A Falkland Islands Mystery

LITTLE BLACK LIES by Sharon Bolton. 

* I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *

Catrin and Rachel had been best friends since girlhood.  In one split second of inattentiveness that all changed.  While Catrin’s children were in Rachel’s care, Rachel left them in the car to tend to an errand, somehow the handbrake was disengaged and the car rolled over a cliff and onto the rocks far below.  The boys were dead before the car hit the rocks.

Obviously, the friendship ended, but who was suffering more?  Catrin, who lost her children or Rachel, the woman who was responsible? 

To Catrin it seems that everyone has carried on with his or her lives while she cannot let go of her grief.  Her, now ex, husband has gone on to remarry and have a new son.  Rachel still has her two sons and the son she was pregnant with at the time.  Catrin has nothing but her work and her grief.

In the years since the accident two boys have gone missing and have never been found – boys that bear a remarkable resemblance to Catrin’s sons.  When a third child disappears the island is in an uproar.  Catrin’s ex-lover finds that child; a little worse for wear, but alive and just when everyone is breathing a sigh of relief another boy disappears and this time its Rachel’s youngest son.  It happens on the anniversary of the tragic accident that killed Catrin’s boys.  All eyes are beginning to turn toward Catrin.  Could she hate Rachel that much?

And that is as far as I am going to go with my description of the book.  To take it any further would be to give away too much.  This is an intense mystery/thriller where something happens on every page.  The characters are well developed and I became more and more invested in them as I read.  Even the minor characters have personality and give the action some much-needed lightness every once in a while.  In this passage Callum, the very tall, very large ex-soldier and war hero is taken to task over his foul language:

           

“Mable is back, standing directly in front of me, holding a bottle of washing up liquid.  I look down.  At it; at her.

            “Mind your mouth, young man, or I’ll wash it out,” she tells me.  “This might be a newsroom but we’re not on Fleet Street and we’re not the ones writing this crap.”

            Mable is half my height, probably a quarter of my weight and yet I have a feeling that, were I to smile right now, I’d regret it.  “But I’m allowed to say crap?  Right?”

            She waves the Fairy Liquid in my face.  “No, I’m allowed to say crap because I’m ninety-two and I don’t give a shit.  You can say yes ma’am, no ma’am, sorry to give offence ma’am, but if I were you I‘d be out of here and trying to find Catrin.”

This book is written using three separate points of view.  Catrin starts, giving the readers bits and pieces of information as she tells her story.  Just as she is about to share a dark secret Callum’s voice takes over, and the book ends with Rachel’s narrative.  When Callum took over the telling I was taken aback.  I had that moment of “REALLY???  NOW???”  I soon got over it.  Yes, there was a little overlap, but soon enough we were back on track and I realized that changing the narrator made perfect sense.  After all, they each had a little piece of the puzzle that they were sharing.  I forgive Ms. Bolton for pulling that out of the hat when I was least expecting it.

Ms. Bolton does a superb job at describing the ruggedness of the landscape, the isolation of the village and the harshness of the climate.  She set a backdrop that could almost be described as gothic.  One example of setting a perfect mood came when Catrin, who works on and in the water for her job, was describing a shipwreck she and Callum are preparing to investigate in their search for the missing boy:

“The wreck looks enormous from the water.  It rises up before us, black and dead.  Maybe sixty or seventy years ago it was left behind by those it served well.  Not for the first time, I wonder if ships feel pain when their days on the sea come to an end.

It’s swaying in the rough sea.  As we get closer, it rocks and pitches in a sad echo of how it used to move on water.

I dive wrecks from time to time, but I never really enjoy doing so.  They attract a particular sort of ocean life into their secret places.  Boats belong on top of the waves, not beneath them.  Wrecks speak of lost hopes, of wasted lives, of dreams that didn’t survive the storm.”

This story unfolds in the same manner a storm might build over the sea surrounding the Island.  The waves start rolling slowly, crest, and then a bigger wave comes to take its place … each one a little higher and a little more dangerous than the last.  I can’t say too much about the ending because it would require a significant “spoiler alert” but suffice it to say I was perched on the edge of my chair reading the last third of this book.  I couldn’t put it down because I had to know the final outcome.  When I finally felt as if I could almost relax a little because now I knew the truth – nope – that final unexpected and devastating wave crashed into the shore … I got a shiver reading the last few paragraphs.  Ms. Bolton certainly gave me the definition of a thriller with this book.

When I finished the book I felt there was one unanswered question left hanging.  It wasn’t until I was thinking about what to write for this review that it dawned on me that it had indeed been answered in the last three sentences.  When you read this book, and you should, watch for all the clues that should be clear as day, you just don’t know it until the end.

I have not read any other of Ms. Bolton’s books but I understand she has a series featuring DC Lacey Flint.  This is where I once again start chanting my mantra of “I do not have time to start another series … I do not have time to start another series”, but I will definitely be checking out her other two stand-alone novels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from her website)

Sharon (formerly SJ) Bolton grew up in a cotton-mill town in Lancashire and had an eclectic early career which she is now rather embarrassed about.  She gave it all up to become a mother and a writer.

Her first novel, Sacrifice, was voted Best New Read by Amazon, UK, whilst her second, Awakening, won the 2010 Mary Higgins Clark Award.  In 2014, Lost was named RT Magazine’s Best Contemporary Thriller in the US, and in France, Now You See Me, won the Plume de Bronze.  That same year, Sharon was awarded the CWA Dagger in the Library, for her entire body of work.

Sharon lives near Oxford with her husband and son.  For more information about her books, or to check out her addictive blog, visit www.sharonbolton.com

Shorts

The short story can be defined simply as "a fictional work of prose that is shorter in length than a novel".  In "The Philosophy of Composition" Edgar Allen Poe wrote that "a short story should be read in one sitting, anywhere from a half hour to two hours".  According to the "Cliffs Notes" definition "a contemporary fiction short story can range from 1,000 to 20,000 words.  Because of the shorter length, a short story usually focuses on one plot line, one main character (with a few additional minor characters), and one central theme ... short stories also lend themselves more to experimentation -- that is, using uncommon prose styles or literary devices to tell the story".

I think short stories are like great poetry or a masterful work of art ... they have to draw you in quickly, hold your attention and then be willing to let your own life's experience, or even just your mood that day, give them a personal interpretation.  With any compilation of short stories not everyone will agree on a favorite.  Not everyone will see the stories the same way.  The chance that the author takes is that a reader might not like every story.  That's okay because that's part of what reading is all about.

I don't read short stories very often because sometimes they leave me feeling unsatisfied, the feeling that I want more than what was offered.  Not so with my two most recent reads this month.  Both were compilations of short stories and both wonderful in their own way.  Definitely worth picking up, if only to satisfy that need to read something quick between slipping into bed and turning off the light.

EINSTEIN’S BEACH HOUSE 

by Jacob M. Appel

** I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for an honest review **

This is a book of short stories that deal with relationships, loss, imagination and life in general.  Some are a little dark; some are filled with pathos while others are humorous.

HUE AND CRY – Lizzie’s father is very ill and sometimes the only way one can deal with that is to focus on something else, which is exactly what Lizzie does as she begins spying on her next-door neighbor – the sex offender – the one everyone on the street wants gone.

“That year Lizzie’s kid sister kept a list of things that were funny when they happened to other people:  tarring and feathering, Peeping Toms, mad cow disease.”  It’s a wonderful first line.  And when I finished the story it turns out also to be the summary of what the story is about.  In my humble opinion, that’s some pretty good writing.   

LA TRISTESSE DES DERISSONS – He wants a German shepherd and she wants a baby so they compromise and adopt a hedgehog.  Orion the hedgehog was not what one would describe as cuddly, what with the quills and all and definitely not the most conventional of pets especially when he becomes depressed and needs to see an animal psychologist.  How far will his owners go to keep him – and themselves – happy?

STRINGS – In an attempt to do one, hopefully last, good deed for her long ago ex-boyfriend newly married Rabbi Cynthia Felder agrees to let him use the sanctuary of her synagogue to hold a concert to break all records of the number of cellos performing simultaneously.  This story held two of my favourite passages in the book, one being the following:

Rabbi Cynthia is having second thoughts …

             “It’s only for a few hours, Cynth,” he emphasized.  “We rehearse here until noon, then we go out to the park and perform the concert.  You’ll hardly even notice we’re here.”

            “God will notice you’re here.”

            Jacques shrugged.  “Maybe God sleeps late,” he said.  “Besides, it’s a Sunday, if He is awake, won’t he be hanging out with the Catholics?”

LIMERENCE – Jesse and his high school friends spend a lot of time pondering many subjects but as Jesse says, “the bulk of our attention focused on girls”, Lena Limpetti in particular.

I admit that I had to look up the definition of the word “limerence”.  Coined in 1979 by psychologist Dorothy Tennov, it is defined as “a state of mind which results from a romantic attraction to another person typically including compulsive thoughts and fantasies and a desire to form or maintain a relationship and have one’s feelings reciprocated”.

Had I read Mr. Appel’s story first I would not have needed to look up the meaning of the word.

EINSTEIN’S BEACH HOUSE – What happens when, because of a innocent yet fortuitous error someone else made, that you try to take advantage of (to help your family) goes terribly, horribly, tragically wrong?  This is the story that answers the question.

THE ROD OF ASCLEPIUS – Although she knows her father is not a doctor she accompanies him to many hospitals over the years, beginning with the one where her mother died.  Each time the visit begins with the question, “Are you ready to change the world, Princess?”  At his side she learns an important lesson, “the horror and thrill of saving lives”.

SHARING THE HOSTAGE – Sometimes couples break up and nasty custody battles ensue.  It’s not always children that are the subject of these battles, in this case, it’s a tortoise named Fred.

PARACOSMOS – Children have imaginary friends, there’s nothing unusual about that and as the children grow their imaginary friends become less important and eventually disappear.  What happens when your daughter’s imaginary friend’s father shows up at your door asking why the girls don’t play together anymore?

As I mentioned earlier I don’t normally read short stories.  I tell myself I don’t enjoy them as much as a novel.  Yet, whenever I do pick up (or as in this case receive) a collection there is always at least one story that makes it worthwhile.  I knew I wanted to read this book when I read the description of “Paracosmos”.  I would call it my second favorite in this collection.  Much to my surprise another became my very favorite.  I find it so difficult to rate a book of short stories; unless there is the thread of a character or location tying the stories together they need to each be taken on their own merit.  These are well written and (to me) are almost allegories or fables, each taught some lesson in its own unique way.  Add that to their enjoyment factor and I’d say this book is definitely worth 5 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from his website)

Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012.  His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize and published by Black Lawrence in November 2013.

Jacob has been admitted to the practice of law in New York State and Rhode Island, and is a licensed New York City sightseeing guide.

WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU 

by Tim Fredrick.

* I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *

This book of short stories, dealing with relationships of one kind or another, had me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride.  Some of the stories managed to evoke real sadness while others an unexplained sadness, some definitely made me smile while two actually made me laugh out loud.

BY THE STREAM ON MOVING DAY – The narrator and Henry were best friends all through childhood, until Henry’s parents divorced and he and his mother eventually moved away.  Reconnecting as adults brought to the forefront some realities they had not realized as children … that last hug they shared may have been more than a simple hug.  But it’s true what they say about not being able to “go home” again. This story contained my favourite passage in the book,

“ He was always affable growing up, not at all the neurotic child of divorce like my other friends from broken homes.  My own home was broken but has been sloppily stuck back together, complete with visible cracks and tiny missing pieces.  Henry lived the dream:  two rooms, two sets of presents, two vacations, zero arguing parents.”

THIS ONE NIGHT IN THE BAR WHERE I WORK – A waiter and bartender observe a couple having an argument in bar.

The writing has no discernible formatting, sentence structure, little punctuation and no upper-case letters to distinguish sentences.  (I thought it was my e-version of the book to blame but all the other stories were fine.)  No it was simply frantic writing (and reading) and THE perfect to convey the tone of the argument. 

EGG AND SPOON – A young boy who seems to not have a lot going for him decides to make his mark on the world by breaking the Guinness World Record for an Egg and Spoon race.

Although a little heartbreaking, looking back, this was my favourite story in the book.

THAWED – Cryogenics gone very wrong.

This is most detailed story in the book.  I enjoyed this story because it has a definite beginning, middle and end and the most evolved characters.  As a reader of primarily full-length novels this story fulfilled my need for “completeness”.

The above are just four examples of the fourteen stories included in this book.  The other stories range in scope from a man reminiscing about each of his erections from pre-puberty through to adulthood (A Tale of Five Thousand Erections) and the couple who found each other because of an unusual physical condition (My Right Armpit Sweats More Than My Left One) ... those two made me laugh out loud ... on to the touching entries such as Driving Lessons and My Father the Statue.  Wow, I could go on describing all the stories.  As I type each on I think of the others I enjoyed.  You'll have to pick up the book and read them for yourself.

Mr. Fredrick does display a wide variety of writing styles in this compilation, and he does them all very well.  I certainly have the utmost admiration and respect for his talent, yet as with all compilations some stories will resonate with readers more than others and that it just the nature of the short story.  The range of stories in this book guarantees there is something for everyone.  Funnily enough, the story I personally enjoyed the least is the story that offered this book its title.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from his website)

Tim Fredrick is a writer and teacher from Queen’s N.Y.  His writing interests include literary fiction that explores relationships with family; making a family and the longing we all have for connection.

He is also the founding editor of Newtown Library, a journal dedicated to supporting and promoting the work of Queen’s writers.

He has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a MA in English Education from New York University, and a Ph.D in English Education/Applied Linguistics from New York University.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Fredrick moved to New York City in 1997 and has been living and working there since.  He lives with his dog Logan in Rego Park, Queens.

Not All Stories are Written on a Page

I am very fortunate because I live in a medium sized city that has all the amenities I could hope for, is within an hour's drive of a large metropolis with arts and culture venues galore yet if I drive for 20 minutes north I find myself in farm country.  Said farm country has a very large Mennonite population, which mean farmers markets filled with farm to table foods, yummy preserves, free range eggs and homemade craft items including AMAZING QUILTS.

Once a year the region hosts the Mennonite Relief Sale, where the most gorgeous quilts are auctioned off in support of charities.  I noticed today that the featured quilt for 2015 is African themed and it has it's own story about how it came into being.  Not only that but imagine the stories told around the quilting frame as it was being stitched!

It also reminded me of an exhibition of quilts that I went to see last year that knocked my socks off.  Each one told a story that both amazed and humbled me.

Last Spring I was flipping through my community newspaper when the headline “From Oma to Oma” caught my attention.  The article was promoting a new exhibit at the Conestoga Mall Museum.  My first reaction was “Hmmm?  I didn’t know Conestoga Mall had a museum?”  As it turns out – they do!  It is one room of, to the best of my approximating skills maybe 800 square feet, tucked into an inconspicuous corner of the mall between the movie theatres and The Bay department store.   Now in all honesty, to call it a Museum is nothing short of an overstatement, however, calling it a Buried Treasure would be very true. 

But I am getting ahead of myself. 

The article explained that the museum was having a showing (and eventual sale) of quilts designed and sewn by Canadian grandmothers in support of their counterparts in Africa.  I learned about the plight of African grandmothers who have, by necessity, become very central to the life of their communities.  African grandmothers have stepped in to care for their grandchildren orphaned by AIDS, helping them through the loss of their parents, even as they are grieving themselves.  Often these grandmothers are widowed, with no form of income, yet they are taking on the raising their grandchildren.  The task of providing for their orphaned grandchildren is daunting.  The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign (or Oma to Oma as the paper called it) helps raise funds to enable the African grandmothers to feed, clothe and house their grandchildren, as well as send them to school.

As one Canadian grandmother of Ethiopian descent stated, “I can see that women suffer a lot there – like in other parts of the world.  Grandmothers are the most forgotten part of the society.  There is no social security system that provides support for grandmothers.  When things are bad for everyone else, it is worse for them.  Support one grandmother, and you are making a difference in the lives of generations.  Together we can change the world, one woman – one grandmother – at a time.”

Thus a group of local grandmothers decided to make quilts, the proceeds from which will go directly to the Campaign.

The exhibit of the quilts intrigued me enough to want to go and see them so I checked out the museum’s hours and found that they are only open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Well, that certainly was not going to work for me.  They are open on Sundays during the summer.  At the time I read the article July and August seemed very far away, so I filed the exhibit away in the back of my mind.

In May 2014 I read and reviewed (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/925869640) 
a book by Sue Monk Kidd titled “The Invention of Wings”.  Charlotte, one of the central characters in the book was making a story quilt of her life.  Each square represented a milestone.  The description of the quilt and the quilting process was intriguing and it reminded me of my interest in visiting the quilt exhibit.

As craft-y as my mother was she did not do quilting.  I have a couple of crocheted blankets that she made, and many crocheted cotton doilies and tablecloths, which in my opinion are works of art.  I have seen pictures of doilies framed and used as wall art.  (Damn you Pinterest!) Those doilies were labors of love for my mom so someday I think I would like to take a few of my mother’s and do that … SOMEDAY!

Two years ago I was feeling a little maudlin about the upcoming Christmas season.  I wanted to make a gift for my girls that they could keep and remember me by when I wasn’t around anymore, the way I have my mom’s doilies.  Not having much of a talent in the arts and crafts department I couldn’t think of anything that was THAT lasting.  A quilt did come to mind, but I have neither the patience nor the stitching ability for a project like that.  I did come across something called a “Rag Tied Quilt” which involves no sewing what so ever.  That was right up my alley talent-wise.

I enthusiastically undertook the making of two of these “Rag Tied Quilts” and halfway through the process wondered what I had gotten myself into.  Just the measuring and cutting of the squares tested my meager reserves of patience – alas – I persevered.  What choice did I have?  What else was I going to do with hundreds of 10-inch by 10-inch squares of cloth?  I must admit that the faux-quilts did turn out rather well and the girls were very touched when they opened their gifts, especially since I had added a little personalized heart on one corner of the blanket.  My place in family history is assured now!

My youngest daughter has her quilt carefully draped over the corner of a loveseat in her apartment.  My eldest daughter lets the dog sleep on it!  And that, in a nutshell, is the difference between my girls! 

Let’s just say that another quilting project (like wallpapering the bathroom) is not anything I plan to undertake again any time soon.  I do think quilts are beautiful works of art and (after my experience) I totally respect the talent and time investment for the people involved in making them.  That being said, I can’t say that I am overly enthusiastic about quilting in general.

I would not describe myself as quilt-obsessed.  Yet, a thread had been pulled (not literally thank goodness – since we ARE talking about quilts) and I did want to go and see this quilt exhibit.  So on Sunday afternoon I took myself off in search of this mysterious, hitherto unheard of, museum.

I did find it, exactly where the website said it would be.  As I cautiously opened the door a very nice young lady approached me and asked if I had been to the museum before.  I responded that I had not and that, in fact, had not known that it existed until I read the article in the Community News.  She nodded her head and said that she “hears that a lot”.  She explained to me that there was no charge for entering the Museum (room!) and I was free to take my time, but please put on the disposable gloves they provided if I was tempted to touch the quilts.  Chuckling to myself, I told her those would not be necessary.  Let me tell you, I never did don the gloves, but there were a couple of moments where it was extremely tempting.  The quilts were astounding and I defy anyone not to describe them as “art”. 

I made a turn around the room to look at the quilts not bothering to read the cards describing them.  Each one was more intricate than the one before.  When I came to the last quilt about seven minutes later (I emphasize how small this “Museum” is) I finally read the card that was posted beside it.  It was then I realized that some of the quilters had been to Africa; living and working with their “Oma” counterparts and some invested their talent and time only because they felt moved to help.  I started my circuit all over again this time carefully reading each card beside its respective quilt.  When I got to the last quilt I meekly walked over to the desk to ask the girl whether pictures were allowed to which she quickly responded “OH YES!”  (I think she was a tad overly enthusiastic – no doubt at actually having someone in the place.)  I started my circuit again, taking pictures of the quilts with the stories that I found most touching.

A picture truly can tell 1000 words and each of these quilts told a story within its frame.  I was awestruck!  

Some of the pieces that particularly spoke to me are below.

By:  Nancy Winn, Waterloo, Ontario

Title:  Footprints for Change

“In the summer of 2011, I traveled to Africa (Uganda) on a mission trip.  I was overwhelmed by the great distances women traveled by foot.  They travel for their basic needs:  food, water, education and worship of God.  By simply putting one foot in front of the other, these women remind us that our daily journeys are something to be thankful for.”

By:  Mary Ann Gilhurst, Waterloo, Ontario

Title:  A Place to Grow

“The Stephen Lewis Foundation publication “Grassroots” (Summer 2009) had a story about a 96-year-old grandmother from Malawi, who was caring for four orphaned grandchildren in a hut with a mud floor and a leaky roof.  The Stephen Lewis Foundation sponsored Hope for the Elderly (HOFE) that repaired her roof and helped her with food.  She had a home that could be repaired but many sub-Saharan African women lose their homes when their husbands die.  If a grandmother has a home and an area to grow food, she can better care for, raise, even educate her grandchildren.  They can go from starving to thriving.”

By:  Dorothy Holdenmeyer

Title:  Women Do the Walking While Men Do the Talking

(Unfortunately I did not make not make note of this quilt’s description)

By: Lynne McCulloch, Burlington, Ontario

Title:  Helping Hope To Rise

“I wanted to represent that Canadian women have provided hope to grandmothers struggling to raise their grandchildren.  The base area contains friendship block in Canadian colours to suggest the support given.  The friendship provides a basis for hope.  The three female figures represent a grandmother, a child and a daughter whose generation is threatened by AIDS.  The dancing women dressed in colourful garments are celebrating their hope for a better future.  The butterflies rising and hovering at the top suggest hopefulness provided by the financial contributions and anti-viral drugs helping to save lives.”

By:  Margaret Hope, Oshawa, Ontario

Title:  Faith, Hope and Charity

“I am truly blessed with good eye sight, hands that work well and a vivid imagination.  My birthday is in May and I will be 91 years old.  If in some small way this art pieces helps the African grandmothers, it will be my way of counting my blessings.”

By:  Elaine Graham, Kitchener, Ontario

Title:  Floating Dandelions

“Dandelions embody many of the same qualities that African and Canadian grandmothers possess.  All are beautiful, playful and deeply committed to grow wherever they land.  Grandmothers, like dandelions, are hardy and strong with deep roots.  Both are bright, playful, and at times a little bit out of control.  Sadly, there are times when both are dismissed or ignored.  In Canada, as dandelions begin to emerge from the winter’s ground, we find hope that spring is on its way and that the long winter is behind us for another year.  Hope, renewal and new life are present in Grandmothers and dandelions.  I hope that this piece of art reflects and celebrates these ideas.”

By:  Judy Pearce, Kitchener, Ontario

Title:  Nyanya

“I am called Nana.  She is called Nyanya (Nyanya means grandmother in Swahili).  When my grandchildren are in my care, my children come home after a few hours.  Her children do not return.  I hope, in some small way, this piece will help her find the resources she needs to cope with her huge responsibility.”

By:  Mary Walsh, Waterloo, Ontaro

Title:  Rooted in Spirit

“Inspired by my great admiration for Africa’s grandmothers, Rooted in Spirit expresses my vision of a grandmother as an Acacia tree, a maternal symbol of protection, provider and link to the past.  Often standing alone, she is tall, strong, resilient and full of grace.  She is firmly rooted in the present as she raises her arms (tree limbs) to embrace her grandchildren while deeply connected to the sleeping souls (in the roots below) of her adult children lost to the AIDS pandemic.  She is caring, full of hope for the future and deeply rooted in spirit.”

I’m glad I went to see these cloth and thread masterpieces that each tell their own story.  It amounted to a grand total of about one-half hour out of my Sunday afternoon that I consider very well spent.   

Always a Work in Progress

When I started this blog I had some pretty firm ideas on what I wanted to do and say and review.  Well, best laid plans and all that.  I've learned like any other creative
(I hope) venture this blog will always be a work in progress.

1.  I've already changed my mind about posting reviews.  I hemmed and hawed and then decided ... YES!

So, I continued on reading my books and pondering what else I had to say that could possibly be of interest to anyone reading on here.  As I'm turning pages, every once in a while I read a sentence or a paragraph that makes me stop to go back and reread it.  Usually, by this point I'm thinking to myself "Wow, the author must have written that and then given him/herself a high five".  It could be something that tickles my funny bone at that moment, or something that stops me in my reading tracks and makes me think, or almost anything else.  When that happens I try to remember to include the quote in my review, but more often than not I end up maniacally flipping back through pages and pages of the book without finding the exact part I'm looking for.  I hate when that happens.

2.  I've decided I am going to try to be diligent and bookmark pages so I can use the quotes.  When I use a quote from a book just because it tickled my fancy, or stood out as special, or pulled a thread for me personally I'll put my little "Book Bytes" icon beside it.


I love it when characters in the books I am reading have a love of books.  I don't specifically search out books about books, although if there is a bookstore setting, a bookseller/librarian character or a plot-line about books there is a pretty good chance I am going to at least have a peek at it.

Sooooo ...

3.  Appearing every once in while, magically a "BOOK ON BOOKS" post will appear.  It will just be a random quote that appeared in a book that is about books.

No time like the present, so here's the first one in what I hope to be ongoing posts.

From "Kindred" by Octavia E. Butler

We never really moved in together, Kevin and I.  I had a sardine-can sized apartment on Crenshaw Boulevard and he had a bigger one on Olympic not too far away.  We both had books shelved and stacked and boxed and crowding out the furniture.  Together, we would never have fitted into either of our apartments.  Kevin did suggest once that I get red of some of my books so that I'd fit into his place.

"You're out of your mind!" I told him.

"Just some of that book-club stuff that you don't read."

We were at my apartment then, so I said, "Let's go to your place and I'll help you decide which of your books you don't read.  I'll even help you throw them out."

He looked at me and sighed, but he didn't say anything else.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14026297/?claim=4rp3ee4xm4y">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Having a Bad Day?

Having a bad day?  So are Jane Dixon and Paddy Buckley, the protagonists in the following two books.  And let’s face it, what better way to feel better about your own bad day than reading about someone else’s even worse day?  Make yourself feel better and pick up these two books ASAP. 

Sometimes good, ordinary people make one bad choice, and then in trying to rectify that choice make things even worse.  I have a friend who calls it “The Sh** Vortex” – the more you struggle to get out – the deeper it sucks you in.  You just have to ride it out to the bottom and hope that it pops you to the surface.

Do our protagonists pop to the surface?

Huh-uh! No spoilers!

SAPIENT by Jerry Kaczmarowski. 

* I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *

Two things are important in Jane Dixon’s life, her autistic son Robbie and her research into animal intelligence.  She hopes that the research will eventually lead to a cure for Robbie’s autism, but to date all she has been able to do is increase one rat’s ability to run a virtual maze.  The rat, Einstein, surprises her daily with his increased intelligence but Jane understands that any progress she makes is still decades away from helping Robbie in any meaningful way.  When she splurges on another test animal, a dog named Bear, a strange relationship grows between the dog and the rat and Jane is astounded at how much their intelligence increases. 

Always looking for investors to fund her research she is never the less wary when the army shows an interest, followed quickly by the CDC.  One is interested in taking over her research and the other in shutting it down, but for now she needs to cooperate with both.  Little did she know that working with these two adversaries would answer the one nagging question that up until then had stalled its progress.  The light suddenly goes on as to why the serum worked on some animals and not others – and she realized it was a very small window of success that would never help Robbie – unless she acted immediately.

Jane makes a spur of the moment decision motivated by a mother’s love, injecting Robbie with the test serum.  The result is miraculous but unfortunately it’s not long before Jane understands that the cure could be more dangerous than the disease.  In fact, it could be virulent.  Things start to spin out of control very quickly.  Jane finds herself in protective custody and Robbie cannot be found.  Jane must (and does) ask herself “What have I done?”  Has she doomed Robbie and anyone he comes in contact with?  Can she still get this under control and save her son as well as everything and everyone else he touches?

Sapient (definition):  (1)wise or attempting to be wise, (2)of the human species (homosapiens)

Animals with artificially enhanced intelligence is not a new subject for novels but Mr. Kaczmarowski steps things up a notch with Einstein and Bear and their love/hate relationship.  This book grabbed my interest from the get-go and that never ceased.  While a little over the top, the action kept me turning the pages hoping for a happy resolution for Robbie, Jane and the animals.  The plot seemed pretty straight forward where the good guys were good guys and the bad guys were bad guys, but were they really?  Some kept me guessing which also kept me reading.  Einstein really was one clever rat that had a preference for I-phones over Android and took great pleasure in telling “stupid dog” jokes at Bear’s expense.  Sounds ridiculous but it was the comic relief the book needed in the most tense of the situations and somehow it worked.  I fell under Einstein’s spell hook, line and sinker.  I wanted an Einstein for myself!

The book tackled the ethical issues involved with animal testing and artificially enhanced intelligence as well as the impact it could have on any number of areas in everyday life.  The author explored family and love and how far a mother would go to help her child.  He also made a touching case for both the kindness of and the danger of strangers in difficult situations.

All in all it was a good read, so why not 5 stars?  As I mentioned, the topic is not new and I could draw easy comparisons to both Dean Koontz’s “Watchers” and the beginning of any version of “Planet of the Apes”.  “Sapient” was highly readable and did give me some new insights that made me think more about the enhanced intelligence issue … and, of course, there was Einstein.  In my opinion this book would appeal to fans of science thrillers and fans of stories featuring super smart animals, so it does still warrant 4 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from his website)

Jerry Kaczmarowski lives in Seattle with his family.  His first book, Moon Rising, was released in June 2014.  His second book, Sapient, was released in 2015.  He writes techo-thrillers that explore the benefits and dangers of mankind’s scientific advancement.

THE LAST FOUR DAYS OF PADDY BUCKLEY by Jeremy Massey.

** I received this in a Goodreads “First Reads” giveaway (via Penguin Random House Canada) **

Paddy works for Gallagher’s, the best funeral home in Dublin.  Since the death of his wife and unborn child two years earlier Paddy has thrown himself into his work.  He suffered from insomnia anyway so he made himself available for the calls that came at all hours of the day and night.  Death is not a 9 to 5 occupation.  His boss likes him.  The bereaved are comforted by him.  His coworkers respect his professionalism as well as his friendship.   His life is not remarkable but it does seem to be on an even keel, at least until one week in October. 

On Monday a widow making arrangements for her husband dies, and Paddy may have been a little bit responsible for her heart attack.  Then the wrong body is shipped to Gallagher’s and Paddy needs to convince the family to have a closed casket to cover up the error.  Could things get any worse?  Always!

 In the wee hours of Tuesday morning Paddy is driving home from a late death call at a nursing home when he is distracted for a moment and hits a man crossing the street.  When Paddy jumps out of his car to see if the man is all right he discovers he is not.  In fact, the man is dead.  The name in his wallet identifies him as Donal Cullen, the brother of Dublin’s biggest crime boss, Vincent Cullen.  Paddy panics, hops in his car and drives away.

Tuesday afternoon, after a (needless to say) sleepless night, Paddy finds himself sitting in Vincent Cullen’s garden to help him make the funeral arrangements for Donal.  Vincent seems to like Paddy, but as the title of the book suggests … Vincent eventually figures things out.

At 285 pages this is not a long book and I defy any reader to want to put it down before turning the last page.  After intending to read a little with my breakfast and morning coffee, I finished it about four cups later and just in time for a late lunch.  What better way to spend a Sunday morning?

I like Paddy and his story is an excellent telling of what happens when someone makes a split second decision that ends up going horribly wrong, no matter what he does to try and make it better.  I like Paddy’s friends and their unflinching willingness to help him even at the expense of their own safety.  There was a little romance mixed in to the chaos.  There was even a dog. 

The only warning I could give to potential readers is that there are a few very graphic descriptions of the “behind the scenes” involved in preparing a body for the casket and about cremations.  Information Vincent Cullen has every intention of putting to good use for revenge.   But don’t let that dissuade you from picking up this book – just close your eyes during those scenes. 

Best classified as a dark comedy this is an excellent debut novel by Mr. Massey. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from the book cover)

Jeremy Massey is a third-generation undertaker who worked with his father for many years at the family firm in Dublin. A screenwriter by training, Massey has lived in London and Los Angeles. He currently lives with his wife and three children in Australia. 

AUTHOR EVENT - Andrew Kolb & Authors for Indies Day

This past Saturday (May 2, 2015) was Canadian Authors for Indies Day.  A day dedicated to raising awareness for the small independent bookstores that are still around and trying to hold their own against the giants like Chapters and Amazon.  Don’t get me wrong, I love wandering around the big stores with my Skinny Vanilla Latte and sometimes, when life is hectic, I enjoy the ease and convenience of ordering something online and having it delivered.

All that being said, it is a warm and welcoming feeling that you experience walking into a small bookstore where they quite probably know you by name.  A place where they remember what you like to read and maybe have a recommendation or two that usually turn out to be great suggestions.

My local store is Wordsworth Books in Waterloo, Ontario.  Co-owned by David Worsley and Mandy Brouse, it has been successfully operating for more than 30 years.  They have a wonderful little nook in their children’s section, all lit with twinkle lights where a little one can curl up and look at a book while mom and/or dad browse.  I wanted to crawl into it myself but realized it would be highly inappropriate.  J

Our local independent bookstores were welcoming authors to come in and host a meet and greet in support of the store.  I understand this was going on all across the country. 

From the website, “Independent bookstores enrich our communities. They provide gathering places for discovering new authors, sharing favourite books, and expanding our horizons. Store managers are thoughtful curators, bringing in books they know customers will love. Our neighbourhoods would be much diminished without our local bookstores.”

I learned that one of the authors participating at my local store was Andrew Kolb, who has recently published a wonderful children’s book called “Edmund Unravels” about a ball of yarn named Edmund Loom.  It is very cute children’s book with an important message for little ones told in very entertaining way.  The pictures are whimsical and creative.

Not having any little ones around at this time in my life, this is not the type of book I usually read and review but consider it my good deed for May.  I’ll explain more after the book description.

Edmund Loom is a ball of yarn.

Edmund likes nothing better than to bounce down the three front steps outside his house and go exploring.   “As Edmund travels he unravels”.   Although Edmunds parents “love his enthusiasm” his exploring means hours spent rolling him back up to reel him back into the house.  As Edmund got older he, of course, got bigger so he could travel further and further from home.  The further he traveled the more adventures he had until one day he realized he’d gone too far and been gone too long.

Would Edmund ever feel that familiar tug and know his parents were rolling him back up towards home?

So why did I go to this particular event?  Yes, in support of my local independent bookseller, but also because it’s a special book written and illustrated by a young man I have known for years as he and my daughter went all through school together.  Of course I had to go and offer him my congratulations on his published work.  It goes without saying that I purchased one of his books, which he graciously signed to my daughter.  She couldn’t attend because she lives out of town, but she does collect signed books … a collection started quite by accident … but one she has enjoyed adding to since she was in her teens.

Andrew Kolb received his Bachelor of Art degree in Brisbane, Australia and is now back home living in Ontario, Canada.  His work has been featured in numerous galleries, exhibits and publications.  Edmund Unravels is his first picture book.

Andrew … congratulations on you success and I hope there will be more books to follow.  I’ll be in line to purchase every one.

http://kolbisneat.com/edmund.htm