Hachette Book Group kindly sent me this book for review. It's a fun book to read with lots of great information!
Each page has a bullet idea, short and sweet, with a couple of paragraphs to make the point.
It's easy to read, is in form that is memorable, and much of what is said could also be applied to writing. I found it very useful and that the points made were very pertinent.
One point was: Conceal the action. Don't show them everything, make them imagine part of it. And that immediately brought to mind the Columbo shows. He had a wife and talked about the Mrs. a lot, but you never got to see her. It kept you watching the show, though!
Another point: Film, novel, television or stage? They talk about the best venue for your writing. One amazing point for me was that they pointed out that MASH was a novel, movie, television series and stage production. I never knew it was a novel, I just loved the movie.
There are many points in this book. Who knows which ones will talk to you and which ones will give you a push in learning to write better films?
Hachette has agreed to provide copies of this book for giveaway.
If you would like to have a copy of this book, follow the two steps below:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog;
2) Send me an email at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you would like to win the book.
I'll pick the winners in about a week.
Additional note: Brianne Beers will be interviewing this author on June 2nd at 1 PM. The link to the show is: http://tinyurl.com/LandauBTR Go listen and learn more about the film industry!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Senator's Son An Iraq War Novel by Luke S Larson
War is never good, and this particular war is still ongoing. Mr. Larson sent me a copy of his book and asked me to review it.
I wasn't sure how he was going to deal with the fact that the war has not ended (or resolved), but he writes about the beginning of the war and that works well.
This not a "heavy" book. It covers a heavy subject and good people die on both sides, but he doesn't get into such detail that you would be bogged down and depressed and not want to finish it.
The soldiers sent into war knew how to fight. When they got into Iraq, they were asked to help rebuild. Since they were patrolling the streets there and knew the conditions the people were living in, they could understand the need - even if they didn't have experience for it.
Like any dinosaur, the head is almost out of touch with the body. The Armed Services are close to the same way. Those at the top are not familiar with the conditions facing the fighting body, and they give instructions that are almost impossible to follow and ignore the local troops advice.
This book kept my attention, party because it talks of the early 2000's when the war first started and also has a futurist story set in 2047. Both are related, but you don't know how until the end of the book. And it's very ironic ending.
If you would like to have my copy of this book, follow the two steps below:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog;
2) Send me an email at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you would like to win the book.
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
I wasn't sure how he was going to deal with the fact that the war has not ended (or resolved), but he writes about the beginning of the war and that works well.
This not a "heavy" book. It covers a heavy subject and good people die on both sides, but he doesn't get into such detail that you would be bogged down and depressed and not want to finish it.
The soldiers sent into war knew how to fight. When they got into Iraq, they were asked to help rebuild. Since they were patrolling the streets there and knew the conditions the people were living in, they could understand the need - even if they didn't have experience for it.
Like any dinosaur, the head is almost out of touch with the body. The Armed Services are close to the same way. Those at the top are not familiar with the conditions facing the fighting body, and they give instructions that are almost impossible to follow and ignore the local troops advice.
This book kept my attention, party because it talks of the early 2000's when the war first started and also has a futurist story set in 2047. Both are related, but you don't know how until the end of the book. And it's very ironic ending.
If you would like to have my copy of this book, follow the two steps below:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog;
2) Send me an email at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you would like to win the book.
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
Samurai Spirit by Burt Konzak
Subtitle: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life. Tundra Books provided me this copy for review.
In the past, I bought the Book of Five Rings to read during my business career days, so this subject matter drew me in to see how it was handled for young adults.
This is a collection of short stories that are drawn from various Japenese classics to illustrate the concepts taught in martial arts that lead to the creation of the Samurai spirit.
The stories are clear and make their point. The additional information at the end of each chapter about Samurais, their swords, and their lives share Japanese history with those not familiar with it.
They have a very different way of looking at things and approaching things, and most any young adult could benefit by taking a look at their techniques.
If you would like to have my copy of this book, follow the two steps below:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog;
2) Send me an email at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you would like to win the book.
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
In the past, I bought the Book of Five Rings to read during my business career days, so this subject matter drew me in to see how it was handled for young adults.
This is a collection of short stories that are drawn from various Japenese classics to illustrate the concepts taught in martial arts that lead to the creation of the Samurai spirit.
The stories are clear and make their point. The additional information at the end of each chapter about Samurais, their swords, and their lives share Japanese history with those not familiar with it.
They have a very different way of looking at things and approaching things, and most any young adult could benefit by taking a look at their techniques.
If you would like to have my copy of this book, follow the two steps below:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog;
2) Send me an email at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you would like to win the book.
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
Gunsmoke An American Institution by Ben Costello
Gunsmoke was part of my childhood, so when I saw this on the list of Five Star Publications, I had to have it. They sent me the CD edition to review, and this was something new for me.
Originally I thought it might be a bit hard to read or negotiate through the document, but it's in PDF form and lists the chapters on the left hand side, so it's easy to use.
The print is large enough to easily read, the photos are wonderful, and I especially enjoyed reading the actor's biographies.
This is truly a trip down memory lane. Looking at the photos was like being in front of the TV again watching the program. I could identify the story line from some of the pictures.
I was amazed to see that Burt Reynolds had been on the series for a time. And quite a few other stars came for short visits. They have photos of them and interviews with most about Gunsmoke's influence on their careers.
Many of these performers have died by now, but their pictures and their actions will always rest in memories.
This would make a very special gift for someone who also enjoyed the series. It's still playing on TV Land.
Give them their own little piece of history that they can pick up again and again and remember "the good ole days".
This book comes in the CD edition or as a coffee table book. If you'd like to buy a copy, visit www.50YearsofGunsmoke.com .
Originally I thought it might be a bit hard to read or negotiate through the document, but it's in PDF form and lists the chapters on the left hand side, so it's easy to use.
The print is large enough to easily read, the photos are wonderful, and I especially enjoyed reading the actor's biographies.
This is truly a trip down memory lane. Looking at the photos was like being in front of the TV again watching the program. I could identify the story line from some of the pictures.
I was amazed to see that Burt Reynolds had been on the series for a time. And quite a few other stars came for short visits. They have photos of them and interviews with most about Gunsmoke's influence on their careers.
Many of these performers have died by now, but their pictures and their actions will always rest in memories.
This would make a very special gift for someone who also enjoyed the series. It's still playing on TV Land.
Give them their own little piece of history that they can pick up again and again and remember "the good ole days".
This book comes in the CD edition or as a coffee table book. If you'd like to buy a copy, visit www.50YearsofGunsmoke.com .
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Snake Charmer by Jamie James
Subtitle: A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge. This is a Hyperion book and was sent to me for review by Book Reporter.
The first thing I need to confess is that I HATE snakes! I've been fearful of them for my entire life. So I hesitated over asking for this book for review. However, it's non-fiction and the idea of someone who is entranced by snakes and is willing to endanger his life to learn more about them enticed me.
Joe Slowinski is an adventurous young man who takes advantage of every opportunity he finds to learn more. He starts with paleontology and then graduates to venomous snakes. So he almost dies from his first snake bite - he was still hooked on finding new species and visiting unexplored countries.
The author leads you into the story very well with tales about Joe's early adventures (and misadventures). Soon you're reading about snakes and not even knowing the difference! After all, did you know: "The largest species of the group, the reticulated python (Python reticulatus), is the longest snake on Earth; a specimen measuring more than ten meters, or thirty-three feet, was shot in 1912 on the island of Celebres in the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia). The heaviest snake on reliable record was a green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) killed in Brazil in 1960, which was just under twenty-eight feet long and forty-four inches in the 'waist,' putting its weight at well over five hundred pounds."
This book is full of facts about snakes, what's known and what is still to be learned.
When Dr. Joe Slowinski goes to uppermost Burma, he knew what kinds of snakes to expect. He circumvented certain laws and requirements to get to the area before another explorer, and he knew what snakes he was collecting.
However, he took it for granted that his staff could correctly identify them also.
As many in the animal world do, snakes would mimic the markings of a dangerous snake for "protection" against their nature enemies. A mis-identified snake and being too far from medical facilities proved to be too much for Joe.
This book shows you how much Joe accomplished in 38 years, as well as how much work it takes to plow through the paperwork, politicians, and jungle environment to do real research.
There are numerous photos of Joe during his life and is really a celebration of Joe's life.
If you'd like my copy of this book, please follow these instructions:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog.
2) Email me your name and address and why you'd like this book to info @ bookfaerie.com (remove the spaces).
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
The first thing I need to confess is that I HATE snakes! I've been fearful of them for my entire life. So I hesitated over asking for this book for review. However, it's non-fiction and the idea of someone who is entranced by snakes and is willing to endanger his life to learn more about them enticed me.
Joe Slowinski is an adventurous young man who takes advantage of every opportunity he finds to learn more. He starts with paleontology and then graduates to venomous snakes. So he almost dies from his first snake bite - he was still hooked on finding new species and visiting unexplored countries.
The author leads you into the story very well with tales about Joe's early adventures (and misadventures). Soon you're reading about snakes and not even knowing the difference! After all, did you know: "The largest species of the group, the reticulated python (Python reticulatus), is the longest snake on Earth; a specimen measuring more than ten meters, or thirty-three feet, was shot in 1912 on the island of Celebres in the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia). The heaviest snake on reliable record was a green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) killed in Brazil in 1960, which was just under twenty-eight feet long and forty-four inches in the 'waist,' putting its weight at well over five hundred pounds."
This book is full of facts about snakes, what's known and what is still to be learned.
When Dr. Joe Slowinski goes to uppermost Burma, he knew what kinds of snakes to expect. He circumvented certain laws and requirements to get to the area before another explorer, and he knew what snakes he was collecting.
However, he took it for granted that his staff could correctly identify them also.
As many in the animal world do, snakes would mimic the markings of a dangerous snake for "protection" against their nature enemies. A mis-identified snake and being too far from medical facilities proved to be too much for Joe.
This book shows you how much Joe accomplished in 38 years, as well as how much work it takes to plow through the paperwork, politicians, and jungle environment to do real research.
There are numerous photos of Joe during his life and is really a celebration of Joe's life.
If you'd like my copy of this book, please follow these instructions:
1) Leave a comment here on the blog.
2) Email me your name and address and why you'd like this book to info @ bookfaerie.com (remove the spaces).
I'll pick a winner in about a week.
Stones, Bones and Stitches by Shelley Falconer and Shawna White
The subtitle is Storytelling Through Inuit Art. This is an amazing book. It's a Lord Museum book published by Tundra and sent to me for review. Storytelling always catches my eye, but the presentation of the art in this book is eye catching and attractive. The artists' cultural heritage shines out of their artwork.
Written for young adults, it covers the Northest Territories of Canada artists: Oviloo Tunnillie, Joe Talirunili, Jessie Oonark, Lukta Qiatsuk, David Ruben Piqtoukun, and Kenojuak Ashevak. These works are exhibited in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada.
The people are proud of their tribes, the hardships endured, and their work. You can read about their personal histories, as well as see where they work and what medium they use to express their art.
This is a good way to learn about Inuit life, as well as take a mini tour of the museum from far away.
I found it a fascinating read and an excellent historical reference source.
Written for young adults, it covers the Northest Territories of Canada artists: Oviloo Tunnillie, Joe Talirunili, Jessie Oonark, Lukta Qiatsuk, David Ruben Piqtoukun, and Kenojuak Ashevak. These works are exhibited in the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada.
The people are proud of their tribes, the hardships endured, and their work. You can read about their personal histories, as well as see where they work and what medium they use to express their art.
This is a good way to learn about Inuit life, as well as take a mini tour of the museum from far away.
I found it a fascinating read and an excellent historical reference source.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Gardener by S A Bodeen
This book is a chilling read. I think because as far out as the idea is, it's not something that is totally unbelieveable. You may have stretch your imagination, but who knows what our future might be like?
Mason is a young man getting ready to go to college. He enjoys school, has a scarred face from a dog bite, and has no father at home. He and his Mom do fine and life is great. Until one day when he goes to the nursing home to help his Mom at work.
He discovers four young people that are comatose. They respond to nothing he does.
He happens to have a DVD of his father reading a book to him (when he was a baby) and since he has no father now, he tends to keep it close to him. It gives him comfort. But when he plays there in the nursing home, one of the comatose girls awakens. And she doesn't want to stay there, she wants to go away with him.
The moment he walks out the door of the nursing home, his life changes...
This book is intriguing, fast-paced, and a real thriller. If you have a child that is a reluctant reader, this one should grab their attention and keep them rooting for Mason. The ending was a surprise to me.
Feiwel and Friends sent me this review copy and will be publishing the book in June.
If you'd like to have my review copy, leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you'd like to read it. I'll do the giveaway in about a week. It'll take me a lot longer than that to forget this book...
Mason is a young man getting ready to go to college. He enjoys school, has a scarred face from a dog bite, and has no father at home. He and his Mom do fine and life is great. Until one day when he goes to the nursing home to help his Mom at work.
He discovers four young people that are comatose. They respond to nothing he does.
He happens to have a DVD of his father reading a book to him (when he was a baby) and since he has no father now, he tends to keep it close to him. It gives him comfort. But when he plays there in the nursing home, one of the comatose girls awakens. And she doesn't want to stay there, she wants to go away with him.
The moment he walks out the door of the nursing home, his life changes...
This book is intriguing, fast-paced, and a real thriller. If you have a child that is a reluctant reader, this one should grab their attention and keep them rooting for Mason. The ending was a surprise to me.
Feiwel and Friends sent me this review copy and will be publishing the book in June.
If you'd like to have my review copy, leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and address and why you'd like to read it. I'll do the giveaway in about a week. It'll take me a lot longer than that to forget this book...
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