Tag: Barry Robbins

Voices of the Civil War (Voices of History Book One) by Barry Robbins

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Barry Robbins shares a unique look into the history of the U.S. Civil War through narrative storytelling in the book “Voices of the Civil War”, the first book in the author’s Voices of History series.

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The Synopsis

“Voices of the Civil War” offers a revolutionary approach to experiencing America’s defining conflict. This groundbreaking work brings the Civil War to life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives, imagining the thoughts and words of those who lived through this tumultuous era.

From the highest halls of power to the bloodiest battlefields, readers witness the war unfold through the eyes of presidents and generals, soldiers and civilians. Each chapter presents a unique voice, offering intimate perspectives on key moments and decisions that shaped the course of history. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the terror of battle, the hope of emancipation, and the anguish of a nation torn apart. “Voices of the Civil War” goes beyond mere facts and dates, plunging readers into the raw emotions and moral complexities of America’s bloodiest conflict.

This isn’t just a retelling of history—it’s an immersive journey into a nation at war with itself. Prepare to experience the Civil War in a whole new way, through voices that bring the past vividly to life.

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The Review

What an engaging and thoughtful approach to one of the United States’ most brutal and morally vital wars. The heartbreak and divide this book explores in the Civil War (before, during, and after the battles fought) lets the readers experience the tumultuous time in American history like never before. The imagery in the author’s writing style and the atmospheric nature of the writing draws the reader in, immersing the reader into the lives of those living through these harsh realities in a way that feels real and relatable all at once.

The story’s history, setting, and narrative became the heart of this story. The transformative nature of the stories being told and the morality around the central conflicts of this war became about allowing the reader to think critically about the war while also feeling the emotional stories being told. The first-person narrative each chapter brought and the variety of different people each chapter captured, from everyday Americans on both sides of the war to historical figures and more, gave a well-rounded conversation starter for readers to engage in surrounding the Civil War.

The Verdict

Remarkable, passionately written, and thoughtful in its approach, author Barry Robbins’s “Voices of the Civil War” is a must-read history meets historical fiction book. The blend of first-person storytelling to get into the mindset of Americans during this war and the use of speculation amongst scholars allowed the reader to get both an entertaining yet educational look at this era and, more than anything, feel the emotional and mental weight of what this war cost and what people were fighting for. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends by Barry Robbins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Author Barry Robbins helps readers explore the beauty and culture of Guyana through the eyes of some of history’s most profound figures in the book “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends”.

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The Synopsis

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the heart of Guyana, guided by some of the most iconic figures in history and pop culture. “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends” is an imaginative exploration that blends the allure of travel with the charm of historical and contemporary legends.

Join Ernest Hemingway as he leads you on a thrilling search for the majestic jaguar in the dense Iwokrama Rainforest. Soar above the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls with Amelia Earhart, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls from her unique vantage point. Delve into the rich history and lore of Guyana’s famed El Dorado Rum with the infamous pirate Blackbeard, and uncover the secrets of the Amazon with Claude Monet, who finds inspiration in the serene beauty of the Victoria Amazonica water lilies.

This book offers more than just a tour of Guyana’s natural wonders and vibrant cities—it’s an adventure that intertwines the spirit of these legendary figures with the soul of a country rich in culture and natural beauty. Each chapter reveals Guyana through a different lens, making every page an adventure and every narrative a discovery.

Perfect for history buffs, travel enthusiasts, and fans of cultural exploration, “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends” is a journey that transcends the boundaries of time and place, offering a fresh, exciting perspective on travel. Prepare to be transported to a world where the past and present merge, and the spirits of icons walk alongside you in the lush landscapes of Guyana.

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The Review

This was a brilliant and thrilling travel guide meets fictional storytelling tale. The use of both historical and fictional characters to explore the many facets of Guyana was remarkable to see come to life on the page. The way the author captured the voice and tone of each person in the book was highly creative and expanded upon the knowledge and information for these influential sites in Guyana. I especially felt connected to the chapters with figures such as Indiana Jones, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Blackbeard. 

Yet it was the culture and history of Guyana itself that really took center stage. The figures behind these chapters helped bring special attention to the beauty, struggle, and heart of the people of Guyana, and the author’s use of imagery and powerful storytelling allowed these unique places to become alive in the reader’s mind. 

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The Verdict

This was the perfect travel-based book with a hint of fictional storytelling that allowed readers to become enthralled by the land of Guyana. The breathtaking imagery and atmosphere that the author develops through these characters and figures’ accounts of their experiences and the sense of wonder it creates in travelers looking to travel makes this a must-read for travel readers everywhere. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded by Barry Robbins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Barry Robbins takes readers through a unique trip into the past as infamous figures through history encounter the objects that remained just out of reach of their fame in the book “Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded”. 

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The Synopsis

Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded plunges you into a world where the mundane meets the monumental. Imagine a scenario where Leonardo da Vinci stands transfixed by an old, forgotten yo-yo, or Winston Churchill finds himself deeply contemplative over a dented trash can. What could these everyday objects possibly share with such towering figures?

Unravel the tapestry of unexpected encounters as icons from history, from Napoleon Bonaparte to Hamlet, face off with the most ordinary, discarded items. But there’s a twist—each seemingly trivial find becomes a mirror, reflecting profound truths about existence, ambition, and the echoes of the human soul.

Every chapter is an expedition, navigating through the annals of history, the depths of iconic personalities, and the shared experiences that bind us all. Discover the profound lessons nestled in life’s seemingly insignificant moments and items.

Step into a world where the forgotten gains voice, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and history’s giants are seen in an entirely unprecedented light. Dive in, and see yourself reflected in the unexpected corners of history and everyday life.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating genre fiction read. The blend of historical fiction with historical and celebrity psychological deep dives made this such a gripping read. The way the author is able to tackle so many different historical figures and pair them with so many different ordinary objects really shows off the creativity and insights that the author has.

The most striking aspect of this book was how the author’s use of these everyday objects with these historical figures spoke to the historical figures’s mindset about the humanity that resided within these figures outside of their fame. The importance of these everyday stories and objects and the role they place in the world, along with the mindset and way in which these characters view the world made this a remarkable read.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Barry Robbins’s “Lessons from the Sidewalk” is a must-read genre fiction novel. The historical fiction aspects of each figure’s story and experience with these objects and the human condition they speak to make this book fly by and become one of the more introspective reads of the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

The Trump Diaries 2024 (An Oh Daddy Chronicles Satire) by Barry Robbins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The secret diaries of former President Trump are discovered in the ashes of The Great Fire at Mar-A-Lago in author Barry Robbins‘ latest political satire, “The Trump Diaries 2024”, the latest in the Oh Daddy Chronicles Satires series.

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The Synopsis

It’s the year 2024. Mar-a-Lago has been destroyed by the Great Fire. Combing through the rubble, investigators make a startling discovery – the Diary of Donald J. Trump for the year 2024. Eloquently translated from Trump-speak into real English by a woke translator hired by the ex-President, these 87 diary entries contain the nuggets of wisdom that Trump was able to muster over the course of the year as he navigated political and personal challenges that he barely understood, let alone overcome.

Who knew he had such pithy wisdom to impart? Who knew he had the discipline to keep a diary? For that matter, who knew he could even write? Startling revelations, the challenges of everyday life, missing documents, Wordle, smoothies, running mates, harmonicas, it’s all there – naked – for all to see in this unique political satire. Mark Twain meets Donald Trump in The Trump Diaries 2024.

The Review

This was such a hilarious and brilliant read. The author does an incredible job of capturing the voice and mannerisms of the former president. The humor that is infused into the author’s writing allows for the hypocrisy and ridiculous actions that the former President to be presented in a clear and hilarious light. The fictional aspects of the narrative that fast-forward to a possible future are both funny and yet chilling all at once, and give insight into the direction our nation is heading as a whole. 

The way in which the author wrote is something that has entertained and captured my attention throughout his entire political satire series. The “diary” style of writing allows the author to showcase the public perception of Trump’s innermost thoughts, and how he perceives the world around him. The commentary on Putin and his inability to accept reality were especially biting and hilarious to read, as it speaks to the delusional state of Trump and his allies as a whole in regard to the 2020 election.

The Verdict

Funny, witty, and thought-provoking, author Barry Robbins’s “The Trump Diaries 2024” is a must-read political satire book. The charm and caricature of the former president speak to the tensions and concerns so many have as the nation becomes more and more politically charged, and the author’s writing speaks both to the inspirations of SNL and MAD magazine-style comedy and to the insightfulness into our nation’s politics. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a retired CPA with a keen interest in things having nothing to do with accounting. He spent 26 years working for a large accounting firm. Then he quit. He moved to Helsinki, Finland with his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters 20 years ago. He now spends much of his time living in Florida, struggling to adapt to life in what often seems like a foreign country. The years spent in Europe gave him new eyes through which to see the U.S. That, plus the time spent freelancing as a ghostwriter of book reports for lazy third graders, make him uniquely qualified to serve as Chronicler-in-Chief of the Oh Daddy Chronicles.

Oh Daddy Chronicles 2: Return of Covfefe by Barry Robbins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Barry Robbins returns with a follow-up to his acclaimed contemporary political satire collection featuring all-new skit-like segments focusing on Former President Trump now living life as “Citizen Trump” in the book “Oh Daddy Chronicles 2: Return of Covfefe”. 

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The Synopsis

Oh Daddy Chronicles 2: Return of Covfefe is a contemporary political satire. It continues the hilarious lampooning of the 45th President of the United States – a guy named Trump – that began with the original Chronicles. But the scene has shifted – from the White House to Mar-a-Lago and the object of ridicule now responds to the title Citizen Trump. Join the fun as “Return of Covfefe” brings you the first annual “I Love Trump Beauty Pageant,” the Cheneys vs.Trumps showdown, Biden’s summit with Putin, Allen Weisselberg’s flip, Bernie’s craving for gefilte fish, and lots more.

The Chronicles 2 consists of 47 largely independent skit-like episodes, each taking on a different target. It’s what you get when you take real or imagined events, toss in a healthy dose of comic imagination, and turn the blender speed to high.

The Review

A brilliant follow-up to a fantastic contemporary satire that reflects the central figures of our political scene today. The humor and wit with which the author delivers these scenes and the characterization of political figures like Trump, Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden, and more was not only hilarious but somehow captured the essence and tone of their behavior and actions over the last few years. 

One thing that stood out in this read, much like in the first book, was the author’s ability to balance the humorous character interactions with the contemporary real-world issues that we are still facing to this day. From the attack on the Capitol Building to COVID and the pandemic as a whole, the author finds a creative way to not only criticize the ridiculous nature of some of these individuals but to bring humor and a much-needed break from the reality of the life we are all living right now.

The Verdict

A masterful, well-written, and hilarious sequel to Oh Daddy Chronicles, author Barry Robbins’s “Oh Daddy Chronicles 2: Return of Covfefe is a must-read satire read. The natural way the author meshed the humor and contemporary scenarios together was incredible writing, and fans of political satire, in particular, will thoroughly enjoy as the strange, unusual, and shocking behavior of Trump takes on a whole new meaning in this evenly-paced read. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

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Oh Daddy Chronicles Review

About the Author

Barry Robbins is a retired CPA with a keen interest in things having nothing to do with accounting. He spent 26 years working for a large accounting firm. Then he quit. He moved to Helsinki, Finland with his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters 20 years ago. He now spends much of his time living in Florida, struggling to adapt to life in what often seems like a foreign country. The years spent in Europe gave him new eyes through which to see the U.S. That, plus the time spent freelancing as a ghostwriter of book reports for lazy third graders, make him uniquely qualified to serve as Chronicler-in-Chief of the Oh Daddy Chronicles.

Oh Daddy Chronicles by Barry Robbins Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Barry Robbins takes readers on a creative, humorous and witty look inside the chaotic life of Donald Trump and his family and associates inside the White House in the political satire, “Oh Daddy Chronicles”. 

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The Synopsis

The “Oh Daddy Chronicles” – a contemporary political satire – takes current events and explains what we thought was unexplainable. Why was President Trump so into hydroxychloroquine? How did his cognitive impairment exam actually play out? What was really behind the Bible stunt at St. John’s Church? What happened when he called the corporate offices of Twitter? And, perhaps of greatest significance, what is his favorite cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes? You want answers? The “Oh Daddy Chronicles” has them.

Helping to carry the burden of irreverence is a motley assortment of lovable supporting characters – Squishie the Fed Ex deliveryman, the fortune cookie master Wang So Fun, the tomato sauce expert Giuseppe Sauceatoni and, of course, Melania’s dear Uncle Slobodan, the pig farmer from Zagorje ob Savi.

The Review

What a creative and fun way of looking into the madness that was the Trump Administration. So many people in the United States and around the world sat in disbelief at many of the things said and done over the last four years, and still continue to be so. The author has perfectly captured this feeling with a series of short skits that tackle the absurdity of several real-life situations through political satire. 

The thinly-veiled jabs at several notable figures in and around the White House and President’s family perfectly blend into the situations that have become headline news over the years, including the disastrous response to the COVID-19 epidemic. The author writes with a voice that perfectly balances the humor and wit that many come to expect from a political satire, while the dialogue and imagery used throughout the narrative do a fantastic job of painting a vivid image in the reader’s mind as each scenario plays out. The humor only intensifies when the reality of the situations themselves in real life hit home, making this a one of a kind read that is not to be missed. 

The Verdict

In this time of chaos, as the year comes to a close and a new administration is set to take office within the next month or so, this is a perfect read. Humorous, enlightening, and mature, author Barry Robbin’s “Oh Daddy Chronicles” is the political satire many readers need and won’t be able to put down. Injecting much need laughs into the ridiculous nature of American Politics at this point in time, this is a must-read satire in 2020, so be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a retired CPA with a keen interest in things having nothing to do with accounting. He spent 26 years working for a large accounting firm. Then he quit. He moved to Helsinki, Finland with his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters 19 years ago. He now spends much of his time living in Florida, struggling to adapt to life in what often seems like a foreign country. The years spent in Europe gave him new eyes through which to see the U.S. That, plus the time spent freelancing as a ghostwriter of book reports for lazy third graders, make him uniquely qualified to serve as Chronicler-in-Chief of the Oh Daddy Chronicles.