Books about the art of book reviewing are few and far between. THE SLIPPERY ART OF BOOK REVIEWING attempts to fill the void. As a reviewer myself I was curious to see what insight was offered to me as well as those just getting started. It was with a great deal of anticipation that I opened my copy.Most people are anxious to express their opinions; readers are no exception. The internet has made it easier than ever. But it’s not easy to communicate those opinions in an organized credible manner. Criticism should be backed up with fact and examples. Thoughts should be presented in a way that’s informative and entertaining at the same time. The authors address all that and more.Anne K. Edwards is a writer and editor of “Voice in the Dark,” a free monthly ezine. Mayra Calvani is a writer, reviewer and co-editor of “Voice in the Dark.” Both women rely on their own personal experience and that of other reviewers. They cover all aspects of book reviewing from “What is a book review?” right through to “How to Start Your Own Book Review Site.”Along the way you’ll learn how to read critically, what to do if the book is terrible and what to avoid so you’re not singled out as an amateur. There are numerous examples of reviews, long and short, positive and not so positive.Want to get started? There’s an extensive list of publications at the end; a treasure trove of print media and online sites that provide reviews. Everything is presented in clear concise language and organized in an easy to use format. I found the book to be a valuable resource for the professional as well as the novice. Authors, publishers and readers will find it interesting as well.This reviewer learned a lot along the way – two thumbs up ladies.Twilight Times BooksISBN: 978-1-933353-22-7186 pages
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Book Review – Stefi By Jenny Paschall
Hilarious, Witty, Bold, SensitiveWriter, producer, journalist, and lecturer, Jenny Pascall, in “Stefi” could well be telling her own story. “Stefi,” is narrated by, Sue Katz who meets Stefi after a gym workout, is drawn into a friendship and soon finds herself on a journey of self discovery, which takes her to Calcutta, and the Himalayas.The author has a unique gift for developing her characters. It is amazing to watch Sue, her
protagonist, become a total person. Paschall’s characters become lifelike, as the reader is allowed to
see them in caricature, their weaknesses, their excesses, and their individuality. Her mother, her peers, and friends all add to this zany story of romance, compassion, and self fulfillment.Stefi subtly influences Sue’s metamorphosis. Self centered and indecisive, Sue shows another side of her personality when faced with the suffering, the emotional, and the physical needs of the sick and dying young people in the shelters and hospitals of Mother Teresa in Calcutta. She becomes a person sensitive to the needs of others. A spiritual side of her inner being surfaces as Sue opens her heart to offer comfort and hope through giving herself in an effort to meet these needs.Paschal uses the healing power of laughter as she takes the reader on a roller coaster ride, one rollicking adventure after another. Poking fun at herself along the way Sue endears herself to the reader. Then without warning the reader is faced with the challenge of solving the problem of meeting human needs in third world countries.This is a great book to read on an airplane, to create stimulating conversation, and to pass along to a friend. The surprise ending is gratifying and leaves the reader waning to read more of Jenny Paschall.As reviewed for Midwest Book Reviews.