“..Sorry, dear, you’re too late. I’ve already ruined my life..”
Randy Newman
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Random Quote
“Sexy, Sassy & Staring Over!”, by Karen Solomon – Review
Author Solomon has written a very short (~105 printed pages) book which purports to provide a recipe for life after divorce. Her own journey provides the framework, is far-ranging, and the writing easy to read. Due to its brevity, its primary utility will be identifying issues for reader consideration with some referenced resources for further investigation. It is not a deep dive in any sense.
The formatting was occasionally distracting, as both quotations and important statements use the same or similar font highlighting. In addition, a number of the cited references are amusing, e.g. Wikipedia and Unknown. In my, admittedly jaded, view when an author cites ‘unknown’ as a source it likely some thought of their own being packaged as an outside reference to lend gravitas.
I rate Solomon’s book 3.5 stars, based on the FCP Review Standards. (rounded up to 4 for Amazon).
Image by Erika Wittlieb
Random Quote
“You ask why? If you’re self aware, you already know the answer without being told. If you aren’t, you won’t recognize yourself in my feedback. Some questions don’t need an answer.”
Dan M. Kalin
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Random Quote
“When you are dead, you do not know you are dead. It’s only painful and difficult for others. The same applies when you are stupid.”
Ricky Gervais
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
“Solo: A Biographical Frontier Odyssey” by Susan Teutonico – Review
Solo is a compelling story, which incorporates the timeless concept of an evil step-mother with the setting of the frontier west. Author Teutonico sets a historic timeframe, when resource disputes with your neighbors could end in shooting wars. Furthermore, the core of the story is factual, which lends a sense of verisimilitude to the proceedings.
The story has its fits and starts, and the characterization could have gone deeper. I would have welcomed more insight into the step-mother’s motivations, as one example. For a book targeted for youth consumption, however, it is probably appropriate. It ends abruptly, with a very short denouement, more resolution details would have gone down well.
I rate Solo 3.5 stars, based on the FCP Review Standards. (rounded up to 4 for Amazon)
Image by SEBASTIEN MARTY from Pixabay
Online Dating
One person I met online engaged me with a stellar message.
She wrote, “If we took a lazy Saturday afternoon drive to somewhere that’s nowhere and discover something surprising when we arrive, what might it be?”
I was surprised initially, but soon gained enthusiasm. If I can’t write something fun off the cuff what kind of writer would I be? So I sent the following back.
“A box, buried under a rock I stub my toe on. The box’s corner is all that shows but is intriguing. I get out my keys and start to dig it out. It is a solid brown wooden box, about the size of a shoe box. Holding it up and shaking, there is no rattling of contents. There appears to be a rusty lock on one side, which is quickly broken.
You insist on being the one to open it, and I stand over it to provide shade. You lever the lid upwards and are confronted by a large mass of packing material. Gingerly you remove it and are left with a porcelain taxi bus, like those seen in South America. No other clues are immediately present.
Excited we get back in the car and head to the nearest business specializing in valuable human artifacts to see just how rich we will be. The appraiser looked the small object over with a magnifying glass. He hemmed and hawed, then hawed and hemmed. Finally he sets down the glass and renders a verdict. “$3.99 at the Dollar Store. $25 please.”
It only goes to show, sometimes the care with which something is wrapped has little relationship to what it is worth.
But then again, I still have the bus. A valuable primer on subjective versus objective value.”
***
We ended up having breakfast together shortly after on her way through town. Delightful conversation, which lasted until she had to resume her trip. Her next few months are all over the country, and everywhere but here. I wouldn’t mind talking with her again, but there is little chance my slow-twitch muscles could keep up.
In the immortal words of Joni Mitchell, “Wild Things Run Fast”. Lovely to watch their progress, foolish to pursue.
Random Quote
“When a romantic relationship with an avoidant attachment personality ends, there isn’t much left to prove they were ever there. Probably because they were not.”
Dan M. Kalin
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Random Quote
“You can be the master of your mind, or the slave of it. I know which of the two I prefer.”
Dan M. Kalin
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
“Red Pines”, by Jill Hand – Review
I’ve enjoyed the Trapnell Thriller Series, but noticed a distressing trend – each subsequent installment has fewer pages than its predecessor. Black Willows has 25% fewer pages than White Oaks, and Red Pines has 5% fewer pages than Black Willows. At 163 pages, Red Pines is barely a book. The price, alas, remains the same or higher. I guess if we see shrinkflation at the supermarket, can published works be far behind?
The shorter length shows when it comes to pace and plot, Red Pines seems hurried and there is little to no suspense. The story barely comes into focus before everything is concluded. We’re left with characterization and workmanship, and in this Ms. Hand does not disappoint. All of the main characters leap off the page and the witty asides are quite enjoyable. Some authors are worth reading even if the story isn’t their best work. I’ll buy her next book too, when it comes.
I rate Red Pines 3.5 stars, based on the FCP Review Standards (rounded up for Amazon).
Random Quote
“Never make a deal with a bad person. No contract can protect you from their tricks, and litigation is a waste of life. Bad guys may lose eventually, but they know too many games. Avoid them and save yourself the headache.”
Warren Buffett
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay