novels she came across as a teen. E.M. Muller does a wonderful job bringing her lead character to life. I began reading with peaked interest at the storyline and soon found myself drawn in. It felt like reading a personal journal of a good friend who'd laid herself on the line. The addition of Maud's unique conscience - the little gargoyle she took home as a child - made the story all the more memorable. The road to “the one” is much more than a series of fluffy interludes. It happens to pick up on some life lessons including personal growth, self acceptance, and that the image of a true prince may not always be quite what’s depicted in novels. This was one of the best chick lits I've read in a while. I think every woman could use a little gargoyle on her dresser now and then.-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Al Chase Expertly Reviews Satirical Novel
Title: Whom God Would Destroy
Author: Commander Pants
Author's website link: http://www.whomgodwoulddestroy.com/
Genre: Black comedy/Satire (w/a wee bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure)
ISBN: 978-0-578-01889-8
Reviewed by Al Chase
Reviewer rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
"How could I not be intrigued about a novel written by someone who calls himself "Commander Pants." The novel deals with a variety of issues in a "novel" way: a vengeful God, the foibles of consumerism run amok, aliens, abuse of medication, psychiatry and mental illness. The cover of the book adds a nice fillip: "A novel about taking reality with a pillar of salt." That tells you just about everything you need to know about the author's sense of humor and sense of irreverence.
Dostoevsky, in the monumental Grand Inquisitor section of "The Brothers Karamazov," deals with the question of what would happen if Jesus came back to earth in human form. This book takes a slightly more twisted approach to the same line of inquiry. The result is a rollicking romp through Jeremy's impact on a world much in need of a Messiah. There is a bell - think of the Gold's horseradish commercials! -that plays a significant role throughout the narrative. There is a motley assemblage of characters, beginning with the over-the-top Yiddishisms of Mrs. Zeidel, the long-suffering widow who has the misfortune to live a floor below Abbey. Abbey has issues, some of which are being attended to by her "worker" - her "Outreach Counselor" Oliver. There are the denizens of The Peaceful Breeze Inn halfway house, described as the "last refuge of Ripley's lunatics, drug addicts and alcoholics." (Page 7) One of the most colorful of those residents is Doc, a Vietnam era vet who is still fighting multiple wars in his head. His psychiatrist, Dr. Smart, is trying to make sense of Doc's ravings about alien visitations while trying to find a therapeutic dose for the Prolixin that he has prescribed. Throw in a few more characters from Oliver's agency, a mysterious letter-to-the-editor that gets several pairs of knickers in a twist, a local access cable TV show hosted by Jeremy and you have the makings for a wild and crazy ride.
I do not want to give away too much of the plot, because it is delicious fun - as delicious as, say, "two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun"! That quotation will make sense to you as you near the novel's denouement.
Reading this book felt much like reading the good-humored blasphemies of Christopher Moore's "Lamb," or the innocent insanity of "A Confederacy of Dunces."
Here's how you will know if this book is for you. If you smile and nod knowingly when you read this quotation by Voltaire that adorns the first page of the novel, then you will be safe in ordering this book from Amazon:
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."
Drink the Kool-Aid! Laugh -at the book and at yourself.
Enjoy!"
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Commander Pants
Author's website link: http://www.whomgodwoulddestroy.com/
Genre: Black comedy/Satire (w/a wee bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure)
ISBN: 978-0-578-01889-8
Reviewed by Al Chase
Reviewer rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
"How could I not be intrigued about a novel written by someone who calls himself "Commander Pants." The novel deals with a variety of issues in a "novel" way: a vengeful God, the foibles of consumerism run amok, aliens, abuse of medication, psychiatry and mental illness. The cover of the book adds a nice fillip: "A novel about taking reality with a pillar of salt." That tells you just about everything you need to know about the author's sense of humor and sense of irreverence.
Dostoevsky, in the monumental Grand Inquisitor section of "The Brothers Karamazov," deals with the question of what would happen if Jesus came back to earth in human form. This book takes a slightly more twisted approach to the same line of inquiry. The result is a rollicking romp through Jeremy's impact on a world much in need of a Messiah. There is a bell - think of the Gold's horseradish commercials! -that plays a significant role throughout the narrative. There is a motley assemblage of characters, beginning with the over-the-top Yiddishisms of Mrs. Zeidel, the long-suffering widow who has the misfortune to live a floor below Abbey. Abbey has issues, some of which are being attended to by her "worker" - her "Outreach Counselor" Oliver. There are the denizens of The Peaceful Breeze Inn halfway house, described as the "last refuge of Ripley's lunatics, drug addicts and alcoholics." (Page 7) One of the most colorful of those residents is Doc, a Vietnam era vet who is still fighting multiple wars in his head. His psychiatrist, Dr. Smart, is trying to make sense of Doc's ravings about alien visitations while trying to find a therapeutic dose for the Prolixin that he has prescribed. Throw in a few more characters from Oliver's agency, a mysterious letter-to-the-editor that gets several pairs of knickers in a twist, a local access cable TV show hosted by Jeremy and you have the makings for a wild and crazy ride.
I do not want to give away too much of the plot, because it is delicious fun - as delicious as, say, "two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun"! That quotation will make sense to you as you near the novel's denouement.
Reading this book felt much like reading the good-humored blasphemies of Christopher Moore's "Lamb," or the innocent insanity of "A Confederacy of Dunces."
Here's how you will know if this book is for you. If you smile and nod knowingly when you read this quotation by Voltaire that adorns the first page of the novel, then you will be safe in ordering this book from Amazon:
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."
Drink the Kool-Aid! Laugh -at the book and at yourself.
Enjoy!"
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Satire and Science Fiction Blend Reviewed
Title: Whom God Would Destroy
Author: Commander Pants
Author's Web site link: http://www.whomgodwoulddestroy.com/
Genre: Black comedy/Satire (w/a wee bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure)
ISBN: 978-0-578-01889-8
Reviewed by Al Chase for WhiterHinoReport
Reviewers link: /2010/12/mini-review-of-whom-god-would-destroy.html
Reviewer rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
I have permission from the author of the review to send it to you.
Here is the review (and thanks in advance):
"How could I not be intrigued about a novel written by someone who calls himself "Commander Pants." The novel deals with a variety of issues in a "novel" way: a vengeful God, the foibles of consumerism run amok, aliens, abuse of medication, psychiatry and mental illness. The cover of the book adds a nice fillip: "A novel about taking reality with a pillar of salt." That tells you just about everything you need to know about the author's sense of humor and sense of irreverence.
Dostoevsky, in the monumental Grand Inquisitor section of "The Brothers Karamazov," deals with the question of what would happen if Jesus came back to earth in human form. This book takes a slightly more twisted approach to the same line of inquiry. The result is a rollicking romp through Jeremy's impact on a world much in need of a Messiah. There is a bell - think of the Gold's horseradish commercials! -that plays a significant role throughout the narrative. There is a motley assemblage of characters, beginning with the over-the-top Yiddishisms of Mrs. Zeidel, the long-suffering widow who has the misfortune to live a floor below Abbey. Abbey has issues, some of which are being attended to by her "worker" - her "Outreach Counselor" Oliver. There are the denizens of The Peaceful Breeze Inn halfway house, described as the "last refuge of Ripley's lunatics, drug addicts and alcoholics." (Page 7) One of the most colorful of those residents is Doc, a Vietnam era vet who is still fighting multiple wars in his head. His psychiatrist, Dr. Smart, is trying to make sense of Doc's ravings about alien visitations while trying to find a therapeutic dose for the Prolixin that he has prescribed. Throw in a few more characters from Oliver's agency, a mysterious letter-to-the-editor that gets several pairs of knickers in a twist, a local access cable TV show hosted by Jeremy and you have the makings for a wild and crazy ride.
I do not want to give away too much of the plot, because it is delicious fun - as delicious as, say, "two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun"! That quotation will make sense to you as you near the novel's denouement.
Reading this book felt much like reading the good-humored blasphemies of Christopher Moore's "Lamb," or the innocent insanity of "A Confederacy of Dunces."
Here's how you will know if this book is for you. If you smile and nod knowingly when you read this quotation by Voltaire that adorns the first page of the novel, then you will be safe in ordering this book from Amazon:
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."
Drink the Kool-Aid! Laugh -at the book and at yourself.
Enjoy!"
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Commander Pants
Author's Web site link: http://www.whomgodwoulddestroy.com/
Genre: Black comedy/Satire (w/a wee bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure)
ISBN: 978-0-578-01889-8
Reviewed by Al Chase for WhiterHinoReport
Reviewers link: /2010/12/mini-review-of-whom-god-would-destroy.html
Reviewer rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
I have permission from the author of the review to send it to you.
Here is the review (and thanks in advance):
"How could I not be intrigued about a novel written by someone who calls himself "Commander Pants." The novel deals with a variety of issues in a "novel" way: a vengeful God, the foibles of consumerism run amok, aliens, abuse of medication, psychiatry and mental illness. The cover of the book adds a nice fillip: "A novel about taking reality with a pillar of salt." That tells you just about everything you need to know about the author's sense of humor and sense of irreverence.
Dostoevsky, in the monumental Grand Inquisitor section of "The Brothers Karamazov," deals with the question of what would happen if Jesus came back to earth in human form. This book takes a slightly more twisted approach to the same line of inquiry. The result is a rollicking romp through Jeremy's impact on a world much in need of a Messiah. There is a bell - think of the Gold's horseradish commercials! -that plays a significant role throughout the narrative. There is a motley assemblage of characters, beginning with the over-the-top Yiddishisms of Mrs. Zeidel, the long-suffering widow who has the misfortune to live a floor below Abbey. Abbey has issues, some of which are being attended to by her "worker" - her "Outreach Counselor" Oliver. There are the denizens of The Peaceful Breeze Inn halfway house, described as the "last refuge of Ripley's lunatics, drug addicts and alcoholics." (Page 7) One of the most colorful of those residents is Doc, a Vietnam era vet who is still fighting multiple wars in his head. His psychiatrist, Dr. Smart, is trying to make sense of Doc's ravings about alien visitations while trying to find a therapeutic dose for the Prolixin that he has prescribed. Throw in a few more characters from Oliver's agency, a mysterious letter-to-the-editor that gets several pairs of knickers in a twist, a local access cable TV show hosted by Jeremy and you have the makings for a wild and crazy ride.
I do not want to give away too much of the plot, because it is delicious fun - as delicious as, say, "two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun"! That quotation will make sense to you as you near the novel's denouement.
Reading this book felt much like reading the good-humored blasphemies of Christopher Moore's "Lamb," or the innocent insanity of "A Confederacy of Dunces."
Here's how you will know if this book is for you. If you smile and nod knowingly when you read this quotation by Voltaire that adorns the first page of the novel, then you will be safe in ordering this book from Amazon:
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."
Drink the Kool-Aid! Laugh -at the book and at yourself.
Enjoy!"
-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
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