A blog to discuss books and writing. There will be lots of other discussions, too, so enjoy!
My Favorite Quote
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Who Am I?
LuAnn Morgan
I am a freelance writer living in Washington state. I am married to a wonderful man who is very supportive of my work. I have three children and four stepchildren and a great flock of grandchildren!
If you are an author, I'd love to interview you for my blog. All you need to do is be able to send me your book to peruse, answer a list of questions and be willing to let me post a picture of you so all my readers can see who is talking! Simple? If so, email me at labordi@hotmail.com and we can get the process started.
Book Rating
5 books: One of the best I've read (I give very few books this rating)
4 books: I really liked it (this is probably a 5 in most reviewers opinion)
3 books: I liked it (I use this rating most often)
From the book jacket:
People call us the “not-so-Small” family because our last name is Small and we have about a million kids. Well, six. And when your family’s big, crazy stuff happens all the time, like what happened to me on Stitches Saturday …
I’ve had this book on my desk to read for quite some time. With my granddaughter’s birthday Sunday, I thought I’d give it a quick look so I can give it to her.
Well, I was truly surprised. In fact, I ended up reading it word for word!
Poor little Cleo gets a cut on her head and needs to be taken for stitches. It was an accident, but she’s worried her brother might get into trouble. After all, he’s the one who was climbing the bookshelf when it fell over.
This book is so appropriate for my granddaughter. She’s kind of klutzy and has gone to the emergency room a couple times for stitches.
Jessica Harper is a wonderful author and now, I find out she can also write great children’s stories.
I’m so glad I read “Uh-oh, Cleo” because I truly enjoyed it! Now, I will get to pass this great book on to my granddaughter. By the way, it will be her first book signed by the author and I’m so glad that author is Jessica.
Aren't these guys too cool?! I took these pictures yesterday. I couldn't believe how close they were. I love watching the pelicans that hang out in our area wildlife refuge. They are so fun to look at.
“When a respected professor’s wife drives to her death in an icy river, an illicit relationship between a student the his teacher threatens to come to light, and within days Atherton University is the scene of escalating speculation and intrigue.”
This was an interesting book, to say the least. When it first came out in 2001, it received mixed reviews. Many weren’t very positive.
I did like it, although I thought it was a little drawn out. In this case, Christopher Rice went into too much detail about the characters’ dysfunctional lives to the neglect of the story itself. It took over half the book before he ever begins to talk about what is really happening.
He is a good writer. He just needs to get to the point sooner as several times I wanted to put the book down and forget it.
I’m glad I finished it, though. It turned out to be a very intriguing story. However, I don’t think I’d recommend it to someone who wants an easy read.
I give this novel three books because of the imagination Rice (who by the way, is the son of author Anne Rice) put into the writing of this story. It is a good premise.
Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl - until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in be with Darcy's fiance. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from.
I really liked this book. Emily Giffin brings to the reader a wonderful group of characters the reader can definitely relate to. In fact, the book is all about the characters and is never bogged down with extraneous descriptions of the scenery or location. It's simply a story about relationships and how intertwined they can become. Whether you view them as honest or dysfunctional or just plain wrong, this book will make you cry, laugh and yell out loud. Be sure there are no interruptions when you begin reading this novel. You'll not want to put it down until you find out how it turns out.
1. She had a great time at the party as she watched her best friend make a fool of herself.
2.My cell phone is by my side, always.
3. I know this: No one ever said life was going to be easy, so deal with it!
4.Clem was hiding in the woods next to his still.
5. These words apply to me: an interesting blend of wife, mom, grandma and a darn good journalist.
6. When I went outside earlier today, the sun was shining.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing the book I've been reading, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to take a drive, but I will probably be trying to finish some writing!
Today, I'd like to welcome author Richard Aaron to my blog. He wrote the novel "Gauntlet" (see my review on Tuesday, June 23).
1.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Rotterdam and emigrated to Canada with my family at the age of 8. After struggling through junior high and high school, I received a degree in mathematics from the University of British Columbia. From there, I went on to get degrees in law from UBC and the London School of Economics. I started practicing law on September 10, 1981 (it was the day my life really started, so I’ve remembered it!). I started my own firm in 1993 and now have eight lawyers working with me, with a support staff of about 25.
In regard to writing (which I think is probably more interesting to you), I started about four years ago, when some neuropsychiatric tests came back with a stamp that said “THIS MAN SHOULD BE WORKING IN FICTION.” I’m a workaholic and fairly obsessive-compulsive. I’m your classic telephone breaker, glass dropper, computer wrecker, truck/car bumper cruncher and am stumbling and bumbling most of the time (just ask my family, friends and editor). I have four children, all teenagers, and four pets (two dogs, two cats), all of which are narcissistic. I have a stunning wife and, given the above, she is the one who keeps me from shuffling off the coil of sanity.
Talk a little about your book.
Gauntlet is a high-tech novel of international intrigue, pitting a young autistic mathematician (Turbee) and a small American Intelligence Agency against a sophisticated terrorist ring bent on wreaking terror for profit. The plot is standard fare, the telling is not. Four and a half tons of Semtex go missing in Libya. It has been stolen by the agents of a brooding holy man in Afghanistan, who quickly promises a massive terrorist attack against the United States and challenges the Americans to stop him.
A game of cat and mouse begins, as the Semtex makes its way across the globe and toward its intended target. Turbee nearly has it figured out but is hampered by his autism in communicating this with his peers in the agency. As the terrorists grow closer to their destination, the good guys find themselves one step behind, struggling to save the American public from a devastating blow to its economy.
For all of the “cutting-edge research, complex plotting and in-depth characterizations” (as per Publisher’s Weekly), you will need to buy the book.
What sort of research was necessary to write Gauntlet?
I went through huge amounts of research. I think for every page of Gauntlet I have at least three pages of research floating around on various hard drives. In this genre, the audience expects some attention to detail, especially when it comes to describing technical devices, the nature of the military and the weapons that it uses and so on. It’s also an area of pride for me – the detail I’m able to use brings me great personal pleasure.
Gauntlet is also a big novel when it comes to travel.We visit many different geographical areas as the novel unfolds and for realism and accuracy, I studied those areas extensively so I could write them in what I hope is an accurate representation.
Why did you become a writer?
When I was younger I went through a phase of extreme depression and had some neuropsychiatric testing done. Those tests came back showing signs that I would be talented at dealing with fiction. This didn’t surprise me: most lawyers are, by necessity, writers of fiction. I had never considered taking that to the next level, though, and writing a book.
After some encouragement from friends and family, I decided to take a stab at it. It took quite a bit of editing and guidance, but you’re seeing the final product of that leap of faith.
How did becoming a writer change your life?
It has turned my life upside down. I had no idea, when I started, what the concept of ‘editing’ involved and how demanding that could be. I had no idea that once the novel was published, which was a miracle all by itself, we would start the brutal the round of publicity and marketing.
And that doesn’t even begin to cover how my characters have taken over my life, mentally! I have totally changed the internal organization of my law firm, so that I can devote four or five hours a day to lawyering, and the rest of the day to writing, editing, and marketing.
Who influenced you the most in your writing career?
Authors: Tom Clancy, Stephen King, Dean Koontz.
“Real” people: Obviously my editor, publisher and publicist.
What’s the best writing advice you ever received?
Every novel must have a beginning, a middle and an end. A lot of people give this advice, from Aristotle to my present editor. You can’t have all middle. You can’t have all end.
What’s next for you?
I am working with my editor to put a publishable, presentable version of Counterplay on the table. In the background, I am also sketching out a third novel in the trilogy.
Thank you, Richard for joining us today. It's been a pleasure!
"A terrorist threat is looming: an attack that would dwarf any other. This time, the government knows it's coming, but doesn't know where, or how."
For someone who enjoys a good thriller, this is definitely the book for him or her. Richard Aaron delivers a story of intrigue that brings into play all the forces and techniques of the world today.
This isn't sci-fi by any means. "Gauntlet" is a modern-day story that could actually happen, bringing the world as we know it to its knees.
With interesting characters and a descriptive storyline, this is a book that pulls the reader into the plot right away.
This isn't an easy book to read, however. You do have to think. But don't think too hard or you could have nightmares every time you turn on the news.
"Gauntlet" is about as close to reality as you can get.
1. Afraid by Jack Kilborn
2. Surviving a House Full of Whispers by Sharon Wallace (for review)
3. One Scream Away by Kate Brady
4. In Over Her Head by Judi Fennell
1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting the school to call with bad news.
2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a someone who doesn't really try very hard.
3. Taking a nap in the shade on a hot summer day is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.
4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy smoozing and cruising.
5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine listening and not interrupting.
6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without onions or garlic in it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my book, tomorrow my plans include going to the junior rodeo and Sunday, I want to take a break, but instead I will be busy finishing a ton of writing!
I got pretty busy the last couple days and didn't get this posted on Monday. Since I still wanted to share my loot, I thought I'd go ahead and post it today.
I received some wonderful surprises in the mail last week. Here is my list!
1. She Shoots to Conquer by Dorothy Cannell
2. The Midnight Angel of Bodmin Moor by Judy Mays
I won a drawing on Anna Kathryn Lanier’s blog (I just love her site!) and she sent me the DVD for the movie “Ever After” starring Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston, a bag of Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popping corn and two recipes printed on the backs of her promo cards for her books. What a great package!
Also, my suggestion to name the fish at Inklings bookstore in Yakima, Washington, was selected and I won a $20 gift certificate. Hubby and I made a weekend trip of it and I showed up Saturday afternoon at the store.
What a wonderful place! All the latest releases, a bargain shelf, great kids’ selections and super gift extras for readers, writers, etc. I used my certificate (and pitched in a few dollars of my own) to get the books “The Other” by David Guterson and “Home to Holly Springs” by Jan Karon. I also got a perpetual birthday/anniversary calendar to keep track of those important dates.
Oh, and they tell me the fish is much happier now that he has a name!
Inklings is located right across the parking lot from the library and we noticed they had a rack outside for surplus books. I found three books and hubby got two, so that was a great plus!
I have been so busy with so many projects, I haven't had the time I would like to devote to my blog. Over the next few weeks, there are lots of fun things coming up, such as some author interviews you won't want to miss and a couple giveaways. So, please keep checking back. You won't be disappointed.
"In the dawning light of a late-summer morning, the people of Manhattan stand hushed, staring up in disbelief at the Twin Towers. It is August 1974 and a tightrope walker is running, dancing, leaping between the towers, suspended a quarter-mile in the sky."
This book by Colum McCann is what I would describe as a "character study."
I found this a fascinating read and was drawn into the story by the people in the book. They are quite an eclectic array of characters, who seem almost totally disconnected until the tightrope walker steps out onto the wire.
Suddenly, their lives become connected in an event that few could ever hope to witness.
The characters involved include a group of prostitutes, a self-proclaimed priest, a nurse, a doctor, a young man from Ireland, very early computer geeks and more.
McCann has received some extraordinary praise for his new book -- from such renowned authors as Frank McCourt and Richard Price. Indeed, it's well-deserved. In fact, I don't think I've ever read a book where you instantly feel you know every one of the characters personally within just a few paragraphs.
This is the first book I've read of McCann's, although every one has been well-received. The New York Times called him "a young writer of large and driving vision." That says a lot!
"Let the Great World Spin" goes on sale June 23. I'd recommend you reserve a copy. This one should sell fast!
Here are a few more words from the book "Let the Great World Spin" by Colum McCann.
Mezuzah = a parchment scroll inscribed on one side with the Biblical passages Deut. 6:4–9 and 11:13–21 and on the other side with the word Shaddai (a name applied to God), inserted in a small case or tube so that Shaddai is visible through an aperture in front and attached by some Jews to the doorpost of the home.
Funambulist = a tightrope walker.
Onanism = withdrawal of the penis in sexual intercourse so that ejaculation takes place outside the vagina; coitus interruptus.
This past week was very busy for my postal carrier!
1. The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
2. Things I Want My Daughter to Know by Elizabeth Noble
3. Brain Tale: Volume One by Sarah Butland
4. Bride of the Wolf by Jennifer St. Giles
5. Made in the U.S.A. by Billie Letts
6. Sea Lord by Virginia Kantra
7. Things I’ve Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi
Somehow, I managed to get two copies of these books. I’m going to plan a fun way to give the extras to two of my readers.
8. Living Beauty by Bobbi Brown
9. How Not To Look Old by Charla Krupp
I also received a pretty little crayon apron from the company Child to Cherish. I won this in a drawing at Book Room Reviews. It will be a perfect gift for my granddaughter’s birthday next month.
