Bookworm Press

5 Minutes by Gareth Stokes

I am not exactly a sci-fi fan but I read a few novels in that genre I really enjoyed, one being 5 Minutes by Gareth Stokes.

Here is my review:

More than 5 minutes worth of excitement.

This is a novel of epic proportions which deals with events in Russian history of the early twentieth century and stretches far into the future to the planet Excel and the Five Moons. The inhabitants of these places are descendents of “old Earth,” mixed in with robots, talking spaceships, and characters which are part human and part machine. These worlds are far ahead of earth as far as technology is concerned and yet they deal with the same problems their ancestors struggle with and their leaders remind us of our modern corrupt and power-hungry politicians.

Empress Lydia, the ruler of Excel, wants to destroy Earth as an act of revenge for the murder of her children when she was tsarina in Russia. She is even ready to sacrifice her daughter who opposes her plan. Her husband, a gentler creature, tries to reign in her hatred and her violent leanings. Marielle, her daughter, escapes with Pegasus, the talking spaceship and attempts to thwart her mother’s plans. While all this turmoil and warfare is going in outer space, a young child by the name of Amy is cruelly abused by her foster father. But it is Amy, vulnerable but tenacious and lovable, who becomes an important instrument in saving Earth.

5 Minutes is full of dark and at the same time humorous and crazy incidences. The characters, whether human or machine-like, are vividly portrayed and genuine. One of the funniest parts for me is the verbal exchange between Pegasus, the talking computer which controls the spaceship, and Marielle, the commander of the ship.

Lovers of sci-fi will really enjoy this story as well as readers who are looking for a good adventure novel with a deeper meaning, because in essence the story deals with very “human” problems: greed, corruption, and the hunger for power as well as the power of love. One word of caution: the novel is quite long, so set enough time aside to be able to enjoy it.

In other words, the perfect book to get lost in during our stay-at-home time.

More to follow. Stay safe and healthy!

The Jennifer Project by Larry Enright

Larry Enright has written many excellent novels in a variety of genres. The Jennifer Project is futuristic story about present-day reality. Others that I loved are The Transcriber, the series The Adventures of Walter Stickle, FIN, A Cape May Diamond, The Blacker Death. I picked my review of The Jennifer Project as example. Here it is:

Dr. Deever MacClendon, a brilliant scientist, who speaks and acts like a hippy, develops together with the help of his best friend/sometime-lover, Dr. Jennifer Crane, a close-to-human, highly intelligent “machine” he names “Jennifer.” His ultimate goal is to use it to create a better world where people don’t have the power to hurt one another. The powers that be (corporations, the government) want to use his invention to achieve—what else?—power and money. MacClendon, a good, kind-hearted guy sees himself forced to deceive and manipulate in order to keep his invention from getting into the wrong hands. Jennifer—his invention—supports him and Dr. Crane “wholeheartedly.” Will MacClendon succeed or will his invention cause the destruction of the world? Will he be able to save his human friend and lover, Dr. Crane? Who is really in charge here? MacClendon? The Corporations? The Resistance (those who fight the government)? Jennifer, the invention? Well, you have to read the book to find out.

This is a fascinating novel, full of “groovy” sixties-like language and humorous situations. But it is also a serious book that portrays the human evils—cruelty, greed, egomania—as well as the power of love and compassion. Lots of scientific research must have gone into this story. Since I am scientifically handicapped, I have no idea how much of it is real, but it sounds authentic!

As in the other of Larry Enright’s books, the colorful, quirky, flawed but lovable, very funny characters keep you entertained from beginning to end. Perfect! I loved it!

If this review triggered your curiosity, check out this fascinating author. Click on the book cover above or the book link here: The Jennifer Project.

Stay safe and sane during these difficult times and stay tuned for more excellent reads in the coming weeks.

Amanda in Spain by Darlene Foster

Darlene Foster is a well-known Canadian writer of young adult fiction. Her young heroine, Amanda, loves to travel. (I think she inherited this from her creator!) Darlene, originally from Canada, lives in Spain and, as I gather from her blog posts, travels all over Europe. She also visits many schools and entertains the children with her marvelous stories.

Now, of course, she seems to hunker down like the rest of us but we all can still travel with Amanda in our imagination!

Her is my review of Amanda’s adventures in Spain:

A curious young girl, a pony, and a mysterious painting

Amanda Ross from Canada is invited by her British friend Leah and Leah’s parents on a trip through Spain. Amanda loves to travel. She is an enthusiastic, spunky, and curious young girl, always eager to learn and explore. And it is precisely her curiosity and her desire to figure things out that often get her into trouble. A painting in a museum of a beautiful, mysterious young girl, a modern real-life version of the girl, a stolen pony, and a few mean-looking men and the relaxing days at the beach Leah was looking forward to, turn into a turbulent and potentially dangerous detective story for the two friends.

Amanda in Spain is a book for the young and the young-at-heart. Vivid descriptions of the country and its customs, humorous details, and enough tension that keeps you turning the page, make this a very enjoyable reading. I look forward to Amanda’s next adventure!

Hotel Obscure by Lisette Brodey

Here is the second post in my series of “Stay-At-Home”-posts honoring some of the authors I have met, either personally or over social media, and whose works have inspired me. Lisette Brodey has published several excellent novels about family, friends, and relationships as well as a few very funny romantic comedies. One of my favorite work of hers is Hotel Obscure, a collection of short stories. Here is my review:

Powerful, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming

Hotel Obscure is a collection of heart-wrenching, heart-warming, and unsentimental stories about people from all walks of life who, for different reasons, have fallen on hard times and end up in a cheap, dilapidated hotel in a less than stellar neighborhood. The place is a dead-end for many but also a new start for some. The inhabitants include men and women who try to escape an abusive relationship or oppressive environment, people in financial straits, drug-addicts, prostitutes or other bankrupt souls. With deep psychological insight, with warmth and humor, the author portrays this motley crew of hurting or broken souls. Excellent work, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

I hope I got you interested in this talented author. If yes, click on the cover of the book or on the title link above.

More to come! Have a great week and stay safe!

THE BREVITY OF ROSES by Linda Cassidy Lewis

During these difficult and turbulent times we all look for things to relax and soothe us and bring some joy into our day-to-day life. It may be getting back in touch with friends or family we may have neglected in the past or devote more time again to a hobby, to something which gives us joy and our life meaning. Or perhaps we simply look for a little entertainment, diversion, an escape.

In my case, it is activities such as reading, writing, singing, playing my guitar, exercising, cooking, a little baking, going for walks (wearing a mask now and waving at others from afar) and staying in touch with friends and family that fill my days.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about the many authors I’ve met, some in person, some only through social media, during my writing career and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share my thoughts on some of my favorite books that I reviewed over the years.

The first contact I made when I began to independently publish my first novel Love of a Stonemason is the author Linda Cassidy Lewis and her debut novel The Brevity of Roses. Since that book, Linda has gone on to publish several books, which I enjoyed very much, but The Brevity of Roses remains one of my favorite novels. Here is my review:

Every once in a while, I come across a work of literature, which is not only fascinating, entertaining, and moving, but which touches me on a deeper level. The Brevity of Roses by Linda Cassidy Lewis is one of those books.

The Brevity of Roses is a story about love, the power and beauty of love as well as the fear it can trigger and the pain it can cause. Love is what the three main characters—Jalal, Meredith, and Renee—struggle with.

Jalal, a handsome American-Iranian poet from a well-to-do family escapes a life of drugs, alcohol, a career he hates, and a lot of superficial relationships by moving across the country from New York to California. He finds love and embraces it but when tragedy strikes, he withdraws from life. Underneath the shiny veneer he presents to the world, he is slowly dying. Meredith, an anthropologist, struggles with feelings of guilt toward her former husband which hold her back from giving her heart fully, and Renee, a waitress and survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, falls in love but when it gets serious, her first reaction is to run. But it is the tenacious Renee who ultimately manages to break down the walls Jalal has built around himself and forces him to face his demons, a grief so deep it threatens to undo him.

While reading this book, I was often reminded of a quotation by May Sarton in her book Mrs. Stephens Hears the Mermaids Singing: “Love opens the door into everything, as far as I can see, including, and perhaps most of all, the door into one’s secret, and often terrible and frightening, real self.”

The Brevity of Roses is a carefully crafted, beautifully told story. The characters are complex and believable, flawed but loveable. With vivid descriptions, the author manages to engage our senses, our thoughts, and our emotions. And, without any explicit love-making scenes, she creates a highly charged and sensuous atmosphere.

Masterful debut novel by a talented author. I look forward to more of her work.

If my review made you curious, click on the book cover or title link, buy the book, and you’ll have something wonderful to entertain you. I can guarantee it!

Sally Cronin writes a wonderful blog with inspiring posts. Check it out. Have a great weekend and stay safe!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/04/18/smorgasbord-blog-magazine-weekly-round-up-april-12th-18th-relationships-abba-guacamole-pasta-guests-poetry-and-funnies/comment-page-1/#comment-270115

I am a guest on Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine. Hop on over and enjoy!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/smorgasbord-posts-from-your-archives-family-and-friends-how-a-novel-is-born-love-of-a-stonemason-by-christa-polkinhorn/

For some laughter:

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/04/07/smorgasbord-laughter-lines-comedian-in-residence-d-g-kaye-and-some-new-material-from-sally-12/

Dear Friends,

These are trying times indeed; our lives are in turmoil. Remember though this too will pass. Not sure when, but there will be an end to it. In the meantime, why not have some fun with the new Mask Fashion? I finally have the opportunity to wear my many scarves! You all know of course that wearing a mask, in particular a home-made one, is only an added precaution to physical distancing, washing hands, staying home etc. etc.

Here are a few samples of my creative attempt. And yes, you can laugh!

While I hunker down at home, I try to be creative in other ways as well. I’m learning to play the guitar, even take singing lessons (via Zoom), and of course write. Writing has been a slow process, but I do have a skeleton of a manuscript for a new novel with the working title Letter from a Cave. But more about that in my next post.

Just taking this opportunity to wish you well and hopefully bring a smile to your face. Stay safe, stay home, stay calm, and stay healthy.

A crisis brings out the worst and the best in us!