Rebecca Reddell's Blog, page 8

American Sunrise by Joy Harjo

If souls could bleed, you would find the evidence all over Joy Harjo's An American Sunrise . Her poignant and lyrical genius dictates a visual and symbolic understanding of Native American suffering. This book is a must-read for those who love poetry, have compassion toward Native Americans and all native people, and wish to hear the voices of those who have come before and are still here.

Joy Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke (Muscogee - Creek) Nation and belongs to the Oce Vpofy (Hickory...

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Riley Sager has taken on a new role that hasn't come to many authors. He's solidifying his spot in my Top Ten Mystery Authors. In fact, he came in "like a wrecking ball" and shot up to #4 on my list after reading two of his three books.

How?

Well, let's start with a blog breakdown review of why he's become a favorite mystery author, who is taking the lead in psychological thrillers. Before we delve into all the reasons to keep an eye on this new kid on the block (now, I'm thinking about...

Top Ten Mystery Writers 2019

There are many things that can be said about an excellent writer and how they draw you in and capture your imagination. I've been blessed to read many authors throughout the years that have epitomized a certain something which gave me a deep appreciation for their genre, writing style, and characters. Although I've shared my Favorite Fiction Reads with you a couple of years ago now, I can't help but mention how much of a revolving list that is on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.

As I find...

Georgette Heyer - Romance At Its Finest

Romance isn't necessarily the genre definition you are most ardently familiar with in today's literary terms. "In the strictest academic terms, a romance is a narrative genre in literature that involves a mysterious, adventurous, or spiritual story line where the focus is on a quest that involves bravery and strong values, not always a love interest" (https://literaryterms.net/romance/). In yester-year's terms, this genre can have relationships as a part of their overall storyline,...

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Riley Sager's covers caught my eye. I'm being completely truthful. I saw that red cover, with the top of a head in the background, and slashes for "i's," and I thought, "This looks a bit creepy." Of course, I always have a knack for the understatement when dealing with the full onslaught of story appreciation.

I wasn't swayed by the front cover housing a quote from Stephen King, "'The first great thriller of 2017 is here.'" Although, I appreciate his dedication to writing and evident...

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

A friend of mine mentioned that she enjoyed Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris quite a bit ago, and I put another author on my to-read list (It never seems to get any shorter). However, this author's newest book came in at work, and I picked it up. The synopsis caught my eye, and I'll be honest, I began thinking of what happened that night Layla went missing. Interested, and with Angie's recommendation in mind, I checked the book out over break. 

I read it in a day. 

From...

Surrounded By Idiots by Thomas Erickson

So, this book came in with several new books at my work, and I recall looking at the title and cracking up. I know some people who would definitely agree with the title out of hand, and I know a few people who, if asked, would totally deny it but feel exactly the same way. Quietly, of course. 

Most of you know me enough by now to know how much I love learning new concepts that involve the mind and body. Psychology, communication, brain knowledge, how the body works, and why we are the way...

The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine M.D.

I think it's always good to start somewhere when you want to learn more about yourself, your health, and your brain. Overall, the brain is a mystery to doctors across the world. Once they feel they've started to understand one aspect of the brain, the way it learns or how it processes emotions, they soon find out that there are many more pieces to the puzzle that they haven't uncovered yet. 

Bill Bryson recently published The Body: A Guide For Occupants, another excellent read,...

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

As you may have noticed, I'm a fan of reading a plethora of genres. Throughout this willingness to take on new reading experiences, I find myself drawn to books that others share with me as well. When a friend mentions a book that he or she has loved, especially from their childhood, I find myself wanting to read the book. This is such a case as the one with My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George.

When I was told that this book represented a large part of my friend's...

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Truman Capote is a name almost synonymous with In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Both literary works have been acknowledged as Capote's most popular and often read works from his career as an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. He received four O. Henry Memorial Awards for his work, including a short story called "Miriam." 

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 30th, 1924, Truman Streckfus Persons became Truman Capote during his...