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. 

Weird Wednesday: House of Leaves

      Searching for a literary challenge? Look no further! Take a dark, twisty journey of mystery, intrigue, and horror with today's Weird Wednesday book, House of Leaves. 

     House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, is not so much a book as it is a complicated puzzle. The novel is presented  as if the reader was handed a folder of cryptic notes and scribbles and asked to decipher it. This bundle of paper describes the musings of a man who may or may not be a charasmatic liar, spinning a tale of a young family who moves into a strange house. What's so strange about this house and why does this guy seem fascinated by it? According to the man's story, the dimensions of the house are physically different on the inside than what they are on the inside. What appears to be a modest home ends up looking like the inner-workings of a palace, somehow distorting time-space and physics. The house morphs and nothing can be explained. Unseen monsters are heard in closets and hallways as the family is forced to deal with the madness. The main character learns all about this when he discovers a manuscript titled  The Navidson Record, which was written by a blind man named Zampanò who recently passed away. Zampanò writes about a documentary film (which may not exist) that recalls the events surrounding a photojournalist who finds a house that has supernatural qualities.

     The reader is not simply a person reading this book. The reader is an active participant to the story. There are messages to be decoded, secrets to be uncovered before moving onto another part of the story, and photographs to be examined. The book itself is more like a 'found footage' document, much like films such as Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, and The Blair Witch Project. It is as if the reader has stumbled across an old file that someone gathered together and left somewhere. It is actually somewhat difficult to explain what exactly this book is about without actually experiencing it. The best way I can sum it up is this: Inception and The Blair Witch Project had a lovechild and Stephen King was its nanny. 

     This is definitely a challenging read. This isn't a book where the reader can skim through some passages or skip pages. In a couple places, it tells you to skip to later chapters, only to return to the earlier pages. This book has stories within stories, appendixes, footnotes, headers, and random sections of chaotic fonts and formats. Formats that include interviews, letters, bibliographies, photographs of scrap paper and torn notes, and transcripts. One page may be completely filled with script while the next page may be blank. Some pages only have one word written on it, some have paragraphs that are printed upside-down or backwards (the reader may need a mirror handy nearby in order to read certain passages!). Font sizes change sporadically. Occasionally, words are bolded, italicized, or underlined for seemingly no reason (or is there a reason?). This story told by a mad man makes the reader question their own mind and sanity as the book switches between order and chaos.

     I would recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of horror and can appreciate a complex read. 

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and retail booksellers. It is not available (and most likely impossible to read) on any e-reader formats nor audio book.  

A Story of Strong-Willed Women: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Sometimes we need to take a moment, step back, and appreciate the people who are in our lives. Our lives are filled with all sorts of different relationships; some intimate, some strictly professional, or some merely acquaintanceships. Regardless of the depth, relationships shape who we are today. Everyone influences everyone, whether we realize it or not. In today's novel, relationships, social structure, love, and respect are explored and lines blur. 

In The Help, Kathryn Stockett transports the reader back to 1962 Jackson, Mississippi. One of the main characters is Aibileen, a black maid who works for a very well-to-do Southern family. She used to be a meek, mild-mannered woman, but she's eventually unable to hold her bitterness, resentment, and emotions back. Aibileen's friend, Minny, is also a black and a maid and recently gained employment from the town's outcast resident.  She was never one to hold her tongue and keep opinions to herself, but now she finds herself in a situation where she has to keep secrets for the woman she works for.  The women team up with the young, white socialite Skeeter, who just graduated college with ambitions to make it big in journalism and writing. She's spunky, full of life, and ignored (and often openly defies) the social norms of segregation. Although the other young white socialites of Jackson can tolerate (but definitely not accept) Skeeter's race-related trespasses, being that Skeeter is without a husband to provide for her, she's considered a failure. Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about what it is like to be a black and a housekeeper in affluent homes in the South.  What is written forever changes life in their small town, the South, and their destinies.

The strength of these characters grabs the reader's heart and doesn't let go. I found myself cheering for Skeeter's little victories, Aibileen's big ones, and Minny's accepting nature. The reader feels the frustrations of the characters as if they are experiencing the troubles themselves. The Help certainly describes the situations and the internal struggles of being black in the  South in the 1960's to the point where you can't help but think 'how did people think this was an acceptable way to act back then?'. Some of the women are cruel and heartless to the very people who are raising their children and bringing up their families. In this novel, there are some black women who were staples of a family, who acted as nannies and caregivers and nurturers, only to be cast aside as soon as something went wrong. It's often heart-wrenching to read how the characters treat each other, but there are also moments of triumph, justice, and acceptance.

Although it is obvious that this book is about race issues in the South during the civil rights movement, there is another theme to the book. Another major theme of The Help is the practice of  intolerance of women by other women. There weren't many (if any if I remember correctly) situations in which male characters treated women, regardless of skin color, poorly. It was always the women who were mean to each other. It was always the women who put each other down. Aibileen and Minny weren't the only characters to suffer abuses by their white employers. The socialites were cruel to a newcomer housewife who so desperately wanted to join them. The woman was ostracized and ridiculed for being different than the other white socialite housewives of Jackson. This woman would become Minny's employer and the two had more in common than one would initially believe.
  
There were stories of heartbreak, loss, and sadness. But there were stories of life-long friendships, love, family, and unconditional acceptance.  There were triumphs and defeats. The reader can relate to so many of the characters that it's hard to accept that these people are not real and that the story is fiction. Kathryn Stockett's book is beautifully descriptive that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are right there in the kitchen, helping the women write their tell-all book while drinking coffee and trading gossip. The story flows smoothly, even though the story is written in the varying perspectives of the different women. I enjoyed seeing the world through their very different eyes and watching them grow throughout the story. Although the story may seem intense sometimes, it is definitely an easy read that leaves you wanting to read more about the characters' lives even after the last page is turned. These women just seem to be able to reach out and touch you in an unforgettable, inspirational way. 


The Help by Kathryn Stockett is can be purchased through Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and retail booksellers. It is available for Nook, Kindle, and audio book. It has also been made into an award-winning motion picture of the same title. 

Throwback Thursday: GOOSEBUMPS, the children's series by R.L. Stine

You think you're safely tucked in bed...but wait! There are creaking noises on the stairs as if some ghostly figure is ascending them, headed straight for your bedroom door! There's a strange scratching sound outside your window. Lightning cracks and brightens the room. Shadows dance across the walls and you could have sworn you just saw that thrift-store dummy move on its own. You find a mysterious message that has been scribbled on your mirror with (what you hope is) red paint.

"Reader beware! You're in for a scare!"

    R.L Stine is a name that most children growing up in the 90's cherished and still captures the hearts of adults who remember the series. Many consider him the "Stephen King of children's literature".  His first horror novel, Blind Date, was published in 1986. During this time, believe it or not, R.L. Stine was a co-creator and head writer for the popular Nickelodeon show Eureeka's Castle. Stine continued writing horror for the young adult crowd, but then switched up his audience to younger children. He wanted to write scary stories, but didn't want to alienate his young audience. Thus, the Goosebumps book series was born.

     Goosebumps, published by Scholastic Publishing beginning in 1992, were different than the routine chapter books that parents gave their children. They were humorous at times, but horror and the supernatural were always the main focus. There were stories of ghosts seeking revenge, monsters lurking in the woods, and possessed objects. The protagonists were always children, usually ranging from 9 to 12 years old, with the occasional teenager thrown into the mix. The children were constantly thrown into scary situations and mysteries in which they had to fend for themselves. Some situations were the stereotypical horror fodder, such as mummies' curses, haunted houses, or dolls becoming alive. Others, not so much. Goosebumps shows that even the mundane can be scary. School auditoriums can be haunted and certain plays raise more than just school spirit. Piano lessons can taught by psychotic instructors who have the strong desire to chop off their pupil's hands. Nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted. Parents were often absent in the stories (i.e "Mom and Dad always work and have no time for me..."). If they were present, they rarely believed the events their children tried to explain to them (i.e "Oh honey, you have such a wild imagination! Now go play with that unusually pale kid..."). 

    Eventually, R.L Stine began a new take on the Goosebumps series, combining it with his earlier work the Fear Street Series,  and created "Ghosts of Fear Street". Its reading level was a step above Goosebumps, but is still considered children's literature. It was the same set-up as previous Goosebumps books, but for the aging audience member who just wasn't ready to leave Fear Street yet. Ghosts of Fear Street resided in the same universe as its predecessor  but the stories focused on the often unfortunate and strange events of those who lived on Fear Street. Basically, think of all the odd people and scary creatures of Goosebumps, and have them all live in a weird-ass town. The characters were a little bit older, usually around middle-school age. The situations they were thrown in were just as bizarre as before, but the plots were somewhat more complex.

     I have recently binged on some Goosebumps and Ghosts of Fear Street books that I discovered in a box in my attic, delighted that they weren't thrown out in spring cleans of yesteryear. I was curious as to see how my (allegedly) mature adult mind would digest these once beloved pieces of children's literature. I chose a dozen or so, selected as the ones I remembered enjoying the most as a kid. I noticed many constant themes and characteristics of these series that I failed to understand when I was younger. 

Rules to Survive By in the Goosebumps/GoFS Universe

1. STAY OUT OF THE BASEMENT!!!!! Those plants have a mind of their own...

2. Stay out of the woods! Strange creatures are known to lurk there.

3. That new kid in school may not be as alive as you think.

4. Adults are NOT to be trusted. Especially the ones that say "trust me". This cannot be stressed enough! This includes, but is not limited to: piano teachers, camp counselors, neighbors, librarians, shop keepers, and your very own parents!

5. Do NOT play a game of hide-and-seek in the following locations: cemeteries, old houses (both creepy and otherwise), abandoned schools, libraries, in the woods.... Actually, in fact, just avoid the game altogether. Anyone up for Monopoly?

6. If an object sounds like it's exotic, rare, or an antique, DON'T TAKE IT. There's a 98% chance that it's cursed or possessed. Or both. Probably both. Let's just be safe and bump that up to 100%. 

7. Be careful what you wish for. That fortune-teller, genie, or talisman may just grant it. This will not go well for you.

8. Inanimate objects, such as masks and ventriloquist dummies, will try to kill you. Actually, most things will try to kill you at some point.

9. Never go to camp. Ever. If your parents say you're going to a camp, it's a sign that they don't love you anymore. Now would be a good time to run away from home. Your odds of survival are better living on the streets than at a summer camp. Between crazed counselors, creepy woods, and legends of creatures living in the shadows, summer camp is your one-way ticket to a bad time.

10. There's always a twist to every situation you find yourself in. Life is never what you think it is.

I'm pleased to say that the Goosebumps series is still around. A lot of the original stories have been re-vamped and new spin-off series have been written. Recently, many episodes of the Goosebumps television series has become available on Netflix. Seeing that R.L Stine's work is available to newer generations of kids actually gives me some relief. Although his work may be repetitive,  he never fails to deliver the goods and churn out a great scary story. And I'd trust R.L Stine to scare my children over any other run-of-the-mill children's book writer. There's always a twist and a lesson to be had at the end. 

Wait. Rule #4: Don't trust adults. Oh well, I think I have to let that rule slide. Just this one time...

Were those glowing red eyes under my bed always there?

Uh oh...


Goosebumps and Ghost of Fear Street, written by R.L. Stine, can be be found on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and most retail booksellers. Some titles of each series can also be found on the Kindle and Nook apps.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: John Dies at the End by David Wong

It's Weird Wednesday, which means that I'll be reviewing a book that is...well... weird. It's not exactly a mainstream hit, but is an interesting read nonetheless. 

Imagine you go to a party and the next thing you know, all Hell breaks loose. Your friend dies after the two of you are at a police station. You take a substance that gives you the ability to know the ins and outs of timespace. Your friend ends up not really being dead and helps you fight the unimaginable and absurd. If anything described above sounds familiar to you, you may be a character in the horror-comedy-sci-fi adventure John Dies at the End.

John Dies at the End is a entertainingly strange and quirky novel written by David Wong. Wong is best known for his writing on the popular humor site Cracked.com. The humor is dark, but remains comical enough to appeal to readers who may not necessarily be a fan of science fiction or horror.  Yet there are some bits that are genuinely creepy and make you question the sanity of the writer. The writing toys with the reader's mind with psychological suspense and dark tones, but then adds a moment of comical relief to change gears up a bit. 

David and John are friends. To be more exact, they're friends who casually fight evil and aliens and consider it to be their typical Friday night. A unique series of unexplained events happen in their small town, and it all appears to be linked to a Bob Marley poser who deals a special drug only known as "the soy sauce".  This 'soy sauce' is a mysterious substance that chooses who can tolerate it and consume it. It gives its users the ability to pick up on the doings of other dimensions, the past, the future, and can even allow telepathy and the reading of minds. For example, at one point, David is able to gain the insight of how a defective bullet was created and how it just so happened to end up in a gun that was aimed at him. This substance ends up being a key into something much more bigger than anyone could have known. It's also the key to an invasion from another dimension. Through manipulation, invasion, and destruction, evil tries to sneak its way into the modern world. Luckily, David and John know just how to handle situations like that. 

In a way, this book reads like a buddy comedy with odd-ball characters and laugh-out-loud absurd situations (the first monster that is encountered is entirely made up of meat that was left in a freezer too long). At the same time, there are many elements from the horror and sci-fi genres that add a sort of cleverness and adventure to the story. Additionally, David Wong wrote a sequel of sorts to this novel, titled "This Book is Full of Spiders", which also draws on elements of the same genres used for this novel. 

I would recommend this book to the older end of 'young adult' and above. Although the book itself may lack maturity, there is much mature content in the story that wouldn't be appropriate for a younger audience.  John Dies at the End is cleverly written and is sure to keep readers glued to the pages.

John Dies at the End by David Wong BarnesAndNoble.com, Amazon.com, retail booksellers, and David Wong's booksite JohnDiesAtTheEnd.com. It is available on Kindle, Nook, and audio book. This book has also been made into a motion picture (and is actually pretty good!).  

Fifty Shades of Grey ....or "How I Was Tricked into Reading Trashy Fan Fiction"

Okay....so here's how it happened.

"It was a dark and stormy night..."

Oh wait...Wrong story!

A fellow-reviewer friend of mine suggested a book to me, because she knows I'm always looking for something new to read while I drink inhuman amounts of coffee. She knows I'm into reading "weird books" (whatever that means), and said that I would either find E.L James' novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" amusing, or would be completely horrified. She was also swamped with reading her own assignments and offered me $20 to read Fifty Shades for her. After some good old internet research, I found out that this book actually began as a fan-fiction for Twilight. And while reading these books, it was painfully obvious that it was a shameless Twilight fan fiction. It seems that the author just switched out some names and it was ready to hit the presses! She then wrote 2 more books to accompany it, creating a trilogy of trashy "romance" for the modern day girl. Or guy. Do guys read these things?

Fifty Shades... is told by this college senior named Anastasia Steele. Sweet name, right? This was the only thing about this character that I liked. I found her too pretentious and highly difficult to relate to. She seems very sheltered from the "real world". She uses all sorts of words and phrases that no normal girl would admit to using unless she was being ironic. She constantly says "oh my", "holy crap", "subconscious" and "inner goddess" a lot. A whole lot. If this book were a drinking game, I would have died of alcohol poisoning within the first 50 pages. It was a bit ridiculous. 

The other main character is Christian Grey. Here's what he looks like in my head:

Just drink this in for a moment.... Take your time. I'll wait..... This is a photo of the actor Armie Hammer. (Again, sweet name, right?)

Christian Grey is this billionaire business tycoon. I know, real specific right? I never got a strong idea of what he did for a living. All the tabloids think he's gay because he's never been seen with a girlfriend. Because apparently it's a tragedy to be rich, successful, and gay. How scandalous! He has all sorts of hobbies, such as flying helicopters, fishing, driving expensive cars, and boating. He eats exquisite, exotic foods and enjoys top shelf champagne and brandy. But as it turns out, he's had multiple sexual partners behind closed doors....but not in the term of having "girlfriends". More like Subs. As in Submissives. As in he's into BDSM (Bondage Dominance, Sado-Masochism). He's HUGE into being a Dom (Dominant) and submits any lovers he has to a contract in which he completely controls them. And by controlling them, I also mean "stalk". Throughout the story, Christian has all these psycho stalker tendencies such as email tracing, phone tracking, and oh so many more creepy things that would have a normal girl running for the hills. 

But he's described to be smokin' hot..... so I guess that means that it's all okay to do?

That is the message of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy.

Fifty Shades is a story about a girl who meets a guy. The guy is into kinky stuff. The guy falls in love with the girl. The girl is scared, but then comes running back because she is entranced by his world. The girl somehow manages to change Guy into being "more vanilla" although all the while they still enjoy copious amounts of sex. Fifty Shades gives the disturbing message of "as long as the sex is good, it's okay to stay with your unhealthy relationship". 

 Ana Steele's character is completely unrealistic in how she dealt with sex. She went from pure naive virgin to sexual deviant addict. And of course, Christian is happy to oblige her. In fact, it becomes a bit tiresome. These people supposedly have day jobs, but work never seems to get done. They have sex in several hotels, on the beach, on a boat, in several apartments, in a BDSM playroom, in elevators, in a boathouse, in bedrooms, in kitchens, in bathtubs and showers, in cars and offices, and on pooltables. 

Actually, it'd be easier to make a list of where they didn't do the deed:

Mount Everest

The Titanic

The Moon

In a submarine

Yeah, that was much easier. 

Ana doesn't develop into a strong character. She remains an annoyance the entire trilogy. She's inconsistent in her thoughts and is overly-emotional and over-thinks EVERYTHING. She keeps talking down about herself and frankly, I agreed with her. Throughout the entire story, all I could think of was "What the hell does this incredibly hot guy see in this incredibly dull, self-defeating girl?" 

The one complaint I have about Christian Grey is that he was a walking cliche`. Everything about him was "oh, I'm a billionaire bad boy who likes to dominate women. But then I met this amazing girl and she makes me deal with all my inner demons and I become a normal loving person who was transformed by having a loving relationship." He's obscenely wealthy and he is unemotional for the majority of the first book. But as it turns out, he had an extremely difficult  childhood and is emotionally scarred. He also lost his virginity to his mother's older friend. This "Mrs.Robinson" as she's referred to, is the one who introduced Christian to BDSM. Ana eventually confronts this woman and blames her for "ruining Christian".

Any sexual development psychology textbook would tell you that BDSM isn't about control and sexual depravity and trauma. Just because someone is molested doesn't mean they become a sick person. Just because someone is into any or all aspects of BDSM, it doesn't mean that they are a sick person and that they're "ruined". BDSM is about trust and openness between partners. It is intimate and it's an activity shared between consenting adults. The author doesn't seem to understand that. She treated Christian as if he was psychologically disturbed and needed to be cured. Of course, Anastasia's unconditional love is what cures him and his need for dominance. 

As for the technical characteristics of Fifty Shades, it isn't hard to believe that this was written as a poor excuse of a fan fiction. The grammar was elementary, as was sentence structure and character development. The constant repetitive use of annoying phrases such as "oh my" and "inner goddess" was irritating. It was irritating to the point where I would just skim over parts with internal dialogue because my "inner goddess" was ready to throw my e-reader across the room. 

I know this is where I usually tell you how you can purchase this book. However, today, I will not tell you where to buy this book, as I strongly feel that you shouldn't waste your time and money on it. If you really feel the desire to read it, it is available for free in its original fan-fiction form. Google it and you'll be able to find a pdf document of it.  Or just go to a bookstore. Because why should you skip the embarrassment of purchasing this book in public?

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

When Dorothy Gale faced the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, we only knew Dorothy's side of the story. But what about the mysterious green-skinned witch? Where did she come from? What's the deal with those shoes?

In Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that the reader will never look at Oz the same way again. There is political turmoil. There is aggression and fear everywhere and no one can be sure as to whom they can trust. There is class warfare and societal oppression. The world of Oz is definitely not that technicolor dream that most people are familiar with.  

Then, of course, there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who grows up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba proves to be a smart yet misunderstood girl who constantly challenges the fast-held beliefs regarding the nature of good and evil. The reader learns of the events surrounding her birth, her not-so-nurturing family life and early beginnings, and her personal journey of figuring out who she is. Is Elphaba truly wicked? Or is she misguided and misunderstood? 

The reader is also introduced to the early life of Elphaba's "good half", Glinda, who would later become known as the "Good Witch of the North". Glinda (or previously known as Galinda, before a professor refused to say her name correctly) winds up being Elphaba's roommate when the two attend a prestigious university. Glinda chooses to study sorcery while Elphaba decided to study natural sciences. The two are an unlikely pair and clash throughout the novel. Glinda is presented as a snobbish, upper-class, superficial girl who absolutely abhors Elphaba simply on the basis that she looks and acts different than her. What is interesting in this novel is that the author presents the notoriously "good witch" Glinda as terribly unlikable and cruel. Glinda is essentially a "mean girl". Elphaba, the infamous "bad witch", is actually...not so bad. She openly cares about the rights of others and later becomes heavily involved with a activist movement to bring civil rights to a class known as Animals. While she may do things that are questionable in motive and nature, she overall isn't that bad of a person. Just because she has grin skin and isn't totally socially adept, she is labeled negatively. Overall, if I had to sum these characters up, Glinda would be that annoying rich mean girl you knew in high school. You know the kind that wears all pink and hangs out with girls who are equally conceited and shallow. Elphaba would be that goth kid who yells at people for not being a vegetarian, but secretly makes out with the king football jock under the bleachers after school. 

I found the book itself not too enjoyable. I found it long-winded and dull at many, many parts and often skipped through pages and realized that I missed nothing by skipping through them. The parts that were interesting slowly became dull as situations became drawn out to where you didn't care what happened anymore. Often times, I feel like the author tried a little too hard to establish a parallel between Oz and our modern society. There were times when it seemed that there was no plot and nothing going on, but the author tried desperately to make it sound good, as the language used is often pretentious and flowery. There would be side stories that contributed nothing to the main conflict and sometimes too many characters thrown into a situation that it made it hard to keep track of who was who and why they were there. The odd, outlandish names didn't help the situation either...

When deciding to finally read this novel, I will admit that I was intrigued by the premise of the story. I thought the author to be quite clever, perhaps even ingenious, to explore the idea that the Wicked Witch of the West wasn't all that wicked to begin with. With the sky-rocketing popularity of the musical Wicked, I believed that there must be a strong story to cause such an obsession with the musical fan girls and boys out there. I unfortunately misjudged the situation and was very much disappointed with this book choice. I know there are a lot of people who did enjoy the book; people who found it enchanting though dark. In ways, I can see this novel as a story of friendship (or lack thereof) and in some senses "nature versus nurture: why do we do the things we do?". If Elphaba had a different home life, would she have turned out differently? Or was she born to become who she ultimately became? It was at times entertaining to see events unfold that would shape her into the Wicked Witch. But perhaps the book was a little too slow to explain. The author could have cut a lot of things out of the book and there might have still been a decent story to tell. The length of the book wouldn't be an issue if it were able to capture the imagination of the reader until the story's conclusion. However, it failed to do so for me and I found myself struggling to finish it, which is a rarity for me. 

Overall, interesting concept. Wickedly bad execution.

At least I now understand the deal with the shoes!

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory McGuire is available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and retail booksellers. It is available on the Kindle, Nook, and audio book. 

(I've been told the Broadway musical is much more tolerable....)