Recents

I haven’t posted my recents in a couple months. Granted, not one person has sent me an email and said, “Why haven’t you posted?” Maybe I’ll drop it in January, but for now it’s time to play catch up. I’m posting them grouped together by rating.

Just when I think it is safe to wade into the waters of self publishing, I get one with amateur writing that is so horribly edited that I have to stop reading it. I rarely stop reading. I have not listed it on my recents and I won’t name it out of respect for the author. But I find it sad that somewhere along the way no one told her the book wasn’t there yet. I did some research. She had an editor. Though not a good one in my opinion. I don’t understand the good reviews. She’s released another in the series, which probably would be a good series if she’d taken more time. Why don’t some readers care if the writing is amateurish and there are missing words and one awkward sentence after another? Why? I’m glad there is more and more good, strong self publishing to make up for it, but this kind of stuff will tarnish the hard work of others. I don’t have a personal relationship with this author, don’t know her from Adam. So if I send her an email that says, “I find your writing needs development” I feel she won’t take it seriously, that she’ll be on the defensive. What do you think? Would you contact that author? Would you give a poor rating to the book to publicly warn other readers off so they don’t waste their time and money like I did? Such a quandary.

Recent Reads

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins – humble rating: Motivational Speaker – I started grinning on the first page and never stopped. Still grin when I think of this charming story.

BESTEST. RAMADAN. EVER by Medeia Sharif – humble rating: Golf Clap++ – I loved the voice of the main character, Almira. It reminded me so much of my bestest friend when we were in high school. Medeia was spot on with the tone and thoughts of a high schooler and I really enjoyed the exposure to the Muslim religion, especially as it fits in a modern American culture. Really well done.

Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon - humble rating: Golf Clap++ – Cindy Pon is a beautiful writer, especially food, does she have a food blog? Because she should.

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn - humble rating: Golf Clap++ – This story felt very original to me. Well paced, good drama and enough romantic element to pull us along. Susan Kaye Quinn self published this. I don’t understand why this wasn’t sold to a publisher. I truly don’t. These book has all the elements of good young adult fiction with an original concept. Read it!

Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau - humble rating: Golf Clap+ – Cute story. The beginning pulls you in immediately.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter - humble rating: Golf Clap – I’m in two minds about how much I liked this story. Good writing. Characters were engaging enough, though some of the relationships were confusing. In the end though, I didn’t feel it was original enough to stand out.

Ten Rules For Living With My Sister by Ann M. Martin – humble rating: Golf Clap – Really enjoyed the nine year old m.c.’s voice. Felt very authentic to me. Also liked how Martin treated the difficulty of grandfather’s memory loss and confusion. Passing this on to a sweet ten year old I know, I think she’ll like Pearl. 

Anathema by Meg Jensen - humble rating: Golf Clap – The story was good. Well written.

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White - humble rating: Golf Clap –Entertaining.

My own humble rating system: Please feel free to ask for clarification or to dispute my opinion.  I only ask that we ALWAYS remain respectful to the author.

Chirping Cricket – At the end all you hear is the chirp of the cricket.  I doubt I’ll ever use this because I can’t publicly embarrass someone knowingly.  However, I must have a ‘beginning’ rating in order for the rest to make sense. 

Golf Clap - The polite ovation that follows a well-placed shot.

Motivational Speaker –You are left fired up and eager to get to work making the world a better place.  You can’t wait to tell your friends all the insights and inspiration you took away from it. 

Rock Concert – Hooting and hollering, cheering, singing and clapping throughout the performance.  Swaying and lit lighters accompany ballads.  Riots break out if there is no encore.