Earth
you are neither here
not there
unremorseful
when stalking
freshly ploughed fields
wrapped in your tears
I trace muddy footprints
across my heart
with stained fingers
I'm tasting the soil
hoping in vain
to discover you
as you are
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Interview with Sarah - Workaday Reads
About:
My name is Sarah. I have always been a voracious reader. I taught myself to read before I was four. By the time I entered kindergarten, I was reading short novels. I quickly progressed to full novels, and have never looked back. My blog, Workaday Reads, is almost 3 years old, and is still as much my obsession and passion as it was when I first started it.
Workaday Reads
Do you have specific genres that you review, and what is your favorite one?
My favourite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but I will read most anything. I prefer not to read overly graphic erotic scenes, religious preaching, or a lot of profanity. Other than that, it’s an open canvas. I do have genres I prefer, but I find that a well-crafted story can lead me to enjoy a genre that I might not have otherwise.
On average, how many books do you review each month?
My current reading speed is to review about 10 books a month.
Do you accept unsolicited review requests, or do you only review books you select yourself?
I do accept unsolicited review requests, but only with no time frame for the review. My TBR list is huge, and I’m a mood reader, so I try not to schedule my reads too heavily.
Considering the recent surge of self-published books on the market, what is your experience with self-published titles?
My experiences have been mostly positive. I have read a few books that weren’t ready for publication, but the majority have been good. I love the freedom and choice that self-publishing provides to both readers and authors.
As a reviewer, you have to state your honest opinions. Do you publish all reviews regardless of the rating?
Yes, I publish all reviews, whether they are 1 star, 5 stars or DNF (did not finish).
Is there any particular book or author that set the benchmark for you in a specific genre?
Not really. I have a few books that I absolutely love, but nothing that I compare other books to.
What was the catalyst for you to become a reviewer, and what keeps you going?
I don’t even remember how I got started reviewing, it seems so long ago. I keep going because I love to read and share my opinions about books. Plus, writing reviews helps me focus on the story and what I really think about it.
In your opinion, do you find the new titles original and creatively executed, or do you see more of a repeat of the same (think Hollywood's surge in remakes)?
I think that like movies, there are both original stories and bad remakes abound. The trick is to decide what you want to read, and seek it out.
Out of all the books you've read, are there any particular books or characters that stayed on your mind?
I read The Mists of Avalon by Marian Zimmer Bradley when I was a kid, and it remains one of my favourite books of all time. It’s one of the first books that sparked my love of mythology.
I also highly regard the Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony. I’m not religious in any way, but find that the setup and execution of religion and mystical “offices” in this series really calls to me. It’s one of the few series I own a copy of, and would never consider getting rid of. It’s also one of the few books I’ve ever reread.
What is the one review you are the most proud of, and why?
I don’t think I could pinpoint a single review. I usually love them when I first write them, but I know that looking back at a few I wrote months or years ago is almost painful. I imagine I will look at almost every review and at one point wonder “what was I thinking”.
I would like to thank Sarah for participating in the series and for answering my questions. To learn more about her reviews, please visit: Workaday Reads
My name is Sarah. I have always been a voracious reader. I taught myself to read before I was four. By the time I entered kindergarten, I was reading short novels. I quickly progressed to full novels, and have never looked back. My blog, Workaday Reads, is almost 3 years old, and is still as much my obsession and passion as it was when I first started it.
Workaday Reads
Do you have specific genres that you review, and what is your favorite one?
My favourite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but I will read most anything. I prefer not to read overly graphic erotic scenes, religious preaching, or a lot of profanity. Other than that, it’s an open canvas. I do have genres I prefer, but I find that a well-crafted story can lead me to enjoy a genre that I might not have otherwise.
On average, how many books do you review each month?
My current reading speed is to review about 10 books a month.
Do you accept unsolicited review requests, or do you only review books you select yourself?
I do accept unsolicited review requests, but only with no time frame for the review. My TBR list is huge, and I’m a mood reader, so I try not to schedule my reads too heavily.
Considering the recent surge of self-published books on the market, what is your experience with self-published titles?
My experiences have been mostly positive. I have read a few books that weren’t ready for publication, but the majority have been good. I love the freedom and choice that self-publishing provides to both readers and authors.
As a reviewer, you have to state your honest opinions. Do you publish all reviews regardless of the rating?
Yes, I publish all reviews, whether they are 1 star, 5 stars or DNF (did not finish).
Is there any particular book or author that set the benchmark for you in a specific genre?
Not really. I have a few books that I absolutely love, but nothing that I compare other books to.
What was the catalyst for you to become a reviewer, and what keeps you going?
I don’t even remember how I got started reviewing, it seems so long ago. I keep going because I love to read and share my opinions about books. Plus, writing reviews helps me focus on the story and what I really think about it.
In your opinion, do you find the new titles original and creatively executed, or do you see more of a repeat of the same (think Hollywood's surge in remakes)?
I think that like movies, there are both original stories and bad remakes abound. The trick is to decide what you want to read, and seek it out.
Out of all the books you've read, are there any particular books or characters that stayed on your mind?
I read The Mists of Avalon by Marian Zimmer Bradley when I was a kid, and it remains one of my favourite books of all time. It’s one of the first books that sparked my love of mythology.
I also highly regard the Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony. I’m not religious in any way, but find that the setup and execution of religion and mystical “offices” in this series really calls to me. It’s one of the few series I own a copy of, and would never consider getting rid of. It’s also one of the few books I’ve ever reread.
What is the one review you are the most proud of, and why?
I don’t think I could pinpoint a single review. I usually love them when I first write them, but I know that looking back at a few I wrote months or years ago is almost painful. I imagine I will look at almost every review and at one point wonder “what was I thinking”.
I would like to thank Sarah for participating in the series and for answering my questions. To learn more about her reviews, please visit: Workaday Reads
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Ebook statistics
I came across an interesting article on Ebook Soda's blog, regarding the use of e-readers and how e-readers are encouraging people to read more: http://blog.ebooksoda.com/ebook-statistics/
Personally, I do not own an e-reader, and if I went out looking for one, it would be an e-ink device, not a tablet. Nevertheless, I can see how cheaper, more accessible, and portable books would result in more books being read.
Personally, I do not own an e-reader, and if I went out looking for one, it would be an e-ink device, not a tablet. Nevertheless, I can see how cheaper, more accessible, and portable books would result in more books being read.
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Baron in the Trees - a review
The Baron in the Trees by Italo CalvinoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Of all the new authors I started reading in the past ten years, Italo Calvino is, undoubtedly, the most innovative when it comes to serious fiction. His novels never fail to amaze me either by their plots, the use of language, or their message. The Baron in the Trees is my fourth Calvino book, preceded by Invisible Cities, If on a Winter's Night a Traveler..., and Cosmicomics.
While the previous three books were more serious in nature, The Baron in the Trees is unquestionably a whimsical tale. The novel's settings speak, more than anything, to the author's playful mind - following a disagreement with his parents, a stubborn child climbs a tree never to set a foot on the ground again.
That premise alone had me interested. Combine this with my earlier enjoyment of Calvino's prose, and I was hooked.
Unfortunately, this book pales in comparison with the other three books. Calvino is still an amazing writer, but this particular book was a rather 'light read'. The premise of a wealthy Baron spending his life in the treetops while a new century passes beneath him, while Europe is in turmoil and the social fabric undergoes some of the most important changes in Europe's history had a lot of potential. Calvino managed to touch upon some of these subjects, but only superficially. While in his other books he assigns importance to human emotions and the events shaping them, here the link is barely perceptible.
In the center of this novel are our eccentric Baron de Rondo, and his noble lineage. Throw in Napoleon, Voltaire, the French Revolution, the republic of Genoa, tax collectors, Muslim pirates, Jesuits, the Spanish Inquisition, a Jansenist Abbe, the Kozaks, and a war, and you have a plenty of material that not many authors would even attempt to tackle at all, let alone in one book. Calvino, nevertheless, pulls it off.
While the premise of a life in trees may sound too much to be real, Calvino cleverly addresses the difficulties one by one, requiring no suspension of disbelief from his readers. The only complicated issue to resolve remain the subject of love and carnal lust, but even these are addressed tastefully, with a clever play on European politics of that time. Thus, the world Calvino had created for our Baron is, if not believable, at least plausible.
The Baron in the Trees was an enjoyable read. Towards the end, however, I felt as if Calvino rushed the last four chapters to reach a conclusion. Until that point, I did not find anything wrong with this novel, and I suspect that the brusque ending will not bother most readers.
Overall, this book once again showcases what Calvino did best - storytelling. In each book of his, I'm afforded a wonderful window into the world of his imagination. And what imagination he had - unlike any author I have read.
View all my reviews
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Interview with Rowena
My guest today is Rowena, whom I met on Goodreads.
About:
I’ve been a reader since I got my first library card at the age of 5. I’m currently in graduate school and my research and interests focus on language, literature and cultural and social issues. I’m a moderator in the Goodreads group All About Books Apart from Goodreads, my book reviews can also be found on my personal blog Les Reveries de Rowena . I also contribute to an online blog called Media Diversified Media Diversified.
Do you have specific genres that you review, and what is your favorite one?
I prefer to review non-fiction, autobiographies in particular, world literature and classics.
On average, how many books do you review each month?
Roughly 5-8.
Do you accept unsolicited review requests, or do you only review books you select yourself?
If I receive unsolicited review requests I read a synopsis of the book and decide whether I would be interested enough in the content to review it. The majority of the books I’ve reviewed have been chosen by me. However, the authors who approach me with review requests often know what genres of books I enjoy reading.
Considering the recent surge of self-published books on the market, what is your experience with self-published titles?
So far I’ve experienced a mix bag; I have to say that most of the self-published books I’ve reviewed have been of a good quality but a couple have been quite lackluster and in need of better editing or formatting. However, I haven’t had too much experience with self-published titles compared to those published by “traditional” publishing houses.
As a reviewer, you have to state your honest opinions. Do you publish all reviews regardless of the rating?
If I don’t really like a specific book and don’t have much to say about it, I may not review it.
Is there any particular book or author that set the benchmark for you in a specific genre?
The First Man by Albert Camus is one of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read. I thought it was a masterpiece in spite of the fact that it was an unedited manuscript. It was very moving.
What was the catalyst for you to become a reviewer, and what keeps you going?
I wanted to challenge myself to put down in words why I liked or disliked a certain book. I also liked reading other people’s reviews and was a bit wary about posting my reviews at first because I’ve seen so many excellent reviews that are rather analytical and borderline academic so I wasn’t sure how my reviews would be received. However, I think I found my writing voice and I essentially just write how I feel about the book, without making it too fancy, just as authentic as possible.
In your opinion, do you find the new titles original and creatively executed, or do you see more of a repeat of the same (think Hollywood's surge in remakes)?
I’m not sure I can answer this one because I haven’t read too many new titles.
Out of all the books you've read, are there any particular books or characters that stayed on your mind?
Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is one of the most tragic characters in African literature. I first encountered him at age 12 and I periodically read Things Fall Apart. Whenever I do, Okonkwo’s woes remind me of Africa’s woes.
What is the one review you are the most proud of, and why?
Probably “A Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela. Writing about a man who had been a hero to me from a very young age was very emotional for me. It was my way of paying tribute to a great man who made so much possible.
I would like to thank Rowena for taking the time to answer my questions. If you would like to learn more about Rowena and her reviews, please visit either of the links in the "about" section, or visit her blog here: http://lesreveriesderowena.wordpress.com/
About:
I’ve been a reader since I got my first library card at the age of 5. I’m currently in graduate school and my research and interests focus on language, literature and cultural and social issues. I’m a moderator in the Goodreads group All About Books Apart from Goodreads, my book reviews can also be found on my personal blog Les Reveries de Rowena . I also contribute to an online blog called Media Diversified Media Diversified.
Do you have specific genres that you review, and what is your favorite one?
I prefer to review non-fiction, autobiographies in particular, world literature and classics.
On average, how many books do you review each month?
Roughly 5-8.
Do you accept unsolicited review requests, or do you only review books you select yourself?
If I receive unsolicited review requests I read a synopsis of the book and decide whether I would be interested enough in the content to review it. The majority of the books I’ve reviewed have been chosen by me. However, the authors who approach me with review requests often know what genres of books I enjoy reading.
Considering the recent surge of self-published books on the market, what is your experience with self-published titles?
So far I’ve experienced a mix bag; I have to say that most of the self-published books I’ve reviewed have been of a good quality but a couple have been quite lackluster and in need of better editing or formatting. However, I haven’t had too much experience with self-published titles compared to those published by “traditional” publishing houses.
As a reviewer, you have to state your honest opinions. Do you publish all reviews regardless of the rating?
If I don’t really like a specific book and don’t have much to say about it, I may not review it.
Is there any particular book or author that set the benchmark for you in a specific genre?
The First Man by Albert Camus is one of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read. I thought it was a masterpiece in spite of the fact that it was an unedited manuscript. It was very moving.
What was the catalyst for you to become a reviewer, and what keeps you going?
I wanted to challenge myself to put down in words why I liked or disliked a certain book. I also liked reading other people’s reviews and was a bit wary about posting my reviews at first because I’ve seen so many excellent reviews that are rather analytical and borderline academic so I wasn’t sure how my reviews would be received. However, I think I found my writing voice and I essentially just write how I feel about the book, without making it too fancy, just as authentic as possible.
In your opinion, do you find the new titles original and creatively executed, or do you see more of a repeat of the same (think Hollywood's surge in remakes)?
I’m not sure I can answer this one because I haven’t read too many new titles.
Out of all the books you've read, are there any particular books or characters that stayed on your mind?
Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is one of the most tragic characters in African literature. I first encountered him at age 12 and I periodically read Things Fall Apart. Whenever I do, Okonkwo’s woes remind me of Africa’s woes.
What is the one review you are the most proud of, and why?
Probably “A Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela. Writing about a man who had been a hero to me from a very young age was very emotional for me. It was my way of paying tribute to a great man who made so much possible.
I would like to thank Rowena for taking the time to answer my questions. If you would like to learn more about Rowena and her reviews, please visit either of the links in the "about" section, or visit her blog here: http://lesreveriesderowena.wordpress.com/
Friday, January 10, 2014
Escaping Barcelona Giveaway
Here is your chance to read the first book in the Mad Days of Me, trilogy for free.
In partnership with Booklikes, I am giving away fifty ebooks in the format of your choice!
To learn more or to enter, please visit Booklikes
The giveway ends January 31, 2014. Good Luck!
To learn more or to enter, please visit Booklikes
The giveway ends January 31, 2014. Good Luck!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
New ebook selection service
As the ebook market becomes more saturated with every new release, readers are faced with the daunting task of finding what they are looking for. While retailers try their best to bunch titles together under genre categories, the options for listing are often limited by the choices themselves. In recent years, more and more authors write books that may contain some genre elements, yet cross multiple genre boundaries by either the story arc itself, by the writing style, or even the settings. All this can make it difficult for readers to find exactly what they are looking for.
With companies such as BookBub, readers can sign up for email alerts pertaining to discounted titles in a specific genre.
A recently launched service, The Fussy Librarian http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/, takes the selection process a step farther, offering their subscribers the option to select books not only based on genre, but also based on the reader-selected level of profanity and violence. I have found The Fussy Librarian's service extremely helpful, both as a reader and as an author.
This week, I came across a new website offering a similar service to its subscribers - ebook Soda http://www.ebooksoda.com/
Their daily emails are scheduled to start arriving from January 14th, 2014, and will feature bargain books, free books, and books by genre. This service is not limited to Kindle, as the subscribers can select one or more reading devices and retailers, both in the US and abroad.
There are several boards across the Internet abuzz with talk about poor writing, saturated market, and unprofessional books released prematurely. Both authors and readers are trying to come up with ways to pre-screen novels, and separate the bad apples from the good ones. The reason behind this is obvious - if a reader purchases a self-published title and comes away disappointed, he or she is less likely to purchase another self-published book. There are many independent authors who are equally upset about prematurely published books hitting the market, as it casts a bad light across the board.
I believe that companies such as The Fussy Librarian and ebook Soda, who offer readers a peace of mind with their selection of pre-screened titles, are taking a step in the right direction.
With companies such as BookBub, readers can sign up for email alerts pertaining to discounted titles in a specific genre.
A recently launched service, The Fussy Librarian http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/, takes the selection process a step farther, offering their subscribers the option to select books not only based on genre, but also based on the reader-selected level of profanity and violence. I have found The Fussy Librarian's service extremely helpful, both as a reader and as an author.
This week, I came across a new website offering a similar service to its subscribers - ebook Soda http://www.ebooksoda.com/
Their daily emails are scheduled to start arriving from January 14th, 2014, and will feature bargain books, free books, and books by genre. This service is not limited to Kindle, as the subscribers can select one or more reading devices and retailers, both in the US and abroad.
There are several boards across the Internet abuzz with talk about poor writing, saturated market, and unprofessional books released prematurely. Both authors and readers are trying to come up with ways to pre-screen novels, and separate the bad apples from the good ones. The reason behind this is obvious - if a reader purchases a self-published title and comes away disappointed, he or she is less likely to purchase another self-published book. There are many independent authors who are equally upset about prematurely published books hitting the market, as it casts a bad light across the board.
I believe that companies such as The Fussy Librarian and ebook Soda, who offer readers a peace of mind with their selection of pre-screened titles, are taking a step in the right direction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)