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francesmthompson's Reviews (976)
4.5 stars.
I want to give this 5 stars because of how much I admire Bender's courage at and commitment to delivering the most peculiar, most charming and most tender of short stories. But it wouldn't be fair to the other 5 star books on my shelf, because one or two of these very short stories lost me and I didn't really care enough to continue with them. The good news was that the next one I turned to read did have me, completely and compassionately. My favourites were The Case of the Salt & Pepper Shakers and Off.
Read if you want to see our world differently. Read if you want to remember that literature isn't as precious as you think it is. Read if you want to fall in love with short stories again. Read, read, read.
I want to give this 5 stars because of how much I admire Bender's courage at and commitment to delivering the most peculiar, most charming and most tender of short stories. But it wouldn't be fair to the other 5 star books on my shelf, because one or two of these very short stories lost me and I didn't really care enough to continue with them. The good news was that the next one I turned to read did have me, completely and compassionately. My favourites were The Case of the Salt & Pepper Shakers and Off.
Read if you want to see our world differently. Read if you want to remember that literature isn't as precious as you think it is. Read if you want to fall in love with short stories again. Read, read, read.
My first Alice Hoffman novel and much more engaging, evocative and emotive than I imagined the story to be. It's true that the central character isn't very likeable - she is The Ice Queen after all - but this novel does everything it' supposed to; the plot pulls you in, the characters feel human (even those who also don't) and the end of the book brought answers, satisfying my appetite.
While many will find the weight of Hoffman's words a little over-bearing - there is emotion loaded into every sentence - I am the kind of reader who every now and again enjoys escaping into a world where every breath feels heavy and words are the only thing that does this justice.
One criticism I did have, however, was that the title or the blurb didn't really do the book justice; there is so much more to this book and I learned a heck of a lot about lightning and its peculiarities.
It was a pleasure to discover another author I can rely on to deliver delicious stories that are well-researched and lovingly written.
While many will find the weight of Hoffman's words a little over-bearing - there is emotion loaded into every sentence - I am the kind of reader who every now and again enjoys escaping into a world where every breath feels heavy and words are the only thing that does this justice.
One criticism I did have, however, was that the title or the blurb didn't really do the book justice; there is so much more to this book and I learned a heck of a lot about lightning and its peculiarities.
It was a pleasure to discover another author I can rely on to deliver delicious stories that are well-researched and lovingly written.
If Daphne du Maurier was apparently weaker at short stories then gee whizz the rest of us are doomed. I enjoyed this collection of varied short fiction immensely, thanks mainly to all of them having the essential sting in the tail or twist in the plot that really makes short stories work for me.
I was pulled in with the not-so-straight forward "Whodunnit?" or rather "Why-she-dun-it?" No Motive and I was held throughout as Du Maurier explores family, love, lies, scandal and even magical realism in this collection that is compiled of stories written both before the likes of Rebecca and Frenchman's Creek and after her long and accomplished line of novels.
If you like Du Maurier's novels, do not overlook this collection and maybe other of her short stories. Her words flow free and the stories she tells are original and authentic.
I was pulled in with the not-so-straight forward "Whodunnit?" or rather "Why-she-dun-it?" No Motive and I was held throughout as Du Maurier explores family, love, lies, scandal and even magical realism in this collection that is compiled of stories written both before the likes of Rebecca and Frenchman's Creek and after her long and accomplished line of novels.
If you like Du Maurier's novels, do not overlook this collection and maybe other of her short stories. Her words flow free and the stories she tells are original and authentic.
One of only a few books I've bought on a whim recently, and this was because I read an interview with Alan Johnson in a Sunday newspaper whereby he was giving the journalist a tour of his old neighbourhood of Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove. Being just a short bus ride from a part of London I used to live in and blog about I was instantly intrigued and I was right to buy and read this book... in so many ways.
Not only is it a tender, slightly under-cooked (a good thing!), warts-and-all tale of life as a child in poor, post-war London, it is simply a remarkable story of survival and strength, the type I am utterly unfamiliar with on a personal level.
In short it follows the first two decades of Johnson's life moving from one falling down home to another all the while getting up to mischief with other local lads and bearing witness to some of London's most tumultuous times. While Johnson gives full credit to his mother and older sister for battling with chronic illness and authority respectively, as well as many, many nights of cold and hunger, there is not one moment where the story dips into self-absorbed wallowing or even hints at an anger that I felt surface in me at how such a sorry, sad state of affairs came to be.
No, this is a story of a family who looked out for one another; a story of a boy who loved London despite it being a city that kept him cold in winter and hungry on many an occasion; this is a story of a young bravery you don't see every day and yet I don't doubt that it continues to exist everywhere, even today.
Not only is it a tender, slightly under-cooked (a good thing!), warts-and-all tale of life as a child in poor, post-war London, it is simply a remarkable story of survival and strength, the type I am utterly unfamiliar with on a personal level.
In short it follows the first two decades of Johnson's life moving from one falling down home to another all the while getting up to mischief with other local lads and bearing witness to some of London's most tumultuous times. While Johnson gives full credit to his mother and older sister for battling with chronic illness and authority respectively, as well as many, many nights of cold and hunger, there is not one moment where the story dips into self-absorbed wallowing or even hints at an anger that I felt surface in me at how such a sorry, sad state of affairs came to be.
No, this is a story of a family who looked out for one another; a story of a boy who loved London despite it being a city that kept him cold in winter and hungry on many an occasion; this is a story of a young bravery you don't see every day and yet I don't doubt that it continues to exist everywhere, even today.
The first few chapters of this book are brilliant. Upbeat, enlightening and informative about this crucial muscle. This is not the kind of book I normally read, but from a research perspective (writing character based fiction) I'm very interested in how the brain controls our thoughts and reactions.
However, I believe the editor may have tactically stepped in to pull the strongest chapters to the front as these seemed to be the chapters which held the most weight, offered the most insightful neuro-scientific explanations and firmly set the tone for this book which essentially aims to explain that the reason our brain distorts and deceives is because it's for our own good, i.e. primal survival. No good will come to a person who doesn't think the best of himself or fight off threats which come in the yukky forms of rejection, insult and self-doubt.
While the research is interesting, there are just too many, too similar examples to wade through and this left my brain aching and Fine's points over-laboured.
However, I believe the editor may have tactically stepped in to pull the strongest chapters to the front as these seemed to be the chapters which held the most weight, offered the most insightful neuro-scientific explanations and firmly set the tone for this book which essentially aims to explain that the reason our brain distorts and deceives is because it's for our own good, i.e. primal survival. No good will come to a person who doesn't think the best of himself or fight off threats which come in the yukky forms of rejection, insult and self-doubt.
While the research is interesting, there are just too many, too similar examples to wade through and this left my brain aching and Fine's points over-laboured.
I'm going to need a minute before I write a review.
And a bucket of ice cream and a family-sized box of tissues.
*sob*
Thanks.
UPDATE:
Okay. I'm ready. And yet, I'm not. Because I made the mistake of falling down the rabbit hole of reviews by folk who didn't like this book. Bordering on trollish hate, there were people who despised what made this book special; Death as a narrator (but not as you expect), a liberal, lairy use of language and no apologies-given-spoilers that magically didn't take away from the overall impact.
How I wish I hadn't seen those reviews, because it sort of tainted my opinion of this book. Not because I agree with them, but because I feel a bit silly for letting something move me so much when others couldn't even finish it.
But is that not the beautiful nature of this book-reading lark we all partake in? Not everyone is going to have the same experience, opinion or everlasting impression as you. And I'm sure there's a metaphor for life in there. I mustn't let that simple fact dilute what I gained from those hours I spent lost in Liesel's word nor must I forget how those tears I cried at the conclusion of The Book Thief were real, raw and ready tears; the kind that I like to cry; the kind I don't cry enough.
Don't read the reviews for this or book. Just read it for yourself. Form your own opinion, experience and possible everlasting impression.
And so what if he describes the sun as breakfast-coloured?
And a bucket of ice cream and a family-sized box of tissues.
*sob*
Thanks.
UPDATE:
Okay. I'm ready. And yet, I'm not. Because I made the mistake of falling down the rabbit hole of reviews by folk who didn't like this book. Bordering on trollish hate, there were people who despised what made this book special; Death as a narrator (but not as you expect), a liberal, lairy use of language and no apologies-given-spoilers that magically didn't take away from the overall impact.
How I wish I hadn't seen those reviews, because it sort of tainted my opinion of this book. Not because I agree with them, but because I feel a bit silly for letting something move me so much when others couldn't even finish it.
But is that not the beautiful nature of this book-reading lark we all partake in? Not everyone is going to have the same experience, opinion or everlasting impression as you. And I'm sure there's a metaphor for life in there. I mustn't let that simple fact dilute what I gained from those hours I spent lost in Liesel's word nor must I forget how those tears I cried at the conclusion of The Book Thief were real, raw and ready tears; the kind that I like to cry; the kind I don't cry enough.
Don't read the reviews for this or book. Just read it for yourself. Form your own opinion, experience and possible everlasting impression.
And so what if he describes the sun as breakfast-coloured?
A strong 3.5 but I'm feeling generous. Furthermore the book is currently priced at $0.99 or £0.99 on Kindle which is a very fitting price tag.
Let me explain how I came across this book as it goes a long way to highlight Grahl's key messages and takeaways.
I'm a long time listener to the Self Publishing Podcast, on which the author Tim Grahl was a guest a few months ago. He shared worthy comments about Internet Marketing, a term that makes me feel both icky and inadequate as an independent publisher. So I clicked through to his website. Then I signed up for his free 30-day course. I probably read 50% of the emails he sent (which you'll learn from Your First 1000 Copies is significantly higher than average) and I downloaded a few of the free resources available online too.
Following the end of the 30-day course I continued to receive Grahl's newsletter and I continued to dip in and out of them, in other words, they weren't immediately deleted.
After reading 3 or 4 of his emails documenting his book sales - he has set himself the goal of selling 10,000 copies in one year - I received the email that shared a more personal story. He was openly acknowledging to us that he may not meet his target of selling 10,000 copies of this book in one year. And he asked his readers for help.
But still then I didn't buy or read his book. (I have to be honest and found myself questioning this tactic, was it as genuine as he portrayed, but I am one of the most cynical people I know!)
I only then bought and read this book when a friend of mine on Facebook shared it as a worthwhile read and also notified me that it was 99p.
That's when I downloaded it and read it in a quick single sitting.
This is the lengthy process of book buying. Here I am an independent author who wants to sell more books and I was not convinced this book could help me until many declarations and reinforcements later.
I MUST REMEMBER THIS: SELLING ONLINE IS NEITHER QUICK NOR EASY AND IT IS MULTI-FACETED. But it doesn't have to be cheesy or sleazy. It is a slow but methodical process of asking permission, being of value to those who give you permission, and being creative when it comes to the content I make and share, the platforms I use to share it on and the ways in which I think about outreach. Oh, and it's okay to ask people to buy things.
Your First 1000 Copies does give you many ideas and strategies on how to do this. I now have a list of actionable items and changes to make about how I approach Internet Marketing. In other words, it no longer makes me feel quite as icky. And maybe one day I'll also feel a little less inadequate.
A star and a half lost because I'm simply not convinced (yet!) about Pop-ups, and also I found myself wrinkling my nose at his claim that all the things he suggests are quick to implement and maintain. As someone who tracks a lot of my marketing efforts and takes time to consider guest posting and "outreach"; this does take A LOT of time when done write and when most independent authors are writing their books in their spare time, it's not realistic to say it doesn't take long or can be easily fitted around their writing. That's another book I'll have to look out for...
Let me explain how I came across this book as it goes a long way to highlight Grahl's key messages and takeaways.
I'm a long time listener to the Self Publishing Podcast, on which the author Tim Grahl was a guest a few months ago. He shared worthy comments about Internet Marketing, a term that makes me feel both icky and inadequate as an independent publisher. So I clicked through to his website. Then I signed up for his free 30-day course. I probably read 50% of the emails he sent (which you'll learn from Your First 1000 Copies is significantly higher than average) and I downloaded a few of the free resources available online too.
Following the end of the 30-day course I continued to receive Grahl's newsletter and I continued to dip in and out of them, in other words, they weren't immediately deleted.
After reading 3 or 4 of his emails documenting his book sales - he has set himself the goal of selling 10,000 copies in one year - I received the email that shared a more personal story. He was openly acknowledging to us that he may not meet his target of selling 10,000 copies of this book in one year. And he asked his readers for help.
But still then I didn't buy or read his book. (I have to be honest and found myself questioning this tactic, was it as genuine as he portrayed, but I am one of the most cynical people I know!)
I only then bought and read this book when a friend of mine on Facebook shared it as a worthwhile read and also notified me that it was 99p.
That's when I downloaded it and read it in a quick single sitting.
This is the lengthy process of book buying. Here I am an independent author who wants to sell more books and I was not convinced this book could help me until many declarations and reinforcements later.
I MUST REMEMBER THIS: SELLING ONLINE IS NEITHER QUICK NOR EASY AND IT IS MULTI-FACETED. But it doesn't have to be cheesy or sleazy. It is a slow but methodical process of asking permission, being of value to those who give you permission, and being creative when it comes to the content I make and share, the platforms I use to share it on and the ways in which I think about outreach. Oh, and it's okay to ask people to buy things.
Your First 1000 Copies does give you many ideas and strategies on how to do this. I now have a list of actionable items and changes to make about how I approach Internet Marketing. In other words, it no longer makes me feel quite as icky. And maybe one day I'll also feel a little less inadequate.
A star and a half lost because I'm simply not convinced (yet!) about Pop-ups, and also I found myself wrinkling my nose at his claim that all the things he suggests are quick to implement and maintain. As someone who tracks a lot of my marketing efforts and takes time to consider guest posting and "outreach"; this does take A LOT of time when done write and when most independent authors are writing their books in their spare time, it's not realistic to say it doesn't take long or can be easily fitted around their writing. That's another book I'll have to look out for...
Moody, raw and touching, this collection of short stories is the work of Nic Pizzolatto, the sole writer behind the TV masterpiece True Detective. While all of the stories take place in the southern states of the US, and many deal with modern and real traumas - war veterans, teenage angst, racism and families that are falling apart - there is something provocative and touching in each tale, neatly brought to life by Pizzolatto's fine command of language and creating moments the reader will relate to and remember.
My favourite stories were Two Shores and Haunted Earth.
My favourite stories were Two Shores and Haunted Earth.
4.5. For sure.
There is a lot of genius in this book that I can't help but appreciate as a fellow writer - not least the 1980s setting avoiding the invasive ways we are so contactable in 2014, not to mention the song references - but I enjoyed the real charm of this story as nothing but a reader. This is high praise.
In fact, even higher praise is that I curled my body around this book and read it in just three sittings spread over a lazy Saturday and Sunday. As I did I felt like I was 16 again myself and that the book had the same sweet and racy appeal - but in a completely innocent way - as my first reading of Judy Blume's books.
While I struggled to answer a few questions about the plot - I'll hold them back so as to avoid spoilers - I don't think they were deal-breakers. In fact, maybe they were "novel-makers" because all my favourite books leave my wondering, and hoping, and wishing... And I did all of those things for Eleanor & Park, and then some.
There is a lot of genius in this book that I can't help but appreciate as a fellow writer - not least the 1980s setting avoiding the invasive ways we are so contactable in 2014, not to mention the song references - but I enjoyed the real charm of this story as nothing but a reader. This is high praise.
In fact, even higher praise is that I curled my body around this book and read it in just three sittings spread over a lazy Saturday and Sunday. As I did I felt like I was 16 again myself and that the book had the same sweet and racy appeal - but in a completely innocent way - as my first reading of Judy Blume's books.
While I struggled to answer a few questions about the plot - I'll hold them back so as to avoid spoilers - I don't think they were deal-breakers. In fact, maybe they were "novel-makers" because all my favourite books leave my wondering, and hoping, and wishing... And I did all of those things for Eleanor & Park, and then some.
