One thing I’ve been told repeatedly as a writer is to make the main character likable or provide something that makes the reader connect with the character. I recently reviewed a book in which the main character was unlikable. The character was so unpleasant I kept wanting to put the book down unfinished but didn’t. If… Continue reading Not a Villain – Just an Unlikable Character!
Month: December 2008
Sweetsmoke by David Fuller
Caribousmom is where I first read anything about this book. It was in the newly released section of the library recently and recognizing the name as one I wanted to read, it came home with me that day. Set in 1862 during the Civil War, the reader is introduced to Cassius, a carpenter and slave… Continue reading Sweetsmoke by David Fuller
Happy Holidays!
I hope the holiday season has been good to everyone and may the New Year bring only the best!
Last Minute Book Gift Ideas
I know some people wait until the last minute to buy gifts and this can sometimes backfire. You have the perfect gift in mind but when you get to the store it’s out of stock. It’s always good to have a back-up plan. If you need last minute book ideas I have a few places… Continue reading Last Minute Book Gift Ideas
Henning Mankell/Kurt Wallander News!
I recently discovered that three of Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander books have been made into movies for the BBC starring Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallander. And Mankell is working on another Wallander book! The movies will air in the United States on PBS in the spring. Apparently many movies with Kurt Wallander as the main character… Continue reading Henning Mankell/Kurt Wallander News!
Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett
Things the Grandchildren Should Know is a memoir by Mark Oliver Everett, the founder of the band Eels. He answers to “E” which may explain why people who saw me with the book last week did not know him by name but had heard of the Eels. The title and the cover are not a good combination. Several… Continue reading Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett
Interview with Mark LaFlamme
For today I have an interview conducted with Mark LaFlamme through email. If you have not read my review of his latest novel, DIRT: An American Campaign, you may want to read it first. There are no spoilers in the review or this interview. I’m happy Mark was able to spare some time from his… Continue reading Interview with Mark LaFlamme
DIRT: An American Campaign by Mark LaFlamme
DIRT: An American Campaign is the latest book available by Mark LaFlamme. The first chapter is available for viewing on BookLocker. It was the strength of the writing in this chapter that made me want to read it. Governor Frank Cotton is a Republican hoping to be named as the party’s candidate during the presidential primaries. … Continue reading DIRT: An American Campaign by Mark LaFlamme
Reading Lots and Posting Soon!
Right now I’m trying to read three different books while I am busy with baking and wrapping gifts for the holidays. The holiday cards should be ready to go by Monday. On Monday there will a review of Mark LaFlamme’s book, DIRT: An American Campaign. I know I promised it back in October but right after… Continue reading Reading Lots and Posting Soon!
The Soul of a Chef: The Journey Towards Perfection by Michael Ruhlman
This is the first Michael Ruhlman book I’ve read. Since it is one of his early efforts I found a clumsy sentence here or there that brought me out of the life of a chef but the conversational tone and explanations was able to pull me back in. My introduction to Ruhlman (and Michael Symon) was the… Continue reading The Soul of a Chef: The Journey Towards Perfection by Michael Ruhlman