11/22/63 by Stephen King

Stephen King is, without a doubt, one of my top five favorite authors (if not the very first!). So a review for 11/22/63 comes easily to me as I have no disappointment in it or the familiar writing style that encapsulates and engages my imagination for days on end.

Author, Stephen King

11/22/63 answers a question: "What could interfering with the past do the future?" It's tested through various adventures into the past changing first a small thing, then maybe a bigger thing later. But the most interesting and unique thing about 11/22/63 is that time travel happens by descending a particular "invisible staircase" in a closet. Each time you enter the past (always the exact same date and time) you reset all previous changes you made as if you'd never interfered. And even if you spend five years in the past, when you return to the present you've only been gone two minutes. Fascinating.

I encourage you to read this book and see what could happen if JFK's assassin was unsuccessful. I encourage you to put yourself in Jake Epping's shoes and experience the present and the past as he encounters complications in both. Where would you want to stay? What would you want to do? How would you handle the responsibility? Especially when you knew the past didn't want to be changed and would throw obstacles in your path if you tried - jeopardizing your life, even.

Be sure to check for 11/22/63 at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

     Firstly: No, Miranda, it is most definitely not just you.

     Moving on: Miranda Hart's auto-biographical Is It Just Me? tells the tale of her growing up (which continues to this day). The wit and cleverness shown in her TV series shines clear through her writing as well and one can't help but laugh out loud at some of the pages. In fact there were many nights I fear I woke my husband from his slumber as I lay reading late into the night.

     Perhaps one of the most unique features of this book is that it holds conversation between the author and reader as well as between the present-day author and her 18-year-old self. This provides an interesting perspective into Hart's life then and now and, more importantly as a reader, makes one think back to our own youthful, ignorant days.

Author, Comedian and Actress Miranda Hart

     The main lesson of Is It Just Me? is to take things a little less seriously but never let go of your dreams and right to happiness. We live in a funny world that can sometimes seem not at all funny. But it's up to us to be ourselves, drop our shield and allow that raw exposure to our surroundings in order to give and get the most to and from the world.

     I highly recommend reflecting on memories past with Miranda Hart and taking a peek into your own mechanics and history. It's a quick but fantastic read that's sure to have you at least giggling if not rolling about and shouting in public (you'll understand when you read). Be sure to check for Is It Just Me? at your local library, on Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or hardcover. You can also purchase Miranda's enhanced e-book edition which includes 18 video sequences. And finally, if you haven't seen her TV series, you're missing out. Become a cultural vacuum or at least have a Miranda marathon and catch up with one my new personal favorites.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

     Under the Dome by Stephen King takes us to the smallish town of Chester's Mill. When an invisible barrier crashes into existence around the town, its residents find themselves trapped and under the eventual, horrifying understanding that the barrier is an impenetrable dome.

     The town takes no time at all in falling into panic and irrational behavior with large thanks to the ignorance and thirst for power of one of the town's selectmen, Big Jim Rennie. Rennie has no intention of attempting to get rid of the dome and is prepared to murder anyone who stands in the way of him and the realization of his dream for complete control. To ensure he continues to hold executive (and exclusive) control of Chester's Mill, he manipulates the town's residents and incites fear to produce a false trust in his leadership. As long as the dome is up, he can do whatever he wants.

Author Stephen King

     There are, of course, those who oppose the leadership of Rennie. These characters become the minority in the town as Rennie singles them out as internal terrorists, blames the dome's existence on them and even throws in his personal underground meth lab industry for good measure. In short, most of Chester's Mill believes Rennie that these "rebels" can't be trusted and is prepared to murder them "for the good of the town". 

     Under the Dome boasts a phenomenal wealth of characters. We, as readers, are taken from one perspective to another and back again to put together the pieces as the residents of Chester's Mill are. The suspense between personal accounts is wildly breathtaking at times and leaves you burning through the pages to get to each resolution and the final, epic conclusion. 

Television Mini-Series on CBS and Amazon

     No one is safe inside the dome over Chester's Mill. Find out what happens by checking out Under the Dome from your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.

     Also be sure to check out the television mini-series (on CBS or free with Amazon Prime) based on the book for a significantly different, but just as engaging story-line of what happens when the mysterious dome closes over Chester's Mill.

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

     The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp is a coming-of-age story about a high school senior named Sutter. After his parents divorced and his sister moved out, it seemed Sutter lived alone even though residing with his disinterested mother (who sees too much of her ex-husband in her son) and step-father (more of a robot than a man, it seems). Sutter knows all the funny punchlines, is an expert story-teller, dares to be bold and is the life of every party...but he's starting to notice his friends are drifting away from the wild and wacky, spectacular "now" in search of their promising "nexts."

     Sutter couldn't be happier with his beautiful girlfriend Cassidy, a large, voluptuous goddess. His best friend, Ricky, is in need of a girlfriend and Sutter decides to take the role of matchmaker...and succeeds! But now it seems Ricky's lost interest in adventures, partying and living on the wild side with Sutter. Cassidy gives Sutter the ultimatum to consider her feelings "or else", but he fails while distracted with matchmaking for Ricky and finds himself kicked to the curb. Cassidy was ready for maturity and a little seriousness occasionally and Sutter couldn't commit. His longtime friend Ricky is now caught up in a happy relationship thanks to Sutter but now he's single...and alone with his flask.

     It would seem Sutter exists as much due to oxygen as whiskey. He gives no thought to time of day or location but just opens the flask, takes it straight or mixes with a big gas-station-cup of 7-UP. This leads to poor decisions, but a "fortified" mind, he claims, which gets the laughs and keeps the fun coming. Cassidy even tells her new boyfriend at one point that Sutter probably wouldn't drive half as well sober as drunk it had become such a crutch.

     One night, in a drunken adventure, Sutter ends up parked in one person's yard but passed out in someone else's yard a mile away. Aimee, a paper-delivering girl, stops to examine the corpse on the lawn in the small hours of the morning and discovers he's alive. Wondering where his vehicle is, she agrees to have him ride along, helping deliver papers, while searching for his vehicle. It seems Sutter's not quite finished with Aimee even after finding his car and his interest in helping her out of her shell grows quickly.

Author Tim Tharp

     Aimee goes from shy and reserved with a head full of dreams to drunken and bold in a matter of weeks. She's suddenly acting haphazardly and with no regard for the rules. Her grades drop, she's getting hurt and burning bridges...but she's happy being with Sutter. Has he really helped her at all? He thinks so. His friends think otherwise. This novel is a great reminder that what works for you and makes you happy may not be the best or safest for others.

     Sutter struggles with the concept of a concrete plan for the future in Tharp's novel, The Spectacular Now. He is so content with living moment to moment, carefree. With graduation fast approaching, however, he finds himself thrust into adulthood and caught in a confusing web of love, friends, family and the future. There's no laughing himself out of this one. It's time to grow up. But maybe the Spectacular "Next" isn't for everyone.

     Check out The Spectacular Now from your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

     Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan is the teenage love story of Paul who meets Noah. Paul is blessed in the way that his community and family is more open and accepting than most from my personal experience. Reading this was a nice vacation from my reality where things would play out quite differently.

     It's not easy for all of Paul's gender and sexually diverse friends despite the general community's feelings of equality. Tony comes from a very religious family and is basically on house arrest for his parents' fear the devil will influence Tony's soul in a homosexual manner and bind him to eternal damnation. Unless a girl is involved in an adventure, it's unlikely Tony is going anywhere.

     Infinite Darlene, formerly a Daryl, is a homecoming queen/star quarterback hybrid of a student who can be overly dramatic but acts with the best of intentions from a big heart.

     Joni has been friends with Paul for what seems like "forever" but things go sour when Joni begins dating a guy that Paul (and many others) can hardly stand.

Author David Levithan

     Noah, perspective love interest of Paul's, is the newest addition to the community. He recently moved his easels and photography equipment into a home not far from Paul's. They first meet in a bookstore and things are looking good until Paul's past catches up with him.

     Kyle, Paul's ex, is struggling with his identity and pulls Paul into a situation previously thought laughable at best. Life has a funny way of mending their relationship as friends while simultaneously causing problems between Paul and Noah.

     I think I found this book fascinating because it takes place in an atmosphere of acceptance, love and progressiveness I'm not used to. I dream of a comfortable enough time to hold hands with my husband whenever and wherever or talk freely with my peers about gay relationships and culture without feeling the all-too-familiar marginalization that comes with living in areas such as the one I reside in. I should take a lesson from Tony and his courageous spirit.

You can find Boy Meets Boy at your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Looking For Alaska by John Green

     Looking for Alaska by John Green is absolutely fantastic and splendid! If you've read the book, you might remember that a girl named Alaska would leap into those words (absolutely, splendid and fantastic). The depth to which Green goes into conveying the personality and spirit of each character in this book is wonderful to explore and makes it easy to conjure an image, then bring to life the story in your mind. Because of the well-developed characters and their respective spirits, you're sure to keep this book close to heart and soul.

     Because this "coming-of-age" story is split into two parts, "Before" and "After", around a central event, I cannot easily describe much of the book's wonder without spoiling what is sure to be a new favorite of prospective readers.

     Miles "Pudge" Halter is in search of the "Great Perhaps". Upon moving into Culver Creek, a boarding school, he is sure his chances of finding the Great Perhaps are more likely because of the friends he makes almost immediately. Life at the Creek is exciting, unpredictable and fun. He embarks on adventures rather frequently with his roommate "The Colonel" and their mutual friends Alaska and Takumi.

     Alaska is moody, fun, intelligent and broken. At times, Miles is unsure what Alaska's most recent issue with the world is, but he grows accustomed to her mood swings and finds himself head over heels for her anyway. Though Alaska is dating a guy named Jake, Miles can't stop the feelings he has for Alaska but keeps them safely tucked away for the sake of their friendship.

Author John Green

     Miles has found acceptance, love and adventure at the Creek and it seems things couldn't get any better on his journey to the Great Perhaps. Life has a way, however, of throwing a wrench in the motor of a smooth-running machine at times. Suddenly things are moving (and stumbling) at the speed of life and you, the reader, are along for the ride. Miles and his friends find themselves in a world turned topsy-turvy and gray where tough questions are left unanswered.

     You're certain to find yourself enveloped in the setting, the characters and the storyline. I would encourage you to read this novel to discover what exactly happens at the Creek that thrusts Miles & Co. into some of life's biggest issues no one can really expect or prepare for, especially at their age.

     You can find Looking For Alaska at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.

A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young

     Ideas are a new combination of old elements. We use our minds with existing resources to create something new, hopefully unique and perfect for our needs. James Webb Young (1886-1973) wrote this very short guide which could really be more of an essay. In one sit-down reading session, you'll learn more about the following five steps of the creative process that is idea-production.

1.      Gather. Specifically, gather raw materials. This would include information about your program/business/product in combination with your vernacular, experiences and knowledge. Looking to freshen your raw material supply? Take a look through the dictionary and see words as images and "short stories" as Webb puts it. A word, an experience, a memory won't necessarily make logical sense with your purpose just yet. A useful suggestion of Webb's is to write each piece of information (anything that comes to mind) on a 3x5 index card for the next step.
2.      Examine. Work the materials over in your mind. Imagine each piece of raw material as a jigsaw piece and turn it around and around with other pieces. How can two (or three or four) ideas fit together? Maybe they don't, but consider every angle of each idea and  perhaps a tangent will lead you to a new piece of raw material to consider.
3.      Incubation. After you've exhausted your mind in exploring all the possible combinations and maybe-cohesive materials, leave it be and let your unconscious mind take over. Keep your brain stimulated with music, film, exercise or even sleep. When you're finished, hopefully you'll be near step four.



Author James Webb Young

4.      Eureka! If you haven't already had an unexpected Eureka! moment, take a look again at what you left in step 3. Do you see it in a new way or do things appear differently than before? Are there new possibilities or things you hadn't considered during step 2? This is the step where you find your idea. It's rough around the edges but it's there and time to put up to the jury for criticism and collaboration. 
5.      Fine-tuning. Work with your partners (or by yourself) to see how your idea needs shaping and further development to exactly fit the needs and purposes of your original task.

     This simple five-step process can be successful if you're persistent and passionate about producing ideas and creative thinking. As with all things practice and experience bring progress and eventual success.

     You can find A Technique for Producing Ideas at your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle or as a paperback.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

     The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym of J.K. Rowling's) is a tale of the suspicious suicide of famous model Lula Landry. Cormoran Strike, private detective, is hired by Landry's brother John Bristow three months after Landry's fall to her death. With occasional assistance from the newly engaged Robin, his temporary secretary, he's to determine whether or not Landry's death was, in fact, suicide or murder. Strike is a war veteran, rough around the edges and hard on his luck but very real and easy to relate to.

     From homeless acquaintances to superstar model coworkers and clothing designers, we're meeting characters, suspects and witnesses from all walks of life. It would seem every character has something to hide or that they'd rather not say regardless of how helpful it would be in the investigation of their former friend or family member's death. Most interesting of all are the people who are afraid of being reprimanded for crimes or scandal unrelated to the suicide/murder but whose true details and admissions stand in the way of Strike's successful investigation. What will it take to get them past their barricades and speaking the truth so necessary for justice?

Author J.K. Rowling

     Throughout the novel it's up to the reader (and Strike) to take everyone's account, decide what's true and what's false and how exactly everyone's story plays together. In a most delicate case seeming most like suicide, we're along for a ride of mystery, excitement and scandal. If you're like me, you won't have an easy time of putting the book down as things come together. During the final hundred pages or so, I felt as if I were flying with an ever-increasing momentum towards a stunning conclusion.

     You can check out The Cuckoo's Calling from your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover or audiobook. Don't forget to follow J.K. Rowling on Twitter (@jk_rowling)!

Five, Six, Seven, NATE! by Tim Federle

     Tim Federle follows Better Nate Than Ever with another awe-inspiring story from the heart. Nate's journey in New York continues and takes turns so exciting and sharp you had best wear your seat belt.

     In Five, Six, Seven, NATE!, Nate Foster (my new superhero) is an understudy to the role of E.T. in Broadway's production of E.T.: The Musical. Nate must deal with a wide variety of creative staff, some old and some new, including a director who can't remember Nate's name and a choreographer fueled by junk food and poor fashion. At times it seems no matter how bright Nate shines, the staff only sees a sparkle and then other times when Nate would rather not be noticed, he's seen by all.

     In a rather interesting series of events Nate befriends Asella, a fellow understudy with 25 years' experience, who it would seem never carried much of a liking for children until Nate. With his best friend Libby's support from afar and the local support of Asella and his aunt Heidi, Nate is armed with all tools needed to navigate the business of show business in this gripping sequel.

Author Tim Federle

     I couldn't put this book down. A note from a secret admirer, the uncertainty of the production's future, tension with the leading role of Elliot, Jordan Rylance, who is also originally from the Pittsburgh area as well and incidental miracles will entrust your hands to the covers until you've finished the story, welcomed it into your heart, and shelved the book among your favorites.

     I finished this book in less than 24 hours and found myself filled to the brim with tears of joy throughout the final four chapters. I, as well as I'm sure many others, relate to the main character Nate and can't help but find myself going through so many emotions as if for the first time again with Nate. Euphoria, fear, worry, hopelessness, shame, hope, confusion, excitement, uncertainty and my favorite: love.

     Five, Six, Seven, NATE! will keep you on the edge of your futon and grinning from ear to ear by the end. Pre-Order Federle's newest book (to be released January 28th, 2014) in hardcover or for your Amazon Kindle.

Kill Your Darlings by Max Allan Collins

 

     A mystery author at the gloomy end of his career, or so it seems, is ironically found drowned in his hotel bathtub the night before the 1984 Bouchercon, or Anthony Boucher Memorial World Mystery Convention, in the grand city of Chicago.

     Having personally been in Chicago on holiday for approximately the last ten chapters (of nineteen) in this book, I supremely enjoyed being able to visualize the locations and venues described in the book. The main character, a mystery author from Iowa named Mallory, has a certain clumsiness about him I find endearing. His idol, the possibly murdered but nonetheless drowned, Roscoe Kane created a macho detective named Gat Garson who Mallory is accused of wanting to embody on several different occasions. However Mallory's lack of impulse reactions and too-perfect timing bring him short of that prize...thankfully.

Author Max Allan Collins

     It was refreshing to read a novel from the perspective of a character who was far from perfect, who was honest with himself and aware that there were talents far beyond his own. He simply loved writing and the world of mystery - and certainly found himself enveloped in his Chicago adventure. 

     Kane kept quite the company, making several possible suspects in the drowning that was made to look accidental. An obnoxious, large and loud ex-wife, a weak, over-dramatic widow, a gay son who only recently made amends and, of course, the greedy publisher seeing little more than dollar signs at every corner.

     I won't spoil or give away any clues, but I will say the book ended with a bang! I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and excitement of the conclusion to this enthralling mystery.

     Check out Kill Your Darlings by Max Allan Collins from your local library or find it on Amazon for your Kindle (Prime members borrow for free), as an old-fashioned book or audiobook.