15 September 2011

claire-obscure by BILLIE HINTON

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was expecting to read the typical mystery/thriller. Girl meets boys, boy is a murderer, girl and friends have to solve the murder. Boy was I wrong. This book is nothing ordinary. It is the very complex story of a very complex cast of characters. Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I hated them, sometimes I was just disappointed in them. But always I was intrigued by them.

I could tell right away that this book was going to be a dark one. At the halfway point, I really had no idea how I was going to feel about the story in the end. At one point, I even contemplated whether I should finish it, but I couldn't turn away. It was like watching a train that is on the wrong track. You know it is going to wreck, you don't want to see it, but you can't turn away. The only thing that I will say, though, is that I couldn't read this book straight through. I had to read some each day, but read other things along with it.

This is the first book by Billie Hinton that I have read, but I will certainly be reading more. She really knows how to tell a story that keeps you involved. I loved her edgy descriptions, use of symbolism, and the complexity of the characters. I find that I HAVE to know what happens to these characters and hope to read the sequel to this one soon.

Kudos, Ms. Hinton. A very complex, very dark story!

13 September 2011

FREE NOOKBOOK The Rich Man by Miroslay Halas

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rich-man-miroslav-halas/1105441171?ean=2940011490514&itm=19&usri=the%2brich%2bman

Genre: Flash Fiction

Who is the Rich Man?  He is a man who listens with an open heart. Included in this book are 10 stories from people that highlight the vagaries of today's society, such as lonliness, depression, etc.  Each story is ended with a thought provoking question from the author.

12 September 2011

BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE by SAMANTHA WEILER (a short story)

I really enjoyed this short story by new author Samantha Weiler. The story was well written and interesting. I think the idea could be expanded to a great novel. In fact, at only 7 pages long,  I was just getting into the story when it ended. My only complaint was that it was too short! 


Samantha was the Summer Submission Contest Winner for Trestle Press.  I think she has great potential as a writer.  Please write more, Samantha!