Wednesday, October 27, 2010

EBook Review - On Creative Writing- Linda A. Lavid

0


Ebook Reviews 2010

A meme dedicated to reviewing Free Ebooks. Accompanied with each review I will link you to the page where you can download it if you wish.

On Creative Writing- Linda A. Lavid


Fiction demands a working knowledge of many points of craft that can be taught and learned. And while mastering craft can be daunting, each one of us has skills to meet the challenge. In fact, the quality most needed is neither talent nor knowledge but the mad, unrelenting desire to tell a story. And with this passion, walk to the end of the diving board, loosen your shoulders, and take the plunge.

Review:

This quick to read Ebook, totalling at 48 pages was not only insightful, but helpful with tips I'd never seen explained so clearly.

Her digestible dot points made noting and remembering information easily and the book has given me a clear direction on how to briefly outline my own writing:staying focused and on track.

Linda covers each short chapter from getting started to re-writing your work in a refreshing way. Overlooking heavy academic lectures for crisp- to the point knowledge.

Link: Click- On Creative Writing

http://www.lindalavid.com

EBook Review : Guide To Writing Your First Book – Onaefe U. Edebi

0


Ebook Reviews 2010

A meme dedicated to reviewing Free Ebooks. Accompanied with each review I will link you to the page where you can download it if you wish.

Guide To Writing Your First Book – Onaefe U. Edebi

This book is about learning and development. The writer you are or are aspiring to be can always still be improved as long as you create a room for constant improvement and development. In this book, you’ll be empowered with an easy step-by-step guide on improving your writing skills through the use of the DREW system.

Review:

I didn't agree with his opinions on writing Journals. I understand that editing a journal/Writers Notebook would be a good practice to embark on, but in my mind it is not practical and I couldn't see myself or any writers I know editing the gem of freedom that comes from a Writers Journal.

However his DREW System made a lot of sense and is something I would/could apply to my writing. I also liked the way he set up the article/book with boxes of text and short chapters.

I wouldn't call this an Ebook, as much as an article spanning a short sum of Twenty-Five pages, but for someone keen or dabbling in writing it is a great starting point for research.

Link :

http://www.lulu.com/product/download/guide-to-writing-your-first-book/72835


Masquerade #2 - Blue Bloods- Melissa De La Cruz- Book Review

0


Melissa really captures the essence of what it is like to be not only a woman, but a young lady in modern times. More so than in Blue Bloods. Through the condescending, jealous and competitive nature of some characters- I myself am thankful I do not have to deal with such woman, but am also reminded of the characters I loved.

Mimi for instance is a character that I can guarantee every young woman and adult can vouch for coming into contract with. Which I believe makes the female cast of characters more realistic and emotionally provoking. Though to me Mimi is a character I do enjoy reading about, because she is real and where some authors like to sugar coat the truth about the reality of teenage social structures, Melissa doesn't hold back.

I did have my issues, again, with the fashion and food in the novel. I am not a fan of fashion, and I don't pretend to be either so when reading about expensive couture and long listed gourmet food menus I get a little intimidated and feel out of the loop and to be honest- stupid. This has always been one of my hang-ups with the series so far.

The relationship with Mimi and Jack is a strange one that often has me questioning to myself if it is morally wrong or right in my mind. I was glad that within Masquerade Melissa delved a lot more into the intimate past of the Force twins and it changed my opinion of their relationship drastically.

I found it a little strange that the sub-plot of the secret masquerade after party was going to be disguised by wearing masks, when it was obvious and even stated that the girls were wearing their ball gowns and everyone would have know each other.

Masquerade kicked of, much like Blue Bloods, around the 200 page mark, but once it passed that I had an urgency to read on. The intensity within the last few chapters was astounding and I found myself yearning to begin the third novel of the series: Revelations.

I always find it hard to review series books, but I did enjoy the story progression in Masquerade and it made me hunger reading more than I have in the past few weeks. It is a definite read if you have a thirst for mystical, romantic fantasy books with an edge.

****.5

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday Musings - Favorite Kind of Books?

0


Do you prefer hardcovers, trade paperbacks (the bigger ones), or mass market paperbacks (the smaller ones)? Why?

I love paperbacks. I adore everything about them. The way they open and bend, but not to much and that I can lay in bed and be able to hold it for a longer period without having my arms getting sore. I also love the feel of them in my hands, small or large. I especially like the large books because they are usually light in weight, have more pages and larger print.

I am not sure about mass market paper backs as my eyes are a little strained when I am reading smaller text, but I do love the feel of smaller paper backs and the convenience of being able to have them in my handbag is brilliant. I might however look at buying more, especially since my local second-hand bookshop sells a lot of them and they are quiet cheap and in great condition.

I tolerate hardbacks. I usually only ever buy hardbacks when I really want the book and don't want to wait or I see a random book that reads well on the blurb and decide to purchase it. If I buy hardback books I prefer them to be small enough for me to hold or fit in my bag and I give up on heavier books after a while.


Meme: http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Wicked Appetite - Janet Evanovich- Book Review

0


Seven Stones of Power.

No one knows when they were created or by whom, each said to represent one of the Seven Deadly Sins.


I've always been a fan of Janet Evanovich, from the moment I got my hands on a borrowed copy of One for the Money [A Stephenie Plum series book] So it was no surprise for me to badly want her newest novel Wicked Appetite, book one in her new series 'The Unmentionables.'

Upon reading the blurb I considered giving it a miss. It was a different branch of topic from her usual romance and crime novels, but when I finally decided to purchase it, I was thrilled that I had because it was a highly addictive read.

Janet has branched out to the realm of fantasy, but not your average fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised as this book. Not only has Janet's usual humorous style of writing be retained, but Wicked Appetite has two of my favourite elements in the book as well: Crime and Romance.

The story takes place after Elizabeth Tucker [MC] is confronted by a strange man who not only changes her world, but her view on the world and her place in it. The novel is a wonderful blend of humour, quirkiness, magic and food which tied together made for a delicious read.

I adored all of the main characters which is somewhat unusual for me in a book, but my favourite character beside Elizabeth were the two animals Cat 7143 and Carl the monkey [who reminded me strangely of Donny from the children's show -The Wild Thornberry's] Every time he was in a scene I couldn't help but laugh, sometimes till I cried. He was such a character and I loved Janet's writing all the more for it.

The beginning was a little slow, and I found myself slowly reading along through the pages of dialogue waiting for the story to begin. I was glad it did after the first few chapters, but getting there was both an easy and a difficult journey.

I also had many issues with some of the minor characters and their lack of emotion. I understand that the story is meant to revolve around the main characters, but to me even the minor characters need to play their role and Clara especially was one who really had me concerned. There were a few scenes in which there was conflict, yet the character was written so vaguely it was hard to believe what she was saying and feeling and to connect with her.

This is an adult book, that could easily be read by young adults. It's mystical and enchanting I'd highly recommend it if you are looking for a light, hilarious read.

****.5 stars


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Lullabies for Little Criminals -Heather O'Neill - Book Review

0


Lullabies for Little Criminals is a hard book for me to review. I'd go as far to say it is one of the very few books in my life that has me questioning exactly where I stand as a reader and where the character stood in the novel itself.

I brought it at the end of last year and on New Years Eve it got damaged beyond repair. Somewhere in my heart I couldn't bare to throw it away and despite my reading experience I am glad that I held onto it and took the journey in reading it.

Heather O'Neill has written a whimsy, tainted tale that is both saddening in charming. In many places Baby [the main character] is down to earth and positive about most of the situations and issues that take place in dysfunctional and destructive life. Her outlook on the grim world she is raised in, often had me confused with how to feel myself.

While each character was wonderfully crafted, I connected less and less with each character as the novel progressed and felt the characters loose themselves with each page beyond the halfway mark. In the end, I was no closer to understanding the characters any more than I was in the beginning, but I did achieve satisfaction, as the ending wrapped up all unanswered questions well.

Admittedly, I delighted in Heathers use of languages and the way she mastered description, although in places, the similes and metaphors were so thick I began to drown in description and lost sight of the characters and what was happening in each scene.

I also didn't feel greatly attracted to the story itself after the halfway mark. I understood that the character was beginning to grow and see the reality of her life and the lives that surrounded her, but I didn't feel sorry for her and was often confused about the message the reader was trying to portray and what emotions she was signalling.

I adored Xavier, as he was the only character I could really connect with on an emotional level. In the beginning, I delighted in the relationship between father and daughter and maybe the truth and sadness behind the reality of their relationship was what made this book a disappointing read.

Reading the segment at the back confirmed to me that the reader had taken a lot of her own experiences to write this book and I found nothing different to part the character and the author. Their voices were the same and it annoyed me that the writer hadn't really branched into fiction when writing the novel.

Lullabies for Little Criminals is a must read book, despite my opinion. I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories of children and hardship and while my opinion on the book isn't entirely positive, there were times when reading that I fell in love with each page and continued to devour it until it was complete.

***.5

Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Power - Rhonda Bryne - Book Review

0


The Power

After reading 'The Secret' I knew I had to read Rhonda Bynes latest book 'The Power'. I decided from now till the end of 2011 that I was going to embark on a spiritual journey, that would lead me towards many books and different perspectives for my life. The Power was another captivating book to begin my journey with.

Rather than share the things I disliked about the book [which were next to nothing] I'd like to share with you a few pointers that made The Power such an enjoyable and challenging experience in itself.

The first thing I noticed about this book was the beautiful artwork featured not only on the cover, but throughout the book. Each page is different from your usual blank page and is decorated in an array of colour and warm patterns and pictures that invites you in and made me as the reader feel uplifted and happy while reading. Even on my bad days when I was feeling sick, I could still open the book up and read through the illness because visually it drew me in.

Much like with 'The Secret' the writing was challenging and thought provoking, only where 'The Secret' Incorporates many living people and their own personal stories and quotes, 'The Power' sticks with many wonderfully chosen quotes and is written otherwise by Rhonda. I believe she has found the perfect balance between image and words and each page is a turner.

One of my favourite parts of 'The Power' was Rhonda's metaphors for horses and what she chose to use them as in her mind. For example; when she was angry, she would picture an angry horse in her head and trying to mount it and it would make her laugh. She then went on to say that if you get on any horse, like any emotion, you can just as easily get of it as well. It is a matter of choice.

It is helpful suggestions, easy to imagine and play with yourself in your mind that connects me me and really clicks in the back of my mind. I have read so many self-help/spiritual/new age books in my reading life and not many I have really taken much form, even if I have tried. These are simple games that you can do anywhere, anytime for however long you want and they are free and will make your life positive and enriched with love and happiness.

Love is the key to gratitude and is shared on every page, in every topic. Rhonda asks questions that make you ask your own and provoke you to think more about the little things in life and how such a small thing can make a lot of different in harming or uplifting your look on life. Her Key points are not hard to digest and this book is an easy read. It's not what you take from it that is important, but opening your heart, body and mind to love even in the worst of times.

You won't have needed to read 'The Secret' in order to read 'The Power', but if you haven't read it already I strongly recommend it if you are interested in self-help/spiritual/new age books. I'd like to note that neither are religious, but prefer to talk about the universe and you as the creator of your own. In saying that anyone can read it, at any age and with many interest – even if sceptical. Rhonda is not out to preach but to share her knowledge and hope that someone will take it inside their hearts and use it to change their life.

***** 5 Stars

Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday Musings - Comfort Books

0

Monday Musings

What’s your favourite “cozy” book — and, by that, I’m meaning “curl-up-on-a-cold-day comfort read“? Or, if you don’t have a particular book, what genre do you most feel like reading when the weather starts to turn colder?


Back when I used to read more in a month than I do in an entire year, I used to just eat up books like they would be burned the next day. Nowadays I tend to have very selective tastes when I am wanting to curl up for hours on end in underneath my cosy blankets with a good book and a hot tea.

I tend to find if I am reading a thriller I can spend hours tucked underneath the blankets, not wanting to leave at all. But it appears to me now when asking myself the question that I tend to get lost in two types of books at all hours of the day and night when it comes to a comfort read.

One of these genre's or types of books are writing books. These are how-to's and shared experiences when it comes to authors or the craft of writing itself. I can read these for hours and usually end up stopping to write down an array of fab and not so fab ideas that churn out at all hours when I am reading these books. They are a comfort to me, especially in the colder weather because not only do I read them in bed, but on the bus and it seems to take my mind of the depressing weather and life in general to a place where I can be inspired – rain or hail.

The other type of book I like reading, and that are a comfort to me are a mixture of romance, humour,ect. An example of this kind of book would be The Sugar Queen, a novel I read and reviewed earlier this year. I don't know how I would categorise these books, but they aren't just for woman, but are aimed at women. I guess you would call them chick-lit. They usually have a happy ending regardless of how utterly shitful of perfect the main characters life stars out at the start of the novel.

I am also gearing towards reading more spiritual books as a comfort read. Because not only are they a guilty pleasure for me, but they challenge me even when I am not in the mindset to read something a little more depth. Which is usually the case when it is cold or overly hot because I tend to get really sleepy. Yes- I am weak.

It is my aim next year to read more of these books because they do bring comfort to me. Throughout all seasons of the year, not just the cold seasons. Noting of course that all the cold seasons have left and it is spring, soon to be summer.


Meme - Should Be Reading : http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Secret- Rhonda Byrne- Book Review

1

The Secret

I was given the secret as a gift from my housemate's ex-girlfriend and it has been sitting there in my cupboard for a while. I must admit I was a tad sceptical to read it myself, mainly because of the tried and somewhat failed attempts to adapt it to my lifestyle when 'The Secret' was big news worldwide.

I decided after reading such a heavy load of books and after hitting the 25 book mark in the 50 book challenge that I would read something smaller to break in between the next few larger books I wanted to read. This plan epic failed, but I picked it up after a while and began reading again.

This is not a book for sceptics. You would be wasting your time if you didn't believe somewhat in the universe or a power beyond yourself, in the same respect if you are the type to read and then make up your mind if you believe in it or not, then this would be a great book to read. I believe anyone can enjoy it, but it is about preferences and beliefs and while this book does not test beliefs it is a spiritually enlightening book.

If you are looking for a book that will give you the run down of every decision you should make in your life, look elsewhere. The Secret is about finding what makes you happy and making your life revolve around the happiness that we all deserve. It covers many topics such as health, money, relationships and has a easy guide to using the secret and a little background knowledge to help you understand the evolution of this great gift.

Contrary to my own beliefs, I tested out some of the suggestions while reading the book and was surprised with the results. Especially when it came to the simplest subjects such as the weather and time. If this could happen with such a small desire imagine what could happen if I really set my mind to it.

One of the main points they do press in the book is belief. You don't have to believe in it, but you have to believe in what you want and not so much how or when you will get it, but focusing on already having it. This was one of the many pointers I hope to take with me after reading the book.

What I enjoyed, after getting stuck into it, was the contributions by a diverse range of people from all around the world and who's lives are both similar and totally different. Together their stories and suggestions are both inspiring and a challenge to the mind and soul and really make you look at what you can achieve out of your life starting from practically nothing.

For a full list of the contributors, you can turn to the back. In some books it also has a few pages where you can write notes if you want to, but I would prefer to write notes on post-its or paper. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys uplifting, no-bullshit spiritual books. It is to the point, and beautifully written and the input of each person is respected.

I am rating this book a four out of five stars. It was thought provoking, a challenge to the mind and an inspirational read. It had some easy to follow ideas to start living the secret yourself and I believe this would make a great gift as well. Also check out the second book called 'The Power' at the authors link: http://www.thesecret.tv/

**** stars