Category Archives: Book Recommendation

Michael Connelly And Lee Child Treat Their Aging Series Differently

The pick for our reading group’s book of the month was Michael Connelly’s The Wrong Side of Goodbye.

I’m new to Michael Connelly’s Bosch series. I’ve read two, The Crossings and this selection. Other members of the group have read several of his novels with the main character, Harry Bosch, solving crimes while he dealt with personal issues. They hoped Bosch’s retirement didn’t mean that Connelly would end that series.

Thankfully, Bosch is back and we discussed his character arc over the many novels about him.

For comparison, I brought up the author, Lee Child, whose crime series has Jack Reacher as a main character. The first 5 or 6 thrillers of Reacher tales entertained me. I liked the humor, I like the fact that Reacher doesn’t use suitcases, he only carries a toothbrush in his treks across miles and miles. He’s a strong, unique character.

However, I began to see a pattern to his books, which distracted my rapt attention and the critic in me complained that the extreme graphic violence wasn’t necessary to include in the plots. I didn’t give up, I read several more of Child’s series until the one I’m reading now.

This one is the last one. Not only is the violence too much, but I don’t think Lee Child wrote it. The style is similar but the content and the details can’t be Lee Child, the author I enjoyed before. The ending was medically unbelievable and the solution to the intrigue was summed up by one of the characters who was bleeding out from his wounds. Several paragraphs of backstory told by the guy whose blood pools everywhere? Come on, Child, you know better than that.

I looked at the reviews on Amazon and agree with PZF85Jon who said,

“Obviously Mr Child doesn’t have a plan how to deal with Reacher when he gets older (hint: have a chat with Mr. Connelly – his hero, Harry Bosch is ageing nicely – like a very good red wine.)”

Character Arc makes a difference.

I’d love any comments about either author.

 

Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Editor of Written Across the Genres

Author of Hada’s Fog

2 Comments

Filed under Book Recommendation

Is Sinclair Lewis’s Novel It Can’t Happen Here Predicting It Can?

Amazon briefly describes this novel: “It is 1936. America has just elected Berzelius Windrip to the presidency-and his fascist policies turn the U.S. into a totalitarian state.”

Our reading group member selected it for February. Normally it’s not my preference in reading material, however the purpose of our reading group is to read a variety of books beyond what we normally choose. I’m finding it fascinating.

Wikipedia states: “It Can’t Happen Here is a semi-satirical 1935 political novel by American author Sinclair Lewis Published during the rise of fascism in Europe, the novel describes the rise of Berzelius “Buzz” Windrip, a politician who defeats Franklin Delano Roosevelt and is elected President of the United States, after fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and “traditional” values.”

Click here to read more from Wikipedia.

 

Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Editor of Written Across the Genres

Author of Hada’s Fog

 

6 Comments

Filed under Book Recommendation

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Is J. K. Rowling’s Newest Story

Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildHarry Potter and The Cursed Child is not only the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, but it is a play. Rowling and the  literary agency The Blair Partnership who represents her decided to publish the script of the play. It will be available at local bookstores and on Amazon, Click here.

The premiere will be in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. The story takes place nineteen years after the last book in the series. Harry is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic. He is married to Ginny and they have three school-age children.

Part of the synopsis on Wikipedia is “While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”

It sounds good to me. Are you a Harry Potter fan?

Leave a Comment

Filed under Book Recommendation

Book Launch Party For Voices of the Valley: Word for Word

TVW Word for Word AnthologyCalifornia Writers Club, Tri-Valley Branch hosts a launch party for their anthology, Voices of the Valley: Word for Word, in Pleasanton, CA on Tuesday, March 1, 2016,  7:00 – 9:00 p.m.   Several writers will read excerpts from their prose or  poem.

Refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.

I’m pleased to say my essay “Life Support” is included.

We thank Towne Center Books for providing space to have our party.

I hope to see you there.

 

 

Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Editor of Written Across the Genres

Author of soon to be released Hada’s Fog

1 Comment

Filed under Anthology, Book Recommendation

Danine Manette’s New Book, Messages for Joey, is Available.

ultimate Betrayal biggerAt the San Francisco Writers Conference, I had an opportunity to talk with Danine Manette, author, criminal investigator, lifestyle model, and media commentator.  I met her a few years ago after her first book, Ultimate Betrayal was published and she had discussed it on Oprah’s show. At that time, Manette said she needed inspiration for a second book.

Danine and Oprah

 

 

 

This year I asked her how her writing was coming along.  She showed me her newly released Messages for Joey, A few things I need you to know about.

Danine photo of her and new bookIt’s a touching coming of age guidebook and conversation starter. Inspired by the desire to make a reference book about life, friendship, money, love, and self for her daughter, the book presents an opportunity for other mothers to have conversations with their daughters about how to navigate through many of life’s challenges.  Manette believes empowerment is acquired through knowledge and awareness.  To hear it from Danine Manette click here.

 

To order her books click here .

Ultimate Betrayal is the complete guide to recognizing, uncovering, and dealing with a cheating partner. You will learn how to evaluate your mate’s history, note changes in his routine, and gather evidence of his extracurricular activities—from phone bills and ATM receipts to computer records and hair on the headrest. The author also provides guidelines for confronting your mate, evaluating his reaction, and finally, choosing your next step, whether separation or reconciliation.

 

Danine received her Bachelors Degree in Social Welfare from the University of California at Berkeley, and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. She has worked as a milieu therapist, a juvenile probation officer and currently works in the field of criminal investigations. As the married mother of three, Danine lives in California.

Danine is a lifestyle model and weekly media pundit for HLN’s Dr Drew On-Call Show. She has been a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today Show, and has been interviewed as an expert on the topic of infidelity and common-sense approaches to parenting, life and relationships for numerous other local, national and international media outlets. Additionally, Danine hosts several on-line forums and was the facilitator for an infidelity support group in San Francisco.

You can find more information on Danine Manette by visiting:

http://www.ultimatebetrayal.com
http://manettemedia.com
http://www.messagesforjoey.com

Danine Manette second headshot

Danine Manette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Editor of Written Across the Genres and author of soon to be released Hada’s Fog

 

 

4 Comments

Filed under Book Recommendation