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alookinsideri's reviews
519 reviews
Snickering Out Loud by Jenny Sauer
If you want sugar-coated advice, then you will not find it in Snickering Out Loud. However, if you are ready to put your grown women's panties on or your manly britches and swallow the tough pill or don't cry when it cuts against your grain or strikes a nerve, then you are ready to withstand this book. It delivers the raw truth and reality of dating hiccups while also providing no-nonsense advise on the art of smart dating.
I love the introduction of Jenny's life before she gets into the meaty stuff. She bears nearly all and shares her funny stories as she makes her exodus from childhood and her teenage years, into her college life and the "real world" experiences thereafter. Her quirky descriptions of those moments in time when we have those wild phases, brings this book to life and will have you laughing until you're crying. My favorite description was the reference to "her heart sinking into her anus". If the words in this book don't say enough, the pictures definitely say the rest. She invites us into her life, her family, her reality and it makes you feel like you're right there on the same page with her. At moments, I was convinced that I was related to Jenny. As you read along, you may find that there is a Jenny in all of us. For instance, you may be able to relate to her educational journey. She started out in one major but transitions to another, and one degree later, discovers it wasn't for her. She then revisits her initial passion and shadows others in the field, then later finds out that wasn't everything she thought it would be. Then she finally pursues her dream. I can personally say that I've been there a couple of degrees later. What makes the introduction worth the read in itself are the learning experiences that Jenny shares along the way.
Finally, the meat and the gravy of this book is given in hefty servings from Chapter 3 all the way to the end. It begins with Jenny's own "red flag" moments and lessons in fruitless relationships. I think at some moment in time, we've all had a "Frank" or found ourselves asking our friends why they were with "Frank". At various points throughout this book, it reads like a survival guide which, in my opinion, is helpful especially to anyone contemplating a big move to an unfamiliar place. Snickering Out Loud also addresses those "red flag" types that we often make the mistake of dating whether we are young or older. Jenny mentions the "Shyster" who we find ourselves being the financial provider for. Then there is the "narrow-minded" type who doesn't support our dreams. The list goes on and on with those all too familiar life lessons, and funny-yet-serious scenarios to go along with them.
This book definitely takes you through a journey of self-discovery from the dating standpoint. Snickering Out Loud is worth the read and anyone who's sick and tired of making the same dating mistakes, should take the time to pick up a copy of this book. You may find that you were waiting for a book like this.
This is well worth five stars.
5.0
If you want sugar-coated advice, then you will not find it in Snickering Out Loud. However, if you are ready to put your grown women's panties on or your manly britches and swallow the tough pill or don't cry when it cuts against your grain or strikes a nerve, then you are ready to withstand this book. It delivers the raw truth and reality of dating hiccups while also providing no-nonsense advise on the art of smart dating.
I love the introduction of Jenny's life before she gets into the meaty stuff. She bears nearly all and shares her funny stories as she makes her exodus from childhood and her teenage years, into her college life and the "real world" experiences thereafter. Her quirky descriptions of those moments in time when we have those wild phases, brings this book to life and will have you laughing until you're crying. My favorite description was the reference to "her heart sinking into her anus". If the words in this book don't say enough, the pictures definitely say the rest. She invites us into her life, her family, her reality and it makes you feel like you're right there on the same page with her. At moments, I was convinced that I was related to Jenny. As you read along, you may find that there is a Jenny in all of us. For instance, you may be able to relate to her educational journey. She started out in one major but transitions to another, and one degree later, discovers it wasn't for her. She then revisits her initial passion and shadows others in the field, then later finds out that wasn't everything she thought it would be. Then she finally pursues her dream. I can personally say that I've been there a couple of degrees later. What makes the introduction worth the read in itself are the learning experiences that Jenny shares along the way.
Finally, the meat and the gravy of this book is given in hefty servings from Chapter 3 all the way to the end. It begins with Jenny's own "red flag" moments and lessons in fruitless relationships. I think at some moment in time, we've all had a "Frank" or found ourselves asking our friends why they were with "Frank". At various points throughout this book, it reads like a survival guide which, in my opinion, is helpful especially to anyone contemplating a big move to an unfamiliar place. Snickering Out Loud also addresses those "red flag" types that we often make the mistake of dating whether we are young or older. Jenny mentions the "Shyster" who we find ourselves being the financial provider for. Then there is the "narrow-minded" type who doesn't support our dreams. The list goes on and on with those all too familiar life lessons, and funny-yet-serious scenarios to go along with them.
This book definitely takes you through a journey of self-discovery from the dating standpoint. Snickering Out Loud is worth the read and anyone who's sick and tired of making the same dating mistakes, should take the time to pick up a copy of this book. You may find that you were waiting for a book like this.
This is well worth five stars.
skeeter hawk by Saby Stone
4.0
Life is full of mysteries awaiting its big reveal; secrets nestled in times past, yet taunting curiosity's nose. Oft times, the hidden truths and unearthed or better yet, unasked questions never quite accompany the death to their graves but walk among the living - waiting to be summoned by a simple "why" or "what if". As lessons often attempt to teach us, mysteries and secrets can never meet their final resting place until circumstances are ordered into their perfect place, emotions resurfaced, old habits triggered, faith re-evaluated, missions accomplished.
The mysteries that come to the surface in this Saby Stone story lead Attorney Benjamin Brooks on a quest to find out who he really is and to retrace the roots he'd nearly succeeded in pushing to the farthest corner of his mind many years ago. Never intending to revisit his Gullah heritage, things are shaken up a bit in his life, forcing Benjamin to return to Magnolia to face the hidden truths even if it meant swallowing the dreaded hard pill. As an officer of the court, Benjamin was used to being in control and having front and center stage when arguing his way to a successful court victory. But at the end of the day when he'd retire to his posh home, he was forced to face the man in the mirror and realize just how much control he lacked in his personal life. Initially in denial, he gradually comes to grips with the fact that his own identity seemed to have taken the back seat, overshadowed by his mesmerizing fiance Sheila. It is not until he returns to his true roots for answers, that he learns how to take the lead again, with a little sensual and tender nudging from his childhood friend, Faytima.
I was utterly surprised at how fast this novel took off within its first 20 pages which actually does it some justice without prematurely exposing the book's secrets. The author's creative use of symbolism within a fictional platform, sets the perfect stage to reel the reader in to all of the characters but more so to Benjamin. Symbolically, he wears the dragonfly tattoo as a badge of honor and pride. As the story unfolds, we learn of how the usage of the dragonfly is deeply connected to Benjamin and his heritage. I'm not sure if the author's intentions were to make the reader feel as if they were accompanying Benjamin on his journey of self-discovery, but he pulls it off with great success. Every angle of the story is vividly colored in detail; Take a look at Benjamin's emotional and mental state when he abandoned his 50th birthday party and retreated to his office for instance. The author was uninhibited in showing Benjamin's sensitive and emotionally fragile side. Another instance in which the author took care in painting great detail,was the traumatic experience Benjamin recounts to his friend Roosevelt when he was young and stumbled upon a Klan rally. This book isn't just about Benjamin reconnecting with his roots and finding himself, but it also does a thorough job of connecting historical facts to a fictitious setting. The spiritual undertone of the book is also brought to light as Benjamin is dealt one bad batch of cards after another, leading him through a rebirth, renewal and resurrection of his faith and relationship with God. As secret after secret unfolds the age old truths, another truth unravels between Benjamin and Faytima, unlocking a magical door filled with ecstasy and sensuality and soon he will be faced with yet another difficult decision.
This is a quick and easy read. The only instance in which I felt detached was with Sheila after breaking her promise to Benjamin. I would love to have seen her role brought out a little more, especially in the latter half of the book. Her character made a quiet exodus at a moment in the book when emotions were heightened and Benjamin finally settled into his own emotional awareness; this leaves the reader slightly curious. However, I was immediately drawn into Benjamin and appreciated the author's ability to keep the readers' focus on him and still successfully give life to the other characters. The fact that the snippets of history lessons did not overpower the story's premise can also be appreciated. I would definitely recommend this book and give it 4 stars.
The mysteries that come to the surface in this Saby Stone story lead Attorney Benjamin Brooks on a quest to find out who he really is and to retrace the roots he'd nearly succeeded in pushing to the farthest corner of his mind many years ago. Never intending to revisit his Gullah heritage, things are shaken up a bit in his life, forcing Benjamin to return to Magnolia to face the hidden truths even if it meant swallowing the dreaded hard pill. As an officer of the court, Benjamin was used to being in control and having front and center stage when arguing his way to a successful court victory. But at the end of the day when he'd retire to his posh home, he was forced to face the man in the mirror and realize just how much control he lacked in his personal life. Initially in denial, he gradually comes to grips with the fact that his own identity seemed to have taken the back seat, overshadowed by his mesmerizing fiance Sheila. It is not until he returns to his true roots for answers, that he learns how to take the lead again, with a little sensual and tender nudging from his childhood friend, Faytima.
I was utterly surprised at how fast this novel took off within its first 20 pages which actually does it some justice without prematurely exposing the book's secrets. The author's creative use of symbolism within a fictional platform, sets the perfect stage to reel the reader in to all of the characters but more so to Benjamin. Symbolically, he wears the dragonfly tattoo as a badge of honor and pride. As the story unfolds, we learn of how the usage of the dragonfly is deeply connected to Benjamin and his heritage. I'm not sure if the author's intentions were to make the reader feel as if they were accompanying Benjamin on his journey of self-discovery, but he pulls it off with great success. Every angle of the story is vividly colored in detail; Take a look at Benjamin's emotional and mental state when he abandoned his 50th birthday party and retreated to his office for instance. The author was uninhibited in showing Benjamin's sensitive and emotionally fragile side. Another instance in which the author took care in painting great detail,was the traumatic experience Benjamin recounts to his friend Roosevelt when he was young and stumbled upon a Klan rally. This book isn't just about Benjamin reconnecting with his roots and finding himself, but it also does a thorough job of connecting historical facts to a fictitious setting. The spiritual undertone of the book is also brought to light as Benjamin is dealt one bad batch of cards after another, leading him through a rebirth, renewal and resurrection of his faith and relationship with God. As secret after secret unfolds the age old truths, another truth unravels between Benjamin and Faytima, unlocking a magical door filled with ecstasy and sensuality and soon he will be faced with yet another difficult decision.
This is a quick and easy read. The only instance in which I felt detached was with Sheila after breaking her promise to Benjamin. I would love to have seen her role brought out a little more, especially in the latter half of the book. Her character made a quiet exodus at a moment in the book when emotions were heightened and Benjamin finally settled into his own emotional awareness; this leaves the reader slightly curious. However, I was immediately drawn into Benjamin and appreciated the author's ability to keep the readers' focus on him and still successfully give life to the other characters. The fact that the snippets of history lessons did not overpower the story's premise can also be appreciated. I would definitely recommend this book and give it 4 stars.
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing by S. Cassadera, AccuProse Editing Services
4.0
In Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, S. Cassadera takes us on a gripping journey inside the world of a mega-church, where power and greed reign supreme. The story revolves around Benjamin King, the senior pastor of Mount Zion tabernacle Baptist church, whose primary goal is to expand his control over his congregation. He employs a team of associate pastors to carry out his vision and increase his church membership, but not all of them share his motives. Pastor Boseman, the fourth pastor, believes his purpose is to save souls, rather than to accumulate wealth and power.
As the story progresses, Pastor King experiences a supernatural calling, and a shocking discovery is made: there are thieves in the temple. Two women are assigned to the watch committee to uncover the church's corruption, and the story is told from a first-person perspective, which adds a personal touch to the narrative. Along the way, we are introduced to a host of characters, including the sassy Mother Odelle and Sister Viola, and the story is peppered with dry humor.
Despite the large number of characters, each one plays a crucial role in the plot, which gradually unfolds with unfortunate mishaps and events that put Pastor Boseman in a new position to fulfill his calling. He is surrounded by other preachers who struggle with their morality, leading to a confrontation with karma. Wolves in Sheep's Clothing is a book that exposes the ugly truths that can occur in the pulpit, but it also reveals how balance can be restored in the midst of greed and power. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking exploration of faith, morality, and redemption.
As the story progresses, Pastor King experiences a supernatural calling, and a shocking discovery is made: there are thieves in the temple. Two women are assigned to the watch committee to uncover the church's corruption, and the story is told from a first-person perspective, which adds a personal touch to the narrative. Along the way, we are introduced to a host of characters, including the sassy Mother Odelle and Sister Viola, and the story is peppered with dry humor.
Despite the large number of characters, each one plays a crucial role in the plot, which gradually unfolds with unfortunate mishaps and events that put Pastor Boseman in a new position to fulfill his calling. He is surrounded by other preachers who struggle with their morality, leading to a confrontation with karma. Wolves in Sheep's Clothing is a book that exposes the ugly truths that can occur in the pulpit, but it also reveals how balance can be restored in the midst of greed and power. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking exploration of faith, morality, and redemption.
Folds in the Map: Stories of Life's Unlikely Intersections by Jeff Bauer
5.0
If I didn't know any better, I'd believe that Jeff Bauer was an aged man who lived to see the whole world from a philosophical perspective hundreds of years ago. By the time I finished grazing the very last page of Folds in the Map, I realized this whole book was from the wise perspective of a young man with an old soul.
Folds in the Map depicts a broad view of the world and life that's much bigger than our tucked away neighborhoods in this western civilization we've come to know. The Greeks have Aristotle, Plato and Socrates, but we have Jeff Bauer - who gives a fresh perspective of life and all that it encompasses. Folds in the Map takes us through Panama City, where we are invited to smell the stale air; feel the dense humidity clinging to our clothes; become overwhelmed by the clustered crowds scuffling for bags just to make a few American dollars.
Jeff Bauer invites us to Chad with him, inside a schoolhouse full of refugees from Darfur. He takes us inside the full meaning and purpose of World Without Genocide and the nearly half million lives that were taken in Darfur. His journey takes us from this saddened state, down a bumpy road leading to Gaga. He makes us feel like we were the ones dodging the goats, camels and cows on the road. We chuckle at the whole experience and the thought of our organs being rearranged because of every bump and jerk in the road. When he still sees the faces of so many refugees after departing, we see them too. He takes us back to America with a new-found perspective and with down home Minnesota experiences...more life. Then he leaves us with something to ponder: How "we measure the value of our lives by the distance and accuracy of our throws" and fail to realize the harmony, the perfect balance, in between.
This book is worthy of all five stars.
Folds in the Map depicts a broad view of the world and life that's much bigger than our tucked away neighborhoods in this western civilization we've come to know. The Greeks have Aristotle, Plato and Socrates, but we have Jeff Bauer - who gives a fresh perspective of life and all that it encompasses. Folds in the Map takes us through Panama City, where we are invited to smell the stale air; feel the dense humidity clinging to our clothes; become overwhelmed by the clustered crowds scuffling for bags just to make a few American dollars.
Jeff Bauer invites us to Chad with him, inside a schoolhouse full of refugees from Darfur. He takes us inside the full meaning and purpose of World Without Genocide and the nearly half million lives that were taken in Darfur. His journey takes us from this saddened state, down a bumpy road leading to Gaga. He makes us feel like we were the ones dodging the goats, camels and cows on the road. We chuckle at the whole experience and the thought of our organs being rearranged because of every bump and jerk in the road. When he still sees the faces of so many refugees after departing, we see them too. He takes us back to America with a new-found perspective and with down home Minnesota experiences...more life. Then he leaves us with something to ponder: How "we measure the value of our lives by the distance and accuracy of our throws" and fail to realize the harmony, the perfect balance, in between.
This book is worthy of all five stars.
Cursed Legacy by D.E. Grant, D.E. Grant
4.0
A gripping tale of family secrets, facades and delicious plot twists.
D.E. Grant's Cursed Legacy, takes us into the modern world where Detective Terry Hawkins is investigating a series of brutal murders that ultimately lead him to a dark and disturbing world that he never could have imagined. What's interesting about this book is how it connects to Grant's previous work, Cursed Plantation, where the Weatherfords, a historically wealthy slave-owning family, were introduced. In Cursed Legacy, we learn that the murder victim is a Weatherford descendent who had changed his name. The modern-day Weatherfords are extremely affluent and active in charity work, but as Hawkins delves deeper into his investigation, he finds that there are dark secrets hidden beneath their seemingly perfect façade. As the plot thickens, Hawkins discovers the connection between the murders and the Weatherford family's past, leading to a captivating and twisted plot.
Throughout the book, Detective Hawkins uncovers a lot of disturbing revelations about the Weatherford family. One key piece of evidence he finds is a journal that offers a closer look into their drama. This was a nice touch to the book, as it takes readers on a journey through time jumps and a series of supernatural and superstitious Louisiana Creole elements. Grant's writing is beautiful, and he stays true to his ability to add a unique touch to the story that makes it even more realistic for anyone familiar with the culture of Louisiana and the South. Overall, I highly recommend adding Cursed Legacy to your Tote Bag Rec List for anyone looking for a compelling read this spring or summer.
D.E. Grant's Cursed Legacy, takes us into the modern world where Detective Terry Hawkins is investigating a series of brutal murders that ultimately lead him to a dark and disturbing world that he never could have imagined. What's interesting about this book is how it connects to Grant's previous work, Cursed Plantation, where the Weatherfords, a historically wealthy slave-owning family, were introduced. In Cursed Legacy, we learn that the murder victim is a Weatherford descendent who had changed his name. The modern-day Weatherfords are extremely affluent and active in charity work, but as Hawkins delves deeper into his investigation, he finds that there are dark secrets hidden beneath their seemingly perfect façade. As the plot thickens, Hawkins discovers the connection between the murders and the Weatherford family's past, leading to a captivating and twisted plot.
Throughout the book, Detective Hawkins uncovers a lot of disturbing revelations about the Weatherford family. One key piece of evidence he finds is a journal that offers a closer look into their drama. This was a nice touch to the book, as it takes readers on a journey through time jumps and a series of supernatural and superstitious Louisiana Creole elements. Grant's writing is beautiful, and he stays true to his ability to add a unique touch to the story that makes it even more realistic for anyone familiar with the culture of Louisiana and the South. Overall, I highly recommend adding Cursed Legacy to your Tote Bag Rec List for anyone looking for a compelling read this spring or summer.