Tag: bookreview

Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World by Melanie Murphy: Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

Growing up in the digital age can be difficult. Dealing with issues that arise when growing up such as body image issues, discovering your sexuality
and more can be hampered with the added pressure of constant online scrutiny. In that vein, YouTuber turned author Melanie Murphy has written a
book that explores the important issues of modern life that she has experienced and hopes to pass her knowledge and experiences unto a growing
generation in her book, “Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World. The Irish YouTuber hopes to bring her honesty and
unique brand from her YouTube channel to a whole new audience who may be struggling in life and may get the advice or the comfort they need knowing
they are not alone in their dilemmas. Here is the official synopsis:

In her first book, Irish YouTuber Melanie Murphy shares a series of experiences from the struggle that is growing up in the digital age:
cyberbullying, dumping by text, gaining (and then losing) too much weight, having acne in a world of Instagram filters, and, most of all,
finding the strength to tackle poor mental health. From self-image struggles to important life lessons about family, friendship, love and
mindset, Fully Functioning Human (Almost) is a warm, illuminating memoir full of wit and wisdom that doubles up as a life guide for millennials.

Now for those of you who don’t know me, reviewing non-fiction works is something I’ve only recently begun doing this past year. Normally ensconced
in my office chair with a YA or horror novel, the honesty and real life experiences told in the non-fiction format is something I’ve quickly
come to enjoy and connect with, and I am happy to say no other memoir has had me as invested as Melanie Murphy’s book. The incredible wit and warmth
in which she delivers her own stories is an emotional shot to the heart, (which is a definite good thing). The stories not only allow you to connect
with the author herself, but allow you to find ways to relate to her stories and get a firmer understanding of how to best deal with these real
life situations. Whether you are a young adult struggling to come to terms with your sexuality and the perceptions of said sexuality by those around
you or your having trouble determining which friends are your lifeline and which friends are toxic, this memoir has something everyone can connect
with.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried and I smiled as I dove into the complicated world of living life while connected to
the online world. As someone who is passionate about equality in all areas of life and thinks discussions about mental health and sex and sexuality
is important to begin incorporating in our lives, this story spoke to me on so many levels. The lessons imparted in this memoir show the honest
struggle of not only our generation but of future generations to come, and I think the kindness the author showcases along with the wisdom that
comes with experience and struggle make this a must read memoir and honestly the best memoir I’ve read in 2017. If you haven’t yet, I highly
recommend you pick up a copy of Melanie Murphy’s “Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World” today!

Rating: 10/10

You can find Melanie Murphy at the following sites:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MelaNiieVideos
Twitter: @melaniietweets
Instagram: melaniiemurphy
WEBSITE: http://www.melaniemurphy.ie

Barking Madness by Ryan Hill

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A psychological horror story unlike any other, Ryan Hill’s Barking Madness explores the psychology of teenagers in today’s world while also analyzing the psychology of a person experiencing a supernatural event, and does so with vigor and passion. Here is the synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Rosetta Harper is plagued by nightmares of a masked man. With her father’s new career move, her family has just relocated from Florida, to the small New England town of Ashwood, a quiet town and close-knit community where you know your neighbors, and trouble is a word unspoken. But soon after her arrival, both Rosetta’s world and the worlds of her classmates come crashing down.

Michael hates his family and feels alone and unloved. He only finds comfort when he’s with his friends, but even they get on his nerves. Everything about Ashwood and his life bores him, until Rosetta Harper moves into town. With her as a new classmate, Michael finally gets the excitement he was looking for, but it may be at too high a cost…
Overall this is a great story. The author does a marvelous job of bringing to life the struggles of the average teenager, and showcase the mindset teens have when facing larger than life problems. The only criticism I have would be that the novel could have benefitted from less lengthy chapters. The story was strong enough to stand on it’s own, but in several instances the story would delve into too much detail, and would have been better off leaving things to the reader’s imaginations. 
I did enjoy this story. It was an edge of your seat thriller with characters the reader can either identify with or can associate with people close to them. The small town life these teens have mixed with the supernatural and psychological horrors of the story make this a fascinating read. I will say as a word of warning that this book does delve into mental illness within the story, and showcases how teenagers sometimes view it. While true to today’s world, the less than politically correct viewpoints of the characters at time could be triggering to those who struggle with mental illness. Despite this, the story was a fun, intense thriller with a heart-pounding conclusion you guys won’t want to miss, so be sure to check out Ryan Hill’s Barking Madness, available now!
Rating: 8/10
http://www.pulsepub.net/barking-madness.html

Pipeliner by Shawn Hartje 

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Sex, drugs and rock and roll. Every wannabe rock star has had this vision for their lives, but never was it more prominent than in the 90’s. For Jason Krabb, that dream dominated his small town Idaho life, as evidence by the coming of age tale Pipeliner by Shawn Hartje. Here is the synopsis:
Description

For seventeen-year-old Jason Krabb, high school life in 1990s Idaho is a world of cargo shorts, cassette tapes, and junk food. Plagued equally by algebra and puberty, Jason sets out to find a girlfriend and become a rock guitarist. His quest is irreversibly jolted when he attends a bonfire and meets an alluring girl from the other side of town and a rag tag crew who are bringing gas lines through the desert in order to keep the lights on in Portland and Seattle, places where Jason hopes to find his nirvana as a guitarist.
Meanwhile, things deteriorate at home. Jason’s pediatrician mom, Leah, sadly faces the twilight of her parenting years while his father, Curtis, contends with the enormity of running a big ticket research laboratory and coming to terms with his son’s wayward path.  
Pipeliner is at once a coming of age love story and a comical timestamp of early 90s family life. Set in the fictional Idaho town of Helen Springs, pop. 58,000, its characters are as vibrant as the lofty peaks and purple sunsets of the high desert. Here we find rich farmers, poor ranchers, dutiful Mormons, government honchos, disgruntled vets, drug-dealing bruisers, irksome teachers, and spirited students, all doing their best to keep the lights on. 
This novel has some amazing themes flowing through the tale. Examining life in a small town in 1990’s Idaho, readers are treated to the social divide between the classes, showcasing a struggle to bridge the gap between a young man with a desire to be free and a passion for a girl with a troubled past. As Jason struggles to associate himself with the drug-fueled lifestyle of some of the lower-class citizens, he must also contend with parents who take a hands-on approach with their parenting. While Jason’s mom has good intentions, readers will learn that sometimes being the younger child brings more challenges with parenting, and sometimes our children don’t grow up to become what we expect them to.
This is a beautifully written story, showcasing the tone of the 90’s with perfection. The setting of the Midwest is the perfect challenge for a young man desperate to escape to a life of rock and roll. The need for freedom is felt as Jason struggles throughout this story, and yet while teens can identify with that, adults can also see and identify with the poor decision making that teenagers often have. 
Overall this was a fantastic story from authors Shawn Hartje. The story of Jason Krabb is a familiar one, and yet it’s told with a vintage voice that 90’s kids can identity with easily, and anyone who has ever wanted to pursue a creative career like music can see the fire that must radiate in protagonist Jason Krabb’s eyes. It’s a wonderful read, and i hope you guys will be sure to check it out for yourselves. Get your copies by following the link below, and be sure to follow Shawn Hartje now!
Rating: 10/10
Pipeliner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBFHDTX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kLVEzbPR83VT2
Twitter: @pipelinernovel

Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern REVIEW

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Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern REVIEW
A good writer knows when to live on the edge of their genre and push the boundaries, taking a story in directions the reader would never otherwise have known to go. That is exactly what happens in author Paul Southern’s novel, Daddy Dearest. Here’s the official synopsis:
An estranged father’s weekend with his beloved five-year-old daughter turns into a nightmare when she gets into the lift of a city centre tower block and goes down without him. She vanishes without a trace. It sets off a race against time, and a nationwide manhunt, to find her. As the police investigation closes in, suspicion falls on those closest to her – with devastating consequences. Daddy Dearest is a terrifying story of love, obsession and psychological meltdown.
‘My daughter has always had a thing about lifts. There’s something about the thrill of pressing a button and seeing the lift doors close which excites her imagination. It terrifies me. Every time she walks in, I imagine it’s the last time I’ll see her. What if she hits the button before I get there? What if the lift doors close and I can’t get her out? It drives me nuts. There are eight floors in the Sears building, nine if you count the basement, and the lift is fast: more like a fairground ride, really. It does top to bottom in twelve seconds. I’ve timed it. Taking the stairs, I’ve done it in forty-two. That leaves a gap of thirty seconds. You’d be surprised what can happen in that time. I was.’
This book was a whirlwind read, taking the reader through twists and turns galore. The plot of the story is ever changing, as is the protagonist of the book. In one minute, you hate the man who narrates the story, revealing his prejudices and hatred as if they were simple facts of life. In the next instance however, your heart goes out to the guy as you learn about his close relationship with his daughter and the pain it causes him when she’s gone. The back and forth struggle with his character is a breath of fresh air in the thriller genre, as it depicts how often we view people in our own lives. So often our heroes become villains, and those we condemn end up being the people we need most in our lives. 
The writing from the author is superb, showcasing a talent for exploring the mind of people, and how a person is able to justify their actions to fit their own purposes. The pacing was perfect, delivering each twist with elegance and grace that allowed the reader to be surprised and yet able to accept each new reality with ease.
Overall, this was a fantastic read that any fan of the thriller genre should immediately read. The writing was phenomenal and by the end of the story, fans will be left breathless as the final outcome is revealed. Will this little girl be found? Who took her? Find out when you pick up your copies of Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern today!
Rating: 10/10
Daddy Dearest https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DC2EPOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_H6ixzbGB1MFW2

Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated by Tom Starita Book Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

Everyone has a dream in their lives, but what are some people willing to do or willing to lose in order to accomplish that dream? That’s the question explored in author Tom Starita’s novel, Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated. Here is the synopsis:

Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated is a classic coming-of-age story that takes a unique and comic look at what we all fear— having to grow up and abandon our dreams. For a charismatic man like Lucas James, life is a breeze because everyone else provides the wind. This man-child front man for a mediocre cover band has been mooching off of his fiancée Jackie for years until she finally decides she’s had enough. Faced with the reality of having no income to support his carefree lifestyle, Lucas James abandons his principles and gets a job working in the stockroom at, “That Store.” How does he cope with this new found sense of responsibility? He casually steals… In a life spent bucking authority how will Lucas James deal with his manager, ‘Victor the Dictator’? How long can he survive Ralph, a starry-eyed coworker who desires nothing more than to be best friends? Will Lori, a twenty-something cashier, be like everyone else and fall for his charms? Will he ever find a place to live? And is “growing up” just another way of saying “selling out?” With this hilarious and engaging novel, author Tom Starita perfectly captures a character we have all met and perhaps some of us know all too well.
When you read this novel, you’ll quickly realize that we all know a Lucas James. He’s the kind of guy who abhors responsibility, challenges authority and is willing to use anyone to achieve their goals, and yet they work under the guise of being “free” and yet everyone around him feels drawn to him and his personality. That is who Lucas James is, and as he narrates his story, you’ll learn how he became the man he is today, and how he relates to those around him.
This is a journey of a man with a dream, and the consequences of pursuing that dream. The story itself is highly entertaining, and written with a fresh, unique voice from author Tom Starita. The brutal honesty of Lucas James to the reader while showcasing the lies he’s willing to tell to the people around him are a fantastic source of irony, and the very realistic depiction of not just a wannabe rock star, but of a person who’s dream trumps any and all relationships and responsibilities, makes this a must read novel that readers will not want to miss. 
Overall, this was a fantastic read. Often times it was funny, other times dramatic and sad. The tale of Lucas James is a familiar one, and yet it’s presented in a new and exciting way, and that’s why I give Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated by Tom Starita a 9/10 rating. Be sure to pick up your copies of this amazing novel today!
Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520705816/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5G3rzbMJZDS5C

The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews5 Comments

I received an ARC copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and my review of it is unbiased.

The next great serial killer is born in J.D. Barker’s The Fourth Monkey, a brand new thriller that focuses on the hunt for a killer in the city of Chicago. Here is the official synopsis:

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.

I have to say it: this is by far the best book I’ve read thus far in 2017. There have been nothing but great reads this year, but the way this book is written and brought to life is truly awe inspiring. The story of the Four Monkey Killer, or 4MK, is one of the most brilliant character developments in a story this year. Not only are readers taken on a journey to find the killer’s last victim, but they are given a rare, disturbing yet addicting to read look into the personal mind of the killer, learning about what made this individual become a killer in the first place. Seamlessly navigating back and forth between the investigators on the case and their lives, and the personal diary of a serial killer, this novel immediately captures the readers minds in just a few pages and is relentless in its dive into the macabre world of 4MK.

Written with a voice that commands the readers attention and artfully showcases the twisted, tormented journey of all parties involved, from the investigators chasing a killer, to the victims of the killer, to the dark life of a serial killer, this is a story that brings a fresh new take to the serial killer/thriller genre. As the reader delves into this story, they will learn the twisted mission the killer had, and why the killer chose the victims that they chose. Soon the reader will ask themselves if anyone is truly “innocent” in this story, and a shocking twist will leave both the characters and the readers hanging on the edge of their seats, breathless as they eagerly wait for the answers to be revealed.

Overall, this is a must read thriller that you guys will not want to miss. With this story, author J.D. Barker cements himself as the newest voice of the thriller genre, and is definitely an author you will want to watch in the years to come. I give this book a 10/10 rating, and highly recommend you purchase your copies now. The book, The Fourth Monkey, is available for pre-order now and will be released on June 27th, 2017.
Be sure to get your copies and follow the author at his official websites listed down below! Remember to use the official hashtag, #4MK on your social media posts as well. Let’s help get this book the buzz it so heavily deserves.

As a special note, I wanted to let you guys know that I will be kicking off J.D. Barker’s blog tour for The Fourth Monkey on Friday, June 16th, 2017. I will be posting the links to both this review and my video review, as well as links to interviews with the author, some exciting news about the book, a special competition to win the book and of course the link to pre-order the book once more. Be sure to look out for this exciting blog tour in a few weeks. #4MK

J.D Barker’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/therealjdbarker/

J.D. Barker’s Twitter page: https://twitter.com/jdbarker

J.D. Barker’s Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/jdbarker

About J.D.

A Wider Universe by Allison Floyd Review

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A family struggle and a question of man’s place in the universe take center stage in author Allison Floyd’s A Wider Universe. Here is a synopsis:

Gene Shepherd, still grieving his wife’s death, alone in his home after his daughter moves in with her good-for-nothing boyfriend, has grown
accustomed to a life of solitude. When he gets a series of unexpected visits from bible-toting Patrick Frye, a young man on a personal crusade
for Jesus, Gene must confront not only the pushy young missionary, but the painful past he has been quietly suppressing.

Gene’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Chelsea Shepherd, caught in a destructive relationship, finds herself at a crossroads in her life, unsure of
her future, as well as her present. One night, after an argument turns violent, Chelsea flees from her relationship and finds solace, safety,
and an unexpected friendship with Swedish college professor Alexander Jansson. Both Gene and Chelsea must face choices and challenges that will
guide them towards their places in the world with the help of some unexpected characters and a major test of faith. A Wider Universe is a story
of family, redemption, and one man’s discovery that even the loneliest man is not truly alone.

Now I won’t lie to you guys: when I first started to read this book, I was worried it was going to be a very religious oriented outlook on the
story. For those of you who don’t know, I myself am not religious, and while I personally believe we should respect everyone’s right to
believe or not believe whatever they want, I myself do not enjoy or respond to religious based stories. However as I continued to read,
I found myself surprised and happy. I identified greatly with one of the main protagonists, Gene, as his personality felt very similar to my own.
His confrontation with Patrick and the frustration that comes with dealing with overly aggressive religious people is something I can relate to,
and so I found myself drawn into this story more and more.

This story really showcased a fresh, young voice in the literary world. Other than a few grammatical errors, the only piece of advice I would
share with the author is that at times, this story utilizes the show vs. tell story-telling device. What this means is that at times the writing
goes into too much detail, and could benefit from some editing to leave a little bit to the readers imagination. Other than this, the
story is well thought out and is a modern drama story that deserves to be told. The struggle for Chelsea is an all too common issue that young
women must face, and the loneliness that comes with loss is a theme that drives into the emotional core of the reader. Overall this is a
fantastic read, and I give this story an 8/10 rating. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to pick up your copies of A Wider Universe by Allison
Floyd today!

Letting Go: A Novel by Maria Thompson Corley Review

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Letting Go: A Novel by Maria Thompson Corley Review

Rarely does a book capture the mind and heart in such a griping fashion as it does in Maria Thompson Corley’s Letting Go: A Novel. A book filled
with tragedy, heartbreak, passion and hope, this wonderful novel explores themes of racism, drug abuse, toxic relationships and how the events
of our childhood can shape who we are as people. Here is the official synopsis:

Louise Caiola, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Making of Nebraska Brown, called LETTING GO “a smart and sexy story that captures the raw
essence of love. Heartfelt, haunting, tender, tough and true.”

Even though she lives hundreds of miles away,
when Langston, who dreams of being a chef, meets Cecile, a Julliard-trained pianist, he is sure that his history of being a sidekick, instead
of a love interest, is finally over. Their connection is real and full of potential for a deeper bond, but the obstacles between them turn out
to be greater than distance. Can these busy, complicated people be ready for each other at the same time? Does it even matter? Before they can
answer these questions, each must do battle with the ultimate demon—fear.

Told in a witty combination of standard prose, letters, emails, and diary entries, LETTING GO, in the tradition of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s
AMERICANAH, is a long-distance love story that also examines race, religion, and the difficult choices we make following our passions. From the
Great White North to the streets of New York City to the beaches of Bermuda, LETTING GO is a journey of longing, betrayal, self-discovery and
hope you will never forget.

This book does a wonderful job of exploring the complicated process of growing up and experiencing life. Thoughtfully navigating the important
moments in a person’s life, from the loss of their virginity to leaving home to further their education and the sometimes painful process of
falling in love, (or in some people’s cases, difficulty falling in love). On a personal note, I found myself relating to the story of Cecile
especially. Without getting into spoiler territory, I have people close to me who I have witnessed going through similar relationship struggles
as Cecile, and this story really touched my heart and brought my emotions right to the surface, a feat books rarely accomplish for me.

One of the great things about this book is that the author, Maria Thompson Corley, is also a musician. One of the most ambitious and wonderful
things about this project is the classical music album that accompanies the book, and when combined together, it makes the story flow that
much more. Tracks such as Bach Fugue MASTER, Beethoven MM1 or Chopin MASTER help bring this book to life more.

The beautiful way this book is written, mixed with the important themes presented and the emotional impact of the characters, Letting Go: A Novel
is a wonderful read written by an amazing author who commands the written word with precision and grace. The story is culturally and emotionally
relevant to audiences of all ages. This is a thought provoking work of art, accompanied by beautifully played classical music that compliments
the book amazingly, and this is a book that deserves to be read. Be sure to pick up your copy of Letting Go: A Novel by Maria Thompson Corley
today!

Home


http://www.broadstreetreview.com/authors/maria-thompson-corley
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/princes-mask-is-ours-too_us_573a379de4b06dede18b994c
https://www.facebook.com/mariathompsoncorleywriter/

Your One Word by Evan Carmichael Book Review

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Your One Word by Evan Carmichael Book Review

In author Evan Carmichael’s sensational book, Your One Word, readers are tasked with asking themselves one question: what is your one word? In
this guide to building a successful brand, the author challenges us to look deep within ourselves and determine what one word defines us as
people and our mission with our jobs/company/dreams/etc. Here is the official synopsis:

In this bold and empowering guide, entrepreneur and social media sensation Evan Carmichael shares the secret to turbo-charging your path to
success on your own terms. With thought-provoking questions and inspiring , instructive examples, Your One Word will help you nail down your
personal mottos – the word that captures your purpose and passion. With this operating philosophy in hand, you will then learn how to leverage
this powerful tool to create the business and future of your dreams.

Aimed at entrepreneurs as well as intrapreneurs, managers, and anyone else who wants to achieve success in a powerfully meaningful way, Your
One Word more than just a useful tool. It’s also an inspiring and enlightening read.

This is a fantastic guide on how companies and individuals should build their brand. It showcases in depth that it’s not about how much money you
can make, but about what makes you happy and what kind of message you want to send with your brand to those who support you. Using some great
stories from successful companies such as Ben and Jerry’s, The Honest Company, Apple and more, this guide goes step by step on finding your one
word, applying it to your brand, building a team or company around your one word, knowing who your opposition will be and more.

It’s a wonderfully written book that will help people, from the young upstart looking to make a name for themselves to the giant corporations
looking to refresh and reestablish their brands. It’s insightful, inspirational and a must read for any entrepreneurs or creators out there looking
to establish their brand identity with that important one word in your life. Be sure to pick up your copies of Evan Carmichael’s Your One Word
today!

Video Review: https://youtu.be/agbo2uazMRo
http://www.evancarmichael.com/
http://evancarmichael.com/oneword/
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingTheMasters