Review: Aliens and Other Stories by Kathleen Wheaton

Aliens and Other Stories by Kathleen Wheaton
ISBN: 978-0931846717
Washington Writers' Publishing House (October 15, 2013)
Paperback, 222 pages
Genre: Fiction - Short stories


Each short story in this collection can be savored or they can all be consumed in a giant gulp. Either way, it is a book to be thoroughly enjoyed. The characters in each story are so well developed that it leaves the reader wanting more...and then you get to the next one. Needless to say, I gulped.

Veteran journalist, Kathleen Wheaton, has intricately connected each tale of exiles and refugees with beautiful precision. A minor character of one story, often becomes the protagonist in another. The stories are inspired by the author's experiences working in Spain and Latin America as a journalist and travel writer. And this is all made evident by her vivid illustration of each of the settings.

The circumstances surrounding the characters fleeing their respective homelands is often haunting. Nazi control for some, Cuba ruled by "the Devil Incarnate" for others, and as the author notes in the beginning, the "dirty war" in Argentina for many.

"Several of the stories in this volume refer to the "dirty war" in Argentina, which began in 1976 when a right-wing military junta overthrew the chaotic presidency of Isabel Peron. Under the so-called National Reorganization Process, an estimated 30,000 people - suspected leftist guerillas, trade unionists, journalists, intellectuals and students - were arrested, taken to clandestine prisons, tortured, and secretly executed. They became known as the desaparecidos, the disappeared.  Although democracy was restored in 1983 with the election of President Raul Alfonsín, many of the thousands of Argentineans who fled into exile established their lives elsewhere and never returned."

But Ms. Wheaton has so skillfully crafted every story that each of them meets their challenges of being "alien, invisible", with resilience. And bits of humor are generously sprinkled throughout the book.

In a Q and A with the author she was asked, "What do you hope readers take away from Aliens and Other Stories?" To which she responded "...So I hope that readers who have been aliens as well as those who simply have felt that way will find they have something in common with my characters."

To that I say, Well done, my friend. Well done.

Aliens and Other Stories meritoriously won the Washington Writers' Publishing House 2013 prize for fiction.

Connect with Kathleen Wheaton:

Author Website
Twitter  (@WheatonKathleen)
Facebook

Goodreads

 




Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange only for my honest thoughts.

Review: The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee by Carolyn Brown

The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeño Society Jubilee
by Carolyn Brown
Sourcebooks Landmark, March 2013
Paperback, 336 pp.
Genre: Contemporary/ Women's Fiction

Bestelling author Carolyn Brown makes her first foray into women's fiction with this poignant and hilarious novel about four friends in Cadillac, Texas—where the best jalapenos in the world are grown. 

Everything is calm in Cadillac, Texas until Aunt Agnes declares war on Violet Prescott, the president of the Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society, just in time for the annual jubilee. But after the festivities—and the hostilities—are over, it's four friends who are left standing, proving once again that friendship is forever.

Miss Clawdy's Café has won the Jubilee blue ribbon every year since the dawn of time. This year, town matron Violet Prescott is going after that ribbon with an iron-clad determination only thinly disguised by her perfect coiffure and flawless manners, bless her heart.

It's time for café owners Cathy and Marty and their best friend Trixie to pull out their secret weapon. And this is where a lifetime of friendship, combined with just the right recipe at just the right time, might carry the day—or blow everything to smithereens.

Welcome to Cadillac, Texas, where the jalapeños are hot, the gossip is hotter, and at the end of the day, it's the priceless friendships that are left standing...

Review: Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman

Cover of Snow: A Novel

by Jenny Milchman
Ballantine Books, January 2013
Hardcover, 336 pp.
Genre: Thriller/Suspense

Jenny Milchman’s Cover of Snow is a remarkable debut, a gripping tale of suspense in the tradition of Gillian Flynn, Chris Bohjalian, and Nancy Pickard.

Waking up one wintry morning in her old farmhouse nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Nora Hamilton instantly knows that something is wrong. When her fog of sleep clears, she finds her world is suddenly, irretrievably shattered: Her husband, Brendan, has committed suicide.

The first few hours following Nora’s devastating discovery pass for her in a blur of numbness and disbelief. Then, a disturbing awareness slowly settles in: Brendan left no note and gave no indication that he was contemplating taking his own life. Why would a rock-solid police officer with unwavering affection for his wife, job, and quaint hometown suddenly choose to end it all? Having spent a lifetime avoiding hard truths, Nora must now start facing them.

Unraveling her late husband’s final days, Nora searches for an explanation—but finds a bewildering resistance from Brendan’s best friend and partner, his fellow police officers, and his brittle mother. It quickly becomes clear to Nora that she is asking questions no one wants to answer. For beneath the soft cover of snow lies a powerful conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep its presence unknown . . . and its darkest secrets hidden.

Review: Mennonite In a Little Black Dress By Rhoda Janzen

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home
by Rhoda Janzen
Holt Paperbacks, 2010
Trade paperback, 241 pp.
Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

"It is rare that I literally laugh out loud while I'm reading, but Janzen's voice—singular, deadpan, sharp-witted and honest—slayed me." —Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Review: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck

Expecting Adam: a true story of birth, rebirth, and everyday magic 
by Martha Beck
Berkley Books, 2000
Trade paperback, 328 pp
Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

John and Martha Beck had two Harvard degrees apiece when they conceived their second child. Further graduate studies, budding careers, and a growing family meant major stress--not that they'd have admitted it to anyone (or themselves). As the pregnancy progressed, Martha battled constant nausea and dehydration. And when she learned her unborn son had Down syndrome, she battled nearly everyone over her decision to continue the pregnancy. She still cannot explain many of the things that happened to her while she was expecting Adam, but by the time he was born, Martha, as she puts it, "had to unlearn virtually everything Harvard taught [her] about what is precious and what is garbage."

After reading the description on the back of the book (above) I thought I would really love this book. But I didn't.

Although Martha Beck's voice sounds genuine, she came across as whiny to me. I realize she was struggling with a difficult pregnancy which she later found out was because of an immune disorder. Her husband's job took him to Asia for weeks at a time which left Martha to care for their toddler daughter on her own, adding more stress and responsibility. But still, she was whiny. For the duration. While pregnant, she also  experienced a number of unexplained spiritual encounters. She called them her "puppeteers."

When, through prenatal testing, she learned that the child she was carrying had Down Syndrome, she became even more "woe is me." She was given her options, and chose to continue carrying the baby.

She spoke frequently of her fear of what others would think of her retarded son, but I think her biggest obstacle was herself. She often referred to her unborn son as "damaged."

Her writing is good but I didn't find it especially funny let alone "frequently hilarious" as the blurb on the front cover said. Maybe a chuckle or two, but again, not hilarious.

Worth your time? Sure. A lot of folks gave this book rave reviews. I didn't hate it. I finished it. Just a bit disappointed. I was expecting more from Expecting Adam.

Talk to you soon,
Angela

P.S. First book for my Where are you Reading? Challenge. Woo Hoo.

Review: GOTU- a Robin Marlette novel by Mike McNeff

Title: GOTU - A Robin Marlette Novel by Mike McNeff
Format: eBook, 196 pages
Published: Booktrope Publishing, 1/3/12
Series: Robin Marlette, #1
Genre: Thriller/Police procedural
Source: received free from the publisher for my honest and unbiased review

Book Description:

When a drug cartel attacks a cop, the rules apply. When they attack a cop's family, there are no rules. Sergeant Robin Marlette's special narcotics squad has killed a dangerous drug courier and the brother of a prominent Mexican drug overlord. When Marlette's daughter is kidnapped as an act of revenge, it's a race against time to save her. Marlette and his team are very good at what they do-but are they good enough to defeat a drug cartel on its own turf?

Helicopters. Guns. Corruption. Explosions...

NON. STOP. ACTION. My first note I jotted down was on page 11, "begins with action immediately." I'm not kidding, it kept me on the edge of my seat (or edge of the bed) until the VERY LAST PAGE.

The GOTU (Guardians of the Universe) special narcotics squad is out to put an end to drug smuggling across the border, under the competent leadership of Robin Marlette. When they get a lead on a giant operation and end up killing the brother of the number one drug lord in Mexico, they uncover some serious corruption in not only their department, but also of prominent elected officials. The drug lord isn't very happy that his brother was killed and promises some sick-ass revenge.

We also get a peek into Robin's life as a devoted husband and father. He loves his family very much, and proves that he would do anything for them. Whereas he's a tough, but fair law enforcer, we get to see his gentler side with his family.

Some of the "cop-speak" in the book was unfamiliar to me, but then I thought that for those that read this genre, wouldn't want it dumbed-down. It wasn't enough to leave you clueless as to what was going on either. I used to work as a paramedic before my baby started school, and I certainly wouldn't want a diluted medical thriller.

Mike writes of what he knows.  He is a cop, who then became a lawyer, and has now started his third career as a writer. GOTU is the debut novel of author Mike McNeff and is the first book in his Robin Marlette series.

He's working on the second in the series, Shadow, which is due out this summer according to an interview I read. Will I continue reading the series? Oh, HELL YEAH! It's that good.

I will definitely be following McNeff and his writing. Here's a link to his website.


Happy reading.
Angela
 
 
 
 

Review: The Blessings of Friendship

Well I've finished Thursdays at Eight by Debbie Macomber. It was pretty good. It read like a Hallmark movie (I LOVE Hallmark movies). It's a lovely story of women and friendship. I especially like the lack of gratuitous filth. Don't get me wrong, there were tender moments and love. But...you get the point. 
 
Here's the synopsis in case you're interested:

Thursday, 8:00 a.m. Breakfast Club!

Every week, these words appear in the calendars of four women. Every week, they meet for breakfast--and to talk. 

Clare has just been through a devastating divorce. She's driven by anger and revenge--until she learns something about her ex that forces her to question her own actions and to look deep inside for forgiveness...and the person she used to be. 

Elizabeth is a widow, in her fifties, a successful professional. A woman determined not to waste another second of her life. And if that should include romantic possibilities--why not?

Karen is in her twenties and believes these should be the years for taking risks, reaching for dreams. Her dream is to act. Except that her parents think she should be more like her conventional sister!

Julia is turning forty. Her husband's career is established, her kids are finally teens and she's just started her own business. Everything's going according to schedule--until she discovers she's pregnant.

In the introduction, Ms. Macomber tells that the inspiration for the book was based on a bit of her own experience. When beginning her business, she invited five women business owners/entrepreneurs over for tea. They decided to meet every...you guessed it - Thursdays.

I really love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter as I wrote a little bit about here.

Chapter 1 - "Its the good girls who keep the diaries; the bad girls never have the time." - Tallulah Bankhead

Chapter 2 - "The teeth are smiling, but is the heart?" - Congolese proverb

Chapter 3 - "The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely." - Lorraine Hansberry

Chapter 4 - "Parenthood: that state of being better chaperoned than you were before marriage." - Madeline Cox

Chapter 5 - "Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't." - Erica Jong

Chapter 6 - "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." - Beverly Sills

Chapter 7 - "If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." - Mary Kay Ash

Chapter 8 - "The worst part of success is to try finding someone who is happy for you." - Bette Midler

Chapter 9 - "What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner." - Colette


Chapter 10 - "Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much the heart can hold." - Zelda Fitzgerald


Chapter 11 - "The only thing that seems eternal and natural in motherhood is ambivalence." - Jane Lazarre


Chapter 12 - "Unbosom yourself," said Wimsey. "Trouble shared is trouble halved." - Dorothy Sayers


Chapter 13 - "Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect." - Margaret Mitchell


Chapter 14 - "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton


Chapter 15 - "It goes without saying that you should never have more children that you have car windows." - Erma Bombeck


Chapter 16 - "Let me listen to me and not to them." - Gertrude Stein


Chapter 17 - "Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good personis like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian." - Shari R. Barr


Chapter 18 - "We're all in this alone." - Lily Tomlin 


Chapter 19 - "See into life - don't just look at it." - Anne Baxter


Chapter 20 - "The entry of a child into any situation changes the whole situation." - Iris Murdoch


Chapter 21 - "Only friends will tell you the truths you need to hear to make...your life bearable." - Francine du Plessix Gray


Chapter 22 - "It's not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is impossible to find it elsewhere." - Agnes Repplier


Chapter 23 - "It is never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot


Chapter 24 - "You don't have to know how to sing. It's feeling as though you want to that makes the day worthwhile." - Coleman Cox


Chapter 25 - "You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." - Joan Baez


Chapter 26 - "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." - Martha Washington


Chapter 27 - "Make no judgments where you have no compassion." - Anne McCaffrey


Chapter 28 - "Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third." - Marge Piercy


Chapter 29 - "Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than break." - Jane Wells


Chapter 30 - "The dedicated life is the life worth living. You must give with your whole heart." - Annie Dillard


Chapter 31 - "Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations." - Faith Baldwin


Chapter 32 - "The ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is unconditional love, which includes not only others but ourselves as well." - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross


Chapter 33 - "The idea of strictly minding our own business is rubbish. Who could be so selfish?" - Myrtie Barker


Chapter 34 - "Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace." - Amelia Earhart


Chapter 35 - "It is best to learn as we go, not go as we have learned." - Leslie Jeanne Sahler


Chapter 36 - "Vitality! That's the pursuit of life, isn't it?" - Katherine Hepburn


Chapter 37 - "People change and forget to tell each other." - Lillian Hellman


Chapter 38 - " May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back." - Irish toast


Chapter 39 - "The excursion is the same when you looking for your sorrow as when you go looking for your joy." - Eudora Welty


Chapter 40 - "May the hinges of friendship never grow rusty." - Unknown

This was the first book I read by Debbie Macomber. Any suggestions on which of hers I should read next?

Happy reading,
Angela

Review: I Was Told There'd Be Cake

Looking for a fun, quick read? I just finished I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley. It's a collection of essays that are too DARN funny! It's a great summer read that doesn't involve an ounce of thinking. I'm all for not one iota of activity, even if it is just thinking. It's so dang hot. It feels like the sun has suddenly moved to within a mile of my yard. I had to change my shirt due to the unsightly armpit wetness that seeped its way down to almost my waist. Slight exaggeration. But still gross. It was a cute shirt too. Oh. Focus Angela. The book. Here's the description from the back: 

From accidentally despoiling an exhibit at the Museum of Natural History to siccing the cops on the wrong neighbor, Sloane Crosley can do no right, despite the best of intentions - or perhaps because of them. In a sharp, original storytelling style that confounds expectations at every turn, Crosley recounts her victories and catastrophes with an irresistible voice that is all her own, finding genuine insights in the most unpredictable places.

Happy reading and try to stay cool,
Angela