Book Reviews

Wow! I'm wordy today. Beth asked how I became a book reviewer. Several years ago, I belonged to a writer's group in Enid, OK. The newspaper editor spoke at one meeting. He said, "If you have an idea for an article or a column, send it to me." I took him up on it. I sent him a column idea called The Book Report. Always a fast, avid reader, it was easy for me to come up with reviews on new books. The newspaper received books from people wanting a review of their book. Those were usually regional books. I reviewed them and made a small name for myself, eventually writing a few features for the newspaper.

When we moved here from OK, the Enid paper thought they needed a local reviewer, so they dropped my column. I now review for Bookloons.com. I do not receive money for the few words I write, but it gets my name out there. I only read and review books sent to me through Bookloons. As you know, I sometimes say a few words about other books I'm reading. I recycle to books from Bookloons by taking them to Sleuth's or donating to the library.

Right now I'm reading Maeve Binchy's newest book Heart and Soul. She lives in Ireland and writes about Irish people. She is my daughter's favorite author. I prefer suspense myself. I do have another book review to write, Dangerously Innocent, written by a woman in Australia.

P.S. I have another student enrolled in my Write Your Life Story online course on Coursebridge.

About the mosquitoes. Snopes said Listerine didn't work. It doesn't kill the mosquitoes but it does make them fly away. When you spray it, you can see them leaving the scene. That is worth something.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Beth commented that a Book Reviewer was sued by an author. I can see how that could happen. Some reviewers are critical and snide in their comments. I see no reason to tear down an author. If a book is bad, I'll give it a bad rating and comment as to why I think it is bad, but also add a few good words too.

On the subject of reviews, Boston Scream Pie will be posted soon on Bookloons. It is an ok book but wordy with lots of adjectives and too many characters. The authors teach writing at a community college. You would think they would know better. It will be a 2 rating.

I worked with a professor once who was in charge of student journalism students. We read a lot of bad articles and news releases. But he never tore down the student's self esteem. Just told them where they could do better. He helped me a lot in my writing also.

Beth also commented that I must be a fast reader. I am. I read a lot more books than I comment on here. I can't afford my habit so I must borrow from the library. If I don't like a book, I lay it aside. I'm too old to have to read something I don't like. ;)

Mosquitoes - ugh!. They are all over. I received an email stating that Listerine would get rid of mosquitoes. So down to Dollar General I went and bought a big bottle of Listerine. Put it in a spray bottle and sprayed away. Will let you know if it works.