Monday, January 31, 2011
Stuart Woods Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington)
I like to be entertained when I am investing time in a novel, lately it has been hit or miss with me for Stuart Woods. Strategic Moves was a definite hit, not a home run, but a looping single off the end of the bat that made it to the outfield in between the shortstop and center fielder. I mean it hit all the right notes and Stone Barrington is back, but in all his totally unbelievable absurdity. Fiction is great for escapism and this is cruising right down that unbelievable road, with more outrageous subplots than a mid-afternoon soap opera. When I first got hooked on Stone, Dino, and the gang I never thought it would go this far in that direction. So the next question you may ask me is: Why do I still take the time to read them?
The answer is really pretty simple. I have too much time invested in the characters to just drop them like they are cold, smelly fish. I must say that he has changed his tact and direction in each of the past few novels and if you don’t keep up with them you would be lost with the characters. I forget who Holly’s boyfriend is, who Dino is dating, how many women Stone was with last novel, and how many airplanes he has now. If I went through money as quick as Barrington does my wife would kill me! Unreal yes, funny and pathetic at times, yes, but when is it going to end? I think Woods would be better served focusing on his core group of characters, giving them some real time in the plotline, and having a fun romp with a straight up mystery/action/suspense novel like the good old days. Show us what made Stuart Woods, Stuart Woods. As far as I am concerned, if these novels keep taking this type of tone, I can just place them on Romantic Wednesday, or place them in some type of fantasy genre instead of the way they used to read.
To finish, my soap box standing time isn’t that often, Woods has an incredible depth and breadth of characters that he created over his 40 some novels. Where are Mr. and Mrs. Lee? Why not a hard hitting Holly Barker stand alone? Why not a hard boiled Dino vehicle having Stone as the minor character? Has he lost his creative fire? Ed Eagle, will he ever see a courtroom again or just hunt down the same crazed killer over and over? Stuart Woods fans are numerous, for me a covenant was made with the beginning, and the middle of his work, where has it gone lately? Where will it go? This is one fan, a big one as I think you can tell, that wants that old fire, that old dynamic, fun, witty ability that I grew to enjoy and look forward to. Personally I am in for maybe two more novels and then I am stepping aside for a while. Where has the mojo gone?
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Irene Hannon Fatal Judgment (Guarians of Justice,Book 1)
Fatal Judgment is a new series starting for Irene Hannon and it is a winner. I thoroughly enjoyed her Heroes of Quantico series (please feel free to check our archives), and had the release date of this novel in my Google calendar. I have to keep things straight so I do that sort of thing, plan the work, and work the plan as my Dad always said. I am not sure if she was talking about this particular novel, but it applies in almost all circumstances. Feel free to use this to your advantage and spread the word. Now back to the action: new series, new characters, it is all good stuff. Check out what Irene Hannon has going on between the covers of Fatal Judgment:
“U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward Liz haven't warmed in the five years since she lost her husband--and Jake's best friend--to possible suicide. How can Jake be expected to care for the coldhearted workaholic who drove his friend to despair?
As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, his feelings slowly start to change. When it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in mortal danger.
Full of the suspense and romance Irene Hannon's fans have come to love, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night.”
I didn’t lose any sleep over the novel, but the pages keep turning at a pretty good clip. Jake Taylor is a keeper of a character and I am looking forward to the next installment in series. One of the things I truly appreciate and love about reading an Irene Hannon vehicle is her ability to keep a fine and delicate balance between the action, romance, and religion. They each have equal parts, they each have their place, they each add key elements to the storyline, and they each blend together and form one heck of a good read. Do yourself a favor and get in on the ground floor of this new series, don’t miss it and make a Fatal Judgment.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward Liz haven't warmed in the five years since she lost her husband--and Jake's best friend--to possible suicide. How can Jake be expected to care for the coldhearted workaholic who drove his friend to despair?
As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, his feelings slowly start to change. When it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in mortal danger.
Full of the suspense and romance Irene Hannon's fans have come to love, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night.”
I didn’t lose any sleep over the novel, but the pages keep turning at a pretty good clip. Jake Taylor is a keeper of a character and I am looking forward to the next installment in series. One of the things I truly appreciate and love about reading an Irene Hannon vehicle is her ability to keep a fine and delicate balance between the action, romance, and religion. They each have equal parts, they each have their place, they each add key elements to the storyline, and they each blend together and form one heck of a good read. Do yourself a favor and get in on the ground floor of this new series, don’t miss it and make a Fatal Judgment.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Novel Releases for this Week, January 25, 2011
Another week, another set of new novels to come out. Will it ever end? No I doubt it so let get right to it shall we. Here are some of the new novels out this week:
• The Investment Answer/ Daniel C. Goldie
• Wild Man Creek/ Robyn Carr
• Marrying Daisy Bellamy/ Susan Wiggs
• One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are/ Ann Voskamp
• Academically Adrift/ Richard Arum
• Silver Borne/ Patricia Briggs
• Dragon Warrior/ Janet Chapman
• Against the Fire/ Kat Martin
• Here to Stay: A Harrington Family Novel/ Catherine Anderson
• It’s Not Really About the Hair/ Tabitha Coffey
• The Hidden Reality/ Brian Greene
• Star Trek: Typhon Pact/ Dayton Ward
Look for the New York Times list for this via our Twitter feed or our Facebook wall.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
W.E.B. Griffin The Outlaws: a Presidential Agent Novel
For those not keeping up with the series or those of you who have possibly lost track for whatever reason, this is number six in the series. Yes, I have read them all and yes, I have also enjoyed them all. Did I enjoy this one as much as the others? No not as much, but I am a fan of the character and W.E.B. Griffin. Here is what Charlie has against him this time:
“Charlie Castillo's secret unit has been disbanded-but that doesn't mean he's out of business. As experience has painfully shown him, there are many things the intelligence community can't do, won't do, or doesn't do well, and he has the men and assets to help set things straight.
But the first opportunity, when it comes, is shocking: A FedEx package arrives, bearing photos of barrels containing some of the most dangerous biohazard materials on earth, all of which were supposed to have been destroyed during a raid on a secret Russian factory in the Congo. Who has them, and what do they want? Castillo has a feeling he's not going to like the answers. “
Reading this first if you haven’t read the other five isn’t going to cause any big issues. The beginning of the novel is a nice walk down memory lane through the eyes of someone outside Charlie’s immediate circle and from there the fun begins. The novel is full of the usual action, the usual plot twists and turns, the usual fun, tongue in cheek type stuff that makes Charlie Castillo & company, Charlie Castillo and company. I enjoy the characters, their repartee, action, and world- wide scenery that W.E.B. Griffin brings to his novels. On the flip side of that, no new ground as far as style and substance is broken from any previous novels. The same pacing, timing, and expectations can expect to be met from the previous five novels.
Personally I like that to a certain degree, the W.E.B. Griffin style. That is why I pick up his novels and enjoy the reads; I like what he brings to the table. There is a consistency that I am familiar with, a certain fondness for his writing ability; he never seems to let me down. New ground broken, no, but expectations met and fun had. If you are a follower of Charlie Castillo there is a new butt kicking novel to read, sit back, relax, enjoy, and set the speed to cruise control.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Charlie Castillo's secret unit has been disbanded-but that doesn't mean he's out of business. As experience has painfully shown him, there are many things the intelligence community can't do, won't do, or doesn't do well, and he has the men and assets to help set things straight.
But the first opportunity, when it comes, is shocking: A FedEx package arrives, bearing photos of barrels containing some of the most dangerous biohazard materials on earth, all of which were supposed to have been destroyed during a raid on a secret Russian factory in the Congo. Who has them, and what do they want? Castillo has a feeling he's not going to like the answers. “
Reading this first if you haven’t read the other five isn’t going to cause any big issues. The beginning of the novel is a nice walk down memory lane through the eyes of someone outside Charlie’s immediate circle and from there the fun begins. The novel is full of the usual action, the usual plot twists and turns, the usual fun, tongue in cheek type stuff that makes Charlie Castillo & company, Charlie Castillo and company. I enjoy the characters, their repartee, action, and world- wide scenery that W.E.B. Griffin brings to his novels. On the flip side of that, no new ground as far as style and substance is broken from any previous novels. The same pacing, timing, and expectations can expect to be met from the previous five novels.
Personally I like that to a certain degree, the W.E.B. Griffin style. That is why I pick up his novels and enjoy the reads; I like what he brings to the table. There is a consistency that I am familiar with, a certain fondness for his writing ability; he never seems to let me down. New ground broken, no, but expectations met and fun had. If you are a follower of Charlie Castillo there is a new butt kicking novel to read, sit back, relax, enjoy, and set the speed to cruise control.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
Stephen Hunter Dead Zero
I love to find new stuff to read and this Bob Lee Swagger novel rocked. This was my first read on a Stephen Hunter novel and I liked everything about it. Today I want to include two things in this post about the novel, the synopsis and also some text from the novel to give you a little flav of Bob Lee if this is the first read for you on this character. Here we go, a little of what is between the covers first:
“Bob Lee Swagger tracks down an AWOL Marine sniper who resurfaces to complete his last mission.”
Now here is some text from page238:
“’Why are you here?’ the young women said.
‘Well, you and I have something in common that cuts much deeper than gender or any of that stuff. And that is that we killed for the king. We were the royal assassins. We loved it, we enjoyed how special is made us, we liked the way the room quieted when we walked in. But there came a time when we looked at it, and thought, why? Why did that have to happen? Did it do any good?’
She shook her head, not in denial but in recognition.
‘What were you?’
‘Gunnery Sergeant, USMC.Sniper.Vietnam, seventy-three to seventy- five, until it was hit bad. Ninety-three kills on the record. Like you I put a crosshair on something and sent a package into it and watched it die. Like you I said it was for the good of the country, or at least each man I killed wouldn’t kill an American kid, and like you, at the end, I thought to myself, well, what the hell? Who am I? Why was I so good at it, and if it was so right, how come I see faces every night? You ride an exercise bike, I crawled up the mountains of Arkansas and stayed drunk for twenty years before I finally came back to the world.’”
Dead Zero has many sides to it. There is the humanity of it, the technical aspect of it (there is some serious detail on weaponry and spying), but most of all I enjoyed the feel, the grit, the self- deprecation of Bob Lee Swagger himself. To some of the characters in the novel he is a god, a legend, an enigma. Bob Lee uses all that to his advantage time and time again. Although this was my first read on the character, I didn’t feel left out of anything from the past, if anything Stephen Hunter whet my appetite to go back and read as much of his work as I can. My Goodreads –to read- list is about to grow again.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Bob Lee Swagger tracks down an AWOL Marine sniper who resurfaces to complete his last mission.”
Now here is some text from page238:
“’Why are you here?’ the young women said.
‘Well, you and I have something in common that cuts much deeper than gender or any of that stuff. And that is that we killed for the king. We were the royal assassins. We loved it, we enjoyed how special is made us, we liked the way the room quieted when we walked in. But there came a time when we looked at it, and thought, why? Why did that have to happen? Did it do any good?’
She shook her head, not in denial but in recognition.
‘What were you?’
‘Gunnery Sergeant, USMC.Sniper.Vietnam, seventy-three to seventy- five, until it was hit bad. Ninety-three kills on the record. Like you I put a crosshair on something and sent a package into it and watched it die. Like you I said it was for the good of the country, or at least each man I killed wouldn’t kill an American kid, and like you, at the end, I thought to myself, well, what the hell? Who am I? Why was I so good at it, and if it was so right, how come I see faces every night? You ride an exercise bike, I crawled up the mountains of Arkansas and stayed drunk for twenty years before I finally came back to the world.’”
Dead Zero has many sides to it. There is the humanity of it, the technical aspect of it (there is some serious detail on weaponry and spying), but most of all I enjoyed the feel, the grit, the self- deprecation of Bob Lee Swagger himself. To some of the characters in the novel he is a god, a legend, an enigma. Bob Lee uses all that to his advantage time and time again. Although this was my first read on the character, I didn’t feel left out of anything from the past, if anything Stephen Hunter whet my appetite to go back and read as much of his work as I can. My Goodreads –to read- list is about to grow again.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
Graphic Novel Friday Campfire Comics Moby Dick
I was a little bit perplexed and shocked to have seen that this graphic novel had gotten 126,000 ratings on Goodreads. I mean, I enjoyed it, but that would make this one heck of a popular graphic novel. What I came to discover though was that this was not just a rating for the graphic novel but also the book itself. I am sticking to the graphic novel, I enjoyed that much more. If you have read any of my previous posts on the Campfire graphic novels (if you haven’t, please feel free to browse the archives), you will find that I have to not just enjoy but embrace their mission statement; they really stick to it.
The graphic novel is nice enough to give in detail a bit about the author of the novel Moby Dick, Herman Melville, and give some interesting facts on his life and times. The artwork is fitting for the times and just right, both inviting and engaging. The dialogue is nice and seems to capture the essence and heart of the story. I am passing this onto my younger children to read so they can enjoy the novel when it is their time to read it. I think it will not only heighten their experience but take it to another level of understanding and appreciation.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
The graphic novel is nice enough to give in detail a bit about the author of the novel Moby Dick, Herman Melville, and give some interesting facts on his life and times. The artwork is fitting for the times and just right, both inviting and engaging. The dialogue is nice and seems to capture the essence and heart of the story. I am passing this onto my younger children to read so they can enjoy the novel when it is their time to read it. I think it will not only heighten their experience but take it to another level of understanding and appreciation.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Michael Palmer A Heartbeat Away
Confession time: even though I have been following this author on various social media this is the first time I have read one of his novels. I know, groan, what is my issue, I have to claim no excuse. Michael Palmer’s bio is impressive as is his body of work. I will include all that in today’s post so hopefully if you are like me and haven’t had the chance to read one his works, you can shift gears and either get a hold of A Heartbeat Away or one of his other many novels. To what lies between the covers, shall we:
“On the night of the State of the Union address, President Max Hilliard expects to give the speech of his career. But no one anticipates the terrifying turn of events that forces him to quarantine everyone in the Capitol building. A terrorist group calling itself “Genesis” has unleashed WRX3883, a deadly, highly contagious virus, into the building. No one fully knows the deadly effect of the germ except for the team responsible for its development—a team headed by Hilliard, himself. The only one who might be able to help is virologist Griffin Rhodes, currently in solitary confinement in a maximum security federal prison for alleged terrorist acts, including the attempted theft of WRX3883 from the lab where he worked. Rhodes has no idea why he has been arrested, but when Hilliard offers to free him in exchange for his help combating the virus, he reluctantly agrees to do what he can to support the government that has imprisoned him without apparent cause.
Meanwhile, every single person in line for presidential succession is trapped inside the Capitol—every person except one: the Director of Homeland Security, who is safely at home in Minnesota, having been selected as the “Designated Survivor” for this event. With enemies both named and unnamed closing in, and the security of the nation at stake, Griff must unravel the mysteries of WRX3883 without violating his pledge as a scientist to use no animal testing in his experiments…and time is running out.”
Here is the author info: ”Michael Palmer, M.D., is the author of the forthcoming A Heartbeat Away (2011), The Last Surgeon, The First Patient, The Fifth Vial, The Society, Fatal, The Patient, Miracle Cure, Critical Judgment, Silent Treatment, Natural Causes, Extreme Measures, Flashback, Side Effects, and The Sisterhood. His books have been translated into thirty-five languages. He trained in internal medicine at Boston City and Massachusetts General Hospitals, spent twenty years as a full-time practitioner of internal and emergency medicine, and is now an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society's physician health program.”
Okay, now that you have read that, I think that if you are intrigued, there are a few novels that you can pick up as he has penned so many. Where to start? Right from the beginning of A Heartbeat Away moves into high gear with “Genesis” kicking it into bad guy mode. Things just move along at a faster and harder clip from there. I enjoyed the manner in which Palmer mixed the elements of medical knowledge and the political intrigue. In this novel it made a nice marriage and for some excellent reading. My plans are to backtrack and plot a course over time to read Michael Palmer’s previous novels and enjoy each one.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“On the night of the State of the Union address, President Max Hilliard expects to give the speech of his career. But no one anticipates the terrifying turn of events that forces him to quarantine everyone in the Capitol building. A terrorist group calling itself “Genesis” has unleashed WRX3883, a deadly, highly contagious virus, into the building. No one fully knows the deadly effect of the germ except for the team responsible for its development—a team headed by Hilliard, himself. The only one who might be able to help is virologist Griffin Rhodes, currently in solitary confinement in a maximum security federal prison for alleged terrorist acts, including the attempted theft of WRX3883 from the lab where he worked. Rhodes has no idea why he has been arrested, but when Hilliard offers to free him in exchange for his help combating the virus, he reluctantly agrees to do what he can to support the government that has imprisoned him without apparent cause.
Meanwhile, every single person in line for presidential succession is trapped inside the Capitol—every person except one: the Director of Homeland Security, who is safely at home in Minnesota, having been selected as the “Designated Survivor” for this event. With enemies both named and unnamed closing in, and the security of the nation at stake, Griff must unravel the mysteries of WRX3883 without violating his pledge as a scientist to use no animal testing in his experiments…and time is running out.”
Here is the author info: ”Michael Palmer, M.D., is the author of the forthcoming A Heartbeat Away (2011), The Last Surgeon, The First Patient, The Fifth Vial, The Society, Fatal, The Patient, Miracle Cure, Critical Judgment, Silent Treatment, Natural Causes, Extreme Measures, Flashback, Side Effects, and The Sisterhood. His books have been translated into thirty-five languages. He trained in internal medicine at Boston City and Massachusetts General Hospitals, spent twenty years as a full-time practitioner of internal and emergency medicine, and is now an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society's physician health program.”
Okay, now that you have read that, I think that if you are intrigued, there are a few novels that you can pick up as he has penned so many. Where to start? Right from the beginning of A Heartbeat Away moves into high gear with “Genesis” kicking it into bad guy mode. Things just move along at a faster and harder clip from there. I enjoyed the manner in which Palmer mixed the elements of medical knowledge and the political intrigue. In this novel it made a nice marriage and for some excellent reading. My plans are to backtrack and plot a course over time to read Michael Palmer’s previous novels and enjoy each one.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Steve Berry The Balkans Escape (a digital short story) & My Interview with Him.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with NYT Bestselling author Steve Berry. He was very engaging, put me at ease immediately, and was very engaging. We covered a variety of subjects, some old, some surprisingly new and he was nice enough to throw a few tidbits to share with everyone. But first I want to get in a few thoughts on his digital short story that sheds some light on his current novel The Emperor’s Tomb , The Balkans Escape.
Here is the synopsis of the roughly 6,000 word digital short:
“Steve Berry's first ever eBook exclusive short story finds an adventurer in a strange and forbidding land, in search of a long lost treasure, and very much in harm's way.
As a favor to enigmatic billionaire Henrik Thorvaldsen, Cassiopeia Vitt treks into Bulgaria's Rila mountains in search of a buried stash of exceedingly rare artifacts from a bygone civilization: the ancient tomb of a Thracian king. But when her presence is discovered by a shadowy group of Russians secretly mining the area, she needs a way out. Who to trust becomes the question, and her life depends on choosing the right option.”
I enjoyed the read and it answered some questions for me that I had as I was reading The Emperor’s Tomb. The character of Vitt for me is not my reason for reading Berry’s books. The promise of some answers and a tie in that I had not read before was my only reason for whipping out the Kindle and devouring this read. It contained all of the usual elements I enjoy in his writing: the research, the history, the incredible attention to detail. Having said all that, reading this out of turn didn’t damage the read, but made my memory of The Emperor’s Tomb better, and put a smile on my face as I felt it all fall into place.
Now to the interview. I tried to touch on a few different subjects with him and here is the substance of the interview:
Giovanni: “What would you like to discuss first- The Emperor’s Tomb or The Jefferson Key?
Steve Berry: “Let’s stick to The Emperor’s Tomb for now. I began to have some interest in China, found it intriguing and began to research it. Then I tied into that, the fact that the Chinese did indeed drill for oil 2500 years ago along with the discovery of the Emperor’s Tomb. I wanted to tie those three pieces together, China, the oil discovery, and the Emperor’s Tomb.” Check out our post on the novel for the background on the novel and the back story.
Giovanni: ”I have read that you do an intense amount of research, sometimes using 200-300 different resources for your novels, is that true?”
Steve Berry: “Yes, I enjoy the research and try to get my hands on as many resource materials as possible to accomplish that. I go to the Chamblin Bookmine bookstore to find most of my resource material.”
Giovanni: ”How long does it take you to research and pen a novel? You seem to be on a one a year cycle.”
Steve Berry: “It actually takes me 18 months to start and finish a novel. I am finished with The Jefferson Key, and while I was doing that I had already begun to research the next novel and have begun writing that. Now while I am writing this next one I am deep in my research for the 2013 novel.”
Giovanni: ”I mean no disrespect when I ask you this, but your first three novels were stand- alones, then you went on a run with Cotton Malone. I am a big fan of Malone. I can say I am a Malone Clone, but are you going to go in another direction anytime soon.”
Steve Berry: “Funny you should ask me that question. I received a phone call the other day from Malone. He said to me, ”Steve, I am a bit tired, can you give me 2012 off, I need a vacation.” So that is what I am going to do. 2012 is going to be a stand-alone with an all new set of characters. The plotline I don’t want to give away at this point, but it will be wrapped around a really neat period of history and it is going to be something that hasn’t been done before.”
Giovanni: “You and your wife have an organization called History Matters, (here is the link for that
http://www.steveberry.org/berry-history.htm ); how does that work?”
Steve Berry: I get to go into different towns and teach a 3 1/2 to 4 hour session on how to write a novel, really break it down into its key elements. The money we raise from that session stays in the community and helps to restore or preserve something of historical significance there. Just the other day I was at the University of South Carolina and we had one of best groups. There were over 60 people there, all very serious writers, and the session was intense and fun. Thus far we have raised over $42,000.”
Giovanni: ”I have read that you have had over 85 rejection letters for your first novel. Is there any envy or jealousy now that someone can come up with an idea, run with it, and put it up on the internet without having to go through that entire process?”
Steve Berry: “No, not at all. I think it is great for everyone involved. The market will be the one to decide what stands and what doesn’t. The path I chose, I would probably still go that route again today. I had always wanted to be a commercially successful author and the benefits of having a publisher is something that I enjoy. The self-publishing and ebooks are only going to get bigger and bigger; I think it is great.”
Giovanni: ”Maybe it is just me or maybe not. I live near Philadelphia, and have noticed that not too many authors come around here too much. Is there a stigma attached to city of cheesesteaks and TastyKakes?”
Steve Berry: “No not at all. I have been to Philadelphia a number of times, Chester County in particular. But I think that what you are taking notice of is that the author tours are different than what they used to be. They are becoming more of a special and unique thing; it isn’t your basic sit down and sign books. With the increase in the use of the internet and the social media, we as authors are able to get closer to our readers now in a variety of ways. I am talking to you, discussing the novel and you will post this on your blog and various social media. What you may find now is that the book signing tours may be shorter but we may incorporate other elements into it to make it easier for us to reach more of our fans.”
Of note – Steve Berry will be in Scranton,Pa. on March 19,2011 to receive an award, here is the link for that: http://matrix.scranton.edu/academics/wml/distinguished/index.shtml
Giovanni: ”Do you have any questions for me at all?”
Steve Berry: ”I checked out your blog before we spoke, it doesn’t seem to me as if you have read my short story, The Balkan Escape, that story would explain a few things as you go into The Emperor’s Tomb.”
Giovanni: “No I haven’t had the pleasure yet, I just got a Kindle, so I will get on it right away.”
We are planning on featuring at least one author a week throughout the remainder of the year. I will post the upcoming author interviews in the New Novel Releases for the week we put up on Tuesdays. If you have a question for that author, email me at gelati.giovanni@gmail.com. Hit me with your question and you will be given full credit here on the blog and with the author for your question. Coming up next week, Michael Palmer, his newest novel is entitled A Heartbeat Away. Please have your questions to me by Monday. Thanks.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Here is the synopsis of the roughly 6,000 word digital short:
“Steve Berry's first ever eBook exclusive short story finds an adventurer in a strange and forbidding land, in search of a long lost treasure, and very much in harm's way.
As a favor to enigmatic billionaire Henrik Thorvaldsen, Cassiopeia Vitt treks into Bulgaria's Rila mountains in search of a buried stash of exceedingly rare artifacts from a bygone civilization: the ancient tomb of a Thracian king. But when her presence is discovered by a shadowy group of Russians secretly mining the area, she needs a way out. Who to trust becomes the question, and her life depends on choosing the right option.”
I enjoyed the read and it answered some questions for me that I had as I was reading The Emperor’s Tomb. The character of Vitt for me is not my reason for reading Berry’s books. The promise of some answers and a tie in that I had not read before was my only reason for whipping out the Kindle and devouring this read. It contained all of the usual elements I enjoy in his writing: the research, the history, the incredible attention to detail. Having said all that, reading this out of turn didn’t damage the read, but made my memory of The Emperor’s Tomb better, and put a smile on my face as I felt it all fall into place.
Now to the interview. I tried to touch on a few different subjects with him and here is the substance of the interview:
Giovanni: “What would you like to discuss first- The Emperor’s Tomb or The Jefferson Key?
Steve Berry: “Let’s stick to The Emperor’s Tomb for now. I began to have some interest in China, found it intriguing and began to research it. Then I tied into that, the fact that the Chinese did indeed drill for oil 2500 years ago along with the discovery of the Emperor’s Tomb. I wanted to tie those three pieces together, China, the oil discovery, and the Emperor’s Tomb.” Check out our post on the novel for the background on the novel and the back story.
Giovanni: ”I have read that you do an intense amount of research, sometimes using 200-300 different resources for your novels, is that true?”
Steve Berry: “Yes, I enjoy the research and try to get my hands on as many resource materials as possible to accomplish that. I go to the Chamblin Bookmine bookstore to find most of my resource material.”
Giovanni: ”How long does it take you to research and pen a novel? You seem to be on a one a year cycle.”
Steve Berry: “It actually takes me 18 months to start and finish a novel. I am finished with The Jefferson Key, and while I was doing that I had already begun to research the next novel and have begun writing that. Now while I am writing this next one I am deep in my research for the 2013 novel.”
Giovanni: ”I mean no disrespect when I ask you this, but your first three novels were stand- alones, then you went on a run with Cotton Malone. I am a big fan of Malone. I can say I am a Malone Clone, but are you going to go in another direction anytime soon.”
Steve Berry: “Funny you should ask me that question. I received a phone call the other day from Malone. He said to me, ”Steve, I am a bit tired, can you give me 2012 off, I need a vacation.” So that is what I am going to do. 2012 is going to be a stand-alone with an all new set of characters. The plotline I don’t want to give away at this point, but it will be wrapped around a really neat period of history and it is going to be something that hasn’t been done before.”
Giovanni: “You and your wife have an organization called History Matters, (here is the link for that
http://www.steveberry.org/berry-history.htm ); how does that work?”
Steve Berry: I get to go into different towns and teach a 3 1/2 to 4 hour session on how to write a novel, really break it down into its key elements. The money we raise from that session stays in the community and helps to restore or preserve something of historical significance there. Just the other day I was at the University of South Carolina and we had one of best groups. There were over 60 people there, all very serious writers, and the session was intense and fun. Thus far we have raised over $42,000.”
Giovanni: ”I have read that you have had over 85 rejection letters for your first novel. Is there any envy or jealousy now that someone can come up with an idea, run with it, and put it up on the internet without having to go through that entire process?”
Steve Berry: “No, not at all. I think it is great for everyone involved. The market will be the one to decide what stands and what doesn’t. The path I chose, I would probably still go that route again today. I had always wanted to be a commercially successful author and the benefits of having a publisher is something that I enjoy. The self-publishing and ebooks are only going to get bigger and bigger; I think it is great.”
Giovanni: ”Maybe it is just me or maybe not. I live near Philadelphia, and have noticed that not too many authors come around here too much. Is there a stigma attached to city of cheesesteaks and TastyKakes?”
Steve Berry: “No not at all. I have been to Philadelphia a number of times, Chester County in particular. But I think that what you are taking notice of is that the author tours are different than what they used to be. They are becoming more of a special and unique thing; it isn’t your basic sit down and sign books. With the increase in the use of the internet and the social media, we as authors are able to get closer to our readers now in a variety of ways. I am talking to you, discussing the novel and you will post this on your blog and various social media. What you may find now is that the book signing tours may be shorter but we may incorporate other elements into it to make it easier for us to reach more of our fans.”
Of note – Steve Berry will be in Scranton,Pa. on March 19,2011 to receive an award, here is the link for that: http://matrix.scranton.edu/academics/wml/distinguished/index.shtml
Giovanni: ”Do you have any questions for me at all?”
Steve Berry: ”I checked out your blog before we spoke, it doesn’t seem to me as if you have read my short story, The Balkan Escape, that story would explain a few things as you go into The Emperor’s Tomb.”
Giovanni: “No I haven’t had the pleasure yet, I just got a Kindle, so I will get on it right away.”
We are planning on featuring at least one author a week throughout the remainder of the year. I will post the upcoming author interviews in the New Novel Releases for the week we put up on Tuesdays. If you have a question for that author, email me at gelati.giovanni@gmail.com. Hit me with your question and you will be given full credit here on the blog and with the author for your question. Coming up next week, Michael Palmer, his newest novel is entitled A Heartbeat Away. Please have your questions to me by Monday. Thanks.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Suzanne Woods Fisher The Search
I have to admit, I am a big fan of good stories written with an Amish backdrop. I don’t know if this comes from having lived my entire life about 90 minutes away from Lancaster, PA and enjoying frequent trips there or my envy of a lifestyle that most of us will never get to experience. I am drawn in by the faith, dedication to family and community, natural beauty, and simplicity of the Amish people.
The words on the back cover of The Search describe this story better than I ever could, “Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming – and surprising – tale of young love¸ forgiveness, and healing.”
The Search is the third book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s series Lancaster County Secrets. I have not read the first two, but with the author’s great descriptions and attention to detail, I felt as if I was right in the middle of the story. It was as if I knew the characters and their personalities. The feelings of love, forgiveness and especially healing were beautifully portrayed. Throughout are snippets from sermons that really hit home. They pertain to specific situations but could be applied to our lives as well. Here’s an example, “But a few years ago, I went to a church service and the pastor happened to be preaching on the difference between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness. I knew I couldn’t forgive others without God’s help. He said that we fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God.” That one made me stop and think.
All in all, The Secret is a really nice blend of a good storyline, likable characters, very detailed descriptions of scenery and personalities, along with many fine examples of how living a life of love and truth will lead to happiness.
“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
The words on the back cover of The Search describe this story better than I ever could, “Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming – and surprising – tale of young love¸ forgiveness, and healing.”
The Search is the third book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s series Lancaster County Secrets. I have not read the first two, but with the author’s great descriptions and attention to detail, I felt as if I was right in the middle of the story. It was as if I knew the characters and their personalities. The feelings of love, forgiveness and especially healing were beautifully portrayed. Throughout are snippets from sermons that really hit home. They pertain to specific situations but could be applied to our lives as well. Here’s an example, “But a few years ago, I went to a church service and the pastor happened to be preaching on the difference between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness. I knew I couldn’t forgive others without God’s help. He said that we fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God.” That one made me stop and think.
All in all, The Secret is a really nice blend of a good storyline, likable characters, very detailed descriptions of scenery and personalities, along with many fine examples of how living a life of love and truth will lead to happiness.
“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New Novel Releases for this week January 18th, 2011
I am finally getting back in the swing of things and getting back to putting this part of the week together. I did enjoy my time off, but it is time to get serious. To touch on a few bases here, we are going to be doing things a bit differently here @ The Scoop. One of the notable things is that when we are fortunate to get an interview with an author, I would appreciate some help with the questions. Why not? You read some of the same novels and books I do; take a shot at asking one of the questions. Later this week I will be having a Q&A with Michael Palmer, author of A Heartbeat Away. Feel free to either place your question in the comment box here for this post or just send me an email@ gelati.giovanni@gmail.com. You will get full credit for the question in the post. Now to the new releases:
• Tick/Tock James Patterson
• Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning
• Flash Foresight - Daniel Burrus
• Strategic Moves - Stuart Woods
• My Father at 100 - Ron Reagan
• Call Me Irresistible - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
• The Weird Sisters - Eleanor Brown
• Love is Murder - Allison Brennan
• How to Woo a Reluctant Lady - Sabrina Jeffries
• The Orchid Affair - Lauren Willig
• Fullmetal Alchemist - Hiromu Arakawa
• You Know When the Men are Gone - Siobhan Fallon
That does it for this week. I am going to add a variety of new categories to this as the year goes on, so stay tuned. Each week during this post I will the author interviews we have lined up, so be ready with your questions. You can also follow us on Twitter for any extra announcements that come along.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Robert Crais The Sentry
Am I a sucker for a Joe Pike novel or what? Yes I am and like many of you I marked the release date on my calendar and waited patiently to get my hands on it. I buzzed through it and, well, let me just hold off on my thoughts for a little bit. Let’s get to what is inside the covers first:
“Dru Rayne and her uncle fled to L.A. after Hurricane Katrina; but now, five years later, they face a different danger. When Joe Pike witnesses Dru's uncle beaten by a protection gang, he offers his help, but neither of them want it-and neither do the federal agents mysteriously watching them.
As the level of violence escalates, and Pike himself becomes a target, he and Elvis Cole learn that Dru and her uncle are not who they seem- and that everything he thought he knew about them has been a lie. A vengeful and murderous force from their past is now catching up to them . . . and only Pike and Cole stand in the way.”
Nothing but our buddy Jared getting his daily moo is what it seems in The Sentry. Personally I enjoyed the interludes with Jared and hope that he makes appearances in future Pike vehicles. The reason I enjoy Robert Crais’ work so much is not the twists and turns this novel takes and it is not so much Joe Pike (but I do like him very much), it is the ability, skill and consistency that comes with each read. I know that I am getting a very rich, well- constructed plotline, characters that I can identify with on some level and either root for them or grow to dislike them. I develop a feeling that I am right there in whatever environment Crais wants to place me in, basically your textbook, by the numbers, well- conceived and executed novel. In this day and age of receiving value, this author is bank, all the way. There are far too few of them in my estimation anymore, Robert Crais just doesn’t take a novel off or mail it in.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Dru Rayne and her uncle fled to L.A. after Hurricane Katrina; but now, five years later, they face a different danger. When Joe Pike witnesses Dru's uncle beaten by a protection gang, he offers his help, but neither of them want it-and neither do the federal agents mysteriously watching them.
As the level of violence escalates, and Pike himself becomes a target, he and Elvis Cole learn that Dru and her uncle are not who they seem- and that everything he thought he knew about them has been a lie. A vengeful and murderous force from their past is now catching up to them . . . and only Pike and Cole stand in the way.”
Nothing but our buddy Jared getting his daily moo is what it seems in The Sentry. Personally I enjoyed the interludes with Jared and hope that he makes appearances in future Pike vehicles. The reason I enjoy Robert Crais’ work so much is not the twists and turns this novel takes and it is not so much Joe Pike (but I do like him very much), it is the ability, skill and consistency that comes with each read. I know that I am getting a very rich, well- constructed plotline, characters that I can identify with on some level and either root for them or grow to dislike them. I develop a feeling that I am right there in whatever environment Crais wants to place me in, basically your textbook, by the numbers, well- conceived and executed novel. In this day and age of receiving value, this author is bank, all the way. There are far too few of them in my estimation anymore, Robert Crais just doesn’t take a novel off or mail it in.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Monday, January 17, 2011
John Locke Lethal Poeple
What constitutes the elements of a good read for you? Do you need to have a gigantic seven foot, disfigured, complex hero type? Aggressive and violent mob bosses? An ex-wife that totally hates the main character? A quadriplegic midget who wants to dominate the world and has dreadlocks that hang to the ground? A main character that is an assassin for Homeland Security and also does work on the side? Wait, how about a group of trampoline using knife throwing circus midgets? I forgot to mention that our main character likes to test out torture devices that he can sell to the government for use, sleeps in peoples’ attics when he can and when he can’t, and in his office complex sleeps in a prison cell. Would that be enough to catch your eye and give this novel a try? Believe it or not, I left a lot out. Check out the simple synopsis from Amazon itself:
“Donovan Creed, a former CIA assassin, is a very tough man with a weakness for very easy women. Meet him in LETHAL PEOPLE a relentlessly entertaining crime novel that's often LOL - bizarre funny! The action is fast and furious, the dialogue smart, savvy and sexy. The story is filled with quirky characters and clever surprises. “
Here is a little something about the author:
“In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer, to door-to-door salesman, to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of two non-fiction books, Qualities of Character and Dynasty in the Making. He lives in Kentucky, where he has just finished a sequel titled Lethal Experiment. “
Right now there are five novels in the set: Lethal People, Lethal Experiment, Now & Then, Saving Rachel, and Wish List. I read Lethal People on my Kindle, cost for the download-$.99. Probably one of the best purchases I have made at that price in a while, I laughed my $%# off. I am still looking for it, my $%^. I am going to be honest, when I was done reading it, I downloaded the other titles in the series and watched them pop up on the Kindle menu and smiled some more. John Locke can blend all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph and more and juggle them in a manner that will make you shake your head till the last virtual page. I couldn’t click through fast enough. Donovan Creed and company are an engaging, dysfunctional, passionate, group of heartless killers. You know I love character driven fiction, and I found a real winner here.
** As an important side note for this week and next: I have a big time interview with Steve Berry for posting on Wednesday and next week I will have a Q&A with Michael Palmer. If you are a Goodreads friend please check out our blog for the post, I can’t put it up on Goodreads as I am not an author. Do you have a question for either author? If you do get them to me ASAP!!
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Donovan Creed, a former CIA assassin, is a very tough man with a weakness for very easy women. Meet him in LETHAL PEOPLE a relentlessly entertaining crime novel that's often LOL - bizarre funny! The action is fast and furious, the dialogue smart, savvy and sexy. The story is filled with quirky characters and clever surprises. “
Here is a little something about the author:
“In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer, to door-to-door salesman, to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of two non-fiction books, Qualities of Character and Dynasty in the Making. He lives in Kentucky, where he has just finished a sequel titled Lethal Experiment. “
Right now there are five novels in the set: Lethal People, Lethal Experiment, Now & Then, Saving Rachel, and Wish List. I read Lethal People on my Kindle, cost for the download-$.99. Probably one of the best purchases I have made at that price in a while, I laughed my $%# off. I am still looking for it, my $%^. I am going to be honest, when I was done reading it, I downloaded the other titles in the series and watched them pop up on the Kindle menu and smiled some more. John Locke can blend all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph and more and juggle them in a manner that will make you shake your head till the last virtual page. I couldn’t click through fast enough. Donovan Creed and company are an engaging, dysfunctional, passionate, group of heartless killers. You know I love character driven fiction, and I found a real winner here.
** As an important side note for this week and next: I have a big time interview with Steve Berry for posting on Wednesday and next week I will have a Q&A with Michael Palmer. If you are a Goodreads friend please check out our blog for the post, I can’t put it up on Goodreads as I am not an author. Do you have a question for either author? If you do get them to me ASAP!!
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Lisa Genova Left Neglected
Left Neglected is the newly released novel by Lisa Genova author of Still Alice. I have not read the first one, but quite honestly if it is anything like the new one, I am going to put it on my Goodreads –to read – list. Maybe Goodreads should make a new designation, -must read-, to make things easier. Genova seems to have a thing about brains and the injury that can come to them, in Still Alice she tackles Alzheimer’s, in Left Neglected she goes after brain injury via auto accident that leaves our main character without the use of the left side of her brain. Here are the particulars of the novel:
“Sarah Nickerson is like any other career-driven supermom in Welmont, the affluent Boston suburb where she leads a hectic but charmed life with her husband Bob, faithful nanny, and three children—Lucy, Charlie, and nine-month-old Linus.
Between recruiting the best and brightest minds as the vice president of human resources at Berkley Consulting; shuttling the kids to soccer, day care, and piano lessons; convincing her son’s teacher that he may not, in fact, have ADD; and making it home in time for dinner, it’s a wonder this over-scheduled, over-achieving Harvard graduate has time to breathe.
A self-confessed balloon about to burst, Sarah miraculously manages every minute of her life like an air traffic controller. Until one fateful day, while driving to work and trying to make a phone call, she looks away from the road for one second too long. In the blink of an eye, all the rapidly moving parts of her jam-packed life come to a screeching halt.
A traumatic brain injury completely erases the left side of her world, and for once, Sarah relinquishes control to those around her, including her formerly absent mother. Without the ability to even floss her own teeth, she struggles to find answers about her past and her uncertain future.
Now, as she wills herself to regain her independence and heal, Sarah must learn that her real destiny—her new, true life—may in fact lie far from the world of conference calls and spreadsheets. And that a happiness and peace greater than all the success in the world is close within reach, if only she slows down long enough to notice.”
I like the concept and execution of the plotline, Genova follows through with it very well and delivers a very touching, gripping novel. The heartstrings get pulled often and the title although in one way is very literal can be taken in many ways, I really like that. The medical jargon at times goes a bit too far but I can’t help but admire the amount of research she did to prepare for the novel. Overall I would suggest reading this novel if for nothing else other than the different perspective. It allows the reader to gain to a perspective as to what and can be very important in one’s life and the variety of positive choices that can be made with regards to family and quality of life, the basic important things that come free and can’t be bought.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter,and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Sarah Nickerson is like any other career-driven supermom in Welmont, the affluent Boston suburb where she leads a hectic but charmed life with her husband Bob, faithful nanny, and three children—Lucy, Charlie, and nine-month-old Linus.
Between recruiting the best and brightest minds as the vice president of human resources at Berkley Consulting; shuttling the kids to soccer, day care, and piano lessons; convincing her son’s teacher that he may not, in fact, have ADD; and making it home in time for dinner, it’s a wonder this over-scheduled, over-achieving Harvard graduate has time to breathe.
A self-confessed balloon about to burst, Sarah miraculously manages every minute of her life like an air traffic controller. Until one fateful day, while driving to work and trying to make a phone call, she looks away from the road for one second too long. In the blink of an eye, all the rapidly moving parts of her jam-packed life come to a screeching halt.
A traumatic brain injury completely erases the left side of her world, and for once, Sarah relinquishes control to those around her, including her formerly absent mother. Without the ability to even floss her own teeth, she struggles to find answers about her past and her uncertain future.
Now, as she wills herself to regain her independence and heal, Sarah must learn that her real destiny—her new, true life—may in fact lie far from the world of conference calls and spreadsheets. And that a happiness and peace greater than all the success in the world is close within reach, if only she slows down long enough to notice.”
I like the concept and execution of the plotline, Genova follows through with it very well and delivers a very touching, gripping novel. The heartstrings get pulled often and the title although in one way is very literal can be taken in many ways, I really like that. The medical jargon at times goes a bit too far but I can’t help but admire the amount of research she did to prepare for the novel. Overall I would suggest reading this novel if for nothing else other than the different perspective. It allows the reader to gain to a perspective as to what and can be very important in one’s life and the variety of positive choices that can be made with regards to family and quality of life, the basic important things that come free and can’t be bought.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter,and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Friday, January 14, 2011
Graphic Novel Friday Tron Betrayal/Prequel to Tron :Legacy
Where to start on this one: I have yet to see the new movie; I loved the original movie very much, and played all the video games from the original movie in Space Port. I know, I’m dating myself; I am over that already. I am married now but I will admit to being old enough to be among those that can say that they played the cutting edge games from back in the day. When I saw this was available I had to pick it up and give it read, memories. Here is the synopsis:
“Sam Flynn is the rebellious 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer who disappeared when Sam was just a child. When Sam looks into his father’s disappearance, he finds himself pulled into the same world of brutal programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for almost 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidante, Quora, Kevin Flynn and his son Sam must embark on a life-and-death voyage across a visually-stunning cyber universe to put an end to the evil Clu and his reign of this digital world.
This 128-page graphic novel prequel will bridge the story between the first Tron film from 1982 and the upcoming Walt Disney Studio’s film, Tron: Legacy. “
Anytime I can read about Flynn and the MCP is a good day in my book. The art in this is just right; the storyline is a good continuation and helps explain in some ways what is going on currently and what Flynn has been doing since his disappearance oh those many years ago. I like the fact that they have resurrected this story and I am looking forward to playing the video games with my kids that I am sure will sprout up from this new movie. The graphic novel is a good tie into it, something to whet the appetite, and get us prepared for the main event, TRON:Legacy. The graphic novel is indeed a very nice bridge to the new movie. Check it out; it is a quick ride worth taking.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter,and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Sam Flynn is the rebellious 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, a computer programmer who disappeared when Sam was just a child. When Sam looks into his father’s disappearance, he finds himself pulled into the same world of brutal programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for almost 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidante, Quora, Kevin Flynn and his son Sam must embark on a life-and-death voyage across a visually-stunning cyber universe to put an end to the evil Clu and his reign of this digital world.
This 128-page graphic novel prequel will bridge the story between the first Tron film from 1982 and the upcoming Walt Disney Studio’s film, Tron: Legacy. “
Anytime I can read about Flynn and the MCP is a good day in my book. The art in this is just right; the storyline is a good continuation and helps explain in some ways what is going on currently and what Flynn has been doing since his disappearance oh those many years ago. I like the fact that they have resurrected this story and I am looking forward to playing the video games with my kids that I am sure will sprout up from this new movie. The graphic novel is a good tie into it, something to whet the appetite, and get us prepared for the main event, TRON:Legacy. The graphic novel is indeed a very nice bridge to the new movie. Check it out; it is a quick ride worth taking.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter,and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Daniel Palmer Delirious
Debut novels sometimes are a bummer, but once in a while you find that one has it running on all cylinders; that is Delirious. This is a novel that mixes elements of a few genres together, but Daniel Palmer weaves them into one tightknit novel that is difficult to put down. Here is the 411 on the plotline:
“One day, Charlie Giles is an up-and-coming electronics superstar. The next, he's a prime homicide suspect as his former employers are picked off one by one. Charlie watches his life unravel as his company and inventions are wrenched from his control, and his family is decimated. With nowhere else to turn, he enlists his schizophrenic brother to uncover the dark family secrets that lie at the heart of the unfolding terror. "Delirious" is a mind-bending story where the line between what is real and what is imagined twists and turns...an addictive literary puzzle that every reader will want to solve.”
I like the way this novel goes about its business, it basically is like reading a high speed car chase on a curvy cliff without much shoulder on the road. The twists and turns come right at you, the novel takes changes of pace with ease, and the pages keep turning and turning right up to the end. Charlie Giles is given quite the ride: we get to see him at his best, his worst and the in-between. Trying to figure this out is too much fun and the ride with Charlie should not be passed up.
My expectations were just not met but exceeded in Delirious. The novel doesn’t release till January 25, so to get in on this you would need to preorder the novel. To do that, you can click through on the Amazon icon here on the blog.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“One day, Charlie Giles is an up-and-coming electronics superstar. The next, he's a prime homicide suspect as his former employers are picked off one by one. Charlie watches his life unravel as his company and inventions are wrenched from his control, and his family is decimated. With nowhere else to turn, he enlists his schizophrenic brother to uncover the dark family secrets that lie at the heart of the unfolding terror. "Delirious" is a mind-bending story where the line between what is real and what is imagined twists and turns...an addictive literary puzzle that every reader will want to solve.”
I like the way this novel goes about its business, it basically is like reading a high speed car chase on a curvy cliff without much shoulder on the road. The twists and turns come right at you, the novel takes changes of pace with ease, and the pages keep turning and turning right up to the end. Charlie Giles is given quite the ride: we get to see him at his best, his worst and the in-between. Trying to figure this out is too much fun and the ride with Charlie should not be passed up.
My expectations were just not met but exceeded in Delirious. The novel doesn’t release till January 25, so to get in on this you would need to preorder the novel. To do that, you can click through on the Amazon icon here on the blog.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
Lee Goldberg Mr. Monk on the Road
Has anyone caught on to the fact that I am a big Lee Goldberg and Mr. Monk fan? Hopefully you have , but don’t take the comments I make in this post on Mr. Monk on the Road as those of a homer or stalker. Everything I am about to write is dead on target. This is probably the best Monk novel that Lee Goldberg has written by far, plain and simple, flat out awesome! To the book flaps:
“Monk's out on the open highway-but crime is a hitchhiker that won't be ignored.
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday cake: sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motorhome on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.”
Balance, even numbers, incredible scenery, the Monk’s match the peanut shell game, illicit drugs, incredible martinis, bubble gum and murder all have something to do with this engaging, quick read. I was lucky enough to take this in all at one time; the pages were flying through my fingertips. Lee Goldberg gives the triumvirate of Adrian & Ambrose Monk and Natalie all the ink in this edition of the series. Stottlemeyer and the new addition, Lieutenant Devlin, get a little bit of action, but just about the entire story revolves around the exploits of the three amigos as they go out in the RV.
What is the genesis of my statement that this is by far the best of the series? The series is no more, and Lee Goldberg has done things with this novel he has not in the past, really taken the characters and fleshed them out more, gotten inside their heads, exposed their feelings and emotions on a level that hasn’t been done before. He’s taken the characters past anything they have done in the past, and basically gave them a unique sense of self, where they stand with each other and the world, and a balance and symmetry that the characters have always craved but never had. This for me is the complete Mr. Monk novel: fun, tongue in cheek, over the top insanity mixed with equal parts mystery, action and an ending that ties everything up into a nice package.
My bobblehead has his swagger back and a big smile as he sits on my desk staring at me. The question I think the bobblehead has for me to ask, ”Can Lee Goldberg pump one of these out every week so I can read them at 9pm every Friday evening?” Here’s hoping.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Monk's out on the open highway-but crime is a hitchhiker that won't be ignored.
With his job secure and his wife's murder finally solved, Adrian Monk is feeling strangely...satisfied. He'd like his agoraphobic brother Ambrose to feel the same way, so Monk puts a secret ingredient in Ambrose's birthday cake: sleeping pills. When Ambrose wakes up, he's in a motorhome on the open road with Monk determined to show him the outside world.
But Ambrose isn't the only one struggling to let go. As little crimes pop up along the highway, Monk can't resist getting involved. Now it's up to Monk to stop a murderer from turning their road trip into a highway to hell.”
Balance, even numbers, incredible scenery, the Monk’s match the peanut shell game, illicit drugs, incredible martinis, bubble gum and murder all have something to do with this engaging, quick read. I was lucky enough to take this in all at one time; the pages were flying through my fingertips. Lee Goldberg gives the triumvirate of Adrian & Ambrose Monk and Natalie all the ink in this edition of the series. Stottlemeyer and the new addition, Lieutenant Devlin, get a little bit of action, but just about the entire story revolves around the exploits of the three amigos as they go out in the RV.
What is the genesis of my statement that this is by far the best of the series? The series is no more, and Lee Goldberg has done things with this novel he has not in the past, really taken the characters and fleshed them out more, gotten inside their heads, exposed their feelings and emotions on a level that hasn’t been done before. He’s taken the characters past anything they have done in the past, and basically gave them a unique sense of self, where they stand with each other and the world, and a balance and symmetry that the characters have always craved but never had. This for me is the complete Mr. Monk novel: fun, tongue in cheek, over the top insanity mixed with equal parts mystery, action and an ending that ties everything up into a nice package.
My bobblehead has his swagger back and a big smile as he sits on my desk staring at me. The question I think the bobblehead has for me to ask, ”Can Lee Goldberg pump one of these out every week so I can read them at 9pm every Friday evening?” Here’s hoping.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Digital short Saturday Wayne C. Rogers The Encounter
I have to admit I really enjoy it when my friends on the different social networks make book recommendations to me. This one, The Encounter by Wayne C. Rodgers was definitely an interesting find. The recommendation came from a friend on Goodreads and the referral stated, ”This guy can write, check it out.” I took him at his word, cranked up the Kindle and did just that, little did I know what I was in store for. This, my friends is one unusual digital short story by an author that seems to be quite the character himself. If you don’t believe me, check out his bio from Amazon:
“Wayne C. Rogers is a Las Vegas casino employee who has been writing professionally (with the intent to sell) for twenty-five years. His first horror short story, The Hitchhiker, was published in Cavalier magazine in 1986. He then decided to move to L.A. to be a movie writer, but stopped off in Las Vegas to see some old friends and ended up staying.
It's only been within the past year that Mr. Rogers (no, not the famous TV host of programs for children) made the decision to work towards being a full-time writer of horror and suspense and psychological fiction. He has written several novellas (three of which are posted on Amazon's Kindle), dozens of short stories (some of which are also on Amazon), an erotic/horror novel--The House of Blood--for the crowd that lives on the wild kinky side, and two completed screenplays based on his stories The Encounter and The Tunnels. He is currently at work on a third screenplay, Shanghai Ed and the Valley of Gold. As the third script is being written, he also plans to write a short hardcore P.I. novel called, Dolan. This will be in the tradition of Andrew Vachss and Tom Piccirilli. Last, but not least, the horror writers who have influenced Mr. Rogers the most are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Robert R. McCammon, Dan Simmons, Ray Garton, Edward Lee, John Skipp & Craig Spector, Gerald Houarner, and the late Richard Laymon.
Being somewhat of a couch potato at his old age of sixty, Mr. Rogers enjoys the pastime of writing, reading (he has over a hundred novels on his bookshelves waiting to be read and reviewed), good movies from any time period, and good television programs such as House, Medium, The Defenders, Justified, Dexter, Blue Blood, and Frank Darabont's The Walking Dead. He also enjoys reruns of Boston Legal and the closing arguments of Alan Shore. Finally, Mr. Rogers is rather unusual in that he doesn't own a car, a house, a cellphone, or rent an apartment. In fact, he doesn't own much of anything, except for a computer and lots of books. He rents a small room from an old friend that's filled with only a bed, a desk and computer, a dresser bureau, and a bookcase crammed with hardcovers and paperbacks. One day that might change, but for now everything is within easy reach. God bless downsizing! “
Okay, do you believe me now? The guy is different, or at least his biography is. The story itself is unique and blends the different elements he describes: Horror, suspense, & psychological. It is a nice mix and the story has plenty of twists, turns and gore. I didn’t really know what I was in for. This was a leap of faith, but for the cost of $.99, no harm no foul. I enjoyed it; I clicked right through it at a pretty good clip and enjoyed the read. Since I am new at this Kindle thing, I don’t know if saying I clicked through it is acceptable, but until someone corrects me I am going with it.
Oh yeah, the synopsis of the story, I almost forgot, here it is:
“Ex-U.S. Army tunnel rat, Ben Freeman, encountered something so evil and vicious during his last mission in Vietnam, that he has had nightmares of it for over forty years. Now, the entity is back and is determined to kill everyone Freeman loves and everything he holds dear in his life. The tunnel rat, however, won't be able to fight this creature alone. He'll need the help of his closest friend, former Special Forces Captain, Mike Malloy, the person who saved his life in Nam and has a personal stake in all of this. Together, along with the assistance of Las Vegas Homicide Detective, Lt. Henry Peterson, they will hunt this vile creature down, only to discover that they may have encountered something totally unstoppable.”
I don’t want to give away any of the story, but suffice it to say, it is not your normal action/suspense tail. If you get a groove on the horror, gore, paranormal genre, you have a winner here. It is a nice fast paced digital short story. Give the”not that Mr. Rogers” a try, the cost of the download won’t break the bank , but it may cause you to lose some sleep, or have some reoccurring images in your mind. Hey my friends, keep the book recommendations coming & the comments on the posts;; I love it. If you are not a friend of Giovanni Gelati on Goodreads, please do so immediately, I want to hear from you.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Wattpad. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)