I’m Blown Away…Figuratively, by Something Literary
And this is why I stay inside on excessively windy days. I get enough exposure just sitting here at my computer.
I’m not likely to get blown away by anything Mother Nature can whip up at me. Why, I hear you asking? Because:
- I stay inside when the wind looks like it wants to uproot my trees and neighbors.
- I don’t live in a part of the world where winds are likely to do that on a regular basis.
- You could call me “built sturdy,” if you wanted to be accurate and lose me as a friend.
- I meditate regularly enough to feel grounded, unless something upsets me, like some random person calling me “sturdy.”
Wait just a cotton-pickin’ minute. Did I hear you say I was “sturdy?” I’m a cat and cats are sleek no matter how much we weigh. I just happened to be relaxing and doing my deep belly breathing. If you meditated as purrfectly as I do, then you wouldn’t be so flipping judgmental, Stupid Head!
So, when I said “I’m blown away,” I was speaking figuratively, and remember, I have a very nice figure from which to speak in this manner. What blew me away, I hear you asking? Good grief, you are a curious bunch.
Yup. Here it is. This is what blew me away. And not just the cover art…what’s inside is just as awesome.
I just read James Mahoney’s new novella, I Died Once. You may know James as DarkJade from the blog The DarkGlobe. Or you may not. Either way, you should get to know James. He is one heck of a writer who just blew me away by his novella.
I wasn’t sure what a novella was before I started reading I Died Once.
“Novella.” It sounds like a character in a Disney Movie–she could be good or evil, depending on her hair color.
The only thing I can say for sure is that Blonde = Good in the Disney Hall of Shame.
“Novella.” It sounds like a tiny, but innovative, idea–like, making factual statements that actually contain facts.
See? That’s what I’m talking about!
“Novella.” It’s a shorter version of a novel, which is fiction. I figured that out all by myself and from the prefatory remarks James provides in his book, which is a mere 57 pages long. And who said Blondes are dumb?
Do NOT confuse me with her. I never read with my head tilted like that. It’s bad for my neck.
Once I started reading James’ book (right side up), I couldn’t stop…and not because it wasn’t that long. It hooked me from the very first line: “Mady was a Dark Child…” That was the first line. Now that’s a great hooker! Well, you know what I mean. I want to know who Mady is and what makes her a “Dark Child.”
The book immediately combines a masterful use of dialogue and first-person narrative from Mady’s perspective to establish all the elements of a great story: a beginning, middle, and end (and great elements like a compelling plot, three-dimensional characters, and other great literary techniques that make readers happy).
I agree, Lorna. It was a great read, containing all the literary elements required of a successful piece of fiction.
James turns Mady from a girl I found annoying into one who I wanted to hug. He quickly creates some thrilling action, and gives just enough detail to keep the story moving ahead with a strong plot and even stronger characters, each with their unique voice. I am so impressed at the depth and richness of the story he told in such a short space (my memoir is about 270 pages). That kind of writing takes enormous talent.
I don’t generally review books on my blog or for a living. You can see why. Most of this post wasn’t about I Died Once. But if I said more, I would have to start telling you about the parts that I thought were stunningly executed, like his engaging details of Africa or his astute definition between a hunter and a killer. But, like I said, I don’t want to spoil the story for all of you who are now going to have to read this gem of a book because of what I didn’t say in my review, like:
- Why was Mady such a Dark Child?
- How can a person who died once be narrating her own story?
- “Thrilling action?” What do I mean by that? Car chases? Espionage?
- What the heck does Africa have to do with anything?
See? You have to buy this book and read it. Otherwise, you’ll be wondering about these questions, losing sleep and cursing me. But the person you should really blame is James. He is the mastermind behind this intriguing story, not me. Just go read the book so we can all get some rest.
Curse you, James! Now I have to skip out of this obviously enjoyable gig as a Pilgrim woman with no rights so I can buy your book and read it. You think they’ll miss a pint or three of grog?
Note: I was in no way paid or propositioned to write this review. I will get no kick-backs or rewards from this post other than the pure joy of knowing that maybe a really talented writer will get noticed by a few more people than he would have without this poor excuse for a book review.
[...] My First Book Review – I’m Blown Away… Figuratively, by Something Literary [...]
What an amazing way to share your impressions on I Died Once, I am even more excited now to get my copy and read it! Thanks for sharing & Success to James!
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. I really didn’t know how to write a review, so I kind of winged it. James seemed to like it and if people didn’t, they’ve had the kindness not to comment!
What a generous thing to do for a friend. Your review did get me interested, Lorna…and it was fun!
HAhaha – I love this – I was in no way paid or propositioned to write this review. I will get no kick-backs or rewards from this post …
I agree with you on getting more people to apprciate a good writer. You did a fine job of reviewing. I’m hooked. See ya .. going to read this.
Gracias ….
Well, Izzy, it’s all true. James was offering a discount on his book all weekend. Contact him and see if he’ll extend it–mention my name. Sheesh, I sound like a big-shot wheeler and dealer!
I’ve Decided to Stick with that Discounted Price, There’s a Link on My Site where People can get the Discount Code.
Thanks again Lorna
DJ-
Great! I hope you’ve gotten some interest in your book since its release.
After reading the hooker, i want to read the whole thing! i’m serious! whats Mady like?
She started off as a brat, but then, well, it’s complicated. James really did a great job with this book!
Hmph…No, You or me don’t do book reviews but you gave enough info to make folk interested. Since you’re smart and your name’s Lorna, I’d trust that before I would any regular blond.
High praise, indeed!
[...] onto this Site This Morning (Here’s The Review if you’d Like to Take A Look “I’m Blown Away… Figuratively by Something Literary“)… But by the end of the day, I Received My 2nd Review Via E-mail, and it kind of [...]
I’m excited to get James’ latest but I’m waiting for it to hit the e-book shelves because shipping take ages. Did you read his poetry book “Winter, Lust and Wonder” yet? One word: beautiful, and okay make it two words: Beautiful and deep. I didn’t realize the guy had so much talent!
And then I’ll get to say “OMG! I ‘know’ Lorna!”
I’ve a feeling, providing that he keeps on writing, he’s going to places, of course you’ll be there too
But let me tell you, your publicists Readum and Weap Inc., I believe are divulging information to the general public and I’m afraid I can’t say what because it’s enough that I just ratted them out for them to send Dewey Hafta and Sons on my tail. Can you see to it that they keep their distance?
I was wondering why I’m not getting updates from you in my mail when just I noticed that I hadn’t clicked on the subscribe button. The follow button on the bar sends everything into the reader, who goes there? Not me, let me tell you. I hope you don’t think that I only come around here when you take a stroll over to my blog, I’m forgetful (it’s Dorey’s genes, I’m telling you) and when you do visit I mentally slap myself and wonder what your up to.
By the way I think your fellow blond has a stiff neck, I can’t see anyone one reading like that, not that she’s really reading. Any who, you have a great weekend, okay? ;D
P.S: Sweet review, you’re good at it too you know
Coming from you, that’s high praise, indeed! Thanks! I just hope it gets James the attention his book deserves…
Yes, I read his book of poetry as well and thought it was, in a word, profoundly touching. Okay, two words!
Thanks for your kind words, Devina. I’ll make sure the boys from Dewey Hafta and Sons knows that you’re cool, so you won’t be getting any surprise visitors at your next keg party (because that’s the only kind of thing they’re likely to have the incentive to show up for anyway)!
As for the blonde, I think she tips her head the other way a lot, too. What do you think?
Such a fun, unique review. You should get a job for the NYT Book Review section!
Ha! I wonder if the authors would appreciate the reviews as much of the readers of said reviews. I kind of go off track a few times–but I guess that’s my style: confuse them with the facts and make ‘em laugh!
I’m intrigued. To Amazon I go….
James has a discount for this weekend–check out the link I provided in the post.
[...] To See Her Full Hilarious, Stylized Review, Head Here I’m Blown Away… Figuratively, by Something Literary [...]
Wow, you even got Orson Welles in on the Act, Lol
Wow Lorna, this is an Awesome Review… So Glad you Liked The Book
I Can’t Thank you enough for all your Kind Words
Like you say, it’s not that long of a book, so I’m glad to hear that the Plot and Characters Hit Home with you
And I’m especially glad to hear that Mady made you go from wanting to slug her, to wanting to hug her, Lol
Thank You So Much
DarkJade/James
Hey, James, I vowed when I turned 50 to speak my truth with compassion. I just told the truth as I saw it. Now that I’m almost 55, I just learned how to tell the truth with a little humor, too!
By the way, I’ve critiqued essays before, but never have I done a book review, so this was a first for me. I hope it wasn’t too, well, strange…
It was Awesome, You’re Style is why you Won one of our Bloggers of the Year Last Year… People really like you
Which reminds me, we’ll be doing our 2nd “Outstanding Artist Awards” this year, so Good Luck… Maybe you’ll go Back to Back, Lol
Thanks again Lorna
DarkJade/James
I don’t know if I can withstand the pressure…
On the upside, I wouldn’t have to be a judge.
Lol
I’ve been wanting to read that… now I am certainly gonna make time to grab it.
Oh, good! It is a very fast read because it is so engaging. I read it this morning and wrote the post up right after (and it takes me quite a while to write and proof read my posts), so you know it was a fast and worthwhile read!