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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Ryan DeJonghe has commented on (124) products
Under the Udala Trees
by
Chinelo Okparanta
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 18, 2015
“E’li, E’li, la’ma sab ach tha’ni? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is the question Ijeoma asks in the novel UNDER THE UDALA TREES by Chinelo Okparanta. The year was 1968. Her father was killed in Nigeria’s violent assimilation of Biafra, her mother - at the end of her wits. Tears will fall from your eyes as Ijeoma prays, “Dear God, I want to be happy. Please help me to be happy.” THE MOTHER, THE HUSBAND, THE CHILD Not knowing what to do, Ijeoma’s mother sent her away, to be properly cared for and taught. During this separation, Ijeoma fell in love with another girl. This girl: a Hausa girl, someone Ijeoma’s Igbo people would never associate. This girl: a reader of the Koran. All things: an anathema. We witness Ijeoma’s struggle in finding love, eventually succumbing to the heart-wrenching persuasion of man-woman marriage. The pages are near-impossible to read as the husband struggles to find his love; the pages even more difficult once Ijeoma’s child Chidinma is born. LGBTQ IN 1970 NIGERIA Punishable by death - stoning - still today in the northern states of Nigeria: loving someone of the same sex. “There’s nothing more important now than for us to begin working on cleansing your soul,” says Ijeoma’s mother. “Nwoke na nwunye. Adam na Eve. Man and wife.” Ijeoma feels of her mother: “In this moment, she felt more like another warden than my own mother, more like a husk - more an emblem of motherhood than motherhood itself.” It’s not just about a love between two girls: it is about love. “Maybe love was some combination of friendship and infatuation. A deeply felt affection accompanied by a certain sort of awe. And by gratitude. And by a desire for a lifetime of togetherness.” Two men found naked: beaten to death. A woman: burned alive. “If you set off on a witch-hunt, you will find a witch.” GOD IS WITH US Author Chinelo Okparanta expertly mixes in her vast knowledge of the Bible, verses all included, as she tells the story of struggle and of love. The mother, Ijeoma, the people all around, each coming to a realization of who God is, where He abides, and the trueness of their hearts. BACK TO NIGERIA This is the third book I’ve read that is based in Nigeria. The latest being the multi-award-nominated THE FISHERMEN. I am honored and humbled to be back in Nigeria. Okparanta’s pictures are clear and beautiful. She has a way of relaying the old folk tales that make you a witness to the grandness and simplicity of Nigeria’s finest and scariest elements. It’s mesmerizing. “The saying goes that wood already touched by fire isn’t hard to set alight.” Aside from the tales are the sayings, each with special, driven-deep meaning. One after another, they sink into your soul. A GIFTED AUTHOR Okparanta is another gifted author to arise out of the Iowa’s Writing Workshop. Her craftsmanship is evident in her spare and lyrical prose. The short chapters tempt you to flip from one page to the next. The story and the elements all play together, scratching your mind and tearing your heart. “Sometimes it is hard to know to whom the tragedy really belongs.” UNDER THE UDALA TREES will cause me to ponder this question a long, long time.
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Purity
by
Jonathan Franzen
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 04, 2015
Controversy aside, Jonathan Franzen is an incredible author. With PURITY, he proves to be one of the greatest. In effortless strides, Franzen covers everything from God to politics, the environment to the internet. He takes us to Germany in the 1950s, down to South America, and back again to Germany when the wall came down, all with stops in Colorado and California. He touches upon--trounces upon, really--all the modern zeitgeists, from Frozen to Snowden. At its essence: purity. Beyond, yet including, sexual reference, the definition of pure is called into play in terms of money, acquaintances, and action. And: the differences of loneliness and companionship. No matter your opinion of the author himself, this book speaks of brilliance. Bound in debt, hidden from wealth and murder, the character Purity--Penelope or Pip these days--Tyler is the driving force in Franzen’s character-developed novel. Her feelings: “the world was as obstinately unfixable as her life was.” She felt her friends slipping away in endless Tweets and Likes, her living situation was questionable, at best, and as for her mother: “she could feel herself starting down the road to be a friendless person like her mother.” Hermit-like, not even revealing her true name, Purity’s mother was hiding many secrets. Yet, it’s amazing what love will hold bound. “You’re a very good person. You’re just in a bad dream.” The comparisons of Franzen to Dickens are well justified. Through the strength of his characters he illuminates the boundless issues of today, where we find ourselves “trusting in technology instead of taking care of people” in a country that is “…a testament to badass firsts.” A country that is “first in prison population, first in meat consumption, first in operational strategic warheads, first in per capita carbon emissions, first in line for the Rapture.” In the midst of powerful observation comes tender emotion. As with any of us, the heart of the human spirit persists throughout an environment of difficulties. It’s amazing to watch Franzen dial down from the macrocosms of social and political injustices to pause in moments of personal reflection: “I’m starting to think paradise isn’t eternal contentment. It’s more like there’s something eternal about feeling contented.” We witness Purity transform from a self-doubting young woman to a self-confident, though still fragile, woman��"all through decades of worldwide change. I’m in awe at the ease Franzen achieves this. “Secrets were power. Money was power. Being needed was power. Power, power, power: how could the world be organized around the struggle for a thing so lonely and aggressive in the having of it?” The regaling of Franzen’s world (matching closely our own) is not without pointed lines at his own success. “You must always be considering how important you are, how newsworthy, and this divides you from yourself and poisons your soul.” Though it is important to note that this is not a distraction, just an interlude, to Franzen’s finest, most beautiful work. With fun, comes soul-searching, deepening questions, such as: “Was there anything crueler, from the person who’d rejected you, than compassionate forbearance?” There’s a little bit of everything for everyone in PURITY. As the book’s description states, it is a “grand story of youthful idealism, extreme fidelity, and murder.” This is a book for our generation, no matter your age. It’s one of the finest examples of craftsmanship you will find.
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A Window Opens
by
Egan, Elisabeth
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 25, 2015
Here’s an odd comparison: Elisabeth Egan’s A WINDOW OPENS is a mix of Virginia Woolf meets Mo Willems. If you know either of those authors, then you should read this book. If you know both of those authors, then you should read this book - now! “You had to keep the picture at a wide angle - that was the trick. The devastation was in the details.” Alice Pearse represents every mom. While “sidestepping hula hoops, a pogo stick, and two soccer balls, one deflated” she vows to do better, be it by “feeding the parking meter” to the successful ability to “take wet laundry out of the machine before it mildews”. One minute she’s painting pottery at an expensive craft shop during the “summer of Rainbow Loom”, the next she’s yelling so loudly that the “tendons in my neck ached for days.” She’s every mom. She’s you. This book starts with innocence. Alice, a small girl playing the “Book Lady” with her beloved, cherished father. Reflecting on those long-term memory bank moments (did you see the movie Inside Out?), Alice considers, “When you’re a kid, you think you’re going to have this deep well of time with your parents when you grow up and you’re all on equal footing.” Alice grows up, as we all do, to realize that our kidlike machinations don’t follow the devised pathways. Sometimes, we’re broken. This book broods. One of Alice’s favorite quotes - there are many references to great authors - is of Virginia Woolf. It is poignantly applicable here, “The beauty of the world…has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.” Egan toys with my heart, showing the beauty of family, of everyday life. Things change. “It was time for Alice Pearse to step up to the plate.” With her husband not getting a promotion, throwing a computer across the room, Alice began thinking she didn’t have to be at home much anymore. She seeks fulltime employment. The job looked so good, from afar. Any book lover can attest to the apparent attractions: public book lounges where “customers would be able to browse e-books on docked tablets and then download files directly to all their devices at once.” The “plan for the lounges included fair trade-certified coffee bars and eco-friendly furniture sourced from reclaimed local materials.” There would be “waitress service, foot massages, complimentary biscotti, cup holders with mini hot plates to keep your coffee warm…oh, and unlimited gummy bears.” Who doesn’t love gummy bears? This book is much - much!! - more than about job transition. It’s much more than about parenting. This is a book for book lovers. The question is asked about the emergence of digital media, “A rising tide lifts all boats, right?” Surely this would be better than the “carbon-based books” approach, right? Or perhaps, it’s a testament to the insidious, sneaky creep of digital control. This is a land where we’re “expected to be reachable at three o’clock in the morning via e-mail, IM, text, or FaceTime.” And besides, these days, who doesn’t play a round (or hundred) of Candy Crush between pages of Kafka, when reading on their phones? This book is fun! Though dealing with heavy matters, Elisabeth Egan writes with spunk, pizazz, and wit. She flourishes even the most tender moments with her touches of humor: “I missed the kindergarten ice cream social, the first day of school, the first PTA meeting, Cornelius’s bordetella vaccination, and Nicholas’s dinner with a promising new client.” Certain lines just catch you. Like this one did for me, “My chubbiest, chattiest toddler was now this lanky boy of few words, whose feet I could smell from across the room.” Alice, near the end, reflects on this quote from Marky Baker Eddy: “Home is the dearest spot on earth, and should be the centre, not the boundary, of the affections.” And as I look back upon my time spent with A WINDOW OPENS and the life of Alice Pearse, I have this to say to Elisabeth Egan: you go, girl! “If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave.” - Mo Willems
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Speak
by
Louisa Hall
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 25, 2015
Have you ever lost a loved one? What if: “One day soon perhaps we will be able to build a mechanical version of the person we lost.” What if, one day there was: “An algorithm that causes the past and the present to coexist in a moment shared between humans.” Are you scared? Curious? This is the function of SPEAK by Louisa Hall - to draw meaning over the course of centuries through intertwined perspectives. Think CLOUD ATLAS with a more pointed question. Here, you’ll be introduced to the somewhat futuristic terms like “cloud-based intelligence”, “Peer Bonding Issues”, and “10% deviation from human thought”. Within this same book you’ll go back in time, to witness a girl through her diary struggling with the still-relevant issues of love, both forced and true. AI: “Our primary function is speech: question and response selected from memory according to a formula we speak, but there is little evidence of real comprehension.” The creator of the babybots believes he has done something special: brought memories back to life. Yet, as people see they are just stories without meaning, they become scared, frightened. “You blame me for the fact that your daughters found their mechanical dolls more human than you, but is that my fault for making a too human doll? Or your fault for being too mechanical?” And who is the true nemesis? Is it our own fault for not being authentic in speech? True to word? Or have our desires been plugged by the screen and technology, trying to replace something that is missing? “Every day I feel parts of myself switching off. More and more…it’s just nothing. I’m becoming blank.” “Those young people stuttering, stiffening, turning more robotic than the robots they loved.” Gaby: “How will I let people know I’m still living?” MARY3: “I don’t know.” We watch as a girl struggles with identity and companionship. As the man who initially inputted the memory into the machine speaks, “One day that machine will remember your words, but it won’t feel them. It won’t understand them. It will only throw them back in your face. Gifts returned, you’ll realize they’ve become empty.” Or, as he more poignantly puts it: “But what good are her words if they’re not comprehended?” There are five character perspectives, six if you include the bot being shipped to the desert for permanent disposal and storage. One of those characters is the enigmatic, real life Alan Turing. Perhaps you know of him through the movie THE IMITATION GAME. Everyone has a desire to “fit in”, to know reciprocal love. Though physical stunting and emotional awkwardness are sometimes barriers to such dreams. Thus, the desire to create something: to achieve that goal. But is it worth it? The questions are real and the writing is irrefutable. I leave you with one last segment from the character Mary Bradford’s diary: “Then, silence. Words lost through holes in the sky, wasted in the vastness of night. Felt a desire to cease speaking then, for I cannot afford to lose more. Whittier: I understand Writer: I feel that you do.”
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Fishermen
by
Chigozie Obioma
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 18, 2015
James Agwu tells his sons, “What I want you to be is a group of fishermen who will be fishers of good dreams, who will not relent until they have caught the biggest catch.” He wants the best for them: Ikenna, to become a pilot; Boja, to become a lawyer; Obembe, to become a doctor; and for Benjamin, perhaps a veterinarian or college professor. Yet, poignantly, in their Igbo tribe there is no word for “scientist”. Paulina Adaku Agwu, a spiritual and caring woman, is heavily devoted to her children. “In this part of Africa, married women often went by the name of their first child.” Paulina is known as Mama Ike. She gathers her children like “the falconer”. She defends them in a place where doors are locked at night due to the frequent armed robberies of homes, during the time of M.K.O. and after “the war”. Although miles and oceans away, the village of Akure in Nigeria is not that different from where I live, just down the train line from the city of New York. Author Chigozie Obioma is heartfelt in THE FISHERMEN, showing the stark contrast, yet relating us one to another. “As people waived the Nigerian flags in the summer heat in faraway Atlanta, Akure slowly drowned.” Connected, yet troubling different. He shows, like many of our families, that mothers and fathers care - that brotherly bonds are near inseparable. “Although Christianity had almost cleanly swept through Igbo land, crumbs and pieces of the African traditional religion had eluded the broom.” The Agwu family’s village lies in close proximity to the once worshipped Omi-Ala river, now accursed by Christian zeal. The brothers, ranging in ages from 9 to 15, are like any boy in 1996, playing Mortal Kombat or watching Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Their boyish desire lead them to the river, not to become fishers of good dreams, but fishers of fun and profit. This is where things turn. The boys meet Abulu: “he often dismantled vain kingdoms of people’s thoughts and lifted shrouds from the swaddled corpses of buried secrets.” In painstaking, near poetic tones, Obioma tells their story through the young voice of Benjamin. He talks sadly about the brothers: “It altered the shape of our lives and ushered in a transition of time when craniums raged and voids exploded.” And: “but the passion we’d developed for fighting had become like liquid frozen in a bottle and could not be easily thawed.” The brothers have trouble shaking Abulu’s prophecy: “People began to see his visions as ineluctable, and they believed he was the oracle of the scribbler of the telegraph of fate.” This book is easy to read, yet heart-heavily difficult to absorb. Benjamin notes a saying he heard that when fear takes possession of the heart of a person, it diminishes them. We as readers are witness to that diminishing: health, faith, well-being, and relationships. The most painful of all: family. “Hatred is a leech: the thing that sticks to a person’s skin; that feeds off them and drains the sap out of one’s spirit.” Ben’s tender spirit is evident in the writing, as he compares everyone to animals, both gentle and extreme. This makes THE FISHERMEN even more wrenching to partake as the story progresses. Ben writes, “I once heard that the heart of an angered man will not beat with verve, it will inhale and bloat like a balloon, but eventually deflate.” This is a novel that shows similarities and contrasts. This is a novel that speaks truly. This is a novel worthy of reading.
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Fortune Smiles: Stories
by
Adam Johnson
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 14, 2015
FORTUNE SMILES is the result of a Pultizer-winning author setting out to define the delicate line that separates the nearly indistinguishable facets of our lives. From East Germany to South Korea, in times past, present, and future: the line runs, thinly. As author Adam Johnson writes here, “The tricky part…is telling the difference between the two.” Father, son; husband, wife; punisher, victim: in six short stories, Johnson articulates the interwoven perspectives of each. His show: we’re not all that different, you and I. Nirvana “I just needed to save somebody, and with the president, it didn’t matter that it was too late.” With his wife paralyzed and suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome, our narrator sets about to resurrect the President via personal iProjectors. In a not-unfamiliar futuristic state of Google lanes and Android glasses, Johnson through soft-toned, clear-as-day descriptions such as the “long lashes and big, manga brown eyes” or “bad sushi chefs ward[ing] off Twitter trolls”, cuts to the heart: whom do we love? Hurricane Anonymous Randall’s father is dying; his son’s mother: missing. In the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, embittered Randall finds himself driving UPS routes with his still-in-diapers son, where “instead of seeing yourself in the windows of passing hosues, your reflection falls into their dark rooms.” He’s upset at seeing “what happens when Wal-Mart is your first responder” and that “nobody gave him free clothes and prepaid calling cards after he was evicted last year.” More importantly, he discovers what it means to be a father when all hell - familial and societal - surrounds him. Interesting Facts Adam Johnson steps in as the voice of his wife, telling a story full of autobiographic moments. Like nothing I’ve seen; my heart has been uniquely touched. Full of her “interesting facts”, she struggles with her husband adoring her “even though I had a double mastectomy.” Hilarious at times, judging other woman’s assets as being able to “do everything but chew bubble gum and make Hello Kitty hearts”, and then turning with phrases like ““Then it really hits you that you’re trapped inside a dying woman. You’re being buried alive.” Truly, this story shows: “The most vital things we hide even from ourselves.” George Orwell Was a Friend of Mine The daughter poses the challenge to the former German Prison warden: “I grew up with milk wagons driving down our street.” No, not milk. There holds a symbol of deception, especially of oneself. He says he wasn’t a bad father or a horrible man. Though, the narrator questions why his wife left along with being constantly reminded by the “recovering their voices” of his once imprisoned, no longer anonymous captives. He ponders with “all this information” today, “yet the world is more mysterious than ever.” Dark Meadow “In the world I no longer inhabit, where people exist only online, fantasy and deed are indistinguishable.” Similar to Tom Perrotta’s LITTLE CHILDREN, Johnson questions who is the thief and who is the victim. “You have to understand that I have never hurt anyone in my life and that I am the one who gets wounded in this story.” It is hard to tell the wounded, who felt “stubble against the back of your neck” during early childhood, and the sad, yet want-to-do-good remains of today. Fortune Smiles Johnson returns to the land of THE ORPHAN MASTER’S SON. Two defectors: “the longer they were here, the more it seemed their roles were reversing.” Viewing South Korea’s westernized culture of double-stack burgers and K-pop shoes, the philosophy of losing a country begins. Gone is the simple life, the nights of electric-less conversations. Now, the nights are illuminated via vast commercial-full television channels. Though a world away, the application is local. Adam Johnson’s writing goes beyond the skill of craft. As Ron Charles of The Washington Post says of this book, “FORTUNE SMILES will worm into your mind and ruin your balance for a few days.” Reading this will give you an all-points vantage of the world we live. A must, must read.
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Beautiful Bureaucrat
by
Helen Phillips
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 11, 2015
“The person who interviewed her had no face.” And thus begins the ride of discovery in this familiar, yet surreal novel: how far will someone go to preserve self and to preserve someone they love? When asked what her book is about, Helen Phillips replied, “I took to telling people I was writing a “poetic thriller” about a woman who gets a data entry job in a big, windowless building and then her husband begins to disappear.” Over seven years’ time, Phillips rewrote her novel - then, at over 300 pages - cutting it down to a deftly created adventure exploring the deepest meanings of our lives. “Every morning the Database awaited her like a living thing, luminous and familiar, alongside stacks of gray files.” This book is not about the future, it is set in 2013, in an eerily similar parallel world. Josephine, having left what feels like the suburbs, moving into what feels like a New York borough, is faced with survival. She succumbs to taking any income she can secure. In this case: accepting employment from an innominate robot-like boss known to the reader as “the Person with Bad Breath”. Her job: matching the consistency of the database to that of the piles of paper on her desk. “The Database hummed, hungry.” “But no need to be curious” is what her android boss tells her. “She spent the rest of the day working as diligently as a robot. A dutiful, mechanical heart.” Slowly, we witness the scratched, bare walls teeter Josephine’s resolve. Her eyes: red. Her nerve: broken. “We all eat at our desks” say her mostly hidden co-workers. “She found it impossible to be fastidious nowadays.” There is one chapter in particular where I didn’t know what was going on��"Josephine’s usual play on words was breaking apart. She would look at word like “legibly” and the writing would be: Write it legibly? Leg ably. Beg lily Despite the breakdown, we see the determination: “She didn’t need to understand her job; she just needed to keep it.” As you read this book, the author will remind you, “Wasn’t there a fairy tale about a girl with a spindle and a room of infinite straw?” Josephine, trapped by her own accord, trying to discover, obtain the undefined dream. ““I trust that you are thriving here?” She felt only somewhat deceitful as she nodded her agreement.” THE BEAUTIFUL BUREAUCRAT is much more than resolution under monotonous, necessary employment. This book’s essence is the relationship. As she comes home, her husband proclaims a toast, “To bureaucrats with boring office jobs. May we never discuss them at home.” Josephine is given a pomegranate - as represented on the book’s front cover - a gift. She’s unfamiliar with how to cut the fruit, to treat that gift. This is a small, subtle representation of the more powerful meanings later and throughout the book. The interplay between Josephine and her husband is both touching and mysterious. “He was naked and she was dressed but they both knew who was really naked and who was really dressed.” The unraveling as a result of the lonely, claustrophobic office is expedited by an often missing husband. “Without him she was just a lonely brain hurtling through space, laughing quietly to itself.” I thoroughly enjoyed the build-up in this book: the start of mystery, the hint of near-future robotic takeover, the control of bureaucracy - all to end in a surprising, touching conclusion. Helen Phillips has done an excellent job with THE BEAUTIFUL BUREAUCRAT, keeping my curiosity piqued throughout, and in the end, touching my heart.
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Armada
by
Ernest Cline
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 07, 2015
Pop culture fans of the 80s rejoice: ARMADA is an entertaining book. To me, it’s close to being the written equivalent of FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR. It’s fun; it’s campy. Don’t expect big plot twists or ENDER’S GAME quality characters. There’s no subtle foreshadowing or emotionally-driven dialogue: it’s easy-going from point A to B, in three sections. Ernest Cline delivers exactly what the description says: a high school kid gets to live out his favorite video game of defending the world against aliens. I’m going in with the disadvantage of never reading READY PLAYER ONE (RPO). It has been on my shelf for over a year, but other books kept getting precedent. Reading other reviews of ARMADA, it sounds like I need to go back and read RPO - immediately! The pop culture references were a lot of fun in this book; I’ve heard there is so much more in RPO. The references in ARMADA seem geared toward one type of person: those like me, who grew up playing video games and watching STAR WARS. Everything from the mother looking like Sarah Connors to his buddies yelling out, “Leeerrrrooyyy Jenkins!”. That was all fun. I just wish it wasn’t used to cover up the straight-forward plot. A dynamic plot full of these references would have made this an easy 5-star book. The writing style is flat. This feels like a movie script writer trying to write a novel. It’s obvious Cline had a lot of fun with this (as they reader will witness), but the writing wasn’t as crisp or passionate as a dedicated novelist would produce. I’d be remiss not to mention the beautiful dustjacket: both outside and in. Open up the book and you’ll find an awesome blueprint design of the ship featured in this book. Very cool! Thanks to Blogging for Books for providing this book for my review. It was fun and just enough to get me to finally give RPO a try.
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Between the World and Me
by
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 06, 2015
The author of this book denounces God, quits school, instills fear, encourages separation of races, and calls firefighters who died during 9/11 “not human” and “menaces of nature”. All in letters instructing his son. Ta-Nehisi Coates’s book BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME starts out powerfully - as the book we need. He speaks sharply about the unjustified, tragic killing of black men and the lack of punishment for their killers. He writes, “The destroyers will rarely be held accountable. Mostly they will receive pensions.” He speaks heartbrokenly about each as someone’s child, whose vessel was filled with thread-bare tires from travel for sports and countless hours of teaching: “And think of how that vessel was taken, shattered on the concrete, and all its holy contents, all that had gone into him…” It is saddening. Coates offers such powerful statements as “But race is the child of racism, not the father.” He talks poignantly about growing up in Baltimore and the overall foundation of America “you cannot forget how much they took from us and how they transfigured our very bodies into sugar, tobacco, cotton, and gold.” Truly, this could have been the book that achieved his goal: “Perhaps I might write something of consequence someday.” But Coates is conflicted. When his son was little, he would rush carefree into a crowd of kids, full of joy, no concern. Coates writes, “you have never been afraid of people, of rejection, and I have always admired you for this and always been afraid for you because of this.” Back-and-forth, Coates weaves a tale of fear, a worry, a denial of hope. “Hate gives identity” is what Coates writes. And though there is horrific history and modern day evils, Coates offers no hint of light. He stays bunkered in segregation. He labels he and his son as “blacks” and those that believe in “The Dream” as “people that think they are white”. He calls the latter “dullards”, who celebrate Martin Luther King’s words and as people selfishly hoping for unity. Coates instead proscribes to the eye-to-eye ideologies of “Malcolm, his body bound in a cell, studying the books, trading his human eyes for the power of flight.” Coates believes that “The Dream is the enemy of all art, courageous thinking, and honest writing.” It was his feelings toward 9/11 that hurt me most of all. As Coates stood on his balcony in New York, overlooking the plumes of smoke rising from the demolished Trade Center towers, he recalls of the police officers, firefighters, and rescue works that died, “They were not human to me. Black, white, or whatever, they were the menaces of nature; they were the fire, the comet, the storm, which could - with no justification - shatter my body.” Perhaps part of the issue is Coates sharp denouncing of God - Christian, Muslim, any. He repeatedly refers to himself as godless or ungodly to his son. His only god is found within “the body” of unified black men and women. They must resist “The Dreamers” ideology. Coates speaks sharply against getting an education. Again, the educational system belongs to The Dreamer (aka “the people who think they are white”). He refers to Howard University as “The Mecca”; he speaks highly of it throughout. Perhaps he forgot that he told his son early in these letters that he dropped out of school, out of “The Mecca”. That’s a large part of this book: off the top of his head thinking. He writes beautifully one moment, capturing attention, drawing honest conclusions. Then he’ll turn, contradicting, and - worst of all - driving wedges in already frail relationships. This book isn’t a message of hope. It is a message of fear and failure.
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Everything I Never Told You
by
Celeste Ng
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 05, 2015
EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU is everything I was hoping to find. If you read the opening lines and expect a murder mystery: you’ll be sorely disappointed. If you read the description and expect an ethnic narrative: there’s some of that, but again, you’ll be disappointed. If you are looking for literary brilliance and familial introspection: you’ll be enthralled. “He was mesmerized by her deftness.” As her characters admire one another, so I admire Celeste Ng. She offers a killer opening, crisp writing - a blend of beauty and mystery - and a goosebumps-producing ending. Tears were shed. Seemingly miniscule items, such as a smudge of yellow paint on the wall, carry huge emotional meaning. “She’d worked her way through it, a little each night, savoring the words like a cherry Life Saver tucked inside her cheek.” That’s how I treasured this book, such as Ng’s created daughter character did with her book - cherishing every morsel, every drop of flavor. Here’s such a line that caused me pause for no less than an hour: “The hypothetical past perfect, the tense of missed chances.” The fully realized characters are never without conflict: “I always had one kind of life in mind and things have turned out very differently.” Everyone has their own backstory, their own secrets, their own dreams. Each controls another in their own ways, each uniquely independent. Each are highlighted through chapters taken at different times and angles and perspectives. There are heart-wrenching moments that I can recognize in my own life, both as my own person and as a parent. Here in EVERYTHING I HAVE NEVER TOLD YOU, the main mother to her daughter is always, “plugging her ears by filling her head with dreams.” Meanwhile, the Harvard-bound son was largely a shadow in the background. “In a few months he would be gone, and she would be left alone to win friends and influence people and pioneer in science.” Life is fragile. Life is tender. As we watch the “moon drift across the sky like a slow balloon” we see the pressure placed upon a precious child. “She knew at last where everything had gone wrong. And she knew where she had to go.” It is almost unbearable to witness, yet it is all too familiar. My only complaint is that I’m now craving “eggs made five different ways.”
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Prisoners of Breendonk A World War II Concentration Camp
by
James M Deem
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 04, 2015
The more I read about the Holocaust, the less I know. There are piles of books in my library, fiction and non - they all point me to the forgotten moments, the unseen suffering, the unnamed heroes. And so it goes with the book THE PRISONERS OF BREENDONK: a passionate book thoroughly researched, strongly written. I feel hidden from the world. My grandfather, my heritage, comes from Belgium, yet I have never heard of this concentration camp just north of Brussels, guarding the south borders of Antwerp. Here, though not considered by the SS as a concentration camp, 303 of the 3,590 known prisoner died under abuse, starvation, or execution. There were no gas champers here: it was death by brutality. 1,741 of those prisoners were later transported to other camps, to their eventual deaths. The combination of written word, paired with pictures throughout, offers a staggering perspective. I’ve learned so many stories, how Belgians, both citizens and those retreating from other countries, both Jew and even non-Jew jailed from previously hating the German regime - all suffered. The book builds in narrative, highlighting personal stories, group travesty, and the overall history of Breendonk. The author, James M Deem, begins with the story of Israel Neumann, who once came through Ellis Island, residing in America, returned to Belgium, to his personal hell. The story concludes with the eventual liberation and the current standing of Breendonk today. This is not the story you’ve heard or seen about other concentration camps, but it is equally as powerful. The conversations and events have been carefully reconstructed through written documents, family history, court cases, and the author’s many trips to Breendonk itself. If you are at all interested in learning more: this book will stick with you for a long, long time.
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Drowned City Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans
by
Don Brown
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 04, 2015
At the end of this month, we will be remembering Hurricane Katrina on its tenth anniversary. That is hard to fathom. As memories tend to do: they fade. More so if you were secondhand witness to the events, as was I. DROWNED CITY, written and illustrated by Don Brown poignantly captures the essence - the memories - of a devastating hurricane. It is amazing how many details, subtle and bold, can be captured in the combination of art panels and word bubbles. Make no mistake, this graphic novel is thoroughly researched and powerfully accurate. (Brown includes several pages of his references in the back of the book; almost every panel is lifted from a direct quote of victim or participant.) I read this book with my children, both of whom were born after the events of Hurricane Katrina. I think I learned more than they did. It saddens me to think about the 5,000 children that were separated from their parents - separated by stretches of water that encompass land seven-times the size of Manhattan. I felt fear for those trapped in the rancid environments, their rescuers blockaded on the water by knots of living, poisonous snakes. Though this is an appropriate book for late elementary school readers, my children were emotionally torn at the thought of lost, sick animals (though the residential rescue of animals during Katrina has established new thinking for future events). To say I learned a lot from a graphic novel would be an understatement. This book has educated me, in knowledge, remembrance, and emotion. It’s simplicity is powerful; it’s message clear. Hold on to this and do not forget.
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NOS4A2
by
Joe Hill
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 03, 2015
This doesn’t help: my kids singing Christmas songs in the middle of summer. That’s right. While reading NOS4A2, a book about a draconian dream-weaver who kidnaps children, taking them to a macabre, bloodthirsty place called Christmasland--my own kids are scattering Santa notes throughout the house signing Jingle Bells in July. Not cool kids, not cool. My introduction to Joe Hill (AKA Stephen King’s son) started with his graphic novel WRAITH, which was written after NOS4A2, but serves as its prequel. WRAITH proved to me that Joe Hill was a sick and gross man. I loved it. You can see through the colorful drawings the children with rows and rows of sharp teeth, chasing down mean, abusive adults; those adults would be the kids’ next dinner. Blood and Christmas--what could be a better match? I am pleased with Hill’s non-illustrated foray into Christmasland in this book. If anything, the over 700 pages took me deeper into Charlie Manx’s twisted world, revealing the grotesqueness of it all. Even better: a kickbutt female anti-hero. Oh, yeah! Hill’s pages brought the build-up, mystery, and devilishness all to an exciting climax and sentimental close. My only critique is, as true with many of his father’s writings, this book felt like the bellows of an accordion: the writing was built-up in places where I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough, while in other places it was drawn out with over-detailed descriptions of comic outfits, airport food, or the carpet on the floor. You can tell he had fun writing this, but some of it should have been edited down. I also appreciated the similarity to what I refer to as King-isms. Stephen Sr. has a habit of concluding his chapters with a laidback observation that makes you laugh at the absurdity of what you’ve just read. It could be an astute observation to a life-inspection-worthy quote. It’s a great tool to engage the readers. If you can stomach, or even appreciate, the crude nature of its subject matter, or if you are just looking for more King-like writing, I think you’ll be pleased with NOS4A2. NOTE: If you haven’t seen it already, can you guess what the NOS4A2 license plate stands for?
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My Townie Heart
by
Diana Sperrazza
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 03, 2015
West Springfield, Massachusetts is not a hick town, as called in this book. It is a city of over 28,000 people with a median family income of over $50,000. Some of its early citizens were minutemen whom fought in the American Revolutionary War. Today, it is often referred to as the “crossroads of New England” due to the intersecting highways and rail lines that flow within its borders. I personally know many people from West Springfield, none of whom I would refer to as “hicks”. Right away, I am annoyed by Diana Sperrazza’s apparent class disparaging book MY TOWNIE HEART. I also do not tolerate racism. There’s a difference between characters in a novel whom are racist and narrators of a near-memoir that hint about the black man in dreadlocks or about the Puerto Rican that got his girlfriend pregnant and is now in jail. Parts of this book caused me to stop, ponder, and cringe. This book is barely fiction: it is a counseling session. We have to listen as the author bemoans her past. We are subject to the “woe is me” stories of her dropping out of school after doing too much crack, moving back into the home of alcoholic parents, and then developing debilitating agoraphobia. There are no fleshed out characters; there are no redeeming qualities. This isn’t a novel: it’s a memoir with a few changed facts and names. Perhaps there is a touch of parvenu to Ms. Sperrazza, thinking her experience is different than 99% of the American population. Although she does recognize there are similar working class towns spread across the country, she constantly relishes in the fact that she escaped. She fought the hard fight, broke through her imagined caste system, and now can live like those Mount Holyoke girls she once despised. The writing style isn’t broken, it’s just tiresome. Everything is edited well enough; the message came through as intended. The problem is, it reads like a long complaint letter. Yes, all was not roses in the family. Yes, there was tragedy and horrific abuses. No, there is not anything here to differentiate this story from thousands of others. No, there is not anything we can gain as readers. This is the author’s healing process that we happen to witness. As always, thank you to the publisher for sharing this book with me to review. The pages were tall with a ton of text on each. This made the book more thin and not as conducive to reading. Usually I’m a fan of “coming of age” books or books that address familial relationships. Not this time.
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The Secret Place
by
Tana French
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 03, 2015
I have missed the Tana French boat, and I regret it. Standing on the shore, I see my fellow readers waving the raving review flags and cheering for me to join along, but I fear it is too late. Or, is it? THE SECRET PLACE opens immediately with a gaggle of girls, following with a chapter, told in a detective’s narrative, referring to one of those girls by name: Holly. If you’ve read other Ms. French books, you already know both the detective and the girl very well. I do not know either. Here, I’m given the hint of a previous meeting, but not much in the way of summary or character introductions. Walking in with this disadvantage, I struggle to pull Holly out of the quickly introduced group of schoolmates. I follow along as the girls text, chat, gossip, and chew gum in their teenage ways. They split into rivaling groups. They meet groups of teenage boys. The characters bounce around in my head with hardly any structure. The stories of these teens are told between chapters of the detective, trying to further his career from cold cases to homicide cases, who is trying to find answers as to why one of those boys was killed. If alternating perspectives, mixed timelines, and a slew of characters sounds confusing: it is! This is especially true, as I mention above, if you have not read the previous Tana French novels. I feel disconnected. This saddens me because the quality of writing is superb. I like the slow unwinding of mystery, touched with a tease of paranormal mystique. Throw in a bunch of teenagers, acting as teenagers do, and the book twirls along splendidly. Even the detective, once I got to know him, is one of my favorite detectives I’ve read recently. I think this is Tana French’s strength: character exploration via natural character interaction. If I started with the proper footing, I think the loads of characters would be fine, even helpful, in telling this story. It ended up quite enjoyable. While it took me a while to warm up to this book, it has whetted my appetite for more. It’s time to go back. It’s time to read INTO THE WOODS and the other Tana French novels. It’s time for me to discover a wonderful author whom I have missed. Have you read THE SECRET PLACE or Tana French’s other novels? What are your recommendations for me?
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Mindless Eating
by
Brian Wansink
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 31, 2015
That fork in your hand--put it down, now! That bag of chips? Keep it in the back of your cupboard, or divide it into small baggies. These foods aren’t the only tempting culprits: we’re attacked from every side and angle. Within MINDLESS EATING, author Brian Wansink, through numerous examples, shows why we eat more than we think we do. This book isn’t just talk: it is fascinating science. It is entertainment that enlightens. Page-after-page, I’m enraptured by--what I call a prank--a study on ways that people eat more. Wansink is sickly hilarious at times. Whether he is giving away two-week-old stale popcorn to movie goers, or filling up college kids’ soup bowls from beneath the table, it’s all great. That’s the best type of learning--fun learning! There are a couple of chapters toward the back of the book that were wavering or a bit repetitive, but more often than not, there were new studies (tricks) that tested humankind’s fortitude and resistance to mindless munching. We’re susceptible to so much: an extra color in a bag of M&M’s; a trip to Costco; a larger plate. Little things add up to long-term calories. Will reading this book cause you to lose weight? Maybe, but probably not. To eat more, without knowing that we eat more, is easy. You could say it is--mindless. Wansink shows how professional bartenders pour more alcohol if the glass is wider at the base; he shows how scholars in food research will eat more their dinner plates are cleared by the waitresses regularly. Intelligence and knowledge are helpful in combating idle eating, but by no means guaranteed shields. Wansink also counteracts popular ideas found in books like SALT SUGAR FAT (review forthcoming), where food companies are villainized (perhaps, rightfully so) for making us crave their foods. Wansink counters that they are merely a business, looking to make money. If we take the same techniques, apply it to healthier foods, companies will follow the lead. Broccoli-flavored Oreos? Gross, but why not? If you’re even slightly interested in learning about your food habits, this book is a must.
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Rainey Royal
by
Dylan Landis
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 31, 2015
Comparing Dylan Landis to J.D. Salinger is not unfounded. Looking at Holden Caulfield in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE next to the protagonist here in RAINEY ROYAL-they are strikingly similar. Left on their own accord, they test the barriers of moving into adulthood. It’s a societal critique, a social commentary. For the record: I was never a fan of Salinger. As a father to a daughter, this book terrifies me. It made me very uncomfortable. I won’t detract that from the book; we need books to stretch our boundaries. Here, Rainey, the main character, is left by her mother to live with her morally relaxed father and his male friend live-in. Together they, father and friend, are host to various up-and-coming musicians, usually of the female variety. Doors swing open in their communal living arrangements, leaving no questions about nightly activity. Rainey, a young teen girl, is left without guidance; she’s left to define her own self, her own sexuality. As they said with Salinger, so they’ll say about Landis, this book could be dangerous. Rainey discovers her power: over male teachers, over classmates of both sexes, over anyone whose eyes she catches. No responsibility is taken with this great power. As a reader, you’ll witness the effects as Rainey grows with this into age 20, both from her, and from those whom she has affected. What I detract from this book is the jarring nature of reading it: back and forth in time with no warning, no stylish tools, just a juxtaposition of narrative. Things are further complicated toward the end when the actual narrator changes. The writing style is what I didn’t like about Catcher, the same applies here. Though the styles are different, both distract from the emotion and progression of the story. While the stylistic choice isn’t for me, others will take confidence from this book, whether they relate or whether they learn from Rainey. Again, though, I was too distracted to do either. Thank you to Soho Press for providing this book for my review.
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Body Counts A Memoir of Activism Sex & Survival
by
Sean Strub
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 30, 2015
Have a seat: you are on the front row of witnessing a rights movement in America. Your host is Sean Strub. His story: the book BODY COUNTS. True to its description, this book is a walk through a multi-decade fight of a group of fellow Americans, not just for equal rights and awareness, but also a fight against persecution and against fear itself--of having to stay hidden. We are living history now: Strub takes us back to its roots. When growing up, while other teens were memorizing stats of sports stars, Strub was stalking political careers. He knew the voting records, the election histories, and everything else about everyone on Capitol Hill. His zeal for politics brought him into the heart of it all. We, the readers, are given joint insider access. With no pun intended, we are taken from the ground, up. (Strub started as an elevator operator at the Capitol, later given a job operating an exclusive elevator accessing secret, unmarked rooms of the Capitol with Senators and special guests. Later in life, he ran as the first openly HIV-positive candidate for office, and has since been seen at high level activist events, such as the UNAIDS conference.) Reading this feels like a true-to-life Forrest Gump movie. I don’t mean that to belittle--it is a huge compliment. I love the historical interaction of Gump, and I love the historical interaction that Strub has with a LOT of household names. Having grown up in the 80’s, this book brought me back--ith a new vantage point. There are historical moments I remember from news stories, and now there are historical moments seen from behind the scenes. It’s great. EVERYONE is named in full detail. It’s a who’s who list of people involved. This book isn’t just about the movement, but also about a disease still misunderstood today: HIV/AIDS. It’s about the stigmatization and unawareness of such. It’s not just about being helped, but being empowered. It’s about hope. Most importantly, it’s about living. WARNING: those squeamish or offended by details, enter with caution. This book does not hold back. You may not even want to read this paragraph. Strub wants to share with you a perspective you may not be aware of, both being a sexually active gay and in being someone surviving a relentless disease. You’ll find graphic details about everything from bloody underwear to throat-located yeast infections. It isn’t always pretty. I listened to this book via Audible, narrated by David Drake. Mr. Drake did an excellent job of keeping the pace and emotion of the chapters without being overly dramatic or - a possible worse offense - without being boring. His tone was confident and appealing. In the introduction, he built the energy of the protest in New York City, as well as capturing the realization of having friends about to die. The following chapters were proceeded with a calm, well-paced buildup of Strub’s work. Drake vocalizes other characters, giving a since of who they are: from sweetly, soft-spoken Tennessee Williams, to the boisterous, baritone senator. As an aside, this is my first time using the Audible app on my new phone (used to use it only on the computer). I love it! I could adjust the speed of playback, which helped if I wanted to get through it quickly, or slow down for understanding.
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Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World
by
Ella Frances Sanders
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 29, 2015
Ella Frances Sanders understands that words have beauty. Some words are so beautiful, they can only be expressed in their native language. That’s what this book is about. Sometimes you want to express yourself with just the right word. As a book reviewer, I only wish I had words to use like the Italian “Commuovere”: verb, to be moved in a heartwarming way, usually relating to a story that moved you to tears. Each of Ella’s fifty words and definitions are illustrated in lively color, showcasing the unique meanings. If you need a gift to appeal to a dragon (enter big green, angry looking red dragon), then you should have your “drachenfutter” at the ready! For us book lovers, we probably can relate to the piles of books illustrated under the word “tsundoku”. This is a fun book that is great to look at, especially with friends. Thanks to Blogging for Books and Ten Speed Press for providing this book for me to review.
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Finders Keepers
by
Stephen King
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 29, 2015
It took me almost two months to write this review because: I’m sad. This is not the same Stephen King that I love and adore. This is not the author that ignited my passion for reading. This is someone…different. Am I losing my mind? Hopefully not. I pulled a few of King’s latest novels from the shelf to compare. They all start with a tightly wound narrative that compels you to read more. In FINDERS KEEPERS: the words are loose and stringy. It’s as if King took everything he wrote in ON WRITING and did the opposite. Whereas he once wrote, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs,” he now fills the margins with such. He also wrote, “To write is human, to edit is divine.” He admonished upcoming authors to use words sparingly and let the reader believe in their own intelligence. Here, we have EVERYTHING spelled out for us, detail by detail. The suspense has no air to be kept alive. This book is a what-you-would-expect detective story with added King-isms. His fans will appreciate the nods to his own writings and the character personifications of Sai King himself. I also appreciate King’s appreciation of works from other notable authors. We see King’s fingerprints throughout, though it’s not what we expect from King himself. No, it is not a total loss. There are small hints of paranormal (King, stick with what you know--what we love!). The story moves along at a Kingly pace. And, yes, the characters are twisted and different. But I don’t think many of us are fond of the heavier, older detective character, which miraculously recovered from the last novel and is now on the ‘right track’ of health. Isn’t King fond of that quote about killing his darlings? If you are a fan of MR. MERCEDES, you’ll cheer along for this one. More of the same. The tie-ins are there: the job fair, the Mercedes killer, the detective and crew. FINDERS KEEPERS is its own, independent book that can be read (and perhaps enjoyed) without having to have read the previous book, or any of King’s other books. Perhaps that’s the point. King spreads his wings for a bigger audience by throwing in more pop cultural references and changing his writing style to be a main stream catch. To me though, his recent books like 11/22/63 or JOYLAND accomplish that same goal without having to change the Stephen King that fans love. I must also thank Scribner for sending this book to review. I’m still a fan of King, as I am of a many of Scribner titles.
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Killer Next Door
by
Alex Marwood
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 28, 2015
In the hands of a masterful writer, this would have been a great book. Creepy elements, close-quartered living, varied pasts of each character: the author’s playground. And yet, it falls short. Instead, what you’ll read feels like a youthful writer trying to copy her mentors: quick, loose writing with a splattering of obvious thesaurus look-ups. There’s no flow, no rhythm. Sentences jump from cliché to cliché. Paragraphs confuse narratives within themselves. I’ve seen authors move from third to first-person perspectives with alternating chapters, but never within the same paragraph. It’s jarring. The dialogue is unbelievable; the description is full of British colloquialisms that will trip Western readers. The meanings prevent attachment to readers. The setting is inconsistent: dark and gritty throughout, but when the author thinks she’s found a clever metaphor, you may find something referencing beauty and color. The contradiction isn’t intentional. All is not lost, though. KILLER NEXT DOOR will fill the salacious desires for readers of the genre. There’s gore aplenty and crimes abound. For the niche that can stick to it, they’ll walk away satisfied. For the rest of us that prefer more intrigue or crafty point-to-point writing, there are other books for us to choose.
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Primates of Park Avenue A Memoir
by
Wednesday Martin
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 27, 2015
If you’ve been to Manhattan, no matter where in the borough, you’ve probably done your own anthropological studies. I know I have. There’s a wide variety to choose from: everything from the naked cowboy to the limo-chauffeured movie stars. It’s hard not to stare. Among the more curious species living in New York are the socialites living in the high rise towers overlooking Central Park, where the rent is in the millions. They are the ones that walk through the throng of window shoppers on 5th Avenue, purchasing thousands of dollars’ worth of clothes without causing a dent on their black AmEx. Yes, this is the same curious group that hosts presidential candidates and have Ivy League schools construct buildings in their name. Enter Wednesday Martin: a trained researcher from the Midwest. You would not be far off in thinking PRIMATES ON PARK AVENUE is a grown-up, scientific version of MEAN GIRLS. Although not as high-school catty, the pristine ladies have their own issues (many issues!). Forget Beats by Dre or Nike shoes to be cool: if you’re not dropping the average American worker’s pay into a purse whose name you can’t pronounce, you’re out. Yes, these women are craaaazy. All in the name--the image. High heels hurting your feet? Get an injection. Gaining weight during pregnancy? Exercise more; starve yourself. Think you’re getting old at 30? Botox, baby. Don’t let the glamorous, woman-appealing cover keep you away from this book. I’m a dude, and I enjoyed it. Wednesday Martin crafts a well-written account of these rich women with hilarious and poignant comparisons to those animals we’re accustomed to seeing on National Geographic. Remember the mall water fountain scene in MEAN GIRLS? It was funny and got the point across, didn’t it? Martin doesn’t go into specific names of the Manhattan mommies, but there’s plenty of detail to keep you engaged. It’s not a reality show; it is a study; it is a learning experience. If Martin’s point was to build empathy, it’s not there. She was/is part of this group. Yes, she went through ordeals, especially effecting her own health and her unborn child’s health, but it is hard for the reader to have empathy for someone spending $10,000 for a single plate of food. Again, it is an entertaining study. What I most appreciate from this book, though, is how surprised I was at its theme. It’s not just “oh look at these silly rich people”; it is more of how we are the same, no matter the social status or size of our imported leather, gilded wallets. We seek belonging and social support. And while the Upper East Side Mommies Club might look different--and they are--than the group of moms on a blanket in some small town, Midwestern city park: the human needs are about the same.
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Sudden Light
by
Garth Stein
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 23, 2015
Yawwwwwwnnnnn!! Garth Stein’s potentially amazing book turned out to be a serious bore. I couldn’t recommend to enough people his book THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that book had it all: heart, soul, and mind (and not many clichés). I can see what Garth was trying to accomplish in A SUDDEN LIGHT, and not just a quick cash-grab. The protagonist tells the story through the eyes of a seemingly innocent soul--"through the eyes of a child. This is not unlike the protagonistic viewpoint of Garth’s former novel, told through the innocence of a dog looking back through his life and time spent with family. And like the former novel, this new novel highlights the importance of family, traditions, and overall life values. But something is missing. The child vantage point wasn’t unique enough for Mr. Stein. The child wasn’t as fresh or interesting as a dog, seeking to be reincarnated into a human. Mr. Stein needed something else. Enter: the old house. No! Still not enough! Enter: the ghost story! Too much, Garth, too much. Trying to tie it all together lost the magic that Racing in the Rain had: simplicity. And from that simplicity, we as readers drew the lines to our own lives. We walked away with practical lessons and cherished moments. Here: none of that. And so, this novel becomes confusicated. In efforts to connect the over-reaching elements to the simplicity of life, the details become boring. Where there should be action or excitement, there is tedious, drowsy-eyed reading. Where there should be warmth and heart-felt moments, there is head-pounding frustration. It’s not all bad. It’s just not what fans are expecting. You’ll find your usual tropes of split families and haunted pasts, all mixed together. It’s what you’ve come to expect from the popular press; it’s a mixed bag of trying -to- scratch- your -feelings efforts, hoping to climb the best seller charts. But, you know what? We can tell when it’s fake, versus true heart.
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The Girl on the Train
by
Paula Hawkins
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 16, 2015
This book should aptly be called, Drunk Girl on Train: Crime Solver Edition. I’ve never seen the mechanism of drunkenness used for the slow reveal of ‘who dunnit?’. It’s brilliant, in a way. Without giving too much away: one girl is a messed-up drunk; another girl is a messed-up housewife; another girl..well..we don’t know too much of her present, just some messed-up, dark issues of her past. The book starts with a mysterious burial of a body and then later reveals a person gone missing. The comparisons to GONE GIRL are not without merit. I’m going to judge this book on “are we there yet?” moments versus “Holy Crap!!” moments. That’s what we expect from a GONE GIRL-like book, right? That made-into-a-movie book had back-and-forth narratives that twisted us around, shocked us, and left us begging to know what was going to happen. Until the crappy ending (please don’t disappoint us again, Gillian Flynn). Yes, I’ll judge this hopetfully-future-movie book on the ending, too. Just hang on. The first few chapters have that “Holy Crap!!” build-up. First the dedication to the buried body, then the crazy girl-with-issues on the train, ripping Band-Aids off her skin, digging nails into her wounds. Initial impression: this book is going to be CRAY-zy! Not quite. At least not from cover-to-cover. As the narratives flip back and forth and the fog of blacked-out drunkness begin to lift around 200 pages into it, you begin to wonder, “are we there yet?” Characters are developed in a solid manner, but you wonder if they are withholding information. That’s irksome. If a book doesn’t have a lot of action or twists, then tell us what’s happening! Such a tease. But I have to say, almost all is forgiven in the last several chapters of the book. Things get intense! Again, no spoilers here. Maybe those apparent lulls were a sign of skillful writing: it was all anticipation and build-up. And unlike GONE GIRL, I was actually satisfied with the ending. Kickass girls FTW!! (For the win.) This book is a page-turner that is great for the summer beaches. It has more “Holy Crap!!” than “are we there yet?” moments; in my opinion, that equals a net gain!
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The Happiest People in the World
by
Brock Clarke
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 30, 2015
If Wes Anderson wrote a book, it would probably look like Brock Clarke’s THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. That’s a good thing��"for some people. The last Anderson movie I saw, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, had a lot of characters, a bit of intrigue, and doses of wit. It also has a 3.9 rating on Amazon. THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD does much of the same: characters, intrigue, wit, and an above average rating. It’s good, but not for everyone. Let’s start with the base point: satire. It’s cerebral and usually toys with topics you’ve seen in the news. If you aren’t “in the know” and aren’t willing to play along, you’re going to have a bumpy ride. Satires are not known as beach-worthy page turners. They require you to pay attention, otherwise you may really think there’s a live moose on the wall and those people on the ground are either laughing or drunk. Happiest people starts with a cartoonist drawing a beheaded Muhammed and then plays around in the seemingly quiet areas of upstate New York. Everything on the cover is true: CIA, terrorists, bored families…whatever you can imagine, really. Did I mention the Wes Anderson connection? The setting is a comedic playground of which I’m not sure the author took full advantage. I take that back. Maybe the author did take full advantage of the comedy in it all, but the name changes and characters dilute the punchline from the otherwise daunting mental follow-along. Throw these happy people on the screen with Anderson’s name on it and it may actually win him his first Oscar. Age-changing, name-changing characters are sometimes easier to follow when they look the same. (P.S. thank you to the Wachowskis and Tom Hanks for helping me better understand David Mitchell’s CLOUD ATLAS: similar situation with characters). Bottom line: if you have the patience to follow along, you’ll definitely get a few chuckles, if not some guffaws. Humor is all about surprise and there are quite a few surprising moments throughout. Do as I did and digest this book a chapter at a time. Let the humor sink in and wait for the punchline to hit. I give this book a 3.9 and nominate it for an Oscar, once it hits the screen.
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The Wheel of Healing
by
Michelle S. Fondin
Ryan DeJonghe
, October 29, 2014
This is the best book I’ve found that introduces the Eastern whole-healing philosophy without being too “out there”. The author doesn’t require the chanting of foreign mantras while requiring a strict vegan diet. She keeps it real. I appreciate Michelle Fondin’s approach to the ayurvedic lifestyle: health is beyond a set of symptoms--it is a life balance. She presents the entire wheel of health: physical, spiritual, emotional, relationship, occupational, financial, and environmental. And like the multi-spoke wheel, so each of these life-spokes build around the middle: you. THE WHEEL OF HEALING opens with a related quote I love: “Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that allows the wheel to function.” ��" Tao Te Ching Fondin begins her book talking about the ayurvedic lifestyle and finding your dharma, or purpose (she does well to define terminology, but also includes an index of sanskirt terms). There is a brief, two-page-ish section that tries to help you find your life’s dashas. Think of it as a personality test, of sorts. Yet, this is an overview, not the definitive resource. This book deals much more in the context of the earlier mentioned “spokes” of life and seeks not to intimidate. While Fondin has trained with and presented for the likes of Chopra, her style does not come across nearly as demanding. Chopra says no meat; Fondin suggests a certain percentage. Chopra says no microwave; Fondin suggests eating cooked food within 24 hours. This is based upon you and what you are comfortable with changing. As the title suggests, this is “an easy guide” to a more well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. We read about non-forceful pathways to overall improvement. This book is easy to read through and implement. There are plenty of sections with spaces to write notes that help make this a personal journey. The author realizes that “social conditioning is not easy to overcome” and allows room for the growing process. The pictures of various sun salutations at the end of the book were a nice touch, too. This is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone seeking more than a symptom check. For this, I thank the author for sending me the book to review. I want to mention one more quote featured in the book: “Even if a physician has profound book knowledge, without entering into the patient’s heart with the flame of love and the light of knowledge, one cannot properly treat disease.” ��" Charaka Samhita V: 4/12
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Book of Strange New Things
by
Michel Faber
Ryan DeJonghe
, October 28, 2014
Reading THE BOOK OF STRANGE NEW THINGS is like eating finely seasoned roast beef between two pieces of Wonder bread. As one would not mix gourmet with consumer brand, so authors should not allow delectable ideas with forgettable words. The author’s material is built upon an exceptional idea--perfect fodder for numerous literary awards. The key piece being: unique. However, this powerhouse of thought does not have the structure to support its efforts. What I love: a missionary taking the Bible to an alien race, and leaving his wife on earth. I’ve read several Bible missionary books and they all take their wives along. To split the couple, not just by continent, but by orbits, is a daring risk that’s full of potential. To have an alien race embrace words of the Bible is refreshing and interesting. Add in a futuristic earth with all of its problems, both political and personal, and the whole thing is nearly perfect. But then… What I loathe: the writing style and characters. Michel Faber is a talented writer; I’m not sure why he took such a casual approach here. The conversations and inner-character thought dialogues are the most troubling; the words try too hard to be everyday man, laid back. The writing is not tight, nor does it seek constant answers to the deep questions. The structure of the plot begs these questions to be asked. It is like playing a volleyball game with a perfect set and a spike that lobs softly over. The characters are questionable from the get-go. The relationship between the husband and wife is not believable, nor is their love for their cat. Bizarre, really. As a former evangelical minister myself, the missionary’s relationship with God and the Bible reeks of fiction. Is the novel redeemable? Absolutely. The ideas and context will stir in your mind for days. You’ll ask yourself questions about current culture, politics, religion, and treatment of others. Chances are, you’ll wonder at the newness of things taken for granted. It’s a lovely premise that’s worthy to read, despite the lightweight writing style to support it all. I want to thank Crown and Random House for providing an electronic review copy of this book to review.
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Me, Inc.: Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Life and Business
by
Simmons, Gene
Ryan DeJonghe
, October 23, 2014
One of the most shocking things about the new Gene Simmons book: it is actually good. At first glance, the faux leather cover and ribbon book marker make Simmons’s ME, INC. appear as expected: contrived. Quite the contrary. Die-hard KISS fans may not find much new here, besides some added inspiration. For the uninitiated, as I was, this book provides a keen insight on what made (and makes) Gene Simmons successful. As he describes it, his own due diligence and self-educating created his empire and the throne he sits upon. For someone chasing the proverbial American dream, Simmons provides quite the example. This is a tamer, more heartfelt Simmons. And yes, I just used the word “heartfelt” in the same sentence as Simmons. Probably the most rowdy statement in this book is Simmons’s proclamation that everyone should learn English and speak it without an accent��"as he did. Otherwise, Simmons exposes his many failures, the risks he took, and the successes he achieved, all in inspiring detail. Think of him as the Zig Ziglar of Rock and Roll. Simmons’s voice is authentic throughout. As far as I can tell in the writing, and from what is written in the acknowledgements, I don’t think Simmons used a ghost writer. From what he speaks of his own hard work, it is not surprising that he would labor over a keyboard to produce this. Every chapter ends with a not-necessarily-related quick blurb about success, such as knowing how money is exchanged and putting your all into something. They are nice to read, but the real meat and interest lies within the chapter. In all, this is a better book than expected and quite motivating. The stories were fascinating to read and the advice seems sturdy. Thanks, Dey Street, for sending it to me for review.
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Stone Mattress Nine Tales
by
Margaret Atwood
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 17, 2014
What did I just step into? Hole-e-cow. Here’s a confession: STONE MATTRESS is my first Margaret Atwood reading experience. Allow me to pick my jaw off the floor and stop my tail wagging as I move on with this review. I’ll need your help at the end. I’ve read a bunch of short story collections this year and this is the best one I’ve read so far. This includes prize-winning authors and award-nominated collections. Several stories here are joined by theme or characters, but all are delicious and unique. Again, as my first foray into the world of Atwood, I’m impressed. What grips me is her style of writing--consistent throughout all nine stories. She builds emotion, writes with intelligence, portrays the human condition, and dazzles with her wit. And then she pokes in a twist, or two. Or three. I don’t think I’ve been this consistently entertained by any other collection of stories. Usually one or two stand alone, but Atwood nails it throughout. For instance, I have an indelible image of a cold man shivering as he tries to start his car. As a reader, I am lead by Atwood to feel sorry for this man. She delivers a few male-oriented puns and jokes to help us commiserate with him in his frozen and unfortunate position. A paragraph break later, we see him as a miserable piece of scum. We stand applauding the cheer-worthy woman, thanks to Atwood’s reversal of circumstance, narration, and tone. But that story is only half complete… What I have witnessed here is a master of the language and a writer exceling at her craft. I apologize if this seems gushing, but it is well deserved. Poetic and stylish, her stories are woven into near-perfection. And here is where I need your help: as I have skipped the last part of her latest trilogy for fear of being lost, where should my next Margaret Atwood book begin? I must also thank Nan A. Talese for sharing this wonderful book with me to review.
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Happiness of Pursuit Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life
by
Chris Guillebeau
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 17, 2014
This book is not about happiness. Throughout, the author writes about loneliness, failure, despair, and the “post-quest funk”. If you are seeking a book about happiness, I have some recommendations for you below. Instead, this book is about the quest. It is about channeling your inner Don Quixote and dreaming your impossible dream--and then going for it! This book is a guide: about picking your quest, planning your quest, and achieving your quest. Are you ready? Author Chris Guillebeau says you are. Quests come in all shapes and sizes. THE HAPPINESS OF PURSUIT gives you plenty of examples. You can decide knit or crochet 10,000 hats like Robyn Devine, or you can produce the world’s largest symphony performance like Gary Thorpe, or you can run marathons in 99 countries like John “Mad Dog” Wallace. The quest is up to you. It’s yours. Here are the categories that Guillebeau presents: Academic Activism Athleticism Exploration Independence Self-discovery Creative Documentation Guillebeau provides ways to discover your ideal quest, how to fund and prepare for it, how to keep a positive mindset during the lonely periods, and what to do if things don’t exactly tie-up. All of this kept reminding me of this quote from Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” Guillebeau has an inviting writing style that you’ll connect with. He talks and relates to everything from Shakespeare to video games. Judging by the other stellar reviews, Guillebeau has already made that connection hundreds of times. Overall, if you need motivation, guidance, or support for your quest, THE HAPPINESS OF PURSUIT should be your go-to guide. And you are welcome for getting “To Dream the Impossible Dream” stuck in your head. As for those books about happiness, I recommend these: 10% HAPPIER by Dan Harris HARDWIRING HAPPINESS by Rick Hanson THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle (my favorite of the bunch) Thank you Harmony for sending this book to me for review.
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The Bone Clocks
by
Mitchell, David
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 11, 2014
“Our most lusted-after gong, the Brittan Prize, has--scandalously--eluded his grasp so far, but many believe that 2015 could finally be his year.” Alas, as the nearly-prophetic David Mitchell transcribes, this year, just shy of 2015, is not his year, either. Mere days ago that prize eluded him once more. The week has been bitter-sweet, though. Three days into sales and Mitchell’s THE BONE CLOCKS has been seizing top rankings from New York’s finest newspaper. Rightfully so, performing better than his self-created reflective characters. Congrats, Sir Mitchell. I’m sour mostly because in both CLOUD ATLAS and now in THE BONE CLOCKS the character authors are my favorite. They seem to connect me with near- intimacy to the genius author’s mind. Yes, pieces of Mitchell lie scattered about: a stammer mention, a reference to Tom Hanks, but the most provocative and drawing are the inmost thoughts of the penmen. Take for instance: “A writer flirts with schizophrenia, nurtures synesthesia, and embraces obsessive-compulsive disorder. Your art feeds on you, your soul, and, yes, to a degree, your sanity. Writing novels worth reading will bugger up your mind, jeopardize your relationships, and distend your life. You have been warned.” Sigh. Perhaps his craftsmanship is too great for the prize. The first chapter of CLOUD ATLAS could not be read without an accompanying dictionary; each layer of time withdrew a complexity of articulation. The opening of THE BONE CLOCKS drops us into a teenage mind during the era of Cyndi Lauper. Judging by the ease of reading and the warmth of character, I would dare say the craft of writing was no less of a task--rather far more difficult--making effort seem without. That’s okay, because I still enjoyed this book immensely. It played my emotions, it toyed with my thoughts, and it danced in my heart. What else does a good book need? I conclude with another self-prophesizing quote from THE BONE CLOCKS, “He was doing quite well until the last sentence, but if you bare your arse to a vengeful unicorn, the number of possible outcomes dwindles to one.” That outcome for me resulted in deep appreciation. Wonderful. Thank you Random House for sending this to me for review.
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Station Eleven
by
Emily St John Mandel
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 09, 2014
Last night was a beautiful night. The moon was full and reflecting gorgeously over the water. A ship was waiting off the coast with its lights on, probably waiting to pull into New York today. As I took in the scene, I was reminded Emily St. John Mandel’s novel STATION ELEVEN. In it, a character was sitting on a similar beach, yet in a country across the world and at a different time. Yet that beauty was shared. And throughout this novel, even at the worst and most tragic of times, beauty remains. There are leaves holding several places in my copy of this book. I read most of this in the woods sitting by a campfire last week. The leaves mark places of the book I enjoyed��"there are many. The leaves remind me of the rustic future Emily paints. There are no more airplanes, no more refrigerators, no more of our daily conveniences: the things that we so easily take for granted and let slip through our daily lives unnoticed. Poignant would be a great word to describe the effectiveness of this novel’s writing. The characters are shown in various time periods: the fondness of yesteryear, the reality of today, and the glimpse of future, both cursed and hopeful. Connections are shared throughout, showing how one act precipitates another. There is a sense of tightness though the chapters are often broken in their order. As with other great authors, but unique in her own voice, Emily St. John Mandel brings out the enriched, realness of each character and emotion. What stood out brilliantly in my mind are the simple things of life--the things from which produce happiness and satisfaction. Poetic would be another excellent word to describe STATION ELEVEN. It is not spare like McCarthy, but neither does it flounce in excessive verbiage. In the end, my message is this: this book is about beauty, everyday beauty. Cherish it, embrace it, be it. Thanks to Emily St. John Mandel, we can see it. Thanks to A.A. Knopf for sending this to me for review.
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Bend Your Brain: 151 Puzzles, Tips, and Tricks to Blow (and Grow) Your Mind
by
Marbles the Brain Store
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 08, 2014
I’ve been trying the puzzles in BEND YOUR BRAIN the last few days, and my brain hurts. That’s a good thing! Thanks to the variety of included puzzles, I can feel myself thinking differently. Sounds weird, but it’s true. In my recently reviewed books like THE ORGANIZED MIND or HOW WE LEARN, I know to pick up associations and patterns and to minimize distractions: this book helps me do that. Doing these puzzles over the weekend has helped my work performance today. Variety is king. A lot of these types of puzzles I’ve seen before: mazes, Sudoku, and crosswords, etc. Then they change the method (and madness) on several of these: random letters instead of numbers in Sudoku, mazes covering front-and-back pages, and several hundred dot-to-dots. Then!--they add puzzles I’ve never seen before such as linking words through various shapes, strategizing the placement of battleships, and making compound words from pictures. There are various levels of intensity, but some of the “mind blowing” puzzles may seem easier than the “warming up” puzzles. Depends on the person, I suppose. All that is not without its faults. Sometimes I can’t tell what something is by its black & white picture (is that a piece of gum or sandpaper?). They ask me to identify a corporate logo I’ve never seen before. The dot-to-dots run down into the crease of the book. They ask me to recall the date the original TWILIGHT book was released (really?!?). They ask me to know the year the Starz movie channel was founded (again, really?!?). And they want me to identify celebrities by the photos of their mouths (fill-in-the-blank nonetheless). Overall the good outweighs the bad or frustrating. I like this book so much that I want more! There are a lot of challenging and fun puzzles that I’ll continue to look forward to completing. Thanks to Blogging for Books for sending this book to me for review.
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The Small Big: Small Changes That Spark Big Influence
by
Steve J. Martin and Noah Goldstein and Robert Cialdini
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 08, 2014
I just finished THE SMALL BIG yesterday and have already implemented one of the 52 ideas today. I have plans to use another idea later today, and I’ll still be implementing these ideas tomorrow and the next day. Here’s my advice: buy this book and keep it near your desk. Similarly-themed books feature studies done by other scientists��"which is cool��"but there was a surprising amount of research conducted by the authors themselves. The intimate feel of the self-conducted research and their writing made each small BIG feel approachable and applicable. There’s a plethora of journal studies conducted by other formable scientists, too. Each of the 52 chapters feature one-to-three studies each: all referenced in the back of the book. Every chapter is short (about three to five pages), making it perfectly digestible for reading a few a day. They are all outlined at the beginning so you can pick and choose what you think you’ll need. Some chapters build on each other; the authors do a great job of highlighting what you may have missed. Everything is covered from employee productivity to gaining effective online reviews. The writing is clear and concise. I would have liked more bullet-pointed features or bolding, such as their counterpart books offer, but the brevity of chapters and italicized subjects worked fine. The biggest issue I want addressed is the length of each study. For instance, one small BIG was to provide meaning to the task. The authors used a study where call center employees were given something to read that provided intrinsic motivation for the job. This group’s calls drew more donations compared to the control groups. However, what happens to their motivation over time? Would this approach desensitize if used daily over a month or a year? The authors include a final chapter showing how some techniques can be combined, while other combination effects could come across as gimmicky or un-authentic. That’s the catch of it all: knowing and implementing these tools without appearing as the stereotypical used car salesman. You know what I mean. Learn the tools of influence, but keep it real. You’ll sleep better at night. Whether you are the boss or the employee, the parent or the teacher, the neighbor or the friend, these are some great tools powered by the latest research that will surely benefit your life. Like I said before, keep this book at your desk and you’ll be using this tools today and tomorrow, too. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending this book to me for review.
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Moment of Everything
by
Shelly King
Ryan DeJonghe
, September 02, 2014
Shelly King has stolen my heart: books, love, and fantastic writing. A few months ago a great book called THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY came out. It had everything I like in a book; it was essentially a love letter to people who love books. The only faults may be that the story was straight-forward and a bit short. Predictable, if you will. Author Shelly King takes these premises and fills in any shortcoming in her newest book THE MOMENT OF EVERYTHING. Indeed, she has offered everything. As a tech lover and fellow nerd, I found much to relate to within King’s writing. Her experiences working within Silicon Valley shine through, from everything from Farmville references, to beating tunes on Guitar Hero, to programming the latest iPHone app. King won me over with her written description of becoming “the mayor” of a local independent book store��"two wins: books and tech. I couldn’t put this down. I know, I know, you’ve heard that cliché before. But seriously, King’s writing displays such a warmth and comfortable feeling that you’ll instantly connect. Go ahead, check out the first page of the preview: I bet you can’t resist turning to the second page. King taunts you, by telling you that books aren’t the magic elixir everyone says they are. And yet… The plot. I had no idea where King was taking me. Sure, I read the description and even peeked at the end-of-book group discussion guide, but the story was wonderful (and as mentioned before…addictive). There are several levels of characters, both the ones we meet in the margins of a classic and heavily used book, and the ones frequenting the book store. Each one is relatable and recognizable to our everyday life. Bottom line, this is a great story written incredibly well. This will be a big hit for anyone loving a good book, especially those appreciating books in used condition, and for anyone looking for an unexpected love story. Bravo, Shelly King. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending this to me for review.
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The Dhammapada for Awakening
by
Abbot George Burke
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 29, 2014
I’m not a fan of labels, but the best description of this review is of a “Christian” reviewing a “Buddhist” book. This is a timely book that coincided with my reading of TANTRIC COCONUTS. That book was a work of fiction with a life-teaching lesson that illuminated my eyes to this: a person can deepen their Christian practice by also following the teachings of the Buddha. To some, this is sacrilege. To the open and willing, there is amazement and transformation. While many Buddhist Christian books focus on the Gospel of Thomas, and the producers of this book have much of that on their website, this book stays away from that focus. This book is primarily a teaching of the Buddha with many ancillary Biblical scriptures used for effect. Note: if you are reading this to deeper your Christian walk, make sure you are already familiar with the Biblical scripture used; know what you already believe. As for this book itself, it took me a long time to work through it. This is a working commentary that often causes moments to pause, ponder, and reflect, inspiring long moments of meditation. I appreciated the introduction to many of the written words and sayings, much of it being overlooked by previous Westernized books of the Buddha. I’m especially thankful for the ongoing commentary to help my understanding of the older language and original translations. There were quite a few surprises for me here: mainly about the sayings of disciplines, punishment, and punitive repercussions due to one’s own actions. I found that much of what is discussed in the early sections of this book would prevent much of that threating and rewards of the latter. Specifically, meditation with a disciplined focus will steer correctly. Thanks to the folks at Light of the Spirit for sending this to me for review.
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Happiness by Design Change What You Do Not How You Think
by
Paul Dolan, Daniel Kahneman
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 28, 2014
HAPPINESS BY DESIGN seeks to take Paul Dolan’s training in economics and behavioral science and offer a unique approach to overall happiness not found in other of its same-shelf counterparts. This is an interesting approach, considering Dolan is working with Daniel Kahneman, who won the Nobel Prize in economics as a psychologist. (It must be nice to refer to a Nobel Prize winner as “Danny”.) Dolan claims to make two distinguishing factors on the path to happiness: relatability and definition. Dolan speaks to his lower class upbringing and his current group of friends that are both college educated and those who are not. After reading this book, I’m not sure if he creates a completely relatable experience or not, but more on that later. As for the definition, Dolan states other books on happiness have never offered a definition of happiness. His definition is, “experiences of pleasure and purpose over time.” He later calls this a life “that contains lots of positive sentiments of pleasure and of purpose”, labeling it as “sentimental hedonism”. My two favorite quotes in this book are: “Your happiness is determined by how you allocate your attention.” and, “If you are not as happy as you could be then you must be misallocating your attention.” Dolan’s method of bringing about happiness is a balance of pleasure and purpose, for as he writes, “If you are not as happy as you could be then you must be misallocating your attention.” The problem is that we “generally pay attention to what we think should make us happy rather than focusing on what actually does.” I appreciate Dolan’s scientific-like approach, which is my main contention with books such as THE HAPPINESS PROJECT that feature more “feel good” statements and “it worked for me” statements. A lot of what Dolan offers resembles Rick Hanson’s book HARDWIRING HAPPINESS, which is one of the best I’ve read of the subject. Both this book and that book feature focused attention on everyday events. There are hundreds of footnoted studies that Dolan uses to effect. By the time he wraps up, he presents ways to “decide, design, and do” that will organize your life around long standing happiness. In particular, Dolan shows how current happiness surveys capture a moment of response, such as posing for a camera, versus a more accurate capturing of happiness over time, such as video recording someone that isn’t posed and gives a more life-like representation. The parts I would like more clearer or more defined research are the effects of: mindfulness, sleep, and happiness for the unemployed. Dolan believes, though not explicitly pointing to, books like THE POWER OF NOW by Eckhart Tolle offer obtainable happiness by at a cost of the mind’s System 2 effort (taken from Daniel Kahneman’s THINKING, FAST AND SLOW). Dolan writes that it is “easier and more effective to nudge system 1 than it is to shove system 2.” Dolan’s messages are interesting and remind me a lot of Daniel J. Levitin’s recent THE ORGANIZED MIND. As for sleep, Dolan shows an interesting study comparing spiked happiness of those who stay up late versus the continuous overall happiness of those that forgo late-night television in order to get a full night’s sleep. As for unemployment, Dolan continuously shows studies how working and money both directly and indirectly affect happiness. On one hand Dolan speaks of the advantage of finding work via happiness, but on the other speaks of the depressiveness of unemployment. This shows me a slippery slope that needs more resolution (which I believe mindfulness or Hanson’s HARDWIRING HAPPINESS addresses). Overall, HAPPINESS BY DESIGN is an excellent scientific approach to understanding how to obtain continuous overall happiness through simple organizational techniques. This book provides plenty of new insight through hundreds of studies and relatable material. While I would like more information on some of the presented material, there are plenty of footnotes and end-book references for me to follow-up on. Thanks to Hudson Street Press and The Penguin Group for providing an electronic copy of this book for me to review.
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Your Family in Pictures: The Parents' Guide to Photographing Holidays, Family Portraits, and Everyday Life
by
Me Ra Koh
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 27, 2014
Two things will happen when you read YOUR FAMILY IN PICTURES by Me Ra Koh: you’ll want to buy a better camera (especially if you are a currently relegated to using your cell phone camera), and you’ll want to buy Me Ra Koh’s other two books. For the better camera: yes, the author gives great tips on how to take better pictures with your phone or point-and-shoot camera. However…you’ll begin to see all these GREAT pictures featured in the book, many taken with perfect lighting and high-end cameras. The author makes mention in her “recipes” for better photos to change the ISO settings and shutter speed, etc. Many lower-end and phone cameras have these features in a limited basis, but you’ll definitely notice the difference between your pictures and the pictures featured in the book. As for the other books: the author often mentions them. She’ll talk about camera basics, such as the law of thirds or negative space, but it is enough to make you want to read them. Other reviewers of this book (FAMILY IN PICTURES) have also mentioned how great of a companion all three books have been. It’s not a bad thing, just be forewarned. Regarding the advice itself, you will see improvement in your overall photos. Me Ra Koh gives some great introduction instructions (e.g., finding the right lighting in your home, what cloths to wear, etc.), and then breaks into situational sections (e.g., holidays, outings, etc.). There are numerous tips here that will give you great ideas on how to take a satisfying photo��"with or without that $1,000 camera (though you’ll still want that $1,000 camera). The quality of this book is top-notch. Don’t let the “paperback” throw you off. The cover is glossy and thick, and each page is full color and glossy as well. It is comfortable to read and easy to look-up particular advice. An electronic version on the Kindle Fire or iPad would be okay, but I would stay away from a Kindle Paperwhite version due to the high amount of color used in this book. Bottom line: great book for beginners, as well as people with some already established picture knowledge seeking improvement. Not just for families, but for any picture taking featuring people. I received this book for free for review through Blogging for Books.
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Rescue at Dead Dog Beach
by
Stephen McGarva
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 26, 2014
This is not a happy book, but rather is a necessary one. The title is emotional, the back-book selection is tear-producing, and the entire book is utterly heart-wrenching. Through descriptive writing, author Steve McGarva highlights the horrid atrocities animals (not just dogs) suffer on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I couldn’t finish this: my heart was broken too many times. The things the author describes are beyond abuse: they are straight-up evil. Horses being pulled apart by trucks, dogs skinned…. I would flip to another chapter, and more pain was revealed. Even as I read about the author’s concluded journey on the island, I could feel the agony about his descriptions of recent history of government-sponsored groups throwing dogs from high bridges. I could not bear it. Though many courageous workers are offering their services on the island, the author can be noted for raising the standard through key media outlets, such as PEOPLE Magazine and the Ellen Show. Through his empathetic hurt and burden, and now through his book, the message is spreading. Hope and light are being made available for these precious dogs. Another reviewer has noted several organizations fighting for this cause: Amigos de Los Animales, Manos Por Patas, The Sato Project, All Sato Rescue (author’s affiliation), Island Dog, Save a Sato, ARF Rincon, Culebra Animal Welfare, Second Chance Animal Rescue. I want to thank Dey Street (formally It Books) for sending this book to me for review, as well as publishing it for people’s awareness.
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Fives and Twenty-Fives
by
Michael Pitre
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 26, 2014
This book nails it: both the feeling of conflict and the conclusion of duty back home. I’m impressed at the realistic inclusion of both officer and enlisted, especially both sexes, male and female. The repeated exposure to war, though not completely understandable or always justified, has both physical and psychological consequences to everyone involved. Though each service member has bonding similarities, everyone is affected uniquely. Author Michael Pitre expresses this perfectly. For that, I want to thank my military brother. I am a former Marine and currently work helping my fellow Veterans. FIVES AND TWENTY-FIVES captures what many civilians want to know, but so few returning military members wish to express. Thankfully Pitre, was trained in writing before he signed up for training in combat. He took that writing expertise to war--twice--returning with the capturing of unequivocal knowledge. As a writer and a Marine, Pitre relays experiences unparalleled to many of this written genre. In particular, this book focuses on several different people involved in the conflict of Iraq: officer, enlisted, Navy Corpsman, and Iraqi interpreter. Initially, it felt like separate stories, which I would have appreciated as well, but then the stories began weaving more and more together. Pitre’s method brought about the intricate relationship every member has with one another, whether in peace-time uniform, in shoulder-to-shoulder combat, or discharged back home. If you were never in the military and want to know more about our men and women coming home and still serving overseas, this is the book to read. If you were in the military and want to understand more about modern-day effects of multiple combat tours: read this book. I want to thank Bloomsbury for providing this book electronically for me to review. And for the author, Semper Fi, brother.
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Mr Tall A Novella & Stories
by
Tony Earley
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 26, 2014
Ah, MR. TALL. It started out nice enough: stories that were personal, sometimes tragic, and at times strange. I’m reminded of other short story collections I’ve read this year such as ACTS OF GOD, but probably more like BLACK VODKA. Regular life, but with an added twist. Mostly. Tony Earley has an author’s talent for capturing life’s finer details (probably the reason I love short stories so much). As other reviewers have noted, Earley seems especially adept at bringing out the joys, tribulations, loves, and trials of the married life. He also seems skilled at taking societal reactions to legends, myths, and rumors and then playing them out into interesting and plausible reactions. Then Earley brings out the grand finale: Jack the giant slayer. I really loved Jack’s story--my favorite short story of the year, so far. WARNING: it may not be for everyone. For odd and quirky folks like me, you’ll probably love it. Jack’s story makes reading this whole book all the more worthwhile. Things start okay with Jack. He may be suffering some post-giant-slaying boredom and wants to have paid sex with the farmer’s wife. He appears to be a drunk, too. I won’t ruin all the surprises for you, but just know that things turn really bizarre. At first, I thought this was something from the pages of a Neil Gaiman novel. Then Jack started to break through the fourth wall, talking to me about narrative technique. Then a dog--not a troll--came up from under the bridge. Then wheat turned to blossomed damsels. Yeah, it was an awesome trip. Here’s what really nailed it, though: the grand summary at the end. The tale ended up being a testament to why we read, the importance of imagination, and the value of continued story. What more delights a reader’s heart than the validation of reading and imagination? Thanks Little, Brown for providing this book electronically for me to review. I loved it.
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10% Happier
by
Dan Harris
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 22, 2014
10% HAPPIER came at the right time for me. It is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply compelling. Author Dan Harris writes intelligently, yet without any snobbery. His self-effacing, realistic style is relatable and interesting. I started reading this months ago when I first started studying mindfulness; I just finished this after reading several similarly-themed books in between. Harris’s book stands on its own as a great resource, as well as an excellent memoir. The first few chapters provide shockingly real views behind the news desk. Harris does not mince words when described himself and fellow newsroom superstars, such as Peter Jennings. Harris dives deeper into his rise and his catastrophic fall. The video we see captured on YouTube of Harris stumbling is nothing compared to what he reveals about himself during these chapters. Coming from a similarly-discussed religious organization, I was surprised to see Harris’s early involvement with such church groups--and what lies behind the scenes. As his chronologic journey progressed, he talks about meeting with Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra. I am a fan of both these gentlemen, especially Tolle, but I could readily laugh at Harris’s candid opinion of both. His opinions are real, but not totally disrespectful (no one goes under his comment-radar). About halfway through the book, Harris starts to explore Buddhist philosophy and traditional mindful meditation techniques. He finds a way to engage in his life while being in the moment and feeling connected. Through his efforts he has become a successful advocate for mindfulness and meditation. The book concludes with some great recommended reading selections and FAQs on meditation. This may be new for people just seeking the behind-the-news look (and it is captivating) or it may be some nice continued lessons for those already immersed. Either way, this book is a win.
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Organized Mind Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload
by
Daniel J Levitin
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 20, 2014
Daniel Levitin’s ORGANIZED MIND seeks to take the figurative junk drawer of our mind, explain how the mind works, and help us live more thought-out and productive lives. His knowledge comes from his own years of teaching and research and has been influenced by mind pioneers such as Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The end product is an awesome journey into the realms of our minds that enlighten and inspires action. This book is huge. At times Levitin may appear longwinded in his narrative--but that’s okay. Trust me. As he unravels the various layers of mental organization, he sidebars into various studies and interesting factoids. At first, you may think Levitin is being ironically unorganized, but later chapters tie it back together. Other times, Levitin may tuck in a brief statement that will cause you tunneling into Google for more information (though many notes for further study are linked at the rear of the book). Levitin differs himself from Kahneman’s THINKING, FAST AND SLOW by saying there are “four components in the human attentional system”: mind wondering mode; central executive mode; attentional filter; and, attentional switch. What mostly comes into play are the first two components. I have some issue for the terminology “mind wondering mode”; I would have liked Levitin to expound more on mindfulness and what component it falls into. THE ORGANIZED MIND offers more explanation than step-by-step or bulleted technique. I appreciated this approach, feeling it strengthened the technique through knowledge of why it works. Levitin uses the ideas of offloading brain information through index cards, calendaring, contact sheets--much like our mind uses random access memory versus chronological memory. Some of these techniques were explained in the books THE POWER OF FORGETTING and ESSENTIALISM, but not nearly in the depth of knowledge that Levitin offers. Category management is a huge topic throughout the book: reasonably so. It is one such tool that the recent FLUENT FOREVER book used in learning foreign languages. Levitin continues this insight into everything from organizing our homes to making life-depending healthcare choices. Levitin combines it all together, showing how Highly Successful Persons (HSPs) are able to succeed by naturally using these strategies. I was pleased to see Levitin address the fundamental need for sleep, exercise, and exposing oneself to nature. These are not just “you should” statements, but as mentioned before, these are well-documented, scientifically-backed recommendations. There are also sections dealing with procrastination, crowdsourcing, the dangers of multi-tasking and teaching children safe web research, and much more. It all plays into more information than you’ll want, but definitely will include any information you are trying to find or need. All-in-all, this is a great book that’ll make you think and learn better. Thanks to Dutton for sending this to me for review.
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One Kick
by
Chelsea Cain
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 19, 2014
You’re going to love ONE KICK: lots of action, lots of heart, and full of turn-paging readability. Sara Colleton, executive producer of DEXTER, is already lining up ONE KICK as a show. So, yeah, expect Kick Lannigan to be kicking a** on a TV set near you, but meanwhile start digging into this new book series now. Kick (also known as Kit, or as Beth, which was her name while abducted) has some baggage. It’s what makes her as a character and it’s precisely why we read: we want that diamond-like imperfection. This past history is what makes this action story so nuanced. Author Chelsea Cain dips back into Kick’s history throughout the story, causing tension, anxiety, and pain. As the scenes flip through, you feel where Kick draws her power. Speaking of power, Kick has reason to be pissed off. As you can imagine, not everything was hunky-dory during Kick’s abduction. She received some training while captive, but received other training under the post-rescued watch of the FBI, as well as on her own. In other words, Kick is a powder keg of violence. This is brought about when certain events trigger her into action. And boy, is there action! The pages will flip mercilessly through your fingers. Occasionally your brain will kick up and say things like, “hey, wouldn’t the brother hear them fighting upstairs?” or, “surely he’d hear a helicopter landing on the roof”, but let those little thoughts go. Most of this is tightly packed, balls-to-the-walls (sometimes literally) action: you’re along for the ride. The editor said this is mainly PG-13 level writing, with a little bit of pop to make things interesting. For the most part, I agree. There’s nudity, but no sex. There’s cursing, but I don’t recall seeing the f-bomb being dropped. Bottom line: awesomely entertaining book with lots of room for continuation. There are a few logic hiccups, but the dips, turns, and surprises make up for it tenfold. I’m looking forward to more! Thanks Simon and Schuster for providing this book to me electronically for review. I had a blast (and lost a lot of sleep��"it was pretty darn exciting).
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Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connect
by
Nichols, Wallace J.
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 19, 2014
There’s only one way to read a book that touts the benefits of water: IN the water. It took me a little longer to get through this book because I literally read the entire thing while either floating or sitting in water. (Pictured proof on my blog, including a picture of this book floating.) Why? Let’s see… “As children we delight in water. As we grow older, water also becomes the matrix for sport, relaxation, and romance.” As the author Wallace J. Nichols points out, water enlarges the price tag of property as well as increases the anxiety level of when our waterways are threatened (oil spills, etc.) But really, we all know we love water, right? Nichols takes it deeper than that. The author does well to express our love of the water through examples of art, literature, and pop culture. He further shows how our bodies react to water stimuli through the science of EEGs, MRIs, and fMRIs. We the readers are witness to examples of how hospitals improve recovery times, Veterans with PTSD are soothed, and how our bodies recuperate. “Even indirect exposure to water has recuperative power,” as the author writes. Nichols continues by discussing recently favorited topics of mine: neuroplasticity, happiness, and wellness. I’m reminded of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching about mindfully washing the dishes, “There are two ways to wash the dishes. The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes.” Each of these daily experiences will better your life: to notice the water running over your washing hands; to drink mindfully a cup of water; to stop and stare, appreciating any vista of water you happen across. In the long run, why is it worthy to learn the benefits of water? Not only are we bettered personally, but we are sparked to action. We care. As the author writes, “Let it heal you and make you a better, stronger version of yourself.” Thanks to Goodreads and Little, Brown for sending me this book through their giveaway contest. One more quote featured in Nichols’s book: “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” ��" W.H. Auden
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Curmudgeons Guide to Getting Ahead The DOS & Donts of Clear Writing Tough Thinking Right Behavior & Living a Good Life
by
Charles Murray, Robert M Lewis, M Lewis Robert
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 15, 2014
This book feels a bit short and outdated. A 20-year-old (target audience) following Charles Murray’s advice would stand out, but not necessarily in a good way. They’d appear disconnected and unimaginative. They may be polite, well-dressed, and properly spoken, but those are the people that often fly under the radar. For a better book about getting ahead, read WHO GETS PROMOTED, WHO DOESN’T, AND WHY by Donald Asher. It is also published by Crown (under the 10 Speed imprint), but feels much more modern, and has greater, well-researched details about “getting ahead”. Murray’s advice is not all humdrum. He does include some excellent resources for further reading, as well as insight into timeless clichés that still have valued meaning. It never hurts anyone to be polite, without sucking up, and to dress well. Some of this may be taught more by mentoring or coaching, versus this book. Murray’s grammar section takes up a third of his book; it barely scratches the surface, and even what it does contain sounds stiff. Look at Steven Pinker’s recent article in THE GUARDIAN that discusses why it is okay to break certain grammar rules (all of the “rules” he addresses are found in this CURMUDGEON’S GUIDE). (I will be reviewing Pinker’s upcoming book THE SENSE OF STYLE when it comes out next month.) Because much of Murray’s presentation focuses on grammar, I’d be remiss not to mention June Casagrande’s GRAMMAR SNOBS ARE GREAT BIG MEANIES, which is a fun way to learn grammar and syntax rules. Casagrande also has a book out called THE BEST PUNCTUATION BOOK, PERIOD (also published under a Crown imprint) that is better than that curmudgeonly and mean spirited book EATS, SHOOTS & LEAVES (whose author wishes lightning strikes and burial upon users of poor punctuation). I don’t believe Murray to truly be a curmudgeon. I believe he has a good heart and wants to help younger employees succeed. His effort at sounding “mean” in this book comes across as flawed. And again, the book is tiny (don’t give this as a gift thinking graduates will read this; get them something they’ll actually read): the book is about as tall as a dollar bill, a few inches wide, and under an inch in thickness. Besides talking about no piercings in the workplace, getting married, and finding religion, there’s not much content for your money. Thanks to Crown and Blogging for Books for sending this book for me to review.
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Sweetness #9
by
Stephan Eirik Clark
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 15, 2014
Here’s what I love about SWEETNESS #9: introducing me to Stephan Eirik Clark. His storytelling has a special flavor (sorry about that pun) that is fascinating and stands on its own. As this story progressed over decades of time, I could feel the characters change. I wasn’t just a witness, but I could sympathize and feel. As a reader, I was involved with the characters making realistic connections along the way, especially with protagonist David Leveraux. The scariest story is that which mirrors reality. Clark often had me researching sweeteners and flavorings, including scanning through congressional reports. The best type of writing spawns action. And yes, while some readers may find certain elements “preachy”, the narrative serves as a springboard for conversation. I think this is great. The writing was so realistic that the final footnote convinced me to Tweet to the author asking for more information. And I do want to know more. This is an interesting fictional work that goes well with non-fictional works like FAST FOOD NATION. The story element of SWEETNESS #9 offers several interesting facets: from personal and business details to the more global historic aspects. There’s liberty taken to enhance (again, sorry for the pun) the actual, real-life details, but it makes the pages flip all the faster. I enjoyed all the author’s included elements, both miniscule and widespread. It all served to make an excellent reading package. Yes, some of the diet structures may skirt the boundaries of comfort, but that’s part of why I read: to question and to learn. Overall, this is a great book and is something that has whetted my appetite (sorry, last pun…maybe) for more.
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Les Miserables Manga Classics
by
Victor Hugo, Stacy King, Tszmei Lee
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 14, 2014
There are several reasons to love this adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic LES MISÉRABLES. For one, as a Westerner reading manga, the brain flips “on”. It’s like taking notes or drawing with your non-dominant hand: it pushes you to observe more. Then, the stylistic cartooning of manga pushes emotion to a higher level (the eyes get me, especially during the tearful, swelling moments). Finally, the inspiration to read the source material. Unlike reading condensed or review materials, reading this inspires continuation. As for the story, the team involved did an excellent job capturing the essences of the book, the major plot points, and the character-defining moments��"no easy task considering the volume of the source material! Yes, of course much is missing, but the spirit is all there: the life lessons and realities. I’m a little spoiled with some other graphic novels that were in all color, so that’s my only wish to make this better. The cover and one opening page are in color, the rest penned in black & white. Who this is for: fans of the original material, maybe. Mainly: folks that may have seen the musical or movie or just curious what the buzz is about. Not for students trying to pass a test; read Hugo’s original. Thanks to Diamond Book and Udon for originally providing this electronically, and then for sending me the paperback version for review. Much better in print: again, the brain flip thing of magna (plus the awesomeness of art).
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Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow My Life as a Country Vet
by
Jan Pol, David Fisher
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 13, 2014
I may have never seen his show, but after reading this book I feel like I know and love Dr. Pol. My co-worker saw me reading this and asked, “Is that the guy that sticks his arm up a cow’s butt?” Before finishing the first chapter, I could reply, “Yes. Yes it is.” Or, as the awesome Dr. Pol writes, “for many people their careers as a vet begin the day they stick their hands inside an animal’s butt for the first time.” This all began in the Netherlands, gloveless, and green armed. I’d imagine that Dr. Pol is mesmerizing to watch. To his credit, David Fisher did an excellent job of organizing all Pol’s stories into interesting categories to capture this same feeling. He groups stories together such as early beginnings of his education, to his own practice, etc. From there, you’ll go all over the place--and that’s totally cool. One minute Pol will be talking about scaring his wife with a snake for a $20 bet to castrating two-hundred pound pigs. And it’s all great reading. Speaking of Pol’s wife, Dianne, of the early courtship, “How could anybody not find a woman who played tag with her pet duck attractive?” He’s so cute, isn’t he? As he writes, Pol says, “until they start inventing new animals, I think I can say there isn’t a type of animal I haven’t looked in the eyes and wondered how it was feeling.” From there, and throughout the book, Pol talks about all kinds of animals: including skunks, porcupines, and even an alligator. Oh, and the wildest animal of all: humans. Pol’s integrity shines through: “Be honest with your clients. That was always first. Work hard, and if you don’t know what the problem is, don’t be afraid to admit it.” Pol has a life experience unparallel to many, which makes him so darn interesting. From hiding cows from the Nazis (yeah, those Nazis) to filming the Amish: he brings it out so well. “I became a vet because it was the only thing I ever wanted to do.” Thankfully his dad sold that cow for his son’s first microscope: as his clients and as many watchers of his show know, and now the many readers of his book, the world is a better place because of Dr. Pol. Thanks Gotham Books for sending me this book to review. It was a pleasure.
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Embrace Your Magnificence Get Out of Your Own Way & Live a Richer Fuller More Abundant Life
by
Fabienne Fredrickson
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 13, 2014
I’ve recently developed panache for reading literature tailored to woman-to-woman advice (Fit Bottomed Girls; Women’s Tapping Solution): I’ve always walked away with learning something to apply in my own life. And, I seem to be on a streak of reading about successful rich women offering their advice on life (Huffington’s THRIVE was particularly good). And here I am to do it again! My first observation: this needs to be several books. Author Fabienne Fredrickson may not have the acronymic credentials of other authors in this genre, but she definitely has extensive training��"and it shows. Many of these heartfelt topics only graze the surface before moving onto the next. Yes, some of the topics show recurring themes, such as caring for yourself, letting yourself be guided, and being mindful, but each of them could have been developed more. Most of this book speaks of great things for you, but I needed (craved) more length in each. My second observation: Fredrickson makes this book highly personal by revealing much about herself. I’m sure there are moments of vulnerability still unexposed by this book, but overall this book felt personal because of what Fredrickson does reveal. The book started as a letter to her daughter; much of that translates well into advice for every reader that feels personal and heartfelt. However, this personal approach does present faults, too. For instance, in one chapter about taking care of yourself by doing something better each week, the author speaks of being ashamed at the generic syrup her kids were using, versus the authentic Vermont maple syrup. I understand what she is implying, but moments like this appear as “rich lady” missing the reality and connection of her target audience. This was also my critique of HAPPINESS PROJECT. My third observation: this book may be too spiritual for some readers. Fredrickson often refers to outside forces for abundance and guidance, including palm readings and references to the law of attraction. My advice: don’t let this intimidate you. Open your mind, listen to what is offered, and maybe try it yourself. You may walk away learning something about yourself that will be life changing. My fourth observation: I love the quotes! The valuable messages of the writing are good, but the quotes can be life changing in and of themselves. These quotes are what caused me to bump this book from three stars to four. Finally, I would have liked more references or further readings, mainly because I felt each mini-chapter didn’t explore the presented topics thoroughly enough. Again though, this may be okay for some readers, who are looking for the warmth, heart, and spirit of the letters, versus a deeper study of each subject. For me, I love footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies. Thanks to the folks at Harden, Client Attraction, and Hay House for reaching out to me and sending this book for review.
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Song for Issy Bradley
by
Carys Bray
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 13, 2014
I did not expect this, nor did I see this coming; I’m having major flashbacks. This book involving a devout Mormon family struck close to home with my own involvement in a similar faith-by-works religious organization. The brothers, the sisters (neither bound by blood, but by religion)…even the table-side prayers: it all rung so true--frighteningly so. I have seen and have been lured by the same dogma and devotion that causes fathers, like Issy’s here, to forsake the natural bond of family for the greater cause of the organization. Author Carys Bray captures that motivation and feeling so well. I would say it is impossible not to feel the pull and tug of emotion, despite whether you were involved in something similar or not. The writing is organized, striking, and powerful. As with any family or group of friends, it is sad that tragedy turns on the true light of the heart. Sadness is prevalent throughout A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY; it is that raw emotion that acts as the catalyst for characterial change. Similar to characters of THE POISONWOOD BIBLE, each character here represents their own struggles and interpretations of both the Bible and The Book of Mormon. Bray did an excellent job of pulling out the scriptures, their meanings, and with it showing how individuals, especially children, can and do interpret those scriptures. Bray beautifully portrays the consequences of interpretation as well. Again, tragedy as a catalyst works perfectly. (It is tragedy that kicked my own mind into gear and enabled me to leave that aforementioned organization of my own involvement, finding truer belief and faith.) Folks, this is a great piece of writing that speaks of the heart’s ability to change and of the true meanings of life. Thanks Ballentine and Random House for sharing this with me for review.
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Remarkable Courtship of General Tom Thumb A Novel
by
Nicholas Rinaldi
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 12, 2014
What happens when you get P.T. Barnum, President Lincoln, Walt Whitman, Ulysses S. Grant, The Queen, and John Wilkes Booth all in the same book? Oh, and a dwarf--"two of them. Well, it should be really interesting, right? Publishers Weekly called it, “Top-notch entertainment”; Booklist called it “Rollicking”. I’m not sure which book they were reading, because this book could have been SO. MUCH. MORE. Reading this, I’m kicking myself for not have visiting the Barnum museum in Bridgeport yet. I spent most of this book on Google digging out the true story of General Tom Thumb and P.T. Barnum and the Civil War. Yeah, that’s a great thing about historical fiction: It’s a great learning experience. It’s all a testament to the book itself. It wasn’t “fast-paced and brightly colored” as Kirkus said; it was more ho-hum and grayish-dull. Again, could have been SO. MUCH. MORE. For a good summary of this book, check out TChris’s (Top 100 Reviewer) summary in his review on Amazon. The author Nicholas Rinaldi has three collections of poetry that sound interesting, so I was looking forward to what the New York Times Book Review called “sprawling and elegant”. I really don’t make a habit of calling out and questioning other reviews, but when they are all over the product page…I kind of need to. Nothing aggravates me more than thinking the consumer is being duped (false author book blurbs are a big pet peeve of mine). If I was to call a book “sprawling and elegant”, even poetic, I would refer to ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, also published by Scribner this year. That work was an excellent piece of historical fiction that really made me feel something. Sadly, Tom Thumb did not entertain me the way he should have��"the way he entertained thousands of people in real life. Thank you Scribner for providing this book electronically for me to review.
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Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki & His Years of Pilgrimage
by
Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 12, 2014
I hated this book when I first finished it. I thought: unresolved. But then… As I’m typing this, I’m listening to Liszt’s Le Mal du Pays: also known as his Years of Pilgrimage. It’s coming from my phone that now has Elvis’s Viva Las Vegas as a ringtone (if you read this, you’ll know why). As I look back, I’ve also spent considerable time pondering the goings of people, back and forth. And then there is the whole color and name aspect. Maybe I love this novel after all. Haruki Murakami's novel features two of the S words found in many of the Japanese writings I’ve seen: suicide and sex. But it also has another important S word: spirit. Yes, many may see this book as depressing because undecided--colorless--Tsukuru Tazaki ponders suicide for six months. He sits there, unmotivated, unmoved. Yes, many may be offended at Tazaki’s lurid sexual dreams and fantasies. However, as I let this novel sink into my soul of understanding, I can see that it is more than these things: a deeper meaning. Add to this the important facets of friendship, colors, music, art, name meanings, and��"train stations. The novel opens, closes, and is built around the moving trains. I haven’t yet decided what it all means to me. Maybe it’s melancholy. Maybe it is being satisfied with our own places in life, not yearning to achieve more at the sacrifice of others, and being comfortable in our own skin. Each of us has a designation; we all complete a perfect circle. Some of us hurt. Some of us are distracted. It all goes back and forth until the last train heads out and fades away into the night sky. No, I don’t hate this novel. I love it very much. Thank you to my friends at Knopf for sending this to me electronically for review. I’ll be thinking about this for a long time to come.
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Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner
by
Melinek MD, Judy and Mitchell, T. J.
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 11, 2014
Be careful what you ask for. A few weeks ago I reviewed Andrew Meredith’s THE REMOVERS. In it, I asked for “more dead bodies.” I even taunted them in my blog post with GIF images of bloody cadavers and an exploding whale. Well, Scribner listened and delivered. Let’s set this up a bit more: on one side, a medically trained examiner who uses all the precise and exact terms of the body’s innards; combined with (married to) Harvard English major--you know, to make sure the wording is…just right. Yeah. You see where this is going? Then, take this dynamic duo to New York City. You know those one-in-a-million stories? Well, as the authors cleverly point out, New York City has 8 million people. This husband and wife duo corresponded and plotted this book a lot through e-mail. Some of that behind the scene’s stuff has been captured for our extended-gory interest. The husband’s blog has a great sample of one such exchange (grocery shopping & dead bodies…whatever works). WARNING! Thought I’d put this in all caps to get your attention. Just to be sure: WARNING! If you have any medical history whatsoever, be cautious about reading this book. If you drink, eat, or walk on the sidewalk, or breath, be cautious about reading this book. You think deaths are quick and painless? You might not want to read this book. (But really, if you are like me, I know you’ll still want to��"sicko!) If you google my name and the words “cardiac arrest”, you’ll see why I was a bit squeamish when the authors talk about a heart busting through one of the body’s cavity walls. I have friends with epilepsy, and the authors kindly point out how it kills. You like to drink? Yeah, Mr. Budweiser and his friends are big time killers. I was surprised about the lack of fatal car accidents in The Big Apple, but there’s still plenty of others ways to get squashed. You’ll see. Here’s the funny thing: amidst talking of death, decay, rot, and stench, you’ll find moments of tenderness and life appreciation. Between Dr. Judy Melinek talking to the deceased’s families, or her post-work conversations with husband T.J. Mitchell, there is plenty to be sentimental about. And then there’s 9/11. Beside the serious issues, you’ll also find a LOT of humor. I’m still laughing about how many folks walk around us with piercings hidden in their knickers: you’d be surprised. Yes, I asked for more dead bodies. Instead of 10, I got over 200. I was scared, mortified, and shocked��"and loved every minute of it. I could not put this book down. It was informative, very well written, and oddly satisfying. If you have any interest in this topic (and we know you do) then this will be an excellent book to pursue. (Just don’t read it before bedtime or meals…bad idea.) Thanks Scribner for providing this electronically for review. You answered the call and I had a hell of a time.
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My Drunk Kitchen: A Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Going with Your Gut
by
Hart, Hannah
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 08, 2014
If you are looking for a serious, step-by-step cookbook: turn around now. If you are looking for light-hearted fun, lots of joking around, and insights on friendship: buy this book now. For the uninitiated, Hannah Hart began her rise to kitchen stardom with the famously slurred words, “Hello, welcome to my drunk kitchen.” We learned--while things were being dropped, burnt, and forgotten--how to make grilled cheese. But not just grilled cheese; grilled cheese with humor, fun, and entertainment. Since then, Hannah has attracted millions of viewers, partnered with drunk celebrities, and raised money for charity. Now she has a book. The question is, does the same fun cross over into book form? Yes! A thousand times yes. The book has lots of off-shoot narratives written by Hannah about the joys of friendship and having fun, all organized in neat categories around her food creations. There are tons and tons of full-color pictures with it all, plus cute comedic drawings and quotes. Every idea is followed by Hannah’s Life Lesson. For instance, one “recipe” in this book is Hannah’s Pizzadilla. Incredients are: tortillas, marinara sauce, cheese, and “tissues for everyone who starts to cry tears of joy when you bring this out to serve.” The instructions basically say “cook until edible” in the oven, and there are five pictures of Hannah cooking this stove-top. You’ll get the idea of how it blends together, and maybe you’ll try it, maybe you’ll come up with something different, but ultimately you’ll laugh and enjoy the experience. (Hint: this is a great book to flip through with a friend next to you.) Sometimes Hannah advocates getting frozen snacks from Trader Joe’s, sometimes you won’t even know what she’s mixing together (such as the one where she’s supposedly ‘high’), and other times it is pretty cut and dry. Every ingredient list starts with Words of Wisdom and a suggested opening cocktail. Here’s a quote from Hannah, “Pro Tip: To learn more about things, read books or use the Internet.” Okay, maybe you had to be there. Okay, maybe I should start a thing where I review books while drunk. Or not. We’ll see. Here’s a quote she included from someone famous, “Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” G.K. Chesterton said that in Heretics. Bottom line: go into this having fun. You may learn some handy kitchen ideas (I sure did..yum, yum!), but you’ll definitely walk away smiling. By the way, thanks !t books for sending this to me for review. The book is GORGEOUS: hard bound, lots and lots of colors and pictures. This is something to experience with others. Oh, and this will be the last book printed under the name !t books: they’re now going to be called Dey Street Book.
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First Family Detail Behind the Scenes with Secret Service Agents
by
Ronald Kessler
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 08, 2014
This book is so, so good. Not only does it offer the sordid and egregious details of some of our recent presidents, but it shows the tender moments, too. Author Ronald Kessler knows his stuff! In this, THE FIRST FAMILY DETAIL, he blends all his research and interviews together to make an interesting, page-turning book. I could NOT put it down! What kept me pulled into this book was Kessler’s gradual introduction into another world. Chapter-by-chapter he would present new terms (such as “the beast”, “the jackal”, and all the presidents’ code names: Timberwolf, Eagle, Searchlight, Passkey, Renegade, etc.) and he would describe security protocol (how many people are required to travel internationally, the fade-away tape used in processions, the actual protocol for “the football”, etc.). All the outrageous moments from the back of the book are here: actor Bradley Cooper getting a “free pass” through security, Biden’s $12,406 gulf trips, and Clinton’s current mistress (code named Energizer). There are plenty of other outrageous moments: which presidents slept around, which ones peed in the open in front of press and staff, which ones shunned security. I appreciated seeing the kind moments, too. Like Barbara Bush ensuring a 40-year-old agent had a hat while on the cold beach. Or, the Obamas serving agents chili during the Super Bowl. It all comes together to paint an interesting, inside-scoop picture of the presidency and their protection. Kessler doesn’t appear politically aimed in any of this writing. We see both sides of Republicans and Democrats alike. Sure, there may be some noticeable patterns, but both parties have their heroes and their heretics. No matter how you cut it, this book is a highly entertaining and interesting read. Thank you to Crown Forum for sending me this book through Blogging for Books for review.
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When the World Was Young
by
Elizabeth Gaffney
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 07, 2014
Too constructed. That’s what this book is. It took me a while to figure it out, but everything made sense once I read the acknowledgement section: I would like to thank…one long list. No heart, no emotion, no genuine feeling. This book should have been much better. Let’s take a look at some of the winning elements: Written well? Yes. Interesting time period? Yes. Overcoming prejudices? Yes. Difficult family decisions/tragedy? Yes. Consequences of war? Yes. Deeper, nearly allegorical meaning? Yes (ants). Emotion? Nope. This is interesting. Maybe I’m spoiled for having just read Annie Weatherwax’s ALL WE HAD. On one side, you have a seasoned writer, who teaches writing, putting together all the elements of a perfect novel. On the other side, you have an artist. This artist does it all, but has made a career out of making superhero and kids’ comic models. Difference: emotion, depth, and sight. I want to FEEL something when I read fiction. WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG should have made me feel something from any of these: a love affair, racial tension, nuclear development, women in college. But nothing. It was all cut and dry and calculated. Thank you to Random House for providing this book electronically for me to review. I love this time period (thumbs up to another recent ICE CREAM QUEEN OF ORCHARD STREET for the same era), but I like to believe there was something more waiting to be felt.
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All We Had
by
Annie Weatherwax
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 05, 2014
“We went from zero to sixty in no time. I was out of school and she was out of work. We had no place to be and not a thing to lose.” And so begins this amazing book by Annie Weatherwax. Some of my previous reviews focused on the art of a story��"Annie is the artist and shares this story as only an artist could. (Check out her video on YouTube, called ALL WE HAD, and features her art carrier and its translation into writing a book.) This book is wonderful, but don’t expect butterflies, kittens, and rainbows. Though at times, the language goes from “Life is [s-]” to the beautiful observations like “Life, it turned out, could open up and offer peace and space for friends.” And that’s what makes this book so precious: observations. Artists see the world in their own unique vision. They see deeper than color and size: artists see the world for what it is. Annie, as that artist, shares this vision. We are a part of the world. We’ve lived it, we relate, we feel. “Snap, snap, snap” “clip, clip, clip” Weatherwax’s inclusion of sounds, brings this world even more alive. “There were so many things to be sorry for. But this was how we lived��"with pain and foul smells.” As a reader, you feel the pain of infliction, but you also cherish the bond of mother and daughter. Whether they are taking sponge baths in gas-station sinks, or sh-ing in a field, or just singing a song in the car together: you are present. So many good characters. The mother and daughter are part of a world of interesting and fascinating people. The old couple next door: ““It looked easier for them to dance together than it was for either one to walk alone.” Peter Pam; the boyfriends; the co-workers. It all signals Weatherwax’s reality and touch. In this book, Weatherwax, through her characters, states if only one book could be given to alien visitors, it would be TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Another bonus point for Weatherwax. Thanks Scribner for sharing this wonderful book with me to review. I leave with one final quote, taken about halfway through this touching adventure: “Superheroes, I realized don’t fly or look like Jesus. They drive used Fords like my mother’s and they take their kids with them no matter where they go.”
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Whatever Happened to the Metric S
by
John Bemelmans Marciano
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 05, 2014
Holy Cow! This book is actually interesting. I grabbed this book, having a mild curiosity in wanting to find out why us Americans measure in feet, travel in miles, and weigh in pounds, versus seemingly the rest of the world, but what I got was so much more! Seriously, I’m not just blowing this out of proportion. (Sorry for the bad pun, but get it? Proportion? Ok, never mind.) The author starts talking about recent presidents and Dan Rather and then pulls some mind tricks. He breaks the chapters up by fractions, such as 2/16 being one eighth, and then talks about Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams, and how the decimal system came about. Then he talks about money. We all are interested in money, right? And he goes on and on. What I’m saying is this book is much more than inches versus centimeters or ounces versus cups, this is about math and human interest and history. Many things I have never heard of or learned before, such as France’s fascination with Franklin, and how he played it up when he went there. Kudos to John Bemelmans Marciano, he just made learning entertaining; that’s awesome. Oh, and speaking of that French connection with Franklin, the author also penned the children’s favorite MADELINE books. So, yeah, he’s good stuff. Thanks Bloomsbury for providing this electronically for review; this book rocks.
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Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill, Revised and Updated Edition: A Call to Action Against Tv, Movie & Video Game Violence
by
Dave Grossman and Gloria DeGaetano
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 04, 2014
According to this book, since Adam Lanza shot 26 children on December 14, 2012 there have been 44 school shootings. “One factor every one of them had in common was an obsession with media violence.” “Never in human history was there a multiple homicide committed by a juvenile against people in his or own school until 1975.” Allow me to offer a case study: me. Last year I stopped playing video games, mainly to focus more on my parental responsibilities. As I look back on myself, and as others have voluntarily told me, my demeanor is calmer, more relaxed, and friendly. I recently witnessed to someone, “I’ve never had a calm, relaxed game of Call of Duty online.” Thrown controllers, fowl words spoken, fits of rage were all inevitable. Yes, I enjoyed violent movies, too. It all blended together. My appetite was insatiable. Today, though, none of that really appeals to me. If these games affected me as an adult, how much more so would a child be affected? Yet, it is not uncommon for an 8-year-old to play a game that rewards extreme torture, killing, and prostitution. And, as this illustrates through studies, most parents do not consider a video game’s rating prior to purchase. “Well over 1,000 studies…point overwhelmingly to a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children.” Though the studies are clear, the authors also point out that the conscious mind thinks evidence leads to belief, but in reality the unconscious mind actually believes first and seeks supportive evidence. You’ll hear gamers and violent movie lovers justify and try to disprove the already conclusive evidence. One study, done in 2010, reviewed 130,295 participants; it concluded “violent video games increase aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiological arousal, and aggressive behavior.” As the authors write, “It’s certainly not normal for so many kids to want to kill, harm, bully, or hurt others as they do today.” Violent media and violent video games are proven to lead to: 1. Increased aggression, 2. Increased fear, 3. Desensitization to real-life and screen violence, and 4. Increased appetite for violence. If you are a parent or guardian, please read this book. The authors also include many resources on how to prevent or filter violent content from getting to your vulnerable children. Together, we can turn the tide and make this world a more peaceful place. Thank you to Harmony and Crown for sending this book to me for review.
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Power of Noticing What the Best Leaders See
by
Max Bazerman
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 04, 2014
This book is more about learning by example versus instruction. Author Max Bazerman shares stories, many of which he has personal involvement with, all about the power of noticing. Much of this likens to Malcom Gladwell’s method of sharing examples to illustrate the main theme, but without the same thought provoking or story telling ability. In other words, instead of offering bullet-pointed steps to practice the power of noticing, Bazerman gives detailed examples of recent news-headlined events and how noticing could have prevented catastrophe, both bodily and financial. These examples seem more rote than congruent. Even in the final chapter “Developing the Capacity to Notice”, Bazerman is light on instruction or application and instead re-emphasizes his take on business methodology. I think this is what drove me to a lesser-starred review: I expected more “how to” versus the author’s autobiography and thoughts on the current and recent business world. To some, though, this will still be a worthwhile investment (as the author states) compared to the cost to take one of his college courses. This book seems perfect for executives looking to learn from example and develop a bravado for asking out-of-bounds questions. Both safety and financial success depend on going against the group mentality and seeking the obscure, almost hidden details. Don’t be afraid to look, explore, and ask. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing an electronic version of this book for me to review.
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Admissions Essay Boot Camp: How to Write Your Way into the Elite College of Your Dreams
by
Ashley Wellington
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 04, 2014
If you, or someone you know, is applying to college: read this book! Ashley Wellington is a pro and offers a ton of advice at a fraction of the cost you’d find through a paid service. My takeaway is Wellington’s attempt to find the applicants voice, making them stand-out, while not crossing boundaries of acceptability. In other words, being unique, but not offensive or errant. Every chapter walks through the creative process, developing a strong response to the typical essay question. Wellington includes many essay’s she has personally coached through the process, highlighting what works, what is risky, and what doesn’t work. There are essay samples, but not as many as I would have expected. Mainly what you’ll find are outlines of strategy followed by Wellington’s estimated reactions, both positive and negative. You may be tempted to overthink the essay, binding you in the writing process, but Wellington tries to minimalize that with her experienced guidelines. For instance, there is a whole chapter providing a list of acceptable contractions, as well as instances when to use them (such as letter count limits). Writers in general will find some useful advice; essay writers will find this a “must have”. Thanks to Ten Speed Press and Crown Publishing for sending this to me for review.
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Unwind 7 Paradigms for a Stress Free Life
by
Sam Bracken, Daniel Amen, Michael Olpin
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 03, 2014
UNWIND! is what you get when you combine the principles of Stephen R. Covey’s 7 habits with that of mindfulness and stress reduction. Sound good? It is! Authors Michael Olpin and Sam Bracken combine their expertise to craft a quick-read book that gets you into the balance of stress and tranquility. As the opening states, a little stress is healthy, but too much can be catastrophic. The authors use Covey’s already established habits and offer--get ready for it--paradigms! (You thought you were done hearing that ‘p’ word, didn’t you?) Before launching into their 7 paradigms, the authors do speak to the power of mindfulness, which I love. I am surprised, though, that the authors didn’t really speak to the power of sleep, which Arianna Huffington used to combine with mindfulness and meditation in her book THRIVE. The author’s 7 paradigms are: 1) Reactive to Proactive 2) Unmotivated to Inspired 3) Pressures to Priorities 4) Hassle to Harmony 5) Anxiety to Empathy 6) Defensive to Diverse 7) Tense to Tranquil I can testify to the power of each shift of the mind; these things WILL make you less stressed and more capable. The benefits are more than just health. You’ll actually find yourself getting more things done, and get those things done in a more organized, more thought out, better way. The authors claim that many other books pick apart the “limbs” while this book strikes at the “root” of stress. I’m not so sure those others books don’t accomplish the same. Yes, many “self-help” books may skirt around the issues, but if you’ve already been reading about mindfulness or have been faithfully following Covey’s 7 habits, you may already be ahead of the game. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to find that balance in life and find the tranquility they desire. Thanks to Grand Harbor Press and Amazon Publishing for sending me this book for review.
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Fluent Forever How to Learn Any Language Fast & Never Forget It
by
Gabriel Wyner
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 03, 2014
In high school I ripped my French book in half. Well, I tried to. The pages came out easily, but the hardbound cover was near impossible. I sure tried, though. If you are like me, you can probably relate to the feeling of that “wall” in learning a foreign language. For me, it was right around conjugating time, and it wasn’t pretty. FLUENT FOREVER is all about making learning foreign languages fun, easy, and--hopefully--permanent. Some of the first things author Gabriel Wyner promotes are never to translate foreign words and to throw out (actually he says burn) books with English-y pronunciation guides (e.g. bawn-JURE). Wyner encourages fun, laziness, and multi-sensory involvement. He lists a TON of free resources online to build your learning repertoire. He talks about using spaced repetition systems (SRSs) and the IPA (international phonetic alphabet). And you know what? It all makes a ton of sense. Wyner explores scientific studies and shows case-by-case examples of why his methods work. His life is proof, as he can speak six languages fluently, having learned them all in a few years’ time. A lot of these free resources have been catalogued on Wyner’s site Fluent-Forever.com. Here’s what Wyner never mentions: Duolingo. Maybe he’s never heard of it, but at the beginning of 2014, it won a best educational start-up award and had 25 million users. It was also named as app of the year by Apple (the first ever educational app with that award). According to one study, users of Duolingo learned the equivalent of a 130 hour first-year college semester course in a foreign language in just 34 hours. Best of all: it’s free. As a Duolingo user, many of the things Wyner promotes fall into line with its offerings. I’d be curious what he thinks. Overall, Wyner offers a great way to break down the language barrier. His methods are sound, quick to get into, and fun. If you are struggling to learn a language or want to start, this is a great resource. Thanks to the folks at Harmony and Crown for sending this book to me for review.
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Inamorata
by
Megan Chance
Ryan DeJonghe
, August 01, 2014
This book is just as gorgeous as its cover. It reminds me of the recent book THE QUICK, taking me into beautiful European history whilst dipping me into the supernatural. More books need to be like this. Author Megan Chance blends it well together, offering magnificent results. First, let’s talk characters. I absolutely love that Megan presents the story from different character perspectives, especially allowing us to see into the perspective of the succubus herself. Her descriptions are marvelous: you can see why all the characters are drawn to Odilé. If you’re like me, you’ll be drawn to her as well. The story of the brother and sister was a perfect tool in developing this story. Plenty of love, intrigue, and mystery to keep it going with vivid detail. Second, let’s talk setting: 19th Century Venice. Need I say more? While some of it may have been over romanticized (such as the canals smelling attractively fragrant), I can overlook that and allow myself to be submersed into the storyline. It was a lovely blend. I enjoy it when an author recognizes the character detail of location. It really embellishes the story, making it more believable. Finally, the supernatural. The choice of succubus over vampire worked great. By the description and the OMG-prologue, I thought there’d be more neck biting, but this worked so much better. I want to see more stories like this. Sexy and appealing. Well done Megan Chance. This was my first book of hers and it won’t be my last. Thank you to the folks at Lake Union Publishing for providing this to me electronically for review.
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Dear Daughter
by
Elizabeth Little
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 31, 2014
Folks reading my reviews will know I’m not a fan of book blurbs: they usually lead astray and set false expectations. In this case, it’s spot-on. Tana French said of DEAR DAUGHTER, “"This is an all-nighter . . . The best debut mystery I've read in a long time." I would have to agree about it being an all-nighter. I started reading this on break, and had to finish it before night’s end. It is catchy, fun, and highly entertaining. I liken this book to Part II of GONE GIRL, where the “cool girl” is talking. Here, we witness a pop culture, media child fresh from a case involving her murdered mother. She’s on the run from TMZ and other celebrity bloggers and news media. There’s constantly the question of “did she?” or “didn’t she?” Right up to the end, you just don’t know what to fully expect. Thankfully, although I wasn’t fully satisfied with it, it did have a resolved ending compared to GONE GIRL. The style is a combination of first person narrative and media clippings, including letters, texts, and web pages. I really enjoyed the blend; it added a certain mystery and realness to it all. Much of the book uses real names of celebrities and news outlets, giving it even more of an authentic feel. You can totally picture our post-teen celeb darlings getting involving in such misfitted adventure. Overall, this was a fun read that seemed totally plausible. Lots of elements pulled together to give an authentic feel to an adrenaline-fueled mystery. I’m giving a thumbs-up for Elizabeth Little’s debut. Thanks to the folks at Viking and Penguin Group for providing this book electronically for my review.
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Rewire Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits Overcome Addictions Conquer Self Destructive Behavior
by
Richard OConnor
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 31, 2014
Author Richard O’Connor just combined two of my favorite books: Daniel Hahneman’s THINKING, FAST AND SLOW and Eckhart Tolle’s THE POWER OF NOW. Not only did he combine them, he did it quite well, making it his own. This was an enjoyable, insightful read that I highly recommend. Ouch!” That’s the first thing you’ll say. O’Connor lists out the bad habits--one by one. At first, you may not think you are that bad off. Then you flip the page. And another page. He’s got your number. Several of your numbers. Then O’Connor goes into detail of how we minimalize our bad habits, thinking they aren’t that destructive, and then he systematically proves how they are bad. Yeah, “ouch!” But read on, fellow readers! You wouldn’t be looking at this book if you didn’t want to change. O’Connor doesn’t leave you in the heaps of disappointment; he shows various methods to change. He gives the scientific background of what works and doesn’t work, and then offers exercises to change. My favorite, as alluded to before, is mindfulness techniques and awareness. But this isn’t all breathing and meditating. O’Connor offers plenty of techniques for the “I don’t want this ‘ah-om’ stuff” folks (though the ‘ah-om’ stuff works--trust me…and trust O’Connor). He talks about journaling, and many other hearty techniques that are easy to implement and rid those nasty ol’ habits. Bottom line: we all do things that we want to change or eliminate. O’Connor blends the best of what is out there and makes it practical, real, and obtainable. This is a great book that’ll give you a better life. Thanks to Hudson Street Press and Penguin Group for providing this to me electronically for review.
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Wraith
by
Joe Hill, Charles Paul III Wilson
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 30, 2014
Confession time: I’m a sicko. I must be. Why? Because I really, really liked Joe Hill’s THE WRAITH. Okay, so maybe Joe is the real sicko for creating things I can’t even mention in this review (hint: kids and bad, bad people). But the retribution…oh, the bloody retribution. I know, Joe Hill hails from the household of King, but make no mistake, Hill stands on his own��"and then some. THE WRAITH’S description said fans of NOS4A2 will love this book, as well as folks that didn’t read it. That’s me. (Can you believe I had no idea NOS4A2 was a license plate meaning Nosferatu? Took a co-worker to point it out.) But after reading WRAITH, guess what I’ll be reading soon? Let’s put Hill on pause a second and talk about Charles Paul Wilson III��"holy crap. He’s Creative Sicko #2. Drawing children with elongated, blood-soaked teeth, whilst smiling? Giant death-hungry teddy bears marching across fields of children’s dreams? Open-mouthed Santa puking out a bloody slide underneath a wicked, winking moon? Whew! Masterful sicko art like none other. Now back to Joe. I don’t know what more I can say without spoiling the experience for you. His story blends a heart-felt and fear-soaked journey of not only the driver of the wraith, but also of the families and villains involved. The side stories work seamlessly into a chilling finale that dazzles the mind and drips with horror. Lines are surely crossed, but that’s why we came here with open arms. I want to give a shout-out to IDW Publishing. One, for sending me this book to review (thank you), but more so for doing a bang-up job of putting this together. Keep it on your shelf or coffee table (don’t be ashamed to join the sicko, art appreciation army). This book is tight, full of color, and smells so good. The bonus art stuff at the end is full of delicious win.
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What We See When We Read
by
Peter Mendelsund
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 30, 2014
As I round the corner to my 140th of the year, I can say WHAT WE SEE WHEN WE READ stands atop as the most brilliant I’ve read of all. Arranged both conceptually and visually in mouth-gaping magnificence, genius Peter Mendelsund captures the very essence--the shared bond--of our reading pleasure. The author is a master artist, both visually and now narratively. This is his magnum opus. This is why we read. “When we read, we take in whole eyefuls of words. We gulp them like water.” In a mix of narrative and art, Mendelsund stretches our imagination and believability: he says exactly what we think, without us perhaps realizing what we have thought. Absurd, maybe, but once you begin his book, you’ll find a close association to the truth he speaks. Every reader, every writer, every artist needs to read this book. “As readers, we are both the conductor and orchestras, as well as the audience.” As a reviewer of books, I have the onus to present the image and flavor of a book, but at the same time not to spoil the opportunity for you to co-create your experience as the author intended. As Mendelsund writes, “Among the great mysteries of life is this fact: the world presents itself to us and we take in the world. We don’t see the seams, the cracks, and the imperfections.” This quote is set atop a darkened map with white cracks outlined. You flip the page. The author writes, “We haven’t missed a thing.” This is sided with a picture of Anna Karenina, x-ed out from the parts unknown, with her beauty intact. “Good books incite us to imagine��"to fill in an author’s suggestions.” I can give no higher praise to this masterpiece. It is something you need to read and own. And for that, I thank Vintage Books and Penguin Random House for sending this book to me for review. It clarifies and presents my reading passion anew.
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Reasons My Kid Is Crying
by
Greg Pembroke
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 29, 2014
Cute. There’s no better word for it. It’s relatable and funny. If you’ve been to the blog, you know the book. Every page is a picture and description, with a few chapter introductions and personal stories to break it up. The stars of this show are the kids. By the time you are done laughing and reminiscing, you’ll probably think of a few pictures to add of your own. I read (and laughed through) this book on my own, then again with the wife and kids, and now again at lunch with my boss and co-workers. Cute. Cute. Cute. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
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Wolf
by
Lorenzo Carcaterra
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 29, 2014
I love when I’m wrong. Today a whole bunch of books released that I’m doing reviews for. I’ve had them organized, mainly by initial interest. Another mafia book? Yeah, we’ll just chuck that on the bottom under the self-help books. I mean, really, what interest could there be in another mafia book? Like I said, I love it when I’m wrong. THE WOLF by Lorenzo Carcaterra is the best mafia book I’ve read since THE GODFATHER. I freakin’ loved that book. And, I freakin’ love this book. It’s a bit unbelievable, but hey, it’s fun as hell. Come on…don’t look at me like that. I know, I know, all the mafia families in the world would never join forces to work as one, especially when they are fighting all the Russian mafia, who happen to be working with all the terrorist organizations of the world. But, hey, here it works. Kind of like a season of 24. THE WOLF is written well, it’s exciting, and like I said, fun as hell. Carcaterra alternates the chapters mainly between the first person perspective of the “good guy” mafia leader (AKA “The Wolf”) and the third person perspective of the Russians. Right out of the gates, you have action. We, as the audience, are treated to a picturesque European vacation spot with lots of tourists and locals, dining and enjoying the weather, and then…BOOM. Next chapter, we get “The Wolf” telling us how he organized all the mafias into one, how he owns all of us from cradle to grave, including the grave and casket itself, and then…SLASH, BOOM, BANG. Almost all of The Wolf’s family is dead. You know what that means. Seriously, I haven’t been this entertained by a mafia book in a long, long time. And the good news? Carcaterra leaves it open in the epilogue: The Wolf is coming back.
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Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Practical Strategies to Overcome Fears, Worries, and Phobias and Be Prepared for Life From Toddlers to Teens
by
Tamar Chansky
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 28, 2014
This book isn’t just for my kids: it’s for me. Before the second page, I knew this book would help me with my own struggles. Avoiding social situations? Yup. Nervous at big events? Yes. Sure, this book is meant for parents to help their children, but the advice in this book is so real and practical that everyone benefits. The package presented here comes in nicely organized phases: first the reassurance that you can do this, then the signs of what to look for, then the different specific anxieties, and then the help that is available. After that, the heart-to-heart advice that actually works. As a parent having felt many of the issues my children go through, I can personally attest the advice in this book works. This book uses logical steps and coaching, along with pictures and review bullets to re-enforce the core concepts. Later in the book, specific situations are discussed where the earlier training is applied to that situation. Without going into personal detail about my children, I can say that the steps are proven by my other research, as well as real life implementation. This specific book makes it easy to read, easy to find, and easy to apply. Thanks to Harmony and Crown for making this book available to me electronically for review. Thanks to this book, I have been reassured, instructed, and improved, both in myself and my family.
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Tantric Coconuts
by
Gregory D. Kincaid
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 28, 2014
This book came at the right time and changed my life. I didn’t expect it. I thought this was going to be a cute romance book about a hippy-ish woman meeting an uptight lawyer, and you know the rest. And it was. Thankfully, it was much, much more than that. Much more. No matter your religion, even if you don’t claim one, this book will help deepen your path. The name of the book takes itself from an image presented by the main female character, who comes from an American Indian reservation. She calls herself a “spiritual consultant” and is a member of a group representing coconuts: hard exteriors that need cracking to reveal soft, lush interiors. This whole book is a lesson on cracking our own exterior (we’ll call it ego) and bring us closer to the One. Or, as Eckhart Tolle would say, Being. In the words of the book’s character, “Don’t judge yourself harshly. Instead, just find a way to stay more present.” Stay with me here. The original teaching character of this book, the female protagonist, begins the journey by reflecting on the Dalai Lama’s teaching of religion being on a horizontal axis and awakening on a vertical axis. No matter your place in your own religion, you can become deeper in both its understanding and understanding in general. She says, people “stuck Jesus on a horizontal plane and turned him into a religion instead of a savior.” And, “Christianity hasn’t failed us; we just haven’t tried it yet.” Along the journey of this book there are other teachers representing Islam and Buddhism; these other teachers help represent other custom or creed religions. It is fascinating, thought-provoking, and, as mentioned before, life changing. As a story, it is straight forward. Funny at times, but predictable��"I kept turning the pages! This book was a slower, studious read for me, because I wanted to pause and ponder. The author included footnotes with external references and further reading. I’m already reading one those recommended books. Since reading TANTRIC COCONUTS, I’ve already noticed a difference in my personal religious walk. My understanding of my faith has increased, as well as my appreciation of service. No, I didn’t expect it to come from a commercially published--what I expected to be--rom com, but boy, did I walk away impressed. Thanks to Crown Publishing for providing this book electronically for me to review. Here are a few more quotes that I enjoyed: “You have to find what is important to you beyond your work.” “Good things usually get in the way of great things.” “Some people spend their life studying maps but never start the journey; other people blast off the starting line full speed ahead without first charting a course.” “Psychology focuses on working with what you’ve got: how to have the healthiest ego possible. Spiritual work asks you to step away from and transcend the ego entirely: to let go and become egoless.” “Defining God like an object seems to always result in feeling abandoned and somehow unworthy.” “Religion was for rich folks that wanted to avoid going to hell, and spirituality was for poor Indians that had already lived there and wanted out.” “At the upper levels the goal is to experience the divine in this life”
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Lucky Us
by
Amy Bloom
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 28, 2014
If nothing else, read LUCKY US for the writing style. Seriously, Amy Bloom has a voice that resonates and causes ponder. Every sentence layers with meaning, extending imagination. In this, Bloom has collected fragments of time from movie-esque Americana, ultimately treating readers to a story at the heart of a family. The beauty of the words will draw you along, yes. But folks, like me, that enter doe-eyed by symphonic literary script will need to grab the rails for the journey. It goes everywhere, coast-to-coast, both hunky-dory to raunchy-rowdy: all of it personal and tantalizingly written. To get your attention: lesbian orgy. Like I said, grab the rails because Bloom’s just getting started. I hope I haven’t distracted you there, because this book goes much farther than country-wide adventure. One thing this book has above all else is heart. The thing that drives us, connects us, moves us, and inspires us. It is within us and connects us all. By the time you finish this book, you’ll see that no matter the differences, both in background and general life situation, we all yield that same zeal, drive, and longing. Not everything plays out as we hope or imagine, but we all come back to the same primal premise. Amy Bloom tells little-bit-of-everything story in a most masterful way. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to review. I found deep connection with this book. The writing was mesmerizing, the heart was touched. If you are a woman that shares a special bond with a sister: you must read this.
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Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
by
Arianna Huffington
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 28, 2014
My co-worker gave me one of the most profound statements, “you shouldn’t have to pay for serenity.” And though many may baulk at Huffington’s wealth, to her credit, she lays out a plan to embrace “the third metric” free of charge. Not only does she dispense hearty advice, but she also points to a plethora of other resources (including free apps) that can continue your path toward free serenity. Forgetting the buzz words, THRIVE boils down to two main things: sleep and meditation. Don’t shirk a full night’s sleep, and remember to pause. Again, to Huffington’s credit, these two things will make HUGE differences in your life. Through her careful distribution of facts and personal story (including vulnerable moments like her own blood-pooling fall and her daughter’s addiction), Huffington presents a case that is near impossible to refute. Sleep and meditation WILL improve your life. And, yes, while it is not spelled out, there is no discredit to Huffington’s first two metrics. She uses the illustration of a three-legged stool, this book being the third leg. The other two legs are wealth and power. For those that have it, good for you. Thankfully this book sticks to topic and doesn’t obfuscate the task at hand: sleep and mediate more. Money is good, but these others things you can have immediately. Huffington also speaks about having a sense of wonder and giving, but she goes back to how these things are improved with the first two: sleep and meditation. They are vitally important to your own thriving life; you can’t help others (such as her example with the airplane oxygen masks) before you help yourself. As mentioned before, the resources included in this book are aplenty. She has a chock-full bibliography and three appendixes listing free apps, but there are many more resources included within the text itself. You’ll find quotes, books, online resources, and apps that will further your study into a better life. Yes, it was convenient that Huffington made a ton of money before her “ah ha!” moment, but don’t let that bother you. We all come to these moments at different stages of our lives and there is plenty here that we can benefit from. Don’t let your head hit the figurative (or literal) desk before you find out--find out now. Thanks to Harmony and Crown for sending me this book to review. I’ve had almost a week to implement some of the things I’ve learned and I feel great.
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The Thin Wall: A POW/MIA Truth Novel
by
R. Cyril West
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 25, 2014
I’m keeping this shorter than my other reviews, but that doesn’t lessen the impact this book had on me. If anything, it increases with brevity. The story was exciting, and at times, heart-wrenching. All around, author R. Cyril West has brought about an excellent book: the other reviews, the blurbs, the map--but what created the most effect on me was after reading the book, going back and re-reading the intro by William Beck and reading the end-book historical notes from the author. To realize other human beings, let alone Americans, have been held in secret…well, it is agonizing to think about. Our recent news only highlights how much government involves themselves in covering of secrets that deal with human life, and carnage. I will add this: I appreciate the author’s involvement with Czechoslovakia in his story. Similar to me recently learning about Chechnya in A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA, so I learned about so much in West’s story. To read this is to raise awareness of many things outside our protected boxes of information. Thank you to the author for reaching out to me and providing an electronic version of this book for my review.
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Tigerman
by
Nick Harkaway
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 24, 2014
Ahhhhhhhh! You ever read a book and think, “Meh, that was nice.” But then after you close it, it just builds on you. There was something between the lines that planted a seed in you and it grew and grew and grew. That’s what happened to me with Nick Harkaway’s TIGERMAN. I was ready to give it a four-star rating, walk away, and call it good. Nope. First, Harkaway knows me. He’s one of my people. As soon as I saw him mention “gold farming”…I knew. In-game chat channels, leet speak, comic culture: all my people’s language. So that was nice. As Harkaway writes, “it had a digital flavor, merry and modern.” Second, there’s the island as a character. Right away we witness a pelican swallowing a pigeon. Amusing. But then it dawned on me later, “Hey! That was symbolic, wasn’t it?” On one hand, we see an island lose its culture and people, being assimilated into the larger world social scheme. On the other hand, we find those who embrace the simplicity and roots of who they are. And, as the author points out, those Leaving were in a majority, while “staying had not been dignified with a capital letter.” Finally, there’s the relationship between man and boy. That’s the part eating me alive. In this book we witness what a man will become--how he changes--in the face of parental responsibility. And, as a result of that willingness to change, how the child molds, reflects, and responds to that change. “Endearing” would be a good starting word to describe the emotion while witnessing this change. There’s plenty more. This book has everything else: action, romance, adventure. But, at the risk of sounding like a movie announcer, let me stick to those first three points above. The context of TIGERMAN goes way beyond the story and penetrates the heart. That, to me, is full of what I want in a story. Something that makes me think outside the pages and turns me into a more retrospective person because of it. My final thoughts reflect those of the boy: “”Tigerman,” the boy said fervently. “Full of win.”” Thanks to Knopf for providing this book electronically for me to review. Do you folks have a Tigerman outfit I can review, too? I want one.
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How Do I Keep My Employees Motivated?
by
George Langelett
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 23, 2014
After reading many other books on both mind function and employee motivation, it is great to read George Langelett’s HOW DO I KEEP MY EMPLOYEES MOTIVATED? This book rings true. In it, Langelette answers the call of the WALL STREET JOURNAL article in 2009 that questioned how business schools have failed businesses. Langelett began by seeking a way to impart ethics into the college courses he teaches, then moved into mental development studies, and finally produced the answer: empathy. From reading this, it sounds like Langelett and I have a similar fascination with Daniel Pink’s DRIVE. If you haven’t already watched Pink’s TED Talk on YouTube, do so now. The old “stick and carrot” approach is not producing the results we are looking for. I will take this a step forward and say that previous methodology produces near-criminal intent due to folks trying to obtain the proverbial carrot. Langelett shows that if we take a step back, focus on the intrinsic needs of the employee, our business will then improve. (Charles Duhigg’s THE POWER OF HABIT has a section devoted to the habits of corporations and how focus on an unexpected measurable will produce pleasing investor results.) My favorite part of this book is Langelett’s included worksheets for managers to build empathy with their team. Keep in mind--this is NOT just for managers. As we progress into more lateral organizations, these new branded methodologies will prove invaluable to all players involved. Langelett even produces a Bible verse toward the end of the book to echo this sentiment: all we need is love. (Brené Brown has some similar pages in her book DARING GREATLY that include phrases that build empathy within a team��"how we can work together through exposure of our vulnerabilities.) Langelett also includes a section on the management theories of motivation. It is interesting to see the transition from (what a lot of companies still hold onto) McGregor and McClelland to (motivation 3.0) Daniel Pink. I’m surprised though that Langelett didn’t speak on Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s FLOW, which encompasses the mind and motivation that was also a primer to Pink’s book and philosophy. And while Langelett does an excellent job of describing brain function, I would be remiss not to recommend Daniel Kahneman’s THINKING, FAST AND SLOW. Keep in mind (like the pun?) that Kahneman’s book can be quite daunting, while Langelett moves forward in quick, absorbable pace. You’ll learn the key essentials from HOW DO I KEEP MY EMPLOYEES MOTIVATED? in a sitting or two. Overall, this book comes with my highest recommendation. This is the most modern, fundamental understanding on how we can make our business better. One that is authentic; one that is natural; one that feels right; and one that produces. This is a truly win-win situation for all involved. Thanks to Dr. George Langelett for reaching out to me and offering this book for review. I have offered my true opinion, along with many suggestions to prove the soundness of the material.
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Doing Harm
by
Kelly Parsons
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 23, 2014
“Like a good CSI episode.” That’s how one of my friends described this book. I agree with him. The writing was capable, informative, and overall entertaining. However, the plot was entirely predictable and the female characters had no umph. What got me to read this book was Stephen King’s quote, “Best…medial thriller I've read in 25 years. Terrifying OR scenes, characters with real texture.” This reminds me why Gabrielle Zevin’s character A.J. Fikry called these blurbs “the blood diamonds of the book industry”. First, 25 years is a long time frame; this book was okay, but I hope it isn’t the standard for medical thrillers. Second, “character with real texture” is a push. The main character, maybe. All the others? They are pretty thin, especially the women (both in development and author’s male-oriented description). Surgery wise, this book is great. I love going into the operating room scenes with this author. The terminology is lush with detail, bringing us right into the blood and guts without pulling punches. The author makes no amends for the plethora of medical terms, and I’m grateful for it. I have my doubts about letting a Chief Resident have this much reign in a hospital, but I’m willing to disbelieve. I have a quote to replace King’s: “the most predictable book I’ve read this year”. I opened the book, I knew how it would end. I think I set a record. The author laid out every stereotype possible and fulfilled each one. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a lot of fun and I was entertained, but no guesswork was involved. Bottom line: if you enjoy medical thrillers, this one utilizes accurate terminology in an entertaining manner. Don’t expect any shockers and you’ll be quite satisfied. Weird Al has been popular this week, so I'm putting a bonus GIF on my blog review post. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for sending this book over for review. It was fun, especially the OR parts.
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Stone Boy
by
Sophie Loubiere, Sophie LoubiFre
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 22, 2014
You may wonder, how interesting is a story about an old lady that thinks she sees a small boy outside her window? Let me put it this way: my jaw is still on the floor. Even after finishing THE STONE BOY, I have no idea how Sophie Loubière pulled it off--every page was interesting; every page held my attention. Loubière’s main character Elsa Préau held a certain “je ne sais quoi”. In other words, “She had a talent as a storyteller that gave credibility and gravitas to her tales.” In those descriptions from the book, you sense…no…you feel a certain way toward the character. And that’s the magic of it all: you become emotionally invested in the story through the power of the author’s words. It goes beyond that. It’s not just the masterful display of words on the page, but that mystery, suspense, and intrigue are added to take it to another level. No, it’s not just beautiful words, but the slight insinuation that leads to sudden surprise that makes the entire package exhilarating. The author Loubière leads us along with narrative, thoughts, journal entries, and letters until we’ve reached the breath-taking conclusion. And yes, my breath was taken away (pages 148 and 190-191, to be exact) by things I had not fully expected. Cheers to Nora Mahony for taking this award-winning novel and bringing it into the English language. I am glad to be sharing this experience with our friends across the seas. The power and flow moved naturally, without any hesitation on misunderstandings. The writing felt enriched and authentic. There is not much to add besides this: if you want an interesting and emotional story that entertains and informs, then this is it. What you’ll read will hover in your mind long after the final page is closed. Thank you Grand Central Publishing for reaching out to me and sending this book over for review. Magnifique!
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Butterfly & the Violin
by
Kristy Cambron
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 21, 2014
This is my third time writing this review, but I think I’ve got it. My struggle is this: I love the historical fiction and the story of the Auschwitz girl; I’m not such a fan of the modern portion of story with overly convenient circumstances and borderline insta-love. Overall, I would recommend this novel based on the beauty of the entire picture and the personal lessons learned. The story of the girl of Auschwitz tells of the artists and musicians of the time. Though my interest waned in the other story with modern setting, it served well to expand the context of that girl. Heartbreaking as it was, the story taught me something new and painted the already indelible picture with greater vividness and clarity. We have all been touched by stories of this tragic time period, but music and art add something more personal and endearing. Other reviewers have made note, to which I agree, that this book moves beyond the Christian literature boundaries. Yes, faith in God is discussed, as well as scriptures quoted, but those discounting these things are themselves a disservice. This is a story that resonates with the soul, making us all better for having read it. I’d be remiss not to mention the beautiful cover. I get lost staring into it. My sincere congratulations extend to Kristy Cambron for researching and penning this work. My life has been touched, and for that I’m appreciative. Thank you, too, to Thomas Nelson for providing an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for my review.
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Harlem Hellfighters A Graphic Novel
by
Max Brooks, Caanan White
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 18, 2014
“In 1917 we left our home to make the world safe for democracy even though democracy wasn’t safe back home.” Despite 191 days in combat (longest for any unit, black or white, in World War I), despite being one of the most decorated units, and despite having the first American (black or white) be awarded the French Croix DeGuerre (Cross of War), the Harlem Hellfighters are still largely unrecognized in many historical accounts of World War I. Thanks to the writing of Max Brooks and the illustrations of Caanan White, this will change. After reading this, the Harlem Hellfighters’s story will not be forgotten. The images and pain of racism are war have been etched forever into my mind. Our American men, who volunteered to fight on another land, were treated worse than dogs. While in training, they were teased, provoked, and beaten. Our own government provided inadequate training, broomsticks for guns, and tin can boats instead of parades. These men stood up and fought in trenches that smelled of a “mix of charcoal, gunpowder, unwashed bodies, and rotten meat. A lot of rotten meat.” They were there, “so while our own country didn’t want us…another country needed us.” They even forbidden to fight alongside their own army, but they were strong enough to never lose a single trench and were the first soldiers, of any race, to reach the Rhine River. Anyone dismissing graphic novels, I beg to differ. This is the perfect medium to share multi-facets of a oft-times dismissed war. Through this medium, we learn in words and illustration of the tragedies of “the great war”. 16,000,000 dead: as the book describes, equivalent to “a whole town gone, every day for four years”. This book describes the advent of the machine gun, without the change in battle strategy. In the “meat grinder of Verdun” 160,000 Frenchmen were lost in 11 months. In “the great [f-up] of the Somme” 20,000 British were lost in one day. (Curse words in this book use #, $, and * in place of the letters.) We learn of the Spanish flu, shell shock, influenze, Pnomonia, phosgene gas, rats, body lice, mud, and “Jack Johnson”. Again, if you dismiss this medium, I beg to differ. The back of the book has some pictures which I’m sharing on my blog. Looking up “Harlem Hellfighters” in Google or Bing will yield others. Henry Johnson was the winner of the French Cross of War. James Reese Europe, known as “the king of Jazz” or “the Martin Luther King of music” is also featured. Bottom line: read this! Thanks to Crown Publishing for this book. You can find an interesting interview with the author on their site. Comment time: what are your thoughts regarding graphic novels as a serious reading medium? I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
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Power of No
by
James Altucher, Claudia Azula Altucher
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 15, 2014
Boy, was I mistaken! I started THE POWER OF NO expecting ESEENTIALISM-lite. You know, nice message, but without the collective power of heavy corporate sponsorship. When I started reading it, I thought it was weird..a bit odd. It didn’t jive with everything else I’ve been reading. And then I thought of that quote by Haruki Murakami, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” The more I read this, the more I loved it. This may be one of the best books I’ve read this year (I’ve read over 120 so far). Leading up to this review, I’ve been quoting some of my favorite lines on Twitter. It’s a shame about the limited space, otherwise I’d be quoting huge chunks out of the book. Here are some quotes I’ve shared: "The brain is scared of reinvention because it might be not be safe." "Don't waste your free thoughts on the other slaves with their Rolex shackles." "If we have crappy people around, we have a crappy life." These quotes out of context may sound odd; you may get more meaning out of the authors’ slideshow on their site. One of the more profound quotes that touched me personally came through a story about CATCH-22 author Joseph Heller, who was at a New York gathering of rich hedge-fund managers (even more poignant for me after reading THE BUY SIDE and RICH KIDS OF ISTAGRAM). Someone told Heller to look around and see the people that would make more money doing what they do versus Heller. In response, Heller said he has something they do not. When asked, his answer was, “I have enough.” Another powerful moment came from Claudia sharing her meditative experiences throughout the world; one such was an event with Thich Nhat Hanh, where a sign displayed, “no mud, no lotus”. Sometimes the biggest hurt will produce the most beautiful results. As alluded to before, this is more than other books that dive into “doing less to achieve more”. As the authors say, “It’s one thing to say no. It’s another thing to have the Power of No.” A lot of this is touchy-feely without any references or footnotes; much of it is about the authors’ personal lives, including dating, loss of self, and loss of loved ones. It threw me off. The authors would theorize something like, “Okay, maybe eat some vegetables. Or, better yet, drink your vegetables.” Or, “Never watch the news, on TV or on the Internet.” Some of it is a bit off from what we read in the other popular books, but again I reference that Murakami quote. If you stick it out, you’ll find inspiration which you’ve not been exposed to before. One of the key things mentioned throughout this book is to reinvent yourself every day. Like the co-founder of Twitter Biz Stone mentioned in his book THINGS A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME, “Creativity is a renewable resource. Challenge yourself every day. Be as creative as you like, as often as you want, because you can never run out. Experience and curiosity drive us to make unexpected, offbeat connections. It is these nonlinear steps that often lead to the greatest work.” The authors really hit their stride at the end of the book with a mock Q&A section. They asked, “What if I can’t sit in silence for an hour a day?” They answered, “Sit for two hours a day.” They asked, “I can’t read 500 books. What one book should I read for inspiration?” They answered, “Give up.” They asked, “What if I’m going to jail?” They answered, “Perfect…you’ll read a lot of books in jail.” Thanks to Hay House for providing this book electronically for me to review. I’m adding it to my Goodreads’s favorite list.
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The Kiss of Deception
by
Mary E Pearson
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 14, 2014
Game of Thrones began with a beheading; this starts with a removable tattoo. No joke. I expected good things after seeing this beautiful cover and reading the intriguing description. Instead, I ended up with a long, predictable romance. Does the following sound familiar? Two kingdoms at odds seek resolution via arranged marriage. Wife-to-be runs off prior to being involved with someone she doesn’t love. Add a touch of a love triangle and that sums it up. Mary Pearson writes beautifully. See that gorgeous cover? Picture that in written form. She paints a beautiful tale. I especially love how she includes poems or pieces of her world’s historic writing between the alternating view point chapters. She’s a solid world builder and talented writer. As for the story itself, though… I flipped through 50 pages, then 100, then 150, hoping for something remarkable to happen. After all five-hundred, plus, the most exciting things were the princess running away (first chapter, don’t worry, nothing to spoil) and a kidnapping maybe. Even those were anti-climatic. I guess we’ve been spoiled with the OMG moments of recent fantasy. There are no events like princesses eating horse hearts in this. A more honest book description is what I’m asking for. If I read this as a romantic YA fantasy, then fine. But for an adult audience accustomed to more, this falls way short. If you go into this expecting to read about a girl deciding between two love interests in order to save the kingdom, then you’ll be delighted. Otherwise, move along. Thanks to Macmillian for providing me with an electronic review copy of this book.
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The Sun Also Rises
by
Ernest Hemingway
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 11, 2014
There are 226 editions of THE SUN ALSO RISES on Goodreads, do we need another? In this case, yes. The Hemingway Library Edition feels like buying one of those double-pack DVD collections loaded with bonus features. If you are already a fan of this book or want more insight into its creation or the Hemmingway legend, then this is a great version to pick up. As for the book itself: meh. I loved OLD MAN AND THE SEA, but just couldn’t bring myself to appreciate SUN ALSO RISES on nearly the same level. I think the former is a better representation of Hemmingway’s spare prose, while the latter is bereft of that emotional tug. At many times throughout, I found my mind straying from the content, mainly due to Hemmingway’s indulgent use of dialogue. The theme of the story held a unique interest, but the telling of it dragged in its redundancies. However, this is a classic for a reason and clearly carries with it a base of fans. This book is for those appreciative people. The two introductions by Hemmingway family members were interesting, but the end-sections are what shine the most. Here is where you’ll find nearly 100 pages of content, including: an essay on bull fighting in the 20s, pieces of early revisions (I wish all books had this; it’s like a director’s commentary almost); the discarded first chapters; and the other possible book titles (such as RIVER TO THE SEA or TWO LIE TOGETHER). There are also about five pictures, including one of Hemmingway’s ticket stub for the bull fights in Pamplona. Stand-alone I would rate this book lower, but I’m a proponent of these “special features”, even in modernly-released books. When I read a book I love, I want to know more about its inception and formulation. In this case, I’m giving it an extra star because the features were fascinating though the book itself was not. Thanks to Scribner for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to review.
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A Curious Man: The Strange and Brilliant Life of Robert Believe It or Not! Ripley
by
Neal Thompson
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 11, 2014
You ever see the movie BIG FISH? You know what this book reminds me of? Yeah, BIG FISH, only Ripley actually did those things and met those people, as he described them, even from the beginning. Instead of a baby popping out and sliding across the floor, Ripley’s birth was no less unusual. His dad up and left Appalachia, swam solo across the Ohio River, went across country, and tried his hand in the California gold rush. Neal Thompson brings this book to life with his adjectively descriptive and curiously captivating writing style. Sure, the subject matter helps, but Thompson keeps you engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the “Believe It or Not” segments he spreads throughout. He’ll break the narrative to offer an interesting factoid regarding Ripley’s history. You’ll learn the origins of the phrase “for crying out loud”, how Babe Ruth was called “The Sultan of Swat”, the beginning of yellow journalism, and what happened when Mr. Walt Disney didn’t achieve his dream of becoming a newspaper cartoonist. And that’s just the first ten-percent or so of the book! As you may already tell, this book features more Ripley himself than what you’ll find on his shows or museums. There are plenty of resources for that, but you’ll still get a tease for it here. This book also features an ODDScan feature with a phone app (sadly, my Windows Phone doesn’t get much love with these things) where you can scan the book’s pictures and see extra content. You can also find this content on the author’s site. This book was a bit larger for my tastes, but many will still be interested. It covers important time periods of America’s history, including both World Wars and the Great Depression, and Ripley’s involvement during it all. So, yes, it does take some time to get through, but there’s a reason Leroy “Robert” Ripley was voted “America’s Most Popular Man” by the New York Times. Thanks Three Rivers Press and Random House for sending this to me. I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
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Butcher
by
Jennifer Hillier
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 10, 2014
Sorry for the crude analogy, but this book climaxed before the foreplay. What book reveals the killer in chapter 2? Seriously! I was happily reading along, then BAM, here’s a video of the killer doing disturbing things to his victims. The remaining contents of the book teased along the characters in all-too-convenient plot points that lead to a predictable and ordinary conclusion. Shouldn’t we have been guided along by clues before the big reveal? Speaking of conveniences--"wowzers. Where do we begin? How about with the sudden appearance of a bear? Right when the serial killer is set to make his final cut …growwwwl ….roarrrrr …a bear shows up. Might as well include alien rescue. Dues ex machina much? And then, years after this victim escapes the killer’s cleaver, she later happens to find smeone within the killer’s close network, who happens to be involved in a book about the killer. However, for god-knows-why, the victim doesn’t want to reveal the killer’s name. Guess what happens to her? (I won’t spoil it, but you can probably guess.) Shall I go on? How about the killer’s relative that discovers those ghastly videos, which include dismemberment and rape. That relative is in shock and tears. But then…”oops” that relative accidently kills someone and needs the killer’s help covering up the body. Keep in mind, the killer is 80, living in a retirement community, and (as the book’s description implies) is still killing folks. Killer Grandpa. The book wasn’t terrible. It was interesting and a quick read, but it was tied together too conveniently with no guesswork needed. Maybe that was the point. Or not. Thanks to Gallery books for providing me with an electronic copy of this book for review.
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Removers A Memoir
by
Andrew Meredith
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 09, 2014
Come on, I wanted more dead bodies! Yes, I know I’m a sicko, but the description made THE REMOVERS sound fifty percent love-you-dad and fifty percent eww-that’s-gross. What I got was about ninety percent hug-fest and ten percent blood-bombs. The writing is good. For instance, visualize as you read this, “At the rec center baseball diamond across the street, screams of “Go!” follow an aluminum plink. At the corner, tulips in yellow, red, violet, planted to partition the sidewalk from a tiny row house lawn, salute a crew-cut man in a tank top, gold crucifix swinging as he soapy-sponges his four-wheeled stereo.” Beautiful painting of Americana, right? Just imagine how these words wrap around decayed dead bodies. Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I wanted more. About dead bodies, this book is not for the squeamish. You’ll read as the author describes a three-week-old body that “feels like squeezing a Ziploc bag filled with tomato sauce.” Or, of the crematorium, “the smell of burning meat, or worse, boiling rivulets of body fat leaking out the front door of the machine, dripping down into the processing pan and onto the floor, leaving a grotesque cleanup task and an aromatic cocktail of chalk dust, basement mold, and the burnt black drippings in a roast pan.” Yummy. There’s maybe ten such descriptions in the whole book. That’s it. A majority of the book is kumbaya with the friends, family, and neighbors. That’s okay, I like that kind of stuff (even though I wanted a higher percentage of bodies). As you can see, the author is quite talented with words, but what drove me batty was his method of mashing topics together. One paragraph he’d be describing hoeing through body parts in the burner, the very next paragraph he’d continue a story about his father touching young college girls. Two totally different stories at once; tt was a blunt kick to the flow. There were a few quotes I liked that blended both blood and hugs together, such as, “What does it mean to reduce a woman to five pounds of powdered bone in one three-hundred-thousandth of the time she lived?” Profound. Overall, this was a well-written memoir with decent insight into the industry. The daddy stuff was nice, but a bit too long-winded for me. You’ll find enough bloody fascination buried within if you are willing to dig through the vast amount of touchy feely. Four stars because it was well written and interesting and at least lived up to some of its gross potential. Yes, there is a 500-pound woman and burning baby involved. Be forewarned. Thanks to Scribner for providing an electronic review copy of this for me.
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The Shambhala Principle: Discovering Humanity's Hidden Treasure
by
Sakyong Mipham
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 09, 2014
500 words, are you kidding me? That’s the number of words I’m allowed to quote without needing special publisher permission. If I could, I’d quote for you most of chapters six, seven, eight, and eleven. I found those chapters the most profound and life changing. I’m not saying that lightly. Here’s one quote I put on Twitter while reading this book: “Every moment has its energy; either it will ride us, or we can ride it.” Let’s start with some definitions. Shambhala is a word that means “source of happiness”. From my understanding, it was the area of Shangri-La, now obtainable through meditation. The author goes into much greater detail of this, some of which is abstract for folks like me, who come into this mostly uninitiated. The author’s title of Sakyong means to be “an earth protector, protecting the goodness by awakening other to it.” It is much like the Indian dharmaraja (dharma king), or the Chinese sheng huang (sage ruler). The author inherited the title from his father; this book describes much of that transition. Now let’s get to the good stuff. “The principle of basic goodness is not particularly religious or secular. It is about how humanity at the core is complete, good, and worthy.” The author says THE SHAMBHALA PRINCIPLE moves “beyond the parameters of Buddhism” and goes to talk about supporting “the unique qualities of various traditions”. He says that everything boils down to this: “humanity is good, and good is the nature of society.” It’s a lot to take in, but the process is a worthy endeavor. No matter your religious belief system, you have much to benefit from this book and its practices. Both Eastern and Western cultures are blended together to reveal the virtue of mankind. The author mentions Plato (virtue meaning humanity), Aristotle (virtue meaning “manifestation of the good”), Buddha (“Let whatever you are doing become your meditation, and your path will deepen”), and many others. The author states you become virtuous by “being mindful, feeling compassion, and exercising patience” which leads to “pleasure and lightness of mind.” One of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s books comes to mind when the author states, “Appreciating where we are right now is a helpful antidote to depression.” That quote came spawned from the author’s father’s teaching of, “Be where you are and who you are. That’s how to cheer yourself up.” Furthermore, what I learned from another book called HARDWIRING HAPINESS was reflected in this statement by Mipham: “Even if it is only finding time to take a shower or to feel good that we made it to work after missing the bus, we need to find small victories in the day��"and slow down enough to appreciate them.” As with my review of THE FOUR AGREEMENTS, and as alluded to above, some thoughts may appear abstract to many. Such things include non-weaponed warriors with visions of the future and communicating through snapping fingers and touching chests. Also, the end-book applications to global economics and health were interesting, but a bit too far reaching for my understanding. For what I gained from reading this, the value is immeasurable. Many ideas are gleaned from others; this is a nice crystallization that presents a new vision. My life is bettered for reading this. Thanks to Harmony, Crown, and Random House for providing this book for me to review. And one last quote, “The day does not have to be perfect in order for us to feel a sense of celebration.” Let us all go and enjoy our special day.
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A Beautiful Defeat: Find True Freedom and Purpose in Total Surrender to God
by
Kevin Malarkey
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 08, 2014
How does this differ from other “surrender to God” books? That was my question upon being introduced to A BEAUTIFUL DEFEAT by Kevin Malarkey. Thanks to Nelson Books, I got the answer. Kevin said, “This book is not written by a pastor who is speaking to his flock. It is written by a person who sits next to the reader in church. The authenticity that comes from this perspective is noticeable from the very first sentence of the introduction.” After reading the book, I agree with the author’s statement. He also writes in the book, “This book is not intended to be theoretical, philosophical, or even theological. The goal is for it to be both biblical and practical.” And that shines through. There’s a heavy dose of scripture and real-life examples offered from Kevin’s life. This is a testament to his journey and findings as he, and his clients, have discovered as they have given themselves over to God’s will. Easier said than done. Right away, Kevin states that the process of surrender is messy. There’s a bunch of “me” involved. And, as we read along, Kevin shares his process while action steps and practice implementations, followed by a prayer time. One of my favorite action steps, though maybe morbid, was making my own death certificate. Followed by prayer, this provided a good reflection time about my own will versus surrender. There’s enough here, though a smaller book, to allow everyone to find their own notable moment. This book is heavier on the evangelical belief of battles with the devil. I know people will come into this book from all kinds of Christian beliefs, so I wanted to make note of that ahead of time. Kevin offers plenty of scripture and the points are well taken. Part of A BEAUTIFUL DEFEAT reminds me of a section I read in Pastor Rudy’s book LOVE. PERIOD. It is a section dealing with God’s plan for us during moments of pain or suffering. Kevin Malarkey works through how we surrender to God’s will during this time. Pastor Rudy shared a quote from C.S. Lewis that I thought worked well here. Lewis wrote, “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” All-in-all, A BEAUTIFUL DEFEAT accomplishes what it sets out to do: remind us of our purpose and guides us into a more meaningful life in His will: all without being overbearing or highbrow. Thanks to Nelson Books for sending this over for me to review. On Goodreads, I’m giving this three stars because “I liked it”. On Amazon, I’m giving this four stars because that is their "I like it".
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Love Period Loving Those Who Are Not Like You
by
Rudy Rasmus
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 07, 2014
Before seeing this book, I hadn’t heard much about Pastor Rudy Rasmus or his work at St. Johns Downtown in Houston, Texas (or globally for that matter). As I read LOVE. PERIOD., his heart is laid bare. It was great to see him show his sensitive and battles for all to see. You would think someone that has toured with Beyonce would hide much of this, but Rudy isn’t hiding anything. What I received from the first few chapters is what I expected: biblical proclamations to love one another. After all, that is the greatest of commandments. However, as I dug on, as Rudy shared more, I became more attached to the message. Of the details of Rudy’s life were no doubt painful, but he shows the truth in the power of love. He tells the very personal stories of his father, mother, wife, and children. We are invited into the intimate details of his life to see how love prevails. I had a great time with Rudy’s acronyms. Such as L.O.V.E. meaning: Liberation, Others, Vulnerability, Engage. My favorite, though, is Love is P.I.M.P. proof: People Indulging in Materialistic Pursuits. As Rudy writes, “The only way truly to avoid becoming a P.I.M.P. is to pursue a relationship with the One who created you.” I’ll be using that in my repertoire, for sure. There are many other aspects I appreciated. Rudy uses scripture and quotes throughout. The quotes are referenced at the back of the book. I liked how he said, “love is more than random acts of kindness.” I appreciated these lessons of love: be kind to yourself; acknowledge your emotions; affirm what God says about you; apply your energy daily. He hits it right with common lies: God is angry with me; God is punishing me; the devil is busy. He also mentions a similar topic that Joyce Meyer’s touched upon in THE APPROVAL FIX, which was great to re-affirm. But what particularly touched me was his treatment with anger and its roots. Its causes being: uncommunicated standards, unappreciated performance, and unexpected behavior. He talks on how to help, versus getting angry at justifiable causes and the response to evil: focus on the victim; allow yourself time to reflect; and put the matter in God’s hands. This book isn’t just about love, but it does trumpet it as the highest value. Rudy shares that as with anything, such as patience, and especially love, they are learned. We need to learn, share, and grow in love together. That’s the message I believe in. That’s the reason I’m giving this five stars. Thanks to the folks at Grass is Greener for reaching out and telling me about this book. Thanks to Worthy Publishing for providing an electronic review copy of this book.
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California
by
Edan Lepucki
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 06, 2014
Colbert tried, but Lepucki’s characters killed the hype train. I mean, it was exciting watching Stephen cause mayhem with Powell’s charts. The comment sections on that site are a bit anemic, so the boost was nice. But, maybe he should have read the book first. I don’t want to sound mean, but really. This book has a bit of the television show LOST’s vibe, but without the deep secrets, mystery, science fiction, and violence. Or without the enriched characters. Especially without the enriched characters. It’s a bad sign when the book’s author admits to the New York Times that “[p]eople seem to hate Frida” (one of the two protagonists). And she’s right. I’m not fond of women characters who believe “her job was not to ask questions.” Boring, that’s what that is. Give me a woman with some spunk. Some flavor. Some get-up-at-cha. I don’t want some laid back character that goes to the river to do laundry and comes back just to spread her legs. It’s all just a bit…juvenile. We’re told this book compares to THE ROAD, but I don’t think a Pulitzer-prize-winning author would write, “He’d give his left nut for a new book…” I don’t think the main character would wear a p-y inspector t-shirt. Nor do I think two different characters, on two separate occasions, would say, “take me to your leader,” and then ruminate how they sound like an alien-movie actor. And even though the characters at times seem to hate each other, they love to have sex. I guess that’s because there were “No female students. No Internet porn. No neighborhood girls to fantasize about.” While we’re on that topic, I don’t think it was a good idea to try to offend a majority of the American market. Having all your characters turn away from Christianity is one thing, but describing Christians with the f-bomb is a huge no-no. At least if your goal is to sell more books. The secrets weren’t all that special. Even at page 351, we’re lead to believe there’s more behind the door, but “You’re better off not knowing.” A character said it right, “It’s not something to be so blasé about.” That’s what most of it was: blasé. One-hundred pages waiting for a vote: blasé. A dude not mentioning something about his day: blasé. There’s a town in the distance: could be interesting, but ends up��"blasé. Sorry, I have to get a couple more things off my chest. I don’t care about the turkey baster. It keeps coming up; I’ve read many paragraphs about it; I don’t care. Again, nothing interesting to see when it was all revealed. As for the fear of the color red (everything from red clothing to paper cuts were shunned), then why talk about that fear while cutting up presumably red apples? And, not mentioning that you may have seen someone wearing a belt three years ago? I don’t think that will destroy your relationship. In the end, I get what Colbert was trying to do, but it just makes the bubble burst all that much louder. This novel was mildly interesting, but with comparisons to Cormac McCarthy and with Colbert’s hype train, it was a letdown in the end. Here’s an interesting factoid: with all that’s going on, the author coincidentlly calls out Amazon in her book. She mentioned some of the Community (post end-of-world cities) names are, “Bronxville, Scottsdale, Amazon, and Walmart.” Should we not buy books at Walmart, too? Nah. Thanks to Little, Brown for sending this book to me for review. Sorry it didn’t work out this time.
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No Requiem for the Space Age: The Apollo Moon Landings and American Culture
by
Matthew D. Tribbe
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 03, 2014
I’m walking out of this with my little-boy astronaut bubble popped. I grew up watching THE WONDER YEARS with doe-eyed fascination of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing (isn’t that how the first episode started?) and waving America’s proud flag sense. After reading this, we’re still proud, but maybe not as attributable to the moon program as much as believed. My shoulders may be slumped, but the author, Matthew D. Tribbe, makes an undeniable case. With precise surgical cuts he elucidates his position, presenting facts both culturally and scholarly. The book is summed up by the author’s containing statement: “Unlike the vast majority of scholarly works on Apollo, then, this book is not about the space program, but about the peculiarities of an American society that was shooting men to the moon semi-annually over the four-year period from 1968 to 1972 and then��"just as important��"stopped.” Of those references, of which there are nearly 1,000 of them (20% of the end book is taken up with reference listings), what struck me personally were those tied to our culture, particularly movies and books. The author makes mention of John Updike and many others. I earlier referenced the Wonder Years. Interestingly, I just read Dave Eggers’s latest book (2014) that directly addressed the Apollo program and American disinterest and lack of continued commitment to the moon and shuttle program. The signs are there if we dig in and look. The author points them out in order, so they are hard to ignore. In his set-up, the author states, “Americans were never as keen on the moon program as current public memory and myth suggest.” In examination of one study he says a “majority of Americans could not even remember the name of Neil Armstrong, hailed as a hero just a year prior.” This isn’t all sad or the overly enthused (like myself; I thoroughly enjoyed Chris Hadfield’s book about being on the Space Station and what it took to get there). The author sums the space program in this brilliant quote: “Apollo was an expression of faith in the value of scientific discovery in a time of reaction against science, even against rationality. Apollo was an act of can-do optimism, of a belief in progress, in a time of reigning pessimism. Apollo was the work of a dedicated team, pursuing a well-defined goal, in a time of bitter confusion of national purpose. Apollo was, moreover, a success rising above so much failure.” In other words, “[T]he successful moon landings [were] an example of Americans uniting to do big things.” Thanks to Oxford University Press for providing an electronic review copy of this book: my space-age bubble is popped, but I can’t deny it.
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Rich Kids of Instagram
by
Creator of Rich Kids of Instagram, MAYA SLOAN
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 03, 2014
See that one-star rating up there? Has nothing to do with Maya Sloan as a writer��"she’s quite talented. That star represents me throwing this book into the bonfires of hell while I hurl my guts into the bowels of my toilet. My fault though. This was a self-inflicted pain. I admit to the guilty, yet painful pleasure of flipping through the Rich Kids’ pictures. I say painful pleasure because millions of us get a sick kick from following the site. We’ll never drive around with a lion in our Lamborghini. We’ll never hold onto the railings of our yacht copter to jump into the Mediterranean waters. And, yes, we’ll never fill our bathtub with thousand-dollar bottles of wine. So we look at the pictures, outwardly laughing, inwardly crying (or not). It’s a life that fulfills our wildest imagination. It’s fantasy fulfilled. So what about the book? The first picture was good. Actually, all the pictures were good. But dang, this is not what I expected. I wanted more inside scoop, but what I got was made-up fairy tales, supposition. It was written well. Again, a nod to Maya Sloan’s talent for making an immensely readable book with realistic characters, but I hated each and every one. Part jealousy, maybe. But really, we have enough sex-driven, drug-fueled, rich hippy adolescents in real life. Do we need to make more up? It is hard to tell what the goal of this book was. There’s no plot. There’s no continuous character development. I guess it is like the website, just brief glimpses into the lives of uber-rich teens. Here’s where I say it is my fault for going into this expecting anything more. Maybe some actual details about the folks featured on the site would have been nice, but sadly, this is disturbing fiction reflecting a made-up life. Thanks Gallery Books for providing the electronic copy of this book for me to review. It’s not you; it’s me.
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The Buy Side: A Wall Street Trader's Tale of Spectacular Excess
by
Turney Duff
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 02, 2014
“DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HATE: sex, alcohol, happy hour, models, ecstasy, cocaine, pornography, mature hookers, wall street mafia, drug addicts, alcoholics, NYC nightlife, insider trading, hazing, seven figure bonus checks, fake muggings, $25k birthday parties, one night stands, ABC Carpet, secret Wall Street crack houses and excess.” Yep. That’s what hooked into reading THE BUY SIDE by Turney Duff. This book is an insane page-turner. All that stuff above is there, but I was also interested in the beginning and end: where Duff came from and how he landed. It was fascinating to see how a plain kid from Maine, going to a small college in Ohio, ended up swimming with a bunch of drug-fueled, excess-driven sharks. In other words, it could have happened to any of us. Wave the Benjamin Franklin carrot in front of us, and we may come biting. Also fascinating is Duff’s realizations that Wall Street success is more than Ivy League education and all-hours number punching. A lot of what made Duff shine is also reflected in this book: his personality. That, and a bit of luck. For instance, what would have happened if Duff wasn’t such a fan of Melrose Place? (You gotta read the book to find out what I mean; it’s worth it.) This book has an authentic credibility to it that instantly connects. Allow me a few quotes from my fellow reviewers. David Bahsen on Amazon says he reads all these types of Wall Street books and says, “Duff gives readers a far more sensible and credible explanation of what he did for a living than many attempts at describing the business do.” Joe Peta on Goodreads has written his own book about this time period on Wall Street, saying he often shared some of the same experiences at the same locals as Duff. Joe says, “that familiarity creates a very high "rings true" bar for me as a reader.” In comparing THE BUY SIDE with another book with a pack-hunting animal in its title, I would say this book is more relatable with a more settling conclusion. In the end, we all must focus on the vital importances of life. I especially love this quote from the book, “Real success on Wall Street is measured not in bonus or salary but in photographs on desks of children wearing soccer uniforms and caps and gowns. Success on Wall Street is measured the same way it’s measured by a factory worker, a math teacher, or an engineer with four children in Maine.” (Duff also directly addresses the book-turned-movie title on his blog.) I want to thank Crown Publishing for reaching out to me and sending over a copy of this book. I went in expecting excess, but walked away with life lessons. Excellent.
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The Bell Jar
by
Sylvia Plath
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 02, 2014
Whoever is still comparing this book to CATCHER IN THE RYE, please stop. CATCHER was a meandering, lackadaisical plod from pubescent interest into collegiate boredom. The “anyhows” and “anyways” served as fuel for my page-tearing rage. Needless to say, I didn’t like it. THE BELL JAR is informative, timeless, and full of finely tuned narrative. Sylvia Plath poured herself into this book, utilizing her poetic understanding of language, creating a blend of well-to-read literature and true-to-life fascination. Both writers and clinicians would benefit from a study of this book. Although Plath ended her life before being diagnosed, her capturing of schizophrenia is realistic and true to form. While dated, the transition into young-adult life is modern and timeless. The stresses to perform well in school, to maintain social protocol (dating, marriage), and sexual exploration are ever present today. Plath transcribes the nuances in brilliant fidelity. Of interest, too, are the historical viewpoints of medical and psychological treatment. A sudden skin mole killing people within weeks; a lock-away TB treatment; and, of course, mental disorders and depression. I would be remiss to say that if you are suffering confusion or depression that there is no shame in seeking help. There are times, many, where talking with someone or taking prescribed medicine can open a whole new world of happiness and contentment. There are times when things can’t be worked through on your own. I also want to thank my good friend and fellow reviewer Allen Smalling for spotting this on my wish list and sending it over. Thank you, buddy. This is a wonderful book that many will appreciate on several different levels.
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Our Happy Time
by
Ji Youn Gong, Sora Kim Russell
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 01, 2014
Drunk dad beats kid; popular singer is not satisfied with life. Both those ring of cliché, but OUR HAPPY TIME digs deeper than those initial perceptions. Gong Ji-young, the author of this, winds her words into your soul with delegate wording and gut-wrenching messages. OUR HAPPY TIME alternates between the perspectives of the female singer and male prisoner. The stories are deep enough to feel real--to feel deep. By page ten, you as the reader will be characterly connected, prodding to move forward in answer, in resolution. Though the message has strong religious undertones, the wherefore does not require Biblical belief for the final payoff and hearty understanding. The emotional notes still touch and play accordingly. Contained are simple messages, not necessarily with bow-tied endings, but they leave plenty to consider post cover closing. To read this, is to read the stories of two opposite lives connecting and realizing the importance of it all. Life, truly, is a constellation of vital phenomena (thank you Anthony Marra for that titled book and definition). And, thank you Marble Arch for finding my corner of the internet and sending this book to me for review. It wasn’t solicited, but it was timely and appreciated.
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Forty Acres
by
Smith, Dwayne Alexander
Ryan DeJonghe
, July 01, 2014
Dude buying a Seinfeld DVD gets tossed into the back of a van: so this adventure takes off. As far as thrillers go, this one had me turning the pages. That’s good. We’re witness to a big court battle and then taken to an exclusive club. It all ties together, but I can’t help leaving a bit infuriated. From this book’s description, you can see that this is about reverse discrimination (slavery to be exact). The author did a great job of bringing forth the issues, but then got me ticked off: mostly at its implausibility. To allow fellow black men into the club, you have to use their DNA to find if they are from a certain extinct African tribe. (Not buying it.) You fly a bunch of white folks out to a remote location and use them as slaves? (That ain’t happening.) All the women are blond? (Read the next paragraph.) On that note, the author has this novel stuffed with ingénues. I just came off reading Karin Slaughter’s COP TOWN; the transition from kickass and realistically flawed to this, where the women are naïve sex objects--it didn’t work. It was part two of infuriating. Both the high-powered lawyer’s wives and the blonde sex slaves didn’t work for me. Despite that, though, the pages kept getting turned at a rapid rate. The author’s language wasn’t spectacular or poetic, but he kept the story moving. This book kept me engaged and interested, which is goal number one in a thriller. Kudos to the author for that. Thanks to Atria for providing an electronic review copy of this book, FORTY ACRES. Dwayne Alexander Smith may have ruffled my gizzards, but anyone willing to suspend their belief and is okay with the male-centric writing will have a hell of a time. Either way, I’m on board for his next book, because he can obviously write a seatbelt-needed thriller.
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Not One Among Them Whole: A Novel of Gettysburg
by
Edison McDaniels
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 27, 2014
Remember that surgery scene in DANCES WITH WOLVES? You know, the one where the blood splatters on the curtain, causing Kevin Costner to freak out and suicidally ride his horse in front of the Confederate troops? Yeah, that scene. Now, imagine a whole book of that, written by an trained surgeon. Writer, plus surgeon, plus war buff, equals gruesomely awesome book. I’m referring to NOT ONE AMONG THEM WHOLE by Edison McDaniels. Check out my Q&A with him below for more details about him, this book, the war, and surgery. As the title implies, though not everyone was killed or wounded, no one walked away whole. This book captures the essence of war. “In a shadowland where the only read commodity was suffering and the only true coin was death…”, so the author begins his exposure of the battlefield. The richness of his description paints an indelible scene of true-to-life horror. The disturbed surgeon, no doubt from being inundated by the hundreds of scenes of brutality, knocks out his subjects with chloroform, fillets the muscle, pushes through the bone with a dulled blade, brings to life again with fanning and liquor of ammonia, and prescribes opium and alcohol to dull the post-surgical pain. It is not all surgery. This story is woven with other characters such as the wounded soldier, the gypsy showman/undertaker, and the former slave. McDaniels’s scenes include sensory details to bring Gettysburg to life. Such as the day they marched in the dust of a thousand men, “a hot, dry dust spewing the kind of heat that paws at a man and drains the vigor out of him.” They are there with their wool jackets, baking, stinking. This book comes to me via the author after my review of Jeff Sharaa’s THE SMOKE AT DAWN. If you are looking for an emotional and realistic painting of history, I truly believe Sharaa is gifted as such. If you are looking for the scent and feel of war, I encourage you to read NOT ONE AMONG THEM WHOLE. Thanks to the Dr. McDaniels for sending this to me for review. Here is the interview between myself and Edison McDaniels: Besides the vast number of casualties of Gettysburg are there other reasons you’ve selected it as the setting for your book? Gettysburg is, in many ways, the iconic Civil War battle. It’s known by more people than any other. Even those folks who don’t know much about the Civil War have heard of Gettysburg. That said, I will point out the events of Not One Among Them Whole are generic in that this isn’t a description of the battle itself (though there are scenes of battle), and it’s not an historical narrative. I’ve read a great deal of history, military history especially, but I am not an historian and have no desire to write a history book. What I do like to write is this: ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. That’s what this book is, at least until you consider how extraordinary every individual in such a place must be��"perhaps the circumstances make the man in such cases. This is really about the events surrounding the battle, the small things we all take for granted. As it progresses, it becomes about life and death and the incredible insanity of the borderland between. The title of the novel, Not One Among Them Whole, is very much in play here. Nobody gets out unscathed. What other books have influenced your writing, both in style and inspiration? The biggest influences have been Cormac McCarthy (Blood Meridian is a truly great novel) and Stephen King. I am awed by McCarthy’s use of language and King’s pure story telling ability. Other influences include Nevil Shute (an expert at turning mundane stories into compelling reads, I especially like A Town Like Alice) and Shelby Foote (again, his use of language is simply beautiful). I was very impressed with Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain and wondered if I could do as well (I haven’t, not yet). Novels such as Frankenstein and Moby Dick also affected me. In the former, because it’s such a wonderful story. In the latter, because it’s a great story with many flaws (an entire chapter devoted to the cetology of whales? You’d never get away with that today). I used elements of all of these in Not One Among Them Whole. What method of research have you done with NOT ONE AMONG THEM WHOLE? Are the fictional characters based upon anyone in particular? The fictional characters are not based on any particular individuals. I just wanted to tell a story and that’s what came out. As far as research, it was sort of a write what you know thing. I am a surgeon myself, a neurosurgeon actually, and during my training (and since) I spent many nights with trauma victims. My father was a veteran of WWII (he was at D-Day, Omaha Beach) and an amateur war historian. My earliest memories of our house are those of his library and his many war books. They were everywhere. He used to regale us with stories about war and military history. In a way, I’ve been researching a novel like this all my life. As a neurosurgeon yourself, what resonates with you most about Civil War battlefield surgery? The overwhelming and continuing nature of it. Modern day trauma centers can easily get overwhelmed with just five or ten or twenty casualties. These folks had hundreds, sometimes for days on end. I’ve described Not One Among Them Whole as a steep descent into insanity. I can’t imagine battlefield surgery during the Civil War was anything less than that. Is there a sequel in the works? I get asked that question a lot. The short answer is yes, but not exactly a sequel. Once I’ve explored a group of characters, I find I am not that interested in returning to them. That said, I have recently completed a novel set in the same period, at Gettysburg. It tells the story of a woman struggling to keep her family together amid the chaos of war after the rebels confiscate her farm as a hospital. It’s just as intense as Not One Among Them Whole, and there are several characters common between the two. It’s not really a sequel though, since the action happens concurrently in the two novels. Are you working on anything else? Oh yes. My other great love in fiction is the ghost story. I have an incredible novel about a haunted hospital that I am about to start sending around to agents. I have another ghost story, novel, about half done. Great fun. As a neurosurgeon, where do you find the time to write? It’s a time management thing. We are empty nesters now. Except for the news, and every Minnesota Twins baseball game (MLBTV is the greatest), I rarely watch TV. I prefer to read and write. Reading is fundamental to writing and I try to read as much as I can of other people’s work. You can see more about this book and Dr. McDaniels at his site Neurosurgery 101: http://surgeonwriter.com/
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Oliver & the Seawigs
by
Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 27, 2014
This is the best children’s book I’ve read since Neil Gaiman’s FORTUNATELY, THE MILK. Actually, I’d put it right up there with that one for imagination and sheer fun. I don’t know if Philip Reeve’s books are all written this well (it looks like the other books are tailored for a little older crowed), but I’ll definitely check them out. First up, what is a seawig? Well, of course, it is a wig made of seaweed and other items from the sea. Of course. And, the moving rock island needs help from his friends if he wants to win the seawig contest. Between the submarine, monkeys, mermaid, and albatross, it all gets mixed up. Oh, and the missing parents. That too. The writing is great, but I’m sure happy to see the pictures, too. Sarah McIntyre did a bang-up job of providing the flavor of the writing in drawing form. Look closely and you’ll see little hidden charms in each of the drawings. Besides getting more of Reeve’s books, I’ll be looking for McIntyre’s illustrations as well, probably starting with THERE’S A SHARK IN THE BATH. There’s not much I can add to this besides a “thank you” to Random House for providing me an electronic review copy of this book. This is something kids will enjoy, but plenty of us grown-ups, too.
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The City
by
Dean Koontz
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 26, 2014
“The City is simultaneously an interesting and a boring book” ��" Rabindranauth “[W]hat happened to the Dean Koontz” ��" Patrice Hoffman “[T]he worst Dean Koontz book I have ever read” ��" Elspeth These are some of the quotes from folks at Goodreads. I get it. I get what Dean Koontz was trying to do in THE CITY. And for the most part I can handle strange, queer, and imaginative. Not so much the rambling. That’s what makes this so different. I bet the reviews would be better if Koontz wrote this under a pseudonym. Look at THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST. That book got great reviews; part of what added to it is the mysteriousness of having “an acclaimed author” behind the helm. I enjoyed that part; it added a spice to the book. The rambling wouldn’t taste as sour if Koontz didn’t repeatedly point out he was rambling. He writes, “if the story is fourteen blocks long, I sometimes start on block four and have to backtrack to make sense.” Then he writes, “I tend to ramble when I talk, like now into this recorder.” And again in a later chapter, “I hop around, back and forth, so maybe you’ll see the uncanny way that things connected.” Ugh. But let’s get back to what Koontz is doing here. He opens the book with a quote from Thomas Mann saying, “Hold every moment sacred. Give each clarity and meaning, each the weight of thine awareness, each its true and due fulfillment.” Koontz later in the book writes, “In our lives, we come to moments of great significance that we fail to recognize, the meaning of which does not occur to us for many years.” There’s something deep here; he just bounces around getting to it. There is plenty of mysterious things you’d expect from Koontz: a lady randomly showing up, claiming to be the embodiment of the city; a friend who determines what kind of day it’ll be by flipping breaded toast (is it a butter-up side day?); an orb; future-seeing dreams; and an eclectic set of neighbors. The story is told from the voice of a fifty-six-year-old protagonist looking back on his nine-year-old self. His mom is struggling after dad leaves and pieces of danger manifest themselves. The boy longs to play the piano and yes, as the beginning states, he dies and rises again. This book explores the themes of life, as well as that of art and music (there is even a special moment dedicated to that of The Goldfinch painting; sound familiar?). As the protagonist proclaims, “Mine is a story of love reciprocated. It is the story of loss and hope, and of the strangeness that lies just beneath the surface tension of daily life, a strangeness infinite fathoms in depth.” And, in the end, ““No matter what, everything will be okay in the long run.” If you are willing to part with your Koontz expectations and sit around as the tale is spun, then you may find some particular enjoyment in this story. What you’ll find is this (as Kootnz writes): “That’s life. Always something, more good than bad, but always interesting if you’re paying attention.” And that is this book, too. Thanks to Bantam and Random House for providing an electronic copy of this book for me to review.
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Don't Put That in There!
by
Aaron Carroll
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 26, 2014
Mom, if you are reading this review, cover your eyes. Better yet, go check out my review of Joyce Meyer’s latest book. You shouldn’t be reading this review mom. You’re embarrassing me. Next, I want to thank the authors for recommending the book Stuck Up!: 100 Objects Inserted and Ingested in Places They Shouldn't Be. I need to read that book. And now for everyone else, please bear with me as I try to write this review whilst working around the censors. I’m assuming you’ll know what I mean by manhood and rear orifices. The main goal of DON’T PUT THAT IN THERE! is to dispel the myths, to validate experimentation, and to prevent diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Real quick: yes, it is okay to swallow; no, there’s hardly any chance to catch something from a toilet seat; and, yes, you can get pregnant using the “pulling out” method. For you men, you may or may not be within average range. A lot of this book finishes answers with inconclusive findings, but offers a chock-full (not that other word; get your mind out of the gutter) of evidence and research to get you thinking. In this instance, when men self-reported online their manhood measurements, the numbers were a bit larger compared to the urologist-conducted study. Sure, one measured hard and the other measured yanked flaccid members, but it gets you thinking. The main idea here is to satisfy curiosity and keep y’all pervs safe. Speaking of pervs, apparently not as many folks are watching those special channels online that the media would have us to believe. In most cases, readers of this book will find reassurances for safety and avoidances of bundles of surprise joys. In other cases, you may find out something new that would cause you to run home and rub your eyebrow (you’ll have to read this to find out). And as for curiosity, just how wide can that rear orifice expand? (Again, read it to find out.) I’m writing this during World Cup time. There are some teams with pre-game rules about hanky-panky. They should also read this book; there’s a chapter about that. Interesting topics and lots of evidence makes for an interesting read. With that, I thank St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an electronic review copy of this book for review. Now, I need to go re-read that Joyce Meyer book myself.
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Constellation of Vital Phenomena
by
Anthony Marra
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 24, 2014
After Anthony Marra finished his first draft of A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA, he printed it out and started re-typing the entire thing. He did this after typing the second and third drafts, too. He typed this entire novel, cover-to-cover, four times in total. To say he is worthy of all the awards he has received would be an understatement. This is a beautiful, potentially life-changing novel, well-worded and exquisite throughout. Marra said his goal was to produce laughter and tears within the same page. To an extent, yes, but don’t go expecting rainbows, kittens, and butterflies. This is Chechnya circa 2004. People here are identified by which body parts are still intact. If you have all ten of your fingers, you are a rare and beautiful specimen. The scene is grim, but Marra is right, there’s still plenty to smile about. Despite feeling third world (the high value of an autograph of a formerly fat person; Soviet constructed toilet bowels covering unexploded bomb shells) this novel paints a contrast with the mysterious modern world outside of their grasp (is the President of America Ronald McDonald?; what is this Amazon that underworld members can produce books from?). It may feel old, but the real tragedy is the life-altering wars that take place in our world today…so many ignored. The stories tie together to paint the beauty of life and the importance of family. The title is taken from one character’s medical journal, under the entry for “life”. Life is defined as, “a constellation of vital phenomena��"organization, irritability, movement, growth, reproduction, adaptation.” This is shown throughout Marra’s book. The characters evolve with growth. Though their livelihoods are torn asunder, their spirit holds fast to that which is most precious: their hopes, their futures, and their family. Even the most apparently vial of characters has something to share. Though the flashbacks may at times seem irksome, they are excellent tools that reveal some of the most surprising secrets. And though not the most happy of endings (again, Chechnya circa 2004), the way the author ties it all together is one of the most unique methods I’ve seen employed. This is an emotionally moving masterpiece in the hands of a skilled author. Thanks to the folks at Hogarth, Crown, and Random House for sending this book. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
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Reason I Jump
by
Naoki Higashida
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 23, 2014
There are two reasons I choose this book. One, because I’ve heard so much about it (including from my sister��"hi, Kathy!). Two, because of David Mitchell. I’m super excited about the upcoming THE BONE CLOCKS and wanted to read and review this and CLOUD ATLAS leading up to that. THE REASON I JUMP not only shows the life of thirteen-year-old autistic Naoki Higashida, but also serves as a conduit for a parent of an autistic child to share the beauty found within autism with the world. Thanks to Mitchell and his wife, we are able to read in English what otherwise would have been missed. That’s what this book means to me: capturing the beauty that is otherwise missed. Someone helped and taught Higashida to use an alphabet board to communicate. The messages he delivers are mostly in answer to questions, such as “why do you jump so much?”, or “why do you make so much noise?” (nothing is too personal), and the rest in short stories. At first, the message of struggle is clear. To communicate, when communication is impossible. To want to be watched, when no one knows what to do. To be a part of the group. The message then moves into the more detailed world of Higashida. If you pay attention, there is much we can learn. His world, as many with autism, is not measured in time. It is measured in beauty and fascination. After answering several questions, he shares the story of the tortoise and the hare. Their second race, the tortoise tips over, but everyone is at the starting line, helping him and not at the finish, cheering the hare. Later, he shares his story of the airplane, where he feels comfort strapped down above the earth in his own gravity. Yes, there are complexities, but there isn’t critiquing. There are fears, but there is serenity in movement. It may seem like two different worlds, but each has a message for the other. We just have to listen. Thankfully, the message was given and translated to make that process easier.
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Cop Town A Novel
by
Karin Slaughter
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 23, 2014
Karen Slaughter got herself a new fan in me. Oh sure, she starts with the pretty writing, describing the city in metaphors, but then-Pow! Guts dripping down the back; pieces of skull bone stuck in teeth; pimps waiting outside the hospital. And that’s just the prologue. COP TOWN is my first Slaughter novel; maybe you fans can help me out and let me know if all her writing is like this. She pulls and tugs, and slaps and bakes until the scene is vivid in front of you. The characters are commanding, especially the women, but all with their own culpabilities. That’s what really impresses me here with COP TOWN, where the chicks are hardcore, tough, kick butt, but also carry a burden of faults. Ain’t nobody perfect; that’s what makes a true diamond shine. I think it’ll be impossible for you to read COP TOWN and not love especially Kate and Maggie as characters. Speaking of characters…this takes place down south in the 70’s, Atlanta to be specific. Slaughter catches this whole brutal flavor. This book shows the Good Ol’ White Boys Club. They didn’t like their new black Chief. They didn’t like women playing the part of fellow cop. They didn’t like gays. And they though CT (color town) is the place to investigate first. Slaughter shows how bad it was and the environment women police officers had to overcome to perform their duties and survive. This book is so much more than finding a cop killer, it’s the whole package. You know what this book reminded me of? The HBO show THE WIRE. It’s like a flashback to yesteryear, when things seemed simpler, but had their own time-specific challenges. THE WIRE and COP TOWN show both sides of the coin, cops and robbers per se, but that didn’t necessary always mean good or bad. Like that show, this book shows the real human nature of it all. I’d imagine Slaughter already has a following, but if you’re like me and haven’t started, now is the time to dig in. Thanks to Delacorte and Random House for providing an electronic version of this book for me to review.
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Cop Town A Novel
by
Karin Slaughter
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 23, 2014
Karen Slaughter got herself a new fan in me. Oh sure, she starts with the pretty writing, describing the city in metaphors, but then-Pow! Guts dripping down the back; pieces of skull bone stuck in teeth; pimps waiting outside the hospital emergency room. And that’s just the prologue. COP TOWN is my first Slaughter novel; maybe you fans can help me out and let me know if all her writing is like this. She pulls and tugs, and slaps and bakes until the scene is vivid in front of you. The characters are commanding, especially the women, but all with their own culpabilities. That’s what really impresses me here with COP TOWN, where the chicks are hardcore, tough, kickbutt, but also carry a burden of faults. Ain’t nobody perfect; that’s what makes a true diamond shine. I think it’ll be impossible for you to read this and not love especially Kate and Maggie as characters. Speaking of characters…this takes place down south in the 70’s, Atlanta to be specific. Slaughter catches this whole brutal flavor. This book shows the Good Ol’ White Boys Club. They didn’t like their new black Chief. They didn’t like women playing the part of fellow cop. They didn’t like gays. And they though CT (color town) is the place to investigate first. Slaughter shows how bad it was and the environment women police officers had to overcome to perform their duties and survive. This book is so much more than finding a cop killer, it’s the whole package. You know what this book reminded me of? The HBO show THE WIRE. It’s like a flashback to yesteryear, when things seemed simpler, but had their own time-specific challenges. THE WIRE and COP TOWN show both sides of the coin, cops and robbers per se, but that didn’t necessary always mean good or bad. Like that show, this book shows the real human nature of it all. I’d imagine Slaughter already has a following, but if you’re like me and haven’t started, now is the time to dig in. Thanks to Delacorte and Random House for providing an electronic version of this book for me to review.
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What Are You Hungry For The Chopra Solution to Permanent Weight Loss Well Being & Lightness of Soul
by
Deepak Chopra
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 20, 2014
Sorry, Deepak, I love cold pepperoni pizza. I’m also not fond of spending big bucks for crappy cafeteria food, so I pack my lunch, refrigerate it, and-gasp-reheat it in the microwave. I know, I know. According to your book WHAT ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR?, I’m not supposed to do these things. You say these are FLUNC foods: frozen, leftover, unnatural, nuked, and canned. But, it’s who I am. You know, Deepak, why don’t we just take out that whole Part I of your book? Can we do that? I mean, you never really give your research or sources for your claims. I mean, look at Dr. Oz. He’s testifying to congress for doing the things you’re doing in your book: making statements without substantiation. I’ve read THE BIG FAT SURPRISE and she’s made some pretty well-documented points against what you’re claiming. Besides, do you really think Steve Jobs would still be alive if he ate more jalapeños? (Though Jobs wasn’t mentioned, you do claim that jalapeños “kill cancer” in the pancreas and lungs.) Oh, and my doctor says cinnamon isn’t the best way to lower my LDL cholesterol. I think I’ll stick with the advice the doctor offered in THE DIET FIX for this type of stuff. But, let’s talk about the positive. Deepak, I love Part II. This is you. This is what I came expecting, craving. I read THE TAPPING SOLUTION’s guide to weight loss, and they echo a lot of what you say. This is the holistic approach I was looking for. Stuff like your acronym STOP: stop what you’re doing, take a 1-minute break, observe the body’s sensations, and proceed with awareness. I like that your definition of awareness includes bodily, emotional, and choice awareness. I love that you say mindfulness includes SIFY: sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts. This is who you are; I would be more than happy if your book was only one-hundred pages of this. Great! As for the meditations, I know not everyone will follow your advice to say “om varunam namah”. Heck, I don’t even know if I can remember it without peeking. But it is nice to think “my life is in harmony with cosmic law.” Nice. Oh, and Deepak, those recipes in back are good, but I don’t have those twenty-one (21!) ingredients to make your Mulligataway Soup. Can I leave out the Bragg Liquid Aminos? And I’ll take your word about “The Chopra Center’s Unbelievable Double Chocolate Cake”. I just can’t picture it being very tasty with 12 ounces of low-fat silken tofu. So, Deepak, I came expecting what I found in Part II. For that, thank you. I’m going to tear out Part I and leave it in front of Whole Foods. I figure someone should use it if I’m not. (Sorry, but again: pizza.) Oh, and can you tell those folks at Harmony, Crown, and Random House thanks for sending this book to me for review? They all are great people, and I would love the chance to review your other upcoming books. Best wishes, Namaste, Rayn
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Who Gets Promoted Who Doesnt & Why Second Edition 10 Things Youd Better Do If You Want to Get Ahead
by
Donald Asher
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 19, 2014
If the title of this book appeals to you, then the introduction alone is worth the price of admission. Donald Asher highlights the first book of the same title, and explains what’s new. Most importantly, he reveals some of the best advice of the whole book: “the biggest mistake employees make is to think that promotions are given based on past performances.” I started this book almost two months ago, took a break, and am now just finishing it. In that time, I have seen two people passed over for promotion because of this assumption. What’s new in this version? Well, I didn’t read the first book, but according to Asher, he’s updated this book for considerations of females in the workplace (especially giving nods to what he says changed his perspective: Sheryl Sandberg’s LEAN IN) and how to repair your career. Both good; both especially needed. Don Asher (can I call you Don?) hits it hard. He figures we “didn’t need the kind of rudimentary advice in other guides.” We don’t need to be told to polish our shoes and fill the status quo. Whatever all that means. We’re professionals, looking to improve ourselves. We don’t need (I’m picturing him saying this) any namby-pamby coddling. In my opinion, it comes off as arrogant. But, I’d imagine tough love is what some folks need. Cut to the chase; don’t mince words. Before the good, here’s the problem: where’s he coming from? So you call someone an idiot for telling someone else over the phone that the boss is in the restroom. Sure, that’s not the most couth approach, but is lying better? And why is lying acceptable these days? It is not okay in mine or Steven Covey’s opinion, but there’s a whole chapter about lies in BUSINESS WITHOUT THE BULLSH T. But I digress. References; footnotes; resources: a good, modern business book has plenty of them. Besides interspersed interviews, I have no idea where Asher is coming from. Now for the good. Asher knows his stuff. Yeah, yeah, I give him beef for not leaving me a footnote trail, but I see the stuff happen in front of me. Folks want to gossip about the boss.Wrong answer. Folks kill themselves doing a good job in their current position. Sounds reasonable, but not promotion worthy. And then there are the cavemen. Or, was that Neanderthals? Either way, Asher’s got your number. It is frank, to the point, and chock-full of advice. Does he promote job bouncing? Yes. Does he promote re-location? Yes. Does he offer advice, even if you don’t want to do either? Still, yes. I think Ten Speed liked my review of THE BEST PUNCTUATION BOOK, PERIOD., (comma after the period? Sure, why not?) because they sent me this to review, too. So, thanks Ten Speed, Crown, and Random House. This book is hard-hitting, almost entirely spot-on.
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What Are You Waiting For?: Learn How to Rise to the Occasion of Your Life
by
Kristen Moeller
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 18, 2014
My favorite: the “gentle knock” segments throughout this book. Throughout WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Kristen Moeller offers these life-searching, self-reflective questions. If you read nothing else of this book and just take these questions to your daily meditation, you’ll become a better person-perhaps, the person you’ve been longing to become. But, I encourage you to read the rest of this book. Moeller shares her deeply personal story: surviving melanoma; beating addiction; and then, losing everything. She carefully tells us about life’s perceived dependencies and boundaries; she opens up the gates through kind guidance of thought. Nothing is rushed or forced: all of it is within us, waiting to be recognized, accepted, and acted upon. Moeller’s description says she is a “self-help junkie”. Yeah, that shines through. No, she doesn’t offer her sources or make other references (though I would have liked her to). Her writing and philosophy remind me of the lessons I’ve learned from some of these other great books I’ve read: HARDWIRING HAPPINESS, DARING GREATLY, NEVER EAT ALONE, ESSENTIALISM, and the fictional (but outstanding) THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. I hope the author doesn’t mind me sharing the following list. This is something she said she created along with her friends. It is a list of “objectives to live by”. It is on page 81, and I love it. It is: 1) Go out into the world. 2) Create relationships. 3) Love unabashedly. 4) Make mistakes. 5) Look for what needs healed. 6) Forgives your (and others!) humanity. 7) Thank God for the process and opportunity. 8) Love yourself unabashedly. 9) Repeat steps 1-8 until the day you die. Also interesting is the author’s opposite take on THE SECRET (though she doesn’t call it out directly…I know!) and America’s fascination with the Law of Attraction. Even a SIMPSONS episode called it out. Let’s drop our obsession with stuff and live an authentic experience. Let’s rise to the occasion of our lives. Thanks to Cleis Press and Viva Editions for reaching out and offering a copy of this book for my review. The personal story and introspections served as a great reminder and gentle prodding. Thank you, again.
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Power of Forgetting Six Essential Skills to Clear Out Brain Clutter & Become the Sharpest Smartest You
by
Mike Byster
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 17, 2014
I get it. I think. THE POWER OF FORGETTING took me a while to work through. By Mike Byster’s design, it’ll take you a while, too. Everything starts off easily enough: here’s the brain, here’s how it works, and then-BAM! You’re then being asked to find a pattern in a group of ten-digit numbers. For “fun” Byster talks about using his brain to find out things that occur naturally, such as the longest word you can type with only the letters on the top line of keyboard. Naturally. Fun. I wanted to dismiss Byster’s ideas as being over-the-top. But then things started happening. No, I couldn’t complete half of his exercises, but of those I did complete, they must have done something. I feel like I’m remembering more. I feel like I see more. He talks of the brain’s elasticity, so between exercising it and relaxing it, I’m getting somewhere. Hopefully in the right direction. So, yes. I can see what folks are saying about THE POWER OF FORGETTING. Byster is in a league outside of the norm. This book will not turn you into a junior Byster. However, if you follow his steps and put genuine work into the lessons, something will happen, both in memory and mental efficiency. Part of me though wonders how much of this comes from the power of noticing and being present (which happens to be part of the title of a book I’ll be reviewing in a couple of months). Here’s the real thing: does Byster leave the common folks behind? Mostly, no. I would have liked simpler warm-up exercises (not sure if that goes against the Byster religion), but more so I would have liked footnotes. References. Resources. Byster rattles off info that sounds familiar to my other readings, but there aren’t many go-tos. The reader won’t know where he’s coming from; what well he’s drawing from. In the end, you’ll see improvement. Maybe the title isn’t accurate(I’m noticing and remembering more versus forgetting more��"blocking out distractions; focusing). Maybe he takes off and goes into regions we can’t follow. But if you put in the work, it’ll still pay off. Thanks to Harmony, Crown, and Random House for a review copy of this book. It’ll definitely be one that I’ll go back to: keeping that mental saw sharpened.
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Flying Shoes
by
Lisa Howorth
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 16, 2014
FLYING SHOES reminds me what belonging to a community is all about. I’m laughing and having a good time with some of the other reviewers: some of us didn’t know quite what to expect. The book’s description speaks of an old child molestation and murder case: something dark that needs to be solved. But…then. We hear how Kroger’s has better produce; an Acid Reflux Pillow sells for $59.99. We hear about the family: everything about how they keep their rooms to the secrets they keep. We hear about the neighbors, and the people down the block, and the people across town. It’s lovely. So yes, this book is not for everyone. There are several characters involved here. Each of them are unique and whacky; each of them totally believable. The quality of writing from Lisa Howarth (of Square Books, Oxford, MS fame) ties it all together wonderfully. One after another: metaphors, analogies, and even some hyperbole. It’s all personable, fun, and- -again- -lovely. I think you get the picture. This is a tribute to who we are. Whether the community is a small town in the Midwest (such as where I grew up), a group of book bloggers and reviewers, friends on Facebook, co-worker- -anything- -there’s always something going on and something to get into. We all bring something special to the table. In the end, the big issues may not get solved, but we’ve got plenty else to consume our time and talents with. So, don’t read this for the mystery or thrills. Just come on down and visit for a while. You’ll enjoy the zany individual stories and interconnectedness of it all. Thanks to Bloomsbury for offering a digital version of this book for my review.
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Quick A Novel
by
Lauren Owen
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 16, 2014
First, let’s rule out what shouldn’t be a spoiler. Go back, read this book’s description. Comparisons to Anne Rice? A secret club of bloodthirsty men set in the late 1800s London? Within the first fifty pages we’re introduced to a man who stays out all night, comes back with dark red stains on his lips, and sleeps during the day. My question for you: is it really that much of a surprise? Oh, and on the first page of this book, there is a quote with a link to a site that contains an entire book--the most famous and classical of this genre. Speaking of the most famous and classical book of this genre (I won’t mention the v-word), THE QUICK reminds me so much of it. Finally! A book of this genre going back to its classical roots: mystery and romanticism. The story unfolds slowly and smoothly. The language employed is perfect and beautiful. There’s a nice mix of narrative and journal clippings. It all blends together to tell a fascinating tale, both classic and new. There are plenty of surprises left to discover. The big surprise is NOT what this book is about, but about how the relationships unfold. This is what I will not give away for you, but let you discover it for yourself. Who are “the quick”? What is “Dr. Knife’s” role? At first, we are witness to the loving relationship of a brother and sister. We see how James, the brother, is reluctant to learn to read, but later becomes a writer and poet. How familial love transcends ordeals and complications unfolds throughout. I also appreciate the mix of historical fiction: meeting famous people like Oscar Wilde, talk of historical figures like Jack the Ripper. That and London itself blend together to enshroud everything with curious mystery. The setting is perfect. Books descriptions are sometimes off in their comparisons to other authors, but they did well this time. The similarity between this and Anne Rice is spot on; even more so with that first weblink offered in this book (author rhymes with Poker). If you are tired of the teen novels of this genre and want something more mature and classic, Lauren Owen offers the winner you seek. Thank you to Random House for providing a digital copy of this book for review. I enjoyed going back to the roots of v… (Surely you know by now��"I promise it doesn’t spoil surprises, nor the story.)
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Better World
by
Marcus Sakey
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 16, 2014
I want to thank Marcus Sakey for breaking me in: I didn’t read the first book BRILLIANCE, so the quick recaps were helpful. They were done well, too. Sakey moved the story ahead, while covering the basics of what happened. I still don’t fully understand how it all got to this point. So, some people can either see patterns in the stock exchange or happen to remember the clothes they wore on a particular day, but now everyone wants to kill or imprison each other? After reading this, I'm going to have to go back and read BRILLIANCE. Anyhow, bad stuff went down from the previous novel. The President was involved; rogue groups emerged. Setting aside the apparent lack of previous pragmatic progression, this new novel has all the makings of a solid summer thriller. Sakey weaves the story well. The cast of characters balance, as does the quick build to the exciting climax. It’ll be hard for anyone to put this book down. I especially enjoyed the interspersing of multi-media-like segments between chapters: dating sites, posters, interviews. It was all a snazzy way to build the world and make it seem more life-like. It made the world feel real and authentic. Here’s what I really dig: the real-life implications. Looking at my reading history, you can see I don’t read a lot of thrillers. For instance, I have yet to reach a Jack Reacher novel. Not that I don’t want to read them; they just don’t populate my reading. For those interested, A BETTER WORLD makes a great thriller. For me, I liked the social review: how as a society we can stigmatize a certain population. This book makes specific mentions and comparisons of our history. A look around in today's world and you can see the saying is true about what happens when we don’t learn from history. BETTER WORLD points this out in a dire way. Marcus Sakey spins this well. Read it for the thriller; ponder it for the implications. And sign me up for the next one, because this leaves everyone with a dazzling punch. Thanks to Thomas and Mercer for providing an electronic copy of this book to me for review.
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The Fever
by
Abbott, Megan
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 13, 2014
In an interview with the National Post, Megan Abbott states that “Shakespeare would be writing about high school if he were writing now.” Known as a noir writer, she continues, “high school is the most noir landscape there is.” After reading THE FEVER, yeah, I can see her point. Take for instance Wikipedia’s definition of noir stating drams that “emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations”, and compare it to the high school experience…it fits. THE FEVER takes the promiscuous rumors and experimental secrets of a high school and enshrouds it all with a cloak of dark mystery. Seizures and near-death experiences strike a group of girls. No one else is affected: the boys, teachers, or people of the town. Each of the girls are from troubled families; each of them are friends with one another. Some think it is a vaccine’s reaction; some think it is from a contaminated lake. The result comes as a surprise that also offers a critique. More an accurate exposition of modern High School life versus a fast-moving contagion mystery, Abbott weaves her tale well. Dark topics are explored, as well as the usual expectations of a small-town society. The emotions surrounding coming of age are detailed, including the “sexual debut” (as interestingly described in the book) of its young teenage subjects. Each family has their own histories and secrets, which leads to an interesting mix of story. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers: mystery, noir, young adult, crime, and literary. The perception is that this will be a quick YA read or light mass-infection book, but it goes much beyond that. You’ll find yourself flipping the pages with interest. The pacing is captivating, save for between the 50 and 70 percent marks (the mystery hovers, versus moving forward with as much detail as at the beginning). Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an electronic review copy of this book for review.
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Tapping Solution for Weight Loss & Body Confidence A Womans Guide to Stressing Less Weighing Less & Loving More
by
Jessica Ortner, Lissa Rankin
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 12, 2014
Nice try, girls. First, I found you trying to rock out with the Fit Bottomed Girls, and now I’ve found you tapping. Yeah, I’m onto you and your exclusive clubs. So, in the name of boys everywhere, I’ve snuck into the ranks and am walking way with the goodness contained within. In other words, tapping for weight loss isn’t just for women. Yes, there are parts in here about understanding changes in the body, confidence, etc., but most of these things can be equally applied to men (hey, I wasn’t comfortable with the looks I got when my moobs developed). I get it, these things are real--many women would appreciate this--but really, men will find a ton of value here, too. Jessica Ortner is a sly one: this isn’t just about weight loss. Tapping is for stress, fear..really, anything. And yes, I know tapping sounds weird. The author admits it sounds weird. But��"it works! Since reading this book, I’ve tried it when stressed about medical appointments, and even before a crazy ride my kids wanted me to go on. Each time, it took me down a notch and made me accepting of the situation. And, when I felt like yelling at the kids? Yep, it worked then, too. As for weight loss, I can see it working. It is about awareness and finding what is causing the cravings or desires to eat. There is no calorie counting here, but it may still be helpful to combine tapping with your favorite method of nutritional management, though it isn’t necessary. Again, tapping raises the awareness; the food approach is secondary. You’ll get most of what you need in the first twenty percent of this book. Ortner goes over what tapping is, provides some of its scientific history, and details the strategies, along with providing charts. The rest of the book walks through the process for specific situations. Throughout, Ortner uses some great quotes to go along with the reviewed steps. Long story, short: it works. Much to my surprise. One of the steps includes accessing your level (anger, stress, appetite) before and after the tapping exercise. It’s psychological, yes. But, it is an effective tool. Thanks to Triple 7 and Hay House for the digital version of this book to review.
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Good Suicides
by
Antonio Hill
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 12, 2014
THE GOOD SUICIDES is a dark and mysterious novel. The tone is set at the opening, describing a man that murdered his family and then killed himself: “What we cannot know is how to protect ourselves from the rancor that accumulates in silence, from that mute hatred which suddenly explodes one night and destroys everything.” That quality, foreboding writing continues throughout. Author Antonio Hill produces two stories in one novel. On one hand, he continues the story of Inspector Salgado by trying to resolve what happened with the African witch doctor and his wife, and then introduces a new twisted story about a cosmetic company whose employees are killing themselves. Mystery and darkness persist cover-to-cover. The inspectors are witness to infidelity, partner switching (some from one sex to another), domestic violence, S&M, father-in-law romance, and, of course, suicide and murder. Antonio Hill handles it all professionally, never trashy. He writes with intelligence, creating a perfectly paced story that builds and burns until the final sentence. The one challenge I would forewarn you on are the names and locations used in this book. There are many names, all authentic to the Barcelona region. With family relationships within the cosmetic company, previous mysteries to be solved, who is dating whom, and several flashbacks, it would behoove you to write the names down as you progress through the novel. You’ll be thankful you did around the 200-page mark, when everything starts swirling together. Another stand-out quote that comes later in the novel, which ties the book together and does not spoil, is a reference to the dogs. How they “work together to achieve a common goal”, but “when the hunt ends…they fight among themselves for the best morsel.” The imagery is haunting. Thank you to Crown and Random House for sending me this book; I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
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Your Fathers Where Are They & the Prophets Do They Live Forever
by
Dave Eggers
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 11, 2014
Last year, Dave Eggers poked into our obsession with social media; this year, he digs deeper into our social culture and expectations. Some of the more poignant moments of YOUR FATHERS ask why our fellow humans are so easily discarded. As Eggers’s writes here, “preconceptions about those closest to us and our willingness to dismiss the random contacts in our lives.” Also, what happens when we don’t get what we want, especially instantly, or being “prepared for a life that does not exist.” Down below I’ll include a minor spoiler (I’ll warn you ahead of time) about the people Thomas captures and holds hostage. Thomas is a timely character, reminding me much of what we’ve seen from California’s virgin killer. It is a testament to the product of our society: instant gratification without hard work and what happens when those imagined wants/needs do not materialize. The people being held (no spoilers yet) each attribute to Thomas’s fact finding mission. Each represents the people who are our heroes, our role models, and our protectors. Each shows how different people respond to life’s givings, whether we are prepared for them or not. Now, here’s something else interesting: this book is entirely written in dialogue. Not a bit of narrative. This demonstrates Eggers’s ability to carry a story, including providing description of location and movement, all within conversation. Each chapter labels the particular building; each em-dash separates the speaker. Never is it listed who is doing the talking, but it is clear throughout. MINOR SPOILER NEXT PARAGRAH This isn’t a big spoiler; there’s much deeper material to discover. Here are the people Thomas kidnaps for his inquisition: an astronaut, a congressman, a former teacher, his own mother, a police officer, an attractive woman. One leads to another, but you can imagine the line of questioning in regards to what Thomas expects out of life. As the congressman point out, there are many men (and women) like Thomas: expecting, wanting, and upset when not obtaining. This is a nice mix of people to demonstrate what it is like to work hard, not get exactly what we want, and making the best out of life. And here’s one more twist in the plot: Thomas’s friend had been shot and killed. For it all, Thomas wants answers. END OF SPOILER Dave Eggers has created an excellent novel. At times, it is reminiscent of King’s MISERY, but with a much larger social grasp and critique. It is well written and captivating. You’ll be left with plenty to ponder at its many turns throughout. Thank you to the folks at Knopf for sharing this galley with me for review. I’m looking forward to the conversations this book will produce.
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Mr Mercedes
by
Stephen King
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 10, 2014
MR. MERCEDES retains the classic King without any signs of paranormal or hauntings. This does what King does best: tells a dang good story. I’m going to try giving you a good description of what to expect, without giving away any spoilers. As you can tell from the book’s summary, there are two main characters: the retired detective and the seemingly out-of-his mind killer. The thing is, this killer was the biggest unsolved case for the detective. The killer takes advantage of this and pesters the detective through anonymous letters and via a website. You can see some of this exchange by going to the website “Under Debbie’s Blue Umbrella” and put in “kermitfrog19” as your password. On the detective side, we are witness to an older man finding his way in the world post-force. Daytime TV, love, and diets included. Some may say this is a bit boring; others will see the story element of this. Now the real reason to keep reading: the killer side. This dude is nuts. He’s the reason you’ll keep flipping the pages. There’s a bit of taboo there, but if you’ve read King, it ain’t anything new to you. Here’s one little hint of things to come (same as some of what the book’s description alludes to): is King twisted enough to blow up Harry Styles? Many folks say King needs an editor. He has one. Some of the “lazy” phrases are classic King. When he slaps a ho-hum at the end of a paragraph, you can picture him sitting in his chair, typing out the story, making it his own. It adds to the page count, it hovers in non-action moments, but it has all of his signature. It’s authentic and it’s what his fans expect. In the end, this isn’t King’s craziest or best. However, it is a well told story that’ll stick in your head after the pages close. It’s vivid and believable. This is definitely a summer read you’ll want to be a part of. Thanks to Scribner for sending this book to me for review. King is what got me to put away some of my childish things and dig into reading. I’m a better person because of it. Thanks, Sai King.
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Black Vodka
by
Deborah Levy
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 10, 2014
This is a great collection of short stories: varied and interesting. All of them have a European flavor; some are more exotic than the rest. Each one is beautifully written; a couple of the stories come off as poetic. The indelible images painted are rich in context and beauty. Bravo, Deborah Levy. To give you a flavor of what’s included, the title-bearing short story involves a man seeking a name for his company’s vodka. A woman is involved who is fascinated by his hunched/humped back. The man wonders if someone could love him despite the anomaly that he usually tries to hide. Other stand-out stories include a dreamed infidelity that breaks into reality and a sister seeking the socially approved love attractors, be it ice cube shaped hearts or dyed hair. Every story comes together to give a unique flavor, yet each hits a unified lovely pitch. Some of the more memorable quotes (for me, anyway) are: “kissing you is like new paint and old pain,” and, “I have an incredible facility to wade through human shame with no shoes on.” I know they don’t mean much out of context, but these quotes still show off the uniqueness of the writing. If you are looking for some short stories that are well written and tell interesting tales, then this is a collection for you. Well done. Thanks to Bloomsbury for providing me with a digital review copy of this book for review.
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The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street
by
Gilman, Susan Jane
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 10, 2014
WARNING: you'll need to have ice cream easily accessible when reading this book; you will crave ice cream. I'm giving Susan Jane Gilman props on her first piece of fiction: it’s fantastic. The subjects are interesting (immigrants, rags-to-riches, ice cream!), the writing is suburb, and the story is well told. It all fits together to create a page turner that fascinates and educates. I’ve learned plenty on this reading journey: the science behind ice cream, the story of an ice cream barge towed into the Pacific during WWII, the rumors of how ice cream causes polio, the business deal with McDonald's, and what makes Häagen-Dazs so delicious--and more. But, heed my earlier warning: you’ll need a scoop of that cold concoction next to you while reading Gilman’s description of flavors and offerings. Oh, and the tenement museum in New York should be thankful for all its soon-to-be new visitors as a result of this book. The quality of this story reminds me of a recent Pulitzer Prize winner: THE GOLDFINCH. The writing had me hooked, from start to the end of the 500th page. I loved how Gilman weaved in a story about a Jewish Russian immigrant that grew up in a Catholic Italian household during the early 1900s. I appreciate how Gilman extended the story into the periods leading to, during, and proceeding World War II. A bit is said for the mid-century, seventies, and pre-9/11, but the bulk of the contextual meat is set in the foundation stages of early 20th century. In a post-book interview, Gilman states how she created a female anti-hero. I love this. The character represents the spunk and genius required by a woman breaking into a male-dominated society during this time period. This is foreshadowed with boxing lessons given by her dad while waiting for an outbound boat; this is closed on page 450 when she states, “I leaned in.” (Whether or not by design, it reminds me of Sheryl Sandberg’s LEAN IN--how poignant!) In the end, all that needs to be asked: A historical fiction book about ice cream? Yes, please! Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and the Hachette Book Group for sending me a galley to review. This is an excellent book and will make a terrific summer read.
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Smoke at Dawn
by
Jeff Shaara
Ryan DeJonghe
, June 01, 2014
Jeff Shaara is gifted. He has an idiosyncratic ability to enliven history, both in the lessons and especially in the personalization. His story telling ability is lively and emotional. In his latest THE SMOKE AT DAWN, not only does he maintain this tradition, but he may have improved upon it. My first Shaara reading was his GODS AND GENERALS. After all these years, I can still mentally picture Stonewall Jackson sucking on a lemon, strategizing the consequences of his imminent future. While Shaara paints his historically accurate images, he weaves in the familial relationships and conversations. In THE SMOKE AT DAWN, those connections have strengthened or weakened to new levels. Fathers have lost their sons; brothers have drawn blood from one another; former war friends are laying siege on each other. While one side may declare a victory, neither side feel they have truly won. Helpful are the maps, as always before. In his more recent novels, included are small such things as chapter-heading flags to help guide the reader to know which “side” they are reading about. It all weaves together into an easy to understand format that’s quick to be absorbed. On a related note, as the author mentions in his introduction, if you have the opportunity to visit one of the Civil War battlefields, do so. After reading Shaara’s other works, my visit to Gettysburg was awe-inspiring. Whether you have read his previous works or if THE SMOKE AT DAWN is your first introduction, you would be remiss to pass along Shaara’s writing. Not only will you learn, but you will be touched. Thank you! to Ballantine and Random House for providing an electronic review copy of this book. The galley I received did not have the maps yet, but I was able to see the first map in the preview; they appear just as helpful in understanding as his other books.
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Never Eat Alone Expanded & Updated & Other Secrets to Success One Relationship at a Time
by
Keith Ferrazzi, Tahl Raz
Ryan DeJonghe
, May 31, 2014
This is part business success and part Ferrazzi autobiography: both parts equally impressive. Make no mistake, if you want to succeed, you’ll have to work for it. This book isn’t about setting up lunch dates--it is MUCH more than that. At the very base of it all, Ferrazzi says that you much have a goal and that it must be in writing. He uses his time at Yale as an example of wanting to achieve a goal and using this goal to guide him. Another big step is following up. Many people never follow up. There are many things Ferrazzi offers in this book: all of them hard-hitting. At first, this book seemed to be the opposite of what I was reading in ESSENTIALISM, but not really. The purpose is to find that one thing, or two things, to commit to. And, yes, follow through. Ferrazzi is the definition of go-getter, offering a lot of advice. It could be easy to be caught up in planning dinner parties, working conferences, and more. It takes a lot of energy, but may be worth it--if that’s what you want. The choice is yours. The updates referring to the digital age are throughout. There are special chapters, but more importantly are the add-ins found within the original chapters. Ferrazzi makes account for the power of LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and even Facebook. He talks about tools to manage the plethora of incoming messages and pings, and how to keep those relationships relevant. Ferrazzi makes success seem believable, but you’ll need to know what you want and be willing to work for it. This is not an overnight success book or a think yourself successful book. Have a goal and Ferrazzi will give you the plan. Thanks to Crown for providing me with an electronic review copy of this book.
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Approval Fix How to Break Free from People Pleasing
by
Joyce Meyer
Ryan DeJonghe
, May 31, 2014
Here’s the story: while my parents were in town, we all went together to one of our kids’ homeschooling events. My mom was talking about one of Joyce Meyer’s (concerts? outings? conventions?)--I’m not really sure what you call them--but she seemed to really enjoy it. I saw this book upcoming, thought it may be similar to Brené Brown’s DARING GREATLY, and wanted to give it a try. I have a feeling many people like my mom will buy and enjoy this book. This review is for everyone else. The “approval fix” can come in many formats: seeking ‘likes’ on Facebook, getting praise from a boss, wanting acknowledgement for cleaning the house, and such. It’s not bad, but it can be like a drug; you need a fix. Some of the other books I’ve reviewed speak to this, where there is a difference between doing things for the purpose of gaining approval versus doing things for intrinsic value and graciously accepting praise if it comes. The things I like about the other books are footnotes. Lots and lots of footnotes. Joyce Meyer doesn’t offer any footnotes or scientific research. Some may say she “shoots from the hip.” Yes, she uses many scriptures throughout, but there are large segments of text without any reference. Most of what she speaks to comes from her years involved in the ministry and from her own life. She seems transparent in her reassuring delivery. The bottom line: God accepts us for who we are. We are loved. All the approval we need comes from Him. Overall, this is a solid offering for believers seeking that reassurance and foundation. The advice contained here does not prohibit or inhibit, but rather sets up a path of a life not bound by expectations. When we are free to be ourselves and the persons God wants us to be, then that is truly beautiful. Thanks to FaithWords and Hachette for providing an electronic copy of this book.
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Brutal Youth
by
Anthony Breznican
Ryan DeJonghe
, May 30, 2014
The problem I have with BRUTAL YOUTH is its incongruous nature. At times, it reads like Young Adult, but its size and dark content pushes it into literary or adult fiction. Worse, those guest author blurbs. If you haven’t already, don’t read them! In the recent book THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY, they called these blurbs “the blood diamonds of the book industry.” Here, I can see why. Stephen King said this book had teachers that terrify; Gillian Flynn said it would be as “sharp as a well-carved stick”; James Dashner said my heart would ache at this “perfectly paced” novel; Jason Reitman said this would be “powerful and hilarious”. Then, underneath the title BRUTAL YOUTH is a picture of a school blazer aflame. My friends, the expectations are TOO HIGH! This happened last year when a huge chunk of money was paid to “the next J.K. Rowling” for a seven-book series beginning with THE BONE SEASON. (Hint: not on Rowling’s level.) In cases like this, you feel bad for the author. How can they stand up to this expectation? BRUTAL YOUTH is okay. It’ll actually make a terrific movie. The freshmen get hazed; many have heartbreaking backstories; the teachers don’t give a damn. If anything (and it is) the teachers are part of the problem. Things twist together, the youngsters crack, and it all ties together. It works. Besides the unrealistic set-up, the main issue I have here is the pacing. When I see fire on the cover and the word “brutal”, I expect high-impact pacing, but what I got was meandering. I could have put this book down and moved onto something else without needing to go back. Sure, each section ends with a bit of a drop and hook, but the middle parts wondered around. The solution: tighten it up and drop all the celebrity author endorsements. This isn’t as sharp as Flynn’s works, nor should she say it is. King has done much, much more terrifying stuff than this: no nightmares here. Let’s take this book at its own merit and enjoy it for what it is. Oh, and I can’t wait to see the movie. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Thomas Dunne Books for providing me with an electronic review copy of this book.
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