Summer Book Review - In the Sanctuary of Outcasts

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the author on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book:In the Sanctuary of Outcasts

Author: Neil White

What I learned: 
1. Memoirs can be extremely witty and enjoyable! I have to admit that this is the only memoir that I've ever read. I never wanted to read one before, assuming that they would be dull and boring. This book was funny. The author learned a valuable lesson that changed his life. This book changed my mind about memoirs.

2. Look for real-life people for inspiration for characters. The author learned to love one of the leper patients: an elderly black lady in a wheelchair. It is everyday people that can make lasting impressions.

What I liked: The author's humor and his honesty at sharing how arrogant he was at the beginning and how he changed and learned what life was really about.

What I didn't like: That the story ended. I wanted to stay in the prison/leper colony in a place where time seemed to stand still, where I didn't feel rushed. I wanted to stay in the breezeway.

Recommend? YES!

Summer Book Review - Pay It Forward

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I read two others not on my list. As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the authors on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: Pay It Forward

Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde

What I learned: 
A strong theme and moral lesson can work in a book. This book is a call for action to make our world better, but it doesn't hit you other the head with it. Instead, the author uses a humble character with a small idea to show how big change can happen.  

The theme of Paying It Forward is profound. As a Christian, the whole time I was reading it, I was thinking about how Christ wants us to help others. The day after I finished the book, I left a waitress a $60 tip. That's how good this book was!

What I liked: I loved the down-to-earth characters, their messed-up lives, and how they interacted with each other and formed relationships.

What I didn't like: The ending, but I was forewarned.

Recommend? YES!

Summer Book Review - The Red Tent (UPDATED)

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I've read two others (not on my list). As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the authors on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Red Tent

Author:Anita Diamant

What I learned: 
1. Bring your world to life! Ms. Diamant certainly brought the Bible to life. The characters (their personalities and actions) were so real that I'll never read the Old Testament the same ever again. 
2. Do your research because details matter! Customs, life, worship, etc. (of the time) all came through seamlessly.

What I liked: Her manner of storytelling was very unique - it puts you right in Biblical times in a land that worships foreign gods. I also loved her take on what exactly happened to Dinah (and the aftermath), though it was bloody.

What I didn't like: I didn't agree with everything the author wrote (what and how things happened). It didn't all match the Bible. She took some liberties with her story-telling.

Recommend? YES! Maybe - I had forgotten there is a part in the book that is EXTREMELY offensive. Tyrean reminded me of it. For this reason, read at your discretion. I am still glad I read the book, but I almost stopped at that one part in the red tent (idol worship/explicit sex).

Ants. Ants. Ants.

Warning - If you are an ant lover, read no further.

 

Ants are on the counters -- Even though they're clean.

They are crawling in the new package of Entenmann's donuts -- still factory-sealed shut.

My formica countertop is speckled with little black spots. Some are moving.

As I try to cook, they are on my cookbook, they are on my bowls. They are on me.

I've tried ant traps. I've tried ant spray (indoor and out). Nothing seems to work....until now.  

Raid Ant Gel. It looks likes thick hand sanitizer. Just a pea-sized squirt - what a tasty meal!

The ants think they've found the mother-load and have invited their friends to come feast.

They're supposed to take some back to the queen and her brood and then I should see them no more.

So, this is my life (and has been for months now). 

We'll see if Raid Ant Gel lives up to its claims.

Finishing Revision

Worked on book by the lake

BOOK UPDATE: This week I took a week vacation (went camping) to focus solely on my book (Kingdom Guardian, Book I of Traboltia Trilogy). I spent my days on the shores of the lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park working from my binder. I was able to almost finish the revision -- that's about 50% of the book, done in 1 week! 

I only have a few more scenes to complete. Then I'll be doing cosmetic surgery -- just polishing it up. After that I can begin searching for a publisher.  Wow -- finally getting close enough to say that!