Tag: humor

Interview with Jeff Costello

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1)    Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m a long-time sales executive in the technology space. That’s how I’ve made a living for the past 30-plus years. But, deep down inside, I’m really a storyteller. Whether it’s a presentation to a large group, a barstool conversation with a customer, or just hanging out with friends, I like to tell stories. Usually, they’re humorous. Occasionally, they’re insightful. Sometimes, they’re both. I hope that book falls into the “both” category.

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2)    What inspired you to write your book?

There’s a famous quote from Toni Morrison that goes like this, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” I’ve always wanted to read a book that accurately captured what I’ve experienced in my career. I felt that readers would enjoy the people, passion, camaraderie, customer interactions, and overall craziness associated with hitting a revenue goal, chasing the big deal, or being for sale, especially if I did it in a humorous way.

3)    What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope that readers gain a better understanding of the salesperson-buyer relationship and, hopefully, a better appreciation of it. Business people are almost always portrayed negatively in books, movies, and TV shows, especially salespeople. It’s a common trope to show salespeople as either smart but devious or affable morons. This has not been my experience. I’ve interacted with thousands of buyers and salespeople over my career and have found the great majority of them to be intelligent, honest people.

One other theme that I’d like for readers to see is to always find the humor in things. The characters in my book deal with a lot of turmoil in a short period of time but are always laughing together every step of the way. That should feel authentic to every salesperson I’ve ever met.

4)    What drew you into this particular genre?

I find what I do for a living to be fascinating. I love it and really thought readers who were unfamiliar with my world would love it as well. I confided to friends that I wanted to write a book that described the process of running a sales organization with the same level of passion and detail that Tom Clancy uses in describing the inner workings of a submarine because I think it is every bit as intriguing.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I want to sit down with Joseph Whitehorn. Every other character in the book is very familiar to me from my years of experience running technology sales teams, so I’ve already had the pleasure of spending time with many similar people.  I find the backstory of Joseph Whitehorn to be fascinating, especially since this year marks the 100th anniversary of the first casualty from the Osage Indian Murders. I love his blend of purpose, focus, and his hidden humor that emerges as the story progresses. 

6)    What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

As a business person, I have the most extensive following on Linked-in, so that has been the best outlet for me. I also use Facebook and Twitter and would expect those two platforms to grow in importance to me in the future.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The two obvious answers are to read more and write every day. That’s the recommendation from every reputable source, and I agree with that wisdom. The best way to get better at something is to do it, so writing daily helps. I would suggest that when you read other author’s work, read with a purpose. Notice the things you like, such as descriptions, dialog tags, POV choices, story structure, etc. Take notes and use them as inspiration for your own work.

Those are the two things that everyone will tell you. Now, I’ll give you some advice that few people will give to you. My book is filled with humor, and I found this advice from Neal Simon quite helpful. I saw him on 60 Minutes, where the interviewer asked him, “Do you laugh at your own work.” He answered that he does the first or second time he reads it, but after that, he doesn’t because he already knows the joke. He remembers it was funny, though, and that is the key. As you proof a chapter for the 50th time, the funny lines are no longer funny to you. You’ll be tempted to pull them or change them. Don’t do that! If it was funny when you wrote it, it will be funny for your readers the first time they read it. That advice may seem blindingly obvious, but when you are deep into the editing process and questioning everything you’ve written, it isn’t.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I just released Surfing with the Bishop and will focus on promoting the next few months. After that, I’ll see what inspires me. I’ve already got some thoughts on future projects but want to get more reader feedback before I lock in on anything.  I do publish a weekly blog called Trifling Amusements on Business and Life that readers might enjoy. To view, check out my website, jeffreybcostello.com.

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Surfing with the Bishop Review

About the Author

Jeff Costello served as a senior sales executive for 30-plus years, driving billions of dollars of revenue from emerging technology markets. He’s led worldwide sales teams that supported partners in over 100 different countries and participated in numerous company acquisitions. Having entertained customers for decades, he’s often boasted that he has, “fed more people than Mother Teresa, or at the very least, served better wine.” Jeff lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with his wife, Trina, and their dogs, Bentley and Bo. 

Author website

https://jeffreybcostello.com/

Social Links

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.costello.7

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jecostello/

https://twitter.com/Cosmo817JC

Amazon Buy Links

Hardcover https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737501902

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BT7C9YP

Parrot Talk by David B. Seaburn 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. 

Two siblings discover their estranged mother has passed away, and go on a journey of exploration as their mother’s friends encourage them to come to Pittsburgh and deal with her estate, including her grieving parrot, in the powerful novel “Parrot Talk”.

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The Synopsis

Lucas and Grinder are more than a little surprised and confused to hear that their mother, Millie, who they haven’t heard from in over thirty years, has died. Now her best friend wants them to come to Pittsburgh to take care of their mother’s effects, chief among them being Paul.

A road trip ensues with memorable stops at a Racino, a Pittsburgh landmark greasy spoon, and finally a ride on an incline trolley to meet their mother’s friend, Janice. They are taken aback when she introduces them to Paul, an African grey parrot in the depths of grief, who has things to say that will change their lives. And so a transformative adventure begins.

The Review

This was quite an emotional yet humorous read. Anyone who has ever gone through loss or a tumultuous if the not nonexistent relationship with a family member will be able to identify with this narrative easily. The brother’s chemistry is fun to watch unfold here, as each reacts in their own way to the loss of their mother. Yet it is Paul who steals the show, revealing not only a great deal of humor and wit in the amazingly smart bird but also connecting the brothers to their mother, whom neither had gotten to know, as Paul recites and brings the words of their mother to live on their journey of discovery.

The sometimes dark yet relatable and funny chord and balance the author found within this narrative’s deeper themes was a truly inspiring thing to read. The heartbreaking reality of abandonment and parenthood and its effects on children over time was seen as the brothers struggled with the idea of not knowing their real mother. Paul’s quick wit and the reflection on their mother’s personality in life not only cut the tension in these scenes but brought their mother to life as well, something a lot of readers will be able to identify with.

The Verdict

A remarkable, charming, and emotionally charged narrative, author David B. Seaburn’s “Parrot Talk” is a must-read novel. The engaging way the author weaves this story in such a short amount of time is incredible, while the breathtaking journey of two brothers seeking to find acceptance in the lack of relationship with their mother, and the knowledge that in her own strange way, she did hold love in her heart, will really resonate with readers everywhere. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David B. Seaburn is the author of seven novels with his eighth, Broken Pieces of God, being released in September 2021.

David’s first publication was a series of poems when he was in seminary at Boston University (1972-75). He continued writing while serving a church for six years, mostly short stories, plays, songs, essays and two manuscripts of inspirational prose.   

He entered the field of marriage and family therapy in 1986 and was Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center where he did extensive academic writing.  During this period, he co-authored two professional books and wrote over 60 papers and book chapters.

He started writing fiction in 2000, completing his first novel, Darkness is as Light, in 2001. It was published in 2005. 

Since then, David has been busy: Pumpkin Hill (2005), Charlie No Face(2007), Chimney Bluffs (2012), More More Time (2015), Parrot Talk (2017), and Gavin Goode (2019).

He has also written and co-written numerous non-fiction pieces some ofwhich are listed on the Other Publications Page.

www.davidbseaburn.com

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/going-out-not-knowing

https://twitter.com/dseaburn

Canterberry Tales by C.P. Hoff 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. 

A young girl known for causing havoc and looking at life with wonder in her small town takes readers on a journey of self-discovery in author C.P. Hoff’s “Canterberry Tales”, the first in the Happy Valley Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

Pull up your knee socks and buckle your pinchy shoes, your childhood is calling. Celia Canterberry, a precocious seven-year-old, hell bent on saving earthworms, is about to drag you down memory lane and remind you what it was like to look at a careworn world with wide-eyed bemusement. Now take a deep breath. Smell that? Nostalgia.

Celia flits through the streets of Happy Valley to her Nan’s chagrin, causing havoc wherever she goes. She’s so infamous, she’s got her own comic strip in the local paper, and Old Lady Griggs, her babysitter, is only too happy to read it with her. But what Celia secretly wants to know is where she came from. You see, Celia was abandoned at the hospital by her should-have-been parents, and her Nan won’t explain how or why…

The Review

A truly well-written and engaging story, the author draws the reader in with colorful characters and brilliantly dry humor that immediately sets the tone for the story. The characters are vibrant and really stand out, balanced between the young protagonist Celia’s perspective and the sometimes harsh yet often true reality. 

What really stands out in this narrative is the balance between character growth and story. Often times one aspect of a novel like this will overtake the other, but the author has found the perfect amount of character development to help elevate the overall story and theme of this novel. The humor does a great job of highlighting the lengths those in Celia’s life have gone to in order to both protect her from the truth of her origins and then to finally reveal them to her and her inquisitive mind. 

The Verdict

A well-balanced, engaging, and driven narrative, author C.P. Hoff’s “Canterberry Tales” is a must-read novel. The inclusion of story elements like Celia’s local comic strip brought to mind visions of a little Dennis the Menace style story, while the balance of humor and emotional storytelling really brought the reader into the narrative, identifying and even becoming emotionally invested in Celia’s story as time went on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

C.P. Hoff lives in southern Alberta with her husband, and the child who has yet to fly the coop. She has written for the local paper, which might be impressive if she lived in New York, and if anyone read the local paper. Hoff is presently writing two series. Her novel, A Town Called Forget, was longlisted for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. More information can be found about C.P. Hoff at: C. P. Hoff – C. P. Hoff: Author of the Picaresque Chronicles.

Home

https://www.bookbub.com/books/canterberry-tales-the-happy-valley-chronicals-by-c-p-hoff

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.

A Tongue In The Sink: The Harrowing Adventures Of A Baby Boomer Childhood by Dennis Fried 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. 

One author takes a humorous jump into his past to showcase the life of a young man growing up in the Baby Boomer generation in author Dennis Fried’s “A Tongue In The Sink: The Harrowing Adventures Of A Baby Boomer Childhood”. 

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The Synopsis 

Are the current events of your childhood now showing on the History Channel?

Do you look at todayÂs kids and suspect that theyÂre aliens?

Have you ever assaulted an electronic device?

Have you been ridiculed in the recent past for using paper and pencil?

Do you forget whether some of your favorite movie stars are dead or alive?

Have you been saying “When I was a kid” more and more lately?

Then meet Dennis Fried, former philosophy professor and stand-up comic (just your normal, everyday career path), and author of the popular Memoirs of a Papillon: The Canine Guide to Living with Humans without Going Mad. Return with him to the days when kids actually went outside to play! When SUVs were not only unknown but unneeded, since no self-respecting kid wanted to be seen being dropped off by his parents. When gym teachers issued directly from the “walk it off” school of pain management. Back to the days of Saturday afternoon double features, A-bomb drills, and the always-dangerous Big Kids.

This wry, incisive memoir about growing up in a small town will fill you with laughter, nostalgia, and reflections on the changing nature of childhood. If you were ever a kid, this is your story.

The Review

A truly humorous, exciting and one-of-a-kind read readers will feel like they have been transported back into the past as they read the author’s unique take on a baby boomer childhood. From the book’s early pages readers are treated to the author’s unique sense of humor and his take on life since moving to Florida, and subsequently takes readers on a journey back to Catskill, New York. 

From the parenting styling of his parents and an early childhood encounter with a rude school janitor that nearly led to an altercation between his father and the aforementioned janitor, to later years dodging the fury of road rage and growing up too fast, the author uses humor and wit to take a look at the past. Exploring one’s yearning for a simpler time and the simplicity we take for granted in childhood, the author expertly navigates his life and the baby boomer generation and brings readers along for the ride. 

The Verdict

A powerful, funny, and charming read, “A Tongue in the Sink” by Dennis Fried is a must-read humor book. While there are many things that came from that era that are now being seen as harmful, there were also a lot of things of that era that spoke of simplicity, comfort, and less chaos than what the world is facing now, and there is something to be said for that. The readers of the baby boomer generation will love this read, and the humor is evident in every chapter, making this a unique read. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. Dennis Fried has been laughed out of numerous careers, including stand-up comedy. He has advanced degrees in physics and philosophy, all of which have gone totally to waste. He is extremely lazy, and if it weren’t for his author-dog, Genevieve, he probably wouldn’t get out of bed until suppertime.

The Poop Diaries by Abby Ross Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

A chance encounter with a chatty plumber leads to a book of awkward, hilarious and unbelievable tales from everyday plumbers in author Abby Ross’s book “The Poop Diaries”. 

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The Synopsis

“Abby Ross, a former journalist currently doing public relations work, has gathered stories from plumbers that will make you smile, giggle, and laugh out loud.” –Arizona News Independent

They come into our homes. They see us in our most fragile moments. Plumbers are a fixture in our lives. When a toilet clogs, a faucet leaks, or a sewer line plugs, we call those unsung heroes, desperately seeking help. They scoop out our poop and pull underwear, toothbrushes and cotton balls out of our toilets, doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

On a late Wednesday evening, after my toilet clogged, I asked our plumber to share his top five “greatest hits.” The stories were so hilarious, I had to share them with the world. The Poop Diaries features true stories told by my plumber, and many other plumbers, about the most memorable service jobs they have worked on and most unique people they have helped. Whether it’s nudity, rats, fake vaginas, dildos, snakes, weapons and so much more, these plumbers have seen and smelled it all.

The Review

A fantastic and humorous read, author Abby Ross has compiled a brilliant collection of stories that highlights the hard work and struggles of the average plumber while regaling readers with truly incredible stories the average customer would never think their plumber could be involved in. 

From supermodels dispelling the image they create of themselves to an army of rats deep in the bowels of a Chinese restaurant and a misleading encounter with candles, the author has compiled a complete list of stories not only from her own plumber, but many other plumbers as well that showcase just how odd and strange the average customer’s toilet problems can be. 

The Verdict

Showing off that a plumber’s job is not only about poop and poop related problems, The Poop Diaries is the perfect blend of humor and wit mixed with education regarding the plumbing profession and a pleasant non-fiction read. A one of a kind book that will delight the average reader and touches on a subject people often take for granted, this is the perfect book for any non-fiction readers out there. If you haven’t yet, grab your copies today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Abby Ross has nearly two decades of experience working in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She has written countless news stories, bylines, and blog posts. Abby began her career as a television news reporter, which fostered her passion for interviewing and writing about interesting people from all walks of life. After six years of reporting, Abby pivoted her career into public relations and marketing, which has been her focus for the past decade. This is her first book.

https://www.facebook.com/crazyplumberstories/?modal=admin_todo_tour (my FB page for the book)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08358HFFB (Amazon link)

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-poop-diaries-abby-ross/1135167569?ean=9781684334261 (B &N to buy book)

Twitter and Instagram: @honestab2

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-ross/ 

Interview with Author Philip M. Fishman

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I guess you could call me a late bloomer.  I didn’t write my first book until I was 69, which was a memoir of my brief teaching career, which began at age 65 .  My degree is in chemistry, and after graduating and receiving a ROTC commission, I  spent two years in the Army Chemical Corps. My final assignment was as an exec officer in a technical intelligence detachment where we analyzed potential enemy capabilities in chemical, biological and nuclear warfare.  For most of my tenure, I was stationed at Fort McClellan Alabama where I met my wife, who is from Anniston.  After discharge, I worked in various facets of the chemical industry for the next forty years first in technical service, and eventually Southeast Regional Sales Manager until an unplanned early retirement when I was 63.  For the next couple of years I was a consultant; and then I decided to try teaching.  When my wife suffered a stroke in 2008, I then entered my dual career of caregiver and writer.    

2) What inspired you to write your book? 

I have been a political junkie since childhood.  I’m active on FaceBook and most of my commentary involves politics.  When Trump was elected, I just felt compelled to write some type of critique.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?  

I see similarities to the rise of Hitler and also parallels with George Orwell’s 1984.  If not for his cult, we could probably dismiss the man, since after all, he’s in his seventies and won’t be around forever.  But, unfortunately,  I think the fascist movement that he has inspired will be around long after he departs.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?  

In my mind, one couldn’t find a more suitable character for a parody or a satire.  The fact that he contradicts himself continually is comical itself; but that his followers do the same thing makes it outrageously so.  I’ve pointed out that it would be disingenuous to be against everything he says or does, since he is on both sides of most issues from time to time. . 

5) As this book deals primarily with Donald Trump and his presidency, if you had the opportunity to ask him a question or confront him about one of the lies he told that you highlight in your book, what would it be and why? 

“Mr. President, you have been quoted as saying ‘ Promises are like predictions ; they might or might not come true.’”  If you don’t believe in your promises; why then should anyone else?

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership? 

Facebook by far.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there? 

Ask yourself first why you want to write a book.  If it’s to be a legacy or strictly educational.  I would encourage you to go ahead.  If, on the other hand, it’s to make  a lot of money; I’m sorry to say that you are probably in for a big disappointment.  Unless you are well known or have something really unique to say; the chances of you’re making it big are very slim.  There are just too many books out there competing for market share.  If I haven’t dissuaded you; then at least think about what might attract a lot of interest.  Who are your prospective audience and why should they select your book over all the others in the same genre or about a given subject?

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon? 

As stated above, I am in a dual career of caregiver to my wife and writer.  My first and most important responsibility is the former.  As time permits, I will continue to write.  I have written two short stories in the genre of Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone”.  So far, I have not come up with any more.  If any of your readers would like to contribute to an anthology for a nominal negotiated fee, they can reach me at themoderatelibertarian@gmail.com

.   I’m also early into “”A Debate with an Atheist.  It’s too early to say if I will finish it.  And, then there may be some other idea that strikes my fancy and takes me in a new totally unexpected direction. 

About the Author

I have been fascinated by science since age five or six, when I got a telescope for a birthday. At that point I was going to be an astronomer, but that changed when I got my first chemistry set at about ten. 

B.A. Chemistry Indiana University 1961. 

First lieutenant Army Chemical Corps 1963. Last assignment – Executive officer technical intelligence detachment.

Retired in late 2002 after a successful career with a number of chemical companies including one that I started and a second that I co-founded in 1974 for recycling and disposal of waste chemicals.

After retirement became a consultant and then a teacher. 

Now in my fourth career as a writer.

My first book was a memoir of a brief teaching career that I began when I was 66. Title is “Teacher’s Gotta Dance”, available presently only on Kindle. Second book was a rebuttal to Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”, titled “A Really Inconvenient Truth-The Case Against the Theory of Anthropogenic Global Warming”. My latest is a novel, titled “Secession- A Republic Reborn”. 

Could States Start Seceding from the Union? This Author Thinks It’s Possible

Also a podcast interview (not the same). The interview starts seven minutes or so into the podcast. 

https://audioboom.com/posts/6109981-podcast-anson-knowles-7-15-17.

Aren’t The Emperor’s New Clothes Grand by Philip M. Fishman 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. 

A humorous, insightful and honest exploration of one of the most controversial leaders of the United States takes shape in author Philip M. Fishman’s novel “Aren’t The Emperor’s New Clothes Grand”. 

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The Synopsis

A satirical expose’ comparing Trump to the Emperor in the tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Pointing out that his words and deeds echo those of previous and current dictators, and make him, in the author’s opinion a threat to our Constitution and Republic.

The Review

This novel does an incredible job of highlighting the vast amount of hypocrisy that goes into the Presidency and the man that is Donald Trump. Using detailed research and examples to showcase the lies and deceit the current U.S. President has told, the author delves into a wide array of aspects of Trump’s presidency and failed promises, and lists out the many ways in which these promises became lies. 

From the President’s claim of love for the military despite dodging the draft, to the long string of Tweets, interviews and campaign speeches that showcase the President’s long standing racism (with plenty of examples from his past to highlight this aspect), this book does a fantastic job of drawing the reader in and picking apart the facade of the President’s history and persona. 

A fairly quick read, the author’s writing is on point, creating a very succinct and straight to the point dialogue directly to the reader that feels authentic and factual in every turn. The way the author uses the classic Hans Christian Anderson novel “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to highlight the vanity and facade of Trump’s legacy and campaign. No matter how much he and his White House shout all of the “amazing things” he has done in the office, the facts don’t lie, and they are there for anyone to see so long as they are willing to look themselves.

The Verdict

This is a book that is both humorous and a wake-up call to anyone either living in the United States or anyone watching the events unfolding in the United States on just how dangerous a man this is. While the hypocrisy is evident in every turn and the author does a marvelous job of highlighting that in a great satirical way, the author also showcases the horrors of the President’s actions and sentiments while in office, and the truly horrible things he is willing to do while there, so long as it benefits him. An informative read that will also provide a bit of a chuckle, this is a novel you won’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy of “Aren’t The Emperor’s New Clothes Grand” by Philip M. Fishman today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I have been fascinated by science since age five or six, when I got a telescope for a birthday. At that point I was going to be an astronomer, but that changed when I got my first chemistry set at about ten. 

B.A. Chemistry Indiana University 1961. 

First lieutenant Army Chemical Corps 1963. Last assignment – Executive officer technical intelligence detachment.

Retired in late 2002 after a successful career with a number of chemical companies including one that I started and a second that I co-founded in 1974 for recycling and disposal of waste chemicals.

After retirement became a consultant and then a teacher. 

Now in my fourth career as a writer.

My first book was a memoir of a brief teaching career that I began when I was 66. Title is “Teacher’s Gotta Dance”, available presently only on Kindle. Second book was a rebuttal to Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”, titled “A Really Inconvenient Truth-The Case Against the Theory of Anthropogenic Global Warming”. My latest is a novel, titled “Secession- A Republic Reborn”. 

http://thepolitistick.com/could-states-start-seceding-from-the-union-this-author/

Also a podcast interview (not the same). The interview starts seven minutes or so into the podcast. 

https://audioboom.com/posts/6109981-podcast-anson-knowles-7-15-17.

Thad Saves the Galaxy: An Epic Space Adventure by C.T. Fleck 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.

A carefree young man seeking adventure and purpose in life finds his world turned upside down when an alien woman named Zinka draws him into a galactic battle like no other in author C.T. Fleck’s novel Thad Saves the Galaxy: An Epic Space Adventure. Here is the synopsis. 

The Synopsis

When adventure calls, sometimes it’s best to send it to voicemail 

If Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure with a bit of Dude, Where’s My Car? sprinkled in sounds like a good time, you’ll love Thad Saves the Galaxy!

When an alien named Zinka drops into Thaddeus Kinglsey’s life, he finally gets the adventure he’s been waiting for. Zinka is an exiled Aldinian who is being pursued across the galaxy by the evil tyrant Derask. She crashed on Earth and needs help repairing her ship. Thad jumps at the chance to do something extraordinary and begins an adventure he will never forget. Unfortunately, Derask learns of Thad’s involvement and destroys the Earth to punish him.

With the Earth a smoldering cloud of dust, Thad and Zinka begin a quest across the galaxy to put an end to Derask’s tyranny. This dynamic twosome recruits a colorful cast of characters to their cause: Tik, a mighty Tauran with a penchant for mind altering substances, Pangaea, a sarcastic humanoid who is more then she seems, Danny, the only other Earthling left who happens to be a dreadlocked pot dealer, Leonidas, a lovesick Voltan hero, and Preet, the shapeshifting Queen of the Mercenaries. But they need more than a gang of friends to defeat Derask. They need ships, and lots of them.

Can this oddball team find a way to take down the galaxy’s most powerful dictator? Does ‘winging it’ ever really work? Can you find love on a planet full of mercenaries? These questions and more are answered in this whimsical romp across the Milky Way.

Thad Saves the Galaxy is a humorous galactic adventure with a vibrant cast of human and alien characters, space battles, and outrageous fun.

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The Review

This hilarious dark comedy and sci-fi parody is brilliantly executed. The author does a fantastic job of world building and creating a mythology that readers can instantly get sucked into. Awakening the hero within this week smoking, carefree and comical young man, Thad becomes the hero nobody asked for, or quite frankly wanted. Yet his odd way of looking at life and humor amazingly compliment the more tragic and emotional story elements introduced throughout the novel.

The twists and turns this story take will certainly keep readers on the edge of their seat as they explore the Milky Way Galaxy in a whole new light. A more adult take on the classic sci-fi and space epic adventure genre, readers will laugh and cry as they follow Thad as he tackles themes of racism, homophobia, gender equality and the inherent battle of good vs evil, all the while he smokes weed and finds new and hilarious ways of getting into trouble. 

The Verdict

This is a must read sci-fi adventure and dark comedy like no other. A humor filled adventure that blends elements of Seth MacFarlane’s recent space epic show The Orville with George Lucas’s world building in the Star Wars universe and the humor of a Seth Rogen film. You are not going to want a single second of this hilarious book, so be sure to pick up your copy of Thad Saves the Universe by C.T. Fleck today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

C.T. Fleck is the pen name of Corey Hofecker. After dropping out of college, for the second time, he discovered the joys that are inherent in both reading and writing, and that his previous distaste of said subjects was just a lack of freedom to read and write what he truly wanted. Being a firm believer that there is beauty in the absurd, he quickly became obsessed with the sci-fi genre. In it he saw the vast possibilities and the probability of how weird our universe can get. Corey lives in rural West Virginia where he occupies his time with reading, writing, video games, and tabletop RPGs. He is an unashamed feminist of sorts and an avid supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.