Pretty Girls Dancing --Kylie Brant

Fiction / Mystery

370 pages / 4822 KB

3 Stars

I think this is labeled as a Thriller, but I didn't find it much of one. In fact, I had a hard time reading it. Part of it was the subject matter, I think. And, perhaps, part of it was the writing. I don't want to give away the story, which makes it harder to review, but it just didn't grab me.

Because of the lack of grab-ability, although I was hooked enough to finish it, I found myself skimming the last half of the book rather than seriously reading it. I did want to know who done it, and why, and how. I found out the who, but missed the why, and the how. That may have been me, not Ms. Brant.

The story is told in alternating Points of View (POV), which didn't bother me as the chapter headings gave the information, but if you're not used to reading that kind of story, it may be a little off-putting until you get used to it.

I give this book 3 Stars, more as a rating of neutral than anything. I wish 'neutral' was a choice.

Instead --by Jason McIntyre

Fiction / Thriller

114 pages (Novella)

5 Stars

This series of novellas, which can be read in any order, is marvelous. I don't normally read thrillers of this nature, but am totally hooked on McIntyre's books.

It's a new year and mom and daughter are reunited at grandpa's house after a long separation due to medical reasons. And that reunion brings secrets, and a strange pack of dogs, and an even stranger, well, stranger.

A short book, but the story, like a ghost, will linger in the recesses and darkest corners of your mind for days and weeks and maybe even years to come.

Buy it. Read it. Review it.

I Knead My Mommy and Other Poems by Kittens –by Francesco Marciuliano

Poetry

112 pages

5 Stars

One of the best gifts I received this year! I absolutely loved the earlier, I Could Pee On This, and when I ripped the wrapping from this delightful little book, it was a foregone conclusion I'd love it as much. Obviously, Marciuliano is a cat person and has them. Probably several, of various and sundry ages.

This is a purrfect book for anyone who loves cats and kittens. The world as seen by kittens. We need this, especially in this day and age. Take a break. Enjoy a smile. Read with a kitten napping near (or on) you.

Believing The Body --by Joanne M. Clarkson

Poetry

46 pages

5 Stars

This book of 24 poems is something I think every caregiver, or friend of a caregiver, will appreciate. Ms. Clarkson has put into these poems what it means to give succor to someone loved, whether that someone is friend or family.

Did I cry? Yes. But I'm not telling you which one, because you may cry over a different one—or not at all.

For me, I think one of, if not the, most haunting line is from Deep Mercy, "May I lay upon you one more time my husband?" When I finished reading that poem, I called people and read the poem to them. They had the same reaction.

How does one deal with the constant and repeat questions from a dementia patient? Ms. Clarkson gives us a loving answer. How do you say, "Goodbye?" Believing the Body contains answers.

A small book, a large and universal subject; one that touches us all.

Dictee --by Theresa Hak Kyung Cha

Poetry

192 Pages

5 Stars

I am not at all sure what to say, or how to review this book. I bought it, expecting an essay, or perhaps a book of essays, having read Errato     Love Poetry by Cha in The Next American Essay (my review here: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-next-american-essay.html). That essay, or excerpt from Dictee, was a mind-blowing experience, so I immediately ordered Dictee. It arrived the other day.

Is it poetry? Is it prose poetry? Is it an essay? Is it hybrid? I have no idea. It is beautiful. It is mind-blowing. I finally chose to read it as poetry and put the line breaks in (mentally) where I thought they belonged. It became, for me, easier to read, and quite enjoyable.

This book is probably not for everyone, but for readers and or poets who like experimentation, new ideas, new ways of thinking and reading and writing, this book is marvelous. Read it as play. As one reviewer advised, buy this book. Flip through the pages, leave it on the shelf, repeat after a few days or even weeks, maybe, I don't know, 3 or 4 times. Live with it. Then invite it out to dinner, a small, intimate tête-à-tête, just the two of you and a glass of wine. The wait, and the anticipation, will make it worth the while.

Two things about this book I found somewhat frustrating. There are a great many black & white photos, and I wanted to know who or what they were. And Ms Cha was murdered, I believe the week this book was released, so treasure it when you buy it. It's her last book. Her death is tragic and our loss is deep.

The Book of Qualities --by J. Ruth Gendler

Nonfiction / Philosophy?

100 pages

5 Stars

This little book came into my life on a whim. I saw it, and bought it, and am delighted I did so. Gendler talks about the Qualities in our lives—both the good ones, and the not-so-good ones; and how to live with them, or show them the door, whichever is needed.

Her first Quality is Pleasure—wild and sweet. Her line drawings are delightful (dare I say, pleasurable?). She gives us Competition and Defeat and ends with Harmony and Joy. These are mini-biographies of all the Qualities we have and or will encounter at some time in our lives. Heartily recommend.

A most positive book, and as the Whole Life Times writes: A wry and whimsical mirror in which we catch an unexpected look at ourselves.