Notes from the Porch Review by Glenda

Notes from the Porch Review by Glenda

by | Jan 11, 2024 | Book Reviews

Notes from a Porch

Review by Glenda

 

Notes from the Porch
Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better about the World
By Thomas Christopher Greene
Rootstock Publishing
Montpelier, VT

Memoir

 

 

 

___________________________________________________

in this mighty mini, Tom invited me to spend an afternoon with him as he introduced me to his neighborhood, his family, and his dog.

__________________________________________________

 

 

 

Moments of memories. This is the entirety of the book from the front cover to the back cover.
I had never heard of Thomas Christopher Greene before I picked this book out of a lineup of Memoirs on the virtual NetGalley shelf. I had just finished a bland novel and I was in no hurry for another.
I like porches, I want one, maybe there was one inside. There was, and Tom invited me to spend an afternoon with him as he introduced me to his neighborhood, his family, and his dog.
Like a nosey neighbor, I sat quietly absorbing the conversation Tom was carrying. I laughed out loud, I scoffed, I smiled, I mourned and then there were the parts I HAD to gossip about.
“This, here, listen to this…” I sat further up in my armchair, took a sip of water, and cleared my throat.
“Oh for goodness sake put you’re f’n phone down and listen to this…”
My husband looked up with one eye while the second one strangely stared down at his phone. I don’t know how he did that. It was enough. I proceeded…
Tom’s voice is uncluttered and a pleasure to hear. I truly love when an author can use few, poignant words, to completely draw the reader into their space. It was a complete pleasure to read this mighty mini. I was sad when I turned the last page, well… Happy to meet Tom’s face there, but damn sad it was done.
While the cover is nothing fancy. The title did draw me to read it out of all the other memoirs I was flipping through so that says something, and I was curious. Would these stories make me feel better about the world?
They did 😀
I rate Notes from the Porch a solid 4 out of 5 and I would recommend it for anyone who needs a break from, well, life. Tom’s life was nice to escape into. This book would also do well on your shelf or as a gift for visitors and friends who love a quick entertaining and enjoyable read. It’s definitely a book I will recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. it was a pleasure to read, and it’s a pleasure to review.

 

 

Click to buy Notes from a Porch

Shoebox Baby – Review by Glenda

Shoebox Baby – Review by Glenda

by | Jan 4, 2024 | Book Reviews

Shoebox Baby

Review by Glenda

 

Shoebox Baby

By Sharon Bruce

Self-published/Tellwell Talent 

Memoir

___________________________________________________

… and there on the warming shelf, laid the ‘Shoebox Baby’.

__________________________________________________

 

61XMItDFDqL._SL1360_

 

 

Shoebox Baby. You know with a title like that, there is a story worth reading.

I used Tellwell Talent to publish my book and so naturally I scrolled through other books, and other authors who also used this service, and there on the warming shelf, laid the ‘Shoebox Baby’.

For the price of a double-double and a donut, I bought the Kindle and started to read.

Three generations of eastern Canadian women quickly pulled this westerner into their lives as told by Author Sharon Bruce. Her style is uncomplicated. Her voice, distinct. Her storytelling, simple. This ‘Bruce Thrice’ had my nose riveted until the last page was swiped. 

The story of Grace was unadorned and engaging with her earthy character and windswept humor chinked into the crevices of her life. Grace’s life was difficult. It pulled me back to a time when houses were cold and food, scarce. I chided myself a lot this week when I complained internally about living in a 5th wheel. It’s warm, I have a heating blanket and food, I’m damn lucky!

I loved everything about Grace and I’m incredibly thankful to have picked up this book to meet her! It’s not surprising that Grace’s wit and resilient nature were passed on to Sue. I loved Bruces’ ability to present the sweet disposition of Sue without mincing the difficulties of dealing with her strong character as she aged. 

While Bruce put just enough of herself into this book to make her presence known the fact that she stood to the side in a supporting role made this memoir sing beautifully. 

I have heard it said that our lives are remembered only to the third generation, then, there is nobody left to remember those who once lived. This family is blessed to have moments of their lives preserved through the story ‘Shoebox Baby’, and, while for sure those connected in this family bloodline will appreciate reading about those that came before them, it was also a super read for those of us who don’t know them, who only just met them, while sipping tea in a wintery week as the year turned from 2023 to 2024. 

I loved the title and it’s what immediately drew my attention to this book. The cover supported the title simply. I would recommend this book particularly if you enjoy a nicely paced memoir. If you enjoy true stories of life, of uncomplicated people, and particularly if you need reminding that life today isn’t nearly as difficult as it was back then. I would even encourage those who have their noses in fiction to pop into this book, there is something riveting in reading real.  

The Shoebox Baby is a memorable memoir. Nicely done Ms. Bruce!

 

 

Click to buy - Shoebox Baby

And there I was… Just minding my own business Book Review by Glenda

And there I was… Just minding my own business Book Review by Glenda

by | Jan 1, 2024 | Book Reviews

And there I was… Just minding my own business

Review by Glenda

 

Just Minding My Own Business – a hybrid memoir

By Rawge Jones

Self-published

___________________________________________________

It took over sixty years for the tule fog to lift off the San Joaquin Valley, and when it did, there he was, leaning against a fence post, just minding his own business.

 

613ePjmZliL._SL1090_

 

 

Some people love ‘Romance Novels, others, ‘Mysteries’, still others love ‘Fantasy’,

I love a good ‘Memoir’. I suppose my mind thinks it’s easy to create something that doesn’t exist but it’s damn more interesting to read about what does exist. Maybe I just like people. I don’t know. I do know that a ‘Memoir’ can be a difficult thing to pull off. If the writer isn’t careful or skilled, a memoir will read flat and self-centered. I’ve yawned my way through more than one.

I opened ‘Just Minding My Own Business’ without expectation.

I started reading and I smiled, and as the Dust Bowl migrants moved, I knew me and this memoir would get along just fine. Rawge Jones is an American Storyteller.

Rawge pulled this reader into the San Joaquin  Valley gently, with a bit of a drawl, blowing dust away. There were moments when I was certain he was Steinbeck’s son as I melted into the first part of the book. As the story continued the feeling shifted. Personal experience marked with good humor and careful retrospect, entertained and pulled this reader forward into Rawge’s life and thoughts, and it was here that I met a guitar-picking philosopher. 

The subtitle -hybrid memoir- is a perfect term for this book.

I loved the title of the book and the cover depicted the easy nature of the man within it.

If you enjoy memoirs this one won’t disappoint, Rawge’s style of writing was easy and enjoyable. While so much of his story resonated with me it was the beginning part of the book that was most impressive. Having just said I love ‘Memoirs’, there is something in the beginning part of this book that sings ‘You must write a novel!’ I appreciated his wit and his wisdom but I fell in love with the voice that told me the story of his parents.

I rate Just Minding My Own Business a solid 4 out of 5 and would recommend it to those who enjoy Memoirs, unassuming philosophy, and American storytelling.

 

Click to buy And there I was... Just minding my own business

Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow Review by Glenda

Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow Review by Glenda

by | Dec 26, 2023 | Book Reviews

Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow

Review by Glenda

 Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow

by Gabrielle Zevin

Penguin Random House

___________________________________________________

I don’t even know where to begin so I will begin and begin and begin.

I bit into Super Mario’s Mushroom, it was magic and it tasted like peach!

 

91gPrjk9OmL._SL1500_

 

I don’t even know where to begin so I will begin and begin and begin.

I bit into Super Mario’s Mushroom, it was magic and it tasted like peach!

 

Why did I even buy this book?

What was it that drew me to want to read it?

I don’t even know.

I read no blurb. 

I read no reviews. 

I saw the cover in a Goodreads give away, a couple of times and while I wasn’t drawn to it, it must have made an impact because I was in the bookstore with a credit that needed spending, and there, that weird cover stuttering over ‘Tomorrow’ was on shelf of ‘Staff Picks’. 

Okay, I saw it on Goodreads, and I saw it in a bookstore in Chilliwack, obviously, it’s stalking me. I bought it. Here I was, the week before Christmas hanging out with a couple of kids as they played video games. 

“Hey, do you know where our Nintendo is?” I asked my husband. He was sucking on a candy cane and watching football. 

“In the sea can, but you’ll never, ever, ever, ever find it.”

“Damn.”

“Why do you ask now?”

“I had an urge to chase mushrooms.” I cracked the book and continued to read, and then I read and read and read.

The story is magnificent (and I don’t usually use that word for anything so this is a magnificent thing!)

My being was touched that the story revolved around ‘friendship’. It was sweet, it was troubled, it was angry, it was confused. What started as a coming of age story, grew, like the Super Mario mushroom, larger and tastier, older and wiser.

I appreciated the writing. Zevin’s storytelling drew me in and kept me there and when I got to the last few pages I was sad. It was one of those books you know will end, but you just don’t want it TO end.

Every character Zevin introduced had a beautiful spot within the story, from Sadie’s Grandmother to Ichigo, real and imagined it was masterful the way they intertwined, developed, grew, and died. I felt like I was reading a classic. Zevin’s skill is masterful!

Gabrielle Zevin, I’m so glad your book stalked me! I rated it 5 out of 5, and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-developed storyline with loveable characters, it doesn’t matter if you like video games or not, this story will keep you riveted to the very end.

 

PS If you are not an art connoisseur nor a Macbeth fan…The cover will make complete sense after you read the book!

 

Click to buy Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow

The Perfect Fig

The Perfect Fig

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Book Reviews

The Perfect Fig

Review by Glenda

The Perfect Fig – Short stories from England and Italy by S.M.Walker

Self-published

___________________________________________________

I reached in for an apple and pulled out a fig. A perfect fig!

 

Screenshot 2023-12-07 9.15.19 AM

 

“I don’t review self-published authors.” Was an email I received several months ago. I had sent a request to a notable reviewer in hopes of luring them in with promises of chocolate chip cookies and fancy wine in exchange for their honest opinion of my book. 

I had stepped foot into ‘self-published’ snobbery.

“Why is this?” I asked myself. So I purchased a couple of self-published books and then I opened them and then I read them and then I thought “OH GOD! We are horrible!” and then I understood why I got that email.

Well, no, to be fair, WE are not ALL horrible, but I have stopped buying physical ‘self-published’ and have started downloading these books on my Kindle. I want to be supportive of my fellow littérateurs but the truth is, not all of us who love to write, know how to write well. I have limited space for physical books and being that I’m fifty-six and more than halfway through my life, I have limited time to read. I’m picky about where I invest it. So, I reach my hand in and out of these digitials like Eve, searching for a perfect apple to chomp on. If it’s a bad bit I don’t bother biting more and I unload and pick another.

A month ago I found a fig, I put it in my mouth and bit, and then I bit again, and then I savored and then I bit again and then I licked all of the juicy bits running down my arm and then I jumped up from my easy chair,  ‘YUM! DELICIOUS! HOORAY!” I shouted waving my sticky hands in the air.

“You are shaking the whole trailer.” Haney pointed out.

“But you don’t understand! She knows how to write! It’s brilliant! It’s bloody brilliant, that ending!

He rolled his eyes at me, stuck a sausage in his mouth,  clicked the tv to TSN to, and started watching football. 

I sat back down and started another story.

I’m an impatient reader, and it was as if Walker knew this and saved me. Her short stories are crafted well and are brisk, easy, and entertaining! Flash fiction in the finest fig quality!

Walker’s brit wit snaps crisply and she puts the dot on the Epic ‘i’.  I don’t know if I want to peek inside of her mind or flee from it. How she pulled some of those endings had me cheering with glee and trembling at the exact moment. 

Not every story had that exact impact yet there was something in each that resonated with this Canadian reader and it had me longing for more!

I purchased not one but 3 physical copies after I read it. This little book will suit very well in my library and I will pull it out for visitors when they are poking around for a quick read. I sent one to my mum who also appreciates a chuckle and I’ve kept one aside to give away.

Walker priced the book well for me to share her work with others. I commend her for her selected price point.

The cover was eye-catching enough to want to peek inside and it suited the title perfectly. I’m currently re-reading the little stories and then I shall move on to her next book.

Thank you for writing The Perfect Fig, S.M. Walker, I will enjoy it over and over again!

I feel quite sorry for the person who doesn’t review self-published. They lost out reading this little gem and I’m thrilled that I can honor a fellow self-published author with a five-star, raving review!

Click to buy The Perfect Fig

Screenshot 2023-12-07 9.15.19 AM

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Logged in as Glenda Toews. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

lker

Self-published.

Click to buy The Perfect Fig

Screenshot 2023-12-07 9.15.19 AM

The Plastic Priest – Review by Glenda

The Plastic Priest – Review by Glenda

by | Oct 15, 2023 | Book Reviews

The Plastic Priest

Review by Glenda

 The Plastic Priest by Nicole Cushing

Published by Cemetery Dance Productions

___________________________________________________

The Master and Margarita got married in Stepford, conceived their daughter Barbie, and Nicole Cushing wrote all about it in The Plastic Priest.

The description drew me to want to read this book. Where does a body go when the soul has been poisoned? I wanted to know.

The cover is dark and weird yet so is the book so it’s entirely fitting.

 

 

The Spiritual Stepford wife of God, lives in Owlingsville. Her name is Kaye. I met her, I’m sure a bit of her resides in each one of us.

Kaye is an Episcopal priest, married to her pagan husband Charlie. From the get go you expect a clash, you expect that the mind will be challenged with conflicting beliefs, conflicting thoughts, conflicting emotions, conflicting understanding of what it means to be human. It was all of this presented within well rounded characters and some lovely wit.

Cushing developed the characters in The Plastic Priest in a way that made this reader feel like she was sitting beside them, loving some, hating some and sometimes wanting to roll my eyes and tell some to ‘f’ right off. The pace of the novella was perfect.

While I loved the development of all the characters, Janus’ left me feeling like I was missing something. Maybe his was a little too abrupt or whimsical in his power? A bit of a jester more than a god? No doubt it was purposeful, but it made my mind stretch into the downward dog to grasp it and I’m a little lazy. That position hurts.

A philosophical thriller? A metaphysical memoir? I rated it a four out of five stars. If you love grappling with those who grapple with religion, you will enjoy this novella.

Thank you to Cemetery Dance Publications and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given. The Plastic Priest will be published Dec. 15, 2023 Keep your eye out for it!