Book Review: The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs

About the book:

Fanfic, cosplay, cons, books, memes, podcasts, vlogs, OTPs and RPGs and MMOs and more—it’s never been a better time to be a girl geek. The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy is the ultimate handbook for ladies living the nerdy life, a fun and feminist take on the often male-dominated world of geekdom. With delightful illustrations and an unabashed love for all the in(ternet)s and outs of geek culture, this book is packed with tips, playthroughs, and cheat codes for everything from starting an online fan community to planning a convention visit to supporting fellow female geeks in the wild.

About the author:

Named "Awesome Geek Feminist of 2013," she is also an Associate Editor for The Mary Sue; she talks pop culture on TV and Cineplex movie screens; and her writing has appeared everywhere from the Internet, to books, to national newspapers. she mostly loves YA lit, Pacific Rim, BioWare games, Carol Danvers, and Jeff Goldblum.

My Review:

This book humors me, loves me, hugs me, befriends me and empowers me.

THis book reveres the devotion of fangirls. True to its title, it is an essential handbook fot fangirls the world over. It celebrates geek personas of all types, and serves as a sort of induction into the fangirl community. We obsess over things, in mortifying magnitude. It could be a sitcom, a book, a video game, etc etc

The book is divided into five parts. And the best way to talk about it is by reviewing each part.

1. One of us

Think if it as the ultimate fandom welcome. With all her nerdness and geekiness and all the coolness of this nerdness, Maggs throws a biggg welcome. I'm already excited.

2. It's good to be geek.

Let the celebrations begin. To be a geek is awesome. All of us who have been there know the feeling. After the initial hiccups of our journey, the feeling od being a nerd is so empowering, exhilarating and liberating. I don't have words for it. Sam does, so you'd do a better job reading this book. 

Still, I'll go ahead with a customary review: one part of this section covers the kinds of fandoms we have. Potterheads, GOT fans obviously, it is an inclusive and not exhaustive list which mentions YA book nerds, Star Warriors, Batgirls and so on. 

Then, the icing on the cake is the fangirl lingo. You have no idea how handy that is. When in your transition phase, you are left dumbfounded by the fandom jargons. Consider this. They are my OTP. *squeeeees* Too many feels. I ship them. 

The struggle to finally figure these and much more is real, and this section just solves it for you. Isn't that comforting? 

Another amusing section guides you on the process of converting friends into fangirls. I have some experience in this field too and I can say the writer has nailed it.

3. Fandom intensifies: Geek girls online

Don't you just love that you can read my blog. Or scroll through my instafeed. Or like my facebook page and have a surge of feels whenever I post quotes and fanart from our favourite novels/TV shows/series? 

Don't you just love that you can read stories on fanfic communities and be beta readers to a future bestselling author? 

Or the way we can connect to authors, tag them, tweet to them, maybe even have a retweet. 

The only downside is the grumpy trolls. Maggs got your back there too, buddy.

4. How to survive fandom conventions

Now I don't have much to say here. I'm in India and back here the only convention is ComicCon.  I'll survive it anyway. 

With fandom merchandise. Posters. Mugs. Tees. Stationery. Bookmarks. Bookclubs.

5. Aim to misbehave: Geek Girl Feminism

This be my favourite part. It was such a welcome surprise and so refreshing to read. 

The best of both worlds. Fun and some serious thoughts. Looooved it. 

Another thing to watch out for: Interviews. The author has interviewed fandom-my personalities. And asked them three questions about the meaning of fangirl and their own experiences in this domain.

This book serves its purpose best for the uninitiated and for those pros who love to read about themselves.

Links:

ARC Provided by NetGalley

Book Review: Awaken the Leader in you

About the book:

Awaken the leader in You by Mitesh & Indu Khatri is a business related self-help book based on leadership skills for everyone. In this book the authors discuss the traits and skills required to be a successful leader. It offers a completely new perspective on leadership ,and breaks the myth that leaders are only people at the top management level. Both Mitesh & Indu Khatri have been successfully conducting leadership workshops which has had an impact on many organisations and produced great results. They have used tools and techniques which are simple to understand and implement. This book covers different approaches to leadership in the 21st century, exercises and techniques to make sure you can get something out of every chapter and multiple aspects of leadership which have been validated by some of the best leaders of our country.

About the author:

Mitesh Khatri is one of the most trusted Leadership Trainer, Firewalk Expert, Motivational Speaker & Transformation Coach. With over a decade’s experience he has trained more than 80,000 executives in more than 100 organizations worldwide.
Indu Khatri, the Co-founder of Guiding Light Consultants (GLC) has a rich experience of over 15 years in the IT Industry. She is the principle content designer for all the corporate training programs and coaching sessions of GLC and a co-facilitator of High Impact Programs like Firewalk.
Mitesh & Indu are partners in life and business, which gives them a great advantage in creating extraordinary results in their training programs.
Author website: http://www.miteshkhatri.com/

My Review:

Awaken the leader in you is a book that brings the obvious facts to fore in a way that leaves you thinking about using it in your life. It is essentially a handbook, a guide more than a self-help in its essence. It doesn't preach. only but instead gives out practical tips on surviving as a leader. For those of us who have been/are at a leadership position, it becomes even more relevant and pragmatic.



I started reading it as yet another self help and I couldn't be more wrong. I couldn't read it that way past two pages. This is one book you need to take notes from, use the tips and apply them to practical real-life situations. Hence, I sat down again with the book and post-its and pen to mark important points and do the exercises as given.
The book reads as if you are just attending one of these workshops, and effectively helps you hone your leadership skills.
Even as leaders, we have some glaring flaws, it helps to eliminate or atleast minimize those.

After Reading, this book was marked by me at so many places. 

The author goes on to explain how anyone of us can uncap and unleash our potential and take up a role of responsibility. From a position of power, it is very easy to become vain or smug or self-satisfied. This book is more beneficial to readers who already have a leadership position, is what I think. I could relate to so many instances/feelings/events because I have been working as a leader for a while. I am not sure I can say the same about the others, who are yet to become a leader.

Some of the anecdotes are truly amazing, what with examples of famous people ranging from Richard Branson toNarayan Murthy.

Then of course, the practicality of the book is evinced in the various exercises it tells us to do. That is precisely where the book becomes beyond engaging. Littered with scientific, verifiable facts to support the leadership lessons, this book was worth the time.
I believe that if self book is effective, we must be able to seek help in times of crisis. Considering this parameter, this book is an overall success.

Best lines: People have vague fancies with. no specifications. Because people are afraid to create a clear vision for fear of failure.

I received this book as a part of BecomeShakespeare.com reviewers program.

Watch the author's workshops:

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College, growing up and Mommy

To be a recluse means you are a recluse even at home. Which meant that for a major part of my life, I was introverted by nature and never really had "those" conversations with anyone in the family. Mom was no different then. Throughout my school life I was always that nerd who is always engrossed in books, textbooks alternated by novels and major non fiction. This is my personality till date.

Soon enough, life happened. I started college and reality stuck me dumb more times in a day than I could count.
I never realised that I'd need anyone more than the roles they played uptil then. I couldn't have been more wrong.
So, college kept me busy. If the studies weren't enough, I would further be engaging in societies and clubs, bagging internships and fellowships. I was literally slogging my ass off every night. Sleep reduced to a petty 4-5 hours.
Everything added up and took a toll. 

To say that the two years of college have been a roller coaster would be a fierce fierce understatement. I have been lost, I have been found. I have lived myself hated myself. Battled countless psychological conditions. Been good to people. Been rude to people. Pursued catharsis. Pursued energy. I have made friends, created bonds, mended broken ones, ruptured new ones.
Been involved in community, society and multiple groups.
Acting as if I am grown up, as if I am ready for this all.
I have cried alone. (Yes alone because some things never change) And truth is I am all grown up and mature to handle all of life on my own. I run this book blog. I have a larger community of fandoms. I haven't been more alive. EVER.

You might think, this was supposed to be about my mom. Why am I making this about me? Am I that shallow and selfish?

Trust me, it IS indeed about me. All through this phase where I had been alive, learning umpteen new things everyday, I was also bringing these ideas and constructs home. I am in the transition phase where I am on my path to independence in the true representation of a modern woman. And I te ideas I bring home, the theories I propound are at best radical for my mom. Initially when I started all of these extra curricular activities, She would be reluctant to send me off to dingy places. Within the precinct of reason, I used to resist that reluctance. I saw the helplessness in her eyes: a typical teenage daughter getting rebellious. Only, it wasn't typical. Turns out, two years and a lot of friction and arguments later my mom is the most supportive human being you will ever meet. She is the one person too happy for words, at the prospect of her daughter flapping her wings and flying.

Yes her presence has always been comforting. And yes, on rough days, All I need to do is sleep in her lap and the tears start shedding. I talk to her about it if I want to, I don't if I think I can manage on my own. But her hands on my head, offering their warmth on my head are the greatest stress-buster.
I always have my mom to come home to, and it is a wonderful feeling.

She remains my first expert: the first one to challenge me, to get under my skin, the force to make me push my boundaries, and the ultimate refuge.

I was thinking of skipping a post on this day and theme, because well, loving your mom on Mother's day is too mainstream, (not to mention I did make her a fruit shake and chocolate frappe to beat the heat which considering that I am at odds with the kitchen is a Herculean task, a gift for her. Godrej appliances can take all credit they want.) this post's inspiration is courtesy Godrej and Indiblogger.

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Book Review: The six +1 wish by Anubhav Jyotirmoy

About the book: Book Blurb

We are often so caught up in our daily life and routines that we don't have time to fulfill our own wishes. Sometimes the fear of society's disapproval stops us from doing what we desire. We hesitate in sharing our secrets and truths with our friends, relatives, loved ones and others. We want to express our love for the people around us but always leave it for another day. For most of us though, that day never comes and we carry our hidden desires and wishes to the grave. 

Except for the lucky six!

The Six + 1 wish is the story of how these six do get a second chance to fulfill the biggest wishes of their lives.

My Review:

So, The blurb of the book did not give away even a single detail about the plot. So here we go: the story is a story within a story. Shashank meets Anubhav the narrator and tells him his story. 
Shashank was working in a call centre to support his journalism studies and was paying a visit to his hometown, Gorakhpur. 

This wasn't one of those regular visits though. His childhood friends are with him, chilling over beer when things turn sour and one of them gets killed. His childhood crush, whom he had not even talked to before, meets him with passion. His grandfather is back. And the society, as always is flawed. 

He is trying to make sense of all this, which is when he learns new things about souls. and all philosophies related to them. 

The author has toyed well with the element of suspense and mystery. 
The title of the novella is so ominous and apt, it creeps you out. At some specific twists and turns, it just gets way creepy beyond words. Gripping, it surely is. I read through it till the very end in less than three hours. Unputdownable. Also, simple language and no distractions from the plot.
Too many coincidences were woven together in this fictional account to make them emanate some sense. The author surely has an imagination with potential stories. Even here it seems as if the plot was very clear to the author. Hence he was able to write such a complex theory into fiction and leave the reader flabbergasted. The end is the icing on the cake. The narration however needs a little finishing touches and the plot would benefit a lot from some spice and more horror. It would be justified.

Links:

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Book Review: I'd Kill for you by Alan Plessinger

About the book:

This is a private eye novel set in modern-day New York City featuring murderers, missing persons, double-crossers and a colorful cast of supporting characters. When an ex-con's homecoming goes sour and results in a murder, the effective but eccentric De Remer Brothers Detective Agency is called in to sort out the mess. Charlie, Clyde, Gabe, Adam and Riley De Remer - not to be confused with Dreamer - make for an odd group of siblings, much less a cohesive investigative team. Alternately obese, cantankerous, smelly, cheerful and hypersensitive, the group is soon embroiled in a case that reaches far beyond its original scope. Matters are complicated when they discover Lisa, a 16-year-old runaway from Hoboken, has come to New York City to live with her mother. The only problem is that Lisa's mother can't be found and an assassin is hot on the runaway's trail. The De Remers learn that Lisa is connected to their murder case, an investigation that has become a threat to themselves and the girl they have come to care for. Now they must unravel the mystery before the threat of violence catches up with them. 

About the author:

Alan Plessinger is a retired computer programmer living in Northern California. This is his first novel.

My Review:

I'd kill for you is a racy read, at the most suitable pace.
There are two stories being woven into one as intersecting each other. On one hand we have the De Remer brothers who are running a detective agency and have been hired to find Sam Dooley whose wife was killed, making him number one suspect. The story is twisted beyond words, for Sam's son was also killed in the same way years back for which he served sentence earlier. Now, he is mute because of throat cancer.
Lisa is a runaway who has flown to find her mother. She takes her father to be a bad person ho always made life hell for her. was she right in her thoughts of him? Only time will tell.
Our characters: the De Remer brothers have been very carefully etched. The author has taken every meticulous detail of each brother throughout the novel. Although he all had a tinge of criminal attached to them, yet they all endeared themselves.
The dialogues were everything one could wish for. At times hilarious, at times sarcastic at times rhetoric: the dialogues were paradise.
With all their defining peculiar traits, their dialogues were laced with and thoughts were laden with amusement.
Even Lisa's plot and character adds a very good angle to the story plot. A vulnerable runaway in search of mother who turns out to be associated with the Sam Dooley Case

Another very amusing part of the book was the introductory lines before each chapter. It added intense alacrity to know what is ahead.
It has been a very realistic and raw portrayal of the lives of Lisa and the De Remer family.
It was like an episode out of a crime investigation TV show (Read The mentalist or Castle) : amusing hilarious and brain-itching in equal parts
If anything, the novel's narration was a bit simple, with no remarkable ups and down, and a handful of extraneous scenes, although the plot was enough to keep our blood pumping and to compel me to turn pages one after the other.

Over all, I enjoyed reading the book.

I received a copy from the author in return of an honest review. 

Find the book here:

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Book Review: Myriad Hues by Rachna Gupta

About the Book/Book blurb:

To me writing is a companion, a shadow that has always been there for me. In good days and bad, nothing has cheered me up as much as putting my thoughts on paper. I have cried while writing some poems and I have also smiled, thinking about the happy thoughts that bring out the words of euphoria in my writing. "Myriad Hues" is as much about me and my life as yours; the feelings that I have spoken about are universal. We all feel because our emotions are the same, despite the fact that the situation occurs at different times. My work is also about nature; this wonderful creation that we have been bestowed with! It's about nurturing our environment and caring about it. And yes, my poems are about the omnipresent God and my conversations and encounters with Him.

About the Author:

In an interview on the blog of Patridge India (the publisher), she describes herself as under, "I am Rachna Gupta, a small-town girl who moved to Pune 12 years ago. An educationist by profession, writing is something that has always interested me. While teaching English, I always encouraged the children to be creative and express their feelings through different mediums like writing, art and drama. There is nothing more magical than using words to create something new!"

My Review:

What are we looking at? Myriad Hues is a collection of sweet and simple poems by a single poet. The themes chosen are such that they delve deeper into the otherwise superficial aspects of life and living.
Poetry reading (and writing) is for those who have a way with words, and those who relish the experience of so many emotions in a few lines. Not to mention, how poetry is often open, sometimes wholly to interpretation while at others open for the reader to devour it and relate the lines to his/her own life and experiences.

Now this book, a compilation of 28 poems, is meaningful. Meaningful and intense describes it best.

Some poetry books for review in my mail. #poetry #books #bookish #bookstagram #bibliophile #instapic #shoutout #myriad...
Posted by So many books, So little time. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Here's a meticulous dissection:
Yay: There are some pieces I really liked for different reasons.
There is a piece called 'Innocence'. It is a sweet, succinct poetry to denote the actions of kids who are not maligned yet by the ways of the world. But again, open to interpretation, it is so many more things. It shows a girl seeking attention, so maybe the adults are not attentive enough. Maybe it is even more and deep as I make it out to be.

One very special mention goes to the poem titled 'Mood Swings'. It is a short piece, and yet it captures the theme so, so well. The abruptness, the lyrical quality and the scene created- all add up to make the poem give us emotional shivers.
Other pieces I liked were: My birthplace, Revenge, Mistake, Trepidation. My Birthplace has a reminiscent essence at its core, & Mistake is a commentary on the gender situation at the most basic level: in families. Trepidation has a charm of its own which made me like it instantly. The endearing, chirpy and enthusiastic tone also helped in the case of Trepidation.

Nay: I did find the style repetitive. It does not end the stanzas with rhyming pairs. At least not for a major part of the poem. However, I personally relish the use of rhyme as long as it isn't kiddish. Safe to say, I would have loved the poetry if I it had this element as dominantly as it had emotions interwoven.

Links:

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I thank the author for providing me with a copy in exchange of an honest review. 

Book Review: 18 Thoughts by Jamie Ayres

About the book:

Olga Gay Worontzoff left the Underworld for her final year of high school anxious for things to return to normal, but fate has other plans.

The new hottie at school reads her thoughts but nobody else’s. Her best friend wakes up from his coma acting like a completely different person. Caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and supernatural, she must confront what she will—or won’t—do to bring him back and stare down her own perceived inadequacies to face a couple of tenacious demons, figurative and literal.

Everything she thought she knew about reality will change as she walks the line between past and present, fear and faith, love and loyalty.

And by the end of a heartbreaking year, she might be forced to realize “normal” in the conventional sense of the word is the one thing she may never achieve.

About the author:

Jamie Ayres writes young adult paranormal love stories by night and teaches young adults as a Language Arts middle school teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. Although she spent her youthful summers around Lake Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her prince charming, two children (sometimes three based on how Mr. Ayres is acting), and a basset hound. She really does have grandmothers named Olga and Gay but unlike her heroine, she's thankfully not named after either one of them. She loves lazy pajama days, the first page of a good book, stupid funny movies, and sharing stories with fantastic people like you. Her books include the first two installments of her trilogy, 18 Things and 18 Truths. Visit her online via Twitter: jamiemayres , Facebook, or at www.jamieayres.com.

My Review:

This is the third installment of the trilogy, and in a matter of full disclosure I haven't read the previous of the series, but since the plot intrigues me, I thought it would work well as a standalone book.

I couldn't have been more correct. This book has a breathtaking suspense and mystery of its own, uncertainty looming large over the characters till the very end.
Beginning with the prologue, that was truly what set me alight on the reading adventure. The prologue is itself a fine piece of work, intriguing and catchy at so many levels, that the prologue compelled me to flip through the rest of the pages. It was intriguing, sentimental, thought-provoking in equal measure.
So, the story begins:  Olga has come to see Conner, her childhood friend who has been comatose for a while now.  Conner has a new roommate Nate, who by the way is totally hot. HOT. And to top it off, he can read Olga's thoughts. This is creepy. The initial exchanges between Olga and Nate therefore was well, amusing beyond words, there was a friendly banter, heated exchange of harmless sarcasm and pointed words, it gave me all the thrill of reading a YA novel.

(Not to forget, the protagonist works at a bookstore, which is for me a brownie point scored by the nook *wink*)
Nate and Olga eventually work it out, their friendship blossoms into more, and then Conner wakes up.
Here's a twist.And a twist in every scene thereafter. So, Conner is not himself when he wakes up. Olga's childhood friend is replaced by a sadistic moron. For a major part of the book, I was kept guessing by the author to figure out what had gone wrong.
Demon possession was, however the last guess. I liked the way the story progressed hereafter, and I especially liked the end.
A love triangle getting complicated with every passing day, the narration being alternated, everything works out to the advantage of the book.
The writer has a talent, a gift certainly.
As I said, I haven't read the other books in the series, but I didn't need to. even as a standalone, the book never ceases to amaze me as a reader with all its numerous twists and turns. The mystery never seems to end, and it is amusingly stretched. All the characters are confused because of the constant suspense, and they are endearingly etched. The author has done a fabulous job of fiction, keeping me hooked for days.

Book was received as an ARC from Netgalley.

Links:

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Book Review: Warrior By Olivier Lafont

About the book:

The novel ‘Warrior’ is a high octane, action-packed story that travels all over India and beyond. The hero, Saam, is an immortal warrior who is forced to come out of hiding in today’s Mumbai to pick up arms again and take to the road. His epic journey spans three days across an India torn by unnatural cataclysms, and even stranger lands. To bring back peace Saam must stoke his consuming hunger for war - but at what cost to himself? 

 The book was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia prize. 

Olivier at Bahrisons Booksellers, Delhi

Book Blurb:

In Mumbai, driven to its knees by a merciless blizzard, Saam the watchmender is cornered into an intolerable position. As Shiva's only earthly demigod child, it falls upon him to stop his indomitable father. Bred to war, son of destruction, Saam rides with six extraordinary companions into the horror of a crumbling world to face Shiva. He is forced to join hands with Ara, his half-brother he can never fully trust and take with him his own mortal beloved, Maya, on this desperate attempt to stop the End of Days. But his path is littered with death, danger and betrayal. Interweaving mythology, epic adventure and vintage heroism, this enthralling novel will change the way you see gods, heroes and demons. 

About the author:

Lafont is a multitalented and versatile personality who writes fiction, feature film screenplays, and editorial pieces, but also acts in feature films, endorses some of India’s most popular brands on television, and lends his voice to many media in many languages. A French polyglot, Lafont pursues his eclectic interests at the highest standards having worked with some of India’s most acclaimed directors on films like 3 IDIOTS, Guzaarish and two HOLLYWOOD films, and continuing in the same vein with his new novel coming out with Penguin India. He is a familiar face due to his work in over 70 adverts on television.

Author Website: http://oliviersanjaylafont.blogspot.in/

Connect with the author:

     

My Review:

What we are looking at? We are looking at an action-packed, mythological fiction. The story begins with a catastrophic event. It seems the End of Days is near. For Demigods, this is the time to reveal their true identities and to try and save the world. Saam is the son of the Destroyer. Ara is his half-brother. Maya is Saam's girlfriend. Dhuan is the horse. Lalbaal is the son of Vayu, so he is also a part of the Demigod contingent. On their way, they are joined by others, either deliberately with an ulterior motive or by a quirk of fate.
The narration is good. The author goes under the skin of some characters and speaks their minds. The plot is intriguing when seen separate from all other things. It is such a creative fiction, and so conducive to our Indian mythology, it feels real.
But for the character's sake, I think even more details  could be meticulously given away, it would have intrigued me as a reader more and more. This is the only reason that the characters, although epic in how they had been sketched, failed to endear themselves to me.

I loved how the book was full of witty and sarcastic remarks. the dialogues were spot-on and added to the flavor of the respective characters. For example, Ara has some of the most thought-provoking dialogues which found relevance in the plot in mysterious ways, "A funny thing, family. The basis of mortal society. the building block of community, the bastion of human emotion. Yet no one knows better how to destroy you."

The pace of the book was never disappointing: in the beginning when we as a reader need time to take in the enormous fiction, the author gracefully stretched the plot and only slowly unravels it. On the other hand, when we needed pace for the last 200 pages, the author grants our wish.

Now, coming to how it unfolded and ended, I certainly think the author could have employed the use of dramatic at its best in some crucial earth-shattering scenes, only they were not earth-shattering because well, dramatics was conspicuous by its absence. Had this been the case, my attention wouldn't have deviated from this book even once.
Towards the end, the book does manage to take our breath away. One revelation after another, sets the pace just right for us to digest the facts and go ahead with another dose of mystery and revelations.

If you're a fan of mythological fiction, you cannot afford to miss this masterpiece woven around demons and demigods.
Even if this is the first time you'd choose to read this genre, you are in for a good read!

Book Trailer:

Links:

Quotes from the book:

   

For more quotes, follow: 

     

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Book Review: Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy by Dinty W. Moore

About the book:

The personal essay has never been more popular, with the likes of Lena Dunham and Mindy Kaling breathing new life into the genre. This innovative guide to crafting modern personal essays and creative nonfiction came about when acclaimed author and professor Dinty W. Moore solicited playful writing questions from today's top writers. He then penned witty responses in the format of a "Dear Sugar"-style advice column, illustrating each response with an original, humorous sample essay. In chapter 1, Phillip Lopate asks, "I am curious how you deal honestly with male-female relations in general and specifically your past girlfriends on the page without coming off as a male chauvinist pig," and Mister Essay Writer Guy pens a sage response and example essay dishing--respectfully--on all his exes. Cheryl Strayed asks for advice about her em-dash addiction, Julianna Baggott worries that to be a great writer you must become an alcoholic, Judith Kitchen looks for an excuse to exaggerate the truth to make it more interesting, and so on. Filled with modern examples of the creative forms nonfiction can take--including scribbled cocktail napkins, Facebook posts, and Google Map pins--this gifty little book is a hilarious relief for all essayists, memoirists, and creative nonfiction writers in distress.

About the author:

Dinty W. Moore is the author of numerous books, and has published essays and stories in The Southern Review, The Georgia Review, Harpers, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Gettysburg Review, Utne Reader, and Crazyhorse. He edits BREVITY, the journal of concise creative nonfiction (www.brevitymag.com) and teaches at Ohio University.

Author website: 

http://www.dintywmoore.com

My Review:

Disclaimer: The tone and candour of my review is inspired from the writer's in the book. No offence meant. 

How can you read non-fiction like this and not fall in love with the genre? The whole genre owes you, sir. Or to your humor. I am not sure if we can separate the two, would you answer that for me.
Well, for starters you know you will fall into this book as soon as it opens because of well, this:

Hilarity ensues from page one. To say that the book has wit and sarcasm at its best seems an understatement. Our essay writer guy here answers to one of the letters, "I believe the best way to avoid coming off as a male chauvinist pig might be to not be a male chauvinist pig? Is that a stretch?"
And this is just the first answer, well, part of it. To think I was on a rollercoaster of laughter these entire 8 hours that I was reading the book. Okay, not entire though. There was this instance where the writer launched into some story about Zebras. I felt dozing off would be insulting so I just skimmed through it. But don't tell this to anyone- I've read the whole book otherwise.

From questions about em dash, and writing on napkins, to graphics that simply make you want to double up- what is not to devour in the book? The author has given and taken insults alike.
One thing is certain: the author will not write about his daughter. Why, you ask? "Whatever I wrote about my daughter, I had to live with it, and so did she, and I didn't want to screw the relationship up more than my ineptitude and the vicissitudes of her becoming a teenager already had."

The humor does not mean there's no wisdom. The author has cloaked the knowledge and insights about writing in wit. After all, what better way to teach than through humor- the universally attractive element?
For all people ho love words, who love to write, read or just devour essays, this book is a mus-read.
Will I buy this book? Most definitely I will! Do I recommend this book? In case you haven't read the entire review, most definitely I do!

Links:

An ARC was received from NetGalley

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Book Review: Better than Perfect by Simone Elkeles

About the book:

Ashtyn's life just got complicated. Her boyfriend is being distant and her sister's back at home after ten years - with a stepson in tow!

Derek has a perfect body, THE sexiest smile and a car - Ashtyn's only way to escape from her crazy life. But Derek likes to play by his own rules and is keen to take Ashtyn on a ride she'll never forget. As they spend more and more time alone together, will Derek's flirty games drive Ashtyn wild?

A sweet and steamy romance from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles

About the author

Simone Elkeles is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of novels for teens. Simone’s books have won many awards including being YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, being named to the YALSA Popular Paperbacks and Teens Top Ten lists, and added to the Illinois “Read for a Lifetime” Reading List. Simone also won the coveted RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for her book Perfect Chemistry. Simone is especially proud of the fact that the Illinois Association of Teachers of English named her Author of the Year.

Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today. Simone went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and received her Bachelor’s of Science there in Psychology in 1992. She continued her education at Loyola University-Chicago where she received her Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Relations while working for a manufacturing company creating diversity programs for their employees.

She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances

My Review:

Trust Simone Elkeles to give you a delightful, fast-paced read. Her other series, Perfect Chemistry, was recommended to me by a friend. After reading this I am surely going to read that too. 
If this isn't recommendation enough for the book, consider this: I am going to read the rest of the series too. 
Here is the interesting part, apart from, of course the hormones and the passion: it was not predictable. I have been so put off by some books with cliched plots and predictable endings that this one came as a pleasant surprise. I could actually imagine the characters and visualize them as under. 
Ashtyn is a confident seeker, ambition writ large on her face. Derek is well Derek. Her father with a deadpan expression through all ups and downs and believe me there are quite a lot of them. Then there's Brandi who looks like she is clueless about everything- past present and future. But just doesn't feel like a bimbo quite yet.
 The story deals with dysfunctional families, and unusual characters with 

surprising roles. 
If you think you know what's coming up, you are in for a major major surprise. Read and see.
The narrative is good. The plot is epic. Football plays a major role. The female protagonist is not your usual damsel in distress. 

If you are a sucker for happy endings just like my friend (the one who recommended it) then you are in for a treat.

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