Darwin's Pause by J. Gregory Smith

As much as I have enjoyed Greg Smith's books, Darwin's Pause transcends those experiences. The author has moved to a new level! This book was outstanding. It was captivating, action packed, thought provoking and more.  A photographer accepts a vacation trip with a college friend that turns out to be far more than he expected.  Think Indiana Jones meets Clive Cussler.

This book had a very complex plot that was similar to one of those nesting doll sets.  Just when you thought you had reached the last little complexity you discover that Smith just threw in another twist and turn.   Fin, the photographer, is the primary protagonist in this book.  There are other important characters but Fin is the one that holds the plot together. 

Smith clearly shows how greed is an insatiable beast that can be self devouring.  There are preposterous scenarios that upon rumination become less preposterous and more implausible.  It is exciting to think that there are still many natural wonders that lay either undiscovered or under reported. 

This was a compelling book that provided a serious amount of sleep deprivation until I finished it.  I received a complimentary copy of this book under the condition I would write an honest review.  All my reviews are subjective and honest, I see them as recommendations rather than reviews.  I didn't teach English nor have any of my own books been nominated for a Pulitzer so my expertise is only based on a life long passion for reading.   I read several books each week and this is one of the best books I have read in years and I highly recommend it.  

Web site: Amazon Author Page

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Two Dogs and a Parrot by Joan Chittister

I erroneously thought this was going to be about animals.  It is peripherally but marginally so.   I guess I would describe it as a philosophic religion oriented parable.   The author equates her experience with her pets to a road map for better human behavior.

Back in the 70's when I was studying humanistic psychology, I may have enjoyed this book.  Being on the wrong side of age 50, I suspect that I am somewhat jaded as to this type of reading.   I did not find it enlightening.  I suspect the author is a good person who wants to help others be better people.

Web site:  http://joanchittister.org/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Likability or Un-likability in Book Characters​

A Truly Likable Guy

Not long ago I was criticized for citing the un-likability of a protagonist for my lukewarm reception to a book featuring that character.   Apparently if you don't find a character likable then you, yourself are flawed and most likely unlikable.  As I am widely regarded as highly likable (in my own mind but where else is it so important to be liked?), I disagree with the assertion that we must all like or dislike alike, to be capable of offering an opinion on a book.   Face it, reviews are opinions.  I have tried over the years to characterize my "reviews" as recommendations rather than reviews.  If in my opinion a book ranks high against other books I have read,  I tend to rate it with a five star rank.   Since I am not certified or accredited by any pseudo-scientific organization  to write book reviews then there should be an immediate assumption that I am posting an opinion. 

It should be noted that likability is very subjective, I liked Darth Vader for his spooky evilness.  I liked Thomas Covenant,  Stephen R. Donaldson's character for his desperately flawed self esteem.  I liked David Feintuch's Seafort due to his despairingly depressing self loathing.   Character likability may be due to despicable behavior rather than laudable acts.  So, in my opinion, it is perfectly fine to like or dislike a character and since the characters in a book either drive the plot or are driven by the plot, it is not unrealistic to dislike or like a book depending on the likability of the characters.

BTW I do find it highly unrealistic that expressing a like or dislike of a fictional character represents the personal likability of the reviewer.     You may like or dislike that point of view to your heart's content.

How to Sell Books by the Truckload on Amazon.com - Book One and Two: Get More Sales - Get More Reviews! by by Penny C. Sansevieri

This is a step away from my normal reading.  I am a committed fiction reader and this is anything but fiction.  This is a must read book/books for anyone who is self publishing.  Ms. Sansevieri runs a book marketing company and shares very valuable tips for the independent author.

I had a hard time reading the book due to the need to stop and take notes on so many pages.  It is hard to keep a reading flowing when you are writing.  I found myself going to KDP or Amazon Central and immediately implementing some of Ms. Sansvieri's advice. 

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


Web Site: http://www.amarketingexpert.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Guilty One by Sophie Littlefield

An in-depth self evaluation or self absorption might characterize this book.   The main characters search their souls for their foibles, clutch at them, wallow in them and try to expunge them. 

The premise is a look at two families bound together by the murder of one daughter by one son.  The pain is palatable and nearly unbearable if you have any empathy whatsoever.  The author depicts anguish and despair with great intensity.

The mystery of the murder is secondary to the anguish of the families.  Parenting is examined and found failing with merely a glimmer of future hope. 

A thought provoking book.



Web Site: http://sophielittlefield.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.