Featured Novelist: L. Ann Price, the Author of a Trio of Fantastical Stories

Dragons! Pirates! Princesses! ...Libraries!? Author L. Ann Price shows readers of many ages that adventure awaits at every corner, whether you are a brave boy, a wandering traveler, or a bunch of adorable guinea pig brothers! 

 

The Escapades of Augie Atwell is a story of a boy who encounters dragons, talking animals, a princess, a witch, and other fantastical creatures as he tries to save the village of Rumbletwoza from danger and doom. It is a classic scenario where a boy must face things that he once thought impossible, but entertaining character interactions, strong plot growth, and fluid language breathe new life into the genre. The characters and settings are rich in detail and imagery while the fantasy elements playful and plenty. The reader cannot help but root for Artie as he tries his best to save a troubled kingdom. 

The recently-published follow-up book, The Escapades of Augie Atwell & The Prince of Pirates, continues the story as Augie finds himself in the middle of a sibling rivalry over a kingdom and crown. Who doesn't love a story about pirates and claiming birthrights? 

The Guinea Pig Brothers & The Library Adventure is a whimsical tale of four brothers who have an adventure of their own when they go to the library. And yes, as you've guessed from the title, they are cute little guinea pigs! The get into mischief and fun as they explore the shelves and learn a valuable lesson from the librarian and their mother. I was humored in the fact that the librarian was a turtle, as generally turtles are a symbol of wisdom and long life.    

Ms. Price isn't just the author of these stories, but also the illustrator. Her artwork is featured as the book covers and various pictures presented in the books. Her characters are detailed, colorful, full of life, and full of expression. Readers can tell that each picture was crafted with care and love, enchanting them and delighting them. In The Guinea Pig Brothers & The Library Adventure, every other page is a charming illustration of the playful animals and will definitely entertain young readers (or children having the story read to them, of course).  

I would recommend these books to young children, but adults can enjoy the simple but strong story-telling skills as well. The Guinea Pig Brothers & The Library Adventure is perfect for toddlers and young children, as its rhyming scheme, colorful illustrations, and awesome message that the library is a fun place is wonderful for that particular age group. It was a fun story and reminded me of when I was a child exploring the different sections of my local library. All three books would make an excellent holiday gift to give to young readers looking for fun fantasy adventures. Parents can definitely enjoy these stories with their children. Anyone who is young at heart and longs for adventure can have fun with these stories as well.  

You can find L.Ann Price on Facebook and on her personal Wix website. Her books can be purchased there, on Amazon.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com (The links are for her first novel, but please check out her others as well!). Her books are also available in local bookstores in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania area. She will be featured at a local authors book signing at the Newtown Bookshop on October 20, 2013.

Series Review: The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Don't you just hate it when you find yourself face to face with an alligator, wondering just how the hell you're going to fight it? Have you ever been trapped in a walk-in industrial freezer and prayed for a way to keep yourself alive until someone found you? Even as your car plummets off of a bridge (which, if it is doing that right now, you should probably put your phone down and brace yourself. But hey, thanks for reading!) your panicked mind will try to find a way to save you. How prepared are you? You'll cry, 'If only there was a book that could have helped me prepare for this!". Well, look no further, disaster-stricken friend!

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, written by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and various authors, is a series of books that aim to help people prepare for any situation that the world can throw at them. Although often presented in a humorous manner, the information presented in the handbook is thoroughly researched and agreed upon by survival experts. Scenarios can be simple and include situations such as getting locked out of a car, fixing a flat tire, and treating a wound. Other scenarios are extreme (but completely realistic), including how to escape quicksand, how to negotiate with a terrorist or bank robber, and how to deliver a baby anywhere other than a hospital. My personal favorite is "how to escape from a submerged car", because you never know when your car will end up in a lake, right? The writing is simple and mostly presented in a list format, essentially giving a step-by-step guide to handle an event. There are numerous illustrations and diagrams to further explain solutions, tips, and tricks. 

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook started out as a entertaining guide to..well...worst case scenarios. With the book's success, the authors created more handbooks, focusing on specific topics, such as college, dating, the outdoors, "man stuff", life in general, and even the paranormal (my favorite edition). All are meant to entertain but also educate. The survival tips are genuine and can actually be useful. I once had to recall knowledge from the book when I was stuck in a walk-in freezer after the safety anti-lock knob ironically broke. I used the information on the book to make a makeshift safety knob using a torn up box and a thermometer. Had I not had read the book, I would have had to wait for someone from the outside to open the door. And no, I couldn't just yell for someone to let me out. Most modern freezers are soundproof because of the loud sounds the motors and what not can make (I learned that afterwards. Strange, right?) Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that while often silly, the information in the series of books can actually be helpful when a situation presents itself.

I would recommend these books to anyone who is a trivia fan, survival enthusiasts (I'm talking to you, Bear Grylls!) or maybe even a doomsday prepper. Kids can enjoy some of these books as well, although I wouldn't suggest anyone younger than 12 or so reading it, as some of the scenarios presented are potentially nightmare-inducing to a child's mind, or adult in nature, as is the case for the dating and college handbooks.

You can purchase the original The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook and any of its companion handbooks on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and major retail booksellers. 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman, a Doorway to a Whole "Other" World...

Every child, at one point or another, has wondered what it would be like if they had different parents. For Coraline Jones, discovering that she did have “other” parents opens the doors to a strange new world.

     Coraline, a modern fairy-tale written by Neil Gaiman, tells the story of a young girl who has moved to a new house with her parents. The house she lives in is divided into different apartments that are occupied by unusual tenants. One apartment is the home to two spinster women and their Scottish terriers. Another apartment is home to a strange Eastern European man and his talented mouse circus. The last apartment is unoccupied and boarded up.

     Coraline explores her new surroundings as her parents, who are gardening writers, are consumed by their work. Coraline is a neglected child, but does not seem to mind the isolation. She in inquisitive and creative as she explores her new surroundings. One day, she discovers a small door in her living room, presumably a door connecting her apartment and the adjacent, empty one.  Her mother unlocks it and they see that it is bricked up. It is a door to nowhere....

....Until one night. Coraline finds the door opened, revealing a small dark corridor. Of course, she crawls through it, but soon finds herself in an exact copy of her apartment. However, upon finding her parents, she sees that they are in fact not her normal parents. They are her “other” parents.

     The Other Mother and Other Father look exactly like her parents, but they don’t act like them. They dote on Coraline, cook her favorite dinners and desserts, and spoil her. The Other world has a sort of magic to it, where flowers bloom at night, cats can talk, and Coraline doesn’t have to follow rules. There are even alternative versions of her neighbors. The old spinsters are young women who perform acrobatic shows. The mouse circus upstairs is in full swing with their tricks and stunts. Finally, Coraline feels appreciated and loved where she once felt ignored and alone.

     However, the Other World is not what it seems. The Other Mother has plans to keep Coraline and love her forever. And Coraline has a high price to pay as she is thrust into a dark enchanted world.

     Neil Gaiman originally began writing Coraline for his oldest daughter and finished it for his youngest. He wanted to write a fairy story in a modern setting with a touch of mystery and darkness. The language used in this novel is simple, but still paints a complete picture of both the normal world and the “other” world. There are some of the usual touches of fantasy that Gaiman is known for, but it is appealing for children and adults alike. The concept of an "Other" world existing (through the means of a supernatural being willing it to exist for her own purposes) is fascinating. The reader can't help but wonder what it would be like if they were in the same situation. Gaiman's story-telling pace is timed perfectly; nothing is rushed and conflicts are introduced gradually. The story structure flows in a manner that the book can be read through in a few sittings, but also can be re-read and still stay fresh. It's definitely one of those books that if you re-read it, you notice more of the subtle context clues that foreshadow later plot and character developments. 

     Coraline was made into a motion picture and this is how I first heard about it, even though I am a fan of Neil Gaiman. The movie was well done and true to the book, but the book offers a little something more. The book has a few more darker themes in it that that movie left out, and these added tid-bits really add to the reader's overall experience of the story. 

    Coraline is a strong girl character, and even as a child, she isn't terribly whiny or annoying. She's mature, witty, and relies on her instincts. The novel is an interesting concept in which the child is the more powerful figure, tasked with being the heroine and taking charge. Coraline isn't a prissy girl who becomes helpless in the face of dark danger. No, Coraline takes action and fights her fears, even though it would be completely understandable for a child to run away and hide. She exhibits true courage and teaches readers (regardless of age) that it is important to remember the people you love, the things that are important to you, and to never give up.  Young readers especially need more characters like Coraline.  

Coraline by Neil Gaiman, can be found at Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and retail booksellers. It is also available on Nook and Kindle e-reader formats as well as also available in graphic novel form. 

Freak Show by James St. James. A Story of Love, Drag, and High School.

Imagine you are the new kid in town. You just moved to a new school in a new state. Do you try to blend in with the crowd and make high school as quiet and uneventful as possible? Or do you stand up for your beliefs and be your own unique self as you make waves and rock the boat?

     Freak Show, a novel by James St.James, tells the story of a young boy who attends a conservative high school. Doesn't seem like much of a problem, right? Well, it wouldn't be, unless of course you're an aspiring drag queen. Billy Bloom is a gay teen who has moved to a new state and is having a hard time making friends. He is an outcast, but he doesn't let that stop him. His eyes are on the Homecoming Queen crown! He doesn't let the preps and football stars get him down, as he finds his own little ragtag group of misfits and shines with the bravado and fabulousness that Eisenhower Academy just wasn't ready for. 

     Billy Bloom's character is progressive, fun, and inspirational. He shuns the labels that society places on "not normal" people. He prefers to call himself a "gender obscurist" and constantly questions gender roles and appearances. The book itself seems to shirk away from labels and throws away ignorant perceptions regarding sexuality and identity. It's easy for the reader to understand Billy, as high school is often one of the most defining stages in a person's life. Honestly, Billy seems like the kind of person I would love to hang out with, maybe exchange some makeup tips and play around in some heels. He is a refreshing change to the normal high school romance character type usually seen in books and movies. You know who I mean (please refer to Twilight, You Can Never Go Home Again, She's All That, Perfect Chemistry, Something Like Fate...okay, I'm getting sick of thinking of these...). No, Billy is a strong gay characters that you can't help but root for. It's not just the fact that Billy is gay that sets him apart from other teen romance novels. It's the fact that he deals with the same themes, such as identity, blossoming sexuality, being the 'new kid', love, and friendship, but deals with them with strength and maturity that is often absent in teen novels. 

     This book is as if Hairspray and Mean Girls had a love child. There are times when it is overly-flamboyant (but still fun) and then there are cringe-worthy moments where one is reminded just how horrible and mean high schoolers can be to one another. There were times where I laughed out loud and there were times when I felt frustrated and sad. Billy's triumphs and frustrations become your own as you follow him on a fast-paced adventure in high school. As he rises above the hate and intolerance, he shows us that being true to yourself is more important that betraying who you are just because other people don't like it. 

     St.James' writing style is a tad unique. There are sections of the book that are written in different fonts and are in TOTAL CAPS, OMG!!11!1!!! This might be annoying to some readers, but I personally think that it adds to the affect that this story focuses on a high school kid. It's typed out exactly how a high schooler would write.

      Freak Show is a story that may be all too familiar to those in the LGBT community, and may be eye opening to those who are not as this story is filled with examples of the plight young gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender kids are forced to deal with while going through school. It doesn't matter if you're straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, a drag queen or king, or even an alien from Mars... This book offers the universal message of acceptance. To a gay teen reading this book, they might get the message of "you can make it past the hard issues. Just be yourself and stay strong. It gets better.". To those who are already LGBT allies, the message is "Keep being supportive, because we're all in this together" and "Let's work hard to make the changes that will unite us as people, not labels". To others, the message may be more like "Maybe think twice about picking on the kid who is different." or "We're all unique in our own way. Why make things hard on each other?".  That's what made this book interesting to read; no matter what view point you have, there is a different message that has a common theme: acceptance and love. Freak Show engages the reader and makes them think about the traits we as a society celebrate, the traits we discourage, and if we should change our perceptions and attitudes.

Freak Show by James St.James is available at Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and retail booksellers. It is also available on Kindle and Nook e-reader formats.

*post review edit*

I went on a couple of other book review sites, just because I was curious what others felt about this novel. Many reviews were positive, some even thankful that James St.James wrote about such a topic. Others, unfortunately, were mean-spirited and sad. The more intolerant ones made me think, 'why did you even bother reading a book about a gay teenage boy if you're so against gays?'. 

It made me want to come back to this review and state my own views, not about the book, but about the issue presented in this book.

I have friends who come from all walks of life. Straight, gay, bi, trans...I look at people as people, not labels. I said this once in high school (and for the school paper, incidentally), and I still stand by it : "Labels are for packages. Not people." I am a part of the LGBT community. These people make up my friends and family.

If  you're the type of person who thinks anyone who isn't heterosexual is disgusting, then I implore you, read this book. Experience the story about this brave teen who stands up for his identity. Maybe this book could change your mind and teach you that acceptance is a wonderful thing. If not, thanks for at least humoring me by giving the book (and message) a fair chance. 

Thank you. Happy reading!

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: You Might Be a Zombie, and Other Bad News

Ever wonder what implications time travel has, as well as their unavoidable paradoxes? Are you curious as to what crazy disasters people miraculously survived and how? Do thoughts regarding quantum physics and space travel keep you up at night? Are you a fan of lists and ranks? Okay, okay, enough with the questions, already!

You Might Be a Zombie, and Other Bad News is a collection of list-based articles that cover a variety of topics and are all informative and true. Some topics include deadly insects, strange-yet-real science experiments, abandoned locations, and tales of heroism. While some articles are educational and straight-forward, others are absurd and wacky, such as “How to Fight off  ______” or “5 Silly Looking Dinosaurs (And How They Could Kill You)”.

Essentially, this book is a compilation of numerous articles written for its parent website, Cracked.com. While many of the topics are serious in nature, the articles are written in varying styles of humor. Some articles may appear sarcastic while others are absurd. The articles are written by Cracked.com contributors and editors, each with their own distinct style, so the book is accommodating to a wide range of readers. Many of the lists that are featured in the book are available on Cracked.com, but there are many new articles that were written exclusively for the book. Regardless if you're a avid Cracked reader or a newcomer, there is plenty to enjoy in this book. It's surprising how much the reader can actually learn through reading this collection of humorous lists. With the varying topics ranging from science, movies, music, and history, there's a little something for everyone's interests. 


Here are some of the things you can learn from this book:

Four amazing things that people have done while high
Several horrible places to have sex
Ways how World War III almost started
Foods that aren't made from the things you think they're made with
Abandoned cities
The 5 most horrifying bugs in the world
Mind control
"The Four Most Badass Presidents of All Time"  (who says all politicians are boring old guys?)


Admittedly, some of the language used in the book is a bit sketchy and profane, and there are a few articles that are about sexual perversions or sex in general. So this book may not be appropriate for the easily-offended or younger readers.  

If you’re a fan of reading trivia books or fun facts, I would highly recommend giving this book a try. It’s an easy, entertaining read that’s sure to deliver plenty of fascinating information in a fun (and funny!) way. If you're still unsure whether or not to get this book, I would recommend visiting the website and browsing through some of the different articles. 

You Might Be a Zombie, and Other Bad News by the editors of Cracked.com is available at BarnesAndNoble.com, Amazon.com and retail booksellers. It is also available on Nook and Kindle e-reader formats.  

Fifty Shades of Lame: Gray by Pete Wentz

     I have a confession to make: I am, and probably always will be, a Fall Out Boy fan. So when I heard that their bassist, Pete Wentz, wrote a book, I was most definitely curious. Unfortunately, in the words of one of FOB’s songs, “I don’t blame you for being you, but you can’t blame me for hating it…”

     Gray is Pete Wentz’s attempt at a semi-fantasy semi-biographical novel. Gray tells the story of a rock band climbing its way to the top of international music charts and the platforms and pitfalls they encounter along the way. It’s obviously (well, obvious to Fall Out Boy fans) that the fictional band’s story is parallel to the real Fall Out Boy’s history. The main character (surprise, surprise) is named Pete, who struggles with anxiety issues, depression, and relationship troubles, much like the real-life Pete Wentz. The first-person narrative attempts to get the reader into the head of the rock star, trying to explain the trials and tribulations that music stardom can bring. Pete struggles with his feelings about love, dedication, and isolation as he juggles a troubled relationship, effects of dropping out of school, substance abuse problems, and increasing fame.

     The novel is riddled with references to Fall Out Boy song lyrics. At first, it was entertaining to make those connections, but eventually it became tiresome, predictable, and annoying. Seriously, if this book were a drinking game in which the player had to drink at each song reference, both obscure and apparent, the player would be intoxicated and dumbfounded before the first 50 pages were read. Perhaps being intoxicated would make this book easier (or more enjoyable) to read. I wouldn't know if that works though, because I don’t feel the need to deliver such cruel punishment to my liver. Also, the writing style changed from being whimsy to being dark, from organized thought to chaos. It was as if Wentz took numerous breaks while writing his book, and forgot his train of thought each time he returned to writing it.

     In real life, Pete Wentz has dealt with many of the issues described in this book. Wentz does suffer from depression and anxiety disorders that have lead to a couple of suicide attempts. The fictional relationship with Pete and his girlfriend directly mirrors Wentz’s real relationship and marriage to Ashlee Simpson, which ended in divorce. The thoughts of the fictional Pete could very well be the actual thoughts of the real Pete, which at times was interesting to read, but other times was tiresome. The story was simple, which is not a bad thing. However, it became very repetitive because it was so simple. It lacked any real direction and went nowhere. The girlfriend character, simply known as “Her”, was under-developed and one-dimensional. She was boring and easy to not care about, even though she was supposed to be the center of Pete's obsession. The reader has to wonder just why Pete finds himself so addicted to her, when she is an unremarkable, unstable, and (at times) undesirable woman.  

     I can’t say much else about this book other than it was a poor attempt at being artsy and clever. I still love Fall Out Boy, which means that to an extent, I still enjoy Pete Wentz’s work. Unfortunately, I just couldn't enjoy this book, as much as I wanted to and as much as I tried to.  I’m sure there are some readers out there who would like the eccentric and eclectic style that Wentz used, but it wasn't my preference. If you are a person who is driven to read for strong plots, this is not the book for you.  If you are a person who is driven to read for strong characters, this is not the book for you. Pete is whiny, selfish, pretentious, and immature. Gray is a cynical book with no real ending and leaves the reader with much to be desired.

Gray by Pete Wentz is available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and selected retail booksellers. It is also available on Nook and Kindle e-readers. But really, you could just Google “Fall Out Boy” and read about the band’s early history while listening to some of their albums (also available on Amazon.com , BarnesAndNoble.com and retail music sellers… I personally recommend the album “Folie a Deux”). 

Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium

People search for answers in different ways. Some go to Google, some go to a library, and some hope to find their answers in the supernatural. Enter the world of a mentalist with a guilty conscience.

     Mark Edward is as professional mentalist and on the editorial board of Skeptic magazine. In his biography, Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium, Edward describes how he became interested in human psychology and how he could exploit it. Starting out as a mere illusionist in dive bars, Edward learns the art of mentalism, the practice of demonstrating intuitive abilities. Mentalists appear to have clairvoyant, precognitive, and telepathic abilities, and are often referred to as 'psychic entertainers'. 
     Edward recounts the odd and often humorous tales of his 30-year career at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, his late-night shifts working the 900 hotline Psychic Friends Network, and his experiences as a (confessed) "fake medium" for the wealthy and bored Hollywood elite. Edward confesses that for most of his career, he exploited the believers that paid him in hopes of connecting with deceased loved ones, seeking answers to questions they believed only supernatural ideas could answer.
     In the 90's, there were plenty of psychic hotlines and late-night public access shows that claimed that (for a nominal fee) "real mediums" would be able to help people with supernatural advice. Miss Cleo and Psychic Friends Network raked in millions of dollars from their $3.99+/minute sessions. Sylvia Brown and John Edwards, self-professed psychic mediums, popped up on the talk show circuit and plugged their books and private sessions. Mark Edward watched America become obsessed with contacting spirits and recalled how this was not a new phenomenon. Edward recalls the scam seances of the Fox Sisters and other so-called "intuitives". Although he does confess he felt guilty about becoming yet another scammer, Edward decides to perfect his mentalism skills and advertise himself as the "greatest psychic medium" in modern America.
      At first, he tries to justify his exploits by making himself believe that he is helping people even though he is lying to them. If he makes someone feel better about their deceased relative, what harm is he doing? Eventually, Edward's conscience catches up with him and he begins to feel guilty about lying to people and being paid for it. He pleads to readers that people should become aware that they are being manipulated into shelling out their money to liars who claim to be mediums. Although mostly skeptic, Edward does confess that he thinks real mediums may exist, but they are few and most certainly not the ones making millions of dollars by hosting seminars and pricey private readings. Edward reveals the methods of psychic scammers, explaining how they are able to read a person and exploit the information that is revealed to them. Edward warns that most people who advertise themselves as psychics are scam artists who prey on the general human desire to believe in something, regardless if it is supernatural or not. He reveals the secrets behind the big business that is mentalism and how he was able to disguise his lies as vague truths. 
     While I personally do believe in psychic phenomena, I do not trust the alleged abilities of supposed psychics who seek financial gain for their 'abilities'. Reading this book confirmed many of the sentiments I had, but also explains how mentalists are able to make so many people believe in them to the point that I cannot blame anyone for believing in them. Talented mediums such as Mark Edward are well-educated in psychology, have strong observational skills, and are master manipulators. As Edward describes different readings that he provided, I almost forgot that Edward tells the reader that he is fake, because some of the things he says are so believable that you nearly accept that he actually is a psychic medium.
     Overall, this book was well-written, intellectual, and often times humorous.Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this book was an intriguing read that explores the secret world of the modern-day medium.

Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium by Mark Edward is available on Amazon.com,  BarnesAndNoble.com, in retail bookstores, and is also available in Kindle and Nook e-reader formats.