Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

After I read Murakami for the first time last year, I gained a renewed interest in magical realism. The hint of magic, the strong emphasis on an unseen power and more such  ideas had me enthralled. I went on to hoard some more books by Murakami, and I also went on to buy some books by Gabriel Garcia as he is considered a master in this genre.

After much contemplation, I picked up Chronicle of death foretold by him as it is the shortest and somehow I was already overwhelmed by his aura – hence, I decided to pick something short to start with.

Movie Adaptation: Cinderella (2015)

Cinderella has been the most known and beloved fairy tale of all times. It is the magic of the godmother and the kind heart of the Cinderella that fills the book with fantasy. The evil step mother is also a part of the tale. An important part. When there is no evil, goodness is not exposed. The movie version of Cinderella is for the first time letting the evil side explain their side of story.

The book 

Cinderella is a beautiful girl who lives with her stepmother and three step sisters. She is as beautiful as she is kind. Forbidden by her stepmother, Cinderella is upset to not go to the ball held in the honor of the prince. That's when the fairy godmother enters and lives are changed with magic. It is simple and sweet story of a girl finding love and her happily ever after. 

The movie 

Disney's Cinderella is a lot different from the book. The Cinderella story has been given a lot of depth. Here Cinderella is a girl who loves her mother but loses her to a terminal disease. She is asked by her mother to always have courage and be kind. Those were the last words. 

When few years later Cinderella finds out that her father is in love, she promises him to be kind to the new family too. 

The story picks up the pace from here. The step mother is not evil in the beginning, just a little insecure. More so because of the relationship that Cinderella and her father share. It can be noticed at the nigh she throws a party and overhears Cinderella and her father talking about her. 

Cate Blanchett is ever so graceful in the evil stepmother's character. The step sisters here are child like but they too have got dimensions. The magical elements in the story is what carries you to the dreamland. The carriage and beautiful clothes are elaborate, better than the imagination. The beautiful transition of 

I loved the entire movie but of all the depth of Cinderella as the character is inspiring. The Cinderella here does not intend to go to the ball to charm the prince. She wants to go there to meet her friend. And till the end she remains kind. Like she promised her mother. 

This is a movie definitely worth watching. It is one of the best Fairy tales converted into a very charming movie. 

Overall 

The fairy tale is the classic and the movie is a unforgettable work of art. Both are worth reading and watching time and again.

the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace

My recent interest in different forms of poetry and feminist literature has brought me to 'The Princess Saves Herself In This One'. This book of poems has been appreciated by many poetry lovers and book bloggers alike. Therefore I decided to give this one a shot. Also, the title drew me in at first sight. Who doesn't want to be her own knight in shining armor. This book turned out to be everything I had hoped for. 

Cover page 

The cover page is a glimpse of the poetry inside. It is plain and simple. The title is off-centered on the page, like some of the poems inside. There seems to be a no-nonsense approach in the poetry inside and that is seen in the typography too. The same is reflected in the cover page. 

The straight to the point approach of the cover is much appreciated. It is a brilliant cover design.

Content 

The book is divided into four parts. The first section is called 'the princess'. Here the poems are more juvenile. The content inside focuses on the ripe age of a girl where she is mostly dependent on others. The poet writes about fat shaming, parental negligence, her indulgence in books due to lack of friends and first love which hurt. The poet here is trying to be the daughter that her parents had in mind. She is waiting for the knight in shining armor without realising that she could rescue herself. The first section of the poems is filled with innocence. 

The second part of the book is about 'the damsel' who is rescued from a tower without realising she was only trading one tower for another. There is again, some love and a lot of hurt. At this point, she is already fearing big bad wolves. She is also coping with the death of a loved one. 

The third section is that of 'the queen'. Here she is the sole ruler of her kingdom. She has realised that she can be her own happy ending. The poems are strong and direct. There is a glimpse of rejoice seen in the lines. She has also learned to believe in love and give it a chance. 

The fourth and final part is of 'you'. The poet here is directly talking to the readers. She is encouraging and accusing. 

The poems are very direct and hard hitting. The poet asks people to treat others better if they do not want to end up in other's poems. She is brash and unapologetic. The text inside takes the shape of the feelings inside. Sometimes the letters form a heart and sometimes they are just scattered like stars in the sky. The words are far apart, like the poet is counting words. Like she wants every word to mean something, hit hard like a stone in the ear. 

Language 

Poems are very simple to understand. These are just a few words put out on paper, arranged in a way to convey the direct message. The poet often talks in terms of 'I' and 'You', directly addressing the readers. There is no escaping from the truth and the pain that you have caused her. The poems seem to reach you till your bone, there is no hiding from what you have done.

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. Not to look at but to feel it. Once the content inside is read the cover feels like a poem on its own. The poems are stunning. They are outrageous, accusing, but stunning all the same. The aches of being a woman and other personal tragedies have been let out in the book, stripped bare. The language is simple and hauntingly direct. 

Bad points 

At times the book feels too full of accusations. It may come across as the author is writing it to put all those who put her through bad times on a scaffold. 

Overall 

Even though at times I felt like the book was treated as a channel to let out the angst, I still enjoyed most of the poems inside. They are to the point and scream for attention. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for all those who are new to poetry and different forms of it. Those who enjoy feminist literature are going to love this one too. 

Quotable quotes 

You have
Been the
Star
Of each
& every
One of
My
Nightmares
-You left but you stayed 

I'm not scared
Of the monsters
Hidden underneath
My bed
I'm much more scared
Of the boys
With messy brown hair,
Sleepy eyes,
& mouths
That only know
How to form
Half-truths
-my dragons

Room by Emma Donoghue

Emma Donoghue is considered to be amongst the most influential women authors. Her book, Room, inspired the movie by the same name which went on to win Oscar. The book which is inspired by the real-life cases of kidnapping and captivation; stands out in the book shelf. Especially since the narrator is a five-year-old who believes this is his world. 

Cover page 

I own a kindle copy of the book which is a shot from the movie. Movie-tie in covers are my least favorite types. They are too pictorial and leave no room for imagination. 

Characters 

The book is essentially a story of a boy who has been living in a room since he was born. He now thinks that it is his world, that there is no outside. Jack is good with numbers. He can spell words. He can make word sandwiches too. This is how he whiles away his time in the room.

Jack's mother, who is known as 'ma' throughout the book loves jack as much as any mother loves her child besides their unusual relationship. She tries to keep jack engaged in different activities. Both jack and ma are pillars of support to each other. 

Content 

'Today I'm five. I was four last night going to sleep in wardrobe, but when I wake up in bed in the dark I'm changed to five, abracadabra.' 

It's jack's fifth birthday when 'Ma' decides to tell Jack the real story about the real world and how she got there. It was about seven years before when 'Ma' was kidnapped by Old Nick and put into the room. That is where jack happened. All this is a blow to jack who till now believes that the room is the world and there is nothing outside of the room. It is a painful story of coming in terms with the existence of a new world and the trapping of self in the old, which gets comfortable because of lack of knowledge of the outside.

The story is divided into several parts; presents, undying, dying, after and living. Each part unfolds the story of jack, his mother, and their great escape steadily. The surprise is that the book does not finish at the great escape but reveals how jack copes with the world outside. 

It is a well-structured story told from the point of view of a five-year-old boy. It is difficult to judge a book of this sort which deals with a lot many aspects than just a uni-dimensional story. 

Sadly the story loses interest after the great escape. The life after is just trips to clinic and grandparents. The story loses its pace towards the second half of the book. 

Language 

The story is narrated by a five-year-old boy, therefore there are mispronunciations, misspellings, and general grammatical errors. There is also a stunted understanding of the entire story from the point of view. 

Agreeing to the author's choice of voice, it did not go well with me. The five-year-old was getting annoying by the day. There were other serious happenings in the story which did not come to light due to the narrative style. I would have wanted to know more about the creaks from the bed when Old Nick visited and Jack's elder sister who is not. All this was difficult for a child to comprehend, hence the dislike of narration. 

Good points 

The general subject of the book is quite Interesting. Seldom you get to hear a child's perspective of the story. 

Bad points 

The movie-tie-in cover did not work for me. I would have rather preferred other editions. The story got boring after a while. The narration was single toned which made it monotonous. The book failed to address some grave issues.

Overall 

Overall this book wasn't for me. I will refrain from calling it a bad literature. But it was not what I was expecting from a book of this sort. 

Who do I recommend this to

This book is for those who are interested in different styles of narration. Those who enjoy psychology in their stories are going to love this too.

Quotable quotes 

But when I want something I want it always, like chocolates, I never ate a chocolate too many times. 

Grandma made them a few dinners ago and I just pretended I didn't see them on my plate. Now I'm in the world, I'm never going to eat green beans again. 

There's playgrounds in every town. Lots of the world seems to be a repeat.

Autumn by Ali Smith

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

The first few sentences of Charles dickens' 'A tale of two cities' was set in a great political time. The countries were fighting for a revolution. A big change was made. It united the common folks. It was autumn. 

Ali smith brings us a book set in a similar time, different era. But everything is falling apart. It is no surprise, though. Because 'That's the thing about things. They fall apart, always have, always will, it's in their nature'. 

Cover page

Ali smith extensively talks about autumn in the book. The leaves fall off slowly and, of course, there is a story of a boy who would pick up the fallen leaves and tie it back to the tree. There are multiple references to the season in the book. Hence, the cover page. 

The cover may not be appealing at first sight but it is a work of art when you finish reading the book and come back to admire the cover. It is the theme of the book that is artistically put on the cover. 

Characters 

The book is primarily about two characters. There is Daniel. He is hundred and one years old. He is the summer brother to his sister. He is the old man who can talk about the origin of words and describe a painting well enough for you to imagine it in your head. Because of course, you seldom get to see the pictures. He is suspected to be gay but talks about love like he and love have been in a melancholic relationship. Daniel is the best friend to Elisabeth Demand. 

Daniel believes that Elisabeth can be a queen someday, like queen Elizabeth. But she has always doubted it. She is Elisabeth with a 'S' and not 'Z'. Elisabeth hardly remembers her father. She remembers the cracks in the pavement better than she can remember her father's face. That makes her sad. 

Now these two characters are not in any physical relationship. No, Elisabeth was never abused by Daniel. She even despises the thought. People ask it in a way that there was something to go wrong here. Like they would have liked it had she been abused. 

The two characters share a beautiful friendship. It is made even more pious by the narration of the author here. 

Content 

The book begins with a reference from 'A Tale of Two Cities'.

It was the worst of times. It was the worst of times. 

It serves the dual purpose of shaming the present and comparing it with some golden times in the past, even though it's fiction. 

Daniel is swept on the seashore. He thinks he is dead. He feels like it. He observes that he is not wearing any clothes. He sees girls coming towards him so he runs behind the trees and wears leaves. 

Elisabeth, on the other hand, is waiting inside a post office with a token to be called to the counter but she somehow never hears her number being called out. There are not even too many people but still she doesn't hear it. 

Daniel is later found in a care unit, skipping breaths. 

The book is set in the time of 'now'. It struggles with choices made during 'EU referendum'. Parallel to the present the author shows a glimpse of the past. She is bombarding that fence with people's histories and with the artifacts of less cruel and more philanthropic times. 

The book has no plot but multiple references hitting hard like an apple to the bare body. It makes us think about the choices we make as a collective and as an individual. It begs for a better future which starts from 'now'. It demands respect for the past and the way we see it. Not to be forgotten once and recovered again, and repeating the process. The author makes a point with hard-hitting descriptions of art and references to literature. There are references to race and personal choices hidden behind the simple words, easy to miss but when found are nothing short of literary jewels. 

The book is multilayered. It is one of those books which gives another perspective every time you read it.

Language 

The language is viscous. Every word demands attention as if, if you missed a word , an important part of history is lost. The scenarios fuse into each other giving way to new beginnings only to familiarise us with what has already happened. There is also a nostalgia in the writing. The magical elements in the literature references and diluted stoning of human conscience. As they say, if they possess your conscience they possess everything. 

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. The characters are very different from each other but they all suffer the same. The content is like a dream, flowing from one to another without the hiccup of transition felt. The language is liquid gold. 

Bad points 

The book is only a short read, but it demands complete attention. Those who do not know the references may miss a few clues but nothing that google can't help with. 

Overall 

This is my new favourite. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for all those who want to read contemporary classic but are too afraid to pick one up. For those who like to treasure hunt are going to enjoy this one too. And generally, everyone. This is a piece of literature which needs to be read by everyone. 

Quotable quotes 

He opens his fingers. The sand drifts down. Now that he's up on his feet he is hungry. Can you be hungry and dead? Course you can, all those hungry ghosts eating people's hearts and minds. 

When he was a boy in the poorhouse for children, the orphanage, when his mother was taken to the asylum, he got given a bag of sweets and an orange at Christmas time, all the kids in the place got the same. But the difference, here's the difference. He made that December bag of the sweets last all the way to October.
He'd shake his head.
Genius, he'd say. 

They're both standing in the pure clean white space. Yes, she says. Now we can sell this space for a for fortune. Only the very rich can afford to be this minimalist these days. 

It happens when things are becoming more (slight pause before she says it) final. The pauses are a precise language, language than actual language is, Elisabeth thinks. 

How do you mean, finally? Elisabeth said. We only moved here six weeks ago. The lifelong friends, he said. We sometimes wait a lifetime for them. 

I'm tired of the way it makes things spectacular that aren't, and deals so simplistically with what what's truly appalling. I'm tired of the vitriol. 

It depends on how you'd define normal, Elisabeth said. Which would be different from how I'd define normal. Since we all live in relativity and mine at the moment is not and I suspect never will be the same as yours.

The ARC was sent by the publishers for review. The opinion here is completely my own, uninfluenced.
Pre-Order your copy Here.

Happy birthday to…

Our second month of the birthday posts , and we have not three but four Authors to talk about . Why ? Because they are amazing!!! Unfortunately we could pick more , but do tell us who did we miss that you love?

Roald Dahl

Born in 1916 on September 16th , if you are a bibliophile and don't know him , you aren’t bibliophile enough!  Though I myself haven’t read any book by him , I have seen quite a few motion pictures adaptations of his stories and loved them( Charlie & the Chocolate Factory , Matilda and more recently BFG) !
Though his books are primarily meant for children , everyone unbarred by age love his writing. Its time you (and I ) picked one book by this legend and indulge some.

Agatha Christie

September 15th was the birthday of the Queen of Crime. Ms. Marple and Poirot are her brainchild , and are very loved by Crime fiction lovers. 2016 also marks 100 years  since the appearance of Poirot –the second most loved detective after Sherlock.
Do I need to bother explaining as to why you should read this amazing legend’s book ? No , I hope not! The writing is gripping and as one detects and guesses the end ,  the climax by her has you spellbound ! While there may be a small chance you may not like her book , but by and large most of us agree that she is one of the finest Crime fiction writer’s to have ever lived.

Stephen King

This American author was born on September 21st , and writes contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy . He is a multi award winner , and the crime fiction lover in me has been eyeing his books for a long time now. I really look forward to reading one of his books that I have with me soon . Do tell us if you have read anything by him , and if you have , which do you recommend we start it ?

“A little talent is a good thing to have if you want to be a writer. But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.”

Cecelia Ahern

You have either watched , or read or watched and read P.S I love you! Written by this young Author , her birthday falls on the 30th of September and we had to include her!
While her books appeal to a wide array of people , they  make sure you shed a tear or two. If you have a soft corner for romances and tear-jerkers , you should try one of her books.
Here are two of the books by her that we reviewed.

“As the rain falls and the sun shines, they grow, grow, grow; minds so open, they go through life aware and accepting, seeing light where there's dark, seeing possibility in dead ends, tasting victory as others spit out failure, questioning where others accept. Just a little less jaded, a little less cynical.”

Cinderella by Charles Perrault, illustrated by Arthur Rackham

What can I say that is not already said about fairy tales. We all have grown up with them. Their tellings and retellings have been etched in our minds. My latest new obsession with fairy tales has taken me back to the good old days of fairy tales. As I visit the land once again I hereby bring the refreshed memories of Cinderella. I read an edition available on Amazon. This is a beautiful book authored by Charles Perrault, of course, and illustrated by Arthur Rackham. 

Cover

The cover contains a silhouette illustration by Arthur Rackham. It is a beautiful scene from the story where the fairy god mother is turning the pumpkin into a carriage for the wonderful night at the palace. There are lizards and rats all over. These tiny pretty illustrations depict the characters in the story. This makes a good cover for the fairy tale collections.😍 

Characters

Cinderella is a story of an orphan girl who lives with her stepmother and two step sisters. The girl is very kind and gentle. Her stepmother and stepsisters are hardly family since they often mistreat her and make her do all the chores in the house. The author has refrained from ghastly portraying any character evil. There are also other characters such as the prince, the mice, the lizards etc who help to build the story splendidly.

Content 

Cinderella lives with her stepmother and stepsisters. She is constantly being mistreated in her own house. Quoting one of my friends: 'Cinderella is a horrific story about a rich girl whose evil stepmother forced her to live as though she were a member of the working class.'

There is a twist in the sob worthy life of Cinderella when she hears of this ball that is taking place at the king's palace. The prince has invited all the maidens in the kingdom but Cinderella is not allowed to go. As the night approached Cinderella feels terrible and cries. 

The fairy godmother sees her and magically turns her night into an unforgettable experience.

The story ends with the prince coming to find her and marry her. And of course, they live happily ever after.

The story is magical. It has everything positive about it. It makes you believe in everything nice. 

Language 

The language is very simple. It refrains from too much negativity. The focus is on the magical element of the story which is bewitching. Picking up of small elements like mice and lizards and blending them into the story is exceptional. 

Good points

The illustrations are just beautiful. It makes me want to do another post featuring all the illustrations in the book. The story is a classic by itself. The more you read the story the more you want to read it. The characters want to make you believe in magic and they succeed too. Language is simple yet beautiful. 

Bad points 

Cinderella as a character is often debated to be shallow even when towards the end the author calls her 'as good as she was beautiful'.  

Overall 

It is a classic fairy tale. It is beautiful story. A definite must read. 

Who do I recommend this to 

This is for everyone. Boys, girls, feminists, realists, fantasy fanatics.. Everyone.. Just everyone..

Quotable quotes 

Once upone a time there was a gentleman whose second wife was the proudest and most haughty woman that was ever seen. 

She told Cinderella to lift the sort of the mouse trap a little, and as each mouse came out, she gave a tap with her wand, whereupon it was transformed into a fine horse. And so the six mice made a fine set of six horses of a beautiful mouse-colored dapple grey.

Cinderella, who was as good as she was beautiful, gave her two sisters a home in the palace and that very same day married them off to two great lords of the Court. 

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

'Gender matters everywhere in the world. And I would like today to ask that we should begin to dream about the plan for a different world. A fairer world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer to themselves. And this is how to start: we must raise our daughters differently. We must also raise our sons differently.' The book is an adaptation of a TED talk given by the author some time back. She is a men loving, make up wearing, fun and happy feminist. The author has compiled her thoughts on feminism in this short book. It is short but definitely differentiates feminists from pseudo feminists. 

Cover 

The cover art is very simple. It is some pattern with the name and title of the book displayed in bold. This is a good cover to be kept in the shelf. 

Content 

The book contains the talk given by the author on TED. The author touches all the topics which lead to feminism. The need of it today and lack of it ages ago. She also talks about how men have become the standard by which even women are judged. The author throughout makes it clear that men and women are two different genders. But to associate one gender to a chore is unfair. She says,'what if, in raising children, we focus on ability instead of gender? What if we focus on Interest instead of gender?' 

There is also an argument of calling for human rights rather than feminism since feminism is also human right. The author asserts the importance of specificity in the subject. 

Largely the author demands social change from men and women alike. The text is rich in logic and facts. The everyday behavior is well spoken in the talk by the author.

Language 

The language is very clean and to the point. The author does not like beating around the bush and it very evident in the text. There is also a direct addressing of the issues in the book which clears most of the stigma attached to the word 'feminists'. 

Good points 

The book is a great text in feminism. The author has addressed the issue head on. It is rich in observation. It is also a short read on the subject, for those who like to keep to the point. 

Bad points 

The book read more like a talk than a work of literature. It is from a talk on TED but even some change in text was expected. 

Overall 

The book is an excellent read on feminism. Must read for those who are interested in the subject.

Whom do I recommend this to 

This book is for those who want to learn about feminism but also want to be saved from false opportunistic voices. It is a great short read for those who like to keep things short and to the point.

Quotable quotes 

So I decided I would now be a Happy African Feminist Who Does Not Hate Men. At some point I was a Happy African Feminist Who Does Not Hate Men And Who Likes To Wear Lip Gloss And High Heels For Herself And Not For Men. 

Our society teaches a woman of certain age who is unmarried to see it as a deep personal failure. While a man at a certain age who is unmarried has not quite come around to making his pick. 

Some people ask, 'why the word feminist? Why not just say you as a believer in human rights, or something like that?' Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is, of course, part of human rights in general- but to choose to use the vague expression human rights is to deny the specific and particular problem of gender. 

For centuries, the world decided human beings into two groups and then proceeded to exclude and oppress one group. It is only fair that the solution to the problem should acknowledge that. 

Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture. 

Feminist: a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes. 

My own definition of a feminist is a man or a woman who says,'Yes there's a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it, do better.

In the clearing by Robert Dugoni

The third one in the Tracy Crosswhite series, In the clearing is a fine offering made by Robert Dugoni. Featuring Seattle Homicide Detective Tracy Crosswhite, the series has kept Dugoni in the Amazon top 10 for more than two years. He is also the author of the legal thriller series featuring David Sloane. In all he has published 10 novels and an expose, The Cyanide Canary.

Cover

Drawing a direct reference to the name, the cover depicts a clearing surrounded by trees. The title stands boldly against the heavy background, which just seems like both the title and the illustration is wrestling for attention.

The cover draws a direct reference to the title which again draws direct reference to the site of the tragedy. However, I have a mixed opinion about the cover, because though the illustration and the lettering are heavy it still manages to hold your attention.

Characters

It is the third book in the Tracy Crosswhite series,  she is a polished homicide detective  and has a penchant for tackling unsolved crimes. Having lost her own sister to murder at a young age, Tracy dedicates her career to bringing justice and closure to the families and friends of victims of crime. She takes on the apparent suicide of a teenage girl, Kimi Kanasket in the 1970’s, which on further probing turns out to be a murder.

The case is originally investigated by Buzz Almond, who’s daughter hands over the case to Tracy on his demise. Buzz plays a significant part in the plot. The dead teenage girl, is the victim around whose death the story revolves.

The other significant characters are another  victim, and  his wife and son – both  being suspects for his murder. Other characters that play a important roles are Kimi’s boyfriend, her family, the four teenage boys who shoot to fame after winning a game in the 1970’s, Tracy’s boyfriend (who apparently has a much larger and significant role in the previous books but it somehow in the background in this one) and Tracy’s team along with a fleet of forensic experts who put the story in perspective.

Content

The book is narrated in two different times- one in the 1970’s where Buzz Almond’s investigation is explained, and the other one set in the time where Tracy is investigating the case. It also involves murders of two completely unconnected victims.

While the case at hand is the murder of a man, who loses his life in his estranged wife’s house. The suspects for this murder are both his wife and his son, and each produce a different story and own to the crime. The case that Tracy is assigned to, is the apparent suicide of a teenage tribal girl. The investigating officer then, is not convinced about the conclusion and continues to probe it, to dig deeper for more clues and while he does so for most of his life in vain, Tracy takes it up and on inspection and help of the modern forensics deduces it to be a murder.

With two murders- one of which has mixed trails, and the other has clues and evidences lost in time, Tracy is faced with a challenge to bring justice to both victims. Especially to the bright teenage girl, who’s death delves deeper than mere murder.

Unlike most books that keep you in the dark about the guilty right to the end, In the clearing gives you an impression that you already know who is responsible, yet it has you reading on for the way they are brought to justice is quite interesting.

Language

The book is written in a very crisp manner. It doesn't beat around the bush, and though the plot takes the reader back and forth in time and shuffles between two different cases, the transition is smooth and uncomplicated.

Good points

It’s a fast paced murder mystery – actually a double murder mystery set in two different times and completely unrelated, and yet united by a strange thoughtful link.

The way the story swings between two different times, and between two different investigations is pleasant and doesn't have you confused even for a moment. The characters hold your attention and the writing elevates an already intriguing plot.

The writing is bold , crisp and to the point, and the lead character- Tracy is portrayed with an air of confidence of a recurring lead that will leave a mark on you, making you want to read the others in the Tracy Crosswhite series ( and I am doing just that! ) .

While a lot of mysteries keep you shooting daggers in the dark, this one makes you believe you got the bulls-eye! You just think you know who the criminals are, and yet you read on to confirm your suspicion only to be surprised. Not to forget the subtle hint at a supernatural presence, its barely there but there nevertheless leaving you a little more inquisitive.

However, the real winner in this book for me is the intense research the Author has put into the geographic study and forensics involved. A fine mystery is  one that doesn't leave loopholes or have flaws in its process, and this book shows how good research elevates a book to new heights! Brownie points to Robert Dugoni for the fantastic in-depth knowledge that he has acquired for this book that is evident in the elaborate forensic advances and geographic details included in the book.

Bad Points

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I feel that the lead character could be defined better. Since it is a series with Tracy as the lead I would like to know her more with every book in the series. Maybe the first book has a better portrayal of her, but I believe that every book on her should teach us a little more about her. Oh, and precise and crisp writing leaves little food for thought, hence no quotable quotes.

The only thing that wasn't very pleasant for me was how one case took the limelight while the other was sidelined. The conclusion to the murder of the man seemed hurried and not well thought of.

Overall

All in all, I completely enjoyed In the Clearing. Starting the book with a blank mind and not many expectations (reading crime by Authors you haven’t read before makes you a little skeptical!), I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I latched on to the book and how quickly I was seeking other books by the same Author.

Who do I recommend this to ?

Bibliophiles who enjoy crime and mysteries are sure to enjoy this one by Robert Dugoni.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It was during the Victorian times where everyone seemed to lose the essence of Christmas. Due to some massive economic changes where the money was concentrating on some hands, some didn't possess any money to celebrate Christmas as they intended to spend. This was the time when Dickens decided to write the book on Christmas and the essence of this Christian festival. The book which consists of a bad villain, a few good-natured ghosts and a happy ending made a huge impact at that time. There were plays being staged and movies being made out of this novella. Dickens left an impact of which traces can be seen even today. The novel is a masterpiece not just because of the Christmas theme but also for literature.

Cover page

I picked up rupa publisher's edition. Rupa is a great publication to read books of. Even though the cover page is not very appealing, the font inside is suitable for eyes. It is neither too small nor too light. I finished the book in one sitting and the credit goes both to the author as well as the publisher.

Characters

There are too many characters in the book but I will make it concise and list five main characters. The lead character is Ebenezer scrooge who is a business man. Scrooge is a miser and he hates Christmas as much as he hates poor people. Scrooge is a character which is easy to hate in the beginning and who undergoes a transformation during the course of time. The slow transition is what makes the character interesting. 

The next character is Marley or his ghost. Marley was scrooge's business after but he died few years back, doing no good and earning nothing intangible. Marley's ghost is now destined to roam around burdened with chains. The ghost cannot escape his fate now, therefore, he has come down to meet scrooge to warn about this, if he doesn't make amends. Marley's ghost is an adorable character. The description is slightly fantasised but it makes the character far more interesting. 

Marley assures scrooge that he can escape Marley's fate if he starts making changes in his conduct. He asks scrooge to anticipate a visit from three ghosts who will enlighten him of his future.

The ghost of Christmas past is a ghost from the past who shows scrooge his life in the past, the ghost of Christmas present realises him of the present Christmas and the ghost of the future shows him a glimpse of Christmas future. 

All the characters are blown life into by the character sketching and the scene setting. The characters are unique in their own way. They are all lovable, at least by the end of the book hence keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. 

Content 

Scrooge is a miser who hates poor for their vanity. He is left alone by the only family that he has since he despises them too. Christmas is a very hard time for him because, with it, it brings along an unnecessary holiday and undesired people at his door looking for a penny to spend. The ridiculousness of the festival amuses him. This happens until he is visited by the ghost of Marley, who is roaming around burdened with chains, money box and other things. He has a groan in his voice which is painful and terrifying at the same time. 

Marley warns scrooge that he would share the same fate as him if he follows the same path. There is redemption, for which he will be cities by three ghosts. They will show him the way and he can escape the disappointing fate. 

The entry of all the three ghost brings transformation in scrooge's vision. He vows to live his life differently from now on. 

The book has been made into movies, musicals, plays and cartoons. There is probably no one who speaks English and does not know of this story of Christmas. Therefore, it is hardly a spoiler! 

The content is hard hitting and enjoyable at the same time. The release of the novella brought in a great change in the time and beyond. Every year the story is retold to remind people of the spirit of Christmas. 

Language 

Charles Dickens rightfully earned his place in the literature due to his enticing stories and compelling narration. Dickens here too has left a mark. The book is brought to life by using personification. The narration takes you back to the 1800's when the book was released. A whiff of time is ever-present in the book. The character sketching is brilliant. 

Good points 

The characters are much loved. They remind you of the spirit of Christmas. The narration is alluring. The content is very fun and ends with a moral message.

Bad points 

The book maybe a little too difficult to understand. The Victorian references may be little intimidating for someone who has not read dickens before. 

Overall 

Overall the book is an excellent read. A classic that everyone should read.

Who do I recommend this to 

This book is for those who find classics intimidating. They are going to find this easy to read and fun. This is probably the thinnest book by dickens. Those who want to read his other books might want to start here to get a whiff of his writing style.

Quotable Quotes

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.

It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.

No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused.

You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of underdone potato. There's more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!

Marley was dead: to begin with.

“Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change.”

“If they would rather die, . . . they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”

“He was consious of a thousand odours floating in the air, each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares, long, long, forgotten.”

AUTHOR INTERVIEW II RYAN RINGLBOOM on Hooker Heels II

Short review of Hooker Heels

Hooker Heels is a story of a woman who is looking for short cuts in life. She does not believe in herself enough to work her way through things. Instead, she sleeps her way through them. Yes, she is a hooker. Kenna does not know any better. 

But then she meets Zack and everything changes. Zack is a billionaire with a heart which is priceless. She learns about bigger things in life through him and he learns her truth, not through her.

The web entangles and they go their separate ways. Only to come back to each other because nothing bad ever happens when Ryan writes the story!
order your copy here

Let's see what she has to say to us today!

1. All your characters are incredible. Where do you get inspiration to write such beautiful characters?
A. My husband is truly incredible, he is absolutely my number one inspiration while writing. Also, some of the stories are plucked right out of our real life. PANIC, in particular is very close to my heart.

2. My favorite character is Patrick among them all. Who is yours?
A. This is something I am asked all the time and it’s so hard because I do love them all. Patrick and Zack were inspired by my husband the most but Josh was absolutely the most fun to write. I love him!

3. All your characters are people suffering from love. Yet each story is different and every character so unique. Do you sometimes suffer from writers block or are you scared of repeating a character? How do you get over the fear?
A. I suffer from writer’s block all the time. All.The. Time. And I live in constant fear of repeating a character. I will often walk away and read, or go on television binges, increase my exercise, have a glass of wine (or two) just to give my brain a break, then I jump back in and keep my fingers crossed!

4. Name a Young adult author who gives you sleepless nights because she may be better than you at this?
A. Um, try all of them. LOL! Seriously, I think every book I read, I’m like, WOW, this is fantastic. But if I had to pick one that I would aspire to be just like – it would certainly be Co-Ho!! Colleen Hoover is a rock star!

5. Which author is on your auto-buy list?
A. Colleen Hoover & Abbi Glines.

6. If Hooker Heels was made into a movie who would you cast as lead characters?
A. Zackary Knight would 100% be Joe Manganiello! Tall. Big. SEXY!!!! Kenna is tougher for me, Blake Lively??? 

7. Sell your book in one sentence!
A. Spoiler, she really is a hooker.

8. Any last words?
A. Readers are everything to me. When a reader connects with one of my stories and reaches out, whether in a review or on a social media site, wherever, it’s a feeling I can’t even explain.Those words are appreciated beyond measure. Thank you to everyone who takes a chance and reads one of
my books.

Veena – I adore you!!! You are such a loyal reader who reached out and now you are one of the first people I go to when a new book is released. Thank you so much for your kindness and support!

Love, Ryan



You are amazing Ryan! Wish you all the best for the book. hope it does well too! just like the others!