UPDATE 9/14/2020: In case you were wondering if my positive review was legit, I recently saw that it won the category of Literary Fiction at the AmeriUPDATE 9/14/2020: In case you were wondering if my positive review was legit, I recently saw that it won the category of Literary Fiction at the American Fiction Awards 2020. That's high praise!
UPDATE 11/5/2019: This is my write in selection for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards in the category of Fiction. I encourage others to do the same!
Two facts about author Michael Bowe:
- As of my writing of this review he is not very well known (but should be) - His first two books are CONSIDERABLY better than some of the big named books that get lots of circulation and attention
With these two things in mind, if you like consistently good story telling, an emotional connection with what you are reading, unforced poetical prose, etc. etc. etc., you really need to give Michael Bowe a try!
The Weight of the Moment focuses on how life can very quickly be changed by a single, short lived event – sometimes as quick as the blink of an eye. In the examples that drive this story, the moments cannot easily be changed, erased, or taken back with a simple apology. I was frequently reminded of the book So, You’ve Been Publicly Shamed; where one ill thought out tweet or statement made in public can destroy the life of someone who had, up until then, lived a perfectly normal and happy life. In this day and age, I think almost all of us can relate to fears over how easy it is for a small mistake to be broadcast to the world.
How can demons of a single moment be exorcised? The amazing storytelling of Michael Bowe will take you from big city Philadelphia to rural Pennsylvania where the two protagonists, Nick Sterling and Tom Corbett form a friendship that helps them both overcome their own demons. Along the way they also manage to clean some skeletons out of Tom’s family closet. All the characters met along the way are wonderfully fleshed out – often with a side story (unrelated to the main story, but important none the less) that offers insight on the moment that defines them. Again, simply fantastic storytelling!
I guarantee that if you like great fiction that tugs at your emotions and leaves you thinking, you must give Michael Bowe a try. Either Skyscraper of a Man, The Weight of the Moment, or both. You just cannot go wrong!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! And, it is honestly great! ...more
I received a copy of this book from Celadon Books for an honest review and Mother's Day seems like the perfect day to post it!
This Happy Mother's Day!
I received a copy of this book from Celadon Books for an honest review and Mother's Day seems like the perfect day to post it!
This book is perfect for what it is.
And, what is it you ask?
You know when you go into a bookstore looking for a last minute gift for someone? Up near the front is a rack of smaller books that are either condensed versions of larger books or collections of wit and wisdom. They might answer any of the following questions:
- How can I de-stress my life? - What is the best advice for a new graduate? - What are the funny differences between men and women?
In this case, the question being asked is:
- What sort of humorous wisdom might you get from a cynical but well-meaning mother?
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I read this entire book in 15 minutes, so it would definitely fit into the "quick little gift" category. And, I am sorry to say that I am not sure it is worth the cover price.
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It is probably best described as the sister companion to Sh*t My Dad Says. The format is one comic every two pages representing a nugget of wisdom from the author's mother. Before the comics, there is a fairly long intro from the author (long, based on the rest of the book - it probably took me twice as long it read it). I have read other short, humorous books where this didn't bother me quite as much. I think the reason for this is that it is obvious there is only about 20 pages of content here and they fluffed it up to make it a 100 page book.
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So, while it is funny and, again, perfect for a last minute gift, stocking stuffer, etc. for your mom (especially if you have a comedic relationship with her), it is just way too short. Really, reading the Sunday Comics will take you longer and are a lot less expensive!...more
I wish I had a better experience with and more positive things to say about this book. I went in worried about it being another “Girl-in-the-title” boI wish I had a better experience with and more positive things to say about this book. I went in worried about it being another “Girl-in-the-title” book or just another entry in the oversaturated “Girl-living-through-WWII” genre. While it was definitely both of these things, it was neither of those that led to this being a frustrating read.
The book was way too cheesy. If a book is supposed to be fun, silly, or light-hearted, cheesiness is a thing to be celebrated and embraced. This book was supposed to be a dark, WWII era mystery so I was not expecting dialogue leading to eye rolling or scenarios causing me to audibly groan. I feel like the biggest offender in this case was bizarre insta-love. While the following is not exactly what happened, it would be like the main character was getting shot at, some random guy shows up to save her, and then the next page they are kissing and have declared their undying devotion to each other.
The book was way too convenient. “Oh, silly me, I accidently tripped over something! What is it? Oh look, a major plot point!” “Goodness, I just parachuted into Europe and need to be careful of who I meet out here in the middle of nowhere! Why hello there, who are you? The exact person in all of Europe I need to find? Excellent!” There are a few other scenarios like this – and, I know in fiction there sometimes have to be convenient turns of events to keep the plot moving. But, in this case, the conveniences started as a snowball at the top of the mountain and quickly became an avalanche!
The book had way too many giant plot jumps. One of the best parts of many stories is meeting the characters and watching them develop. Or, you learn of a key goal in the story and you watch as everything progresses to a climax. Several times in this book, we met a person as a rookie and at the beginning of the next chapter, they were the MVP. Another time, you learn what the main characters are attempting to do and it sounds very complicated and like it will involve a lot of planning and organizing moving parts. Next thing you know, it is done. This is another case where at times you may need to move events along by making a jump, but I just kept feeling like giant chunks of story were missing. I seriously several times looked back through what I had read to see if I had missed something!
I liked the story okay, but in the realm of WWII fiction it is not in the upper echelons. Maybe you will enjoy it more than I did and can look past the issues I mentioned above. But, for me, it is a bit of a dud.
Many thanks to Park Row for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I am sorry that this honest review could not have been a better one in support of the book!...more
I am very impressed with McAndrew’s debut! SometimIt may be short, but this book is mighty!
Mighty action packed!
Mighty tear jerking!
Mighty intriguing!
I am very impressed with McAndrew’s debut! Sometimes when I go into debut novels I expect them to be unpolished and full of issues. I picture myself as a high school teacher with my red pen ready to mark all the places that need work. In this case, I needn’t have worried – the story and the writing are very tight. The pacing is great. The characters are interesting. I was into it from start to finish.
Sure there were a couple of action sequences and places in the dialogue that were a little cheesy or unbelievable, but that is kind of what I am looking for in a good action/escape book. I want a little crush-based romance. I want my hero to “drop the mic” after applying the finishing blow to his adversaries. I want the good guys to get back up even after they are given a beat down that should decommission them for weeks. Nate, the John McClane/Die Hard-esque protagonist, gives the reader all of these things.
I could say more, but I have stopped writing another paragraph about three times and am having trouble avoiding spoilers. This says a lot in itself!
If you would like a fast paced, action filled read with twists and turns, it wouldn’t hurt to give this a try. I look forward to seeing what else McAndrew has in him for the future!
Note on content: I thought this might interest some to know. This is definitely a Young Adult novel. While there are some violent action sequences, the language stays PG the whole time. I am not sharing this as a good or bad thing, but I think it might interest some people to know this when choosing YA novels for their teenagers.
Many thanks to author Matthew McAndrew for a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (just sorry it took me a while to get to it!) ...more
A lot of humor and a lot of heart – that is the best way to describe To Squeeze a Prairie Dog. This is a book for all those line workers out there tryA lot of humor and a lot of heart – that is the best way to describe To Squeeze a Prairie Dog. This is a book for all those line workers out there trying to make an honest buck in the midst of political bureaucracy and social chaos. Life isn’t always perfect, and you may get thrown a lot of curveballs – many of which may be your own fault. But, through perseverance, teamwork, and a positive attitude you may just end up getting something, even if it wasn’t what you expected, in the end.
Ah, that’s it! The perfect soundtrack for this book – You Can’t Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones.
Semegran does a great job keeping the reader amused without belittling the plight of the working man. And, when I say plight . . . that sounds rather dark. This is not a plight like those encountered by the workers in Sinclair’s The Jungle. This is a plight that is more relatable to day to day office workers in the modern world; repetitive data entry, relationships with other employees, the red tape from employers, etc. Because of this, its is definitely a light-hearted plight and should be very accessible to the majority of people with standard 9 to 5 jobs (myself included)
Ah, another “that’s it!” The perfect movie companion for this book is Office Space.
I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Since I believe he will be reading my review as he has been liking my statuses along the way – Hi Scott! I have a question . . . something that just seemed odd – I will spoiler tag it for your review:
(view spoiler)[ Chapter 32 and Chapter 34 – it felt to me like these were different versions of the same events that took place the day the revealing articles were published. In both cases, Brent starts out hungover (not unusual), but then the boss shows up disgusted about the article. In one case they go out drinking instead of facing the boss. In the other, Brent gets fired. It feels to me like 34 for should be where 32 is and, either 32 removed or combined with the events of 34. The hearing with the reporters and governor (Chapter 33) feels like it should still take place after this as it wraps up that story line before we move on to the events post Brent’s firing in Chapter 35. Am I overthinking this? And, this is not a complaint by any means, just an observation. (hide spoiler)]
Anyway, back from my digression!
I recommend this book for anyone who is part of the workforce and has always hoped for something better from a job change, a hobby becoming your life, winning the lottery so you don’t have to work anymore, etc. I think you will find a little bit of yourself in this story. ...more
Over the past weekend, I have been on vacation in Southern Nevada - Las Vegas and Mesquite. It seemed like every time we sat down at a slot machine, bOver the past weekend, I have been on vacation in Southern Nevada - Las Vegas and Mesquite. It seemed like every time we sat down at a slot machine, blackjack table, or were just waiting for something, a conversation would start up with people around us. Soon we were telling stories about where we were from, tales from our current vacation, legends of travels to Vegas long ago. Getting to know strangers and their stories was all a part of the experience.
Because of this, it is perfect that I had Wray's book along with me. It reads exactly like the conversations I was having. Short anecdotes about Wray's crazy adventures sounded like the response a local at the casino would tell me after one of my stories - with the lead in "well, your story sounds crazy, but just wait until I tell you about this one time . . ."
If you are a fan of memoirs and enjoy a casual delivery, this book is worth checking out. In the prologue, Wray apologizes for not being a wordsmith, but the conversational tone with Oklahoma charm adds a lot to each story. Also, who can complain about the words of someone brave enough to put their stories on paper?
I am impressed with the variety of stories in this book. I wonder if I could come up with enough interesting stories about my life to write a book like this. Also, as he mentions several times, it is amazing he is still alive! It seems like at least half of the stories had him in pain, near death, or involved in a vehicle being operated dangerously at some point. I am glad he is still around to tell his tales!
Thank you to T.J. Wray for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am glad you shared with me and, please, BE CAREFUL!😉😁...more
Apparently this is my week to read Hawk books. H is for Hawk earlier in the week and now I finish off the Jane Hawk series from Dean Koontz. I may notApparently this is my week to read Hawk books. H is for Hawk earlier in the week and now I finish off the Jane Hawk series from Dean Koontz. I may not have had a glowing review for H is for Hawk, but the Jane Hawk series ended with a big and spectacular bang!
Thanks to Bantam Books/Random house for this ARC – I think this is one of the few times I am actually getting to an ARC while it is still “Advanced”. And, again, a standing ovation for Dustin Crazy little brown owl - moderator of Koontzland - the definitive Koontz Goodreads group - for hosting another book giveaway!
This whole series was great! There is so much to be found here, including: • Lots and lots and lots of chases • Very creepy bad guys • Mind control • Brain fried zombie monsters • Espionage • Corruption • Computer hacking • Black market deals • Triumphant heroics • Heroes you love to love • Teeth-grinding, intensely perilous, suspenseful moments • Events in the United States from coast to coast • Characters losing touch with reality • And, since it is Koontz, dogs!
I have read parts or all of a couple of Koontz’s other series (Odd Thomas and Frankenstein) and I think this one is his best so far. It does not have quite as much of the horror/supernatural creepiness that many expect from Koontz. So, if that is what you love about him, this may not be the series for you. But, if you love edge of your seat techno-thrillers, you cannot go wrong here!
Here are some links to my other reviews from the series – all of them very strong and worth reading, but read them in order or you will be very confused!
This book is an excellent experience! The characters and the story wilI finished this book and closed it.
I immediately had chills all through my body.
This book is an excellent experience! The characters and the story will grab you from page one and won’t let you go. You will be told stories of good things and bad things, friendships and jealousy, family and heartbreak. Each of them, whether they bring sadness or joy will fill your heart and satisfy your mind.
While pets do play a key role in this story, I don’t think you need to be a pet lover to enjoy it. I am not a big “fur baby” person myself, but I loved every single page of it. And, if you are a pet person, I think you will find even more satisfaction from this than I did. In fact, I find myself wanting to go out and get a cat now!
Bring your Kleenex, you are going to need it!
There is really nothing wrong with this book. It is absolutely perfect! It is going on my favorites list and I recommend it to all.
Thank you so much to Berkley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love when a publisher provides such great literature for me to read! ...more
You want a book you have to read either during t5 Terrified Stars!
You want great possessed-by-demons fiction?
You want to be scared out of your wits?
You want a book you have to read either during the day or with extra lights on?
I give you HELL!
This book has fantastic writing, storytelling, characters, and scares. I saw someone once say that they love books in the horror category, but that it had been a long time since they were truly scared by a book. I cannot remember who said that, but if you are reading this review – here it is! Read this! Prepare to cower in fear!
This is not horror for the faint of heart. This is not your basic twisted-mystery thriller. This is an in your face, no holds barred, I-hope-you-have-a-change-of-shorts-on-you roller coaster ride of twisted evil. You will be possessed by satisfied joy when you finish – or, you will be kicking yourself for reading it when you have trouble sleeping for the next month!
I have had the pleasure of reading some really great independently published novels this year. This book is definitely one of my favorites of all books I read this year and would easily defeat some of my favorites from other years. It is the real deal! Thanks to Tom Lewis for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. It is really, honestly, truthfully worth your time if you love the horror genre. ...more
Now, Koontz has brought a little bit of horror into the Jane Hawk mix!
This series is pretty darn good. Each book is a breaknMore action!
More suspense!
Now, Koontz has brought a little bit of horror into the Jane Hawk mix!
This series is pretty darn good. Each book is a breakneck thrill ride – and the rate at which he is releasing them I am guessing he sat down one day and the words just started pouring out. The intensity and speed with which they poured out have translated very vividly into the delivery. Each time I start reading I take a big breath because I know I am going to be holding it until I finish.
I am pretty sure I mentioned this in one of my previous Jane Hawk reviews (I know, I could go back and double check if I did, but that would involve too many clicks . . . #bookreviewerproblems), but the feelings I have for the characters is very vivid. And, even if I did say it before, it is worth mentioning again. I am very passionate when cheering for the good guys. Koontz has created all of them in such a way that I whole-heartedly want them to succeed and I chew my nails as I worry about their fate. On the other side of the coin, I hate the bad guys with the very deepest of loathing. They are so twisted and despicable I actually grin with dark satisfaction when they finally meet their fate. Bravo to Koontz for this!
Oh, and I mentioned horror making an appearance. Up until now, the series has been basically a techno-action-suspense-chase-thriller. But, without saying too much to spoil it, things start getting out of control in the most horrific of ways. It actually kind of reminds me a bit of his Frankenstein series. So, if you are a Koontz fan because of his horror and have been missing it in this series, you can rest assured it makes a triumphant return!
Say goodbye to peaceful reading and get ready for your heart to race if you give the Jane Hawk series a try!
Thanks once more to Bantam Books/Random house for this ARC. Also, thanks again to Dustin Crazy little brown owl - moderator of Koontzland - the definitive Koontz Goodreads group - for hosting another book giveaway! ...more
Thank you to the author, N.F. Paupe, for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall feelings - This is a very impressive debut effort. Well writtThank you to the author, N.F. Paupe, for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall feelings - This is a very impressive debut effort. Well written and thrilling; fans of recent suspense releases will find a lot to enjoy here. In fact, I was glad I enjoyed this as it is not usually a genre I have a lot of luck with – it is very hit or miss for me on titles like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train. (If Paupe had known this before she provided me a copy, she may not have trusted me quite so much to review it!) Interestingly enough, I am reading Then She Was Gone right now and it reminds me a lot of What Happened to Michael.
Story – Hard to discuss without spoilers. In each chapter, a little more of the mystery and its possible answers are revealed – that mystery of course being what happened to Michael. There is some time jumping to keep you on your toes and you might want to take some notes to help you try and figure out the solution before the author tells you.
Characters – Tragic/faulty heroes throughout this book. The main characters are not dislikeable, but they have faults and vices galore. This is interesting in that you cannot quickly fall in love with them. Instead, you just kind of feel bad for them and keep hoping they will get their s#!t together! In fact, alcohol is so much of a vice in this story, it is almost a character of its own.
Recommendation – If you like any of the recent popular thrillers you cannot go wrong with this book. Seriously – it is very well written and better than several others I have read. Do not let the fact that this is the author’s first effort dissuade you, she has done a great job! If you are a parent of small children, proceed cautiously – it may hit too close to home and be uncomfortable to read. But, it will certainly affect you more than those without kids. As a father of a 6 and 4 year old this one did hit me pretty hard!
Side note: Paupe was fantastic to communicate with. She is so nice and sincere. She was not all business – I think she is really excited to get this in the hands of the readers so that they don’t miss out. Because of this, I want everyone to give this a shot if possible and throw some support her way!...more
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