Eleanor by Jason Gurley

Synopsis from the back of the book:
1985. The death of Eleanor's twin sister tears her family apart. Her father blames her mother for the accident. When Eleanor's mother looks at her, she sees only the daughter she lost. Their wounded family crumbles under the weight of their shared grief. 

1993. Eleanor is fourteen years old when it happens for the first time... when she walks through an ordinary door at school and finds herself in another world. It happens again and again, but it's only a curiosity until that day at the cliffs. The day when Eleanor dives... and something rips her out of time itself. 

And on the other side, someone is waiting for her.

My Review:  This book is magical.  I had no idea what to expect from reading the back cover.  It in no way explains the details of what this book is about and am for that I am thankful.  It's like watching a movie before knowing anything about it and being floored by how good it was.  If you know what it is about you have expectations and are often times disappointed simply because you expected more.  I had no idea what to expect other than Jason Gurley spent almost half his life writing it.  I can tell you for sure that there was not one bit of disappointment with this book.  It just got better and better with every turn of the page.  

Towards the end of the book I was wondering how it would all come together and for the briefest of moments I was worried I would be left hanging with no solid ending.  Needless to say that didn't happen. The ending floored me.  Teared me up.  Kept me thinking about it for days.  I am still thinking about all that happened throughout this book.  It has been awhile since a book has made me sit and just think and contemplate the impact of such an amazing well crafted story and how other books will disappointment me because that will not be this good.  I wish I had even a small percentage of Jason Gurley's imagination. How someone can think of a story like this, then also have the ability to convey it through written word is beyond me.  It is a gift that has been perfected with this book.  This is the first full novel of his I have read and it will definitely not be the last.  

Even though I was given a copy of this ebook I still purchased the paperback from Amazon.  For me reading a paperback is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling then reading on my kindle.  In this particular case I am even more glad I bought the book, one reason is simply that I want support an indie author, and secondly this book is absolutely beautiful.  The cover, the feel of the matte finish, the art work at the start of the different parts, even the font is beautiful. Literally everything about this book is good.  I highly recommend reading this book.  

My Rating:  10
Pages:  596
Author website:  http://www.jasongurley.com/

Feedback by Peter Cawdron

Synopsis: There are two stories going on in this book.  One takes place 20 years in the past where a UFO crashes off the coast of North Korea.  The other takes place in present time about a boy trying to get by in New York City.  The two stories eventually combine themselves into a tale of alien interstellar time travel.

My review: I am not normally a huge science fiction fan but this book was good.  The science fiction part does not really come into play too much until the end.  Let me clarify, this entire book is about UFO's, time travel, and space but it's also kind of a love story.  I could not put this book down.  As I was reading one day, my wife commented on just how many pages I read from one day to the next, easily 200 pages.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  I loved the characters and especially how they all came together in the end.  A well written, enjoyable story to say the least.  Thank you Peter.

I feel like Peter Cawdron was a rocket scientist in another life or something, he knows so much about space and science, it amazes me.  For all I know he is a scientist now and writes in his personal time.  Maybe he is from the future and knew I would love this book and write it for me.  Could be true?  Unfortunately I don't know much about him but I do have all his books and I will definitely keep reading them.  Plus he is from Australia, maybe on my next trip back we can sit down and talk about some of this time travel business...

My rating: 8
Pages: 392
Author website: http://thinkingscifi.wordpress.com/

The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore

Synopsis:  After the death of his wife, Pocket the Fool, is kidnapped, imprisoned (well walled up in a dungeon, brick by brick) and left for dead.  With the help of some kind of sea monster he is released and seeks revenge on the people that did this to him and killed his bride.  We meet a slew of characters Iago, Rodrigo, Bassiano, and a list of other names that end in O, as the book says.  He must work with Jessica, a wannabe pirate daughter of a Jewish Venetian moneylender named Shylock to plot against the O ending names and avenge his wife and attempted murder plot.

My review:  Okay book, but not nearly as good as Fool, or some of his other works.  I am glad that I read Fool again to remind me of several of the characters, like Jeff his pet monkey, Drool his fool apprentice and the Ghost Cordelia.  There is quite a bit going on in this book and I did not find it as cohesive as some of his others.

I feel a bit torn, I am disappointed that I am a little disappointed in this book.  I had the highest of expectations and feel a bit let down.  Don't get me wrong, I will probably end up reading this book again at some point in the future because that is just what I do with Christopher Moore books but the book was just okay to me.  Maybe once I reread it since I already know the story, some of the plots and subplots will become more clear.  Christopher Moore is still my favorite author and I will still wait in line to meet him and I will still read anything he puts in print.

My rating:  6
Pages:  316
Author website:  http://www.chrismoore.com/

Fool by Christopher Moore

Synopsis:  The fool in King Lear's court is a fool named Pocket.  King Lear wants to know which if his three daughters loves him most so he can award her the land and fortune he holds as king.  This issue is that they all hate hate him because frankly he is a cheeky little git.  Somehow between all the plots and subplots Pocket must find a way to keep himself alive and protect what he loves.  I assure you that there will be some heinous fuckery most foul!

My review:  Let me start by saying that I love Christopher Moore.  This is the third book of his that I have read for the second time.  Even having read it once before, I could not put it down.  Christopher Moore's fourteenth book (The Serpent of Venice) was released on Tuesday, I ordered a signed first edition and have been chomping at the bit to start it.  Since I knew this book was coming out I wanted to read Fool again as The Serpent of Venice is about Pocket, the main character in Fool.

The one liners in this book are unparalleled.  Christoper Moore has somehow even invented his own language using British humor.  Trust me when I say that it works, it works very well.  There are even foot notes to explain some of the words which only add to the humor.  In describing one of the daughters he writes of her Boffnacity - an expression of shagnatiousness, fit, from the Latin boffusnatious.  I mean how does he come up with this stuff??

Christopher Moore describes the book below and I think this may be not only the perfect description of the book but also a good incite into how the book is written.

"WARNING This is a bawdy tale. Herein you will find gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity, as well as non-traditional grammar, split infinitives, and the odd wank. If that sort of thing bothers you, then gentle reader pass by, for we endeavor only to entertain, not to offend. That said, if that s the sort of thing you think you might enjoy, then you have happened upon the perfect story!"

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moore at a book signing and was able to get my copy of Fool signed.  I am a sucker for a signed book!  Yes, I am proud to say I was a bit start stuck by him as well.  He has been my favorite author since I first read Lamb and was more than slightly nervous to meet him.  Not only is he my favorite author he is also my measuring stick for all things humorous in literature.  He is beyond funny.  At his signing he spoke for about an hour and then met with everyone to get their books signed.  The hour of him speaking was like sitting in a comedy club, he was absolutely hilarious.

Do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books, any one of this books.  You will not be disappointed.

My rating:  9
Pages:  352
Author website:  http://www.chrismoore.com/

Legendarium by Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers

Synopsis: Legendarium is the place where all stories meet.  Any book or story ever written is stored in this library with doors leading from one story to the next.  Our two main characters are enlisted by some of the greatest authors in the world to protect and save the Legendarium.  These stories have shaped history simply due to the impact each story has had on future writers and readers.

My review:  Loved this book!  Read it in one sitting.  When I first heard about this book I didn't know how the Legendarium would work or how these stories would converge on each other.  Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised how well all of this came together.  I loved that we encountered characters from many different books, the Cheshire Cat, Moby Dick, and of course Bombo Dawson.  And what story doesn't benefit from a little Hemingway?  It also really struck me how much of an impact one book or story has on history, what would we be missing out on in this life if Moby Dick were never written?  How many authors were inspired by Hemingway, what if he decided to keep his stories to himself?  These books inspired others to write, which in turn inspired more and more books to be written.  That is an amazing concept that Legendarium clearly puts into focus.  Well done gentleman, well done!

I ordered this book directly from the authors so I could get a signed copy.  I must say this book is beautiful, the feel of it, the colors on the cover, I am so glad I have this one signed, definitely a collectors item.  I was halfway through another book when it came in on Friday but picked it up anyway on Saturday morning and read it in two hours.  Quite the wonderful Saturday morning read with a cup of coffee, next to a sleeping baby.

I loved how the book even incorporated some ideas about self publishing and independent authors.  I never knew how many great stories I was missing out on until I discovered this group of independent authors, Michael Bunker, Hugh Howey, Peter Cawdron, Donald Wells, to name just a few.  If you are looking for some interesting reads that are outside of what we consider mainstream books, check out any one of these guys, you will not be disappointed.

My rating: 8
Pages:  148
Author websites:  Michael Bunker - http://journal.michaelbunker.com/
Kevin G. Summers - http://www.kevingsummers.com/

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

Synopsis:  1963 Mississippi.  Nine year old Starla, a white girl, who is quite the little whipper snapper, decides to run away to her absent mother who lives in Nashville trying to become a famous singer.  While walking she gets a ride from a black maid, Eula, who is driving home with a newborn white baby in the car.  Starla convinces Eula to drive her the rest of the way to Nashville to be with her momma.  An amazing bond is formed between these three while facing all types of obstacles, discrimination and hatred in the deep south.
My review:  By far the best book I have read in quite some time.  This is the type of book that makes you want to call in sick and stay home to read.  I read in the car at lunch, got up early and read before work, even took it with me in the bathroom, just to get a few extra minutes to read it.

There are so many good things about this book I almost don't want to write them here so when you do read this book you will walk in with open arms.  It's that good!!  So I will keep this short.

I was a bit hesitant when I heard that this book was written in the perspective of a nine year old girl.  I was afraid I could not relate at all.  Needless to say that was not the case.  Starla is a great character and had me captivated from the first sentence.  I also loved how this author was able to convert the southern slang and accent into words so well. It reads and flows beautifully.

I am a sucker for a good book that takes place in the deep south, especially in the 1960's time period and this one more than exceeds my expectations.  There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the next book I suggest for the girls book club.

My rating:  10
Pages:  307
Author website:  http://susancrandall.net/

Phoenix Island by John Dixon

Synopsis:  Carl, a young troubled teen who has been found guilty of another assault charge is sent off to a military style boot camp called Phoenix Island.  His need to punish bullies has finally landed him in this hell.  These drill instructors seem to use any means necessary to get these cadets to change their delinquent ways.  As the weeks go by on the island the cadets learn that there may be more going on here than just helping troubled teens.  They realize that the "Old Man" is building an army at any means necessary, beatings, severe punishment, even murder.  Carl must figure out a way to save his friends and himself and escape the island before he too is killed.

My Review:  Two words - Page turner.  This author has a way of writing scenes so vivid you actually feel like you are there.  There is a fight scene between Carl and Parker that I started reading before work one morning and I was so involved in the story I was late to work.  Literally could not put the book down.  I heard there was a review where a woman actually gagged reading one of the scenes, yes there were bugs involved but how well does a scene need to be written that it makes someone actually gag?  To me that is fantastic writing.

Somehow before the book was even released to the public the idea behind the book was picked up by CBS for a TV show called Intelligence.  While I have only seen the first episode of the show these two storied are only slightly related, they are quite different from each other.  It's a shame because I think the book would make a better movie than just just using the concept of the chip implant as the show uses.  I'm looking at you Ridley Scott to make some moves here...

I have had the pleasure of conversing with John over email and Facebook the last few weeks and look forward to one day meeting him in person.  He is currently working on the sequel to Phoenix Island now called Devil's Pocket.  You can bet that I will add that book to the top of my "to read" pile.  I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

My rating:  9
Pages:  320
Author website:  http://www.johndixonbooks.com/

Monsters by Donald Wells

Synopsis:  Consisting of a series of six short stories we learn about two killers, Dave and Jack, that schedule a "boy's night out" every couple of weeks where they hunt down and kill women.  Things seem to be going well for the boys until one of the women escape, and Dave ends up killing his boss in a moment of passion.  It is the combination of these two events that ultimately result in their demise.

My review:  I have to say that the cover alone is one of the most disturbing images I have ever seen.  I didn't quite feel the character development in this book as I did in the Taken series but still very well written, I mean I read this entire book in about three hours (one good thing about being sick over the weekend, plenty of reading time).  I will say Donald Wells writes serial killers so well that he actually has me wondering about him.

What I love about the way the author writes these short stories is that each story has its own climax.  They are not written as chapters, it is almost like you can read them independently of each other and still enjoy the story itself.  I will definitely be checking out the next box set when it is written and released.

My rating:  7
Pages:  140
Author website:  http://www.donaldwells.com/

Sand by Hugh Howey

Synopsis:  The world as we know it is covered in sand, thousands of feet of sand.  Divers venture into the sand to look for artifacts of the lost world, ultimately looking for the lost world of Danvar.  A family of siblings, each with his or her own diving ability must reunite and love each other as a family to overcome the war that is rapidly approaching them.  We see the love between brothers and sisters, the love for a lost father, the love of an absent mother, all of which once finally embraced come together in a story of epic proportions.

My review:  Not in many many moons had I been so excited to read a book.  Hugh Howey has a way of writing something so well that you actually feel like you are a part of it.  In Wool I felt like I was running the stairs with Juliet, In The Hurricane I felt like I was there with Daniel weathering the storm, and in Sand I truly felt like I was diving deep with Palmer or Vic into the sand.  I could see the colors, I could feel the grit in my mouth.  How someone is able to do this so well is beyond me.  I am even someone who takes words and puts them on paper and still I am baffled how Hugh is able to do this better than most anyone else.

Almost all of Hugh's books are written in a world that does not exist.  In Sand, the world has been taken over by years and years of sand, covering the entire world as we know it with thousands of feet of sand.  The idea of diving into sand and exploring the world below is genius, Hugh might be the first guy to think of something like this.  I cannot even comprehend his ability to think of things like this, his imagination amazes me.  I love how he is able to take the simplest of things and make them his own.  Calling money coin.  Coming up with the idea of a sand sailboat called a sarfer.  It's these little things that make you feel like you are part of the story, that you are there with Conner trying to save people in the sand.  It is beautiful.

I truly feel like Hugh Howey is a literary revolutionary.  He is literally changing the book/publishing industry.  Not only is his writing fantastic, his ideas are unparalleled.  How he does it again with Sand, is beyond me.  I will save you the effort of searching the internet to buy a copy.  Buy the kindle version or paperback on Amazon, or like me buy a signed copy from Hugh directly.  You will enjoy this book, this world, this author.  Only issue with reading Hugh's books is that all other books from this point on will be disappointment.  True story.

My rating:  10
Pages:  336
Author website:  http://www.hughhowey.com/

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash

Synopsis:  Told from the point of view of three different characters in the book, we are told a story of a boy who witnesses a "healing" of his older brother in a strange church where later that same day the boy is found dead after attending a second church service.  Christopher, Stump as he goes by in the book, is a mute and has never uttered a word in his life.  His mother, after hearing what she thinks is him saying "Mama" during the first healing is convinced that this preacher can heal her son and takes him back for the second healing.  We hear some back story of this preacher and why he may not be a healer and may in fact be a murderer.  All the stories told eventually converge towards the end as we see how this tragedy came to be and how each of these characters are involved.

My review:  This is definitely a book club style book and a great read.  My only issue with this book was how it all came together in the end.  It just left me wanting more.  I loved reading this book, and I read it in about three days but I feel like there were unanswered questions and an anticlimactic ending.  There was great conflict throughout the story and I was highly entertained but with a slightly different ending I may have rated this book a 7 or 8.  I will definitely read this authors second book with the hopes of an improved ending.

My rating:  6
Pages:  336
Author website:  http://www.wileycash.com/

How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever by Nathan Bransford

Synopsis:  This book contains 47 guidelines on how to develop characters, maintain plot, include conflict to keep the reader involved, deal with the stress of getting or not getting published, and basic writer tips for aspiring and already published authors.

My review:  I have decided to read several books on how to improve my writing skills this year.  This is a great tutorial for beginners and non-beginner writers.  This books lists reasons why conflict is important and how to keep the reader reading while making sure your characters are constantly conflicted and overcoming this conflict.  It gives specific ways to help maintain plot and with tips on what to an what not to do.  I loved that this book was so "user friendly" and easy to read and understand.  Being a complete novice to the writing world I found this a great guide and will definitely use it for reference when and if I ever sit down and write a book.  This book was recommended by an author I read all the time and I recommend this to anyone interested in improving writing skills or anyone who ever hopes to write a book.

My rating:  8
Pages:  150
Author website:  http://nathanbransford.com/

Raw: A Love Story by Mark Haskell Smith

Synopsis:  Sepp Gregory is a reality star hunk with killer abs who has released a fictional memoir of his life.  The book is a smashing success and Sepp sets out on a nationwide book tour, except there is one issue, he didn't write the book nor has he even read it.  Harriet, a popular blogger, sees through the web of lies surrounding this book and sets out to prove that Sepp is an idiot and that there is now way he could possibly write this beautifully written masterpiece of prose.  While on tour, the fame caused by this book spreads not only to Sepp, but also to his ex-girlfriend and reality star love interest Roxy.  Roxy is a beautiful, busty blonde who seems to only care about herself.  Sepp, heartbroken from the breakup is still struggling with his inability to rise to the occasion when it comes to other women, until he meets Harriet.  Although, Harriet wants nothing to do with Sepp except prove he didn't write the book, that is until she meets the actual ghostwriter, Curtis.  Each of these characters embark on a journey that involves a travelling RV with hidden cameras, the Playboy mansion, a dead guy in the shower, a multitude of rest stop rompings, and one killer set of abs.

My review:  This is a really fun read, I liked it a lot.  This is my first book by Mark Haskell Smith and will not be the last.  A sexy, funny, page turner, that again is not meant for everyone.  There is roadside sex, cursing, death, busty babes and a dysfunctional penis.  I read in one of these reviews on Goodreads that Mark is the Carl Hiassen of LA.  What a great description.  His characters are fun, likeable, or unlikeable if they are meant to be such, and the chapters are all very well written.  The story comes together in the end and it just works, and works well.  If you are looking for a funny read with some interesting characters and plot, look no further.  Enjoy.

My rating:  7
Pages:  276
Author website:  http://www.markhaskellsmith.com/