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jenknox's Reviews (494)
The best writing: poetry, fiction and nonfiction, invites transcendence. There is a personalization that occurs for the reader, that allows the authors' insights to superimpose the readers' life experiences, which allows a sort of partnership in art. Marilyn Kallet's beautiful book accomplishes this, and better, it does so with astute humor. I am savoring this book, not wanting it to end; then again, the great thing about poetry such as Kallet's is that it contains more than this reader is able to see--somehow, I know this. I will return to these poems again and again.
Recounting a true tale of survival is often difficult because life does not provide a clear story arc. Instead, it is filled with unexpected turns, and often one battle is followed by another. Yet, these stories of continuous battles are rarely told because they are rarely given a voice.
After recounting her harrowing, true tale of leaving not one but two abusive relationships, the reader gets an up-close look at what happens in the aftermath of abusive marriages. It is here, after the physical abuse, that Newman's fighting spirit becomes truly inspiring. The untold, under-realized narrative that recounts not only the hardship of abuse, but the lengthy aftermath an abused woman went through to reclaim her life is both educational and emotionally powerful. This is a must-read for all women; it's a tale told by a strong female narrator, who throws strong blows with tight prose and empowers not only herself but her readers.
After recounting her harrowing, true tale of leaving not one but two abusive relationships, the reader gets an up-close look at what happens in the aftermath of abusive marriages. It is here, after the physical abuse, that Newman's fighting spirit becomes truly inspiring. The untold, under-realized narrative that recounts not only the hardship of abuse, but the lengthy aftermath an abused woman went through to reclaim her life is both educational and emotionally powerful. This is a must-read for all women; it's a tale told by a strong female narrator, who throws strong blows with tight prose and empowers not only herself but her readers.
Escapism laced with the social commentary equitable to an old Betty Boop cartoon: only less offensive and far more colorful.
There are quite a few anti-depressant prescriptions that could easily be replaced by a healthy dose of absurdity, an abundance of which Katzman offers readers in his ridiculous, mind-bending, awfully-fabulous book Death by Zamboni. I recommend this to anyone who takes life or his/herself too seriously, but I doubt any such people would ever read this book--such is life.
I will not likely ever get over Grandma Fred's tumble, and I will probably quote this book as I used to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, whenever I feel remorse over never having experimented with designer drugs during my rebellious youth. But, as I said before, this book is better than drugs because it's only twelve bucks (less than that used) and there are no needles nor pesky pills to swallow or bitter dissolvable strips to lay upon a wary tongue, only words to ingest at the reader's whim.
The disclaimer alone--likewise the blurbs--deserve five stars in this reader's mind.
There are quite a few anti-depressant prescriptions that could easily be replaced by a healthy dose of absurdity, an abundance of which Katzman offers readers in his ridiculous, mind-bending, awfully-fabulous book Death by Zamboni. I recommend this to anyone who takes life or his/herself too seriously, but I doubt any such people would ever read this book--such is life.
I will not likely ever get over Grandma Fred's tumble, and I will probably quote this book as I used to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, whenever I feel remorse over never having experimented with designer drugs during my rebellious youth. But, as I said before, this book is better than drugs because it's only twelve bucks (less than that used) and there are no needles nor pesky pills to swallow or bitter dissolvable strips to lay upon a wary tongue, only words to ingest at the reader's whim.
The disclaimer alone--likewise the blurbs--deserve five stars in this reader's mind.
I only read these books when I'm procrastinating--like when I have a big lecture to give in a week, and a reading to stage, and a month-long trip to plan for. Because I should be preparing for all the aforementioned things, I picked up For Writers Only.
Judging from the title, I felt as though there would be something exclusive and secretive, some writing practice or technique that would challenge me, maybe even inspire me, as a writer. But, it began with a contradiction [direct quote:]: "For Writers Only isn't only for writers: it applies as much to a carpenter..."
I'm sorry, why did you title it "For Writers Only" then?
This book went on to irritate me to no end (and no, I didn't finish it). It was a bunch of quotes, bookended with the author's dismal interpretations of said quotes. Her basic thesis, as far as I can tell, is that writing is depressing and hard, but we should all do it anyway--even if we're not writers at all. And I still don't know what that has to do with a carpenter, except for maybe the numerous mentions of Jesus and some loose religious connection--but if so it's not a clear argument.
If I ever write a How-To book, it will be the polar opposite. Here's an overview: Writing is easy, revision is tough, titles are important, and there are far too many writers, far too few of them read. The End.
OK--so I'm better at reviewing the ones I like...
Judging from the title, I felt as though there would be something exclusive and secretive, some writing practice or technique that would challenge me, maybe even inspire me, as a writer. But, it began with a contradiction [direct quote:]: "For Writers Only isn't only for writers: it applies as much to a carpenter..."
I'm sorry, why did you title it "For Writers Only" then?
This book went on to irritate me to no end (and no, I didn't finish it). It was a bunch of quotes, bookended with the author's dismal interpretations of said quotes. Her basic thesis, as far as I can tell, is that writing is depressing and hard, but we should all do it anyway--even if we're not writers at all. And I still don't know what that has to do with a carpenter, except for maybe the numerous mentions of Jesus and some loose religious connection--but if so it's not a clear argument.
If I ever write a How-To book, it will be the polar opposite. Here's an overview: Writing is easy, revision is tough, titles are important, and there are far too many writers, far too few of them read. The End.
OK--so I'm better at reviewing the ones I like...
Disclaimer: I dislike 5 star reviews because I’ve been in school for too long and 4 out of 5 still translates as a B in my mind. This book is not B work. It’s A-, a 4.45, but there is no 4.45 category, so I went with 4, but please be advised that The Safety Factor deserves better than a mere 4. Here’s why:
This is a quick-moving, action-packed journey story that explores many universal themes: the search for one’s role in society and the world, the quest for personal fulfillment, and even the longing for genuine romance. And although the book incorporates a rather complex look into what it means to be human, while spanning time and space in a way only a delicate balance of science and imagination can, The Safety Factor will keep any reader engaged and aware throughout.
Jerry Travis and Josephine Mayes incorporate numerous thought-provoking facts about Astronavigation, Mathematics and Philosophy that the reader can take away—an important and difficult feat for such a dynamic, plot-driven book. I genuinely love this, the idea that I can leave a book feeling a little more knowledgeable about something [exp: I am now able to explain Zeno’s Paradox and just go ahead and ask me what a Babbage Engine is; really, go ahead…] and yet after completing this book, I also felt as though I read a solid story, and I cared about what happened.
Character-wise, I felt the book could be tightened a little—the dialogue could be pared down and the internal shifts often didn’t need explained. Some of the smaller details could have been illustrated, rather than stated. But these gripes are small when contrasted to the tremendous feat of incorporating such a complex plot with such powerful ideas.
I recommend this book to just about anyone who wants to read a fast-moving tale that causes the reader to pause every few pages. And, if you’re like me, causes the reader to jot notes every now and then so that she can further educate herself on certain theories that pique her interest. The Safety Factor offers complex thoughts and raises intelligent questions about the human condition in many respects, and it challenged me to stretch the left side of my brain (without making it hurt).
This is a quick-moving, action-packed journey story that explores many universal themes: the search for one’s role in society and the world, the quest for personal fulfillment, and even the longing for genuine romance. And although the book incorporates a rather complex look into what it means to be human, while spanning time and space in a way only a delicate balance of science and imagination can, The Safety Factor will keep any reader engaged and aware throughout.
Jerry Travis and Josephine Mayes incorporate numerous thought-provoking facts about Astronavigation, Mathematics and Philosophy that the reader can take away—an important and difficult feat for such a dynamic, plot-driven book. I genuinely love this, the idea that I can leave a book feeling a little more knowledgeable about something [exp: I am now able to explain Zeno’s Paradox and just go ahead and ask me what a Babbage Engine is; really, go ahead…] and yet after completing this book, I also felt as though I read a solid story, and I cared about what happened.
Character-wise, I felt the book could be tightened a little—the dialogue could be pared down and the internal shifts often didn’t need explained. Some of the smaller details could have been illustrated, rather than stated. But these gripes are small when contrasted to the tremendous feat of incorporating such a complex plot with such powerful ideas.
I recommend this book to just about anyone who wants to read a fast-moving tale that causes the reader to pause every few pages. And, if you’re like me, causes the reader to jot notes every now and then so that she can further educate herself on certain theories that pique her interest. The Safety Factor offers complex thoughts and raises intelligent questions about the human condition in many respects, and it challenged me to stretch the left side of my brain (without making it hurt).
