I am an Emotional Creature

Title: I am an Emotional Creature
Author: Eve Ensler
Genre:Women's Studies, Drama
Format: Paperback, 192 pp
Source: Random House Publishing



Synopsis



In this daring book, internationally acclaimed author and playwright Eve Ensler offers fictional monologues and stories inspired by girls around the globe. Fierce, tender, and smart, I Am an Emotional Creature is a celebration of the authentic voice inside every girl and an inspiring call to action for girls everywhere to speak up, follow their dreams, and become the women they were always meant to be.

Review

This book is so true. Eve asks questions everyone wants to know, but is to scared to ask. Even me. This book is full of little stories bunched together. They're all about what girls go through, all around the world. It's about eating disorders, sex, pleasing everyone but your self, drugs, cutting, being pregnant. So different, yet so much the same. It's been a few years since I was in High School, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Every thing she says, I had been there, heard or saw it happen. It is so crazy to think back on those days. Every girl goes through it and there's no way to stop it. I wish my 13 year old sister could read this. maybe it would help her through some tough times to come.
 Don't have sex with the jock so you can hang with the popular girls. It's not worth it. After high school you will most likely not even talk to one person you went to school with.It is comforting to know that I am not the only person that went through those things.
If there was one message I got from this book it would be, stand up for your self. Looking back now I wish I could have read this book. I suggest every girl, teen, and woman read this. It helps you remember, relate, cope.


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Author Interview - Leonard D. Hilley II

I am very excited to have Leonard D. Hilley II at The Blogging Book today! Leonard is the author of The Darkness Series. I have read all three, they are amazing! They keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

You can catch Leonard around the web here: Blog | Facebook

Welcome Leonard!

Bio: 

Born in Middletown, OH, in 1966.

1998 graduate from Morehead State University (B.S. biology)

Currently live in the mountains of Kentucky

In one sentence only, why should we read your books? 

If you’d like to be taken away on a suspense-thrill ride that keeps you guessing until the very end, you’d probably enjoy my Darkness series.

What inspired you with the idea for this Series? 

The opening sentence: “Dropping a cat from the top of a ten story office building was not the best way to remain hidden, but it was necessary.”  That sentence came to me one night, and I just had to write it down.  The rest evolved from that.  I didn’t have any plot, characters, theme, just that one sentence.  

About how long does it take you to write a book? 

Generally, about one year from start to finish.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?   

I believe the genre chose me.  My muse tends to be the one that keeps me here.

What was/is the easiest/hardest part about writing these books? 

I actually finished my biology degree to learn more about the scientific knowledge needed to write this series.  I’ve always loved biology so that was enjoyable in itself.  The hardest part is when I cannot see what is happening.  If I cannot see it, I cannot write it.

Is there anything you wish was different about the books? 

No.

Of the books that you have written, which is your favorite? 

I cannot honestly pick one above the other.  That’s almost like asking which of my children do I love the most.  Why?  I can’t make that type of choice.

What's a typical working day like for you? 

Coffee and revisions first.  Then, I began working from there. 

 

When/where do you write?  I work in my home office. 

 

Do you set a daily writing goal? 

Not really.  I hope to get 3-5 pages written per day.  Sometimes I hit three good pages, and I’ve had the fortune of ten-plus pages some days.

What’s the best thing about being an author?  

Seeing my worlds come to life and the characters working through their situations.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books? 

I love Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Roger Zelazny.  The Amber series by Zelazny is one of my favorites.

 If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. Which would it be? 

Probably one of the Amber books.  I love the world Zelazny set up.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?  

Keep writing.  Great writing comes from lots of revision.  Write, write, write!

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

I’m working on the fourth book in my series and the first book of a dark fantasy series.  I hope to have both finished later this year.

You said you are currently working on a screenplay for Predators of Darkness, what would be your dream cast? 

Hugh Jackman, Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Jennifer Anniston to name a few.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I can't wait for #4 of the Darkness Series!



You can check out my reviews here:
Predators of Darkness | Beyond the Darkness | The Game of Pawns

THe Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Title: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World
Author: Susan Veness
Genre: Travel
Format: Paperback, 242pp
Author Website


Synopsis

Sure, it?s the Happiest Place on Earth, but how much do the 45 million-plus people who visit the Disney World theme parks annually really know about it? From where to find all the hidden Mickeys to the truth behind Madame Leota?s ring at the Haunted Mansion, readers learn all about the hidden magic that permeates these fabulous resorts in this tell-all handbook. Readers also get the insider?s take on:

• The smell of home-baked cookies on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom
• The Fountain of World Friendship in Epcot that contains water from rivers and oceans around the globe
• Walt Disney?s opening day speech tapped out in Morse Code in Frontierland
• The eco-friendly benches (recycled milk jugs) in the Animal Kingdom
• Two versions of The Great Movie Ride at Disney?s Hollywood Studios

Complete with secret tips from Disney?s Imagineers, this book is the perfect in-park companion for Disney World fans.


Review

This is a very informative book.. It seems like Susan took the time to write out every detail. Every sight, smell, sound. Things you would never even think of while riding rides or walking down the street. I have never been to Walt Disney World, but I don't even pay that much attention to my local theme park. This would be a good souvenir for a first timer or even a WDW veteran. With this book you could get a whole new perspective from Disney World. We plan on taking a trip next year, so I'm brushing up on all my Disney facts.

I received this book for free from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.

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The Game of Pawns

Title: The Game of Pawns
Series: The Darkness Series #3
Author: Leonard D. Hilley II
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Author Website
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Synopsis



PAWNS ARE EXPENDABLE . . .

Twelve execution-style murders have occurred in Newark, New Jersey, in less than a week. Each murder has a calling card - a red pawn on each corpse. Kat Gaddis and Lucian investigate the homicides and discover the last four victims were employed by GenTech, a company that recently merged with Mech Cybernetics. After FBI director Mike Carpenter shares evidence with Kat, they soon discover political ties and corruptions that place Kat's life in direct danger. New players emerge and what seems like serial murders suddenly becomes a struggle for biotech knowledge and power. Kat is thrust into their game - The Game of Pawns.

Warning! This Post Contains Spoilers! If you have not read Beyond the Darkness turn back now!

Review

This series just get better and better! Back again for round three, even more players are coming forward in this game of who can become number one. How much can these people take? Every time they think they have solved the mystery and they start to relax, they find themselves thrown right back into the mix with even more players and even more twists and turns.

I am so happy Lucian and Kat are together! They deserve happiness, and I'm so glad the realized the love they have for each other! I love the fact that Morton has new friends to talk to! It kind of broke my heart about Lydia and Lucas.. I hope they can work things out. You would think by now Dr. Helmsby would have  learned his lesson.. Think before you sign.. It could prove to be useful..

I hope this isn't the end. There are so many questions left unanswered. If I havent said it enough, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIES. Leonard is a very talented writer. He pulls you right into the series and doesnt let you go. You can read the first chapter here. Trust me, you will want to read the whole thing!

I received this book for free from Leonard D. Hilley II in exchange for my honest review.

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Be on the look out for an Author Interview with Leonard D. Hilley II. Coming soon..

 

In My Mailbox (1)

 

 

Hosted by Kristy at The Story Siren,  inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Where we post about books we have received 

during the week via mailbox, local library, or store bought, etc. 

_____

For Review

The Game of Pawns - Leonard D. Hilley II (eBook)

I am an Emotional Creature - Eve Ensler

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World - Susan Veness

 

Bought

The Blue Girl - Charles deLint

 

 

 

Flight of Shadows

Title: Flight of Shadows
Series: A Caitlyn Brown Novel #2
Author: Sigmund Brouwer
Genre: Sci-Fi Christain Fiction
Author Website


Synopsis

Her genetic secret could change humanity forever.
Her DNA grants her the ultimate power.
But all she wants is to disappear.

Looming buildings rise into the sky of a near-future America, shadowing the desperate poverty of the soovie parks, death doctors, and fear bombs. In this world of walled cities, where status matters most, Caitlyn Brown is desperate to remain invisible, wrongly believing what she needs to hide is the deformity on her back. The powerful want her for so much more.

She’s forced to take flight again, relying on the help of Razor, a street-smart illusionist she can’t trust. Her only hope is to reach friends already tracked by government.

With a twisted bounty hunter in full pursuit, she and Razor begin to learn the unthinkable about her past and the unique gifts of her DNA. It leads Caitlyn to a choice between the two men who love her, and whether to keep her freedom or sacrifice herself to change human destiny.

In this lightning-fast chase through an all-too-plausible future, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer is at his best. Flight of Shadows is a terrifying ride into the heart of compelling moral questions about science and society.



Review


Flight of Shadows is the sequel to Brouwer's 2008 release, Broken Angel. I didn’t realize this was book 2 of a series until after I had already gotten the book. I went ahead and read it any ways. That may be the reason why I felt somewhat lost/confused in the first few chapters. The world is well crafted, but it took me a few chapters to fully understand what was going on.
Flight of Shadows is a fictional story that takes place in the future after a series of wars. This story is about Caitlyn who was genetically engineered. Because of this engineering, she has many people hunting her. She is trying to blend in with the working class of her day--the Invisibles. She just wants to hide in the shadows and keep her gift a secret. She’s not even sure if she can trust the only person wanting to help her.
Even though this is a Christain Fiction, Brouwer refrains from preaching. Instead he relys on the story to tell the horrs of DNA manipulation. He offers this as a warning, the dangers lie in the abuse of cheap illegal immigrant workers, the decline of civil liberties, and the exploitation of science for the pleasures of the privileged few.This is a very interesting story. I would recommend it to Sci-Fi or Fiction Lovers.

 I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

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Beyond the Darkness

Title: Beyond the Darkness
Series: The Darkness Series #2
Author: Leonard D. Hilley II
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Author Website
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Synopsis  

The Darkness Continues . . .

Three years after Daniel and the other survivors escaped the terrorizing, blood-thirsty shifters in Pittsburgh, his friends have moved forward with their lives, but Daniel cannot. He believes the conspiracies within TransGenCorp have not ended and more shifters exist.

Then Daniel receives a phone call from Lucas that bolsters his paranoia.

Lucas is being charged with murders he insists his clone committed.

Daniel soon discovers darker atrocities are emerging, which not only place his life in immense danger, but all his friends as well. 

  

!This Post Contains Spoilers! If you have not read Predators of Darkness turn back now!

Review

Another great read from Leonard D. Hilley II. This author has a way with words, they come to life on the page. This story continues three years after they escape Pittsburgh. Everyone has moved on, started living life again. Everyone except Daniel. He knows this isn't over. The next morning he gets a call from Lucas saying he's in jail for murder. Everyone knows Lucas is a dare devil but he would never murder anyone. Daniels fears are coming true.. 

There is no down time with his stories, he jumps right into the good stuff, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time!

In Predators of Darkness you meet Lucas' clone, Lucian. He doesn't seem like a bad guy to me. He's like a child. He just wants someone to love him. He's tired of the way Idris treats him. I kind of felt sorry for him in this book. When he tries to get close to someone they always turn on him. I think he wants to be good he just needs someone on his side.
Morton.. I absolutely love that cat! I love his smart alack remarks. And It broke my heart when he gets shot at the apartment, and he knows he dying. He just wants to see Felicia one more time. That part definitely made me cry. He still kicked some major butt, If I was in trouble I would want someone like Morton on my side!
I feel like I know these people. When they set off in the story and you're following them you have to urge to yell at the book to let them know that something bad is about to happen. Ugh, I was so nervous I bit all my finger nails off.


And just when you thought this series couldn't get any better, Leonard D. Hilley throws this book in you face!
To top it all off there's a book number three! It makes you wonder if he knows something and he's trying to warn us?? A little Dr. Helmsby going on here? If you like the review, go read the first chapter here! This is an amazing series, we need to spread the word. As long as Leonard keeps writing, I will keep reading what he puts out there!

I received this book for free from Leonard D. Hilley II in exchange for my honest review.

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