Broken Laces by Rodney Walther is writing from the heart, written with a sensitivity that invites reflection. An honest look at loss and how it affects loved ones, not sugar-coated nor rosy glasses, but a straight forward look at how a woman’s death affects her husband and son. Here’s an excerpt: “My wife was a smart woman — I absolutely adored her — but she didn’t understand the first thing about sports. Baseball wasn’t about fun. She couldn’t appreciate that hard work and overcoming disappointment built character, that coddling a boy didn’t grown him into a man.” Broken Laces is about how a father and son build a relationship and learn to show love and support for one another. I recommend this book as a thoughtful reflection about life and what’s important.
Category: Book Reviews
2014 Moments Remembered by Pat Tyler
Reviewed by Susan Bono: Fans of Pat Tyler, rejoice! I’m only about 30 pages into this book and I’ve already laughed and cried enough to know this collection of childhood memories is going to keep me reaching for the tissues. New to Pat Tyler’s writing? This is a wonderful introduction. Anyone interested in rural California life during the 1940s will love these stories! Susan Bono is a writing teacher and freelance editor who edited and published Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narrative in print and online at tiny-lights.com from 1995—2014. Her work has appeared in anthologies, magazines, and newspapers, as well as on stage and the radio. She’s promoted the craft of personal narrative at writer’s conferences, retreats, workshops and literary gatherings all over California. She is enjoying midlife with her husband and chickens in Petaluma, CA. Reviewed by Marlene Cullen: 2014 Moments Remembered by Pat Tyler is a…
What Have We Here by Susan Bono
What Have We Here by Susan Bono Review by Pat Tyler: Last night I went to bed thinking I’d read a story or two from What Have We Here by Susan before I went to sleep. Next thing I knew it was about 1:00 a.m. In my world, that’s late! Today, you’ll find this impressive little anthology in my purse or in my car — knowing its plethora of delightful stories will engage and entertain me as I indulge in a cup of Starbucks or wait impatiently to be seen by my family doctor. These beautifully crafted essays will make you chuckle or bring a tear to your eye. More importantly they will remind you of home and family —either the one you had — or the one you always wished for. Pat Tyler is still alive and writing in Cotati. Review by Carol Hoorn: What we have here is…
Mercy Goodhue by Elizabeth Kern
Elizabeth Kern has done a fabulous job in creating the world of Mercy Goodhue and the details of life in New England in the mid-1600’s. Elizabeth’s outstanding talent as a storyteller make Mercy Goodhue a wonderful reading treat. Elizabeth’s skillful writing as well as her historical writing ability is so perfect that it feels like this is a true story. Her expertise in handling intricate subject matters could be illustrated lessons on how to write controversial and challenging situations. Elizabeth has an admirable ability to write tension-building scenes with care and finesse. This adds to the delicate nature of how to bring fictional characters to life on the page. Elizabeth could teach a class on how to write difficult scenes. I admire how she builds tension, then swiftly continues with action and dialogue, moving the reader along with the protagonist on her journey. Elizabeth’s deft handling of this sensitive and…
A Wedding in Provence by Ellen Sussman
Reviewed by Marlene Cullen. Reading A Wedding in Provence by Ellen Sussman is like going on a lovely mental vacation, much like a “Calgon-take-me-away” relaxing bath. I parceled out my reading, wanting to make this excursion last longer. As each day ended, I looked forward to tucking in with A Wedding, knowing I would be treated to an interesting story line, intriguing characters and of course the gorgeous setting. Ellen does not disappoint. . . her characters are deep and complex. The story is believable and she clearly knows the French coast. There is no pretense in her writing. She uses French phrases sparingly, just enough to remind us of the delightful setting. The book jacket is gorgeous. This book will reside on my “beautiful covers and fun to read” shelf of my library. I look forward to reading more of Ellen’s skillful writing. Click here for information about Ellen’s …
Never Change by Elizabeth Berg
Never Change by Elizabeth Berg, Reviewed by Marlene Cullen The magic of Elizabeth Berg’s writing is that she makes readers feel comfortable with her characters right away. In the first paragraph, she sets the tone, the scene, and introduces the main character, Myra, a person I like immediately. Berg’s writing style is friendly, warm and simple, yet oh-so-eloquent in conveying minute details, giving the reader a detailed vision of the scene. Her characters are so believable that while I’m reading her books (and for a little while after), I think they are living in the next town. . . when I’m sleeping, they’re sleeping. During the day, they go about their errands and work, just as I do. I might even walk by them while they’re eating a meal in a cafe. I might brush against them in a coffee shop. I admire Berg’s ability to create characters so different…
Seal of My Heart by Sharon Hamilton
Seal of My Heart by Sharon Hamilton Review by Tabitha I always love reading Sharon Hamilton’s Seal books. She never disappoints and this one is no exception. Kate and Tyler meet on a plane and it’s an immediate attraction and pull that neither of them ever thought existed. Their love happens a little fast, but hey, who am I to say how long it should take for someone to fall in love? This is definitely a whirlwind love. Tyler and Kate are super sweet together and I love the fact that even though Tyler is a tough and strong Seal, he is what some girls dream of. He is not just strong and protective, but loving and sweet and loves with his whole heart. I had a few issues with Kate’s character because she was engaged when she meets Tyler even though she wasn’t happily engaged. I think that…
The Guardian Herd Starfire by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez.
The Guardian Herd Starfire by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez. Jennifer Alvarez has an amazing ability to bring pegasi to life with believable dialogue and actions. This is a story of courage, friendship, loyalty and the difficulties of growing up. . . growing beyond childhood and accepting change, including death. — Marlene Cullen Starfire is a very engaging book for young readers, especially those that like horses and animals. Alvarez creates a compelling society of Pegasi (mythical winged horses) to tell the story of growing up and what it means to follow your own path. The main character, Star, is a misfit who struggles to find his place in the often harsh and hierarchal society of winged horses. Grappling with his need to fit in despite the hatred and scorn of fellow Pegasi, Star ultimately learns about the transforming power of friendship and the importance of staying true to who you really…
Sundays are book review days.
Sundays are book review days on The Write Spot Blog. Contact Marlene if you want to review a book for posting on The Write Spot Blog!
Ellevie by Marcelle Guy
Guest Book Reviewer John Bertucci eloquently shares his discoveries found in Ellevie, by Marcelle Guy. How many people do you pass by in a day? Hundreds more if you work in the city. We grab a glimpse, a quick read on the relative size and character of another person, sometimes detecting emotions: happy, angry, late, lost. It’s all part of the bustle of life. Yet, in every single one of these people, there’s an immense invisible dimension, an ocean of great depth and breadth that we don’t see. This book, written by Marcelle Guy & G.S. Payne, is about someone who was unable to see the whole ocean in herself, and the waves in this ocean she couldn’t see were tearing her life apart. Ellevie, A True Story of Repressed Memories and Multiple Personality Disorder is a memoir, that is to say, a remarkable life described by the alert, compassionate…