North Street Book Prize Grand Prize Winner Shares Endorsements for Her Graphic Memoir

Title: Our Last Six Months
Author: Emily Bracale

Genre: Nonfiction: Memoir / Graphic Memoir / Health / Death

Grand Prize Winner: Winning Writers' #NorthStreetBookPrize 

IISBN-13: 978-1-947758-03-2

400 cartoons and illustrations

Buy it at www.ourlastsixmonthsbook.com 

SYNOPSIS:

This is a nonfiction book about cancer and death, that reads like a graphic novel, with 400 cartoons and illustrations. Author and illustrator Emily Bracale started creating Our Last Six Months while taking care of a family member who was dying of cancer. It is inspired by Roz Chast’s cartoon memoir, "Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” If you’ve ever taken care of someone who was dying, her book will be very affirming. If you’ve not yet assisted a loved one through this transition, her book will help prepare you. In 2019 Our Last Six Months won the grand prize out of 997 entries in the prestigious Winning Writers North Street Book Competition! 

ENDORSEMENTS: 

"Your book had me laughing one minute and crying the next. Your honesty was refreshing and your drawings added a visual component to the everyday drama of it all. I hope others will be able to use your book as a survival guide or at least appreciate that they are not the only ones in this situation. Dying is not quick or easy for anyone involved, it is a LOT OF WORK.” — Nurse Jan

“I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. I found it highly compelling, sad, honestly raw and helpful even. Although my experience was different and a few years old, I was glad to see the similarities in our reaction to so much beyond our control, a response that included anger. Thank you! I’m so glad I bought it! All the best to you.” — Susan MacLeod

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Bracale is also the author of In the Lyme-Light: Portraits of Illness and Healing (2014), a book to help Lyme patients communicate their experiences and needs. Please find it online at www.inthelyme-light.com. She lives in Bar Harbor, Maine, where she teaches art classes for all ages. Her new cartoons and an excerpt from her award-winning book are on medium.com/@emilybracale

Reach her or learn more about her:
emilybracale@gmail.com

ourlastsixmonthsbook.com
Grand Prize Winner of prestigious WinningWriters North Street Book Competitionfor Our Last Six Months, (2018) graphic memoir/creative nonfiction book about cancer and end-of-life care.https://www.facebook.com/ourlastsixmonths/
Lyme Educator, author and illustrator of Lyme patient advocacy book: In the Lyme-Light: Portraits of Illness and Healing(2014)https://www.facebook.com/inthelymelightbook/
Cartoonist on Spiralbound/Medium
Plein air art teacher in Bar Harbor, Maine
Artists of the Round Tableprivate art classes for children and adults
Visit Acadia.com Painting Blog 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER, THIS BLOG AND ITS BENEFIT FOR WRITERS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everything from Amazon Vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog 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.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

Dinner With Edward: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship Book Review

Dinner With Edward

Subtitle: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship

Author: Isabel Vincent

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Algonquin Books; Reprint edition (June 13, 2017)

ISBN-10: 1616206942

ISBN-13: 978-1616206949

Purchase on Amazon

Reviewed by Dr. Wesley Britton

Dinner With Edward isn't the sort of novel I would normally pick up for summer reading. I don't read "food books." But as it was this month's assignment for a book club I belong to,  I started reading with few preconceived ideas about it.  It didn't take long for me to be glad I did.

From first to last, Dinner With Edward just hums with life and gains affirming energy as it goes along.  The premise is simple enough: Edward is a nonagenarian widower grieving over the death of his wife, strongly wanting to follow her to the grave. He's a talented man with his hands, especially with cooking exceptional dinners in his New York apartment.

Isabel is a "middle-aged" reporter who Edward invites to come to weekly dinners at the request of one of Edward's daughters who hopes Isabel can keep an eye on her father. Isabel's marriage is disintegrating and these private dinners become highlights of her life, along with the wisdom Edward offers as their friendship deepens.  Their backstories are revealed in fragments and chunks as Vincent recounts just how this friendship blossomed in chapters headed by the short menus of one dinner after another.   It's quickly obvious the nourishment the two share goes far beyond well-prepared dinners and conversations that are wide-ranging in scope and topics.

Among the lessons Isabel learns is to slow down and appreciate her life, dissecting who she is and facing things she'd rather put aside or ignore. Edward is described as a Henry Higgins figure helping his Eliza Doolittle protegee enhance her feminine aspects which she tends to downplay. Of course, she learns a lot about preparing food and allowing herself to find love again. 

One of the many aphorisms sprinkled throughout the memoir is a quote by M. F. K. Fisher, that simple dinners with a friend can "sustain us against the hungers of the world." In other words, Edward's lessons for Isabel should reach out far beyond their relationship and enrich the lives of the book's readers.  I often paused to jot down a note or two when a clear, clean insight tripped my trigger.  I will have many good things to say about Dinner With Edward when the book club meets and eagerly await the responses of the other members.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Dr. Wesley Britton is the author of the Beta Earth Chronicles and reviews for 

BookPleasures.com. Learn more about him at: 

Explore the Beta Earth Chronicles website:

Follow Wes Britton’s Goodreads blog:

Check out Wes Britton’s Beta Earth Chronicles Facebook page:

Enjoy the videos at Wes Britton’s YouTube Channel:

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER, THIS BLOG AND ITS BENEFIT FOR WRITERS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everything from Amazon Vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog 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.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

Anthony Avina Reviews N. Lombardi Jr's Most Recent Thriller

Title: Justice Gone

Author: N. Lombardi Jr

Author Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982373.N_Lombardi_Jr_

Genre: Mystery/Legal Thriller

Publisher: Roundfire Books

Kindle ASIN: B07N175RZJ

Paperback ISBN-13:  978-1785358760

Paperback ISBN-10:  1785358766

Reviewers Rating: 5 stars out of 5 

Click here to purchase book

Reviewed by Anthony Avina originally for his blog

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An emotionally and politically charged thriller like no other, author N. Lombardi Jr. is set to release one of the most relevant and headline grabbing novels of the year with his upcoming release, Justice Gone. Here is the synopsis.

The Synopsis

When a homeless war veteran is beaten to death by the police, stormy protests ensue, engulfing a small New Jersey town. Soon after, three cops are gunned down. A multi-state manhunt is underway for a cop killer on the loose. And Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a veteran’s counselor, is caught up in the chase. Donald Darfield, an African-American Iraqi war vet, war-time buddy of the beaten man, and one of Tessa’s patients, is holed up in a mountain cabin. Tessa, acting on instinct, sets off to find him, but the swarm of law enforcement officers get there first, leading to Darfield’s dramatic capture. Now, the only people separating him from the lethal needle of state justice are Tessa and ageing blind lawyer, Nathaniel Bodine. Can they untangle the web tightening around Darfield in time, when the press and the justice system are baying for revenge? Justice Gone is the first in a series of psychological thrillers involving Dr Tessa Thorpe, wrapped in the divisive issues of modern American society including police brutality and disenfranchised returning war veterans. N Lombardi Jr. is the author of compelling and heartfelt novel The Plain of Jars.

The Review

My first reaction to this novel was simply…wow. Between the relatable and attention grabbing characters to the heartbreaking and straight from the headlines story and the vivid imagery, this novel truly came to life in ways few novels are ever really able to get to. The issues discussed through the character’s struggles, from homelessness and racism to police brutality and neglecting the needs of those suffering from mental health struggles (most notably in this novel war veterans), made this novel feel not only gripping and engrossing, but important.

The complex issue of right and wrong takes center stage as readers have to not only see the horrible crimes the police are able to commit against citizens, but the tragic cycle of violence that occurs when these issues are left unchecked. I recently saw an interview in which a student remarked that what’s moral and ethical is not always what’s legal, and this novel really brings this sentiment to life. At what point do we start standing up to immoral acts that are protected by technically legal tactics? Do we as a society share any responsibility for crimes committed due to these injustices or the lack of care for those suffering through traumatic mental health struggles? That’s what this novel delves into as the mystery behind the brutal killings of three cops slowly but surely get untangled throughout the book.

The Verdict

This is a must read novel of 2019! Full of edge of your seat twists and turns and a story that touches on the pulse of our current society, this novel excels in every way, delivering a story full of heart and emotion that doesn’t always pair with a good thriller, but in this case it does and then some. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of Justice Gone by N. Lombardi Jr (or grab your copy if you’re reading this after February 22nd, 2019), today! Rating: 10/10

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Nick Lombardi Jr. has spent over half his life in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and he speaks five languages. An event in California in 2011 in which a homeless man was beaten to death lead Nick to write his newest novel, Justice Gone. Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

Online: Facebook, Author Website

The 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards chose Justice Gone as Best Legal Thriller.

Previous Titles from this author:

Journey Towards a Falling Sun (9781782794943), Roundfire, 2014. 

The Plain of Jars (9781780996707), Roundfire, 2013.

Categories:

FICTION (General)(FIC031030) -> Thrillers (General)(FIC031030) -> Legal(FIC031030)

FICTION (General)(FIC022040) -> Mystery & Detective (General)(FIC022040) -> Women Sleuths(FIC022040)

FICTION (General)(FIC031010) -> Thrillers (General)(FIC031010) -> Crime(FIC031010)

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Author Anthony Avina’s Blog is a place for authors, readers and everyone in between to enjoy all things books. From blog posts, review, blog tours and author interviews to updates on my latest books and more, everyone can find something to enjoy here. In operation for a couple years now, this site has worked with everyone from indie authors and self-published writers seeking to make a name for themselves to best-selling authors and more. Learn more about him at http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. 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 and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. 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.

Angel Falls by Tess Thompson Romantic Suspense Book Review

Title: Angel Falls

Author: Tess Thompson

www.sisterswritingcrime.com

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Purchase at Amazon

5-star rating

Reviewed by L. Porter

This was an amazing story. I loved the authenticity of the NM food, places and people. Russell is a very complicated character, he’s loyal, sexy and conflicted. He’s been through something really bad but you don’t know what at first. 

Magdalena is awesome too. She’s strong, loyal to her family and determined. I loved her abuela, who is a psychic and reads the tarot cards. She leads Magdalena is a loving and true way that I absolutely adored. Throw in the psycho ex-boyfriend and it’s seriously interesting. Their problems run deep, but their love runs deeper and I can’t recommend this book more. If you love an emotionally compelling, paranormal read with an addictive storyline you will adore this book like I did.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tess Thompson is the pen name for two sisters (Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson) who combined their two last names into a pseudonym when they began writing as a team in 2002. At present, they have published 8 novels and are working on another one. All of their novels have a strong female lead and a happy ending. Learn more about her at www.sisterswritingcrime.com. 

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER, THIS BLOG,  AND ITS BENEFIT FOR WRITERS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everything from Amazon Vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog 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.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

David Lee Summers Shares His Sci-Fi Review with The New Book Review

Title: Taboo Tech

Author: Joy V. Smith

Genre: Science Fiction

ISBN: 9780359516575

Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30eJcd9

Reviewed by David Lee Summers originally for Amazon

This past week, I had the opportunity to read Joy V. Smith’s latest novel, Taboo Tech. It tells the story of a young woman named Lacie Leigh Collier. Her parents seek out and try to understand old, dangerous, and forbidden technologies. As the novel opens, Lacie is graduating from primary school and preparing to move on to secondary school. Meanwhile, her parents have just found a lead on such a cache of taboo tech and leave her in the care of her uncle. If anything her uncle has an even greater interest in taboo tech and is soon tempted to explore yet another cache. He takes Lacie along with him, but they soon find the Interstellar Guard on their tail. Lacie’s uncle devises an intricate escape for his niece, but she soon finds herself alone in the galaxy with only the companionship of a fledgling AI called Embers.

At this point, Lacie’s adventures really begin. She completes school, then meets and befriends a group of professors who worked with her parents and they take her to a cache of taboo tech where she’s given command of a spaceship left to her by her parents. The professors and Lacie then hatch a plot to build a school on the site of the cache to allow the professors to investigate the cache while not arousing suspicion. To further allay suspicion, Lacie moves on to the resort world of Rainbow’s End where she befriends two members of the security staff and a diplomat’s daughter. All together, they help to thwart a plot against a princess. Lacie then must rescue her friends, the professors, from a plot to take over the school she helped to create. All the while, Lacie hopes to find clues to her parents’ and uncle’s whereabouts.
Taboo Tech is a rollicking fast story that propels Lacie from one adventure to another as she meets new friends, new adversaries, AIs and aliens. We’re never really told why old tech is taboo in this world other than it’s “dangerous.” However, I did wonder if the author gave us some sly clues. Her characters are often as carefully analytical as computers and the deepest emotions are sometimes expressed by the AIs in this world. It makes me wonder if the powers that be in this universe don’t want the humans to know something about their connection to the AIs. If Joy V. Smith ever writes a sequel, maybe this is something that can be explored.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joy V. Smith has been writing stories since she was a kid and made her own little books.  Her stories and articles have been published in print magazines, ezines, and anthologies; and her SF has been published in two audiobooks, includingSugar Time. Her books include Detour Trail; Strike Three; Sugar Time; a collection of her published short stories; and five e-books.  She lives in Florida with Blizzard the Snow Princess, Pemberley the tortoiseshell cat, and Samwise the Chihuahua cross puppy in a remodeled house. (She's been practicing building and remodeling.) Learn more about her:

Website: http://www.joyvsmith.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyVSmith

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/joyvsmith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007389700154

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER, THIS BLOG AND ITS BENEFIT FOR WRITERS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everything from Amazon Vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog 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.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too! 

A Little History of Bond Novels and a Wesley Britton Review of a New One

Title: Forever and a Day

Subtitle: A James Bond Novel

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Publisher: Jonathan Cape/Waterstone's, London, England; First Edition (2018)

ISBN-10: 1911214772

ISBN-13: 978-1911214779

Purchase on Amazon

Reviewed by: Dr. Wesley Britton originally for  BookPleasures.com

Beginning with John Pearson's 1973    James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007, Ian Fleming Publications has licensed  a number of pre-Casino Royale Bond stories as part of their ongoing series of James Bond continuation novels.     In addition, a number of unsanctioned books, often fictionalized versions of Ian Fleming's World War II experiences, have been published as  alleged foreshadowings of the literary material Fleming would use in his James Bond yarns.

The longest-lasting sanctioned pre-MI5 Bond stories began with Charlie Higson's 2005 "Young James Bond" books which author Steve Cole took over in 2014.

  

In terms of the adult Bond, after long runs of Bond continuation novels by John Gardner and Raymond Benson, in which the character of Bond was "frozen in time" and emulated the cinematic aspects of the films, Ian Fleming Publications opted for a course change in 2014 beginning with Sebastian Faulks's Devil May care in a new series featuring books by various authors sticking as closely as possible to the spirit and flavor of the Fleming books, using settings and events occurring in the 1960s.

Then came Anthony Horowitz's well-received 2015 Trigger Mortis which took Bond back to the '50s, and included unused material by Ian Fleming himself. Horwitz, Bond, and a bit more unused Fleming material  returned in 2018 with Forever and a Day,  the latest offering set before the events in Casino Royale.

007 literary aficionados have been divided in their responses to Forever and a Day, with many a reader praising the book for its keeping close to the style and flavor of Fleming, its comparatively subtle introduction of many Bond tropes of the original novels,      its revealing how James Bond got the 007 number,  and the characters introduced by Horwitz, notably the love interest between Bond and "Madame Sixteen."

Add me to the list of critics who really, really liked Forever and a Day. I don't see much to complain about, especially as so many continuation novels were entertaining, readable, and completely forgettable.    For me, Madame Sixteen is now one of my all-time favorite Bond girls, although calling her a "girl" isn't close to accurate. She's well-developed--in the literary sense--mature, resourceful, as good as an action companion as 007 could ever ask for.

True, that scene where supposed acid turns out to be merely water and some of the incursion scenes are a tad contrived,  and nothing could be more contrived than Irwin Wolfe's rationalization for his motivations. But when was Ian Fleming ever flawless?  

  I'd wager most Bond literary fans have already read, evaluated, and passed judgement on Forever and a Day.  It's the rest of you this review is for. If you're not a habitual reader of either Fleming or the continuation novels,   is Forever and a Day a good read for you? Is it a good starting point, now being the first authorized 007 adventure in the chronological sequence of the canonical Bond?

Naturally, every reader should start with Fleming himself,  and I recommend Dr. No, From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, or Casino Royale. (Not coincidently,  these became the best films.) In terms of continuation novels,  yes, Forever and a Day is now an ideal starting point. It's the most memorable yarn in many a moon. More Horowitz, please.

MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Dr. Wesley Britton is the author of The Beta Earth Chronicles and reviews for BookPleasures.com and this blog among others.  Learn more about him at:

Reviewer, BookPleasures.com

Explore the Beta Earth Chronicles website:

Follow Wes Britton’s Goodreads blog:

Check out Wes Britton’s Beta Earth Chronicles Facebook page:

Enjoy the videos at Wes Britton’s YouTube Channel:

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER AND
SOME WAYS TO GET THE MOST FROM THIS BLOG

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog 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.

Note: Participating authors and their publishers may request the social sharing image by Carolyn Wilhelm at no charge.  Please contact the designer at:  cwilhelm (at) thewiseowlfactory (dot) com. Provide the name of the book being reviewed and--if an image or headshot of the author --isn't already part of the badge, include it as an attachment. Wilhelm will send you the badge to use in your own Internet marketing. Give Wilhelm the link to this post, too!

Dining Out On Planet Mercury (Dining Out Around The Solar System Book 4)

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Authors, readers, publishers, and reviewers may republish their favorite reviews of books they want to share with others. 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 and love. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page and in a tab at the top of this blog's home page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites so it may be used a resource for most anyone in the publishing industry. 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.

Dining Out On Planet Mercury (Dining Out Around The Solar System Book 4)

Clare O'Beara

Kindle Edition

Book 4 in the Dining Out Around the Solar System Series

·  ASIN: B074Y53JMX

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074Y53JMX

Please see the reviews for book 1, book 2, and book 3 as this is the fourth and final book in the Dining Out Around the Solar System books.

Donal becomes an interpreter for the police in book four as knows the language of people from planet Mercury. A Mercurian girl, Surrune, is suspected of murder, and Donal is there to help, wearing trousers with solar panels to be able to charge his electronic gadgets. Myon, the Jafraican journalist, also helps as he and Donal are a team for London’s Eye. Donal works on his writing for publication in this book. The food scenes in restaurants are wonderfully described as Donal still writes restaurant reviews. The pair ride the tube and walk to their destinations.

At Surrune’s, they find off-world workers are being exploited as there are too many people crammed into the rented spaces inside mansions. The landlord does not have proper permits. The building could not have passed health or safety inspections for many reasons. Doors are blocked, some tenants have no escape routes, and poor air quality are just some of the code violations. Similar mansions are standing empty or unoccupied -- inviting other troubles.

There is a British Parliamentary election, and the police need to keep public fears to a minimum. One of the election issues is the rising sea, and another is the health issues of the space miners. Donal’s mother had radiation sickness from working for BSM (British Space Mines) and died. His concerns are understandable. The off-worlders may not vote, so they can’t help themselves through politics.

An interesting micro-business set-up is that people are using the former red telephone boxes for small businesses such as mending, sewing, dog-walking services, or other small shops. There is even a directory of red box businesses in London. 

Climate change is affecting life in London with cut flowers being less popular due to their carbon footprint. With the sea level rise, the water table is saltier. Care must be taken with trees and plantings. Only cremation is permitted as London has no more space for burials. We learn about how climate change has affected other areas of the world, as well, such as Australia.

A case of jealousy almost causes Donal a terrible problem, but he insists it is a misunderstanding. His attitude again reveals he is a nice person.

The overcrowding issue is resolved in a most off-world manner, both on and off Earth. Oh, best of all, Donal and Myron have girlfriends by the end of the book, which is a satisfying ending after reading all four books.

Winter is approaching, and it is time to think about getting shuttle-flu jabs before Christmas!

Clare O’Beara reads extensively and reviews books for Fresh Fiction.com.

Check out her books and sign up to her quarterly newsletter on:

http:// www.clareobeara.ie

Thank you for reading, 

Carolyn Wilhelm

Wise Owl Factory

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Third in the Dining Out Around the Solar System Series by Clare O'Beara

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Dining Out Around The Solar System Book 3

Clare O'Beara

Kindle Edition

Dining OutWith The Gas Giants

Print Length: 327 pages

• ASIN: B0150KLQIE

See also reviews for book 1, book 2, and book 4.

By now we are familiar with Donal and Myron and to what great lengths they will go for a story as journalists. and help others in futuristic London. Working on an article about imports from the planet Mercury will have them doing just that. They also find out that not all of the off-world immigrants have the best intentions, causing them to take chances to get the story, yet again. Student protesters cause a riot at the dome, which will be another big story for the two friends. They are by now considered the foremost journalism off-world watchers.

Donal has it on good authority that mint green is the color of the season. Which is not the reason large buildings in major cities around the world are lighted in green for the 17^th of March. Since he is press from London’s Eye, he tries to get in the large dome no one is allowed to enter. Do you guess he will find a way in and also uncover a story?

Again, this book has scientific information, and in this one I learned quite a bit about the bubonic plague. There is also fiction, of course, and ground squirrels in American squirrels now have bubonic plague. I looked it up online and they actually do now in a few parts of the USA, resulting in a very few human deaths per year. It took a science fiction book to help me realize that fact. Rats are part of a problem in this book, but our heroes will try to solve the situation. After all, they helped origami be considered as an Olympic sport. A sports reporter was sent to cover a tournament. Yes, an Origami tournament, or “alternative” sports.

We learn more about climate change and the runaway greenhouse effect making lakes and seas very acidic. The Londoners are practical and wear solar panels in their coats or shirts to charge their tablets, phone, books, and other electronic devices. People move up the mountains to avoid the wind as it results in additional problems. Climate change contributes to problems in society. Students protest because of student loans, not being able to find employment, and being financially strapped – which sounds like many college graduates today. The problems in the book mirror our problems today in many ways, including racism, women’s rights, tax evasion, migrant worker issues, and others we hear about on a daily basis. It is a dystopian story.

The heroes are modest, as this quote reveals:

“London’s Eye would win an award for breaking and covering the Skybridge story the following spring; we let Kipp and Angie go to collect it at the prestigious Press Awards dinner. We reckoned they deserved it."

Donal and Myron could have accepted the award but chose to let others have the glory.

Americans, be sure to read the Glossary of London terms such as "whistle and flute" means a suit. Fun!

Clare reads extensively and reviews books for Fresh Fiction.com.

Check out her books and sign up to her quarterly newsletter on:

www.clareobeara.ie

Thank you for reading, 

Carolyn Wilhelm

Wise Owl Factory