Summary
Poetry. From the beginning of her career, Cherry has written both formal verse and free verse. According to the citation preceding her receipt of the James G. Hanes Poetry Prize by the Fellowship of Southern Writers in 1989, "Her poetry is marked by a firm intellectual passion, a reverent desire to possess the genuine thought of our century, historical, philosophical, and scientific, and a species of powerful ironic wit which is allied to rare good humor." Reviewing Relativity, Patricia Goedicke noted in Three Rivers Poetry Journal that "her familiarity with the demands and pressures of traditional patterns has resulted...in an expansion and deepening of her poetic resources, a carefully textured over- and underlay of image, meaning and diction." Mark Harris felt that Cherry's "ability to sustain a narrative by clustering and repeating images [lends] itself to longer forms, and 'A Bird's Eye View of Einstein, ' the longest poem in [Relativity], is an example of Cherry at her poetic best. Reviewing Cherry's collection, Death and Transfiguration, Patricia Gabilondo wrote in The Anglican Theological Review that "the abstract prose poem 'Requiem' that closes this book...translates personal loss into the historical and universal, providing an occasion for philosophical meditation on the mystery of suffering and the need for transcendence in a post-Holocaust world that seems to offer none. Moving through the terrors of nihilism and doubt, Cherry, in a poem that deftly alternates between the philosophically abstract and the image's graphic force, gives us an intellectually honest and deeply moving vision of our relation to each other's suffering and of God's relation to humanity's 'memory of pain'."
"What sets her biography apart from prose ones? Well, she's a brilliant poet: she knows how to use her craft to say something in a more richly condensed way than prose can do." --Peggy Rosenthal
"As a poetic biography, Kelly Cherry's Quartet For J. Robert Oppenheimer is a stunning tribute to one of America's most significant scientists. As Cherry traces the life of Oppenheimer, she compels us to consider not only our condition as human beings but our responsibility to each other and our world. Cherry's work is a remarkable achievement." --Sonja James
My Thoughts
Weather is a short book of poems. All are weather or season related. I don't typically read a lot of poetry. It's not that I don't appreciate poetry, I do! It's just that poetry isn't my first choice genre.
As with most books of poems, there are some that I like and some that I don't really like. None of them really stood out to me as especially great. Likewise, there weren't any that I hated either.
If you are someone who loves poetry, this may just be the book for you. If poetry isn't really your thing, I'd pick up a different book if I were you.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Tish Duchene wonders if she’ll ever be able to live a normal life after what happened in Iraq. She’s left the army behind, but the horror is indelibly etched in her mind. And just when she’s ready to find a nice corner to curl up in and lick her wounds, her mother, a pharmaceutical executive, goes missing. Tish would be more comfortable with a solo mission, but she needs the expertise of a certain private investigator, Dylan Tierny, a man who infuriates her from the get-go.
Dylan has fought his share of demons, so what’s a few more? But falling in love is the last thing on his agenda as he battles the dark side of a drug company deep in a cover up. Pile on chaos in his personal life and it’s enough to drive him back to the vice that nearly cost him everything and everyone he cared about.
Tish and Dylan traverse a bridge of uncertainty, redefining with every step what it is they can’t live without.
Who they can’t live without.
Before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
I love getting review requests from an author that I have reviewed before. Well, I love getting them from authors that I have reviewed before AND was able to give a good review! So, when I was contacted about reviewing this book, I was really excited!
Once again, Tempeste Blake did not disappoint. In the sequel to Chasing Symmetry, Chasing Gravity had a great mx of mystery, suspense, and romance. I think I may have liked it better than the first book!
Chasing Gravity flows nicely and doesn't have a ton of slow spots. It keeps a nice tempo throughout the entire book. The way the chapters jump in time from chapter to chapter can sometimes be frustrating. However, this book is written in a way that doesn't feel confusing.
Again, well done! Thank you for sending this book my way!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
A book for all Beauty and the Beast fans! A contemporary retelling viewed through the eyes of a teenager. Sixteen year old Megan wants to be a doctor. When Megan volunteers at a residential home she meets Lady. Lady tells a fragmented and confusing story of a duke who never aged; his fate tied to the roses that grew in his garden. As Megan hears more of Lady’s tale she is intrigued to know whether the duke existed or if he is a figment of Lady’s imagination. As Megan embarks on unravelling the mystery of the beast a hidden family secret emerges... will it shatter her life forever?
My Thoughts
I love fairytale retellings so when I received this review request I was incredibly happy. I have read several retellings and really enjoyed most of them. This one had my hoped pretty high!
While I wouldn't say that this one is my favorite, it did turn out to be pretty good. It is a short book so it didn't take long to finish at all. The fun factor doesn't hurt either so that makes it a quicker read.
There is an unexpected plot twist towards the end which makes it an even more interesting read. There is mystery and a bit of romance that keep you intrigued and wanting to keep those pages turning. Not a bad book at all!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Arguably one of England's most cherished and notorious roads, the A303 is filled with history, wonder, and magic. Adam takes us on a journey of adventure, self discovery, and touching family bonds in this moving coming of age tale.
Alex is a young man in his early twenties who has fallen into a miserable state of mind, losing his motivation and love for life. When he receives the heartbreaking news that his beloved uncle has passed away, leaving Alex with all of his belongings - including his renowned VW Campervan - he sets out to Cornwall for the funeral, rediscovering his love for life along the way.
Readers feeling like they've lost the spark of life will immediately relate to Adam's tale, and find inspiration to go out and seek adventure wherever possible.
Southwest on the A303 is Adam Gary's debut novella.
My Thoughts
I absolutely hate it when I can't give a book a wonderful review! It makes me so sad! I fully realize that the author more than likely put their heart and soul into their book. I imagine that it takes a lot of hard work and time to write a book. However, I promised a true and honest review so that is what I will do.
I didn't really care for this book. It was simply ok. Not exactly horrible, just not really good. and trust me, I really wanted this to be a great book! The description sounded wonderful and I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me.
Too much of this book felt unrealistic. There weren't enough things that made the book feel like it could be an actual situation. Also, the writing felt, well, pushed. Like the author was trying too hard or something.
I'm so sad! I hate writing a negative review but, unfortunately, that is what I have to write.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
What is the price paid for the creation of a perfect society?
In Whitopolis, a gleamingly white city of the future where illness has been eradicated, shock waves run through the populace when a bedraggled, dirt-stricken boy materialises in the main street. Led by government propaganda, most citizens shun him as a demon, except for Wellesbury Noon – a high school student the same age as the boy.
Upon befriending the boy, Wellesbury feels a connection that he can’t explain – as well as discovering that his new friend comes from a land that is stricken by disease and only has two weeks to live. Why do he and a girl named Ezmerelda Dontible appear to be the only ones who want to help?
As they dig deeper, everything they know is turned on its head – and a race to save one boy becomes a struggle to redeem humanity
My Thoughts
I liked this book. I didn't love it, didn't hate it, I just liked it. Black and White is a good book. The idea of a place that is so clean and pristine that the word 'dirt' is pretty much foreign to the people is an interesting concept. It could have been great, actually.
Unfortunately, this book just kind of fell a bit flat for me. I'm not completely sure what it was that I didn't love about it. I hate that I can't pinpoint the exact thing that made it 'not the greatest' but I just can't.
The characters were interesting. The concept, like I said before, is very fascinating. I think, maybe, I just wanted a bit more. Don't misunderstand me, I did like this book. It was a good read. It just wasn't great.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Jaden Foxx has had a rough past that includes the untimely death of his mother and a history of abuse, but the 18-year-old tries to maintain a normal life as much as he can. With a group of friends that he can rely on, a crush that he’s fallen head-over-heels for, and a dad who has sobered up and become the parent figure that Jaden needs, you could say that Jaden’s life is finally normal. However, this all drastically changes when Jaden wakes up to the sight of his home city, Westwood, Mississippi, completely trashed and deserted. Alone and confused, Jaden barely has time to question what has happened to everyone he knew and loved before he’s overwhelmed with numerous circumstances that are just as unexplainable as they are unsettling. A suspicious wall now encases the city, and Jaden finds multiple dead bodies lying sporadically throughout Westwood, each left in the same, unnerving condition. On top of these things, Jaden has a newly acquired ability to relive the past, which causes him to experience disturbing moments that nobody should be forced to witness. These are just a few of the many strange phenomena that leave Jaden worried about what actually happened to his home city and what’s currently happening to his sanity. Perhaps the most frightening detail about Jaden’s isolated state, though, is that he’s nowhere near as alone as he thinks he is. About the Author: JD first started writing Abandoned when he was a sophomore in high school, determined to reach his goal of writing a book. Now after finishing Abandoned, JD intends on creating a series from Jaden’s story. JD is from Woodland, AL and currently resides in Auburn, AL, where he is a student at Auburn University.
My Thoughts
I love that the author of this book wrote it when he was just a sophomore in high school! How wonderful to have such talent at such a young age. That honestly makes the book that much better.
Abandoned is a great book with many exciting twists and turns. It kept my attention, keeping my interested from start to finish. I really like that in a book!
It ends open enough that you crave the satisfaction of a second book! Even people who prefer stand-alone novels will be ready for the next book in the series. I'm so glad this book was sent to me!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Sam Watkins, an orphaned young teenager, possesses the ability to read the minds of almost everyone he meets.
Howard Lyons, the owner of the orphanage where Sam has lived since he was a baby, has been reluctant to let Sam leave the orphanage.
Unable to read the mind of Mr Lyons, he takes it upon himself to investigate the reasons behind the owner's decisions and learn more about the origin of his ability, his parents and the potential of his power.
However, Sam's investigation and mind-reading abilities reveal a power struggle at the top of a faltering orphanage between Mr. Lyons and his assistant Natalie.
Sam's involvement in this conflict leads him to look for ways to save the orphanage and uncover the true motivations of both the owner and his assistant while trying to learn about his past.
My Thoughts
I don't think I have read any other books about orphanages before this one. I'm not sure what I expected, but for some reason, I was pretty excited to read it. I wasn't disappointed! This is a pretty good book!
The story is fairly fast-paced and very clever. I loved the characters and their dynamics. Very well thought out, in my opinion. I didn't get bored while reading this book! I hate to say it, but that is rare for me lately. There aren't as many books anymore that can grab my attention and keep it.
Thank you, Charlie King, for sending this book my way!
*Note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
