Book Review - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

The Castaways
Elin Hilderbrand
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN # 978-0316043892

"Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed."

No matter how well you think you know your friends, never assume they've told you everything. Elin Hilderbrand might as well have written a case study of human psychology/sociology, although I must say, The Castaways held my attention far longer than a thesis would have.

The webs woven among the four couples (self named The Castaways) begin to unravel when Greg and Tess McAvoy die in a boating accident. The mess they leave behind changes the way their friends view each other and themselves. Hilderbrand is masterful in her approach, interspersing flashbacks and real time to show how the friendships begin, grow and are stretched to their limits.
(July 2009, pp 368, $24.99)




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Woah! I wrote that?!

Have you ever written something, just to get it down on paper before it drove you insane? And then come upon it much later, only to have it take your breath away? That happened to me yesterday.

I won't share it here, mostly because it's very personal. But, I have been struggling with writing for the last 8 months or so, and it gave me hope that all is not lost. The words are still there, waiting for me to write them.

Write for free? I don't think so!

If you're a freelance writer, you know the work involved in findng writing gigs. First off, you must have original ideas that will interest an editor. Second, you have to present the ideas in such a way that grabs the editor from word one. Third, you have to make the time to write the piece as cleanly as you can.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tired of the writing leads that say "Please send a sample relevant to the topic." I've been published, I have two blogs, and I'm capable of writing an email. Shouldn't that be enough? I'm not inclined to write something fresh, email it off to an unknown person, never hear anything back and then see my work show up somewhere without any compensation for it.

Honestly, does it really have to be this frustrating (and insulting)?

Book Review - Summertime by Lynn McMonigal

Summertime
Lynn McMonigal
CreateSpace
ISBN # 978-1442102538




“Entertainment journalist Laura Bell has been a single mother for her daughter's entire life. She has not even seen her daughter's father, Joey, a member of a once hugely popular boy band, in almost 10 years. When his band, Zero Gravity, plans a reunion tour, Laura is asked to cover the event. She is suddenly forced to confront her past. Can she build a life for her daughter, one that includes Joey, without compromising her new-found Christian faith? Or will she have to choose between God and Joey?”

Summertime is the first book I've read entirely in digital format. I've been dreading doing this because I usually read curled up in my comfy recliner, or in bed just before I go to sleep. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Lynn's book this way.

Lynn has written a terrific feel good story. It touches on some difficult issues, but remains hopeful and highly entertaining. It's a smooth read, the pacing is good - the perfect book to slip into your beach bag!
(June 2009, pp 306, $15.00)

Why I Love Twitter!

I am an information junkie. Infatuation with ideas is what keeps my heart beating. I also love humor. Make me laugh - deep down from the gut, side splitting, face cracking jocularity - and I'm yours forever (probably). Thanks to Twitter, I find myself constantly amused. Sort of like a 20 something male visiting a nude beach for the first time. Concurrently titillated, aroused, curious and mortified.

Some of the gems I've been exposed to, just today, follow...

• Occupational Hazards by Jonathan Segura: An Ex-Girlfriend’s Review
• Kindle Publishing for Blogs: A Double-Edged Sword for Bookish Bloggers?
• Lessons in Motherhood by Joyce A. Anthony

I love Twitter because it's a never ending source of things that make me go "hmmmmmm". Once upon a time, I thought about starting a blog called Did You Ever Wonder? Twitter did this for me, in 140 characters or less. Now, that's MAGIC!

So, Twitter, heart it or hate it? And tell me why, please.

The Green Teen

Last week, I attended the online release party for The Green Teen by Jenn Savedge. It was held at The Green Teen's Facebook page. Just by contributing to the ongoing conversation there that day, I was entered to win some fabulous prizes. FANTASTIC marketing concept, not only for Jenn, but also for the companies donating the prizes.

The Green Teen website




I was lucky enough to win a t-shirt from revengeis.com. It's made from 50% cotton and 50% recycled bottles! I love how it fits and it's incredibly soft.

The release party was fun, and again, a brilliant way to promote a book.

Time flies (or passes by)

The last three months have been tough. I've been dealing with a family member's diagnosed mental illness, up close and personal. It hasn't left a lot of room in my head for any kind of creativity. And, my grandfather died a few weeks ago.

The good news is said family member is being treated and is showing marked improvement. And, it's Spring! My front flower garden is beautiful, laden with tulips, irises and violets. Any time I need a lift I look out my bedroom window.

So, for those of you who have wondered, I'm still here.